MOUNTAIN were created in 1968 by noted producer Felix Pappalardi, whose credits included CREAM and JOAN BAEZ, and heavyweight guitarist LESLIE WEST (real name Leslie Weinstein). The latter had previously been a member of THE VAGRANTS. West also features on the 'Home' album of 1969 by JOLLIVER ARKANSAS.

MOUNTAIN's was not a million miles removed from CREAM and as a power trio the band toured aggressively and found notable appreciation for their chart albums which were often pregnant with drawn out guitar and keyboard workouts. The band, initially perceived as a project for West, initially included keyboard player Norman Landsberg and drummer Norman D. Smart and were assembled in readiness for a debut appearance at the legendary Woodstock festival in August 1969.

The first MOUNTAIN album proper 1970's 'Mountain Climbing' crashed into the American charts boosted by a hit single 'Mississippi Queen'. Keyboards by now were in the hands of former DEVIL'S ANVIL man Steve Knight and drums by Corky Laing superseded Smart. 'Nantucket Sleigh ride' provided further momentum peaking at number 16 in the American charts and it's theme song was later to become internationally known as the opening music for ITV's long running current affairs TV programme 'Weekend World'.

1972's 'Flowers Of Evil' did not fare so well and MOUNTAIN disbanded in mid 1972 but West and Laing were soon drawn back together. Their new project reacquainted the band with none other than legendary CREAM bassist JACK BRUCE. The aptly named WEST, BRUCE & LAING released three albums in 1972's 'Why Don'cha', the following years 'Whatever Turns You On' and the live album 'Live And Kickin'. The latter's release coming after West had teamed up with Pappalardi once more to resurrect MOUNTAIN in late 1973.

revised MOUNTAIN line up saw West and Pappalardi joined by session drummer Allen Schwarzberg and keyboard player Robert Mann. A tour of Japan resulted in the live album 'Twin Peaks'. Initially released only in America it took a further three years for a British release.

Following these dates both Schwarzberg and Mann left. Pappalardi took over the keyboard role whilst rhythm guitar was now handled by David Perry. West took time out to tour America with his own WILD WEST BAND project. The next MOUNTAIN studio album 'Avalanche' failed to chart and MOUNTAIN dissolved yet again.

Pappalardi formed a new act CREATION which was to issue two albums for A&M Records, a self titled effort in 1976 and 'Don't Worry Mum' in 1979. West meanwhile also pursued his own path as a solo artist and the guitarist, reunited with Laing and bassist Don Kretmmar put out 1975's 'The Great Fatsby' and 'The Leslie West Band' in 1976, both for RCA Records.

MOUNTAIN were off the map for quite a considerable time but in 1981 West's interest was renewed and the original line up reformed. However, a shocking tragedy was to ensue when Pappalardi, now a resident of Japan, was shot dead by his wife Gail Collins in April 1983.

The band was to persevere adding ex HEMLOCK, SAVOY BROWN, DOG SOLDIER and T REX guitarist MILLER ANDERSON in place of West. Record company pressure dictated West's return though and Anderson took over the bass role alongside ex-RAINBOW / URIAH HEEP bassist Mark Clarke. These recordings emerged in 1984 as the 'Go For Your Life' album for the Scotti Brothers label. A highly successful European tour opening for DEEP PURPLE effectively brought the band back to the attention of rock fans.

The band was to grind to a halt predictably and by 1988 West had teamed up again with bassist Jack Bruce and, also using the services of erstwhile TWISTED SISTER drummer Joe Franco, put out the solo album 'Theme'. Further work included the guitarist's involvement in the 'Night of the guitar' project prior to another album 'Alligator' in 1989. West put in appearances on JOE LYNN TURNER's 'Undercover 2' album, guesting on the MOUNTAIN cover 'Mississippi Queen'.

West and Laing would put together a band titled MOUNTAIN FAIR for touring throughout America in 2001. Joining them on bass would be ex-FREHLEY'S COMET member RICHIE SCARLET.

MOUNTAIN, featuring both guitarist Leslie West and drummer Corky Laing, would announce a series of European dates for Spring 2001. UK shows would be supported by veteran Boogie band STRAY. Corky Laing would form up Blues Rockers THE BARRELHOUSE BROTHERS in 2002 alongside a wealth of veteran Rock talent ranging from ex-JIMI HENDRIX bassist Noel Redding, MUNGO JERRY pianist Colin Earl and former THIN LIZZY guitarist Eric Bell. This band issued the 'Pick It Up Pass It On' album.

Noted ex-DOKKEN guitarist GEORGE LYNCH paid homage in 2004 with the inclusion of his cover take on 'Blood Of The Sun' included on his 'Furious George' album. MOUNTAIN themselves would be back on the road later that year, once again employing RICHIE SCARLET on bass. LESLIE WEST featured as a guest artist on OZZY OSBOURNE's 'Bible Of Ozz' 2005 box set, appearing on Ozzy's cover of MOUNTAIN's 'Mississippi Queen'. Live dates in June 2005 saw MOUNTAIN opening up for DEEP PURPLE.

The band had their track 'Dreams Of Milk And Honey' covered on OVERDRIVE and LOCOMOTIVE BREATH guitarist Janne Stark's November 2006 MOUNTAIN OF POWER tribute collection.

Supporting the album 'Masters Of War' MOUNTAIN toured the USA in 2008 as support act to JOE SATRIANI. Installed on bass would be Rev Jones, previously of FORTE, STEELHEART, the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP and BLACK SYMPHONY.