It is being reported that Mountain guitarist/frontman Leslie West underwent surgery in Biloxi, MS that resulted in the amputation of his leg. The legendary guitarist was in Mississippi to perform at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino with Mountain this past Saturday when his leg began to swell. As a diabetic, he was rushed to the emergency room. In order to save his life, doctors had to amputate West’s leg, removing his limb up to the knee. The surgery was reportedly a success, and he is expected to fully recover as he faces extensive rehabilitation.
Though Mountain is best known as a classic rock group, the band and Leslie West’s guitar playing has been noted as very influential in the hard rock/metal world. In addition to numerous albums with Mountain and as a solo artist, West appears on Clutch’s “Immortal” as well as on Ozzy Osbourne’s cover of Mountain’s classic “Mississippi Queen” (which appears on 2005’s Under Cover). West’s latest solo album The Usual Suspects reportedly features appearances from Billy Gibbons, Slash, and Zakk Wylde.
We hope for the best as West makes this extremely difficult transition. Our best wishes go out to West and his family.
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