adminSlash took centre stage at the O2 City Hall in Newcastle this month for the first time since 1987. Here are five things Rushonrock’s John Evans learnt from a night in the company of the ultimate guitar hero.
1. Saul Hudson wasn’t the only serious shredder in town
Wolfgang Van Halen has it all to do as he carries the torch for one of the most famous families in rock. Fortunately he has the chops — and the chums — to pull it off.
Mammoth WVH might be a vehicle for Eddie’s son but it’s the band that makes the man.
A full house bore witness to a full range of meaty riffs and pin sharp solos as Wolfy got his teeth into the Toon.
2. A night on the Slash is for all ages
Young and old, sober and merry, screaming and statuesque: anyone and everyone claimed one of the hottest tickets in town as Slash headed back to Tyneside.
There’s no doubting the global appeal of Stoke’s finest and while, for many, this was their first time in his esteemed company then for the majority it was simply more of the same.
Given his vast canon and legendary status, it’s little wonder Slash still pulls in the crowds.
And it’s no surprise that he’s constantly winning over new converts.
But maybe one GnR classic might have rewarded those wide-eyed Slash virgins hoping for a brief blast of Appetite?
3. Myles Kennedy was smoother than a chocolate bunny
As Easter Sunday sermons go, this quasi-religious experience was on a different level.
And watching Myles Kennedy rise again was a truly special experience.
He might have shied away from some of the tunes here — everyone needs the odd breather — but when it came to the Alter Bridge man’s time to shine he didn’t disappoint.
Halo was head and shoulders above the rest as the standout tune of the night.
But Kennedy wowed on Wicked Stone — noting that certain songs take him forever to finish.
And set closer Anastasia afforded the accomplished frontman the perfect opportunity to go out on a high.
4. Rock crowds are caring crowds
During April Fool — a day early but nobody cared — an anxious Kennedy was clearly distracted by an emergency in the crowd.
And he made sure to check on the situation before the show could go on.
There was relief in his voice when he confirmed ‘We’re one big family’.
And there might even have been a quick sideways glance towards his old mucker Slash.
The Guns N Roses man needs no reminding of the potential dangers facing fans crammed together, worshipping their idols.
Donington ’88 was a dreadful reminder of what might happen.
But 99 times out of 100, rock and metal crowds look after their own with impeccable care.
5. ‘You may never be this good again’
Let’s hope the defining lyric underpinning World On Fire — the last song of the main set here — doesn’t ring true.
But it could do.
Because Slash, for all his meandering solos and ill-advised handstand, might never be this good again.
Just seeing him back at the City Hall for the first time in 37 years was thrilling enough.
But watching the ultimate guitar hero move seamlessly through the gears at the ripe old age of 58 almost beggared belief.
Good? Slash was great. If only he’d given us just the briefest reprise of that infamous ’87 show…
Main Image by Adam Kennedy