Review And Photos By Hannah Laney
SLASH, along with MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS, rocked the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville last Wednesday night. An unexpected venue for this lineup, but remarkable nonetheless.
Their latest album, 4 consists of many songs that one would think had been out for years considering the audience’s reaction. There were people of all ages lining the rows anxiously awaiting the exciting show. Live music has become somewhat of a new luxury nowadays. After going without at its full capacity for almost two years, fans everywhere have been anxious to get back to this form of entertainment. The album is the first from the new Gibson Records label. Many heads and associates of the company filled the rows to see the show. Produced in Nashville by Country producer Dave Cobb, the album already held a special place in the hearts of the city.
TASH NEAL opened the concert with his band. It was inspiring. He could tell that his message was working. The crowd fed off his electric energy, igniting the rest of the evening and creating some new fans.
While waiting for the show to begin, intense music fell over the crowd, hushing them into a state of overwhelming excitement. Lights flashed all across the stage and finally it was time. It was off to a great start and it was only just the first guitar riff. Kennedy’s vocals were very impressive live and Slash played the guitar strongly from beginning to end. Music City was prepared for some rock ‘n’ roll that night, and rock ‘n’ roll is what they got.
SLASH has been collaborating with MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS for years now. Their level of commitment to the music and each other shines through anything else in the performance. Playing songs from the new album such as “The River Is Rising”, “Fill My World”, and the live premiere of “April Fool” had those in attendance captivated, begging for more. Not only did the band perform their own songs, they even threw in a couple of covers to keep the night interesting. Their rendition of Elton John’s “Rocketman” blew everyone away, myself included. Watching how artists take on each other’s art is never boring. Another cover done was “Always on the Run” by Lenny Kravitz.
The mix of songs was proven to delight the audience more and more as each one passed. It was definitely a night to remember in Nashville. Musicians like Slash have the utmost respect for this city and are able to relate to the audience members in more ways than one. Most of the time, the audience members in Nashville are musicians themselves. Receiving a standing ovation here is like shaking hands with the Queen. No, really.
It’s always incredible to see such a legend perform live. It’s even more incredible to see that they can play live years later after the height of it all. Slash did not disappoint and brought a group of musicians along with him who didn’t either. Their next project is bound to be even better.
Check out some more photos from the show!
Photos By Hannah Laney
