On Saturday, July 13th, the Rolling Stones performed at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California. While the octogenarians rocked the stage, Slash brought his S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival to the Greek Theatre across town in the heart of Hollywood. The show featured many talented young musicians paying homage to the roots of all hard rock: the Blues genre. Nearly every major rock star from the '60s, including the Stones, Beatles, and Cream, owe their existence to the African American Blues music that preceded them. Slash and his ensemble of musicians entertained and provided a lesson in the history of Blues rock.
Renowned as one of the greatest rock guitarists in history, Slash brought his passion for the blues to life with his recent album "Orgy of the Damned." This collection of classic blues covers features acclaimed guest vocalists like Chris Stapleton, Gary Clark Jr., Billy F. Gibbons, Paul Rodgers, Brian Johnson, and many more. To celebrate the release of this remarkable record, Grammy-winning Slash curated an all-star Blues lineup for his S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival, touring North America. SERPENT, an acronym representing Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality 'N Tolerance, provided a thrilling musical experience while dedicating a portion of the proceeds to various charities.
The Greek Theatre, nestled in the beautiful Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, played host to a musical marathon that started early. The open-air venue provided a picturesque backdrop for this extraordinary event. The lineup boasted an impressive roster of talented blues, blues-rock, and rock musicians, including Slash himself, Eric Gales, Samantha Fish, Warren Haynes, and surprise guest Chris Robinson.
The evening began with sets by Eric Gales, Samantha Fish, and the Warren Haynes Band. Despite their undeniable talent and enthusiastic performances, the curfew imposed by the residential neighborhood surrounding the venue limited each opener to short sets. Nonetheless, Gales made the most of his time on stage, treating the audience to a high-intensity, uptempo performance. Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to perform at the Greek Theatre alongside such esteemed artists, Gales flawlessly transitioned from his original track "Put That Back" to a captivating medley of iconic covers, including Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child," Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir," and AC/DC's "Back in Black." It was a stellar performance that sadly went unnoticed by those oblivious to the early start time. Gales captivated the crowd with his dynamic and electrifying stage presence, displaying his virtuosic guitar skills, leaving the audience dazzled and thrilled. With his wife LaDonna on drums, Gales showcased his impressive range and captivating voice.
Samantha Fish is undeniably on a roll, following a Grammy nomination in 2024 and a slot in Eric Clapton's legendary Crossroads Festival the previous year. Known for her mastery of the blues, Fish effortlessly incorporates elements of rock and soul. Her short but captivating set at The Greek Theatre showcased her versatility across these genres.
Dressed head to toe in black leather and silver studs, Fish exuded confidence as she took the stage. With her signature blonde curls and a cigar box guitar in hand, she kicked off her performance with the hard-hitting rock anthem, "Bulletproof." Her impressive slide guitar skills and expressive vocals immediately captivated the audience. Fish's magnetic stage presence commanded attention, making it impossible to look away.
Amid her first song, Fish addressed the crowd in a breathy voice, inviting them to participate and urging, "Come on, Los Angeles, help me out, baby." The seductive appeal of her request ignited an eruption of applause and enthusiastic cheers from the audience. She continued mesmerizing with a powerful rendition of "Kick Out the Jams," showcasing her captivating vocals that seamlessly transitioned from sultry to smooth.
Demonstrating her range, Fish delved into the blues with a cover of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "I Put a Spell on You." Her sultry and soulful vocals breathed new life into the classic track, again captivating the crowd. As her set drew to a close, Fish concluded with "Black Wind Howlin'," one of her earliest songs heavily influenced by the blues legends that inspired her. This final performance allowed Fish to again showcase her impressive guitar skills, engaging in impressively creative solos alongside organ master Mickey Finn and bassist Ron Johnson.
Next, Warren Haynes took the stage, renowned for his exceptional guitar skills and versatility. His storied career spans iconic bands like the Allman Brothers Band and Gov't Mule, as well as various other projects deeply rooted in the blues genre.
Haynes and his band treated the audience to a set filled with blues rock songs drawn from his repertoire with the Allman Brothers, Gov't Mule, and his solo projects, in addition to a captivating cover selection. Highlights of the night included stellar renditions of Gov't Mule tracks such as “Tear Me Down” and “Thorazine Shuffle,” where Haynes mesmerized the crowd with elaborate solos on his Gibson Les Paul, perfectly complemented by the pulsating basslines of Kevin Scott.
Launching into “Tear Me Down,” Haynes showcased his prowess on guitar and as a soulful vocalist, infusing each note with raw emotion. Tracks like “Fire In the Kitchen” highlighted his slide guitar finesse. Haynes, alongside bassist Kevin Scott, drummer Terence Higgens, keyboardist Matt Slocum, and saxophonist Greg Osby, seamlessly delved into a diverse setlist that showcased their musical excellence.
Of particular note was the inclusion of “Soulshine,” a timeless classic penned by Haynes during his time with The Allman Brothers. The addition of guest guitarist Slash added an extra layer of excitement to the set closer, culminating in a mesmerizing dual performance that left the audience spellbound by Haynes' screeching slide guitar riffs and the intricate improvisations by the band.
In a memorable moment, Haynes, Slash, and the rest of the band delivered a soul-stirring rendition of Little Milton’s “That’s What Love Will Make You Do,” each artist delivering exquisite solos that added a touch of magic to the evening. The show ended on a high note with a synchronized duet between Haynes and Slash, signaling the culmination of a remarkable set filled with exceptional musical performances and electrifying solos.
Under a clear summer night sky with stars twinkling above, Slash and his blues band kicked off their set just after 9 pm with a Bukka White tune “Parchman Farm Blues” from his album Orgy of the Damned. Older rock fans might remember the version of the song done by hard rock band Cactus in 1970. Accompanied by his Blues Ball bandmates, including Teddy “Zig Zag” Andreadis on vocals/keyboards, bassist Johnny Griparic, drummer Michael Jerome, and singer/guitarist Tash Neal, the stage was set for an unforgettable night. Next, Slash and the band launched into “Killing Floor,” setting the crowd into a frenzy. Dressed in his iconic top hat and dark glasses, Slash mesmerized the audience with his catchy guitar riffs and inventive solos. Tash Neal’s rendition of the Howlin’ Wolf tune was exceptional, commanding attention with every note.
The band delivered stellar performances throughout the night, with standout moments including “Oh Well” by Fleetwood Mac. Slash gave a shout-out to legendary English blues guitarist Peter Green for writing the classic tune. The next song, "Big Legged Woman” by Freddie King, was sung by Teddy “Zig Zag” Andreadis with a throaty voice that captured the essence of the blues, reminiscent of the late Dr. John.
Chris Robinson from the Black Crowes made a surprise guest appearance, lending his soulful vocals to songs like “The Pusher” and adding his signature flair to the set. Eric Gales joined Slash on stage for a captivating duet on “Stone Free,” showcasing their mutual love for music and shared talent.
The Slash Blues Band captivated the audience with their masterful musicianship and passionate performances. They covered tracks from the new album and kept the energy high throughout the nearly two-hour set. Slash’s guitar solos were a highlight of the evening, piercing through the air with precision and skill. The addition of harmonica wizard Les Stroud and the guest appearance of Chris Robinson only enhanced the musical experience, adding layers of depth to each song.
As the night came to a close, the band delivered a powerful rendition of Elmore James’ “Shake Your Moneymaker,” leaving the audience on their feet, clapping and cheering. Slash’s dedication to the blues and commitment to giving back through the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival shone through in every note played, creating a night for fans of all ages to remember. The blend of great music and a meaningful mission made for an unforgettable evening at the Greek Theatre, showcasing the transformative power of music to unite and inspire. Slash and his all-star lineup proved once again that the blues is alive and well, schooling a new generation of fans and embracing the genre's rich heritage.
