Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash has received the 2026 Les Paul Spirit Award at a private ceremony in Hollywood, recognising his creativity, musical innovation and lasting influence on rock. Hosted at The Les Paul Recording Studio at Universal Master Recordings, the event was organised by the Les Paul Foundation in partnership with Gibson Gives and also offered a preview of four tracks from Slash Ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators’ upcoming album, Flying Blind.
Slash Honoured For His Musical Innovation
The annual Les Paul Spirit Award celebrates artists who reflect the pioneering approach of legendary guitarist and inventor Les Paul, whose work helped shape both electric guitar design and modern recording techniques.
Slash’s connection to Paul went beyond musical influence. The two developed a personal friendship during Paul’s lifetime and occasionally shared the stage to play together.
Speaking at the ceremony, Slash reflected on the significance of receiving an award named after someone he knew and admired.
Les was so much more than a great guitarist and innovator. He was an actual inventor who changed the instrument itself and completely reimagined how artists could record music. Receiving an award that carries his name and spirit is a tremendous honor.
The trophy presented to Slash was made from authentic acoustic boards that Les Paul personally built and used in his home recording studio. Each award is therefore unique, giving the presentation a direct connection to Paul’s own creative history.
Michael Braunstein, Executive Director of the Les Paul Foundation, praised Slash’s curiosity and musicianship, adding that the pair would likely have continued playing together had Paul still been alive.
Not only does Slash exemplify the creativity and curiosity Les had during his life, but he is also an extraordinary talent. If Les were still alive today, Slash and he would be jamming onstage together somewhere regularly.
Slash Previews Four Songs From Flying Blind
The Hollywood celebration also offered a preview of Slash Ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators’ forthcoming studio album, Flying Blind. Selected media members attended an advance listening session inside the historic studio, hearing four tracks from the 12-song project:
“Good Time Girl”
“One of Your Kind”
“Flying Blind”
“Looking for a Miracle”
The album is scheduled for release on 26 February 2027 through Gibson Records. It was recorded largely live with producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette, with the aim of capturing the band’s spontaneous energy and direct, unpolished performance style.
The project follows Slash’s continued work with vocalist Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, the group he has recorded and toured with alongside his commitments to Guns N’ Roses.
Flying Blind World Tour Planned For 2027
The album release will be supported by the Flying Blind World Tour 2027, which is set to cover North America, Latin America, the UK and Europe.
Specific dates and venues were not included in the announcement provided. Fans should look out for official updates from Slash, Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators and Gibson Records as the release approaches.
For Slash, the Les Paul Spirit Award recognises a career built around a distinctive guitar sound and a continued commitment to recording and performing. The ceremony also offered an early look at his next chapter with The Conspirators, with Flying Blind due to arrive in February 2027.
