Slash shreds with Chris Robinson and Warren Haynes during the SERPENT Fest at the Greek Theater in LA (photos/videos)

slash is best known for his work as a guitar hero of 1980s hair metal. Guns N’ Rosesnot to mention his work with Velvet Revolver in the 2000s. But the axe-wielding Saul Hudson is also a student, administrator and impresario of the blues. The latter is in attendance this summer with his SERPENT Festival Tour and was on the second Saturday in July with Slash, Warren Haynes, Samantha FishAnd Eric Gales– along with a surprise appearance by Chris Robinson– swept in The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. For nearly four hours, fans who flocked to Los Feliz were treated to an inspiring and skillful mix of the past, present and future of the blues in four different sets.

This particular stop was a homecoming of sorts for Slash. For one thing, the show was a short drive (depending on traffic) from the Sunset Strip, where he and Axl Rose rose to fame nearly 40 years ago. It was an even shorter journey from the North Hollywood rehearsal room where Slash brought together the musical talent and classic blues tracklist that would become his sixth and latest solo album, 2024’s Orgy of the Damned.

The community spirit that characterized the jam sessions in the album’s studio came in the shadow of the Griffith ObservatoryBefore his own band performed, Slash joined the Warren Haynes Band to play his electric guitar for a final cover of The Allman Brothers Band‘s “Soulshine”, a long-standing part of Warren’s repertoire, whether as a solo artist or with Government muleSlash and Haynes previously shared the stage at the annual Christmas Jam benefit concert last December in his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina.

Warren Haynes Band, Slash – “Soulshine” (Allman Brothers Band) – 13.07.24 – Partial video

(Video: RockShow)

Likewise, Slash’s time on stage with his Blues Ball Band was packed with guest appearances, similar to his last release. For a cover of Steppenwolf‘s “The Pusher”, Slash welcomed Chris Robinson from The Black Crowes to sing and play harmonica, just like on the album. The main set ended with Eric Gales, the guitar phenomenon from Memphis who opened the evening, joining the Slash band to Jimi Hendrix‘s “Stone Free”, with Blues Ball collaborator Tash Neal on vocals. The tributes to Hendrix were twofold, as Slash and Gales engaged in a guitar duel to the tune of Jimi’s “Third Stone From The Sun”.

Slash, Chris Robinson – “The Pusher” (Steppenwolf) – 13.07.24

(Video: Steven Rogers)

Slash, Eric Gales – “Stone Free” (Jimi Hendrix) – 13.07.24

(Video: EarthtonesOfficial)

At various times, Slash received support from The StroudThe 62-year-old Canadian, better known as “Survivorman”, is also an excellent harmonica player, as he has shown in performances of Albert King‘s “Born under a bad sign”, Freddie King‘s “Big Legged Woman” and Elmore James“Shake your money maker.”

Slash was undoubtedly the star of the evening, thanks to his trademark, stirring guitar work. During the encore, he put aside his usual lineup of Gibson Led Paul guitars to play pedal steel on a cover of Bob Dylan“It takes a lot to laugh, but it takes a lot to cry.”

Although Slash barely spoke and didn’t sing at all during the show, the band had plenty of vocal talent to fall back on. Keyboarder Teddy “ZigZag” Andreadis took over the majority of these tasks, including Howlin’ Wolf‘s “Killing Floor” and Freddie King’s “Key to the Highway”. Tash, meanwhile, showed some talent, especially on Fleetwood Mac‘s “Oh Well”, featuring vocals from the country superstar Chris Stapleton on Slash’s album.

The whole time, Michael Jerome And Johnny Griparic more than just keeping every rhythm on drums and bass. In fact, Slash’s Blues Ball Band has long been a showcase for exemplary blues musicians, much like the SERPENT Festival itself.

Eric Gales, known to many Memphians as “Raw Dawg,” showed off his considerable blues skills by closing his opening performance with a version of Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” which included pieces by Led Zeppelin‘s “Kashmir” and AC / DC‘s “Back in Black.” Samantha Fish has her Kansas City spin on MC5‘s “Kick Out the Jams” and Screaming Jay Hawkins“I Put a Spell on You” in addition to their original material.

And although Warren Haynes, with his credibility, needs little (if any) such introduction, he and his band took advantage of the opportunity, playing a selection of songs from Warren’s catalog – including “Tear Me Down,” “Fire in the Kitchen,” “Invisible” and “Thorazine Shuffle” – as well as a cover of Little Milton“That’s what love makes you do.”

In truth, Slash’s SERPENT Festival was a platform for much more than just blues music. At each stop on the tour – whose acronym stands for “Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance” – a handful of non-profit organizations have been highlighted that will receive proceeds from the shows. These include the National Alliance on Mental Illness, War child, The Greenlining Institute, The initiative for equal justiceAnd Know your rights camp. These groups, along with Slash’s blues brothers, will be busy spreading good music and even better work this summer. The SERPENT Festival is scheduled to wind its way through the U.S. through mid-August, along with two dates in Canada. Tickets and a full list of tour dates can be found here.

Check out a photo gallery from Slash’s SERPENT Festival in LA, courtesy of the photographer Josh Martin.