Slash and His Rock Brotherhood: From Guns N’ Roses to Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators
When you hear the name Slash, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the iconic top hat, a low-slung Les Paul guitar, and those legendary opening chords to “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”
As the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, Slash carved his name into rock history with riffs as recognizable as his silhouette. But while GN’R remains a massive part of his legacy, Slash’s musical journey didn’t end in the ’80s or ’90s.
Enter Todd Kerns, Myles Kennedy, and Frank Sidoris—a new generation of collaborators who’ve helped the guitar hero keep the fire burning well into the 21st century.
The Slash Legacy: From GN’R to Global Icon
Born Saul Hudson in London and raised in Los Angeles, Slash rose to prominence as the lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses during the band’s meteoric rise in the late 1980s. Their 1987 debut album, Appetite for Destruction, is now legendary, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide.
It blended punk energy, bluesy swagger, and arena-rock bombast, making Slash’s guitar work a defining element of the band’s sound.
However, by the mid-1990s, tensions within GN’R reached a breaking point, and Slash exited the band. While Axl Rose continued under the GN’R banner, Slash ventured into solo territory and other projects, including Slash’s Snakepit and the supergroup Velvet Revolver.
But it wasn’t until the 2010s that Slash would discover a new creative synergy—one that rivaled the excitement of his early career.
Myles Kennedy: The Voice That Rekindled Slash’s Flame
In 2010, Slash released his first self-titled solo album, featuring a range of guest vocalists. One track, “Starlight,” featured a relatively lesser-known voice at the time—Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge. That collaboration would light the fuse for something special.
Kennedy, with his soaring vocals, emotional delivery, and humble demeanor, quickly became Slash’s full-time frontman. Their chemistry was undeniable, leading to the formation of Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. Since then, they’ve released four studio albums:
- Apocalyptic Love (2012)
- World on Fire (2014)
- Living the Dream (2018)
- 4 (2022, released under the Gibson Records label)
Unlike the chaotic rollercoaster of GN’R, this band brought consistency, camaraderie, and a shared passion for riff-driven hard rock.
Todd Kerns: The Backbone of the Conspirators
A Canadian rock veteran, Todd Kerns, is much more than just a bassist. Known for his previous work in The Age of Electric and Static in Stereo, Kerns brings gritty vocals, charismatic stage presence, and rock-solid musicianship to the Conspirators. He often takes lead vocals on select tracks during live shows and is known for his all-in attitude and unmistakable punk flair.
More than just a bandmate, Kerns has become one of Slash’s closest musical allies. Their bond is evident both on stage and in interviews—Kerns’ enthusiasm often serving as a grounding force in the band’s dynamic.
Frank Sidoris: The Young Gun
Frank Sidoris joined the band in 2012 as a touring rhythm guitarist and was later made an official member. Coming from Las Vegas and having played with The Cab, Sidoris was a relatively fresh face in the world of hard rock. But his ability to hold his own next to a legend like Slash spoke volumes. His tight, clean rhythm work complements Slash’s fiery solos, giving the band a fuller, more layered sound live and in the studio.
Together with Kennedy and Kerns, Sidoris helps create the modern Conspirators sound: melodic, tight, and undeniably electric.
The Guns N’ Roses Reunion: Balancing Both Worlds
In 2016, rock fans were stunned (and thrilled) when Slash rejoined Guns N’ Roses, along with original bassist Duff McKagan, for the Not in This Lifetime… Tour. The reunion was monumental—bringing together members who hadn’t shared the stage since the early ’90s. The tour became one of the highest-grossing of all time, proving the enduring appeal of GN’R’s classic lineup.
What’s remarkable is that Slash didn’t abandon his solo band. Instead, he balanced both worlds. Between massive stadium tours with GN’R, Slash and the Conspirators continued to write, record, and tour. It’s a testament to Slash’s work ethic—and his deep respect for the musicians he surrounds himself with.
Why It Works: Chemistry Over Chaos
What sets Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators apart is the rare combination of talent and humility. Unlike the volatile personalities of GN’R’s heyday, this band operates with mutual respect and shared vision. They’re workhorses who genuinely enjoy making music together.
Slash has often said in interviews that this lineup gives him a “safe space” to explore creatively. Myles Kennedy’s melodic sensibility balances Slash’s bluesy bite. Todd Kerns’ gritty vocals and high-octane energy elevate every performance. Frank Sidoris ensures the rhythm section is locked in and explosive.
In short: this is a band that works because it wants to, not because it has to.
Rock’s Past and Future Collide
Whether you’re a fan of Appetite for Destruction or someone who discovered Slash through World on Fire, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching a rock legend evolve. Slash’s journey from Guns N’ Roses mayhem to the brotherhood of the Conspirators showcases not just resilience—but reinvention.
As of 2025, Slash continues to tour and record with both GN’R and his solo band. Myles Kennedy remains one of the most respected frontmen in modern rock. Todd Kerns is a fan-favorite and creative force. Frank Sidoris is helping carry the torch to the next generation.
Together, they prove that rock is far from dead—it just needed a new riff, a few good friends, and a top hat to lead the way.
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