Super group pull off super show
Undoubtedly, this had to be one of the bands I was most looking forward to seeing this weekend. Particularly as a musician myself, I really should have seen the mighty Slash at least once. Comprised of members of some of the world's biggest rock bands, I knew to expect a good show. Surely this is the point of Velvet Revolver, not so much the album as the tour itself.
Ex-Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland comes on stage in Nazi apparel. He belts out songs pretty much in album order, but it sounds fantastic. In true rock star style he strips to reveal his scrawny physique and the chest forward, elbows back position he dances in. Meanwhile, ex-Guns 'n' Roses bassist Duff McKagan and of course, Slash, complete with radio jacks, are able to run all over the stage. Who said stadium rock was dead? I was never quite sure that Scott Weiland was going to manage to front Duff and Slash. I mean Stone Temple Pilots were wicked, but they were never as big as Guns; still, Scott proves himself. He's so cocky on stage, but he looks and dances in a cool a way as possible. By the middle of the set he has run through the corridor in the middle of the audience. Declaring he "wants to get closer to you guys" he steps on the rail and practically launches himself into the audience. What a nightmare for the uptight security guards! But for me, it's great... he's so close you can really see him clearly.
Slash puts on as good a show as ever, treating us to more bluesy sounding solos. This is my favourite style of his rather than the cheesy 'Sweet Child O Mine' lick. By the time he's put his hat on for an encore, you know you're in for something very special. Everyone cheers when he launches into 'Mr Brownstone'. Even if you're not particularly a fan, you've got to admire the fact that they're consummate performers. Personally for me, they're a group of yet more idols of mine that I can tick off having seen this weekend.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 27 available.