Iconic Grammy-winning guitarist and songwriter, Slash visited Amoeba Hollywood to perform a rare acoustic set celebrating his new album Orgy of the Damned. The intimate performance occurred at the record store on Wednesday, May 29 at 5:00 p.m. in front of a limited number of fans.
As most Amoeba in-store shows, attendees were required to pre-order the new album in person to acquire their tickets for the performance. Fans not only received their ticket for the show but also a hand-signed commemorative show poster “Slash — Live at Amoeba Hollywood” within their bundle.
Slash’s acoustic band included Tash Neal on vocals and guitar and Teddy ‘ZigZag’ Andreadis on vocals and keyboards. The trio performed live debuts of several tracks from Orgy of the Damned. Slash’s new record pays homage to the blues with a collection of 12 songs that revitalize the blues with a stripped-down approach.
Photo Credit: Conny Chavez
At 5:03 p.m. KLOS’s Matt Pinfield made his way up the stage to introduce Slash and the band. Pinfield conducted a seven-minute Q&A, where Slash explained how Orgy of the Damned was made between breaks during a Guns N’ Roses tour. Slash reunited with two of his bandmates from Slash’s Blues Ball outfit in the 90s, Andreadis and bassist Johnny Griparic, and brought on Neal and drummer Michael Jerome. The group selected songs from a 1998 Blues Ball setlist and alongside a few more tracks. Slash also mentioned that he thought about bringing on guest singers to record the album would make it “less of a serious record.”
Throughout his process of reaching out to possible collaborators, Slash contacted Iggy Pop, who had previously mentioned wanting to record a blues song. Pop suggested recording the 1962 Lightnin’ Hopkins’s track “Awful Dream.” The album includes guest vocalists Gary Clark Jr, Billy F. Gibbons, Chris Stapleton, Dorothy, Paul Rodgers, Demi Lovato, Brian Johnson, Tash Neal, Chris Robinson, and Beth Hart. He also mentioned that fans can expect some of those special guests on selected dates during the upcoming summer SERPENT Festival tour. “Different places will have guests come up …and a lot of winging it,” said Slash. “I’m not saying names.”
Photo Credit: Conny Chavez
The performance kicked off with “Killing Floor,” followed by a brief break as Slash requested more sound on his guitar. It wasn’t until after “Key to the Highway” that his mic was switched out for an amplified sound on his acoustic guitar. The performance was originally meant to be a 30-minute performance, but nearly doubled in time as it held a few surprises such as improvisations and missing lyric sheets. The mostly unrehearsed performance was remarkable as the trio let the passion take over, showcasing not only their immense talent but their love of blues. There were also a few fascinating moments between songs including when Meegan Hodges, Slash’s partner, yelled out, “You are hot baby!” after Slash stated that the venue was getting a bit hot.
At the end of the performance Slash said it was the “first Blues Ball gig since 199-fucking-2,” though he was off by six years since the band last performed together in 1998. To officially close out his time at Amoeba, Slash threw out any remaining guitar picks and signed a few autographs to those in the front and center.
The Orgy of the Damned celebration continues this summer with Slash’s newly former SERPENT Festival starting July 5 in Montana through August 17 in Texas. Slash returns to LA at the Greek Theatre on Saturday, July 13 with Warren Haynes, Samantha Fish, and Eric Gales.
Slash Setlist- Amoeba Hollywood May 29
“Killing Floor” (from Orgy of the Damned) Tash Neal vocals
“Key to the Highway” (from Orgy of the Damned) Teddy ‘ZigZag’ Andreadis vocals
“Oh Well” (from Orgy of the Damned) Tash Neal vocals
“The Pusher” (from Orgy of the Damned) Teddy ‘ZigZag’ Andreadis vocals
“Crossroads” (from Orgy of the Damned) Tash Neal vocals
“Hoochie Coochie Man” (from Orgy of the Damned) Teddy ‘ZigZag’ Andreadis vocals
“Shake That Money Maker” (Elmore James) Teddy ‘ZigZag’ Andreadis vocals
“Awful Dream” (from Orgy of the Damned) Teddy ‘ZigZag’ Andreadis vocals
“Built for Comfort” (Howlin’ Wolf) Teddy ‘ZigZag’ Andreadis vocals
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