SLASH, the iconic, GRAMMY winning guitarist and songwriter, has announced his highly anticipated sixth solo album titled Orgy of the Damned.

A collection of 12 dynamic songs that shakes up and revitalizes blues classics with a stripped-down, instinctive approach, SLASH’s new album, Orgy of the Damned, creates a singular expression that pays homage to the blues.

The first single “Killing Floor,”-which features Brian Johnson of AC/DC on vocals, and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith on harmonica-is an electrifying, raucous and gleefully unbridled take on Howlin’ Wolf’s 1964 Chicago blues standard; stream “Killing Floor,” has just released.

“Killing Floor’ is one of my favorite Howlin’ Wolf songs, but also one of the iconic blues riffs that turned me on as a young guitar player. I’ve always wanted to cover it in some capacity and this record was the perfect vehicle. But playing it with this band, and with Brian Johnson singing, it was an achievement I would never have imagined back then. Let alone Steven Tyler providing the harp” states Slash.

While Brian Johnson from AC/DC said; “When Slash asked me to sing on ‘Killing Floor,’ I said yes immediately. It was one of the first songs I learned in my very first band, and when he played me the backing track it was a no-brainer, and Steven’s harmonica is so bloody hot. I had a ball with Slash in the studio, and I think we did this great old song justice. Rock on.”

By celebrating both well-known and largely undiscovered songs, SLASH offers a nostalgic nod to the past while reinvigorating the songs with his inimitable guitar playing and the spirit of collaboration. For Orgy of the Damned, the acclaimed guitarist re-teamed with storied producer Mike Clink and enlisted the album’s diverse guest vocalists, which include Gary Clark Jr, Billy F. Gibbons, Chris Stapleton, Dorothy, Iggy Pop, Paul Rodgers, Demi Lovato, Brian Johnson, Tash Neal, Chris Robinson, and Beth Hart, in a similar way to his 2010 self-titled solo LP Slash. To round out his band in the studio and on the road, SLASH reunited with two of his bandmates from his Blues Ball outfit in the 90s, bassist Johnny Griparic and keyboardist Teddy Andreadis, and brought on drummer Michael Jerome and singer/guitarist Tash Neal.

Credit: Gene Kirkland.

Although he grew up in England, SLASH’s American grandmother turned him on to the blues early on, and he was immediately taken with B.B. King. At the same time, his parents raised him on a healthy diet of 60s British rock ‘n’ roll, from The Who to The Kinks. Once he moved to Laurel Canyon, SLASH found himself surrounded by rock and folk singers like Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Neil Young—all of whom eventually inspired his playing and songwriting. It wasn’t until he began playing guitar himself that SLASH realized all of his favorite musicians had been influenced by the same B.B. King blues records he’d listened to as a young kid.

Orgy of the Damned encompasses a broad range of styles within the blues genre, veering from an upbeat, rowdy take on Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads” to a plaintive, twanging rendition of T. Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday.” Some of the songs, like Steppenwolf’s “The Pusher,” Charlie Segar’s “Key to the Highway,” and Albert King’s “Born Under a Bad Sign,” had been performed by Slash’s Blues Ball, while others, like Stevie Wonder’s “Living for the City,” were long-time favorites for Slash. “Hoochie Coochie Man,” written by Willie Dixon and made famous by Muddy Waters in 1954, showcases the in-the-moment nature and unrestrained energy of Orgy of the Damned, with Z.Z. Top’s Billy F. Gibbons stepping in on guitar and vocals. The group went into a rehearsal room in North Hollywood and began hashing out soulful, rollicking takes on the classic songs. Everything was played live in the room, with an emphasis on improvisation which resulted in a collection of dynamic, energized songs that are immediate, raw, and distinctly familiar.

As SLASH was considering vocalists, he approached his old friend and collaborator, Iggy Pop, who had long wanted to record a blues song. Pop suggested Lightnin’ Hopkins’ 1962 track, “Awful Dream,” a sparse, drawling number originally laid down on acoustic guitar. The duo decided to recreate that stripped back vibe and recorded their own languid, emotionally resonant version sitting on two stools in SLASH’s studio. “Iggy’s interpretation of that song is actually sublime,” says SLASH. “And it’s something that nobody’s really heard from him. At the end of the track, you can hear him just singing the harmonica parts.”

Elsewhere on Orgy of the Damned, Demi Lovato lends her powerhouse voice to “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” a fervent, soulful version of the 1972 single by The Temptations that SLASH admired as a kid. Although the song veers more towards R&B, the guitarist wanted to give it his own impassioned spin. The album concludes with a soaring original instrumental number, “Metal Chestnut,” penned specifically for Orgy of the Damned by Slash.

Orgy of the Damned showcases a lesser-heard aspect of SLASH’s musical prowess. While he has always embraced a broad range of styles and genres, the album offers a rare opportunity to explore a unique side of his playing and bring to the forefront a rollicking journey through his strong blues inspirations, that have long been in the background of his illustrious career.

Orgy of the Damned will also be available on vinyl and via CD and will be released on May 17th, 2024 via Gibson Records and is available to pre-order now.

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Gibson and Gibson Gives, its philanthropic arm, are bringing the music community together to stand behind the Ukraine Relief effort, raising awareness and funds to aid the people of Ukraine.

Gibson luthiers have crafted a limited edition run of four Guitars For Peace Les Paul Custom electric guitars, which proudly display the unforgettable Azure Blue and Gold colors of the Ukrainian Flag.

Gibson partnered with artists to perform with the Ukraine guitars on stage on tour this summer. Autograph books traveling alongside each guitar have been autographed by Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Slash, Fher Olvera of Maná, Nile Rogers of Chic, Mark Knopfler, Lzzy Hale, Margo Price, Alex Lifeson, Blossoms, The Fratellis, Kasabian, Madness, Maisie Peters, Paloma Faith, The Charlatans, The Vaccines, Toyah, My Chemical Romance, and actor Jason Momoa, among others.

Paul McCartney performs with a custom Gibson Guitars For Peace Les Paul Standard guitar in Syracuse, NY. Photo credit_ MJ Kim.

Starting on October 11th, 2022, bidding will open for the Gibson Guitars For Peace Ukraine guitars and their autograph books as part of Julien’s Auctions, the auction house to the stars, “Icons & Idols: Rock ‘N’ Roll” live auction.

Bidding will conclude with the live auction on Friday, November 11th, Saturday, November 12th, and Sunday, November 13th 2022, online via www.JuliensLive.com and in-person at the Hard Rock New York. Registration is required to bid in this auction and can be done in person or online before the sale via the registration page to bid by phone, proxy, or in person, or online. For inquiries, please email or call.

100% of the funds from the auction of the Gibson Guitars For Peace Ukraine Relief guitars will go to the current humanitarian need for the people of Ukraine, as well as rebuilding efforts once the conflict ends.

Mark Knopfler with the Gibson Guitars For Peace Les Paul

The Gibson Gives Ukraine Relief guitars feature the colors of the Ukrainian flag, which is a worldwide symbol of international solidarity for the freedom, democracy, and independence of the Ukrainian people. The Azure Blue color on top signifies Ukraine’s great blue skies, while the Gold below denotes the massive fields of grain that cover three-quarters of the country; the flag of Ukraine represents its role as the breadbasket of Europe.

A strong symbol of pride, the Ukrainian flag was created in 1848 and has flown high as the national flag of Ukraine for over 30 years since Ukraine achieved its independence.

“I’m happy to auction this beautiful guitar of mine to benefit the fine people of Ukraine,” says Paul McCartney. “Hopefully it will help them through this aggressive Russian invasion.”

“It is an honor to represent the brave sovereign state of Ukraine,” says SLASH. “I’m proud to support them during this conflict.”

“Once again, Gibson Gives rises to the occasion!” says Alex Lifeson of RUSH. “I’m proud to count myself in as a supporter of the Guitars For Peace initiative in aid of the people of Ukraine.”

Slash performing with Guns N’ Roses in June with a Gibson Guitars For Peace Les Paul Custom guitar.

“It’s been heartbreaking to watch the innocent people of Ukraine in such turmoil,” adds Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. “I’m so proud of my Gibson family for stepping up to provide a bit of hope to our fellow humans.”

“For many centuries, music has always played a pivotal role in uniting communities and countries, especially during times of conflict,” says James “JC” Curleigh, President and CEO of Gibson Brands. “Despite the dark circumstances, we stand by our amazing artists with our support to launch ‘Guitars for Peace,’ and to envision a better future for Ukraine and its citizens.”

In addition to the guitars, Gibson has launched the Guitars For Peace T-Shirt to allow everyone across the globe to show their support for Ukraine in an affordable way. 100% of funds from the sale of Gibson Ukraine guitars and the Guitars For Peace T-Shirts will be donated to immediate humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine through the Disaster Emergency Committee, a portion of the funds will also be used to re-establish music programs in Ukraine when the conflict ends.

To order the Gibson Gives Guitars For Peace T-Shirt and support Ukraine relief go here.

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