Mountain | Guitar World

Musicians Johnny Lee Middleton (L) and Criss Oliva (R) (1963-1993) of Savatage pose for a portrait on August 8, 1991 in New York City, New York.

“The emotion of Clapton, the feel of Joe Perry, and the dexterity of Eddie Van Halen”: Criss Oliva was one of heavy music’s most electrifying guitar players – and then a drunk driver took his life

By Clay Marshall published 17 October 23

We look at the career, technique and melodic approach of one of electric guitar’s largely forgotten masters: Savatage's Criss Oliva

4 soloing ideas you can learn from Leslie West

By Richard Barrett published 15 February 23

Scale the blues-rock mountain and balance on the edge of major and minor tonalities with this lesson in the style of one of rock's greatest players

Eddie Ojeda (left) and Dee Snider of Twisted Sister perform at the Bloodstock Festival at Catton Park on August 12, 2016 in Burton upon Trent, England

Hear Twisted Sister's Dee Snider and Eddie Ojeda team up with Rudy Sarzo and Mike Portnoy for a thunderous cover of Theme For An Imaginary Western

By Jackson Maxwell published 20 January 22

The hard-rocking version of the Pete Brown/Jack Bruce-penned tune – famously covered by Mountain – features on Legacy, the forthcoming all-star Leslie West tribute album

Leslie West: "I wanted the biggest tone, and vibrato like somebody who plays violin in a 100-piece orchestra"

By Alan di Perna published 29 March 21

The life and times of a titanic presence in hard rock and a trailblazer for tone

Leslie West, 1945-2020: the guitar world pays tribute

By Matt Owen published 24 December 20

Peter Frampton, Joe Bonamassa and Joe Satriani are among the players who have paid their respects to the influential Mountain guitarist

Leslie West talks jamming with Jimi Hendrix and seeing Eddie Van Halen for the first time in this classic 1987 Guitar World interview

By Gene Santoro published 24 December 20

The trailblazing Mountain guitarist discusses life on the road in one of the heaviest hard-rock outfits of the time

Guitar legend and Mountain frontman Leslie West dies aged 75

By Richard Bienstock published 23 December 20

Best known for his scorching guitar work on Mississippi Queen, West influenced generations of players

Learn the hallmarks of the hugely influential guitar style of Mountain's Leslie West

By Andy Aledort published 22 October 19

Take a look at Leslie West's heavy, dense guitar work in this lesson

In Deep with Andy Aledort: Part 2 of a Tribute to Mountain Guitarist Leslie West — Video

By Andy Aledort published 18 June 15

Interview: Leslie West Discusses the Gibson Les Paul Jr., His Health, Influences and Upcoming Iridium Shows

By John Grimley published 7 June 12

Leslie West to Perform at New York City's Iridium Jazz Club June 11, 12 and 13

By Damian Fanelli published 16 May 12

Interview: Leslie West Discusses Tone, Offers Advice, Answers Readers' Questions

By Dave Reffett published 4 January 12

Interview, Part 2: Leslie West Discusses His New Album, 'Unusual Suspects'

By Dave Reffett published 5 December 11

Interview, Part 1: Leslie West Discusses His New Album, 'Unusual Suspects'

By Dave Reffett published 22 November 11

3 Guitar Heroes Featuring Uli Jon Roth, Leslie West and Michael Schenker Postponed

By Josh Hart published 27 September 11

The 3 Guitar Heroes tour, featuring Leslie West, Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth, has been postponed until early 2012 due to complication with West's mobility following his partial leg amputation.

Leslie West: Clip of New Song Featuring Slash Posted Online

By Josh Hart published 20 September 11

Zakk Wylde, Slash Featured on Upcoming Leslie West Album, 'Unusual Suspects'

By Damian Fanelli published 6 July 11

Leslie West Recuperating Following Leg Amputation

By Damian Fanelli published 20 June 11

Leslie West Meets Zakk Wylde

By Guitar World Editors published 3 May 10

Watch this candid conversation between these two six-string legends.

Criss Oliva: Mountain King

By By Clay Marshall published 11 May 09

As the lead guitarist of Savatage, Criss Oliva crafted a towering style that casts its shadow over modern metal and the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.