PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Despite the rubbish weather you could feel the excitement in the air, as fans queued up in the rain to see one of the most recognizable guitarists in the business. First up though, was Monster Truck who are everything you would want in an opening act. With their lively
brand of Southern tinged Rock ‘n Roll, the Canadian four piece play a strong opening set. With fantastic vocals from Jon Harvey and excellent riffage from guitarist Jeremy Widerman they really get the expectant crowd jumping, showcasing songs from their new album ‘Furiosity’.
With the crowd now fired up, Slash, Myles Kennedy and their fellow Conspirators quickly start into their eagerly anticipated set. On the first night of a slew of European dates, they rip through the opening trio of “You’re A Lie”, “Nightrain” and “Halo” and the crowd love every second. As the night continues Slash was proving that he not only still looks the part with his iconic top hat and signature Les Paul, but that he still has the chops, is still one of the most talented guitarists around, and even behind those dark glasses he is concentrating on his playing to pull of riffs and solos alike with with real accuracy and feeling.
However, even though Slash was the big draw and for the main part there were many opportunities for him to showcase his talent, the rest of the band made sure it wasn’t just a one-man show. Myles Kennedy is the perfect front man for this band, he connects well with the audience, his vocal range is most impressive and he seems to thrive of the enthusiasm of the rest of the band. Honourable mention must also go to Todd Kerns who not only plays bass but took over vocal duties on “Doctor Alibi” and “You’re Crazy”, in any other band he would be a most imposing front man.
As the evening continues there is a mixture of material played from Velvet Revolver, Guns N’ Roses, his previous two solo albums, and of course songs from the new album ‘World On Fire’ and they even treat the crowd by playing live premieres of ‘Avalon’ & ‘Beneath the Savage Sun’. But it is on Guns N’ Roses songs the already accomplished band really shine, and the crowd respond in kind by singing back every word. “Rocket Queen” brings with it a brilliant impromptu 7 minute jazz style solo that the crowd just laps up. Finishing up the main set with a brilliant rendition of Velvet Revolver’s “Slither” after which the band leave stage.
When they return the show concludes with a storm of confetti blasted into the air and a blistering solo from Slash during the Guns N’ Roses classic “Paradise City”. This surely leaving no-one in doubt that Slash is not only playing some of the most accomplished music of his career, and has surrounded himself with a bunch of musicians that he seems to thrive in playing alongside; and for all in attendance it was plain as the hat on his head why he is still considered one of the best guitarists in a generation.
SetList:
You’re A Lie, Nightrain, Halo, Avalon, Back From Cali, Stone Blind, You Could Be Mine, Shots Fired, Doctor Alibi, You’re Crazy, Wicked Stone, 30 Years To Life, Beneath The Savage Sun, Rocket Queen, Bent To Fly, World On Fire, Anastasia, Sweet Child O’ Mine, Slither.
Encore: Paradise City.
Further UK Tour Dates:
28th Nov – Manchester – Phones 4U Arena
29th Nov – Leeds – Leeds Arena
01st Dec – Birmingham – LG Arena
02nd Dec – London – Wembley Arena
04th Dec – Glasgow – Hydro Arena
Photos: © Paul Verner/LIVE:i photographic agency
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