A Thunderous Legacy Reignited as Mountain Perform Nantucket Sleighride at Nene Valley Rock Festival 2023
Mountain’s performance of Nantucket Sleighride at the Nene Valley Rock Festival 2023 stood as one of the most powerful and emotionally resonant moments of the event, reaffirming the enduring force of classic hard rock when delivered with conviction and respect for its roots. Captured in high definition with multiple camera angles, the performance offered both longtime fans and new listeners a vivid reminder of why this song remains central to Mountain’s legacy.
Led by drummer and founding member Corky Laing, Mountain approached Nantucket Sleighride not as a relic of the past, but as a living and breathing statement. Originally released in 1971, the song has long been regarded as one of the band’s most ambitious works, blending heavy blues rock with extended instrumental passages and a sense of mythic scale. At Nene Valley, that ambition translated seamlessly to the stage, carried by disciplined musicianship and a deep understanding of the song’s dramatic arc.
From the opening moments, the performance established a sense of weight and authority. The slow building introduction allowed the band to shape tension carefully, honoring the composition’s cinematic structure. As the main themes emerged, the interplay between guitar and rhythm section took center stage, with Corky Laing’s drumming providing both power and narrative direction. His presence behind the kit was commanding yet controlled, emphasizing dynamics rather than sheer volume.
What made this rendition particularly compelling was its balance between fidelity and freshness. While the band remained faithful to the song’s core identity, the performance avoided sounding rigid or overly rehearsed. Instead, it carried the looseness and spontaneity that have always defined Mountain at their best. Extended instrumental sections unfolded naturally, giving the music space to breathe while maintaining momentum and focus.
The audience response reflected the song’s lasting impact. Nantucket Sleighride is not merely a fan favorite but a defining statement of Mountain’s artistic vision, and its recognition was immediate. The crowd followed the performance attentively, responding to shifts in tempo and intensity with visible engagement. Rather than a nostalgic sing along moment, the song functioned as a shared experience rooted in raw musical force.
In the broader context of the Nene Valley Rock Festival 2023, Mountain’s performance stood out as a reminder that classic rock continues to thrive when presented with authenticity and purpose. Corky Laing’s role was central, not only as a performer but as a living link to the band’s origins. His commitment to preserving the spirit of Nantucket Sleighride while allowing it to evolve underscored the song’s timeless quality.
This performance was more than a tribute to the past. It was a clear statement that Mountain’s music still speaks with relevance, power, and integrity, proving that true rock legacy is measured not by age, but by impact.