Thursday, October 22: Rock n Roll Birthdays

Happy Birthday today (Oct. 22) to Leslie West of Mountain. He’s 70. Also celebrating today is drummer Bobby Blotzer of Ratt (57) and keyboardist Greg Hawkes of The Cars (64).

Leslie West is best known as the founder of hard rock band Mountain. Mountain was formed on Long Island, New York in 1969 originally by Leslie West on vocals and guitar along with bassist/vocalist Felix Pappalardi, keyboardist Steve Knight, and drummer N.D. Smart. The band is known for their performance at the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969. Soon after Woodstock, N.D. Smart was replaced by Corky Laing on drums. Laing would play drums on the classic Mountain album Climbing! and the hit 'Mississippi Queen. They broke up in 1972 and have reunited frequently since 1973.

Leslie West had is lower right leg amputated as a result of complications from diabetes in 2011. He continues to write music and perform. He will be releasing a new album called Soundcheck on Nov. 20 via Mascot Label Group. The album features guest appearances from the late Jack Bruce along with Brian May and Peter Frampton.