This man has been going strong in the rock industry for three decades. In his collaborative efforts he has worked with the cream of the crop, and is in demand today more than ever. His influential style is a well blended mix of blues and rock, and truly he has been the mentor to a generation of performers.
Slash, born Saul Hudson, is a staple of the rock industry. His origination onto the world scene was with the authentic lineup of Guns N’ Roses. Through his tenure, between 1985 and 1996, the man in the hat added a sense of attitude and aggressive emotion to each and every song he contributed to. Most notably his injections into the Appetite for Destruction album, Guns N’ Roses inaugural release, which were venomous, yet touching and revealed a true mastery of the electric steel string. After a not-so-subtle dismantling of the fundamental band ranks, Mr.Hudson was off on his own.
A new group soon emerged, being fronted by this guitar god, going by the name Slash’s Snakepit. Still swarming in Axles band, he took on this new duty also. The group, somewhat of a super one, was another place to express himself, but this time the power was in his hands. Alongside the man were some big names; Matt Sorum on drums and Gilby Clarke on guitar both from Guns N’ Roses, Mike Inez on bass from Alice in Chains and singer Eric Dover of Jellyfish. The group sustained itself for two studio albums. Neither reached much critical acclaim, but did manage to reveal the pain that Slash was dealing with from the Guns N’ Roses split. Still the legendary guitarists personal style grew, reflected in such songs as Beggars and Hangers-On; a dirty little ditty.
As Snakepit ended Slash’s Blues Ball took off. The overlap in projects seemed over the top. As Guns N’ Roses faded away, this top hat wearing guitar aficionado , was off and touring with the Blues Ball. They were simply a cover band, and never released any albums. This was the driving force behind its creation, no predefined set lists, just playing songs you love. During this time, again this rock deity expanded his repertoire. Challenging himself with classic blues pieces, by masters, and with releasing his inner blues through mind blowing guitar solos.
During the last few years of the twentieth century, the mysterious axe man was floating around the industry. After a few years another endeavor came to light, Velvet Revolved. In its birth the base lineup included Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Buckcherry members Keith Nelson and Josh Todd. Within a short time, it was decided to part ways with Nelson and Todd, which were replaced by Dave Kushner and eventually by Stone Temple Pilot’s Scott Weiland as lead singer
VR enjoyed much success and acclaim. Slash invested a great deal of personal energy into the group. For a second time he was in a group that was on top in the charts and had a fanatical following. The quintet unleashed two albums on to the scene; Contraband and Libertad (as well as an EP entitled Melody and the Tyranny). Both albums were monstrous successes and had Mr.Hudson back in the spotlight, doing what he loved best.
Within the two albums, there were several examples of the guitar legends ability and even some experimentation. With songs like Slither, Fall to Pieces and She Builds Quick Machines, you can really see his signature sound evolving. The life force of this new entity though, was fleeting. With a new front man, in Weiland, with the usual god complex and heroin addiction, it was again time to part ways with a black sheep.
Now, that encompasses Slash’s upbringing in the ranks of music society. So what do you do when you are at the top? Release the album you have always wanted to. A self-titled compilation evolved over the span of around a few years. The songs were a spattering of various styles and feelings, obviously written throughout many years. The hook to the album was that every song was sung by different artist. It was a huge collaborative effort, which had the fanatical fan base drooling with excitement. With artists from Fergie to Ozzy lending vocals.
Slash was now in another amazing position, he was ready to tour in support of his own album. This brings us to present day, and the American dated We’re All Gonna Die tour. As singer during the tour, Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge was instated. His vocal prowess matched with the soulful,seductive grittiness of Mr.Top Hat is inspirational.
Currently the stops have been coming one after the other, but the city of Vancouver is waiting its turn. Patiently, the two dates loom on the horizon, (September 30th show, October 1st show). One of the best aspects of this concert is something most people probably don’t know. Both shows are sold out, but the local Craigslist is scarce with resellers. This means all the tickets sold out and its mostly fans who bought them; unheard of. This two night stint will be insanity.
As an avid fan, and dedicated G N’ R reunion hopeful, my anticipation level is through the roof. Not only will I be reviewing the Vancouver stand, I will also be traveling to Seattle for that show as well. The new album is a pure pinnacle of Slash’s exemplary run through the rock n’ roll gauntlet. To have the ability to see him play at the Commodore Ballroom will be a treat. Two things are certain, I will be front and center for the performances, and if a guitar pick gets flung my way I will maim and/or kill to retrieve it (will go nicely with my other one from the last Velvet Revolver tour).
