Slash

Slash

On what was a truly special night at the Apollo, things got off to a slightly muted start towards the beginning of support band Japanese Voyeurs' set.

Front-woman Romily Alice seemed slightly nervous at first, but gradually grew into the energetic and sultry performer she's proven she can be.

Tracks like new single 'Cry Baby' won over the crowd, the band really coming into their own towards the latter half of their set.

Eventually, though, it was the moment the Apollo was waiting for.

A spoken introduction ending with "Are you ready to rock and f****** roll?" led to Slash's band (fronted by Alter Bridge member Myles Kennedy) taking to the stage.

Mixing things up from their usual setlist, they kicked straight in with Slash's Snakepit's 'Been There Lately'.

It kick-started an incredible, high-energy set that covered all of Slash's past projects, including his most recent solo effort.

Slash tweeted this morning that the event was over capacity, and the atmosphere supports that.

From newer songs like 'Starlight' and 'Ghost' to gritty Guns N' Roses tracks like 'Nightrain', it was a fantastic, well-paced set-list.

The crowd played its part, giving Slash an incredible reaction every time he spoke on the microphone, or launched into a blistering solo.

Myles Kennedy more than held his own as a front-man, blowing away any doubt that he is one of the greatest rock n' roll singers around today.

An epic, drawn-out guitar solo (including the theme from The Godfather) was simply breathtaking, as Slash showed why he's held in such high regard.

Eventually, this led into 'Sweet Child O' Mine', much to the delight of the energetic crowd.

Finishing the main set with Velvet Revolver's 'Slither' (having played 'Fall To Pieces' a few songs earlier), the band returned for the encore, where things became special.

After launching into 'By The Sword' and 'Mr. Brownstone', the band went into a seemingly impromptu performed of the beautiful 'Patience', taking them up to the 11pm curfew.

Rather than stopping, the band still went out on a high, with an incredible performance of GNR classic 'Paradise City'.

It brought an end to a stunning show that was testament to the importance of live music.

Circle pits were traded for headbanging, air guitars and dancing as Slash and his band reminded everyone in attendance why rock n' roll is so fun.

Female First - Alistair McGeorge


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