Slash brought the S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival to the Budweiser Stage in Toronto in celebration of the rich history of the Blues genre.
Slash has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 per ticket goes to the SERPENT Fund, which supports organizations that promote positive change and inclusivity, and emphasize solidarity, engagement, restoration, peace, equality, and tolerance in all endeavors.
S.E.R.P.E.N.T. is an anagram and stands for Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance. Starring Slash on all dates, the festival is a celebration of the blues.
ZZ Ward took the stage as the supporting act, and she wasted no time in captivating the audience. An American alternative singer, Ward is known for her hit song Ride, which was featured in the animated movie “Cars 3.” More recently, she released the powerful track Mother, further solidifying her place as a rising star in the music industry.
Her powerful vocals and bluesy, rock-infused style had the audience enthralled from the first note. Despite the crowd still trickling in, Ward’s 7-song set list had everyone’s attention.
Keb’ Mo’ and his band captivated the audience from start to finish, regularly having the crowd on their feet in appreciation. His ability to project the raw emotions of his songs was palpable, drawing the audience into the authentic Blues experience.
Keb’ Mo’ constantly switched up his guitars with every song, showcasing his mastery of the instrument.
The 10-song setlist was a true testament to his prowess as an American Blues artist. This was the real deal – pure, unadulterated Blues that left an indelible mark on all in attendance. It was a perfect precursor to show the evolution into what was coming next, a Rock and Roll experience.
Slash and his talented ensemble treated the audience to a 15-song set list that paid homage to the greats of the blues, including Jimi Hendrix, The Temptations, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, and T-Bone Walker. The performance was a masterful blend of heavy-style rock and roll, infused with the soulful essence of the blues that birthed the genre.
Slash and his band infused the classic blues sound with their signature heavy, rock and roll style, creating a unique and energetic experience for the audience.
The vocals were shared between Teddy “Zig Zag” Andreadis on keyboards and guitarist Tash Neal, who both delivered soulful and powerful performances. The deep, rich bass vocals from Zig Zag added depth and emotion to the music. Slash’s guitar work was nothing short of mesmerizing, showcasing his virtuosity and passion for the blues. Bassist Johnny Griparic was in his element, enjoying the moment, with smiles for miles. Drummer Michael Jerome kept the beat tight, feeding off the energy on stage.
The energy on stage was palpable, with the band members feeding off the crowd’s enthusiasm and delivering a set that was full of vigor and talent. Slash, in particular, performed with a level of intensity and feeling that left the audience in awe, reminding everyone in attendance that rock and roll was indeed born from the blues.
If you’re a fan of the blues, rock and roll, or simply appreciate the fusion of genres, the S.E.R.P.E.N.T Festival at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto was an event that you simply couldn’t afford to miss. With Slash and his ensemble leading the charge, the night was a true celebration of the enduring power of the blues and its influence on the world of music.
Special thanks to Live Nation for the accreditation.
All images are ©Sue Sadzak Hebert 2024. Please do not copy without consent.
ZZ Ward:
Keb’ Mo’:
Slash:
