Corky Laing

Corky Laing is a legendary rock drummer best known for his work with the influential bands Mountain and West, Bruce & Laing. Born Laurence Gordon Laing in Montreal, Canada, in 1948, he began playing drums at a young age and quickly developed a reputation for his powerful and dynamic drumming style.

Laing rose to prominence in the late 1960s as a founding member of the hard rock band Mountain, alongside guitarist Leslie West and bassist Felix Pappalardi. The band achieved commercial success with their iconic song "Mississippi Queen" and their debut album "Climbing!" (1970), which featured Laing's thunderous drumming and helped define the sound of the era.

In addition to his work with Mountain, Corky Laing was also a member of the supergroup West, Bruce & Laing, formed in 1972 with guitarist Leslie West and former Cream bassist Jack Bruce. The trio released several albums together, including "Why Dontcha" (1972) and "Whatever Turns You On" (1973), before disbanding in 1974. Laing's powerhouse drumming contributed to the band's blues-infused rock sound and solidified his reputation as a rock icon.

Throughout his career, Corky Laing has collaborated with a diverse range of artists and musicians, including Eric Clapton, Meat Loaf, and Ozzy Osbourne, among others. His versatility as a drummer and his ability to seamlessly blend elements of rock, blues, and jazz have earned him widespread acclaim and respect within the music industry.

In addition to his work as a performer, Corky Laing is also a prolific songwriter and producer, having released several solo albums and contributed to numerous film soundtracks. He continues to tour and perform live, captivating audiences with his electrifying drum solos and infectious energy, cementing his status as one of rock music's most iconic drummers.