LIVE AT THE SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENT CENTER – BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA
There are few names more iconic to classic rock ‘n’ roll than Slash, who recently played the Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Playing with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, the group tore through a great set of originals, as well as covers of Slash’s other projects, Slash’s Snakepit, Velvet Revolver, and the legendary Guns N’ Roses.
The group of musicians on stage is one so great that it rivals that of the original Guns N’ Roses lineup. Myles Kennedy is a fantastic vocalist and a phenomenal front man, doing justice to each song the band played. Bassist Todd Kearn is a spot on player, but deserves recognition for his vocal duties, both as backing vocals and as lead vocals on “Dr. Alibi” and “Welcome to the Jungle.” Rhythm guitarist Bobby Schneck and drummer Brent Fitz, formerly of Theory of a Deadman, both sounded tight as well, contributing to a great rhythm section. Slash, however, is still at the top of his game. He tore through each song with a stellar precision, leaping through the air and jumping around throughout the entire set. The way he played with each musician, it was obvious that Slash treated these men like equals and not hired guns, a reassuring gesture from a man who has the fame to bring on any musician in the world to play with him.
The band’s sound was as tight as one could wish for, almost surely on the level of the original Guns N’ Roses lineup; Kennedy can hold his own on vocal duties, performing “Sweet Child O’ Mine” with a wail that would make Axl Rose himself proud, as well as belting out perfect renditions of “Slither,” “Night Train,” “Back From Cali,” “Starlight,” and “Anastasia,” among many others.
The highlights of the night came first in the 20-minute rendition of the Appetite-era classic “Rocket Queen,” chock full of solos and jamming, all while Myles Kennedy waited patiently at the side, just nodding his head and enjoying the music. The encore was a fantastic cover of the “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin, followed by “Paradise City,” in which confetti rained down upon the crowd.
Slash feat Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators put on one of the best shows in rock music today. The set is long, the band is tight, and the music still sounds exactly like Slash. The opportunity to see the guitar legend and his group of stellar musicians should leap upon the chance; the long haired, top hat sporting, Les Paul wielding guitarist absolutely rocks, even in 2013.
