Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators will release Flying Blind on February 26, 2027, through Gibson Records. Their fifth studio album follows 2022’s 4, with preorders open and a world tour announced for next year.
The first single, “Flying Blind,” arrived October 2 alongside an official music video directed by John Harvatine IV. The band filmed the performance at The Viper Room in Los Angeles.
The song began without a demo. Slash came up with its riff as the musicians were preparing to rehearse, then worked through it with the group. “It came together really quickly,” he said in the band’s announcement. Choosing it as the first single happened afterward, when its melody and hook stood out to him. Kennedy’s lyrics examine the temptation to take shortcuts in pursuit of happiness.
The band recorded with Michael “Elvis” Baskette at Studio Barbarosa in Florida, completing much of the instrumental work in roughly a week. Slash, bassist Todd Kerns, drummer Brent Fitz and rhythm guitarist Frank Sidoris played together in the room, sometimes recording two songs a day. Kennedy recorded his vocals several months later. Slash wanted the performances captured as live as possible, with minimal reworking afterward.
Recording together was also central to 4, although those sessions followed a different process. Producer Dave Cobb recorded that album at Nashville’s RCA Studio A, capturing the guitar solos and vocals live with the band. Released in February 2022, it was the first album issued by Gibson Records. Flying Blind continues that label relationship while reuniting the musicians with Baskette, who produced World on Fire and Living the Dream.
One new recording required Slash to work on a different instrument. “Looking for a Miracle” is his first song written on pedal steel and features his first recorded pedal steel solo. He initially adapted the idea for guitar so the band could rehearse it, then returned to the steel for the recording. Kennedy recalled Slash staying behind after rehearsals to practice, putting in additional hours as he learned the instrument.
The Flying Blind World Tour will take the band through Latin America, North America, the UK and Europe in 2027. The North American run begins April 23 at Reno’s Grand Theatre at Grand Sierra Resort and includes two nights at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. New York’s Beacon Theatre and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium are also on the itinerary. Dates and ticket information are available through the band’s official tour page.
