Sunday night, everyone's home early; it's a school night or work night and
"The Sopranos" are on. Our guy SLASH was NOT home. He was at The Highlands
at Hollywood and Highland on the fourth floor of the Kodak Theater Complex
getting his picture taken! The event was the magazine Movieline's
Hollywood Style Hall of Fame. And you've never seen SLASH look like this
before! No funny but obscene t-shirt, no raggedy jeans, no Converse tennis shoes.
Look at the suit on this guy! And what about that hanky? WHOA! SLASH - new
image?
The pictures are of SLASH alone and with Robert Evans. We're not
quite sure what to say or think, but the Robert Parker image is cool, and
we look forward to seeing him looking so stunningly handsome in his suave
threads on tour. At least put them on for the meet and greets after the
shows! SLASH, we hardly knew you! No word on when the article will appear
or which celebrities will be in it, but this handsome dude should be on
the cover.
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Remember The Strokes video of their song "Someday" with guest appearance
by SLASH, Duff and Matt? Well, the video is coming out tomorrow, October 1
on DVD.
The Strokes's site has a couple of sentences announcing the DVD. If you
order it (CDNOW, for one, has it), it says: "Strokes: Is This It (Bonus DVD)
(Special Limited) (CD). We're not sure exactly what is coming...2 things
or one of those enhanced CDs, but when we get our copy, we will let you
know. There are 2 other videos here. There is an import version that has
4, but the "Someday" video is on the cheaper one, too. Order totaled about
$22.
And speaking of videos, we have added some new ones to the SLASH Video
section which is reached by going to www.snakepit.org's Fan Menu and
clicking on SLASH Videos! The first one is SLASH playing "The Star-Spangled
Banner" at the Jaguar Tribute to Style. SLASH definitely plays a verse
of "Taps" before the final bars. This is, no doubt, a tribute to those
lost in the 9/11 tragedy just over a year ago. It seemed to us that SLASH
put a different spin on this version. He played this on the movie soundtrack
for Panther, and it was a very uncluttered, clean version. He played
it at a basketball game, and it seemed once again to be fairly pristine.
The closer this version gets to the end, the more SLASH adds in his own
riffs and repeats lines. Interesting. Inserting "Taps" was just a masterstroke.
Our only comment was that this audience may have been stylish but were
extremely boorish for talking and laughing during The National Anthem. Three
other videos added were those from Club Vodka with Matt and Duff. There is
another from the Randy Castillo Tribute at the Key Club. This is "Mama Kin"
with Steven Tyler making a surprise appearance. The video focuses mainly
on SLASH and Steven. Rightly so. All these videos are in Windows Media
format.
Photos and videos...now TV. Well, not SLASH so much as the old GNR. Court
TV is rerunning "The Secret History of Rock 'N' Roll, a look at unlawful
behavior, court battles and prison terms in the rock world. The two
GNR problems were Axl's arrest for inciting a riot and Izzy's for
urinating in an ashtray on an airplane. Public Enemy #1: Izzy Stradlin!
This show is not just about GNR but many other bands and artists. See it
on 10/2 at 8pm ET, 10/3 at 12am ET, 10/6 at 11pm ET and 10/7 at 3am ET.
Nadine from Germany sent in some comments on that German interview
mentioned last week. This was with Niels Ruf. Nadine says the old
lady is not his grandmother. Nadine thought the interview was
terrible, but SLASH did it very professionally and gave it his best.
She says Ruf was nasty, and his questions were terrible. Nadine reports
that a few weeks later Niels was fired by the TV station because he
was always nasty and unfriendly to his guests. The questions are just
fake questions and not serious, but SLASH did a great job kidding, too.
Other guests have gotten up and walked out. Nadine says she is ashamed
that the interview was done in her country. SLASH doesn't seem to let
the media bait him very often. Thanks, Nadine.
The Fender newsletter has an item about the Guild Guitars. SLASH designed
the Guild Crossroads doubleneck with acoustic and electric guitars all in
one (remember Godzilla?). Fender bought Guild and has completed the move
of the Guild manufacturing operation to Fender's state-of-the-art facility
in Corona, CA. They say that guitar players and industry press agree that
the Guilds produced there are some of the finest instruments this historic
company ever produced. A quick check of their website reveals that the
Crossroads doubleneck is still being offered by the Custom Shop; so if
you are interested in a significant stage guitar, you can still get one.
Dealers are listed at the site.
With September nearly gone, we decided to check into the release of
SANTAmental, the Christmas album by Steve Lukather with SLASH
guesting. The September date has been postponed according to Lukather,
and the album will not see the light of day till Christmas 2003. He
says there was a distribution foulup which would have meant the album
would be released in January. No one's really too interested in buying
a Christmas album THAT far in advance, so he's holding it.
Right
now Lukather says next October will be the release. Musicians on the
album include Steve and son Trevor, SLASH, Eddie Van Halen, Steve
Vai, Edgar Winter, Lenny Castro among others. SANTAmental was
to be the first album released on the new Bop City label which bills
itself as an artist-friendly jazz label. Bop City says SANTAmental
was their first project and calls it a jazz Christmas album. The recording
studio was decorated with red tinsel, lighted Santas and snowmen, and candy
canes to get the artists in the proper spirit. They say the arrangements
are awesome, and it is mostly instrumental. Eddie Van Halen plays a version of
"Joy to the World" that sounds like "Hot for Teacher"! The album also
includes a never before released version of "Jingle Bells" with the
late Sammy Davis Jr. on vocals and Lukather on guitar. No word yet on
SLASH's track. SLASH prefers that Steve do all the announcements on this
album, and Steve says the full track list is coming soon.
Vince sent in some additional information on that 100th Edition Collectors
Special Edition of Total Guitar. This was the poll where SLASH came in
#4 in the list of 100. Vince pointed out the list was really longer as
440 guitarists were nominated! They say that the ex-Gunner provoked many
comments from readers. Without commenting on his guitar skills, one
fan said, "SLASH put up with Axl for longer than any other guitarist. He
deserves to win for that." SLASH is pretty cool and calm and tends to
walk away from a lot of minor aggravations. Another reader said that
"SLASH isn't perfect in every area, but he rates highly in the following:
feeling, speed, originality, technique, sales, attitude, popularity,
willingness to play with anyone, willingness to play most styles. Plus
he brought back the Les Paul - and has his own signature amp." That about
covers it! Paul Phillips of Puddle of Mudd had SLASH at #2 on his list of
the top 5 saying, "I'm a huge fan of SLASH. His melodies make every solo
memorable. He can shred with the best of them, but every solo he does,
you can hum. I went to see him in L.A. with Snakepit, but I was there to
watch him play, not check out his new material particularly. My favorite
record of all time is Appetite for Destruction, no doubt about it."
Coming in at #3 was Eric Clapton, #2 was Jimmy Page and #1 was Hendrix.
Thanks, Vini!
SLASH got the lead paragraph mention in the L.A. Times article
about the Jaguar Tribute to Style. Here's what the staff writer had to
say, "SLASH, former guitarist with Guns N'Roses, stood on the rooftop
of the Louis Vuitton shop in Beverly Hills on Monday night and let
loose with a rocking rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner". He then
tossed his pick to a well-heeled and well-dressed crowd of 1,200 whose
members forked over $1,000 per ticket to the fifth annual 'Jaguar's
Tribute to Style on Rodeo Drive' fund-raiser." Probably the first time
there wasn't a fistfight over the pick...some stiletto heel jabs, maybe.
The evening raised $750,000 to support five L.A. inner-city arts groups.
Last month there was a chance to vote on the 100 greatest records of all time
at the rollingstone.com site. Mail-in votes were taken also. "Use Your
Illusion I and II" were taken together and ranked at #46. Rolling Stone
lists "Bad Apples" as the essential track. The albums peaked at positions
1 and 2 with sales to date of 7 million each. The big Guns album,
Appetite for Destruction came in at #7. The magazine calls "Welcome
to the Jungle" the essential track and gives album sales of 15 million to
date. Coming in ahead of Appetite... were at #6, Abbey Road by
The Beatles, #5 was The White Album by The Beatles, #4 was The
Joshua Tree by U2, #3 was Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
by The Beatles, #2 was Nevermind by Nirvana, and #1 was Revolver
by The Beatles. Of those ahead of it, only The White Album has sold
more copies (19 million) than Appetite for Destruction. If you didn't
like those results, you can have another chance. Q magazine, a UK
publication, is running the same reader poll. List your top 10 of all
time, and they will arrive at a list of 100. A reason needs to be given for
each choice. The magazine has the form in the October 2002 issue or you
can vote online at www.Q4music.com. International
votes are permitted, and the poll ends November 2.
If you're looking for some more SLASH videos, Aga found a Chinese site
that has quite a few. There's "The Godfather" (from the Tokyo show),
"Black or White" and others. There are a flock of midi files, too. This would be
especially good if you live closer to the Far East. The site is in
Chinese, but titles are in English. Thanks, Aga. Aga also tells us
that in China there is some mention of GNR in a magazine called
X-ROCK. An article on the greatest bands in history listed
Guns at #43 with a picture of the band live...SLASH playing guitar
while Axl is dancing. In another section called "My CDs", one fan
chose "Don't Cry" in UYI II as a favorite. He said that "nowadays
with so much trouble, GNR will always stay as a beautiful memory".
Thanks, Aga, but #43??
Speaking of international magazines, Angelica says that in a French
magazine it says Duff, SLASH and Izzy are working together. Where's
Matt?? They report that 18 songs are ready to be recorded, and they
have had feelers from many record producers. However, they have to find
a singer before they can do this. From all that SLASH and Duff have
said privately and publicly, Izzy is not working with them, Matt is.
Izzy did jam with them and perhaps he helped with songwriting, but
he is not on record as being part of the band.
At $1000 a ticket, we didn't expect many fan reports on SLASH's national
anthem performance at the Jaguar Tribute to Style charity event last night.
The Entertainment Industry Foundation covered it very well, though. 1200
guests attended making a nice sized audience for SLASH. The guests are
described as leaders from the entertainment, fashion and automotive
industries. Some celebrities attending were Rosanna Arquette, Jackie
Collins, Macy Gray, Suzanne Pleshette, Tom Poston, John Ritter, Tori
Spelling, Patrick Swayze and Paul Stanley. SLASH and wife Perla were
both in attendance as you can see from the picture at right.
A 2003 Jaguar was auctioned
off which raised $90,000 alone for the educational programs. The evening's
entertainment is the SLASH part, and you can see him playing in the
picture above left. Here's what they said:
"A performance under the stars by the renowned New York-based dance group,
Complexions finished the evening. ...Complexions is changing the face and
pace of dance in America...The talented performers joining Complexions
included famed guitarist SLASH with a stunning rendition of The Star
Spangled Banner from the rooftop of the Louis Vuitton boutique..." The
picture caption says, "Guitarist SLASH performs The Star Spangled Banner
from the rooftop of famed Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive as New York dance
group Complexions performs under his projected image." SLASH was far from
the Cat Club and Troubador last night. A man for all venues. If you would
like to read the entire evening's review, it may be found at:
Joe says the E! channel is advertising that Guns N'Roses guitarist SLASH
will be "rocking the place" next Monday, 6:00pm ET. Checking the TV Guide
site, the show is called Celebrity Fashion on Rodeo Drive which is
indeed the event described above. This is a half hour show and will debut
Monday, September 30 at 6 ET, then repeat in October on these dates at these
times (ET): 10/1 at 8am, 10/2 at 1pm, 10/5 at 7:30am. The show will also
be shown on the Style channel on 10/5 at 9pm, 10/6 at 12am,
10:30am and 3:30pm. Get those VCRs ready!
Also on TV are a flock of reruns for the GNR gang. For the new GNR, there
is a rerun of the MTV Video Awards on 9/26 at 7pm ET. On the same night
you can see MTV's list of #40-21 of the 100 Sexiest Artists. One of these
is Axl Rose. That same show is on 9/27 at 11am and 9pm ET. To see more
of SLASH, watch MTV2's Headbanger's Ball Uncensored on 9/28 at 2am ET
and MTV2's MTV 25 Loud on 9/28 at 3am ET.
Johnny K said that a Philly radio station, 93.3 WMMR, was advertising
that they would announce some GNR important news today. This turned out
to be advertising all over the country! If you were waiting for a
reunion announcement, stop waiting. The announcement was on the forthcoming
tour for the new GNR. If interested in schedule, tickets, etc., visit the
new GNR's website at www.gnronline.com where all will be revealed.
Awhile back, we mentioned a Live Like A Suicide album for sale on
ebay which turned out to be GNR Lies. Now we have the real one.
JT wrote to say that he has an original vinyl copy of Live Like A
Suicide that is in excellent condition. He wants to sell it privately.
If you are interested, make JT an offer at blkcloud1313@attbi.com. We will
also list this on the For Sale section.
Currently the DVD Far East Men, a live Ronnie Wood concert featuring
SLASH, is only for sale for DVD players that can play the European format
or multiregion players. This means your US player cannot play the DVD unless
you have a multiregion. How would you like to meet Ronnie Wood? There's
a special exhibition of his artwork coming up at the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame with a members-only preview and reception on October 13 from 6:30 to
8:30pm. Ronnie will be at the Museum for a private meet and greet prior
to the showing of his artwork; some of which is being shown in the US
for the same time. As you may know, Ronnie did a SLASH picture; and we
have the #1 print that he gave to SLASH and eventually came to us. It is signed
by SLASH and Ronnie. For additional information on joining the Hall of
Fame and the meet and greet with Ronnie, visit the Hall of Fame's web
site at: Rock Hall of Fame.
We will definitely be there. Anyone else?
One last update on the Fan Weekend. General registration is $99 for the
weekend. If you are in SLASH's fan club through Fan Source, you can attend
the private reception afterward. It is $25 to cover the cost of the hotel
meeting room and some food. Local attendees and anyone else are not
required to stay at the Doubletree. You can go home, crash at a friend's
place, etc. It is past the date to register; but if you are wild to go,
you can contact Fan Source and see if they can squeeze you in.
This message just came in, so it's a bit late for anyone to take advantage
of unless you live very close to Beverly Hills, CA. SLASH will play "The
Star Spangled Banner" at the Jaguar Tribute to Style show to be held on
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA. He will play on top of the Louis Vuitton
Building there. Jaguar Tribute to Style is in its fifth year, and the theme
this year is Art & Performance. There is a designer art exhibition, dinner,
live auction and a performance combining dance with special performers.
The ticket cost is $1000 per person, and the event begins at 6:30 event.
Jaguar Tribute to Style benefits The California State Summer School for the
Arts, The Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation's
National Arts Education Initiative. We're proud of SLASH for donating his
time and talent to these worthy causes. There's an unconfirmed report that
E! Entertainment Channel will have a special program on this event.
Robert John, the GNR official photographer, is selling some great
pictures of the old band and its members. An article on KNAC's site gives you
some background information. There you will find a link to the photos.
There are individual pictures of Axl, SLASH, Duff, Steven, Matt and Izzy. And
there are some good ones of the whole group. The starting price is $250
for the smallest, unsigned photograph. The largest signed photo is $400.
These can be ordered at the site. The first link below is to the KNAC
article, and the second is a direct link to the photo sale site:
Since several people have sent us the London baby picture, we are going
to have it right here. Introducing....baby London Emilio Hudson! Isn't
he a darling? Do you think he looks like his Daddy? And here's a second
pic of baby Lennon Roxie, 
son of Ryan and Victoria Roxie. Lennon is
snoozing quietly dreaming of guitars, no doubt. The next generation is
here!
A new DVD is coming out on October 14 in Europe called Far East Men.
If features 12 tracks recorded live in London, November 2001 with special
guests SLASH and Andrea Corr. Backstage footage, interviews and gallery
are included. Remember how they fired the crowd with "Paradise City"?
That's on here, too. No word on a US DVD release as yet. If anyone gets
this would you please contact webmaster@snakepit.org, so that the
catalog information can be put on his videography? Thanks!
A Brazilian fan would like some help from the SLASH guitar experts. Samuel
is very anxious to know the model of this Les Paul that you see here. He
has looked at web sites and can't find the information. Here, SLASH is
on the Use Your Illusion Tour in Japan. If you know for sure what model
this is, please send it to webmaster@snakepit.org,
and we'll pass it on to Samuel. Thanks!
VH1's Rock Clock remembers that on this day in 1991, Izzy Stradlin left
Guns N'Roses. According to Izzy, the final straw was Axl's drawing up
a new contract for Izzy that reduced his salary because he did not
run around enough onstage. This was the start of the famous "Where's
Izzy?" signs!
About that Fan Appreciation Weekend in October, the deadline for
reservations is today, September 20, so keep that in mind. Also, there
is an additional charge for the private meeting with your celeb, in our
case SLASH. It should be made clear that it is not just one on one with
SLASH. The general meeting is all celebs/all fans mixed together. At
some point they have a separate meeting place where all the SLASH fans
who have paid the additional fee can meet and talk with SLASH. No
performance by SLASH, but a chance for a meet and greet. Thus far we
still have that lone fan who might go from this community. Anyone else?
In checking out VH1's site, there is a new program for the fall season
that covers the 100 Sexiest Artists, 20 artists at a time per show. There
is a list...sadly, SLASH is not there. Axl is there, though. What are these
people looking at? Maybe you need plastic surgery and hair extensions and
to gain a lot of weight, SLASH! On the other hand, you're number 1 with
us. Number 1 with VH1 is Madonna.
Burman found a great German site for us that has an interview with SLASH
by "Neils and his Granny". If you live in Germany, maybe you know these
two? The interview is from awhile back, in fact, December 2000, but it
is 30 minutes with SLASH! Realplayer is the format. Get your Stoli and
cranberry juice, light up a Gitanes and enjoy a half hour with The Man.
What's on TV for SLASH? That pathetic MTV show, "Ultra Sound", the "No Hit
Wonders" episode. SLASH's Snakepit is mentioned along with Duff, Izzy,
Jeniffer Love Hewitt, Chris Weber, Scott Weiland and more.
This will be presented for your aggravation on 9/24 at 2pm ET. Keep the
Stoli coming.
And what week
would be complete without yet another rerun of the MTV Music Video Awards
with GNR as entertainment. If you missed it or couldn't believe it, here
are Axl and his merry men once again. 9/26 at 7pm ET.
For all those who are Axl Rose fans as well as SLASH fans, please skip
this. J.L. sent this in. Background: Conan O'Brien is a SLASH fan, and
SLASH has been on his show several times. After the MTV Award show,
Conan said, "After the Guns N'Roses performance at the MTV Video
Music Awards, the band will promptly change their name to Fatty
McGoo and the Guys Who Aren't SLASH." Big laugh then and now. J.L.
suggests you can make up your own name...he's all for Ego Maniac and
3 Guitarists Not as Good as SLASH. Well, we all need a good laugh now
and then. And any complaints about Axl-bashing...we'll have to remind
you of the name he called SLASH at Leeds...f*ckhead??? Fatty McGoo seems
mild.
Who's this little guy? No, it's not London Hudson! This is little Lennon
Roxie, son of Ryan Roxie. Ryan was the guitarist on the Ain't Life
Grand SLASH's Snakepit album and toured with the band during the
prealbum tour. A handsome guitarist with a very sweet and handsome baby.
Congratulations, Ryan! And welcome to the world, Lennon!
Here's a good question for SLASH sent in by Norm. Norm asks, "SLASH, are
you a member of the Musicians Union and Screen Actors Guild? If someone
such as myself were to do tracks on an established performer's record,
would it be beneficial to join the Musicians Union? Thanks and Best Wishes."
SLASH replies, "Norm, yes, I am a member of both the Musicians Union and
SAG. And yes, it is beneficial to be in the union."
Thanks, SLASH and Norm!
Adam found this new (to us) site on the web which you might want to
check on once in awhile. It's called Camp Freddy, and its webmaster
is Billy Morrison. Billy says that Camp Freddy is not a band, but a
diverse group of musicians who like to get together and rock. They
have been surprised by their success having only played two gigs, the
last one at Moomba where SLASH appeared. There are videos with SLASH,
some pictures, bios on the core members and so on. On the page labeled
"What the f*ck is going on?", at the very end, there is a note from
Billy, "Oh by the way, happy Halloween". Adam thinks this is a big clue
as to where SLASH and Dave Navarro will be playing Halloween night. How
to get tickets if indeed SLASH is playing has not been announced. For
the show at Moomba, Billy called up friends and packed the place. In
the meantime, check out the Camp Freddy site for yourself at:
Thinking about SLASH's new band with Matt and Duff, we got the Rolling
Stone online newsletter today, and it still has that reference to Dave
Pusher as the other guitarist. We suggested it might be a nickname or
Rolling Stone misheard SLASH. Lori from the Loaded site offered the suggestion that it might be Dave Kushner from Loaded. Dave is a rockguitarist and has been in Wasted Youth, Danzig, Infectious Grooves,Zilch, Dave Navarro's Band, Sugartooth
among others before he joinedup with Loaded. And still no singer has been
selected, but demo tapes are pouring in.
If you are a member of SLASH's fan club, you should already know about
the Fan Appreciation Weekend. This is something FanSource, the company
that runs fan clubs, puts together each year. They bring together many
of their celebrities and invite fans to come out to meet them, get
autographs, etc. FanSource confirms SLASH as being there. The weekend
will be October 11, 12 and 13 at the Doubletree Hotel in Pasadena, CA.
SLASH is the only musician scheduled (they have two they represent at
this time), but other celebrities include Richard Benjamin, Lesley-Anne
Down, Morgan Fairchild, Kathleen Gray, Pauleen Prentiss and more.
Admission is $99. There are separate private receptions for each celebrity
and his/her fans. SLASH will not be performing, but
he will talk to fans and each person should have time to chat a little
with SLASH. The private reception with SLASH is limited to 40 fans. If
you are not a member of the fan club and are interested in signing up,
here is where you do it:
One of the GNR tribute bands we like best is Mr. Brownstone. You can find
out more about them by going to the Fan Menu on the opening page of
www.snakepit.org and clicking Fan Music. They will be in New York this
coming Saturday, the 21st, at Tribeca Blues. Show starts at 10pm sharp.
We assume Tribeca Blues at 16 Warren Street is in Tribeca! Stop in at Robert DeNiro's
restaurant and have a drink after the show. And say a special hello from
us to Gerard Egan, the SLASH of this tribute band. Another show of interest
in the New York area is at The Downtown in Farmingdale, Long Island. Gilby
is playing there on Thursday, October 17. Lesley West is also on the bill
that night. Thanks to Chris for keeping us up to date on Gilby.
For those looking for special GNR and SLASH items, we have a couple of
leads for you. If your dream has been to own the rare Live Like A
Suicide EP from GNR, it has come up on the English ebay. The only
bid now is 5 pounds. One just sold there for 146 pounds. If you are interested, it is item 907468803.
Be sure to ask the seller the condition (see description). If you are not
from the UK, you are out of luck. He will sell only within the UK.
Clint says that in the latest Musicians Friend catalog, they
offer for sale an Epiphone SLASH signature guitar. It is on sale
now for $450. If you have the catalog, it is on the back page. If not,
for more information go to www.musiciansfriend.com. They are one of
our click through advertisers, so if you decide to buy, please go to
their site through ours at www.snakepit.org/ad.html. Thanks!
As you know, SLASH supports the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as
the disaster relief funds for the September 11 tragedies. Up front we
should say that SLASH will NOT be at this event although he supports
the causes represented there. The Hall of Fame is presenting Rock to
the Rescue at 4pm at the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on October 20.
Proceeds benefit the Port Authority Police World Trade Disaster
Survivors Fund as well as the HOF's Educational Fund. This is quite
a gathering of artists: Bad Company, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon and
Styx. The All-Star Rescue Band will include artists from Grand Funk
Railroad, The Rascals, Sheryl Crow, John Tesh, Edgar Winter and more.
Tickets through Ticketmaster are on sale now at $27.50 and $55. Try to
get out there!
The big news tonight is the interview SLASH did at the San Diego Street
Scene, and he talked about the new band! This is the one with Matt and
Duff, and it's still nameless at this time "('If I had a name, I'd tell you', SLASH
says." SLASH named his other guitarist as Dave Pusher. Either that's a
nickname (like Johnny Blackout), the interviewer got it wrong (like
giving the new baby the name Glendon instead of London) or this guy is
a total unknown. Has anyone ever heard of this guitarist? Maybe it's Dave
Navarro? They're still looking for a singer for this "baddest f*cking,
be-all, end-all rock & roll band". SLASH says there are no rock and roll
singers out there now except for guys who've been around a long time.
What SLASH is looking for is a singer like Billy Idol when he goes
ballistic. SLASH had lots of praise for Billy. Is that a feeler to Billy
or the fans or just an illustration of what he wants?
We saw Billy here with Snakepit opening, and Billy could
get the crowd going, but his voice was not as powerful as it once was
for a full set. The audience excitement over the old Idol standbys did
get that adrenalin going, and he "went ballistic" many times. SLASH also
says the group will do an album, and it should be released in 2003. When
it's done and released, they will tour. SLASH
also talked about being a new dad. SLASH says the baby is 10 days old, but
he has "a cool personality"! Of course! Now if he could just sing... SLASH
said he had called home six times since he'd been away, and he'd be heading
home right after the gig to see his boy. Thanks to Janet, Ray and Lyndsay
for the information. For the complete Rolling Stone Online article, check
their site at:
Another Rolling Stone Online article made it clear why Matt Sorum is
available for the new band. Matt is the drummer for The Cult, but now
lead singer Ian Astbury is taking over the frontman position for The
Doors vacated years ago by the death of icon Jim Morrison. The band
will not be a cover band and will develop its own music. Ian joins
original members and new members to bring back The Doors. Light My
Fire! Astbury says "The Cult is on ice right now," which makes the Doors his central commitment.
This frees up Matt to make a similar commitment to the new SLASH project. It does seem to
mean the end of The Cult at least for the time being.
Babies are in the News lately, and here's a playmate for little London.
Ryan Roxie, guitarist on the Ain't Life Grand album and pre-album
tour, is the proud father of baby boy Lennon. Lennon was born on September
5, weighed in at 6 lbs 11 oz (compared to London's sturdy 9 lbs 4 oz) and
measured 20 1/2 inches. Lennon has big blue eyes also in contrast with
London's dark brown, nearly black eyes. The more we see of London's eyes,
the more they remind us of SLASH...wise beyond their years. Welcome,
little Lennon!
Matt sent a note from the UK that he was watching a program called "The
Essentials" on BBC2 at 10pm. It was a program on Michael Jackson, and
SLASH made a few appearances talking about MJ and his videos. Thanks, Matt!
Rui was watching MTV News where they reported that SLASH and Dave Navarro
would team up for a Halloween gig at an undisclosed location. What Rui
finds strange is that one of Axl's dreams was to have Dave Navarro join
GNR and play with SLASH after UYIs. And then, Dave played on "Oh My God",
one of the new GNR songs. As SLASH says, "It's a very small community of
musicians we have here".
On the menu page, SLASH's Calendar and the SLASH Answers Your Questions
sections are finally up to date. Let's take a new question for SLASH.
This one is from Nick, and it's something we've wondered about, too. Nick
asks, "SLASH, I just started playing guitar about 2 years ago. Your
guitar playing amazes me. What I find even more astonishing is how you play while
running around on stage and while holding your guitar way up in the air
in front of you. Is this something that came naturally to you when you first
hit the stage or through practice and experience playing live shows?"
SLASH replies, "Playing while running around, etc. comes from energy and
enthusiasm while playing in front of an audience. It does come pretty
naturally.
Thanks, SLASH and Nick! If you have a question for SLASH, send it to
webmaster@snakepit.org. The
subject should be ASK SLASH or something similar. Questions on SLASH's
career and professional experience are mainly what we are looking
for. Personal questions will not be forwarded to him. Thanks!
At the last moment, the Viper Room cancelled the show on 9/11/02, so
you did not miss a SLASH performance. The Memorial Candlelight Vigil
did take place on Sunset, but "due to the high terror alert, tonight's
benefit show with Loaded and Ball has unfortunately been postponed. This
show will be rescheduled for a date in the near future. Please check back
with us for the announcement. Everyone is still welcome to attend the
candlelight vigil". Other clubs in the Hollywood area were closed as well.
Fortunately, no incidents were reported anywhere in the U.S. Arrests were
made in the Pittsburgh area when 8 men were discovered with many false
IDs and computers linked to flight schools in the U.S. Let's be careful
out there.
Today we were delighted to receive an internet address where we could go
and look at little London Hudson. SLASH and Perla made this available, and
for that we thank them very much. Little London looks like his Mom although
his eyes looked to us exactly like SLASH's. He is a handsome little guy with
straight black hair, and he looked very sweet and cuddly. Some say he gets
that from his Daddy! Right now, the picture will not be released. First,
it could not be copied! However, we printed out one just to post here at
our home desk. When the parents want to make the picture public, they will
do so; and we will respect their wishes in this. He's adorable, and we
hope all can see him soon. Perhaps they will put a video on their site.
Thank you again to SLASH and Perla. It was a joy to see little London. On
this same topic, thanks to those of you who sent in your names to be
included with the congratulations card to SLASH and Perla. We decided that
a gift from all of us was in order, so we bought two baby CDs and 5 board
books. These are from all of us. We will be working on all the names over
this weekend, so there is still time to send in your name and country
(state would be nice if from the U.S.). SLASH likes to see where you all
are from. Send to webmaster@snakepit.org
and make the subject NEW BABY.
There are a couple of rumours going around. We were unable to confirm
any of these, but they seem plausible, so we'll let you ponder these till
we get the facts. Luis says that he read at MTV.com that SLASH and Dave
Navarro are going to form a supergroup to play a show, but the date,
venue, and other band members have not been named. We can definitely see
SLASH and Dave playing together again although probably not for the
SLASH/Duff/Matt supergroup. Dave has so many projects of his own going
on, it would be a big commitment for him. Now this next rumour may tie
to that one. Brian read that SLASH and Dave Navarro will hook up again
for a Halloween show. It will be another all star gig. Although we
checked many, many club schedules, we didn't find anything for Halloween
yet except for HOB. They have a listing but it includes 3 bands already.
Hopefully, you L.A. people will spot this within the next few weeks.
Michael is in France, and he read that the singer Shooter Jennings
is the new singer of the SLASH/Duff/Matt project. Well, Shooter did
sing with the guys in June at Club Vodka with Shooter's band, Stargunn,
also onstage. There was no hint that this was Shooter's audition, so
we'll have to wait for more information on this one.
A search through KaZaA led Adam to find this great, old performance
of "Used to Love Her". This is a live version that Guns N'Roses played
on the Fox Late Night Show in 1988! Adam thinks this is the best live
version he has ever heard. He was not able to send us the video due to
its size, but he did send us an mp3 that you can listen to right here.
If you'd like to see that video, go over to KaZaA and look for it! Adam
says it's great. For now, here is the mp3:
Michael sent a picture of SLASH with Living Colour's Cory Glover at the
San Diego Street Scene. We found a small group of these, too. Check out
SLASH in his star shirt. And we know he is!
SLASH's latest released guest appearance is on the Ray Charles album,
Ray Charles Sings for America. The album itself is a compilation
by Rhino of both patriotic and other comforting songs Ray has done over the years.
The album was timed to release just before the September 11 anniversary
and contains tracks like "America the Beautiful" (beautiful version),
"Imagine" (quite different than the John Lennon version), "Ol' Man River"
and so on for a total of 20 tracks. The final track is "God Bless America
Again", a new recording for the album with SLASH and Billy Preston. SLASH
is credited with guitar and dobro. Irvin "Magic" Kramer plays acoustic
guitar with Gregg Lease on pedal steel guitar. This is SLASH as we've
not heard him before. The track is distinctly country music with a touch
of gospel. No wonder when the songwriters are country legend Bobby Bare
and Southern Gospel man Boyce Hawkins. SLASH's solo is appropriate for
the song, but it's very strange to hear him play in country style.
If you aren't into this genre, this SLASH guest appearance will be
disappointing. It does show his versatility and ability to make music
that will fit in anywhere. We'll try to get some portion of this up on
this page for you soon. The album is available at all the usual record
sites on the net.
Did you make it to the San Diego Street Scene? SLASH did and was part of
the Jimi Hendrix Tribute. Jason and fiancee were there Saturday night,
and Jason reports that SLASH was one of the last artists to perform.
Cory Glover of Living Colour and SLASH played "Stone Free". Jason was
disappointed with the lineup in that he doesn't think much of Glover
as a front man, and SLASH's contribution was mainly on rhythm guitar.
Kenny Wayne Shepard, Eric Gales and pedal-steel sensation Robert
Randolph blew the doors off their contributions according to Jason.
And he said the audience didn't seem to care whether SLASH was there or
not or else were expecting more from him. Jason says that he felt
SLASH did a great job covering "Stone Free" whipping through a short
solo and looking like the ultimate rock star with his cigarette,
huge hair and Les Paul. Jason says if SLASH had been with more of a
real band, he would have come across better. Sadly, most people were
disappointed in SLASH; but they didn't look like SLASH fans to Jason.
Jason's disappointment was that SLASH came and went so quickly. He
got his fiancee to sit through a two hour blue's fest hoping to see
more of SLASH. But there was just that two minutes of "Stone Free", and
no more SLASH (perhaps he had to hurry home for the 2am baby feeding!).
Jason was forced to sit through two hours of Melissa Ethridge after
the Hendrix Tribute was over as a penance to his fiancee. Being a SLASH
fan is often hard work! SLASH does seem to be doing this run onstage, do
a number and disappear. And the ones where he is onstage a long time, like
the Moomba gig, the public can't get in. Disappointing. Let's hope he
hurried home to work on the album so we get a full show of SLASH.
Here's a third review; this one is on the MTV show "No Hit Wonders".
Our friend Sam sent this in. He says the show focused on artists from
all kinds of backgrounds and how they failed to break into the music biz. They
showed Eddie Murphy's "My Girl Wants to Party All The Time" and
Jennifer Love Hewitt's musical ventures. When they got to Guns N'Roses,
host Ian Robinson said that GNR was an amazing band together, but it
was a chemistry within the band that brought them success. Without each
other, nothing seems to work. They mentioned Duff's Believe In Me,
Izzy's albums (the most recent of which they said sold less than 100
copies in the U.S.) and SLASH's Snakepit. About SLASH's band, they said that
something seemed to be lost in SLASH's playing when he left GNR, and
it just doesn't work the way it should. No mention of Axl. Personally,
we felt SLASH did very well with Snakepit. His additional years of
playing showed very well. The guitar work was not so raw and was suited
to the Snakepit songs. If Duff, Matt and SLASH get together, will that
be the core of a band that can make a huge hit album? And even if it
doesn't, if we enjoy it, it's still a hit with us...if not with MTV.
Another review! This time we hear from Nicole who just got the
new Izzy CD, On Down The Road. She says Izzy does not disappoint!
It's an excellent rock CD. The only bad news is that SLASH is not on
this one, but Nicole says it is still worth buying. Let's push those
sales way past 100! You can get it from CDJapan at
www.cdjapan.co.jp. They have
an excellent Customer Service Department, and you can usually get a
CD from them in about a week and a half if you use express shipping.
Sam also let us know that you can get the album at CDNOW at a cost
of $36 (import from Japan). There are ten tracks on the album. In other
Izzy news, you can now send Izzy fan mail. The address to use is
izfan@aol.com, and Stephanie Brownstein will see that he gets it. Stephanie
is the contact person for Izzy. She told Nicole that "right now there are no plans that she was aware
of to release the material he recorded with Slash, but that does not mean
they will never be released at all." Thanks, Nicole!
About the show on September 11 at the Viper Room, SLASH is still not
listed as performing. An update is that Ball, Brian Tichy's band, will
be on hand as well as Loaded, Duff McKagan's band. With two old bandmates
fronting their new bands, it would be a great time for SLASH and Matt
to show up. However, they have not signed for any performance. Tickets
are not available in advance, but the show starts at 8:30 after the
candlelight vigil on Sunset Boulevard. If you go to the Viper and/or
the vigil, let us know all about it. Thanks.
This Wednesday, September 11, is the anniversary of the terrorist attack
on the USA one year ago. The World Trade Center towers were
hit and
collapsed burying thousands in the rubble.
The Pentagon in Washington
D.C. was also struck, and there were hundreds of dead and injured.
The
final terrorist attempt was thwarted by the passengers, and the plane
was flown into the ground in Shanksville, PA. Due to the immense tragedy
and sorrow of our nation, there will be many memorial services across
the US.
As we plan to attend several in our area, the SLASH page will not
be published. Please continue to send in any SLASH mentions in the interim.
Our heartfelt sympathy to those who lost family and
friends. 20% of Americans know someone killed or injured in the disaster.
Thank you for your understanding, and we will resume publication on
September 13. God Bless America.
SLASH recently did a guest performance with Ray Charles for his new
album, and the album is out as of September 3. The title is
Ray Charles Sings for America, and it's excellent timing
considering the many forthcoming memorials in the USA on September 11.
If you buy it on Amazon, please go to www.snakepit.org/ad.html and
click on Amazon. This provides some money for keeping this site online.
At Amazon, they are ready to ship in 24 hours. The album cost is
$14.99. Here is the track list. SLASH is on the last track, "God Bless
America Again", which is described as a previously unreleased track
with Billy Preston and SLASH. The track list is:
1. America the Beautiful
2. Imagine (featuring The Harlem Gospel Singers)
3. Let It Be
4. New York's My Home
5. Over the Rainbow
6. That Lucky Old Sun
7. Ol' Man River
8. Carry Me Back to Old Virginny
9. Take Me Home, Country Roads
10. Ray Reflects on America
11. My God and I
12. Lift Every Voice and Sing
13. There'll Be No Peace Without All Men as One
14. Light Out of Darkness
15. Heaven Help Us All
16. Abraham, Martin and John
17. Hey Mister
18. Sail Away
19. The Danger Zone
20. God Bless America Again
(previously unreleased, with Billy Preston and Slash)
The San Diego Street Scene festival begins tonight. They expect 110,000
visitors! There are 90 bands scheduled on the 9 stages this weekend. SLASH
will appear on Saturday night in the Jimi Hendrix tribute. The Band of
Gypsys will anchor the tribute and be joined by SLASH, Dave Navarro, Mick
Taylor, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Ace Frehely, Vernon Reid, Stephen Stills and
others. This is the band SLASH will play in. There is not a separate
SLASH/Dave Navarro/Mick Taylor band. They will be on the Ford Stage from
8:45 to 10:15pm. Tickets are $40, $70, $85 in advance depending on the
number of days you want to attend. Jason lives in San Diego and says he
will be right down front to see SLASH. Although he's lived there for
eight years, Jason has never felt the call to get to Street Scene. And
SLASH won't let you down! Jason plans to wear his Snakepit t-shirt so
SLASH will know whose fan he is. We'll be looking forward to his report
and yours, too, if you attend!
The latest news we have on the 9/11/02 show at the Viper Room in Hollywood
is that only Duff's Loaded will perform. SLASH and Matt will not be there...
at least that is what the Viper says at this time. You never know when
they will slip in for a song or two. The Viper no longer lists them on its
schedule, though.
Duff's Loaded web site is having a contest! The prize is this really
cool Loaded clock. It's a 10" clock in a black plastic case, made in
the USA and requires 1 AA battery (not included). Picture this on
your bedroom or dorm wall! The contest is one where there is a rectangle
of letters. You circle all the hidden words. Complete rules and directions
are found at Loaded Contest,
and click on CONTEST in the menu across the top. You have till the end of the month to get your entry in.
A note from a disgruntled fan about fan mail may be of interest to you.
The instructions on this site will be changed to reflect the policy of
Fan Source which runs the fan mail operation for SLASH. The fan sent a
self-addressed, stamped envelope, a note and a blank sheet of paper. He
wanted SLASH to write something...his name at least...and sign the paper.
What he got back was a postcard picture of SLASH with a printed autograph.
Since this seemed like a legitimate request, we checked into it. Fan
Source tells us that if you sent a photo or poster, etc. to be signed,
with the return postage and envelope, then SLASH is still personally
signing these. Fan Source says they do not have their clients
autograph index cards, blank pieces of paper, etc. This is why our fan
received the postcard with the printed autograph. This is what fans now
receive if they write and request an autographed photo...a postcard
picture of SLASH with a preprinted autograph. Clear? If not, we will
be getting the instructions on the site ("Writing To SLASH") changed
this weekend. You can always write to the webmaster for clarification at
webmaster@snakepit.org. We
apologize to you, but we didn't have these policies until this evening.
The key here is send your own photo! A magazine photo with a real SLASH
autograph is more meaningful, we think. Don't forget that return postage
and envelope!
In news of SLASH friends and former bandmates, Eric Dover is on tour
now with Alice Cooper. Tommy says that Eric is playing guitar and
doing backing vocals. The tour is a long one: US, Europe and Russia
through the end of the year. So watch for Eric! Tommy got this information
from Buck Johnson, Eric's bandmate in Burly Clyde. Thanks, Tommy!
Only two more days till the San Diego Street Scene! If you can get there,
this is a great music festival with lots of name bands and artists. The
2002 lineup includes Stone Temple Pilots, Live, Social Distortion, De La
Soul and more. SLASH will be there on Saturday, September7 to join in the Jimi Hendrix
Tribute. The Hendrix Tribute is scheduled to go on from 8:45 - 10:15pm. From 4pm to midnight,
the show is 21 and over. There is a very interesting article in The Pawtucket Times
we received from Jan in the
UK. Here is the article in its entirety. Check the last sentence:
Taylor, Slash & Navarro Form Supergroup
Sep 03, 2002 (WENN via COMTEX) -- Former ROLLING STONE MICK TAYLOR has
formed a supergroup with fellow guitarists SLASH and DAVE NAVARRO - so they
can pay tribute to legend JIMI HENDRIX.
The new group, which hasn't yet been named, will perform a one-off tribute
show to the guitar hero at San Diego, California's weekend music festival
STREET SCENE this coming weekend.
The all-star line-up will also feature STEPHEN STILLS, BUDDY MILES and BILLY
COX.
The appearance is part of the RED HOUSE TOUR, which has a 16 metre (53 foot)
trailer with Hendrix memorabilia and audio/visual presentations. The
supergroup is planning more dates.
Let's hope someone gets to this and can report on what this is. Is this
yet another band for SLASH minus Duff and Matt? Or are they included? Mick
Taylor and SLASH on the stage seems like overkill! Mick is one of SLASH's
influences. If the name is not familiar, Mick Taylor replaced Brian Jones
in the Rolling Stones. He was also the only band member to ever quit the
Stones. Stones fans either love Mick or hate him. He is an excellent guitar
player who grew tired of the Rolling Stones circus. This would be some band
with Duff and Matt. If this group couldn't do it, no one could. If you need
more information on the San Diego Street Scene, here is where you get it:
The next SLASH gig was to be September 11 at the Viper Room with Duff and
Matt. Here's what we have on this now. At dusk on September 11, there will
be a candlelight vigil on Sunset Boulevard as a memorial to those who
died in the terrorist attacks one year ago. The Viper Room will open at
8:30pm for a special performance by Duff McKagan's Loaded. All proceeds
go to the West Hollywood Emergency Fund. The Viper Room is NOT selling
advance tickets. We have no way of knowing if this is first come, first
served, if all tickets are gone, or if this is one of those famous Viper
lists where a handful of the public get in. They have not responded to
any of these questions. Originally, the Viper said that SLASH, Duff and
Matt would also perform that night. SLASH and Matt have yet to sign their
contracts, so they may or may not be there. If you live some distance
away, you might reconsider coming to this and heading to the Street Scene
instead. On the other hand, there should be a big crowd on Sunset with the
possibility of other good bands in the area. We suggest you call the venues
for information. Let us know, and we'll pass it along. Thanks to Todd who
alerted us to the Viper situation and Lori who gave us the lowdown on Duff
and the guys.
Rolling Stone magazine had coverage of the new GNR shows in the UK.
This is the issue with the Vines on the cover. After the GNR performance
details, they had a nice quote from SLASH taking the high road again.
"I think the world always needs a Guns N'Roses, or else music gets too
soft. I wish them all the luck in the world, I hope the album sells.
I'd love to see them...if they let me this time." We thought it seemed
a little wistful. Brian, thanks for the information which is also found
in the US version.
Olivia sent some Keri Kelli information from the Perris Records newsletter.
This is your chance to win a guitar autographed by Keri. And they give some
Keri tour dates as well. If you're a fan of Keri's, get in on this.
"Perris Records is proud to present the first autographed
guitar giveaway contest on Rock-n-Radio.com!
The guitar is autographed by Kristy Krash Majors &
Keri Kelli of PBF, Ratt, Warrant, Slash's Snakepit fame.
This guitar giveaway is to promote the worldwide premier
of Kristy's "The Devil In Me" solo cd release on Perris Records.
Five tracks from "The Devil In Me" will be played in a row on
Rock-n-Radio.com , to enter contestants will have to name all five
tracks played in order by emailing their answers to: perrisrecords@ev1.net
The tracks will be played at 1,6, & 8 p.m.(Central Time) on
Sunday, September 8th, 2002.
The winner will be picked from a random drawing of the Correct
answers on September 9th. Good Luck!
(Hint! Print out track listings at perrisrecords.com in advance.
Just click on KKM cd cover to get correct song names.)
Kristy Krash Majors will be touring with Keri Kelli
& Kari Kane (Original PBF drummer) with gigs at:
09/20/02 Tarzana, CA, Paladino's
09/21/02 Anaheim, CA, The Shack
09/28/02 Las Vegas, NV Pink E's
And more dates to follow at www.perrisrecords.com"
Here's some news on Brian Tichy and his band Ball. They'll be at Club
Vodka on Thursday, September 12 at 8:45pm. Also playing will be Gilby
Clarke! This show has a discount list which gets you a $5 reduction on
tickets. Email ballmusic@hotmail.com 24 hours before the show with your
full name and the number of guests. Ball will be at the Cat Club on Saturday, September 21 at
11:30pm. No discount list but tickets are just $5.
Brian thanks everyone who has come
out to their shows. Here's a typically funny Brian quote, "We are still
looking for the big deal, but no label has agreed to our $2,000,000
non-recoupable advance. They've come close, but we ain't budgin' "!