Review & Photos by Junkman
Celebrating the release of his second full album with vocalist Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, World On Fire, guitarist Slash did a three-date takeover of some of the Hollywood clubs he used to play at when he was in Guns ‘N Roses back in the 80s. After appearing at the Troubadour and Roxy, he finished up with a terrific sold-out show at the world famous Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset strip, an a hot Friday night.
Presented by Guitar Center, in celebration of their 50th anniversary, the show began with a quick acoustic set from Hollywood locals, Hillbilly Herald, who pumped up the crowd with their brand of Southern-style rock . About 9:30 or so, the lights dimmed and Slash and company hit the stage to a thunderous welcome from the sold out crowd, packed in shoulder to shoulder at this legendary landmark.
Opening with “You’re A Lie,” from 2012’s Apocalyptic Love, the band, consisting of Myles Kennedy on vocals, Todd Kerns on bass, Frank Sidoris on second guitar, and Brent Fitz on drums, were firing on all cylinders. Slash, sporting his trademark top hat and shades, and as usual, rocking a vintage Gibson Les Paul guitar, could easily have been cut and pasted from any of his shows from the last 25 years. He looks exactly the same, every show.
What followed was nearly two hours of solid rock, not a clunker in the entire set. Lots of classics from Guns ‘N Roses, such as “Night Train,” “You Could Be Mine,” a cool version of “Out To Get Me” featuring Todd Kerns on vocals, as well as my favorite GNR tune,”Rocket Queen,” which even had the security crew glued to the action onstage.
But, there was a new CD to promote and major props to Slash and the band for playing six tracks from World On Fire. After only a few spins, I have to admit that this is Slash’s best solo work to date. Every song is solid and listenable in its own way.
First was “Stone Blind,” an up-tempo rocker that Kennedy just shines on. ‘Wicked Stone” has a real GNR feel to it, with its chugging beat. “30 Years To Life” brings to mind Slash’s Snakepit band’s first single “Been There Lately.” “Bent To Fly” is a soulful, semi-acoustic ballad. “Automatic Overdrive” sounds like it was written after a ride on a Harley Davidson and was well received by the Whisky crowd. The title track, “World On Fire,” is the perfect set opener, I was surprised that it was not.
The talents of Slash and his band made this show such a stunner. I truly believe that even with all his past achievements, his career is now at an apex with this record and this band. In particular, singer Myles Kennedy, who also splits his time fronting the band Alter Bridge, has a vocal range what sets him apart from many front men in rock. And, as far as singing songs from the past, keeping up with Axl Rose’s legendary range is quite an accomplishment. He also is quite the foil onstage, just as comfortable kicking back while Slash rips lick after lick as he is out front making a statement with his voice.
After the well-received performances of the new songs “Automatic Overdrive” and “World On Fire,” Slash and his mates dipped back into the catalog for “Anastasia,” my favorite song from Apocalyptic Love, which featured Slash on a double-neck acoustic electric guitar.
After thanking the crowd and telling them that “of all the crowds we’ve played to this week, you are the best one,” the familiar strains of GNR’s “Sweet Child O’ Mine” sent hands and cell phones skyward. That was followed by a killer version of Velvet Revolver’s (Remember them? And why wasn’t Kennedy chosen to sing for that band?) “Slither,” which really shook the place up.
The band then encored with the classic “Paradise City,” keeping all the old-school fans totally satisfied and the perfect cap on a wonderful show. Again, this band and their new release are worthy of much respect by those of us in the music community as well as the most jaded of critics. The performance and product will no doubt, set our World On Fire.
