Slash Raises $125,000 for Charity with S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival
Legendary Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash wrapped up the final date of his blues-rock tour, known as the “S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival” last August. “S.E.R.P.E.N.T.,” by the way, stands for “Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality N’ Tolerance” (really forced the N in there, didn’t you, Slash?). Featuring Warren Haynes Band, Keb’ Mo’, Larkin Poe, ZZ Ward, and others, the festival was always meant to be more than just a celebration of the blues, but also a way to give back, with proceeds going to non-profits that Slash picked out that focus on mental health, socio-economic inequality, and social justice in general. And apparently it succeeded in that regard, as Slash recently announced that the tour raised over $125,000 for charity.
The $125,000 will be split evenly between the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in honor of Slash’s late stepdaughter Lucy-Bleu Knight, The Greenlining Institute, War Child, The Equal Justice Initiative and Know Your Rights Camp. In a statement reported on by Blabbermouth, Slash said:
“The goal of the ‘S.E.R.P.E.N.T.’ festival is to bring music fans together in these divisive times to celebrate the spirit of the blues with other artists who share a love of the blues like I do and to raise awareness and funds for a handful of charities that I have supported over the years. 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.”
Meanwhile, NAMI’s chief development officer Jessica Edwards said:
“This donation will help NAMI continue to meet the mental health needs of our nation, advocate for systems level change, and serve youth and young adults on their mental health and wellness journeys. Thank you for joining NAMI 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.”
Say what you will about all the really bizarre, random crap that Slash does (and I have), but putting on a festival to benefit mental health is one of his more commendable accomplishments in recent history. It’s good to know that money will go to where it’s sorely needed.
