It was a fan freezing night on the 29th November at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
Crowds, sporting t-shirts emblazoned with the words ‘Slash’ or ‘Guns N’ Roses’, lingered
impatiently outside the venue. Gradually as the time drew ever closer to 6 o’clock the queues grew,
smothering the large expanse outside the arena and creating a hum of excitement. It was now after 6
and only the tops of people’s heads were visible as they strained to see what was happening. Suddenly, although later than expected, the doors were opened and eager fans surged inside to get a
good spot near the stage. Eventually the immense arena was filled to the brim with expectant fans,
waiting for the show to begin.
You’re a Lie
Nightrain
Standing in the Sun
Avalon
Back from Cali
Withered Delilah
First on stage was new band, Twenty Two Hundred, kicking off with the killer grunge riffs of ‘7x Down’.
You Could be Mine
This was swiftly followed by other songs from their album ‘Carnaval de Venus’, reminiscent of Audio
slave's album ‘Out of Exile’. Vocalist Tony Cardenas-Montana displayed his powerful pipes throughout
Ghost
the performance and felt the need to remind the crowd of the band’s name between every song. OverDoctor Alibi
all, the band looked like they were enjoying themselves, the audience: less so.
Out Ta Get Me
Wicked Stone
Next on, after a small interlude was California Breed, another new band who were greeted with more
Beneath the Savage Sun
appreciation than the first. They played a selection of songs from their new and self-titled album such
Mr Brownstone
as ‘Sweet Tea’ and ‘The Way’: two classic rock infused pieces that got the crowd going. Lead singer
Rocket Queen
Glenn Hughes looked rather ancient compared to the juvenile guitarist at 27 years old. However, this
didn't stop him from impressing the audience with his acrobatic voice: albeit a little over the top at
Bent to Fly
times. The young guitarist Andrew Watt looked remarkably comfortable next to band mates Hughes
World on Fire
and Bonham who have formerly played alongside legends such as Jimmy Page and Tony Iommi. Before
Anastasia
they finished their set Hughes declared that California Breed is all about making new music, a stateSweet Child O’ Mine
ment that clearly reflects their new album of self-written songs.
Slither
Paradise City
‘His signature top hat stood proud on
top of his wild curls’
There was a short interlude whilst the stage crew dragged the other amps off stage, revealing Slash’s
signature amps that dwarfed the previous ones and were adorned with ornaments from SpongeBob
to a bejewelled skull. The crowd buzzed in anticipation and fairground music signalled Slash’s imminent arrival. Suddenly Slash materialised from the billowing smoke and strode onto the stage. His signature top hat stood proud on top of his wild curls and he had a crimson Les Paul slung over his shoulder. The arena erupted in cheering and continued as Slash and his Conspirators smashed through the
opening chords of ‘You’re a Lie’. Joining Slash onstage was lead singer Myles Kennedy (also frontman
of rock band Alter Bridge), bassist and vocalist Todd ‘Dammit’ Kerns (former singer and guitarist for
Age of Electric), drummer Brent Fitz (who has also toured with Alice Cooper and Theory of a Deadman) and touring guitarist Frank Sidoris. Myles Kennedy let the audience sing the chorus of the song
from their 2012 ‘Apocalyptic Love’ album and Slash took centre stage for his first (and d Y