Today, legendary guitarist Slash releases his new record, “Live at the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival,” an electrifying, blues-filled live album and concert film, delivering the blues as it’s meant to be – loud, live, and dangerous.
The performance was captured at the Mission Ballroom in Denver, during the July 17, 2024 tour stop of SLASH’s star-studded Blues tour, the inaugural S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival, an acronym which stands for Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance.
Slash’s Blues Ball band features SLASH on lead and rhythm guitar, joined by longtime collaborator Teddy “ZigZag” Andreadis (keyboards, harmonica, vocals), Tash Neal (rhythm guitar, vocals), Johnny Griparic (bass, backing vocals), and Michael Jerome (drums). Together, they tear through a blistering set of blues standards and rock staples, paying tribute to icons like Howlin’ Wolf, Booker T. & the MG’s, Fleetwood Mac, Freddie King, The Temptations, T-Bone Walker, Hoyt Axton, Robert Johnson, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Bob Dylan, and Elmore James.
The set includes smoldering takes on “Parchman Farm Blues,” “Killing Floor,” “Born Under a Bad Sign,” “Oh Well,” “Big Legged Woman,” and “Key to the Highway,” followed by the slow-burn groove of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” the smoky soul of “Stormy Monday,” and the gritty punch of “The Pusher.” SLASH also debuts a brand-new original, “Metal Chestnut,” before diving into “Cross Road Blues” and a fiery rendition of “Stone Free.” The encore features added favorites as a bonus including “It Takes a Lot to Laugh,” “It Takes a Train to Cry” and a blistering closer with “Shake Your Money Maker.”
Intercut with candid, behind-the-scenes interviews, SLASH reflects on his deep personal connection to the blues, sharing the stories behind the songs and his reverence for the artists who paved the way.
Live at the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival is available in retail stores and online as 2CD+DVD Digipak, 2CD+Blu-ray Digipakand Heavyweight Black 3LP Gatefold. Further exclusive formats will be available in the official album store.
