Slash does it again

Published by: Yuda on 16th Mar 2011 | View all blogs by Yuda

SINGAPORE: Playing in Singapore for a second time in just over seven months, one might be tempted to think that Saul Hudson, or Slash as he's better known by, holds a soft spot for this little country.

No one though, could anticipate the living legend would break away from the norm and confess his love, saying, "You guys are ****ing awesome. What's playing here three or four times a year?"

With that, Slash and co. etched their way into the hearts of the 2,500 present last Saturday, on Day 2 of the Big Night Out festival at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. It was a mighty strong performance that will surely live in the memories of many in the crowd till Slash returns.

The band, featuring Myles Kennedy (lead vocals), Bobby Schneck (rhythm guitar), Todd Kerns (bass), and Brent Fitz (drums), provided the perfect compliment to the star of the night as they delivered 21 songs of pure entertainment.

Slash kick-started the night with "Ghost", a track from his latest eponymous album.

He then worked the crowd gingerly, starting conservatively before unleashing his finger party on them.

Breaking out in spontaneous solos and showing what 45-year-old fingers can still do to worn and battered fretboards, Slash pulled out all the stops by running, hopping and spinning around all over the stage, even going on his knees at one point in true showmanship fashion.

He was captivating, to say the least, but did not overshadow his other famous colleague, the Alter Bridge front man Kennedy, who broke into his own with a soulful and heart wrenching take on "Starlight".

By the time they reached the world famous Guns N' Roses classic "Sweet Child o' Mine", the crowd had been whipped into a frenzy and once the signature riff echoed through the arena, a riot erupted.

Slash impersonators, fans and practically anyone who happened to be there, simply could not resist the lure of the beat and were found whooping and throwing their hands up in surrender to the guitar god on stage.

This lasted all the way till the band closed their set proper with "Slither", a heart thumping rock anthem that earned Slash a Grammy award back in 2005 with Velvet Revolver.

And the crowd cried for more.

Yet one could not ask for a more perfect finish to the gig when Kennedy declared before their last encore song, "This next song is about as fitting for a city like this, as a song can be."

No prizes if you named "Paradise City" as the finale.

-CNA/jl