pick of the day for Sunday at Download

So with black clouds looming and an eventual downpour forecast I manage to squeeze my Sunday favourite in before getting soaked. Accompanied on stage by Myles Kennedy lead singer from Alter Bridge and guest vocalist on most of his solo album, enter the arena Slash.

Who hasn't stood playing air guitar or Guitar Hero pretending to be this guy, come on admit it most of us have. Starting off his set with 'Ghost' from his self titled album, it's easy to see why I'm bumping this guy into my 'Legends' category, for an afternoon slot the crowd around the main stage was amazing, better than I've seen some top headliners get at Festivals.

The crowd picked up momentum as soon as the opening bars for Guns n Roses track 'Nightrain' were played. Slash didn't really do much microphone work he left that mainly to Kennedy concentrating on letting his fingers do the talking on his guitar. The moment I got a shiver down my spine I knew I could be hearing only one thing, the intro to 'Sweet Child O' Mine', for me this was heaven, and having it played by Slash with his hair blowing in the breeze under is signature top hat was just amazing.

Slash kept on packing the punches in and took to the mic to introduce us to a very good friend of his Lemmy from Motorhead, who then did the track 'Doctor Alibi' which he also did the vocals for on Slash's album. 'Slither' was squeezed into the set to remind us all that he has been a part of another band Velvet Revolver after his much hyped spat with Mr Rose.

It's not very often you get a guitarist listed on a festival bill as themselves but Slash deserves his place on the stage and I'd guess that many of the younger acts on over the weekend have been influenced by him in many ways.

As many hands were in the air clapping along the set ended with 'Paradise City'. The grass wasn't particularly green through all the discarded noodles, but I'm sure all the boys will agree certain bare chested ladies who made it onto the big screen were definitely pretty. There was no doubt that the crowd loved the GNR tracks, but Kennedy did a very respectable job taking on such a classic song, he wasn't trying to be Axel but along side Slash it was good enough for me.

All I can say is roll on Leeds Festival, Axel Rose you have a lot to live up to. Slash and Kennedy made a great partnership with no diva demands and lengthy waits or hissy fits, will sure be good to see what you can deliver in August, if I were you make peace with Slash and bring him with you.

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