Slash
The atmosphere in the crowd moments before Slash appeared on stage was great. There were thousands of people, cramped together the closer to the stage we got. Then came cheers and the crowd erupted as the big screens revealed Slash walking on stage, with a big smile on his face.
Lead by Alter Bridge's front man, Myles Kennedy, the band played through several songs from Slash's self-titled album, which features collaborations of several artists. For those who did not know the songs, Myles' vocals are harmonious and wonderful. Even for fans who did know the songs, Myles did not disappoint and the chemistry between him and Slash is perfect.
Myles certainly looks the part, is charming and received well by the crowd. Slash does what he does best, and even has a surprise (although already expected by many), and introduces Lemmy (Motörhead's frontman) to the stage. The crowd could not be happier it seems, until Myles returns to the stage and hints towards old songs which Slash wrote and performed on this very stage. And then a perfect ending to a perfect set before the rain came.
Slash plays the intro to 'Sweet Child O Mine' and Myles joins him on stage again. The crowd go mad. While Myles is not comparable to Axl Rose, the crowd do not care, and his vocals do not disappoint, even though the crowd's singing almost overpowers his.
Slash finish off by playing Paradise City, and the crowd feel like they have been part of something amazing, for many of which this performance will be a highlight of the weekend and remembered for a long time.
Words : Stephanie Smith
Pictures : Andy Squire
Tagged in Download Festival