Slash, the iconic guitarist known for his work with Guns N’ Roses, is once again proving his versatility and deep-rooted passion for music with his latest album, “Orgy Of The Damned.” This new project sees Slash diving into the world of blues, a genre often referred to as “the devil’s music.” The album features a collection of classic blues songs, each performed with a different guest singer, including notable names like Billy F Gibbons, Brian Johnson, Iggy Pop, Chris Robinson, Beth Hart, Chris Stapleton, Steven Tyler, and Gary Clark Jr.
Currently on tour in the UK with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Slash’s mind is firmly set on Mississippi as he discusses his new album. “Orgy Of The Damned” is a blues covers record that brings together a variety of artists to breathe new life into songs by blues legends such as Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, and Muddy Waters. The album’s title, according to Slash, was inspired by the historical perception of blues as taboo music. “It just sort of popped up,” he says, reflecting on the spontaneous nature of the project.
The album features a mix of traditional blues and rock and R&B standards, including tracks like “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “Crossroads,” “Killing Floor,” “Born Under A Bad Sign,” and “Stormy Monday.” Slash acknowledges the potential for comparisons with the great rock bands of the 1960s but insists that the project was more about having fun and playing music he loves. “This is just me having a good time,” he says, emphasizing the informal and enjoyable nature of the album’s creation.
Slash’s journey with blues music began in his childhood in England, where he was exposed to British blues bands of the 60s. His grandmother later introduced him to BB King after he moved to Los Angeles. These early influences have always been a part of Slash’s guitar playing, even as he became known for his hard rock style with bands like AC/DC and Aerosmith.
In 1996, after leaving Guns N’ Roses, Slash formed a side project called Slash’s Blues Ball, which played blues covers in various LA venues. Although the band toured the US and Europe, a blues record never materialized until now. “Thirty years later I finally had two weeks off, and I thought I’m going to do this record now,” Slash explains.
To bring the album to life, Slash reunited with former Blues Ball members Johnny Griparic and Teddy Andreadis, along with new collaborators Tash Neal and Michael Jerome. The idea of featuring different singers came about to make the project more eclectic and avoid direct comparisons with other blues musicians. “I’m gonna have Gary Clark come in and do a song. And I’m gonna have Demi Lovato sing this, and Paul Rodgers sing this,” Slash recalls telling the band.
The album was recorded with Appetite For Destruction producer Mike Clink at East West Studios and Slash’s own Snakepit studio in Los Angeles. Despite his star status, Slash found it challenging to coordinate with some of the guest artists. “The two hardest ones to nail down were Chris Stapleton and Billy Gibbons,” he admits. Gibbons, for instance, recorded his parts remotely in Palm Springs, delivering what Slash describes as one of the best vocals of “Hoochie Coochie Man” he has ever heard.
One notable absence was Steven Tyler, who eventually contributed harmonica to “Killing Floor” after being unreachable for a month. The track features a powerful vocal performance by Brian Johnson, showcasing a different side of the AC/DC frontman.
The album opens with “The Pusher,” featuring Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, who delivered an impressive performance in just two takes. Paul Rodgers, a long-time collaborator and one of Slash’s heroes, sings “Born Under A Bad Sign,” while Beth Hart brings raw emotion to “Stormy Monday,” recorded in a single, heartfelt take.
Iggy Pop, another surprising guest, chose to cover Lightnin’ Hopkins’ “Awful Dream.” Slash and Iggy recorded the song live in the studio, capturing a unique and personal moment for the punk legend.
Despite his status as a guitar hero, Slash has never aspired to be a singer. “I don’t have the personality for it,” he says, preferring to express himself through his guitar. He believes that singers and guitarists have fundamentally different mindsets, with singers being more outwardly expressive.
To promote “Orgy Of The Damned,” Slash has announced a US Blues Festival tour starting in July. The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Tour, an acronym for Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance, will feature a lineup of artists hand-picked by Slash, including the Warren Haynes Band, Keb’ ’Mo, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, Robert Randolph, Samantha Fish, Eric Gales, ZZ Ward, Jackie Venson, and Larkin Poe. A portion of the tour’s profits will go to activist-group charities like the Equal Justice Initiative and the Know Your Rights Camp.
Looking ahead, Slash plans to record a new Conspirators album and hints at a potential new Guns N’ Roses record. However, his passion for blues remains strong, and he hopes to continue exploring the genre in future projects. “This blues album was a big outlet for me to be able to do something that I love to do,” he says, expressing his desire to make blues festivals and records a regular part of his career.
“Orgy Of The Damned” is set to be released on May 17 via Gibson Records, showcasing Slash’s enduring love for blues and his ability to bring together a diverse group of musicians to celebrate the genre.
Source: Classic Rock
