The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival Tour, featuring Slash and many of his musical friends, is a celebration of blues music. Slash was introduced to the blues early in life by his grandmother, who played him B.B. King and Albert King records. The blues genre has always resonated with Slash, incorporating its sound and feeling into his rock and roll musical style. Known for his hard-rocking guitar riffs and face-melting solos, all of that sound, tempo, and attitude stem from the foundation of blues music.

Slash’s musical diversity and ambition to bring the blues to a wider audience led to the recording of a collaborative blues cover album titled ‘Orgy Of The Damned,’ released on May 17, 2024. The album is a collection of classic blues songs featuring Chris Stapleton, Brian Johnson, Billy Gibbons, Demi Lovato, Gary Clark Jr., Beth Hart, Chris Robinson, Dorothy, Paul Rogers, Iggy Pop, Steven Tyler, and Tash Neal. The album quickly ascended to #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart.

Slash’s S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival is currently on a six-week tour in America. S.E.R.P.E.N.T. is an acronym that stands for Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance. A portion of the proceeds from VIP packages and ticket sales will go to charities selected by Slash: The Equal Justice Initiative, Know Your Rights Camp, The Greenlining Institute, and War Child. S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival has partnered with PLUS1.ORG to support these charitable endeavors. This tour is not only a celebration of rock and blues music but also a celebration of unity and togetherness in these uncertain and divisive times. Slash has brought along a diverse group of musicians to play the blues on this tour, including Samantha Fish, Keb’ Mo’, and Jackie Venson for the Mission Ballroom show in Denver. Other artists playing in select cities have included Warren Haynes, Larkin Poe, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, ZZ Ward, Eric Gales, and Robert Randolph.

Contemporary blues/rock artists such as Samantha Fish, Larkin Poe, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram are all doing their part to keep the blues alive and well, just like their musical heroes before them. It’s essential that the genre remains both traditional and contemporary. These artists and many others are continuously touring, recording, and rocking souls around the world with a genre of music that has stood the test of time and always will. The blues is the purest example of emotional expression in a musical format.

Last night's show at the Mission Ballroom in Denver, Colorado, had a great vibe before a single note was played. The audience was clearly excited to see Slash rip up the stage in a way they had never seen before. Unlike the insanely elaborate production settings they would normally associate with Slash, this was a stripped-down rock and blues show that focused on the music and the musical history it represents. Singer/songwriter and guitar player Jackie Venson opened the show. Her soulful blues, rock, and pop vibe was infectious and fun. She and her drummer performed a thirty-minute set of original music, combining a DJ sampler with her guitar, giving the two-piece band a full, layered sound.

Samantha Fish was next, hitting the stage hard and fast, opening her set with a powerful rendition of the 1969 rock anthem ‘Kick Out The Jams’ by MC5. Her explosive stage presence, powerful vocal range, and hard-driving guitar work grabbed the audience and took them for a high-energy, pedal-to-the-metal ride for thirty minutes. For her second song, ‘Bulletproof,’ it was all about the cigar box guitar, Samantha’s slide guitar skills, and gut-punching lyrics. The volume was up to eleven at that point, and the audience, many of whom had never witnessed Fish’s live show, were in awe of what was happening on stage. She then turned the volume down for a sweet version of her song ‘Dream Girl,’ displaying her beautiful voice and pinpoint delivery of the lyrics. Fish was joined on stage by Jamie Douglass on drums, Ron Johnson on bass, and Mickey Finn on keyboards. What a powerhouse band and an amazing set of music last night.

Blues master Keb’ Mo’ and his band were next, and they delivered the blues on a silver platter. Singer/songwriter and guitarist Keb’ Mo’ has a sound all his own. Combining Delta Blues, Americana, and Country Blues, the man leaves no stone unturned. His band was dynamic and seriously on point, ripping through many of his signature songs, including ‘Government Cheese,’ one of my personal favorites. His classy stage presence and elegantly raw sound were cool and loose. Keb’ Mo’ played a few different guitars depending on the song style and took a seat front and center of the stage, providing a real intimate feeling to a good-sized hall. His vocals were crystal clear and well-pronounced, hitting every soul in the room like he was talking directly to them.

Slash and his band hit the stage like a freight train flying down the tracks with full engines on. Slash’s presence alone exuded rock n’ roll royalty, and his musical journey will forever be etched into the rock n’ roll history books. Slash looked great, and it seemed when he is not melting your mind with his guitar, he is in the gym keeping fit. His love of playing live music jumped off the stage and slammed you in the chest. Personally, I have heard a lot of bands in my day and certainly a lot of blues, but not delivered like that.

Slash and his band took traditional blues songs from the likes of Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, Freddie King, and many others and put some serious power behind them. Opening the set with ‘Parchment Farm Blues’ by Bukka White set a high-energy vibe right out of the gate. Slash’s guitar work was over-the-top impressive, from his guitar skills to the tone of his instruments; it was the whole package. His larger-than-life persona coupled with a Gibson guitar was all there for the fans, and man did they love it! The audience was jaw-dropped that they were witnessing Slash perform in a more intimate venue than a massive stadium. Speaking with some audience members who flew in from New Jersey to see their favorite artists was impressive as hell.

Slash on guitar and vocals was joined by Tash Neal on guitar and vocals, Michael Jerome on drums, Teddy “ZigZag" Andreadis on keyboards, and Johnny Griparic on bass. This powerhouse band blew the doors off the place; the sound was rich and robust, and the tone of every instrument was as big and bold as the people playing them. Honestly, it was one of the best-sounding shows I have ever heard. Having only seen Slash once in 1987 and blown away then, it took thirty-seven years to experience that feeling again. I don’t usually inject my personal thoughts and emotions into articles, but this show was a moment for me, and I am honored to write about it and photograph it.

The band ripped through the set with high-velocity energy and skills stacked on top of skills. Slash and his band played a wide assortment of blues songs from many different eras of music, including ‘Papa Was a Rolling Stone’ by the Temptations, ‘Big Legged Woman’ by Freddie King, ‘Stormy Monday’ by T-Bone Walker, 'Stone Free' by Jimi Hendrix, and many more. The audience was knocked on their asses, the band was having a great time, and we owe the whole thing to the blues legends who have provided this amazing music that will stand the test of time. Thanks to Slash and all of the musicians who performed last night, and thanks for keeping the blues alive and well.

Thanks to the Mission Ballroom and their staff and everyone who came out to support live music.