Tag Archives: Jack Bruce

Mountain Guitarist Leslie West Has Died, Rockers React

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Classic rock legend and iconic lead guitarist Leslie West of Mountain has died. He was 75 years old. Leslie had suffered from health issues the last few years of his life, but suffered a heart attack earlier this week, ultimately passing away from cardiac arrest, according to his publicist. The news was broken by Dean Guitars over social media. West was endorsed by Dean for several years. “With a heavy heart, we are saddened to hear about the passing of #Dean Artist and part of the Dean family, Leslie West,” the statement read. “Legendary and one of a kind. Rest In Peace.” West got his start in music in Long Island, New York in the 1960s with the band The Vagrants, a rock, RnB, and soul band. Rising to prominence in the late 1960s, West with Mountain, work with Jack Bruce and bandmate Corky Laing in a trio, and in his solo material played a headlining slot at the original Woodstock festival in 1969, his hit song “Mississippi Queen” which was covered by Bachman Turner Overdrive, Ozzy Osbourne, Joyous Wolf, Sam Kinison, Amanda Ayla, recently Foo Fighters and others, and his countless albums and tours celebrating his incredible love of the blues through his amazing playing. He even married his wife Jenni at Woodstock 2009 under an archway of guitars. A true rock original, he will be deeply missed. The rock world has already taken to social media to comment on West’s passing. Continue reading →


Drumming Icon Ginger Baker, Dead at Age 80

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Sad news as classic rock icon Peter “Ginger” Baker, who rose to stardom in the 1960s with supergroup Cream, has died. He was 80 years old. The news was shared by his family in a post to Facebook, which you can see below. Baker died after battling a history long illnesses, including heart problems, and was hospitalized just recently. Baker was arguably the greatest drummer of his generation, and an all-time great along with Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Keith Moon and more. Best known for his work with Cream, Blind Faith, Ginger’s Baker’s Airforce and as a solo artist, performer, and clinician; Baker’s blend of Jazz music mastery and at times unrivaled power and creativity was a revelation compared with others at the time. His stint with Cream, particularly their live performances, was etched in the minds of a generation of would-be players.’ Politician’ by the band is arguably the first metal and stoner rock song. He certainly inspired the likes of progressive rock drummers to follow him such as Neal Peart and Carl Palmer. Eric Clapton is the sole remaining living member of Cream, now that Baker and Jack Bruce have passed away. Baker’s often had famously cantankerous and surely reputation, solidified by the documentary Beware of Mr. Baker. The film asserted that Baker was the greatest drummer ever, a sentiment Baker himself agreed with. We send out sympathies to his family, friends, and legion of fans at this time. Continue reading →