Living the Dream: Slash Unleashed in London

On the new live CD/DVD set, "Living the Dream Tour," Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators play just one Guns N' Roses song, and that's very important to note.

It signals that Slash and his band have built a loyal following of his solo work to the point where fans no longer need or expect to hear GNR tunes to come out to the show. That's evident from the rabid audience response throughout the spirited two-hour concert filmed earlier this year at London's legendary Hammersmith Apollo (nee Hammersmith Odeon). "Living the Dream" is also the title of Slash and the Conspirators latest studio effort.

The show kicks off with one of the first of many gritty riffs throughout the night, heralding the arrival of "The Call of the Wild." The band then powers into "Halo" and "Standing in the Sun," which features singer Myles Kennedy's powerful vocals.

A Stonesy riff starts off the stellar "Back from Cali." Slash is simply a riff machine and purveyor of searing solos, as evidenced throughout a set full of highlights, among them a robust "Boulevard of Broken Hearts," the heavy groove of "Shadow Life" and the energetic set closers "Avalon" and "Anastasia."

"Wicked Stone" features an extended Slash solo, showcasing his ability to play mesmerizing, fast and furious yet highly emotive licks up and down the fretboard. As Slash proves in the solo spotlight and throughout the concert, there's a good reason he's viewed as one of this generation's greatest six-stringers.

It should be noted that Slash emphasizes that the group setup is not simply Slash plus backing band. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators play an integral part of the show, not only providing a rhythmic palette for Slash to musically paint on but also proving that they're one of the best melodic hard rock bands in the business.

Lead singer Kennedy is a unique, recognizable voice that commands the stage. Bassist Todd Kerns and drummer Brent Fitz lock in and load up to provide a rock solid rhythmic foundation while rhythm guitarist Frank Sidoris is a fantastic player who complements Slash perfectly.

The DVD also includes "Live in London - Behind the Scenes," which features Slash and Kennedy providing insight into the band's musical approach and the nature of life on the road.

Oh yeah, the GNR song. "Nightrain" is intense and overpowering. And no doubt Slash will be playing it for some time to come as the reunited Guns show no signs of letting up. But "Living the Dream Tour" is all about Slash and Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, and leaves no doubt that Slash the solo artist is as enthralling as Slash with GNR.