Legendary guitarist Leslie West, responsible for the hit “Mississipi Queen” died at the age of 75, the cause was not revealed. The news was shared by Dean Guitar, company that the musician had an endorsement deal. Rockstars lamented his death, paying tribute to the musician on their social networks.
Rockstars react to Leslie West’s (Mountain) death:
Dee Snider (Twisted Sister)
“Leslie West of Mountain is gone. His music remains but his amazing spirit is no more. I’m at a loss for words right now…and that says a lot. RIP my friend. For those who don’t really know Leslie West’s work, let me say this about his guitar playing. As a singer, while I respect great players, vocalists spoke to me with their melodies. @lwestmountainis the only guitarist who I connected with cause I could sing every 1 of his solos!”
Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
“Sad to hear of Leslie West’s passing. Such a lovely bloke. He was fantastic to us when Sabbath supported Mountain on our first US tour. He came to see us at Mohegan Sun, even though he was wheelchair bound. Mississippi Queen one of, if not the, greatest riff of all time. RIP”
David Coverdale (Whitesnake)
“R.I.P Leslie West…Yet another sad loss…I’ve never tired of listening to Mountain…🙏🙏🙏❌❌❌”
Joe Satriani
“R.I.P. Leslie West. We had some great times together onstage and some legendary laughs everyday on tour. Thank you for all the great music. My deepest condolences to the West family.”
Joey DeMaio (Manowar)
“Just heard that Leslie West has passed away. One of the greatest guitar players, singers, and songwriters in the world; inspiration to many of us! Now he will be reunited with one of the greatest bass players of all time, Felix Pappalardi. RIP, Leslie”.
Steve Stevens (Billy Idol)
“Leslie West has moved on to go jam with EVH. As a fellow Queens N. Y. kid Leslie was our guy. From the days playing the Action House in Long Island with the Vagrants, Leslie was the best of the best. Do yourself a favor… take a trip back to 1971….”
Zakk Wylde
“GOD BLESS PONTIFF LESLIE WEST – 1O•22•1945 – 12•23•2O2O”
Eddie Trunk
“RIP Leslie West. A massive guitar influence on so many & always a blast to speak with. I knew him well. We had Leslie as the announcer on @ThatMetalShow a few seasons. He also gave me this awesome guitar. RIP to a legend & friend who will be missed.”
Jeff Scott Soto
“So sad to hear of the passing of this legendary ‘mountain’ man Leslie West. I got to meet and hang with him for a few days through Al Pitrelli when Leslie was invited as a guest artist on a TSO tour years ago. RIP sir, you were a helluva guy and monstrous influence too many!!”
Gus G.
“R.I.P. Leslie West. Another one of the greats has left us”