Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators + Rose Tattoo.
Entertainment Centre, Sydney
Saturday, 25th of August 2012
Australian hard rock band Rose Tattoo’s [Tatts] influence on ex Guns N’ Roses [Gunners] American guitarist Slash is well known. So, having outspoken vocalist Angry Anderson and his current cohorts as support act for Slash’s latest solo tour has some depth. The Tatts were in fine form this evening as guitarist Dai Pritchard launched into slide solos on his flying V whilst second session guitarist Randall Waller cranked out tight, punchy riffs. Opening with ‘One of the Boys’, the hard rock powered along nicely with subsequent songs such as ‘All For One’, the classic ‘Bad Boy For Love’ and the intensely delivered ‘Scarred For Life’. Their forty minute set showed that the battle hardened Tatts are still a formidable live music workhorse.
The huge backdrop of Slash’s new album ‘Apocalyptic Love’ indicated the direction of the show. However, hearing old Gunners material was clearly an audience expectation.
Ironically, the last time Slash played at this very venue was in late 80’s with his famously estranged band leader, Axl Rose. Now appearing onstage with Alter Bridge front man Myles Kennedy on vocals and Slash’s band known as the Conspirators filling bass, drum and rhythm guitar roles, the row of Marshall signature amplifier stacks on stage left showed who was in charge. Slash remains unique and business savvy with his trademark top hat, sunglasses, leather pants and signature Gibson Les Paul.
The set opened with the driving rock of new song ‘Halo’. Gunners’ material of ‘Night Train’ showed Myles’ command of presence was also impressive alongside the guitar legend. A few more new songs were trotted out before Myles’ covering of Axl’s vocal delivery impressed everyone with a piercing cover of ‘My Michelle’. The classic ‘Rocket Queen’ included an extended improvisation from Slash, effortlessly weaving around the fret board with fast bluesy patterns. Good variety also came as bassist Todd Kerns took vocal duties on two songs of ‘Doctor Alibi’ and ‘Out Ta Get Me’.
Of the newer Slash material, the song ‘Starlight’ was a highlight. It smoothly segued into
the instrumental section which included a slower blues figure with Myles on rhythm guitar to bolster Slash’s expressive vibrato and ripping minor blues scale runs. After ‘Anastasia’, the hits resumed with ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ and the Velvet Revolver songs ‘Slither’ and ‘Fall to Pieces’. Predictably, ‘Paradise City’ closed proceedings with climbing guitar soloing during the bombastic end complete with confetti jettisoned across the crowd. Slash has a recognisable style and nuanced attack of the guitar that few can match. He has attitude and feel to burn without pilfering influential bands. Tonight’s performance covered a great rock legacy and hopefully introduced a stable future line up.