An experience I will never forget - Slash 2/13/11

It was a brisk February evening when me and my friend Britton (and drummer) left my house to head out to the House of Blues to see my inspirational hero, Slash. After waiting about a half hour in line, we were in. And finally at 10:15 pm Slash and his band were on stage. It was a moment that is very hard for me to explain. Ever since I was a young kid, I had aspired to become as talented as the legendary guitarist. I practiced hours on some of Guns N' Roses songs throughout my high school years. With a small 10 watt amp and my dad's 1977 Ibanez Les Paul Copy, I had mastered Welcome to the Jungle.

But let's get past all my history and back to the concert. To your left is a picture that was taken that night by a House of Blues photographer, of course of the amazing Myles Kennedy and Slash. The lineup was quiet simple. To the left of the stage was rhythm guitarist Bobby Schneck. Next to him was the impressive bassist Todd Kerns. Taking center stage, holding the fort up was drummer Brent Fitz. Of course taking lead vocals was my man Myles Kennedy. Last but not least was Slash on the right with his quadruple Marshall stack behind him wielding his legendary Les Paul.

The song they opened up with was the first track from Slash's solo album, called Ghost. This was a stellar performance as was expected. The first Guns N' Roses song they played was the famous Nightrain from the Appetite for Destruction album. It was played to near perfection, and I was surprised how well Myles Kennedy sang the outrageous highs that Axl Rose had created on the original track. A few other songs they did that were from Slash's recent solo album (April 2010) were Back from Cali, Nothing to Say, Starlight, and We're all gonna Die featuring Todd Kerns as vocalist.

I was pleasantly surprised that they performed Nothing to Say which was the song Avenged Sevenfold frontman, M. Shadows sang on Slash's solo album. Myles Kennedy was given a guitar on this song to perform rhythm, and Slash switched out his traditional Les Paul to a black one with a whammy bar; very uncommon for standard Les Paul guitar. This was definitely was of the highlight songs of the night because of the heavy riffing and amazing and intricate solo performed flawlessly by Slash.

Bassist Todd Kerns and Myles Kennedy

Some of the Guns N' Roses songs they played were Nightrain, Rocket Queen, Civil War, Mr. Brownstone, and Sweet Child O' Mine. I was thoroughly impressed by all of the GNR songs they did but I was really captivated by their performance of Rocket Queen. Slash was given a good amount of time for a solo before delving into the mezmorizing slide solo of Rocket Queen. This was definitely impressive as Slash showed off the many decades of skill and experience. And then when he grabbed his slide it was just jaw dropping to see him perform the famous solo with ease. And of course the ballad-like ending of Rocket Queen was just spectacular as Myles Kennedy sang the heart touching words of one of Axl Roses finest songs.

As their performance was drawing ever nearer, I was soon expecting a Velvet Revolver song. And sure enough my wish was granted as they performed Slither as their last song. Afterwards, the crowd screamed loudly for an encore and I joined in to the top of my voice to get the amazing musicians back on stage. As expected they came back for the best encore performance I have ever seen!

Slash introducing drummer Brent Fitz

The first encore song was one of my favorite GNR songs, and one I also like to play a lot on guitar - My Michelle. After a jaw dropping spectacle I knew what song they would play next. I could just feel it in the air as the crowd cheered loudly after My Michelle. Yes, that's right, Paradise City folks. After the legendary clean sounding intro, the aslo famous heavy riff got the place jumping and head banging more than any other song during the concert. Right before one of the greatest rock solos all of time was about to be shredded by Slash, I felt the anticipation rising up like never before. Through the adrenaline of playing with his new found band and the uproar of the crowd, Slash amazed me like never before with his ear-numbing double time solo! When I turned to look at my friend Britton, I saw an entranced 22 year old man with his jaw half-way to the floor. Yes, this was the perfect ending to the most exciting and fun night I ever experienced in my short life. Thank you Slash, thank you very much.

Oh wow, I can't believe I forgot this detail. Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick was the guest appearance!!! People went crazy for him!! I had no idea he could shred like the way he did! Anyways...

As a souvenir Britton caught Slash's half empty Monster can, that he gladly gave to me, as I drank the rest of it as they were performing Slither and encore songs. I also found one of Slash's picks and Rick Nielsen's pick as well. Definitely gave me something to remember the night for many years to come. On the way home, I reflected on how Slash was able to get achieve his great skills. I had very high expectations for the night, but my expectations were shattered by his even more impressive performance. I now realized how he came to be this amazing. It dawned on me that it was thanks to the adrenaline and energy given by his band mates mixed with decades of experience and his undeniable skill. He has inspired me even more now to become the best guitarist I can possibly be. My goal is not to become an exact copycat of the British/American icon. Rather it is to become my own guitarist; to achieve my own style of playing and to entertain others through my skill. This I have learned from you Slash...thank you again.

TayTayKemp

Nothing to SayMr. Brownstone / Sweet Child We're All Gonna Die

End of "Nightrain"/ Rocket Queen

Also, here is the link to our cover of Sweet Child O' Mine. ^_^  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn4KyfpWR0M

Slash's Monster Can!

Slash's pick  (left) and Rick Nielsen's pick (right)