Slash
by BA5150 on 7/10/13Peoria Civic Center - PeoriaRating: 5 out of 5Amazing rapidfire song after song. OUTSTANDING Musicianship and vocals!

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SLASH featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators on Tour
“I think it’s time to set this world on fire/I think it’s time to push it to the edge/I’m so f---in’ bored so trip the wire/It may never be this good again”
--From the opening power chords of the single and title track of WORLD ON FIRE
WORLD ON FIRE is the new album from SLASH featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators, and it comes on full throttle and in-your-face, a hunk of burning rock ‘n’ roll that takes no prisoners. Intensifying the band’s sound and vision, it marks the follow-up to their succesful and acclaimed 2012 debut, Apocalyptic Love, also released on SLASH’s own indie Dik Hayd International label distributed through Caroline.
“We’ve been playing together for awhile and I think it’s gotten to the point where everybody’s comfortable in our own skins,” says Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist SLASH, who has amassed album sales of over 100 million copies, with seven GRAMMY nominations, a GRAMMY award and countless accolades. “It turned out to be a very easy process. We definitely had chemistry from the very first time we entered a room together. It was instantaneous magic.”
WORLD ON FIRE represents that chemistry, as SLASH, vocalist MYLES KENNEDY, bassist TODD KERNS and drummer BRENT FITZ blaze through 17 songs that run the gamut of topics, some derived from tour bus conversations between the singer and guitarist. These range from the pointed sexual politics of “Battleground,” “Dirty Girl” and “Stone Blind,” the anti-war sentiments of “Dissident” and the coming-of-age saga “Bent to Fly,” to such charged issues as elephant poaching (“Beneath the Savage Sun”), child abuse in the Catholic Church (“The Unholy”), addiction (“Wicked Stone”) and the perils faced by females of a certain age in show business (“Withered Delilah”). There’s also a song inspired by Mad Men’s Don Draper (“Shadow Life”) and a rockin’ instrumental (“Safari Inn”).
“There are lots of different stories and themes on this album,” says KENNEDY, the vocalist for Alter Bridge who first played on SLASH’s self-titled 2010 debut solo release, and became an instant fit. “When SLASH sends me a chord progression or a riff, it’s like hearing music to a film. Ultimately, I am writing the script for the composition with lyrics and melodies inspired by what he sends me musically. I do my best to keep the story congruent with the mood of the track."
Unlike Apocalyptic Love, which was essentially recorded live in the studio, WORLD ON FIRE began with jamming by SLASH, KERNS and FITZ, who sent the results to KENNEDY. Produced by Mike “Elvis” Baskette (Alter Bridge, Falling in Reverse, Incubus, Iggy Pop, Chevelle) in his Orlando-based Studio Barbarossa and at L.A.’s NRG Studios, WORLD ON FIRE finds SLASH playing all the guitars this time around.
Make no mistake about it, though. This is no solo project, but a rock ‘n’ roll band, with all four members contributing their strengths to the whole.
“I was influenced by the group ethic as a kid coming up,” admits SLASH. “I would buy live records because that was the energy I craved. As soon as I picked up a guitar in junior high school, I started a band. That’s the vibe I’m looking for, the interaction between musicians. Having a singer whom I know where he’s at, and writing with him in mind, my songwriting skills have gotten a lot better.”
Those arrangements range from the acoustic strumming and “la la la” chorus of “Battleground” and the epic build of “Bent to Fly” to the distinctive SLASH guitar riff which opens “Iris of the Storm,” the wide-screen scope of “The Unholy,” with its sounds of children in the playground, and the jungle boogie instrumental of “Safari Inn.”
“I’ve learned a great deal through the whole process,” says KENNEDY, who splits his time between The Conspirators and Alter Bridge. ““Everybody’s on the same page and we’re all very proud of what we’ve done as a band on this record. There's a great chemistry between the 4 of us that continues to evolve with each recording.”
WORLD ON FIRE comes on the heels of the success of Apocalyptic Love, which debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart and produced SLASH’s first-ever No. 1 U.S. Rock radio solo hits in “You’re a Lie” and “Standing in the Sun.” With the release of Nothing Left to Fear last year--SLASH’s initial foray into horror pictures, co-produced by his Slasher Films--he began to broaden his horizons, a development which could be heard on WORLD ON FIRE, particularly on the very cinematic set-piece, “The Unholy.”
“That comes from an entirely different side of my brain,” SLASH admits. “I never usually write like that for a band, but I thought it would be pretty cool.”
KENNEDY, who comes from a Christian Scientist and Methodist background, based the song on what he was hearing from Catholic friends. “It’s not as silent as it once was,” he says of the institutionalized child abuse he tackles in the lyrics. “It’s really sad and heartbreaking because these are people you look up to, clergymen, who betray that trust.”
The lyrics of “Shadow Life” come from Kennedy’s fascination with the TV show “Mad Men” and the duplicity of its main character Don Draper. “That character fascinates me because the dark secrets he keeps, as well as the double life he leads, ultimately make his existence more complex and difficult."
“The Dissident” is about a soldier who comes to the realization that he no longer believes in what he is fighting for, while “Withered Delilah” gets inside how the entertainment industry can chew up and spit out women when they no longer have a use for them.
“This is basically a happy record with some dark subject matter,” acknowledges SLASH. “It ends up in a positive place, but it also leaves you with the idea not to get too comfortable.”
For SLASH featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, there is no time for that, as the band will intersperse their own headlining dates by appearing with Aerosmith on the celebrated “Let Rock Rule” tour in North America this summer, a jaunt they previewed with a surprise performance at the Whisky a Go Go earlier this spring.
“I’m really excited about it,” says SLASH. “There are not really too many bands I can feel comfortable partnering up with. When I first picked up the guitar, they were a huge influence my favorite band at the time, bar none. The Rocks album was a catalyst for me to pursue what it is I do now. Guns N’ Roses toured with them in the ‘80s. They always represented a certain kind of attitude, brashness and realism in rock ‘n’ roll I still to this day subscribe to. We fit together really well.”
Encore
Encore
Amazing rapidfire song after song. OUTSTANDING Musicianship and vocals!
I had never seen Slash, listened to all his stuff. I had seen Myles before but never together. The rest of the band was awesome, the show was two hours of none stop loud, aggressive, keeping the crowd engaged greatness. The encore was great, thanks Slash and Myles and the rest of the boys.
Excellent show, nearly 2 hours of just straight rock and roll. Loved it! Slash and Myles give you your money's worth.
I definitely enjoyed myself. We picked up these tickets at the last minute from a friend and we were very happy we did. The opener, Hillbilly Herald was really entertaining, straightforward hard rock. The musicianship was very solid and they sound super polished for an opening band. Highlight was definitely their cover of AC/DC's "TNT." The second band that was supposedly on the tour did not play, which was odd, but that led to a very long set of rock from Slash and his band. Myles Kennedy was in pretty good voice all night, and some songs were sung by the bassist as well, who has a good 80s glam rock voice. Best part of the singing was the harmonies between Myles and the bassist. It's not often that live vocal harmonies are featured, but they pulled them off really well. Slash was on his game for sure, ripping off at least a 5 minute rock-jazz solo center-stage in the middle of the show.
What a great show! So much talent on 1 stage! It was a great venue to see it at as well! We would definately see them again!
I would not recommend anyone purchasing the VIP package. They change their minds as they go of what is included in the package. If you do purchase the package - print a listing of everything that is included. I spoke to Slash's manager regarding the guitar I was suppose to receive and nothing ever happened. The concert was great-the handling of the package was an experience I will never forget!
Absolutely great combination of musicians. Rocked beyond belief and exceeded all expectations. The place was packed and it was difficult to maintain a place to stand, but the music blasted away all concerns. Incredible performances. Will be there next time, so I hope this group plays again here soon.
Slash was pretty good, but he wasn't as good as he used to be back in the day when he was in Guns N Roses. The two opening bands were good, Mach 22 and Foxy Shazam. Foxy was very entertaining. I didn't know what to expect, but they made me laugh and the music wasn't bad either!
Myles Kennedy has an amazing voice. He's actually the reason I went to the concert. The Conspirators were an absolutely professional delight and a GREAT back-up to let Slash stand out and do his thing. I liked how Myles would step back a bit when Slash was soloing, then come forward again when resuming vocals...like he was exhibiting a professional "good manners" on stage. Haven't seen anything like that. All four musicians really hold their own on their instruments..I watched carefully and it's true. HIGHLY recommend seeing this foursome anytime they're in your town. One point I have to complain about--I feel the volume was too high at this venue. I think vocals were a bit weak as far as amplification--guitar a bit overkill. Dont know if it was the venue acoustics or the mixing board guys didn't catch it? Turn it down and balance it better. I'd like to HEAR Myles's voice.
Great show from start to finish. everything smooth and on time. Opening act Foxy Shazam. incredible performers and they know how to hook the audience. they were incredible! Awesome show from Slash feat. Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. they never disappointed and was great to hear to Welcome to The Jungle (Yup, we were the lucky ONES to hear this song.) I wish they have another concert around The Bay Area.
this was one of the best shows i've seen all year. Slash and Myles Kennedy have great chemestry on stage and are matched so well in talent the combination is explosive. Awesome show!!, if they were performing somewhere close the next few days i would have gone to see them again and again
Myles was sick and had some voice issues but he hung in like a pro. Todd did some vocals to help and was great.......and Slash was Slash
This show was beyond my expectations. Myles Kennedy was great and of course Slash was amazing. Todd Kerns helped out with vocals due to Myles being ill and he was just as good. What an awesome show and a great venue.
I could not wait for this event, and the anticpation built up to an experience that beyond my expections!! Slash's rifs were "off the charts" and Myles Kennedy has some of the best vocals in the industry! They were "tight" and rocked the Fox Theatre. Acoustics were awesome. One concert that will go down as the best I've ever seen!! Slash's powerful solo with Anastasia sent chills up my spine!! Can't wait to see them again. Don't miss them if they come to your City!!
The show was freakin' awesome! Crowd was great, act was great, & the show was just overall great! I was 30 feet away from the legend himself!!!! Great playlist too!
First, Fox theater and staff are awesome. Opening act was too loud and sucked, their lights shining out into the audience were awful. . Second act, keyboard player didn't realize he wasn't plugged in to the fifth song. Their lead singer sounds like Bon Scott. Add a couple ACDC covers they would have been fun. Could not hear Myles Kennedy for the first half of the show..TURN THE MIC FEED UP EINSTEIN. Slash as always was awesome..The slow blues number they did was outstanding and Rocket Girl was incredible with a long solo by Slash.. The Fox is a great experience and parking abundant. It was a fun night.
The band was tight and the sound was great. Myles put on a great show (I had no idea he had been sick and the next show was cancelled... could not tell, even tho he was hurting he put on a kick ass show). All in all, every member is pulling their weight and then some. Slash is incredible and I would see these guys again. Looking forward to the next album and tour!
The band was amazing, and Slash, he's Guitar Royalty, you rock us Slash!. Myles, his voice is outstanding, so rockingly soulful and he's so humble on stage - love his spirit. This was my first time seeing them together. The energy of all of them was so excitiing! COME BACK TO OAKLAND, CA GUYS!!! We need more!!! I love the new CD, finally, new music that I like. Bring ES and FS with you too!!!
Way, way too loud. Fox Theater accoustics can't handle this much noise. Concert should have included some of their WONDERFUL unplugged acoustic music as it was impossible to hear Myles' voice at all let alone Slash's expert guitar work with the amps turned up so loud! I know they are both from heavy metal bands but this was unbearable so we , all three of us, left early!
Not as good as 2 yrs ago at the warfield in s.f. needed more slash solo's and miles didn't seem right!.