Slash and Shinedown’s Rock on the Range Performances [REVIEW]

I only got to see about five or six performances at last weekend's Rock on the Range, but my two favorites by far were Shinedown and Slash, who made the entire trip just that much better!

I had never seen Slash before and was so eager to, even though we couldn't get an interview with him. Just to be in the same vicinity as him made my heart flutter. I get my love for music from my dad who is also a Slash lover. He embedded in my head the importance of him and how much of a legend he is. He will always go down in history and to witness his genius with my own eyes was just so special and inspiring.

I'm not a huge fan of Slash when pertaining to Guns N' Roses or Velvet Revolver; I much rather prefer him doing his solo work because he deserves individual attention and I think he is so much better in his own environment where he has full control. He was in his own little rocker world the entire time on stage that he barely moved from his spot. He donned his iconic top hat and sunglasses that I think by now are permanently fused onto his head by some magical, mystical music glue. He was right on for every song and showcased his high level of talent to the crowd of 30,000 plus people. His band members Myles Kennedy,  Todd Kerns and Brent Fitz were very melodically and vocally supportive.

Slash is honoring his second solo album, Apocalyptic Love, which came out today! It's the follow-up to his 2010 self-titled album.

Among the songs performed were "Sweet Child o' Mine," "Nightrain," "Paradise City" and "Slither."

As the intoxicating smell of alcohol, cigars and marijuana intensified rock quartet Shinedown took the stage.

I've seen them a few times in smaller settings so it was awesome to see thousands upon thousands of people enjoying them. Every time I see them I get chills throughout their whole set and the fact that I got to chat with drummer Barry Kerch earlier in the day made it that much more intense. Vocalist Brent just has such a way of speaking his words that just flow with inspiration. He would make a great motivational speaker. He has come so far in his life and career and he is not shy to share it with fans. He is in such a healthy and positive place and it makes me so happy. I hope he continues to go nowhere but up.

The band performed a good amount of songs, including "Sound of Madness," "Diamond Eyes," "If You Only Knew,"Nowhere Kids " ," "The Crow and the Butterfly," "Unity," "Devour," "45," "Bully," "Simple Man," "Second Chance" and "Fly from the Inside" in which Brent went into the crowd.

During the slower songs, as the sky would get darker, the crowd would hold up their lighters and subconsciously sway back and forth and sing in unison with the band. It was an amazing experience shared with a ton of strangers, but one that I will never forget.

"Rock n' roll is a way of life" - Brent Smith of Shinedown.