Legendary guitarist Slash along with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators are currently touring Australia. The river is rising tour is in celebration of their newest album 4. Tonight at the Hordern it’s Sydney’s turn to experience a night of loud rock n roll.

First on stage are Aussie rock veterans Rose Tattoo. Belting out a set full of pub anthems including “we can’t be beaten” and “bad boy for love”. The band even included former AC/DC member Mark Evans on bass guitar.

Next up were British rockers The Struts. Front man Luke Spiller swaggered around the stage displaying more sex appeal than Austin Powers. The band won over the crowd gaining many new fans along the way. With set highlights including “body talks” and “could have been me”.

After a short break the SLASH back drop was unveiled as the rowdy, boozed up crowd was ready. Slash and his band kicking off the set with “the river is rising”. What followed was a 22 song set of rock and fucking roll showing off every members talents. With plenty of guitar solos from the iconic Slash.

The charismatic Myles Kennedy’s vocals soared especially on tracks like “back from Cali” and “starlight”. Bass player Todd Kerns took over vocal duties as the band covered “always on the run” by Lenny Kravitz and the live debut of Guns n Roses cover “bad apples.”

The main set closed with the explosive track “world on fire”. With the band returning to the stage for a two song encore. Firstly Slash sat behind the pedal steel guitar as we were treated to a cover of Elton John’s “rocket man”. Then lastly ending the night with “Anastasia” a song with an undeniably catchy riff giving Slash a last chance to shine.

(photos by Christian Ross)