Slash Visits Little Kids Rock
REFLECTIONS ON A BEAUTIFUL DAY
Slash of Velvet Revolver and Guns ’N Roses fame came out to visit three Little Kids Rock teachers in LA and to spend time with a group of 36 thunderstruck Little Kids Rock students. They were told only 10 minutes before Slash’s arrival that they’d be treated to meeting him. When they heard the news, there was a collective gasp from the kids. They are usually a super lively bunch but they were moved to what can only be described as an awed silence.
Slash came in and took a seat at the front of the room and was treated to two original tunes composed by some of the LKR kids assembled. The first was a brooding, three part guitar instrumental, the second was a rocking, full-band, 3 chord romp with drums, bass and two electric guitars. Slash was tapping his feet to the tunes and gave the kids a nice round of applause.
After that, Slash picked up his guitar and in a quiet, unassuming way, played the opening lick to his monster hit, "Sweet Child ’O Mine." The Little Kids Rock drummer fell in perfectly right behind him. Then the bassist followed suit. After the first 16 bars, the rest of the 36 kids joined the session on acoustic guitars and a little girl grabbed a mic and began singing on top of it all. It was a beautiful sight and a beautiful sound. It was electrifying.
Slash then took the lead for a rocking version of Jimi Hendrix’s classic, Voodoo Child. His temporary band of 7th and 8th graders backed him up. Unrepentant Hendrix fan that I am, that was really something else… to hear the music of a master filtered through a current legend like Slash and a roomful of the newest generation, our kids, was something profound to witness. In many was it was a symbolic representation of the primary ideal that Little Kids Rock strives to embody. Our mission is to pass the torch of a passion for music making to the kids in our schools who need it the most. That is precisely what happened yesterday.
Slash also answered questions from our students. They were so nervous that they asked the same question three times! "How old were you when you started playing." But they relaxed after a little while. Slash was asked whether he ever got nervous performing. He smiled and said, "Yes, all the time. I’m nervous right now!" It was a heartwarming moment.
Slash then autographed four guitars. One is for the school and the other three are going to be sold or auctioned to benefit the program. After posing for a bunch of rocking group shots, Slash, our kids and our staff were interviewed by CNN and ABC. We said goodbye to Slash who was headed of to his next gig. He, his manager Jeff Varner and his friend could not possibly have been more friendly and gracious. After Slash left, the kids were in a smiling, giggling, amazed and energized state. One child asked me, "Did this really just happen?"
In summary, all I can really say is, "Wow!" What an honor and a privilege it is to be doing this for our kids."
