Slash, ‘Live at the Roxy’ — DVD Review

Recorded last September in Los Angeles, Live at the Roxy, captures Slash in top flight. Backed up by Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators, along with rhythm guitarist Frank Sidoris, he delivers the goods with the raw energy his former band was once capable of, and proves he's still got the fire.

The live set consists of Slash solo material as well as obvious nods to his glorious past. From the first punch of the opener, "Ghost," from his 2010 solo debut, it's clear the band means business. Kennedy has proven to be a good choice as lead singer, as he is more than capable of handling the sharp edged dynamics of Slash's old sparring partner, W. Axl Rose, without coming off as some sort of Guns 'N' Roses tribute act.

Speaking of GNR, the version of "Nightrain" here is absolutely first-rate. Throughout the set, Slash and band are in high-energy mode. These guys pull it together like a genuine rock and roll band, with all on the same page, playing together for the cause.

Along with other GNR classics such as "You Could Be Mine," "Rocket Queen" and "Sweet Child O' Mine," the set is full of prime Slash solo material such as the triumphant "Starlight" and a dramatic "Bent to Fly." Slash and company also tip their hat to Velvet Revolver with a raucous "Slither." Though his past is most certainly represented, Slash never rests on his glories of yesterday. One of the finest tracks of the set is the title song from his most recent album, World on Fire, which pretty much tears the roof off the sucker and proves why Slash remains a guitar hero to many. "Paradise City" wraps things up with Slash letting loose to the delight of the crowd.

The 17-track DVD (as well as the 19-track double CD) captures the band at the top of their game. The quality of not only the performance, but of the recording itself, is first-rate, retaining as much of the excitement of a club show as can be done without actually being there. Slash and Guns 'N' Roses fans will love it.

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