Slashthe historic guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, released his new solo album “Orgy of the Damned” this Friday, May 17th via Gibson Records. The album, composed mainly of blues versions, includes the collaboration of renowned artists such as Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, Billy Gibbons by ZZ Top, Demi lovato, Chris Stapleton, Gary Clark, Jr., Iggy Pop, Chris Robinson of Black Crowes and Brian Johnson by AC/DC, among others.
The musician, who defines himself as “a blues guy” Since he started playing guitar, he has wanted to take his career to his musical roots. Despite being known mainly for his work in hard rock with Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver and other bands, this project emerged as a “fun” dream that he always wanted to realize. “I never had time for something like this.”commented the guitarist to Billboard.
The album delves into the blues classics of artists such as Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Howlin’ Wolf, but also ventures into the psychedelic blues with “The Pusher” by Steppenwolf and on Motown hits like “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” by the Temptations and “Living For the City” by Stevie Wonder.
Slash’s manager Jeff Varnermentioned that the moment was favorable for both the album and the tour of the SERPENT Blues Festival, which will begin July 5 in Bonner, Montana. “Before last year, We were planning the next 24 months and this idea came up”explains Varner. “Slash proposed making a blues album and I thought it was a great opportunity.”
For the recording, Slash recruited Teddy Andreadistouring keyboardist for Guns N’ Roses, and bassist Johnny Griparicwith whom he formed an ad hoc band called Slash’s Blues Ball in the ’90s. Michael Jerome He joined in on drums and they began working under the premise of having fun. “I didn’t want it to be taken too seriously.”says Slash, whose only original composition on the album is the closing instrumental “Metal Chestnut.”
A standout piece on the album is Hopkins’ acoustic performance of “Awful Dream” with Iggy Pop. “I read that Iggy I had always wanted to make a blues album.”Slash recalled. “We sat on a pair of stools, facing each other, and we played it several times. Said: ‘It’s enough’“added the guitarist.
Gary Clark, Jr. accompanied the guitarist on a version of Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads”, while Billy Gibbons joined on Willie Dixon’s “Hoochie Coochie Man.” Brian Johnson of AC/DC was Slash’s initial choice to sing Howlin’ Wolf’s “Killing Floor,” with guest Tyler on harmonica. “He told me he wanted to play the harmonica on it and he came that same day,” Slash said.
The participation of Demi lovato in “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” might surprise some, but not those who followed the singer’s recent musical evolution towards rock. “People wouldn’t associate her with that ability, but she’s absolutely incredible in that song.”Varner highlights.
The SERPENT festival, with its name representing Solidarity, Commitment, Restore, Peace, Equality and Tolerancewill feature a rotating cast of guests, including the Warren Haynes Band, Samantha Fish, Eric Wales, Keb’ Mo’, Robert Randolph, ZZ Ward, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Larkin Poe and Jackie Venson. “There will be a series of different jams during the dates”anticipates Slash.
Slash does not rule out continuing with similar projects in the future. “I’m open to making more blues records in the same way,” he said, while Varner suggested that the SERPENT festival could become a recurring event in both North America and Europe. “It is a fun and flexible project”, he assured. “Our goal is to create something that can last.”
Slash himself concluded by highlighting the personal and professional value of this diversity in his career. “For me, it’s just fun. Having this variety of opportunities to play, record and tour is very motivating and inspiring.” With this new project, Slash not only reaffirmed his love for blues, but also showed another facet of his versatility as a musician.
