Reviews

Slash - Apocalyptic Love Tour

26 August 2012, Hisense Arena, Melbourne.

Slash - Apocalyptic Love Tour It was a freezing day, but some hardcore fans had been waiting in the general admission line since 6am. That is dedication. Although I did get there early to assure a front row position, 6am is just too early.

Rose Tattoo was the first band on, for what Slash later tweeted as a "great double bill". I love Rose Tattoo. I think I’ve seen them four times and they always put on a great show.

Angry Anderson always has something to say between songs that’s worth listening to. The last time I saw them he was on about politics and the carbon tax (not surprising, as he wants to get into politics) and this time it was all about his love for Australia.

Slash’s set was filled with fun, power, and the passion for music that every good musician needs.

Vocalist Myles Kennedy (from Alter Bridge) was as good as always. In fact I can pretty much say that it was the most confident I had seen him live. I have seen him three other times live, but he just seemed so much more in the zone in Melbourne that night.

The rest of the band, The Conspirators, were also into it. Bassist Todd Kerns flaunted a Rose Tattoo shirt with the Scarred For Life album cover. He sang two songs during the set: "Dr Alibi" and "You’re Crazy". "Alibi" is a song from Slash’s previous solo album, which features Lemmy on lead vocals, but Todd does a brilliant job. His voice didn’t really fit "Crazy", but it was good to hear live.

There were a few songs played off Appetite For Destruction, but hearing "Rocket Queen" live was one of the highlights. Slash took a long solo during the song, which was clearly impromptu, as Myles Kennedy was seen having a chuckle to himself while waiting to come back into the song.

Velvet Revolver song "Slither" was amazing live. It seemed to be one of the crowd favourites. "Starlight" was beautifully sung by Myles and made a few in the audience shed a tear.

Since this was the Apocalyptic Love tour, Slash played a few tracks from his new album. I would have loved to hear "One Last Thrill", but hearing seven other songs from the album satisfied. It was also a good way to get people to buy the album who don’t already own it.

The biggest highlight was Angry and Dai from Rose Tattoo coming out to play "Nice Boys Don’t Play Rock 'n' Roll" during Slash’s encore.

It was an amazing, explosive night of rock n roll and I was lucky enough to meet Slash after the show. It was a night that will never be forgotten.

4 out of 5.

Like this review? Want to write one like it? Find out how on our Get Published pages!

For more gig reviews, check out our Reviews Archive.