Back
To Nature with Slash
by
Debbie Seagle
 In
today’s Backstage Pass we will be taking a trip into the jungles of the
Rocknworld in search of the illusive North American Hairgod! This
majestic species has been known to migrate from the United Kingdom to the
North American plains and has been found in literally every state and province
in North America. This amazing creature’s habitat is being deforested
by rappers and boy bands, and precious few are still living in the wild.
And when I say “wild,” I MEAN wild! They can bite, and scratch, but
that’s another story. The North American Hairgod roams the plains
in search of its own kind as its numbers dwindle. This specimen is
usually found in garages, clubs and stadiums, sustaining itself on Jack
Daniels whiskey, buffet foods and European cigarettes. If we are
lucky, we may find one, but don’t try this at home boys and girls.
Remember, I’m a trained professional . . .
 My
assignment, attend the Slash’s Snakepit gig, check out the new line
up and the new tunes on “Ain’t Life Grand,” and get to the man himself
for a little chat. Many say that Guns is back, but I’m one of those
near sighted people who only see one Gun there, and he’s a Rose.
I’ve long been a fan of Slash’s guitar moves, and I’m pretty attached to
my Guns and Roses CDs, but I’ve spent years now longing for that old Guns
magic again. That unbridled guitar euphoria and runaway rock rhythms
that I loved back in the day. I listened to some of the stuff Slash
did during his Blues Ball period, and I checked out the first Snakepit
CD (Its Five O’Clock Somewhere), but none of that ever conjured
up that old feeling. You know, the one where the music is so kickin
that you bite your lower lip, close your eyes and bang your head in mid-air?
 Admittedly,
I think that both of Slash’s previous projects were things that he did
in order to keep busy, while still thinking that Axl would come around
and want to make another rock album. They both had that “side project”
feel to them and it just wasn’t the same. The chemistry just wasn’t
right. Looking at it from an industry perspective, its difficult
for someone who has been a wildly successful and accomplished guitar player
to leave a mega band and start a new one on his own if he isn’t going to
sing. As a lead guitar player and the name that sells, you need to
find a charismatic front man (or woman) to get your band out there, but
you don’t want them to eclipse you. By the same token, you can’t
come out and play like you’re going to leave  skid
marks on your lead singer either. It’s a delicate balance.
So I’m wondering, did Slash finally achieve this balance? The short
answer is yes. For the long answer, read on . . .
I found the illusive hairgod exactly where
my trusted scout said he would be. Running late to arrive at the
venue, we didn’t have a chance to chat prior to the show. Slash steps
in and hurries by me with an imported cigarette dangling from his lip.
I’m comforted by the fact that he still looks like the same ol Slash from
back in the day, but the proof is still in the set, so I hurry around to
the front of the stage to take my place and get ready for the show.
The audience is filled with Guns and Roses fans, some still wearing faded
t-shirts  from
tours past. Would this be their salvation, or would they leave disappointed?
I had my suspicions, but I wanted to see and feel the rubber hit the road
before I made any judgments.
The house lights go down and in an instant,
I’m standing in front of that same ol Slash, in his natural habitat.
Its enough to make you want to belt out “Born Free,” but that’s so schmaltzy
I cringe. I’m looking at Slash’s trademark top hat, his lanky leather
clad frame and the hair – everywhere, of course. Including in his
face. I make a mental note to go for broke tonight and actually try
to get a look at his face.
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