Iconic guitarist supports mental health initiatives and socioeconomic equality
Legendary guitarist and Gibson Ambassador Slash announced that his recent S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival tour raised more than $125,000 for five nonprofit organizations dedicated to mental health and socioeconomic equality. The 23-show U.S. tour, which concluded this summer, aimed to have a significant social impact by supporting causes that uplift communities across America.
The S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival—which stands for Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance—was conceived by Slash to bring people together through music during divisive times. The funds raised will be equally distributed among the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), The Greenlining Institute, War Child, The Equal Justice Initiative, and Know Your Rights Camp. The distribution of proceeds was organized with the help of Plus1.org.
The festival featured an all-star blues lineup handpicked by Slash himself. In addition to the guest artists, Slash performed at every show with his Blues Ball Band, consisting of Johnny Griparic on bass, Teddy ‘ZigZag’ Andreadis on keys and vocals, Michael Jerome on drums, and Tash Neal on vocals and guitars.
“The goal of the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival is to bring music fans together to celebrate the spirit of the blues with artists who share that passion, and to raise awareness and funds for charities I’ve supported over the years,” said Slash. “Thank you to Warren Haynes Band, Keb’ Mo’, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, Robert Randolph, Samantha Fish, Eric Gales, ZZ Ward, Jackie Venson, and Larkin Poe, who performed with us this year.”
Image: Slash and his Blues Ball Band [L-R], Michael Jerome (drums), Johnny Griparic (bass), Slash (guitars), Tash Neal (vocals/guitars), and Teddy ‘ZigZag’ Andreadis (keys/vocals). Photo credit: Allison Morgan
Representatives from the beneficiary organizations expressed their gratitude:
- Jessica Edwards, Chief Development Officer at NAMI, said, “This donation will help NAMI continue to meet the mental health needs of our nation, advocate for systemic change, and support youth and young adults on their wellness journeys. Thank you for joining us in this important work to create a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares.”
- Debra Gore-Mann, President and CEO of The Greenlining Institute, commented, “Contributions from the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival will ensure we can continue to drive essential work at a time when communities of color face deeply rooted inequities and uncertainty in our rapidly changing world.”
- Dr. Samantha Nutt, Founder and President of War Child USA and War Child Canada, stated, “We are immensely grateful to Slash for his generous support. The funds raised will support locally-led programs that provide education, uphold children’s rights, and enhance food security and economic development, helping children and families recover and rebuild their communities.”
- Kerem Ozguz, Senior Director at Know Your Rights Camp, said, “The funds will support our mission to advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown communities through education, self-empowerment, mass mobilization, and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders.”
- Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director at the Equal Justice Initiative, added, “With such important work ahead, we are energized by this support, which will greatly aid our efforts to end mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, challenge racial and economic injustice, and protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.”
The festival also celebrated the release of Slash’s sixth solo album, Orgy of the Damned, which marks a return to his blues roots. Released on May 17, 2024, and produced by Grammy Hall of Fame producer Mike Clink, the album spent 13 weeks at number one on the Billboard Blues Album Chart in the U.S. It also debuted as the top blues album in the U.K. and achieved top 10 chart positions in seven countries worldwide.
In addition to members of his 90s Blues Ball Band, Orgy of the Damned features an array of guest vocalists, including Brian Johnson of AC/DC, Chris Stapleton, Iggy Pop, Gary Clark Jr., Billy F. Gibbons, Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, Dorothy, Paul Rodgers, Demi Lovato, Tash Neal, and Beth Hart.
The album revitalizes classic blues tracks by artists like Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson, and it even explores Motown classics from Stevie Wonder and The Temptations. One standout track is a powerful rendition of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” featuring Demi Lovato.
Find the latest from Gibson Records and preview the album here. Orgy of the Damned is also available on vinyl and CD. For more information, go to www.slashonline.com. To see more of Slash’s favorite guitars, check out The Collection: Slash, a premium coffee table book from Gibson Publishing.
