It grieves me to mention my most hated expression in the English language in that headline but, of course, Slash comes from the Potteries town, so why the hell not?

The Guns 'n' Roses guitarist of several years and riffmeister in Velvet Revolver, finally issued a solo album last year, cunningly entitled "Slash". It wasn't completely 'solo' as such - most of G 'n' R were on the bloomin' thing - but whatever, it propelled him back into the public eye and his good self back into the studio and touring circuit.

Talking of which, the axe-maniac is back for more action in the UK, both at festivals and a headline jaunt in a few cities during the summer. As well as appearing at T in the Park 2011, Oxegen 2011 and High Voltage 2011, he has confirmed gigs in Birmingham (20th July), Manchester (21st), Stoke (24th) and Leeds (25th). All four dates will go on sale this Friday 6th May at 9am, priced at £28.50 and will feature Myles Kennedy, the vocalist from Alter Bridge, as well as other crack musicians.

As for the festivals, the keen-eyed amongst you will notice that his only London date has been cheekily inserted into the High Voltage Festival schedule (23rd July, in fact). Admission for each day is £56.50 or £99 for the weekend with a tasty line-up including Judas Priest, Dream Theater, Thin Lizzy, Thunder, Queensryche and Black Country Communion amongst the hair and the heat! [you mean: rain and mud, right? - Ed]