LESLIE WEST Undergoes Leg-Amputation Surgery

June 20, 2011

Legendary guitarist Leslie West is recovering in a Biloxi hospital after having part of his leg amputated.

West had flown in to Mississippi to perform at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino with his band MOUNTAIN. On Saturday, his leg began to swell, and as a diabetic he was rushed to the emergency room. It was decided that an amputation was required in order to save his life. Surgery was a success and the procedure removed his limb up to the knee.

West is expected to fully recover and faces extensive rehabilitation.

The guitarist's family has requested that the public and media respect his privacy while he comes to terms with this life-changing transition.

West is a guitar god. From the Sixties through today, he has been revered by artists and fans alike. He has been in command of one of the biggest, boldest electric guitar tones known to humankind, from the 1969 Woodstock Festival that placed his band MOUNTAIN in to historical lore through his upcoming release, "The Unusual Suspects".

At age 65, West continues to remain current, as witnessed by the assemblage of legends joining him on his next album, which includes Billy Gibbons, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Joe Bonamassa and Steve Lukather, alongside Kenny Aronoff. As West noted, "These guys don't show up to play on everybody's albums. They're stars in their own right and fantastic players everyone with their own sound and style, and about as far from 'the usual suspects' as it gets."

The release date for "The Unusual Suspects", and further information on West's recovery will follow in due time.

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