Words and Photos by Jay Mitchell
Is there a more iconic image in all of rock music? The aviators, a Les Paul and THAT top hat – it’s obviously Slash. The coolest man in rock and roll is in Manchester and the whole city can probably hear him.
On tour in support of his latest album 4 which came out over two years ago, Slash is back in the UK and is bringing a hit filled setlist. With Myles Kennedy on vocals and The Conspirators backing them, the AO Arena is being given a rock and roll masterclass.
Opening the night is Mammoth WVH, who don’t mess around. Similar to his dad, Wolfgang Van Halen shreds mercilessly while also delivering huge vocals. Frank Sidoris also plays rhythm, in his first set of the night with him being one of The Conspirators. Straight to the point with huge their huge sound, Mammoth prove themselves to be one of the most exciting rock bands coming through and have the crowd ready.
Hitting the stage at 8:30, the band fire into ‘The River Is Rising’ with its giant opening riff. From the first second it’s hard to not take your eyes off Slash who makes everything seem so effortless yet sound so good. ‘Halo’ takes things back to Apocalyptic Love with its heavy, sleazy groove and has Myles unleashing huge wails for the first of many times tonight.
Myles Kennedy shows yet again why he’s one of the best singers around, demonstrating his full range from the first minute. If Slash’s solos weren’t enough to blow you away, Myles’ vocals will leave you floored. Bassist Todd Kerns takes over lead vocals on occasion leading the band through a cover of ‘Always on the Run’, Guns ‘N’ Roses’ ‘Bad Apples’ and ‘Doctor Albi’. Giving a classic 80’s hard rock feel to every track, his vocals perfectly compliment Slash’s guitar.
‘Starlight’ is their ballad, filled with huge choruses and that singalong factor. The newer track ‘Fill My World’ gives ‘Starlight some competition though with it’s ‘Sweet Child Of Mine’ like riff. Myles wrote the song about his dog and asked for the crowd to hold up pictures of their pets on their phones – definitely a first for any rock gig I’ve been to.
This is a Slash gig though and no Slash gig is complete without a solo that spans the length of four songs. That’s where ‘Wicked Stone’ comes in, on the album the track is just over five minutes. Tonight? Just under 20. With almost 15 minutes of just Slash guitar, jaws are left on the floor and I’m left feeling exhausted for him.
Closing the set is the bands biggest hit ‘Anastasia’ which probably has some of Slash’s best ever lead lines. Ripping through the last track, it is clear this a band on the top of their game with Manchester being well and truly rocked.
It’s been nearly 40 years since Slash made his name announcing himself on Appetite For Destruction. Now in 2024, Slash is up there as one of the most legendary guitarists in music history and proved yet again tonight alongside Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators why he is one of the best.
