SLASH a Phil Campbell.

In Prague's O2 arena on February 9, 2019, big beat, or rather hard rock, actually a bit of heavy metal, was played. There were two bands representing this genre, and both of them were connected by one sympathetic circumstance. Respect, remembrance and tribute to the deceased hard rock/metal pioneer (the slash is a reference - a donkey's bridge - to the main star of the evening) Lemmy Kilmister. This British bassist and lead singer of Motorhead became a true legend of this musical style. And even during his lifetime. Both Phil Campbell and Myles Kennedy named him during the otherwise modestly conceived moderation, and gave a hearty salute to his heavenly band. Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons began at the stroke of eight, and their 40+ minute set included songs primarily from their latest album The Age of Absurdity (2018). Phil is best known as the guitarist for Motorhead from 1984 to 2015. In the rearranged order, original acts such as Ringleader, Freak Show, Dark Days, Get on your Knees and more were played. The band's sound was, for support, very solid and Dark Days in particular sounded wonderful with its swinging rhythm and excellent vocals. The tribute to Lemmy in the form of Ace of Spades was likeable, but those who know Motorhead intimately were more likely to reminisce about the original. Playing to a half-filled arena, the five-piece line-up (father and three sons, plus Neil Starr) did their job to a tee, and the main course was awaited.

This was one of the finest guitarists of our time, fifty-three-year-old Saul Hudson, known by his stage name Slash. He rose to fame mainly as the guitarist of Guns and Roses and his fame was also helped by his successful Velvet Revolver (hard rock/grunge) project. In Prague's O2 arena he performed with his band The Conspirators and singer Myles Kennedy. The current tour is aimed at promoting the current album released at the end of last year (Living the Dream). The nearly two-hour performance contained, musically, everything needed. The sound was good at first. Later, probably due to the not completely full hall, some sounds started to split and, for example, the lead guitarist's solos became unintelligible. The lighting was rather mediocre and the visual or pyrotechnic effects were completely missing. An excellent performance was given by Kennedy, who intoned flawlessly, had the necessary range and phrased intelligibly. In the first half of the concert, however, he seemed a bit submissive and the audience had to search for him. In addition to the title track of the new album The Call of the Wind, there were also Sugar Cane and The Great Pretender. The quieter Starlight, dating back to 2010, was a necessary change in the dramaturgical selection, which continuously spat tracks at a high tempo at the audience. The Conspirators band members Bobby Schneck (guitar), Todd Kerns (bass) and Brent Fitz (drums) have a considerable boost in Myles Kennedy, who despite his medical handicap (tinnitus) is one of rock's absolute top singers. Slash is a separate chapter. The onstage icon, in his inseparable top hat, sunglasses/reflective glasses with many rings on his right hand, performs extraordinary runs on the Les Paul fingerboard, but they are not self-explanatory and really make sense. The absence of big screens didn't allow the audience seated outside the standing cauldron below the stage to enjoy Slash's propulsion as he spins around with his legs bent while playing the most intricate solos. The songs have multiple voices in most of the choruses, so Kerns' vocals come into their own. The problem, however, is the minimum of hit songs to freshen up the set list. Thus, while the show is an instrumental display of exceptional individuality built on excellent rhythm and an exceptional performance by the vocalist, it is relatively easy to forget because it doesn't deliver any extra moments.

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