Review: Slash / Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators-Melbourne- 27 February 2024
Revered as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Slash brought his ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด- ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ช๐ผ๐ฟ๐น๐ฑ ๐ง๐ผ๐๐ฟ โ๐ฎ๐ฐ to John Cain Arena tonight in the city of rock- Melbourne. Featuring other rock legends, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, they were certainly another draw card to tonightโs show. Not only that, Australiaโs most loved Rose Tattoo and the flamboyant The Struts also had their names engraved on tonightโs bill- With what would be the last show of this Australian Tour.
The party starters tonight were local legends Rose Tattoo. Having a huge career spanning decades, lead singer Angry Anderson, still knows how to warm up a crowd albeit 10 minutes earlier than anticipated. Having a somewhat global cult following, the early arrivals were treated to some of the most recognised hard rocking blues that Australia has ever unleashed. It was a treat seeing Ronnie Simmons (as one of the latest additions to the band), take over from the ARIA Hall of Famer Bob Spencer seamlessly, which is not an easy act to follow. Even in the midst of their extensive Australian tour, Rose Tattoo, still seem energetic and ready to rock. Playing all their huge hits in such a short time slot such as, Bad Boy for Love, RockโnโRoll Outlaw and We Cant be Beaten and so many more. An absolute highlight of this set, was Slash joining the Aussie legends for a final blues melody. The Tatts were an absolute thrill to watch on this warm Tuesday night.
The Struts are well known for not only their glam rock but their flamboyant front man Luke Spiller (who if Freddy and The Sweet had a love child, you would get Spiller). Spiller commands the audience and is always a joy to follow around the stage. The Struts sounded awesome tonight. Never a disappointing show Iโve seen and tonight was no exception. The British rockers never leave anything on the stage and with this performance you can see why they have supported some of the greatest bands in our time- from Guns NโRoses, The Who, The Stones and Foo Fighters. The Struts is what music and the joy it brings is all about. Playing various hits from their three albums, they were certainly a beautiful addition to tonightโs bill and felt like that their time on stage was too short. Catchy guitar licks from Adam Slack on Guitar coupled with thumping bass of Jed Eilliot and the awesome fills from beat keeper Gethin Davies were superb. From crowd dividing yells, to the fancy dancing of Spiller, this band is tight and so damn entertaining to watch.
Sauntering on stage with his standard black top hat and shades, Slash took position on the right alongside the equally accomplished Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators comprising of Brent Fitz on sticks, Todd Kerns on bass and vocals, and Frank Sidoris on rhythm guitar. We were certainly in for a treat with this musical mastery on stage.
One thing guaranteed with a Slash gig, is that it is obviously guitar centric and tonight was no exception. Long guitar solos that bring cramps to your own hands as you air guitar through them. Slash is certainly a master of the six strings and to watch him perform solo after solo is extraordinary. Plenty in the crowd tonight were clearly GnR fans and here to support Slash on his well deserved solo tour. But lets not forget Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. Behind every striking lead guitarist is a band that is tight and just as talented if not more talented that the front man. Kennedy is a master in his own right and seeing both them together on stage was certainly a highlight for me. To be honest, to see these living legends perform together was a ‘pinch me’ moment. Kennedy has an internal coolness that allows him to just sit behind the star of the show but still radiate a presence that is unforgivably cool. He is the true meaning of “feature”.
Slashing through (yes pun intended) a set list comprising of tunes from four of their joint albums, but also treating the audience to some of Slash’s cameo songs such as Lenny Kravitz “Always on the Run” but throwing in a Guns N Roses hit , “Bad Apples” with Todd Kerns on vocals highlighting he ain’t just a pretty face on strings. Highlights for me were โStarlightโ, โAnastasia” โHaloโ and the โWorld on Fireโ where the unsurpassed vocals of Kennedy, mixed with The Conspirators support and last but clearly not least, Slashโs heavy riffs and solos merged to create an undeniably breathtaking night of pure rock ‘n roll. This is what music is all about. A thoroughly enjoyable night with the ubiquitous ringing of the ears reminding you of the awesome music you witnessed from some of the greatest musicians around.
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