Live Review and Photos: Myglobalmind/Screaming Digital Productions
The Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, Alabama, was electrified on July 5 as SLASH, the GRAMMY®-winning guitarist, kicked off the inaugural S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival. Celebrating his recently release album, Orgy of the Damned, SLASH curated a lineup of blues legends and delivered a performance that lived up to every expectation.
The evening began with the amazing Robert Randolph, whose soulful blues voice warmed up the crowd. His dynamic set set the stage for indie rocker ZZ Ward, who, though new to me, proved to be a revelation. ZZ Ward’s blend of blues rock and pop rock was both intriguing and refreshing, and I’ll definitely be exploring her back catalog after witnessing her performance.
Following Randolph and Ward, the magnificent Lovell Sisters and Larkin Poe delivered an unforgettable set. Their high-octane performance seamlessly blended hard rock, blues, and southern rock into a powerful jolt of fire. Songs like “Bad Spell” and their kick-ass cover of the Allman Brothers’ “Jessica” were superbly executed. We had previously covered their phenomenal performance at the Maid of Stone festival in the UK, and their appearance at S.E.R.P.E.N.T. further solidified their status as a must-see act.
When SLASH and his all-star Blues band—featuring Johnny Griparic on bass, Teddy ‘ZigZag’ Andreadis on keyboards, Michael Jerome on drums, and Tash Neal on vocals and guitar—took the stage, the excitement was palpable. The setlist was a thrilling journey through blues history, with standout moments including a spellbinding cover of T-Bone Walker’s classic “Stormy Monday.” SLASH’s soulful bends and searing solos captured the essence of Walker’s original while adding his own fiery touch.
SLASH also unleashed his raw power on “The Hunter” by Albert King. Wailing away with an intensity that only SLASH can deliver, he demonstrated why he is revered as one of the greatest guitarists of our time. His frenetic energy and technical prowess turned every riff into a memorable spectacle, leaving the audience in awe.
Another highlight was SLASH’s ambitious cover of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” by The Temptations. Transforming this classic soul hit into a powerful rock anthem, SLASH’s shredding guitar work was both daring and superbly executed, showcasing his versatility and deep respect for musical traditions.
Throughout the evening, SLASH remained intensely focused and all-business as he commanded the stage. His guitar work was so captivating that one could easily lose track of time simply admiring his technique and passion. Each solo, each riff, and each note was delivered with precision and heart, solidifying his reputation as a mad axeman who never disappoints.
As the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival continues its tour across North America, fans can look forward to more exceptional performances. With tour dates ending soon, there’s still time to catch SLASH and his all-star lineup. The festival promises a celebration of blues that’s as entertaining as it is impactful.
SLASH’s S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival:
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