Slithering into Tucson : Slash Living His Blues Dream

Slash, the iconic guitarist from Guns N’ Roses, has been a staple in the music industry for the past 40 years. Now, he’s stepping into a new venture with his blues-inspired solo record and a unique festival.

To promote his latest release, “Orgy of the Damned,” Slash is launching the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival, focused on themes of solidarity, engagement, restoration, peace, equality, and tolerance. The festival will be held at the AVA Amphitheater on Sunday, July 14.

The festival will showcase a rotating lineup, featuring talents such as Warren Haynes Band, Samantha Fish, and Eric Gales, alongside Slash himself. However, this event is more than just a music festival.

“I wanted to use this festival to address inclusivity and togetherness and try to bridge that ever-widening gap,” Slash stated. “We’re raising money for charitable organizations that are supporting people suffering from racial inequality and mental illness.”

Beneficiary charities include the Equal Justice Initiative, Know Your Rights Camp, The Greenlining Institute, and War Child. Slash is contributing $1 from every ticket sold to these causes.

Slash expressed excitement about collaborating with different musicians. Samantha Fish is among those he holds in high regard.

“I have been following her for a while now,” Slash commented. “She’s cool and down to earth, just like her music.”

“Orgy of the Damned” is a project close to Slash’s heart. The album features collaborations with artists like Gary Clark Jr., Billy Gibbons, Chris Stapleton, and many more.

He mentioned that he followed his “gut reactions” when choosing singers for the album. Each artist chosen had a personal connection to the songs they performed.

“Dorothy’s awesome,” Slash said, speaking of another collaborator. “She has a new record coming out that I played on as well. It’s badass.”

Slash also talked about his desire to work with certain artists, such as Chris Robinson and Stapleton, who exceeded his expectations in their collaborations.

“They really brought something that went beyond my expectations,” he said. “Billy Gibbons also nailed “Hoochie Coochie Man.” It was a fantastic experience.”

The impetus for the album came from his time with Slash’s Blues Ball, a covers act he described as a “fun, drunken bar band.”

After a break during a Guns N’ Roses tour, Slash dedicated three weeks to bring this record to life. Collaborations and recordings were managed around his busy schedule.

“We had a week to cut the record,” he said. “Then I resumed touring with Guns N’ Roses, recording vocals whenever I could.”

With the album completed, Slash is now focused on his tour and the upcoming festival.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “There will be some jams and special guests. It’s going to be a blast.”

The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. (solidarity, engagement, restore, peace, equality n’ tolerance) Festival

WHEN: 8 p.m. Sunday, July 14

WHERE: AVA Amphitheater, Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson

COST: Tickets start at $34

INFO: casinodelsol.com

Tags: #Slithering #Tucson #Slash #living #blues #dream