Slash has been honoured with the 2026 Les Paul Spirit Award for his “artistic legacy, pioneering musicianship and enduring affect on generations of artists and followers”.

The legendary Weapons N’ Roses guitarist acquired the award this October throughout an intimate and personal occasion introduced by the Les Paul Basis in partnership with Gibson Offers, held at The Les Paul Recording Studio at Common Grasp Recordings in Hollywood.

The Les Paul Spirit Award is introduced to a person who “exemplifies the spirit of the late Les Paul by innovation, engineering, expertise and music” annually.

The award, which is at all times made uniquely for the recipient, was created from hand-carved acoustic boards that Les Paul constructed and utilized in his house recording studio. Earlier recipients embrace Bob Weir, Nile Rodgers, the Edge, Peter Frampton and Steve Miller.

Slash and Les Paul shared a particular friendship throughout Les Paul’s lifetime and sometimes performed music collectively. Talking of the award, Slash says, “Les was a lot greater than an ideal guitarist and innovator. He was an precise inventor who modified the instrument itself, constructed groundbreaking recording tools and utterly reimagined how artists may report music.

“I really feel extremely fortunate that I acquired to know him, hang around with him and play music with him. I cherish the connection we had, and receiving an award that carries his title and spirit is an incredible honour.”

Michael Braunstein, Govt Director of the Les Paul Basis, provides: “We’re honoured to current the Les Paul Spirit Award to Slash this yr. He and Les shared a particular friendship and sometimes jammed collectively once they may.

“Not solely does Slash exemplify the creativity and curiosity Les had throughout his life, however he’s additionally a unprecedented expertise and an exquisite supporter of the Les Paul Basis. If Les had been nonetheless alive right this moment, Slash and he could be jamming onstage collectively someplace repeatedly.”

Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators are attributable to launch a brand new album subsequent yr. You may take a look at the primary single, Flying Blind, beneath:

Discover out extra about Slash ft Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, or pre-order their new album, through Slash’s official web site.

Rachel started writing for Guitar.com in 2021 whereas ending up her diploma. A proud DIY guitarist, she has been taking part in for over 10 years and has written for the likes of Kerrang!, The Forty-5, and MusicTech. An enjoyer of all issues heavy, you’ll discover her at a competition or downtuning her guitars when away from her desk.