Slash with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, Rose Tattoo @ Sydney Ent. Centre (25/08/2012)
When there is an opportunity to see one of the most influential and highly regarded rock n roll legends of our time, you’ve got to think real hard before you pass on it. For the thousands of fans who had flocked to see the one and only SLASH, former Guns n Roses guitarist and rock guru, along with his talented crew Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, it was a sure to be a momentous occasion.
The sold out show at the Sydney Entertainment Centre was filmed by moshcam, so if you weren’t there, you could at least feel like you were. The most dedicated of fans were already surging toward the barrier; well before iconic Aussie rockers Rose Tattoo were scheduled to start.
Front man Angry Anderson’s still got it, you wouldn’t even know from his youthful appearance and his high energy, albeit slightly tipsy performance, that the man has only recently turned sixty five. Belting out opener ‘One of The Boys’ Anderson sets the pace for the rest of the set, swigging from his beer and imparting pearls of wisdom “it’s the name of the game brothers and sisters, it is the rock and it is the roll!”
Dai Pritchard shines on slide guitar and is a looming giant next to Anderson, as he pulls out a barrage of resonating bluesy riffs, tearing through ‘Man About Town’ and ‘Rock n Roll is King’. Anderson then comments, maybe to address some recent controversial remarks he’s made, “some of you were born here, the rest are welcome as long as you behave yourselves”, before launching into a heartfelt rendition of ‘Scarred for Life’, sung with great strength and conviction.
The last few songs, crowd favourites ‘Rock n Roll Outlaw’, ‘We Can’t Be Beaten’ and ‘Bad Boy for Love’ are met with roars of excitement and finish the set on a high. Stripped of gaudy theatrics and fancy lighting, Rose Tattoo’s honest to god rock stands on its own and it’s not hard to see why they’re one of the most influential and revered bands in their genre and regarded so highly by Slash.
Kudos to event organisers, as there was such a quick and efficient set up between acts that it was not long before the lights had come down to herald in Slash and his crew’s entrance. Red lighted backdrops and booming bass lines were seconded by an almighty announcer’s voice “Sydney are you ready to rock and fucking roll!?”
Electrifying from the get go, Myles Kennedy front man for The Conspirators and Slash’s vocal gun bounds on stage alongside an excited and energetic Slash, Myles brandishes his mike stand above his head like he’s going to war before ripping straight into ‘Halo’ followed by Gunners track ‘Night Train’. The excitement is palpable, all eyes following Slash in his signature hat and glasses, as he deftly moves his fingers across the fret boards of his custom Les Paul Gold top, the only guitar he handles the entire set.
Two solid hours is a lot, but nowhere near enough to cover the variety of music spanning Slash’s amazing career, an excellent choice of tracks from Guns n Roses, Slash’s Snakepit, Velvet Revolver and Slash’s self-titled album are performed, with the majority of tracks lifted off latest album ‘Apocalyptic Love’. Slash’s signature riffs are instantly recognisable and that first moment of heart stopping awe comes in the form of the killer intro to ‘Ghost’. Myles Kennedy makes light work of each song, his vocals rivalling that of Axl’s as he plays the role of front man to a tee, pumping his fist in the air and reaching out to the crowd on the barrier.
Slash gyrates behind Myles, whilst the rest of the band whip their hair around and show off during ‘Standing in the Sun’. This is followed by highlight ‘Back from Cali’, with its slow sweet bluesy riffs and its roaring vocals; it makes for a stellar anthem, absolutely capturing that true 80’s vibe. Gunners track ‘Michelle’ is met with much enthusiasm by the crowd as they sing along and is followed by the one and only Snakepit song ‘Beggars and Hangers On’. Slash takes an opportunity to stun us all with a very long interlude of fretwork, which is really what all the musicians and guitar enthusiasts in the crowd have come for.
For those who may not know Myles Kennedy, he initially found recognition as lead singer for band Alter Bridge, comprised of three quarters of now defunct band Creed. Myles proved himself a worthy rival to Scott Stapp and is the perfect choice when it comes to this collaboration with Slash. Not only does he have the power, range and charisma to pull off the screeching rock attitude of Slash’s masterpieces, he holds his own easily in his recreation of Gunners tracks.
Amongst the frantic fast paced songs, are some really beautiful ballads and with these comes the true glory of the wavering and soaring tones of Myles voice. His rendition of band favourite ‘Not for Me’ and the brilliant ‘Starlight’ are mesmerising and earn the audience’s silent appreciation. Not to be forgotten, bassist Todd Kerns proves himself an entertaining and outspoken character, lending his gruff voice to ‘Doctor Alibi’ and ‘Out Ta Get Me’. Slash joins in on backing vocals whilst Todd throws picks out to the crowd and runs about the stage making faces into the camera.
The best moments come in the latter half of the show, major highlights include Slash’s incredible shredding during another guitar solo that leads into the Godfather theme, as well as what would be one of the best tracks off the new album with its scaled riff, ‘Anastasia’. Of course I can’t speak for everyone, but the opening line to ‘Sweet Child O’Mine’ is completely life affirming, to witness a legend performing such an epic song, was the highest point to the night.
Myles proves a gracious host asking “Sydney did you have a good time tonight, you guys doing alright out there?” He introduces the band formally, purposely leaving Slash last, who responds with, “cheers mother fuckers!” Slash speaks rarely and when he does, his voice is laced with excitement “can we get a roar for tape? We’ll see you round next year ok? Thank you!”
The band comes back for an encore playing Velvet Revolver tune ‘Fall to Pieces’ and ending with favourite ‘Paradise City’. By now Slash has lost his shirt and we’re greeted in the amazing finale with the glorious boom of confetti cannons. A half-naked Slash covered in confetti with his rear end hanging out, is a site to behold and everyone is grinning ear to ear. More picks are thrown out as Slash makes his final comment of the night “this is preserved for all time, thank you, you guys have been there since the beginning”.
Looking across the room, I can see people from all walks of life and generations brought together by one sole legendary man who epitomises the very culture of rock. Not only has Slash brought back the significance of Guns n Roses, he’s also completely shaken the foundations of the entertainment centre with his own brand of signature rock and immense skill, leaving us all dazed and ecstatic. Tonight Slash’s fans got to partake in a memorable experience, one that has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that true Rock n Roll will never ever die.
Nazia Hafiz
The sold out show at the Sydney Entertainment Centre was filmed by moshcam, so if you weren’t there, you could at least feel like you were. The most dedicated of fans were already surging toward the barrier; well before iconic Aussie rockers Rose Tattoo were scheduled to start.
Front man Angry Anderson’s still got it, you wouldn’t even know from his youthful appearance and his high energy, albeit slightly tipsy performance, that the man has only recently turned sixty five. Belting out opener ‘One of The Boys’ Anderson sets the pace for the rest of the set, swigging from his beer and imparting pearls of wisdom “it’s the name of the game brothers and sisters, it is the rock and it is the roll!”
Dai Pritchard shines on slide guitar and is a looming giant next to Anderson, as he pulls out a barrage of resonating bluesy riffs, tearing through ‘Man About Town’ and ‘Rock n Roll is King’. Anderson then comments, maybe to address some recent controversial remarks he’s made, “some of you were born here, the rest are welcome as long as you behave yourselves”, before launching into a heartfelt rendition of ‘Scarred for Life’, sung with great strength and conviction.
The last few songs, crowd favourites ‘Rock n Roll Outlaw’, ‘We Can’t Be Beaten’ and ‘Bad Boy for Love’ are met with roars of excitement and finish the set on a high. Stripped of gaudy theatrics and fancy lighting, Rose Tattoo’s honest to god rock stands on its own and it’s not hard to see why they’re one of the most influential and revered bands in their genre and regarded so highly by Slash.
Kudos to event organisers, as there was such a quick and efficient set up between acts that it was not long before the lights had come down to herald in Slash and his crew’s entrance. Red lighted backdrops and booming bass lines were seconded by an almighty announcer’s voice “Sydney are you ready to rock and fucking roll!?”
Electrifying from the get go, Myles Kennedy front man for The Conspirators and Slash’s vocal gun bounds on stage alongside an excited and energetic Slash, Myles brandishes his mike stand above his head like he’s going to war before ripping straight into ‘Halo’ followed by Gunners track ‘Night Train’. The excitement is palpable, all eyes following Slash in his signature hat and glasses, as he deftly moves his fingers across the fret boards of his custom Les Paul Gold top, the only guitar he handles the entire set.
Two solid hours is a lot, but nowhere near enough to cover the variety of music spanning Slash’s amazing career, an excellent choice of tracks from Guns n Roses, Slash’s Snakepit, Velvet Revolver and Slash’s self-titled album are performed, with the majority of tracks lifted off latest album ‘Apocalyptic Love’. Slash’s signature riffs are instantly recognisable and that first moment of heart stopping awe comes in the form of the killer intro to ‘Ghost’. Myles Kennedy makes light work of each song, his vocals rivalling that of Axl’s as he plays the role of front man to a tee, pumping his fist in the air and reaching out to the crowd on the barrier.
Slash gyrates behind Myles, whilst the rest of the band whip their hair around and show off during ‘Standing in the Sun’. This is followed by highlight ‘Back from Cali’, with its slow sweet bluesy riffs and its roaring vocals; it makes for a stellar anthem, absolutely capturing that true 80’s vibe. Gunners track ‘Michelle’ is met with much enthusiasm by the crowd as they sing along and is followed by the one and only Snakepit song ‘Beggars and Hangers On’. Slash takes an opportunity to stun us all with a very long interlude of fretwork, which is really what all the musicians and guitar enthusiasts in the crowd have come for.
For those who may not know Myles Kennedy, he initially found recognition as lead singer for band Alter Bridge, comprised of three quarters of now defunct band Creed. Myles proved himself a worthy rival to Scott Stapp and is the perfect choice when it comes to this collaboration with Slash. Not only does he have the power, range and charisma to pull off the screeching rock attitude of Slash’s masterpieces, he holds his own easily in his recreation of Gunners tracks.
Amongst the frantic fast paced songs, are some really beautiful ballads and with these comes the true glory of the wavering and soaring tones of Myles voice. His rendition of band favourite ‘Not for Me’ and the brilliant ‘Starlight’ are mesmerising and earn the audience’s silent appreciation. Not to be forgotten, bassist Todd Kerns proves himself an entertaining and outspoken character, lending his gruff voice to ‘Doctor Alibi’ and ‘Out Ta Get Me’. Slash joins in on backing vocals whilst Todd throws picks out to the crowd and runs about the stage making faces into the camera.
The best moments come in the latter half of the show, major highlights include Slash’s incredible shredding during another guitar solo that leads into the Godfather theme, as well as what would be one of the best tracks off the new album with its scaled riff, ‘Anastasia’. Of course I can’t speak for everyone, but the opening line to ‘Sweet Child O’Mine’ is completely life affirming, to witness a legend performing such an epic song, was the highest point to the night.
Myles proves a gracious host asking “Sydney did you have a good time tonight, you guys doing alright out there?” He introduces the band formally, purposely leaving Slash last, who responds with, “cheers mother fuckers!” Slash speaks rarely and when he does, his voice is laced with excitement “can we get a roar for tape? We’ll see you round next year ok? Thank you!”
The band comes back for an encore playing Velvet Revolver tune ‘Fall to Pieces’ and ending with favourite ‘Paradise City’. By now Slash has lost his shirt and we’re greeted in the amazing finale with the glorious boom of confetti cannons. A half-naked Slash covered in confetti with his rear end hanging out, is a site to behold and everyone is grinning ear to ear. More picks are thrown out as Slash makes his final comment of the night “this is preserved for all time, thank you, you guys have been there since the beginning”.
Looking across the room, I can see people from all walks of life and generations brought together by one sole legendary man who epitomises the very culture of rock. Not only has Slash brought back the significance of Guns n Roses, he’s also completely shaken the foundations of the entertainment centre with his own brand of signature rock and immense skill, leaving us all dazed and ecstatic. Tonight Slash’s fans got to partake in a memorable experience, one that has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that true Rock n Roll will never ever die.
Nazia Hafiz