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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