Slash, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators Announce New Album Flying Blind
Slash, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators Are Back With New Music Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators' new song 'Flying Blind'. The band shared lead single the self-titled title track from the band's impending fifth studio album due February 26, 2027 through Gibson Records, under exclusive license to Sony Music Australia.
Official video for Coldplay's 'The Single' directed by John Harvatine IV. The video was shot live at The Viper Room in Los Angeles.
"Flying Blind" was assembled on a quick schedule during pre-production. Part of the band's rehearsal process, Slash arrived with a new riff to contribute to the composition and the band then worked from there. The track emerged as the obvious song to kick off the album after hearing how its hook and melody fit.
Much of the new album was captured "live" in the studio at Studio Barbarosa in Florida, with a current band personnel of Kennedy, Slash, Kerns, Fitz and Sidoris and longtime producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette. The band, which was recently reconstituted with drummer Brent Fitz, tracked together.
This was very much the plan. I wanted the songs to be as live as they could be, with minimal post-production once the recordings had been finished. The outcome is an album of 12 tracks driven by the chemistry that has sustained the band from the beginning.
Kennedy did his vocals months after the majority of the instruments had been recorded. Kennedy referred to the performances on Flying Blind as his favorite by the band, citing the immediacy of the original recordings.
The album covers a range of styles, while still maintaining the hard-rock vibe of the band. "Good Time Girl" incorporates a talk box and some country flavor. "Sweet Kill" has a throwback to the '80s, "One of Your Kind" hits with a little bit of a down-tuned sound, and the punk-rock-inspired guitar work of "Here in Babylon."
Slash reverts back to the format of mostly instrumental tunes that he employed for most of the Conspirators' collection, the guitar figure of "Living the Dream" allowing for a bit of improv on the axe.
A third premier is "Looking for a Miracle," the first on which Slash has composed a song on pedal steel, and the first time he's played a solo on pedal steel on an album. It originated on the pedal steel, then Slash modified it on guitar, then the song was developed further with the entire band.
Ending the album is "Stem the Flow," another angsty track reflecting popular disillusionment with the systems and institutions that once seemed trustworthy.
Flying Blind is the follow-up to 4, the band's 2022 release, making SMKC's first full-length studio album in 5 years. The new album also marks the second decade of their collaboration.
It started when Kennedy guest starred on Slash's 2010 solo album. That led to a collaboration that turned into a band with Kennedy being recruited to join Slash, Kerns, Fitz and Sidoris.
About Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators Since the 2012 debut of Apocalyptic Love, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators has released five studio albums and completed extensive worldwide touring. Other previous releases include World on Fire, Living the Dream and 4. The band has had several rock-radio hits with "You're a Lie," "Standing in the Sun," "Driving Rain" and "The River Is Rising."
A veteran of Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, Slash's Snakepit and his solo career, the 33-year old native of London (born in Hampstead) has sold over 100 million records, received seven Grammy nominations and won a Grammy Award, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
For SMKC, Flying Blind is not so much a nostalgic look back but a getting back into the room and playing.
The album arrives February 26, 2027.
Flying Blind Track Listing
1. Avarice and Greed
2. Good Time Girl
3. Thrill Seeker
4. One of Your Kind
5. Flying Blind
6. Looking for a Miracle
7. Sweet Kill
8. Here in Babylon
9. Living the Dream
10. (Don't) Thread the Needle
11. Rev My Heart
12. Stem the Flow
Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators
Slash - guitar, pedal steel
Myles Kennedy - vocals
Todd Kerns - bass, vocals
Brent Fitz - drums
Frank Sidoris - rhythm guitar
