Leslie Abel Weinstein a.k.a. Leslie West (October 22, 1945 - December 23, 2020)

In loving memory of
Leslie Abel Weinstein a.k.a. Leslie West
  • October 22, 1945
  • -
  • December 23, 2020

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Obituary

Leslie Abel Weinstein (A.K.A Leslie West), 75, a recent transplant to Ormond Beach, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2020, at Advent Health Palm Coast, after suffering a cardiac arrest two days earlier.

Leslie, born on October 22, 1945, originally from Forest Hills, New York, attended Quintanos School for Young Professionals, as well as Forest Hills High School in NYC.

Leslie was an iconic guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and storyteller. He has left a legacy that to this day is celebrated by peers and fans across The World.

Leslie first emerged in the music scene as a member of The Vagrants. He would go on to form Mountain with Felix Pappalardi, a few years later, a band that was amongst the first to pioneer the genre that would become known as Heavy Metal. Hits that include “Mississippi Queen,” “Theme From An Imaginary Western,” and others established an indelible voice and guitar tone that remains legendary to this day.

In 1969, Leslie played at Woodstock with his band Mountain. As the decade turned, he formed the band West, Bruce and Laing with his bandmate from Mountain drummer, Corky Laing, and Cream’s Jack Bruce.

West also appeared in films that include Family Honor (1973) and The Money Pit (1986). He was a regular guest on the Howard Stern Show, and over the course of decades Leslie and Howard remained friends.

West was inducted in to the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006, and appeared on dozens of other recordings from a vast universe of artists.

Leslie is survived by his wife Jenni West, whom he married on stage at the Woodstock 40th Anniversary performance; brother, Larry West-Weinstein, nephew Max Weinstein, stepchildren Sam, Jypsie, and Tatiana Maurer; grandchildren Damien, Zakkry, Lailoni and Maddox, as well as several stepfamily and cousins most dear to his heart.

Services for Leslie are private at this time; however, a public memorial will be planned for a later date.


Tribute Wall

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  1. Bill says:
    30 Dec 2020
    RIP my friend. You were the most amazing influence in my musical career. Thanks for your great music.

  2. L lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:13:23 PM

  3. Carl. Castagna lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:56:46 PM

  4. Donna says:
    30 Dec 2020
    Rest in Peace Leslie. You will be greatly missed. Your talent and presence unmatched by anyone else on earth. I absolutely loved watching you play♥️

  5. Titmo lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:36:47 AM

  6. Titmo lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:34:05 AM

  7. Dave B. says:
    30 Dec 2020
    Max and family, so sorry for your loss, Max we shared a room in PA. back in 2015 and we talked about your uncle and you being surprised that I knew a lot of his music, his music library will be forever listened to by so many. To the Weinstein family, enjoy the memories, there are many.

  8. Anthony Fuoco lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:42:44 AM

  9. Roland Joubert lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:34:21 AM

  10. Nils-Uno Ahlenius lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:40:11 AM

  11. paul chiarenza posted an image:
    30 Dec 2020
    Swansea U K 2005
    Swansea U K 2005

  12. paul chiarenza says:
    30 Dec 2020
    Rest In Piece pleasure to have met you never forgotten

  13. Morten Bråthen lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:05:53 AM

  14. Morten Bråthen says:
    30 Dec 2020
    RIP. My first guitar hero.

  15. Bob Kristopher posted an image:
    30 Dec 2020
    Leslie at Woodstock 2009
    Leslie at Woodstock 2009

  16. Tim Ratcliffe says:
    30 Dec 2020
    Rest in piece Leslie, an exceptionally gifted guitarist and vocalist. A true legend who played with real feel and emotion. You'll never be forgotten, and will live on through your music.

  17. Markus Wenda lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:50:35 AM

  18. Bertil Kada lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:04:35 AM

  19. Jacqueline Cainer lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:48:48 AM

  20. Jesse Alderson lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:25:04 AM

  21. Carmine says:
    30 Dec 2020
    Rest In Peace. Brother

  22. Carmine says:
    30 Dec 2020
    I’ve know leslie since 1963 he was one of the greatest of our era. Loved his sound , his playing his soulful vocals . And of course his wild type of humor. I played with him for 3-4 months in 1975. It was so much fun to play with. Inspiring to hear his solos and big fat rhythm guitar coming out of marshal stacks next too me. He will be missed. Love you brother ...

  23. Carmine lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:39:27 AM

  24. David T. says:
    30 Dec 2020
    The best ever. Leslie provided the soundtrack for my life. RIP!

  25. Eric Weinstein lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:19:50 AM

  26. Eric Weinstein says:
    30 Dec 2020
    R.I.P. and Paradise my brother although u might be gone you will never be forgotten, your music and persona will live on for eternity.. Will miss u very much... till we meet again my fellow Weinstein I’ll be listening to
    you always..

  27. Stephen Cain lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:18:19 AM

  28. Linda Kish says:
    30 Dec 2020
    I loved whenever Leslie was on Howard. I'm also a huge Mountain fan, loved listening to "Mississippi Queen" and playing in the video game Rockband. Thank you for the great music and stories.

  29. Philip Vitale lit a candle:
    30 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 30, 2020 at 12:14:50 AM

  30. Michelle says:
    29 Dec 2020
    May your soul Rest In Peace. You had the biggest heart & were the funniest person I had ever known.
    You will be missed by so many. You will always be in my heart. I never stopped loving you.
    Michelle

  31. Bradley Lorton lit a candle:
    28 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 28, 2020 at 12:43:02 PM

  32. Sally Jo says:
    28 Dec 2020
    I grew up listening to Mountain, West, Bruce & Laing. Saw Leslie at one of our local watering holes and man he blew the ceiling off, best show ever, Can't believe your gone. they must of needed you in the heavens above. Rest In Paradise Leslie, see you on the other side. Prayers to your family, friends & fans ~

  33. Sally Jo lit a candle:
    28 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 28, 2020 at 12:49:46 PM

  34. Ray Eckert lit a candle:
    27 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 27, 2020 at 12:16:27 AM

  35. Dave says:
    26 Dec 2020
    Leslie, you will be forever remembered as caring, funny and a person who did not give up. YOU WERE AN AMAZING person!

  36. Detroit Musicians lit a candle:
    26 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 26, 2020 at 12:10:27 PM

  37. Detroit Musicians lit a candle:
    26 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 26, 2020 at 12:10:11 PM

  38. Detroit Musicians lit a candle:
    26 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 26, 2020 at 12:09:32 PM

  39. Detroit Musicians says:
    26 Dec 2020
    From Detroit musicians, the world of music became a better place when Leslie was born. He will be very sadly missed. Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts go out to his beloved wife, Jenni West, his family, and friends. We will keep you close in our hearts and give you strength during this sad time and as you go through your mourning and loss. Our loving Lord will hold you in his arms and carry you through.

  40. Rod Moore posted an image:
    26 Dec 2020


  41. Rod Moore says:
    26 Dec 2020
    To the Best there was To the Best that will ever BE!!!!!!

  42. Rod Moore lit a candle:
    26 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 26, 2020 at 12:36:12 AM

  43. Jenni West posted an image:
    25 Dec 2020
    Leslie Weinstein aka Leslie West
    Leslie Weinstein aka Leslie West

  44. Karen OConnor lit a candle:
    25 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 25, 2020 at 12:17:37 PM

  45. Stuart Gleich lit a candle:
    25 Dec 2020
    Lit since December 25, 2020 at 12:06:57 PM

  46. Stuart Gleich says:
    25 Dec 2020
    I was lucky enough, blessed to have seen Mountain at their first ever show at the Fillmore East. I sat in the balconey for my buddy and Leslie, Felix and Corky absolutely blew the roof of the Fillmore.
    I am 67 and hearing about your family's loss, left me deeply saddened. Throughout my lifetime, I always found myself coming back to Mountain, Leslie and his music.
    May his memory serve as a blessing to all whole knew him and listen (still and forevermore) to his amazing legacy of music left behind.
    You will be missed Leslie

    In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
    we remember them.
    In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
    we remember them.

    In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
    we remember them.

    In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,
    we remember them.

    In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
    we remember them.

    In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
    we remember them.

    When we are weary and in need of strength,
    we remember them.

    When we are lost and sick at heart,
    we remember them.

    When we have joys we yearn to share,
    we remember them

    So long as we live, they too shall live,
    for they are now a part of us,
    as we remember them.

  47. Mike Milligan says:
    24 Dec 2020
    Great performance is a blessing to the artist and the audience. Thanks Leslie. Damn good. Yah ! Mike Milligan So. Cal.

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