So far, this version of this song is about the ants pants pants for me, Leslie turned that cold piece of Steinberger Technology into a Molten, Stun Gun of Audio Nirvana...those whammy dips and harmonics HOLY SHIT, what a sound.
Someone mentioned the part at 3:36 where the single bridge Humbucker Steinberger sounds like a Les Paul switched to the Neck Pick-up...wha, how'd he do that...coil tap? or just varied pick attack?...fuck me, this guy is good!
To me, this is what guitar playing is all about, tone that will raise the hair on the back of your neck combined with heartfelt emotion, Leslie West you are a legend.
It is my greatest regret that I spent (and wasted) my formative guitar playing years knowing nothing about Leslie West. I have known for a while that Eddie Van Halen is a BIG fan of Leslie's but have never heard Leslie West until a few weeks ago.
Oh, well I can discover Leslie's back catalogue with completely new ears!
To me, this is what guitar playing is all about, tone that will raise the hair on the back of your neck combined with heartfelt emotion, Leslie West you are a legend.
It is my greatest regret that I spent (and wasted) my formative guitar playing years knowing nothing about Leslie West. I have known for a while that Eddie Van Halen is a BIG fan of Leslie's but have never heard Leslie West until a few weeks ago.
Oh, well I can discover Leslie's back catalogue with completely new ears!
The year was 1971, June to be exact, Leslie West & Mountain were playing the State Fair grounds in B'ham, AL. As we arrived early for the concert, while waiting for the gates to open, what did we hear coming from inside the stadium but, Theme From An Imaginary Western. Felix, Leslie and the guys were running through there sound checks and what an awsome sound it was!!! Listening to this song brings back a flood of wonderful memories of a night some 40 yrs. ago. Leslie, you're in our prayers!
It has to be one the best songs ever composed, that gives me goosebumps when I hear it!!! Leslie West plays from the heart, and this song proves it!!!
Kids won't appreciate Leslie because he's not playing a mile a minute. This shows that it's not how fast you play, but it's what you play and how you play it. Feeling and tone will always trump speed.
Many prayers going out to the King of Tone. The leg amputation was a success. Now the toughest part begins, the recovery. We are all behind you Leslie! You have a wonderful family and friends around you. We will lift you up like you've lifted US up. Long live Leslie West!!!!!
apparently 4 of these 'balls out' steinbergers were made - this one, two for quo and another. this should be shown to folk who think steinbergers are soulless guitars.
love it at 3:33 when he tweaks the tone control and it sounds like a neck pickup
é stato uno dei miei chitarristi preferiti negli anni 70 e con un gusto nel suonare davvero unico per l'epoca e mi fa ancora un grande effetto risentirlo anche a distanza di anni in poche parole un grande
1961 We had Mantle vs Maris, 1969 we went to the moon, 1970s we had Ali vs Frasier, in the 1989 we have this tone monster gem. We have memories of the finest moments in entertainment in every decade, and this performance of TFAIW is one of the all time greats. One for the 80's and one for the ages.
"Listen up" folks, if you got this far, you are listening to, or probably have just heard one of the "Great,Legendary" guitarist of all time Can play with anyone, who has ever strapped on an "Axe" The "Big Man" can wail.
You will not find a better feel of this song by West,who knows why.
This is fucking sublime,absolutely perfect,Night of the Guitars tour,i think.And as dude says,it is a stock Steinberger off the shelf,he may put Dimarzio pickups in one.
Hey Rock, Les uses custom Dean Leslie West signature guitars. Switched the Budda amps. Cut back on the pedals, he's got a very clean sound, quite similar to his Les Paul Jr days. His tour with Malcolm Bruce in the beginning of this year was the closest Ive ever seen him get to this performance. Malcolm played keys. Being Jack Bruce's son, there was historical significance as well to those performances. But yeah this take is one of the all time greatest Rock balad performances of all time.
P6x he uses a lot of different stuff,he has a a few Marshall pedals,a boss delay,and a lcd thing on his mike stand,i seen his rig a few years ago in person,in Glasgow
all played through a Marshall 100Watt head,he has stopped using stineberger guitars,he was using a custon Les Paul Jnr,but changed guitars a few times during the night,i stll have Corkys drum stick from that night,it hit me in the face!
he has good and bad nights,but i hve never seen him top this performance
@baconstealer1 .. and word has it Roman screwed him over badly on his supposed signature guitars. Leslie walked away respectfully from Roman and signed with Dean. Best decision Leslie made.
The more I listen to this the more I can appreciate the talent and musicianship of Leslie West. Kids can play faster but not necessarily better. This is a master not only of the guitar, but of music, too.
Yeah, Leslie West has been through years of heavy smoking, drinking, and drug use. He beat cancer and now is fighting diabetes. Unlike many of those rock legends that die too young, Leslie West has survived. Maybe his legacy, besides leaving us some of the greatest tone and vibrato a guitar can muster, should be survival. Leslie is a Woodstock graduate, lived the life, but has been clean for years now. God bless Leslie West in 2010.
This song was burned into me 40 years ago! Leslie West's version here, I can't get it out of my head. RIP Felix Pappalardi. Love it, thanks again Leslie West. You're the best! From an old Mountain fan. I stood 10 feet away from him at my first Mountain concert in early 1971. I heard nothing but Mountain in my head for 2 days. My music to this day!
Leslie OWNS this tune!! I wish the kids playing out now would learn, it's not how fast or loud you play it, it's still WHAT YOU PLAY that makes the difference. Leslie is the master at weaving the melody of the songs through his solos, just like the jazz cats he grew up listening to do. Keep up the good work for all of us old guys out there still playing!!
I'm glad someone else is so affected by great guitar solos--I too have been brought to tears listening to this song. The soaring solo is incredibly evocative and only he can play it like this. Bravo Leslie!
When I saw Mountain in 1971 and 1972, Leslie was playing a 1958-61 Les Paul, Jr., with 12 Sunn 200-S amps and another 12 200-s bottoms on top of each stack with a 50W Marshall and 8 X 10's. Felix had the same-no Marshall. I think the tone is in the guitar pick-ups, just plain old Humbuckers. I bought a cherry red '61 LPJ like his for $250 25 years ago and I have a '95 Mesa Heartbreaker Combo on top of a Mesa 4 X 12" 3/4 back cabinet, all 90's. It ain't 12 Sunns and 24 bottoms, but it'll do...
@Craigers1946 No way. The much of the "tone" is in the fingers, the pick attack. Leslie has one of the greatest vibratos in rock history. Most pros, such as Jack Bruce, said Leslie DOES have "the greatest vibrato in the business". Then there's carefully selected equipment. Leslie's sound is impossible to recreate. You can get close, but never duplicate.
I saw this tour and can testify that Leslie's tone was stunning. Also on the bill was Alvin Lee and the guy from the Climax Blues Band. I came away feeling so inspired.
@soulman7 Its a clip from the "Night of guitars"-Tour from 1988 / 1989. The Band was a special Tour-Group. Bass & Keyboards: Livingstone Browne Keyboards: Chris Bucknell Bass & Vocals: Derek Holt Drums: Clive Mayuyu Special Appearence by Stewart Copeland Until now one of the best guitarist-tours ever. At this time i was 16 years old and the concert is still in my mind. Was absolutly wonderfull.
Leslie should have erased "Marshall" and wrote "LESLIE" on his amps that night, because NOBODY has ever made a Marshall sound like this before or after.
Immense feeling and tone. True music. Yep, good ole' Leslie. Always loved all his stuff. A true icon and legend...up there close to Page, Clapton, Hendrix, Blackmore, Beck, and all the original guitar legends.
@MrBarnsleyBob Well I dont have great news for you Barnsley. This VHS (no DVD) was discontinued in the early 90s... thereby making this a truly rare gem. Its called Night of the Guitar. EBay is your only choice. But be careful. There are a few tours with VERY similar names. But theres only ONE with Leslie West.
@hugatag Jeff Beck is a great answer, but I'd still put my money on Leslie. I tend to vote on sure bets, and this very version of this song was what MADE ME pick up a guitar for the first time. This song requires the worlds best tone, and I think the Tone Angels picked the right Guitar God for this one ;)
@depper I was born naturally spiritual and I am taking what your telling me as a gift
from God and feel this song was your destiny to play guitar so agreeing with you. youtube is such a powerful tool to have. Personally it has changed my life for the better. Life is electric.
IRS was the innept outfit in charge of this tour, and it was slapped together and the artists werent paid right and there was ZERO promotion. Might have something to do with the attitude in the beginning.
However ALL the artists put on some of the best work they had ever done, and the saddest part of this tour is that no one bought the rights to this concert tour, put it on DVD for a new generation to enjoy.
@edleew so true! this song is one of the best songs ever,,,,what ever it hits in your heart it makes you cry...i think it's the notes..weird...but it is real music
And I have still not nailed down his tone. I know he uses a stereo chorus pedal, a Marshall amp, and additional distortion that he switches on right before he starts soloing.
Have you tried P90 pickups? Check out older wiring diagrams for specs on caps and such, simplicity and a gentle touch, is where it lies, remember, he's the one that took an entry level Les Paul and made it a real seller for Gibson.
@P6x good luck duplicating that tone. Leslie's tone is driven as much by his hands/fingers ( right in particular ) as it is by any equipment he's using.
@P6x Hi P6X! I saw Leslie play this up close a couple of times back in the 80's and 90's. If I remember right, there was no distortion box. He had one Marshall head set for the beautiful clean sounds, and another Marshall head cranked for the amp distortion, and he switched from one to the other with an A/B box. Simple and effective and very natural sounding. And he used chorus and echo pedals. The master of tone.
@P6x It is all in his fingers,soul and lifes experience that creates the "tone".an amp or instrument s beauty is in the beholder.A guitar is an expression of ones fealings as holds true for all instruments.Your quest will fail if it is not born of the heart.I do not wish to offened you but rather hope to put you on the rite path.
Peter Brown had a big hand in writing this song w/ Bruce. Saw Leslie a few nights ago. I can't remember a better concert going back to the 70's! If you can, see him. He and the band also hang to meet every fans. He signed my LP pickguard! Tone to the bone....nothing like him ever!
well, flawless. mr. west has been in my hall of fame since as a captive learner in the system , someone played m/q in the hall. that took some doing. love it
I just adoreLeslie's playing on this clip.....it just raises the hairs on the back of my neck....Leslie's mastery of the vibrato and also as many people here have commented his distinctive tone is just awesome. I am a big Hendrix disciple and I know Jimi liked Leslie a lot and was a fan of Mountain.....and speaking to Leslie a few years ago I know the feeling was mutual. This is a brilliant song as well written by the legendary Jack Bruce....probably the best song Jack ever wrote.
I shot black & white photos of Mountain at a concert at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles in the early 70's. cacheagency is the site to see my photos. Click on Photographers, then Jeff Allen, and go to page 5 (at the bottom of each page of photographs) for the shots of Mountain. Hope you enjoy them!
Very Cool! Thanks for the site info. What a great job that must have been. I watched this video while scrolling though the pics. It brought back alot of wonderful memories. Thanks again.
depper - chill, dude! As a big fan of Michael Schenker, I can see why Leslie West is an idol of his - GREAT tone & feel!
rogerbleck 2 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Leslie West
Super piece of string bending, One of the greats
kangenaquaperfect 2 months ago
i was there baby
obhealer 3 months ago
i was there babay
obhealer 3 months ago
So far, this version of this song is about the ants pants pants for me, Leslie turned that cold piece of Steinberger Technology into a Molten, Stun Gun of Audio Nirvana...those whammy dips and harmonics HOLY SHIT, what a sound.
Someone mentioned the part at 3:36 where the single bridge Humbucker Steinberger sounds like a Les Paul switched to the Neck Pick-up...wha, how'd he do that...coil tap? or just varied pick attack?...fuck me, this guy is good!
Fantwatstic 4 months ago
To me, this is what guitar playing is all about, tone that will raise the hair on the back of your neck combined with heartfelt emotion, Leslie West you are a legend.
It is my greatest regret that I spent (and wasted) my formative guitar playing years knowing nothing about Leslie West. I have known for a while that Eddie Van Halen is a BIG fan of Leslie's but have never heard Leslie West until a few weeks ago.
Oh, well I can discover Leslie's back catalogue with completely new ears!
Fantwatstic 4 months ago
To me, this is what guitar playing is all about, tone that will raise the hair on the back of your neck combined with heartfelt emotion, Leslie West you are a legend.
It is my greatest regret that I spent (and wasted) my formative guitar playing years knowing nothing about Leslie West. I have known for a while that Eddie Van Halen is a BIG fan of Leslie's but have never heard Leslie West until a few weeks ago.
Oh, well I can discover Leslie's back catalogue with completely new ears!
Fantwatstic 4 months ago
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@Fantwatstic make sure you check out my rare collection of Leslie West gems on my channel! I think you'll really love them!
depper 2 months ago
asolutely great !!
eripauful 4 months ago
simply the best.....seen 'em all....at 57 yrs old....the music of my youth..
the music of my life...may God watch over Mr West....
RayCerv 4 months ago
I saw these guys when I was in the eighth grade, best show ever...
I am 52 now, still the best show ever.
fuzz1a 5 months ago
The year was 1971, June to be exact, Leslie West & Mountain were playing the State Fair grounds in B'ham, AL. As we arrived early for the concert, while waiting for the gates to open, what did we hear coming from inside the stadium but, Theme From An Imaginary Western. Felix, Leslie and the guys were running through there sound checks and what an awsome sound it was!!! Listening to this song brings back a flood of wonderful memories of a night some 40 yrs. ago. Leslie, you're in our prayers!
skywheel52 5 months ago
If this song doesn't move you you're one dead mo fo.
aeropilot 5 months ago
DAMN what a killer tone!
felipefrango 6 months ago
I just hope you don't have to go through what this guy has gone through!
This guy will be back!!!
100TEEDEE 6 months ago
o wonder if they stuck his leg up his ass?
surfinaway10afly 6 months ago
It has to be one the best songs ever composed, that gives me goosebumps when I hear it!!! Leslie West plays from the heart, and this song proves it!!!
100TEEDEE 6 months ago
Kids won't appreciate Leslie because he's not playing a mile a minute. This shows that it's not how fast you play, but it's what you play and how you play it. Feeling and tone will always trump speed.
bigbadfitter 7 months ago
@bigbadfitter I was born in '95 and I don't think i could appreciate Leslie West more, I even got to meet him when I was around 10 :)
felixmountain 3 days ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Many prayers going out to the King of Tone. The leg amputation was a success. Now the toughest part begins, the recovery. We are all behind you Leslie! You have a wonderful family and friends around you. We will lift you up like you've lifted US up. Long live Leslie West!!!!!
depper 7 months ago
Nice, nice, nice! A joy to hear such lyrical playing without having to play a gazillion notes.
phyllis1753 7 months ago
West was as good a comedian as he was a guitar player.
bronncohowie 7 months ago
@bronncohowie What do you mean WAS???
This guy still rocks!!!
100TEEDEE 6 months ago
Played for our high school prom Ridgewood NJ 1972 . HE ROCKS !!!! THE BEST!!!
cessnaman333 7 months ago
Leslie would have made a perfect character for the Soprranos
hugatag 8 months ago 3
apparently 4 of these 'balls out' steinbergers were made - this one, two for quo and another. this should be shown to folk who think steinbergers are soulless guitars.
love it at 3:33 when he tweaks the tone control and it sounds like a neck pickup
keef71 8 months ago
It should still be like this . shit man I miss them times so bad ....
edleew 8 months ago
does somebody know which kind of guitar this is ?
Flexable93 8 months ago
@Flexable93
it's a steinberger
fivestring 8 months ago
If only it was as easy as he makes it look.
Arbeedubya 9 months ago
é stato uno dei miei chitarristi preferiti negli anni 70 e con un gusto nel suonare davvero unico per l'epoca e mi fa ancora un grande effetto risentirlo anche a distanza di anni in poche parole un grande
massimo200356 9 months ago
@massimo200356 a chi lo dici!! Hai ragione in pieno
zumas56 9 months ago
@massimo200356 Ah dimenticavo: Digita Southbound train Woodstock E goditi il live dei Mountain. Ciao
zumas56 9 months ago
I think Derek Holt sings this better than anyone alive.
cooltooth112 10 months ago
Who is the bass player, his voice is perfect for this song?
cooltooth112 11 months ago
@cooltooth112 I now know it's Derek Holt from the Climax Blues Band
cooltooth112 11 months ago
no one can come close to his tone
dmasta91 11 months ago
ah leslie..the man just cant stop playing melodies...fkn awesome!
nilanx 11 months ago
1961 We had Mantle vs Maris, 1969 we went to the moon, 1970s we had Ali vs Frasier, in the 1989 we have this tone monster gem. We have memories of the finest moments in entertainment in every decade, and this performance of TFAIW is one of the all time greats. One for the 80's and one for the ages.
depper 11 months ago
that version slays me every time...the way he holds onto a note & squeezes everything out of it
thelenis 11 months ago
quintessential rock anthem of all time thank you Leslie
MegaSqrl 11 months ago
Jack Bruce and Pete Brown may have written this tune, but Leslie owns it.
Arbeedubya 11 months ago 11
"Listen up" folks, if you got this far, you are listening to, or probably have just heard one of the "Great,Legendary" guitarist of all time Can play with anyone, who has ever strapped on an "Axe" The "Big Man" can wail.
LuckyLeBone 1 year ago 4
Killer tone & Vibrato! Leslie is a LEGEND!
Broughmo 1 year ago 2
sublime indeed! one of the greatest rock songs ever , from Jack Bruce
love this performance heart and soul and tone tone tone!!!!!
MegaSqrl 1 year ago
Simply the greatest guitar tone ever recorded. Literally untouchable.
depper 1 year ago
you have been a really great!!!
74chri 1 year ago
You will not find a better feel of this song by West,who knows why.
This is fucking sublime,absolutely perfect,Night of the Guitars tour,i think.And as dude says,it is a stock Steinberger off the shelf,he may put Dimarzio pickups in one.
Whatever thats what he said in video.
sopitabo 1 year ago
You will not find a better feel of this song by West,who knows why.
This is fucking sublime,absolutely perfect,Night of the Guitars tour,i think.
sopitabo 1 year ago
Hey Rock, Les uses custom Dean Leslie West signature guitars. Switched the Budda amps. Cut back on the pedals, he's got a very clean sound, quite similar to his Les Paul Jr days. His tour with Malcolm Bruce in the beginning of this year was the closest Ive ever seen him get to this performance. Malcolm played keys. Being Jack Bruce's son, there was historical significance as well to those performances. But yeah this take is one of the all time greatest Rock balad performances of all time.
depper 1 year ago
P6x he uses a lot of different stuff,he has a a few Marshall pedals,a boss delay,and a lcd thing on his mike stand,i seen his rig a few years ago in person,in Glasgow
all played through a Marshall 100Watt head,he has stopped using stineberger guitars,he was using a custon Les Paul Jnr,but changed guitars a few times during the night,i stll have Corkys drum stick from that night,it hit me in the face!
he has good and bad nights,but i hve never seen him top this performance
rockwellcm 1 year ago
INSANE GUITAR TONE!!!!
fastfret94 1 year ago
Great Leslie West.... What an amazing guitar tone
Is that a Steinberger guitar? Perfect vibrato.
ciann15 1 year ago
@ciann15 no it ain't a steinburger it's a ed roman
baconstealer1 1 year ago
@baconstealer1 Incorrect. Its a stock Steinberger, right off the shelf.
depper 1 year ago
@depper
thats correct,but hes not using them these days
rockwellcm 1 year ago
@depper may be a Steinberger here but ed now makes his guitars like this for him. By the way their also 10 times better too
baconstealer1 1 year ago
@baconstealer1 No way, Ed Roman cant touch a Dean Im sorry. Roman hasnt made a Leslie West guitar in many years.
depper 1 year ago
@baconstealer1 .. and word has it Roman screwed him over badly on his supposed signature guitars. Leslie walked away respectfully from Roman and signed with Dean. Best decision Leslie made.
depper 1 year ago
@baconstealer1 Isn't Steinberger owned by Gibson now and has been for the last 10 to 15 years?
cooltooth112 1 year ago
@cooltooth112 yeah it has but if you buy one make sure you buy a pre gibson huge difference in quality
baconstealer1 1 year ago
JACK bRUCE please please PLAY FOR US WITH lESLIE wEST now SO IT WILL BE forever....!!
radiootoo 1 year ago
@radiootoo You do know they played together right? just making sure because it was performed to perfection as well. check my channel!
depper 1 year ago
The more I listen to this the more I can appreciate the talent and musicianship of Leslie West. Kids can play faster but not necessarily better. This is a master not only of the guitar, but of music, too.
bigbadfitter 1 year ago 2
Yeah, Leslie West has been through years of heavy smoking, drinking, and drug use. He beat cancer and now is fighting diabetes. Unlike many of those rock legends that die too young, Leslie West has survived. Maybe his legacy, besides leaving us some of the greatest tone and vibrato a guitar can muster, should be survival. Leslie is a Woodstock graduate, lived the life, but has been clean for years now. God bless Leslie West in 2010.
depper 1 year ago
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depper 1 year ago
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depper 1 year ago
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depper 1 year ago
"the big guy can play a little, don't you think"? wow!
LuckyLeBone 1 year ago
That made me cry
robmatlivingstone 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
What is this white trash smoker voice ehhh- gong, gong, gong. Leslie Lane King
TubeYouListen 1 year ago
What is this white trash smoker voice ehhh- gong, gong, gong.
TubeYouListen 1 year ago
@TubeYouListen Are you talking about your Mom tube? I don't see her in this video
depper 1 year ago
Leslie was allways the Johnny cash of rock, Try and find Dear Prudence
fugrweat 1 year ago 3
amazing!
jenniferjuniper97 1 year ago
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glb58688 1 year ago 2
simply the best...
freeilluminati 1 year ago
This song was burned into me 40 years ago! Leslie West's version here, I can't get it out of my head. RIP Felix Pappalardi. Love it, thanks again Leslie West. You're the best! From an old Mountain fan. I stood 10 feet away from him at my first Mountain concert in early 1971. I heard nothing but Mountain in my head for 2 days. My music to this day!
glb58688 1 year ago 60
Leslie OWNS this tune!! I wish the kids playing out now would learn, it's not how fast or loud you play it, it's still WHAT YOU PLAY that makes the difference. Leslie is the master at weaving the melody of the songs through his solos, just like the jazz cats he grew up listening to do. Keep up the good work for all of us old guys out there still playing!!
bigbadfitter 1 year ago
GUITAR GOD!!!!!
thebrownhornet1974 1 year ago
The reason you guys can't nail his tone is because you don't have the TransTrem.
f756t7t6 1 year ago
I can only hope I hear this as I'm entering the gates of heaven...
HighMindedLunacy 1 year ago
so many try to emulate you yet just quite can't get your distinct tone/soul.
gallerycabaret 1 year ago
-hi
populvuh02 1 year ago
I see what Michael Schenker says about his favorite song, performed by Leslie West. Leslie, his tone and performance are great!
radialspokes 1 year ago
A jaw dropping display of guitar artistry. Simply brilliant. I get goosebumps every time I hear it. His love for FP really inspires him on this one.
lespauljr 1 year ago 4
brilliant. the man cannot be touched.
sundaramaji 1 year ago
I'm glad someone else is so affected by great guitar solos--I too have been brought to tears listening to this song. The soaring solo is incredibly evocative and only he can play it like this. Bravo Leslie!
rottmannash 1 year ago
Whatever; opinions vary.
Craigers1946 1 year ago
This fuckin' smokes!
robmatlivingstone 1 year ago
When I saw Mountain in 1971 and 1972, Leslie was playing a 1958-61 Les Paul, Jr., with 12 Sunn 200-S amps and another 12 200-s bottoms on top of each stack with a 50W Marshall and 8 X 10's. Felix had the same-no Marshall. I think the tone is in the guitar pick-ups, just plain old Humbuckers. I bought a cherry red '61 LPJ like his for $250 25 years ago and I have a '95 Mesa Heartbreaker Combo on top of a Mesa 4 X 12" 3/4 back cabinet, all 90's. It ain't 12 Sunns and 24 bottoms, but it'll do...
Craigers1946 1 year ago
@Craigers1946 No way. The much of the "tone" is in the fingers, the pick attack. Leslie has one of the greatest vibratos in rock history. Most pros, such as Jack Bruce, said Leslie DOES have "the greatest vibrato in the business". Then there's carefully selected equipment. Leslie's sound is impossible to recreate. You can get close, but never duplicate.
depper 1 year ago
This IS something...
longzappa 1 year ago
When Leslie recorded this he wasn't using Marshall amps
When I saw Mountain 2 times in the Summer of 1970 Leslie was using Sun Amps.
It was later on that he started using Marshalls.
He got that great tone on the studio version of " Theme for an Imaginary Western "using a Les Paul Jr.and Sun Amps.
When I saw him he was playing a Les Paul Jr.
SpainishArcher 1 year ago
I saw this tour and can testify that Leslie's tone was stunning. Also on the bill was Alvin Lee and the guy from the Climax Blues Band. I came away feeling so inspired.
washy21 1 year ago
dConMobile 1 year ago
awesome
solkodanja7 1 year ago
7 people don't like this????? What?!
geistigunsicher 1 year ago
Yes! Felix lives...in this man's heart!
MrWorldViewer 1 year ago
Wow, who knew Harvey Fierstein played guitar? :)
meekrob 1 year ago
My heart...
laportama 1 year ago
Leslie should have erased "Marshall" and wrote "LESLIE" on his amps that night, because NOBODY has ever made a Marshall sound like this before or after.
depper 1 year ago
Immense feeling and tone. True music. Yep, good ole' Leslie. Always loved all his stuff. A true icon and legend...up there close to Page, Clapton, Hendrix, Blackmore, Beck, and all the original guitar legends.
smithbonz 1 year ago
Who is the singer? What group?
soulman7 1 year ago
@depper-Found it from an Amazon trader for a tenner
MrBarnsleyBob 1 year ago
Is this from a DVD thats out there to buy? can'tfind anything at all for him or Mountain
Thanks
MrBarnsleyBob 1 year ago
@MrBarnsleyBob Well I dont have great news for you Barnsley. This VHS (no DVD) was discontinued in the early 90s... thereby making this a truly rare gem. Its called Night of the Guitar. EBay is your only choice. But be careful. There are a few tours with VERY similar names. But theres only ONE with Leslie West.
depper 1 year ago
Is this from a Video or DVD? - I can't seem to find any Mountain/Leslie West dvd/vids for sale on Amazon etc. Great great performance
MrBarnsleyBob 1 year ago
I wonder if there is a guitar player out there, living or dead, that could ever play this tune better than Leslie??
bigbadfitter 1 year ago
@bigbadfitter Jeff Beck......MAYBE
hugatag 1 year ago
@hugatag Jeff Beck is a great answer, but I'd still put my money on Leslie. I tend to vote on sure bets, and this very version of this song was what MADE ME pick up a guitar for the first time. This song requires the worlds best tone, and I think the Tone Angels picked the right Guitar God for this one ;)
depper 1 year ago
@depper I was born naturally spiritual and I am taking what your telling me as a gift
from God and feel this song was your destiny to play guitar so agreeing with you. youtube is such a powerful tool to have. Personally it has changed my life for the better. Life is electric.
All my best to you!
hugatag 1 year ago
The ending is the best part. "I love you Felix wherever the hell you are!"
hugatag 1 year ago
I love this man and his guitar.... this song is fucking awesome!!
l33birdman 1 year ago
The best guitar!!!
slidemed 1 year ago
Barry Manilow???
WhatSayestThou 1 year ago
Leslie West is a guitar God
DomenicSinatra 1 year ago 2
Every guitar player should listen to this; to the great Leslie West.
Juaniguitarra86 1 year ago 9
@Juaniguitarra86 And learn to play it.
WhatSayestThou 1 year ago
@Juaniguitarra86 Yeah, good said...!
capestile 11 months ago
I have the "Leslie West Live" CD..get it ! Awesome....
cckeach7 1 year ago 2
jake e lee was a biiiig fan of leslie west... now i know why.
cybermind 1 year ago 2
just listen to that sound, it gives me chills...
l33birdman 1 year ago 2
this has the sweetest guitar sounds EVER!! You are the man!!!
l33birdman 1 year ago 2
@l33birdman
l33birdman 1 year ago
Tone x 2, Soul x Infinity.
depper 1 year ago
Leslie fit's in with Vai and satriani on G3 Tour
Hammetallica92 1 year ago 2
Another great video!!! Thanks for sharing.edleew.
Grandma Mary
Fr3derick 1 year ago
Eric WHO?
herk1952 1 year ago
what teh hell was with Leslies attitude in the beginning?
outlawwolf621 1 year ago
Haha Leslie was a true outlaw innovator/badass...
IRS was the innept outfit in charge of this tour, and it was slapped together and the artists werent paid right and there was ZERO promotion. Might have something to do with the attitude in the beginning.
However ALL the artists put on some of the best work they had ever done, and the saddest part of this tour is that no one bought the rights to this concert tour, put it on DVD for a new generation to enjoy.
depper 1 year ago
Wow!!! This is Great!
gruposotello 1 year ago
hey Les, Felix will look down on this with great pride and love, you did the memory of him and yourself total justice here
kissyxander 1 year ago 9
Fuckin' amazing tone hun...!!!
capestile 1 year ago 2
POWER!!!!!!
dinovidas 2 years ago
This man is magic on the wammy bar. Jack Bruce's haunting song is brilliantly played by L.W.
skegbybloke 2 years ago 4
R I P FELIX XXX
snibslfc 2 years ago
I some times cry when I here him do this one ;It just brings me back there !
edleew 2 years ago 16
Me too,. just now,.
mordrusburdon 2 years ago
@edleew so true! this song is one of the best songs ever,,,,what ever it hits in your heart it makes you cry...i think it's the notes..weird...but it is real music
dragontigerbull 1 year ago
And I have still not nailed down his tone. I know he uses a stereo chorus pedal, a Marshall amp, and additional distortion that he switches on right before he starts soloing.
P6x 2 years ago 2
Have you tried P90 pickups? Check out older wiring diagrams for specs on caps and such, simplicity and a gentle touch, is where it lies, remember, he's the one that took an entry level Les Paul and made it a real seller for Gibson.
movingtomontanasoon 1 year ago
@P6x good luck duplicating that tone. Leslie's tone is driven as much by his hands/fingers ( right in particular ) as it is by any equipment he's using.
bandity2k 1 year ago
@P6x Hi P6X! I saw Leslie play this up close a couple of times back in the 80's and 90's. If I remember right, there was no distortion box. He had one Marshall head set for the beautiful clean sounds, and another Marshall head cranked for the amp distortion, and he switched from one to the other with an A/B box. Simple and effective and very natural sounding. And he used chorus and echo pedals. The master of tone.
asdesas 1 year ago
@P6x
Maybe he's just turning up his guitar... The oldest trick. Use your output low and crank it up for the solo.
Artsionparas 1 year ago
@P6x It is all in his fingers,soul and lifes experience that creates the "tone".an amp or instrument s beauty is in the beholder.A guitar is an expression of ones fealings as holds true for all instruments.Your quest will fail if it is not born of the heart.I do not wish to offened you but rather hope to put you on the rite path.
TheMetonicMuzakCorp 1 year ago
thats such a beautiful lead guitar sound!!!!!!!!!!
fastfret94 2 years ago 13
first saw the big man in 1990! i would place him with satriani and steve vai as an utterly brilliant guitarist!
pete1987pete 2 years ago 4
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Ok folks, its LIVE! Check out my review of "Leslie West: The Sound and the Story DVD" on the Great Fatsbies website!!
Check my youtube profile for links to the Great Fatsbies website and forum! And dont forget to sign up!!
depper 2 years ago
Leslie recently guest starred at the recent Michael Schenker Group show in NYC. I am so sorry I missed it. Sick to my stomach even over missing it.
They played Goin' Down. I was told.
God Bless this mans Guitar Tone.
R.I.P. Felix.
mcgyverracing 2 years ago 3
Killer
Juaniguitarra86 2 years ago
Never will you here tone like this . Word ! PeaceEddy
edleew 2 years ago 3
Randy Rhoads liked his playing
LedSlash71 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Check the Great Fatsbies' Leslie West/Mountain Fan Site greatfatsbies~dot~com.
Sign up to our forum at:
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We are going to cover Leslie West, Mountain, The Vagrants, West Bruce & Laing... and all things ROCK & ROLL.
depper 2 years ago
West can take any guitar and do things only he can persuade it to do. He's a true master of the instrument.
garminpink 2 years ago 2
the tonemasta..
Zzsmile 2 years ago
best tone in the world
B13KYL 2 years ago
Sounds like pure love...
ricorreze 2 years ago
I can hear his lyrical & melodic influence on Michael Schenker, large ... bend, get it in tune, make it sing: lovely playing.
CusterFlux 2 years ago
Funny you say that. I was thinking the same a few days ago listening to Shenky.
ricorreze 2 years ago
I love his Huge Guitar SOUND )))))))))
edleew 2 years ago 2
THE BEST BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!
hugatag 2 years ago
One of the best guitar playing i've heard!
SyntaxErrorinline10 2 years ago 3
this kicked major rollin stones ass
ultramagnus58 2 years ago 4
Leslie your guitar is real mean and bad to the bone. Simply put nothing comes close to this performance!!!
ranjanchadha 2 years ago
se me ponen los pelos como escarpias
malfarius 2 years ago
Peter Brown had a big hand in writing this song w/ Bruce. Saw Leslie a few nights ago. I can't remember a better concert going back to the 70's! If you can, see him. He and the band also hang to meet every fans. He signed my LP pickguard! Tone to the bone....nothing like him ever!
ronedee 2 years ago
well, flawless. mr. west has been in my hall of fame since as a captive learner in the system , someone played m/q in the hall. that took some doing. love it
tomosoos 2 years ago
Richard Simmons older bro
bsuite123 2 years ago
Leslie West ROCKS!!!
And yes he does have a HUGE GUITAR SOUND!!!
guitarlessontv 2 years ago
I love you Les .You still rock me ! Respect
edleew 2 years ago
I just adoreLeslie's playing on this clip.....it just raises the hairs on the back of my neck....Leslie's mastery of the vibrato and also as many people here have commented his distinctive tone is just awesome. I am a big Hendrix disciple and I know Jimi liked Leslie a lot and was a fan of Mountain.....and speaking to Leslie a few years ago I know the feeling was mutual. This is a brilliant song as well written by the legendary Jack Bruce....probably the best song Jack ever wrote.
magslyfarnham1 2 years ago 2
Leslie, seen you play, Gibsons, Kramers etc its not the guitars my friend, you I know its the FINGERS that make us individuals, see you soon X
progist 2 years ago 2
I'd kill for that guitar sound!
jackHNv 2 years ago
from heaven to the big man's fingers..... this is church!
ricorreze 2 years ago
Felix, we miss you so much.
TinselKoala 2 years ago 4
Thanks for the props. All of my concert collection photos are available for sale, should you want to own any.
r1bikecam 2 years ago
I shot black & white photos of Mountain at a concert at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles in the early 70's. cacheagency is the site to see my photos. Click on Photographers, then Jeff Allen, and go to page 5 (at the bottom of each page of photographs) for the shots of Mountain. Hope you enjoy them!
r1bikecam 2 years ago
Very Cool! Thanks for the site info. What a great job that must have been. I watched this video while scrolling though the pics. It brought back alot of wonderful memories. Thanks again.
NJREB1863 2 years ago