Mountain Guitarist Loses Leg

WEST LOSES LEG: Legendary Mountain guitarist and longtime Howard Stern pal Leslie West has undergone surgery in Biloxi, MS, where, as a diabetic, his leg was amputated to save his life. West had flown in to Mississippi to perform at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino with his band when his leg began to swell and he was rushed to the emergency room. He is expected to fully recover, and faces extensive rehabilitation. The family has requested that the public and media respect his privacy while he comes to terms with this life-changing transition. The 65-year-old has recorded a new album, The Unusual Suspects, with cameos by fellow guitar greats Billy Gibbons, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Joe Bonamassa and Steve Lukather. “These guys don’t show up to play on everybody’s albums,” said West. “They’re all stars in their own right and fantastic players… as far from ‘the usual suspects’ as it gets.” (6/20p)