Last March 12, 2024, the atmosphere got electrified as fans packed the hall of SM Skydome for an unforgettable night of pure rock and roll euphoria.
As the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted in frenzy as Slash's iconic silhouette emerged from the stage. With his trademark top hat and his Gibson Les Paul slung low.
Accompanied by powerhouse vocalist, Myles Kennedy and backed by Todd Kerns on bass, Brent Fitz on drums and Frank Sidoris on rhythm guitar. The band wasted no time in launching to "The River is Rising", the opening track of their latest album "4".They tore through their setlist with such precision and passion. Songs like "Driving Rain", "Halo" and "Too Far Gone" and "Back From Cali". The latter from Slash' second single from his self-titled debut album.
They also played "Whatever Gets You By", "The Path Less Followed", "Spirit Love" and "April Fool" also from their album "4". There were no Guns N' Roses nor Velvet Revolver songs on the setlist except for the former, an obscure b-side from Use Your Illusion I, "Bad Apples".
Slash' fingers danced intricately to the fretboard like a ballet dancer gracing the stage with such finesse. His blazing guitar solos proved why he is considered one of the best guitar players of all time that influenced countless guitarists around the world, myself included. While Myles Kennedy's vocal range was nothing short of mesmerizing. He sings with so much emotion present in their underrated song "Starlight". He commanded the stage with such charisma and intensity.
The band finished their set with "Dr. Alibi", "You're a Lie", and the ass kicking song "World on Fire" but prior to that was "Fill My World" which was written from Myles' dog's point of view. The frontman asked the audience if they have pictures of their pets on their mobile phones and raise it in the air while the song is playing as this was dedicated to them.
As the group concluded their set, the crowd wanted more. So the band played their encore of what was a rocking cover of Elton John's "Rocketman" featuring Slash on a pedal steel guitar and The Conspirators' Brent Fitz on keyboards. The band culminated with "Anastasia" that provided a fitting conclusion to a tempestuous night of hard rock.
Overall, Slash' exceptional guitar skills, Myles' vocal prowess and The Conspirators tight knit dynamics and chemistry resonate on their playing like witnessing a magic sonically unfolding on stage. The rock and roll experience they gave that night lived up to the audience's enthusiasm and truly a night of timeless rock 'n' roll spirit.
Words by Kerwin de Dios
Photos by Patrick Lasanas