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Slash: Made In Stoke 24/7/11 Eagle Rock Entertainment (Armoury Records)

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Written by Susie Salva
SLASH: Made In Stoke 24/7/11
on Eagle Rock Entertainment’s and featuring Myles Kennedy is where the lead guitarist revisits his hometown with his own band. Recorded at Victoria Hall in Stoke on Trent 24/7/11 is a phenomenal live CD. With his signature top hat and floppy hair Slash and Myles Kennedy raise the roof with a high-flying set of originals in music from his first-ever solo live disc.

The iconic, Grammy-winning rock guitarist and songwriter Slash has perfected the science of the six-string for over 20 years as an integral component of Guns ‘N Roses and Velvet Revolver and hugely successful solo artist. On July 24th, he made a very special visit to Stoke on Trent, England, where he was raised, at the end of the 2010-2011 tour in support of his globally chart topping and critically acclaimed self-titled solo debut.Captured at Victoria Hall as part of an intensive world tour, this 21-song set is a celebration of a legendary career.

Joined by Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge on vocals this CD is two hours of ass-kicking rock ‘n roll. Slash ripped through cuts culled from his GN’R days, Velvet Revolver, Slash’s Snakepit, and his solo album. The bands line-up included Todd Kerns on bass, drummer Brent Fitz and guitarist Bobby Schneck.

CD disc 1 starts off the lead track with the energetic “Been There Lately,” with the squeaky vocals of Kennedy leading right into “Nightrain,” the alcohol-laden cut highlighting Kennedy’s great falsetto along with Slash’s iconic guitar solo. “Ghost” figures up next where Kennedy engages the audience by saying, “I want to hear you scream!” This note bending guitar solo uses modulation to rip through this song which is off of Slash’s solo CD. Also, featured on this live CD is “Back From Cali” from the same solo release. The crowd claps and sings along with the band enthusiastically as Slash delves into “Rocket Queen,” with his recognizable intricate guitar riff and chug, chugging rhythm guitar work along with Kennedy’s searing vocals.
“Civil War” is up next as Slash expresses his pleasure performing live and documenting his experience on CD and DVD. He pays a special nod to Jimi Hendrix in his solo work on that song. The next series of songs in succession are from Slash’s solo release including “Nothing to Say,” the country twanged “Starlight,” and “Promise.”

CD disc 2 starts off with another song off the solo disc “Doctor Alibi,” originally recorded with Lemmy Kilmeister now featuring Todd Kerns on lead vocals again displaying Slash’s amazing acrobatics on his guitar. “Watch This” follows with his incredible instrumental music. Kennedy tells the audience, “Think you know this one. Whistle if you feel like it,” as he begins to sing “Patience.” Slash plays an extensive guitar solo displaying his incredible dexterity and the fastest fingers in the business. The solo continues on with the soundtrack to the Godfather with his unbelievable finger-work. The crowd cheers along to “Sweet Child O’Mine,” where the audience recognizes these few notes that comprise the chorus as Kennedy tells them that it has been a memorable evening as he introduces the band. They finish off the set with “By the Sword,” “Mr. Brownstone,” and the iconic “Paradise City.”

Slash is widely considered one of the greatest rock guitar players of all time. He has received countless accolades and awards including a 2007 induction into Hollywood’s Rock Walk (located in front of Guitar Center in Hollywood) alongside his idols Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix. An original member of iconic rock band Guns ‘N  Roses, the Grammy-winning Slash helped the band create signature sounds like the guitar riff of #1 hit, “Sweet Child O’Mine,” and “Welcome to the Jungle.”After leaving the band, Slash went on to critical acclaim in his personal project Slash’s Snakepit, and global success with supergroup Velvet Revolver. He has been widely sought after by the biggest musicians of all time, performing with everybody from Michael Jackson to Stevie Wonder to Ray Charles. Slash recently landed on top of the charts with his first true solo album, “Slash.” Slash was recently honored by official selection for 2011 to receive a star on Hollywood’s iconic Walk of Fame. In February 2011 he performed at the Super Bowl XLV half time show. Slash is currently in the studio working on his second solo album due for release in 2012.

About the author

Susie Salva