Concert Review: Slash - Cleveland House of Blues

Five months ago, Slash was in Cleveland being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He came back last week for a concert that showed this Hall of Famer is at the top of his game.  He treated us to a concert that included Guns ‘N’ Roses, Slash’s Snakepit, Velvet Revolver and his solo material.  To say that the show rocked would be an incredible understatement.

Starting out a little awkwardly with Halo (he mentioned on Twitter that there were some technical difficulties), he and his band quickly found their groove with Night Train right after and never let up in the 21 song set.  They pulled heavily from Slash’s latest CD, Apocalyptic Love, which was just fine with me as it may just be his best overall CD since Appetite for Destruction (see the blog post of my review of the CD - Slash – Apocalyptic Love - Best CD of the Year – I’mCalling It Now!), the biggest highlight being Anastasia. That may be one of the best songs he’s ever written and it was amazing live.

In only playing six G’n’R songs, he picked the right ones.  Night Train and Civil War (even playing through a broken string) are always fun to hear.  Out Ta Get Me was probably the biggest surprise of the night. Rocket Queen included an extended solo that had everyone in awe.  He rounded out the G’n’R songs with must plays, Sweet Child o’ Mine and Paradise City.

 

Another (of many, as you can tell) big highlight was an extended blues solo that was a nice change of pace from the usual Slash guitar solos. Reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s Shine on You, Crazy Diamond, Slash showed why he can share the stage with such a wide range of artists that he has in past.  

 

I wouldn’t be doing justice if I didn’t mention Myles Kennedy and the incredible range he has with his voice.  Covering all the eras of Slash’s career would be difficult for any singer, but Kennedy made it look effortless. I’ve been critical of his voice at times, but during this show, he could do no wrong.  Additionally, the Conspirators – Brent Fitz, Todd Kerns and Frank Sidoris – laid down a strong rhythm section.  This is one of the best and most entertaining bands Slash has played with.

 

Overall, this was just a great night of rock music. I was really happy to see that the show was sold out.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll continue to preach it: we need to make sure Cleveland is a can’t miss city for rock artists.  We’re the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame City and this was one night we got to show it!

 

If anyone else was at the show, I’d love to hear what you thought.  Or, just tell me what your favorite Slash song is...I want to hear from you guys!  Thanks for reading!

 

Set List:

Halo

Night Train

Ghost

Standing in the Sun

Back from Cali

Been There Lately

Civil War

Rocket Queen

No More Heroes

We’re All Gonna Die

Out Ta Get Me

Bad Rain

Not For Me

Starlight

Blues Jam

Anastasia

Sweet Child ‘o Mine

You’re a Lie

Slither

 

Encore:

Fall to Pieces

Paradise City