Guns N’ Roses guitarist also played on “Trouble No More” and “Whipping Post” during the group’s concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium
Slash was one of the many guest players when the Allman Betts Family Revival celebrated the music of the Allman Brothers Band in Nashville on Monday night.
The Guns N’ Roses guitarist appeared for a trio of performances: “Trouble No More,” “Dreams,” and “Whipping Post.” Each showed off Slash’s innate blues playing, but it was his solo on “Dreams” that had the crowd mesmerized. Playing a goldtop Les Paul — the entire night was heavy on Gibsons — Slash coaxed out a series of glistening, at times weepy notes from the instrument before propping the guitar onto his knee and unleashing a blues-rock run for the ages. Robert Randolph gave Slash a run for his money with his own inspired “Dreams” solo on his pedal steel.
Led by Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts, respectively, the Allman Betts Family Revival is expert in recreating the timeless songs of the Allmans. They also curate a mean guest list: Along with Slash and Randolph, the evening included Wet Willie’s Jimmy Hall, mandolinist Sierra Hull, ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro, Nashville guitar prodigy Grace Bowers, bluegrass singer Lindsay Lou, and Grammy-nominated Americana singer-songwriter Maggie Rose. (Rose’s duet on “These Days” with Allman was another show highlight.)
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“We never would’ve thought that this is what it would become, ever,” Allman told Rolling Stone earlier this year of the tribute. “It’s a kind of family reunion. We get to see everyone and celebrate one of the best songbooks in rock & roll.”
As for landing Slash on the bill, Allman said he was simply “free and into it.” The GNR co-founder’s new blues album — Orgy of the Damned — didn’t hurt. “I think he’s wanting to jump into some circles that are a little more blues-oriented,” Allman said. “We’re just happy to have him.”
