Slash’s Snakepit – It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (1995): Slash’s Hard Rock Side Project Debut
Introduction
Released in 1995, It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere is the debut album by Slash’s Snakepit, the hard rock side project led by Slash, the iconic guitarist of Guns N’ Roses. The album showcased a blues-infused, riff-heavy rock sound, allowing Slash to explore musical ideas outside of Guns N’ Roses’ framework.
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Slash’s Snakepit Biography
Formation and Early Years
After experiencing tension within Guns N’ Roses during the early 1990s, Slash formed Slash’s Snakepit in Los Angeles. The initial lineup included:
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Slash – guitar
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Eric Dover – vocals
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Johnny Griparic – bass
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Matt Laug – drums
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Rodney Sheppard – guitar
The band allowed Slash to explore a more personal, blues-based hard rock sound with catchy hooks, extended guitar solos, and a rawer production style.
About It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (1995)
Album Overview
Released on February 14, 1995, via Geffen Records, the album features a blend of hard rock, blues rock, and Southern rock influences, reflecting Slash’s musical roots and technical guitar skills.
Key tracks include:
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“Beggars & Hangers-On”
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“Good to Be Alive”
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“Neither Can I”
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“Been There Lately”
The album emphasizes melodic vocals, twin guitar harmonies, and extended solos, giving fans a glimpse of Slash’s creative freedom outside Guns N’ Roses.
Musical Style and Themes
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere is a mix of bluesy riffs, straight-ahead rock grooves, and raw energy. Lyrically, the songs explore rock and roll lifestyle, love, rebellion, and personal experiences, reflecting the laid-back yet edgy attitude of Slash’s post-GNR era.
Fun Facts & Trivia
Interesting Details About the Album
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Slash originally intended this project to be a more collaborative band effort, but he remained the main creative force.
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Eric Dover, the vocalist, contributed significantly to lyrical composition, making the album distinct from Guns N’ Roses material.
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The album cover was designed by Slash and his team, featuring a classic rock aesthetic.
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While the album did not achieve massive commercial success, it was critically appreciated for its musicianship and authentic hard rock feel.
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The album title, It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere, reflects a carefree, rock lifestyle mentality.
Commercial Performance and Legacy
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at No. 70 on the US Billboard 200. Despite this, it earned a dedicated fan following and showcased Slash’s abilities as a songwriter and bandleader outside Guns N’ Roses.
The album remains significant for fans interested in Slash’s post-GNR musical explorations and for its contribution to mid-90s hard rock.
Top Grossing Slash Albums (Including Solo Projects)
Below are the best-selling Slash-related albums worldwide:
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Appetite for Destruction (Guns N’ Roses, 1987) – Over 30 million copies
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Use Your Illusion I & II (Guns N’ Roses, 1991) – Multi-Platinum
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Slash (Solo Album, 2010) – Platinum
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It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (Slash’s Snakepit, 1995) – Modest commercial success
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Live Era ’87–’93 (Guns N’ Roses, 1999) – Platinum
While It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere was not a blockbuster, it remains a fan-favorite debut that highlights Slash’s versatility.
Why It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere Still Matters
A Glimpse of Slash’s Creativity
This album gives listeners a raw, personal insight into Slash’s guitar work and songwriting outside Guns N’ Roses.
Influence on Hard Rock Side Projects
It demonstrated that established musicians could successfully branch out without losing their identity, influencing other artists to explore side projects in the 1990s and beyond.
Final Thoughts
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (1995) is a solid, riff-heavy hard rock debut that highlights Slash’s talents as a guitarist and bandleader. For fans of classic rock, blues-infused metal, and Slash’s legacy, this album remains an essential exploration of his creative range.
Meta Description
Discover It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (1995), the debut album by Slash’s Snakepit. Explore its hard rock riffs, Slash’s guitar work, fun facts, and legacy.
Keywords
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