Photo: Gene Kirkland

Slash’s inaugural S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival is shaping up to be a star-studded affair. In the weeks since the tour began on July 5, several legendary musicians have joined the Guns N’ Roses guitarist on stage. Recent guests include Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, Les Stroud, Eric Gales, Samantha Fish, and a continuation of Warren Haynes’ appearances. 

On Saturday, July 13, Slash brought out Robinson in LA for a version of “The Pusher,” a new staple on the tour setlist. Robinson enlivened the typical Hoyt Axton cover with full, buoyant vocals and an even wilder stage presence, driving the rhythmic performance forward with a dynamic harmonica solo mid-song. Robinson’s performance of “The Pusher” with Slash and his Blues band–which features Tash Neal on guitar, Johnny Griparic on bass, Teddy “ZigZag” Andreadis on keyboard and Michael Jerome on drums–follows their studio version of the same song released earlier this year on Slash’s Orgy of the Damned. 

The following evening, Haynes joined Slash onstage for a few songs in Tucson, Ariz. Notable collaborations from the Grand Canyon State affair include a rendition of Freddie King’s “Bigg Legged Woman” from Haynes and Slash, followed by a live debut of Don Nix’s “Going Down” with Fish and Gales to bring the night to a close. Fish and Gales also joined Slash and his band for two offerings, “Key to the Highway” and “Stone Free,” earlier in the July 14 iteration of the “blues extravaganza.”

The S.E.R.P.E.N.T–Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance–Festival continues this evening, July 17, at Denver’s Mission Ballroom, with performances from Keb’ Mo’, Samantha Fish and Jackie Venson. For S.E.R.P.E.N.T. tickets and more information, go to https://www.serpentfestival.com/tour.

Slash 

Greek Theatre – Los Angeles

July 13, 2024

Set: Parchman Farm Blues, Killing Floor, Born Under a Bad Sign, Oh Well, Big Legged Woman, Key to the Highway, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Stormy Monday, The Pusher, Metal Chestnut, Cross Road Blues, Stone Free

Encore: It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry, Shake Your Money Maker

View more setlists, and see show notes here.