Editing Slash's Snakepit (section)

==History==

===Formation (1993–1994)===
Following the [[Use Your Illusion Tour|two and a half year world tour]] in support of the albums ''[[Use Your Illusion I]]'' and ''[[Use Your Illusion II]]'',<ref>{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/337 337] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref><ref name="Slash p.372">{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/372 372] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> [[Guns N' Roses]] guitarist [[Slash (musician)|Slash]] returned to Los Angeles.<ref name="Slash p.372"/> He soon sold his home, the Walnut House, and moved to [[Mulholland Drive]].<ref name="Slash p.373">{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/373 373] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> He built a small home studio, nicknamed The Snakepit,<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit">{{Citation | last = Dome | first = Malcolm | title = Classic Rock presents Slash: The Serpent's Tale | work = [[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] | year = 2010 | page = 120 | isbn = 978-1-85870-318-3 }}</ref> over his garage and began working on demos for songs he had written during the tour.<ref name="Slash p.373"/><ref name="Slash's Snakepit AMG">{{cite web | last = Tinelli | first = Paul | title = Slash's Snakepit Biography | website = [[AllMusic]] | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=slashs-snakepit-p424625/biography|pure_url=yes}}}}</ref> Slash worked on the demos with Guns N' Roses bandmate and drummer [[Matt Sorum]]. They were later joined by fellow Guns N' Roses bandmate [[Gilby Clarke]] and [[Alice in Chains]] bassist [[Mike Inez]], jamming and recording most nights.<ref name="Slash p.373"/><ref name="Slash's Snakepit AMG"/> Slash played the demos for Guns N' Roses singer [[Axl Rose]] who rejected the material,<ref name="Slash p.373"/><ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/><ref name="Slash's Snakepit AMG"/> though he would later want to use them for the next Guns N' Roses album.<ref name="Slash's Snakepit AMG"/> They had recorded twelve songs by 1994,<ref>{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/374 374] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> the same year that Guns N' Roses went on hiatus.<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/>

Slash decided to record the Snakepit demos with Sorum, Clarke and Inez,<ref name="Slash AMG">{{cite web | last = Huey | first = Steve | title = Slash Biography | website = [[AllMusic]] | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=slash-p125919/biography|pure_url=yes}}}}</ref> later adding former [[Jellyfish (band)|Jellyfish]] live guitarist [[Eric Dover]] as lead vocalist.<ref name="Slash's Snakepit AMG"/><ref name="Slash AMG"/><ref name="Slash p.375">{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/375 375] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> The decision to record with Dover led to a disagreement between Slash and Sorum, due to Slash not seeking Sorum's approval before hiring Dover.<ref name="Slash p.375"/>

===''It's Five O'Clock Somewhere'' and breakup (1994–1996)===
{{listen |filename=Beggars & Hangers-On.ogg |title=Beggars & Hangers-On |description=A sample of "Beggars & Hangers-On" from ''[[It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (album)|It's Five O'Clock Somewhere]]''. The band's first single from ''It's Five O'Clock Somewhere'' was co-written by Slash's Guns N' Roses band mate [[Duff McKagan]].}}
Slash and Dover wrote the lyrics to all twelve songs with Slash using the songwriting to vent his frustrations at Guns N' Roses singer Rose.<ref name="Slash p.375"/> Clarke contributed the song "Monkey Chow" to the album<ref name="It's Five O'Clock Somewhere booklet">{{cite AV media notes | title = It's Five O'Clock Somewhere | title-link = It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (album) | others = Slash's Snakepit | year= 1995 | publisher = [[Geffen Records]] | type = CD booklet}}</ref> while "Jizz da Pit" is an instrumental by Slash and Inez.<ref name="It's Five O'Clock Somewhere booklet"/> They recorded the album at [[Conway Recording Studios]] and [[Record Plant Studios|The Record Plant]]<ref name="It's Five O'Clock Somewhere booklet"/> with [[Mike Clink]]<ref name="Slash p.375"/> and Slash co-producing<ref name="It's Five O'Clock Somewhere booklet"/> and [[Stephen Thompson (journalist)|Steven Thompson]] and [[Michael Barbiero]] mixing,<ref name="It's Five O'Clock Somewhere booklet"/> all of whom had worked with Guns N' Roses on their debut album ''[[Appetite for Destruction]]''.<ref>{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/166 166] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | pages = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/177 177] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> The album featured contributions by Duff McKagan (who co-wrote "Beggars & Hangers-On"),<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/><ref name="It's Five O'Clock Somewhere RS">{{Cite magazine | last = Considine | first = J.D. | title = It's Five O'Clock Somewhere by Slash's Snakepit | magazine = [[Rolling Stone]] | date = February 23, 1995 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/its-five-oclock-somewhere-19950223}}</ref> [[Dizzy Reed]] on keyboards,<ref name="It's Five O'Clock Somewhere RS"/> [[Teddy Andreadis]] on harmonica, and [[Paulinho da Costa]] on percussion.<ref name="It's Five O'Clock Somewhere booklet"/> Slash's brother, Ash Hudson, designed the album's cover.<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/>

The resulting album, titled ''[[It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (album)|It's Five O'Clock Somewhere]]'', was released in February 1995 through [[Geffen Records]].<ref name="It's Five O'Clock Somewhere AMG">{{cite web | author = Thomas Erlewine, Stephen | title = It's Five O'Clock Somewhere Review | website = [[AllMusic]] | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=its-five-oclock-somewhere-r218342/review|pure_url=yes}} | author-link = Stephen Thomas Erlewine}}</ref> The album's title was taken from a phrase Slash overheard at an airport.<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/> At the insistence of the record label, the album was released under the name Slash's Snakepit, instead of The Snakepit, despite Slash not wanting his name used.<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/> Upon release, the album charted at number 70 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]<ref name="Slash's Snakepit Charts">{{cite web | title = Slash's Snakepit Charts and Awards | website = [[AllMusic]] | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=its-five-oclock-somewhere-r218342/charts-awards|pure_url=yes}}}}</ref> and number 15 on the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/> "Beggars & Hangers-On" was released as the first, and only, single from the album;<ref name="Slash p.376">{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/376 376] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> while a music video was also shot for "Good to Be Alive", directed by August Jakobsson.<ref name="Slash p.375"/><ref name="MVDB">{{cite web |url=http://www.mvdbase.com/video.php?id=25571 |title=mvdbase.com - Slash's Snakepit - "Good to be alive" |work=mdvbase.com |editor=Garcia, Alex S |access-date=8 June 2011 |archive-date=February 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212144615/http://mvdbase.com/video.php?id=25571 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{Quote box|width=28%|align=right|quote="We were in the midst of booking another leg when I was informed by Geffen that they'd sold a million copies of ''It's Five O'Clock Somewhere'' and had turned a profit so they saw no reason for me to continue our tour. I was to return to L.A. because Axl was ready to begin working on the next Guns N' Roses record. They'd thought it through: in case I objected, they made it clear that the financial tour support for Snakepit was over."<ref name="Slash p.381">{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/381 381] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> |source=—Slash on Geffen pulling tour support.}}
Critically, the album received mainly positive reviews. ''[[Metal Hammer]]'' stated that "the sleazy, downtrodden blues hard rock [...] breaks new ground."<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/> [[AllMusic]] reviewer [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] called Slash's contributions "quite amazing", though criticized the song-writing, stating "it's too bad that nobody in the band bothered to write any songs."<ref name="It's Five O'Clock Somewhere AMG"/> Devon Jackson of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' described the album as "relaxed headbanging and Southern-tinged blues-rock"<ref name="It's Five O'Clock Somewhere EW">{{Cite magazine | last = Jackson | first = Devon | title = It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (1995) | magazine = [[Entertainment Weekly]] | date = June 22, 2007 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,296124,00.html | archive-date = December 16, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141216231652/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,296124,00.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> while ''[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]'' reviewer Malcolm Dome stated "musically, it's a loose-limbed record that has a lot of heavy guitar-led punk-style pop-rock."<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/> Slash's Snakepit toured in support of the album, with bassist [[James LoMenzo]] and drummer [[Brian Tichy]], of [[Pride & Glory (band)|Pride & Glory]], replacing Inez and Sorum,<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/><ref name="Slash AMG"/><ref name="Slash p.376"/> who had opted out of touring, with Sorum returning to Guns N' Roses.<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/> They toured the US, Europe, Japan and Australia<ref name="Slash p.376"/> with Slash stating that "for the first time in years, touring was easy, [his] band mates were loads of fun and low on drama, and every gig was about playing rock and roll."<ref name="Slash p.381"/> While booking another leg of the tour, Slash was informed by Geffen that Rose was ready to begin work on the new Guns N' Roses album and that he was to return to Los Angeles.<ref name="Slash p.381"/> Geffen pulled financial support for the band's tour with Slash's Snakepit disbanding soon after.<ref name="Slash p.381"/>

===Slash's Blues Ball and reformation (1996–1999)===
{{Main|Slash's Blues Ball}}
Slash departed Guns N' Roses in 1996,<ref name="Slash AMG"/><ref>{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/394 394] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> due to musical differences between himself and singer Axl Rose.<ref name="Slash AMG"/><ref>{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | pages = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/386 386, 388, 391] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> Following his departure, Slash toured Japan for two weeks with [[Chic (band)|Chic]],<ref>{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | pages = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/397 397] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> and worked on the soundtrack to the film ''[[Curdled (film)|Curdled]]''.<ref>{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | pages = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/399 399] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> He later began touring in a blues cover band that eventually became [[Slash's Blues Ball]].<ref name="Slash's Snakepit AMG"/><ref name="Slash AMG"/><ref name="Slash p.404">{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/404 404] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> Aside from Slash, the band consisted of Teddy Andreadis, guitarist Bobby Schneck, bassist Johnny Griparic, saxophonist Dave McClarem and drummer Alvino Bennett.<ref name="Slash AMG"/><ref name="Slash p.404"/> The band toured on and off until 1998,<ref name="Slash AMG"/> which included a headline slot at a jazz festival in Budapest.<ref name="Slash p.404"/> They covered various artists and bands such as [[B.B. King]], [[Steppenwolf (band)|Steppenwolf]], [[Otis Redding]], as well as Guns N' Roses and early Slash's Snakepit material.<ref name="Slash AMG"/><ref name="Slash p.404"/>

Following a tour in 1997,<ref name="MTV June 1997">{{Cite web | title = Slash: Making His Mark Without Guns | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = June 30, 1997 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429813/slash-making-his-mark-without-guns.jhtml| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110714130246/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429813/slash-making-his-mark-without-guns.jhtml| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 14, 2011}}</ref> Slash approached Griparic about forming a new lineup of Slash's Snakepit<ref name="Slash p.404"/> They began looking for a singer,<ref name="MTV June 1997"/> receiving over 300 audition tapes<ref name="Slash p.404"/> from mostly unknown singers.<ref name="MTV June 1997"/> [[Jon Stevens]] of [[Noiseworks]], who had been recording with Slash, was seen as a potential singer in early 1998.<ref name="MTV July 2000">{{Cite web | last = Saidman | first = Sorelle | title = INXS To Tour Down Under | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = July 17, 2000 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430339/inxs-tour-down-under.jhtml| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110714130825/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1430339/inxs-tour-down-under.jhtml| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 14, 2011}}</ref> However, he returned to Australia to continue his solo career.<ref name="MTV July 2000"/> They eventually chose Rod Jackson (earlier of Virginia-based band Ragdoll) after Griparic played a tape of him for Slash.<ref>{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/405 405] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> Completing the lineup were guitarist [[Ryan Roxie]], formerly of [[Alice Cooper]], and drummer [[Matt Laug]], also from Alice Cooper and the band [[Venice (band)|Venice]].<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/><ref name="Slash's Snakepit AMG"/><ref name="Slash AMG"/><ref name="Slash p.406">{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/406 406] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> They began rehearsing at Mates Studio before rehearsing and recording in Slash's new home studio in Beverly Hills.<ref name="MTV July 2000"/><ref name="Slash p.406"/>

===''Ain't Life Grand'' and second breakup (1999–2002)===
{{listen |filename=Mean Bone.ogg |title=Mean Bone |description=A sample of "Mean Bone" from ''[[Ain't Life Grand (Slash's Snakepit album)|Ain't Life Grand]]''. The band's first single from ''Ain't Life Grand'' was criticized due to the female rap at the beginning of the song.<ref name="Ain't Life Grand AMG">{{cite web | last = Huey | first = Steve | title = Ain't Life Grand Review | website = [[AllMusic]] | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=aint-life-grand-r500623/review|pure_url=yes}}}}</ref>}}

The band began recording material with producer [[Jack Douglas (record producer)|Jack Douglas]]<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/><ref name="MTV June 1999">{{Cite web | title = Slash To Record With Jack Douglas; Duff McKagan Regroups | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = June 8, 1999 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429784/slash-record-with-jack-douglas-duff-mckagan-regroups.jhtml| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110714131042/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429784/slash-record-with-jack-douglas-duff-mckagan-regroups.jhtml| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 14, 2011}}</ref> at Slash's home studio as well as [[Ocean Way Recording]].<ref name="Ain't Life Grand booklet">{{cite AV media notes | title = Ain't Life Grand | title-link = Ain't Life Grand (Slash's Snakepit album) | others = Slash's Snakepit | year= 2000 | publisher = [[E1 Music|Koch Records]] | type = CD booklet}}</ref> The recording featured contributions by Teddy Andreadis, [[Jimmy Zavala]] and Lee Thornburg, amongst others.<ref name="Ain't Life Grand booklet"/><ref>{{cite web | title = Ain't Life Grand Credits | website = [[AllMusic]] | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=aint-life-grand-r500623/credits|pure_url=yes}}}}</ref> Initially, the label was positive about the album,<ref name="Slash p.407">{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/407 407] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref> setting a release date for February 22, 2000.<ref name="MTV December 1999">{{Cite web | last = Saidman | first = Sorelle | title = Slash Says "Ain't Life Grand!" | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = December 15, 1999 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429772/slash-aint-life-grand.jhtml| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110714131048/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1429772/slash-aint-life-grand.jhtml| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 14, 2011}}</ref> However, when Slash was informed by Geffen, who had folded into [[Interscope Records]], that the album was not the type of music the label produced, he bought the album back<ref name="Slash p.407"/> and signed a deal with [[E1 Music|Koch Records]].<ref name="Slash p.408">{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/408 408] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref>  Following the completion of the album, Roxie departed the band<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/> with former [[Big Bang Babies]], [[Warrant (American band)|Warrant]] and [[Ratt]] guitarist [[Keri Kelli]] joining in his place.<ref name="Slash's Snakepit AMG"/><ref name="Slash AMG"/>

''[[Ain't Life Grand (Slash's Snakepit album)|Ain't Life Grand]]'' was released on October 20, 2000<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/><ref name="MTV July 14, 2000">{{Cite web | last = Mancini | first = Robert | title = Slash Lands Slot On AC/DC Tour | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = July 14, 2000 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1424672/slash-lands-slot-on-acdc-tour.jhtml| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110714131053/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1424672/slash-lands-slot-on-acdc-tour.jhtml| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 14, 2011}}</ref> through Koch<ref name="Slash p.408"/><ref name="MTV July 14, 2000"/> with "Mean Bone" released as the first single.<ref name="MTV March 2001">{{Cite web | last = Kemp | first = Rob | title = Pneumonia Knocks Slash's Snakepit Off AC/DC Tour | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = March 27, 2001 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1442233/pneumonia-knocks-slashs-snakepit-off-acdc-tour.jhtml| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110319055521/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1442233/pneumonia-knocks-slashs-snakepit-off-acdc-tour.jhtml| url-status = dead| archive-date = March 19, 2011}}</ref> The album did not sell as well as its predecessor,<ref name="Classic Rock Snakepit"/> and critical reception to it was mixed. ''Entertainment Weekly'' reviewer Tony Scherman stated that "Slash's playing is as flashily incendiary as ever, but the songs and arrangements recycle hard-rock cliches worthier of Ratt than of a bona fide guitar god".<ref name="Ain't Life Grand EW">{{Cite magazine | last = Scherman | first = Tony | title = Ain't Life Grand (2010) | magazine = [[Entertainment Weekly]] | date = October 20, 2000 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,278101,00.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090425111045/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,278101,00.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = April 25, 2009}}</ref> Rob Sheffield of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' noted that "great guitarists need great bands, and the Snakepit dudes are barely functional backup peons".<ref name="Ain't Life Grand RS">{{Cite magazine | last = Sheffield | first = Rob | title = Ain't Life Grand by Slash's Snakepit | magazine = [[Rolling Stone]] | date = October 12, 2000 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/aint-life-grand-20001012}}</ref> Steve Huey of Allmusic noted that "the new Snakepit does kick up a lot of noise as the album rushes by, and the strong chemistry between the members is immediately obvious". However, he stated that songwriting was the main problem, and that "it never rises above the level of solid, and too many tracks are by-the-numbers hard rock at best (and pedestrian at worst)".<ref name="Ain't Life Grand AMG"/> The band were dropped by Koch two months following the album's release.<ref name="Slash p.409">{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/409 409] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref>

Prior to the album's release, Slash's Snakepit supported [[AC/DC]] on their ''[[Stiff Upper Lip (album)|Stiff Upper Lip]]'' tour from August to September,<ref name="Slash p.408"/><ref name="MTV July 14, 2000"/> followed by their own headlining tour of theaters.<ref name="Slash p.409"/> They played only the first two shows on the winter leg of AC/DC's tour.<ref name="MTV March 2001"/> After falling ill and checking into a hospital in Pittsburgh,<ref name="Slash p.410">{{Cite book | author = Slash | author2 = Bozza, Anthony | author-link2 = Anthony Bozza | title = [[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]] | publisher = HarperCollins | year = 2007 | page = [https://archive.org/details/slashautobiograp0000unse/page/410 410] | isbn = 978-0-00-725775-1 }}</ref><ref name="MTV May 2001">{{Cite web | last = Wiederhorn | first = Jon | title = Slash Back On Tour With All Guns Blazing | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = May 31, 2001 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444167/slash-back-on-tour.jhtml| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110714131103/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444167/slash-back-on-tour.jhtml| url-status = dead| archive-date = July 14, 2011}}</ref> Slash was ordered by his doctor to stay at home to recuperate, reportedly from [[pneumonia]].<ref name="MTV March 2001"/> Due to this, Slash's Snakepit pulled out of supporting AC/DC in early 2001.<ref name="MTV March 2001"/> Slash later revealed in his [[Slash (autobiography)|self-titled biography]] that he had actually suffered [[Cardiomyopathy|cardiac myopathy]] caused by years of alcohol and drug abuse, with his heart swelling to the point of rupture.<ref name="Slash p.410"/> After being fitted with a [[Defibrillation|defibrillator]] and undergoing physical therapy, Slash returned to the group to continue touring.<ref name="Slash p.410"/><ref name="MTV May 2001"/> They later rescheduled their US tour, performing shows from June 16 – July 18,<ref name="MTV May 2001"/><ref>{{cite news | title = Archive News | work = [[Blabbermouth.net]] | date = May 26, 2001 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=125 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20240525233555/https://www.webcitation.org/67VFElCV2?url=http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx%3Fmode=Article&newsitemID=125 | archive-date = May 25, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Archive News | work = [[Blabbermouth.net]] | date = June 8, 2001 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=138 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20240525233717/https://www.webcitation.org/67VFFePUz?url=http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx%3Fmode=Article&newsitemID=138 | archive-date = May 25, 2024 }}</ref> co-headlining three shows  with [[Billy Idol]].<ref name="MTV May 2001"/><ref>{{cite news | title = Archive News | work = [[Blabbermouth.net]] | date = June 4, 2001 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=134 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20240525233635/https://www.webcitation.org/67VFFDpxC?url=http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx%3Fmode=Article&newsitemID=134 | archive-date = May 25, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="Slash p.410"/> Following the tour, Slash hid in the tour bus, waiting for the rest of the band to go home. He then announced the disbanding of Slash's Snakepit in an announcement made in early 2002. He cited, in particular, Jackson's poor work ethic and unreliability.<ref>[[iarchive:slashautobiograp0000unse/page/405|405]]</ref><ref name="Slash Blabbermouth">{{cite news | title = SLASH'S SNAKEPIT Officially Over, Slash Pursues Solo CD, Izzy Collaboration | work = [[Blabbermouth.net]] | date = January 8, 2002 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=649 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20240525233758/https://www.webcitation.org/67VFG5ATl?url=http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx%3Fmode=Article&newsitemID=649 | archive-date = May 25, 2024 }}</ref>

===Post–breakup activities===
Following the breakup of Slash's Snakepit, Slash announced he was to begin working on a solo album.<ref name="Slash Blabbermouth"/> Instead he later worked with [[The Black Crowes]] drummer [[Steve Gorman]] and an unnamed bassist on a new project.<ref name="VR Ultimate Guitar">{{Cite web | last = Rosen | first = Steven | title = Velvet Revolver: 'We're Straight Up F—kin? Rock'. Part 2 | publisher = [[Ultimate Guitar Archive]] | date = February 11, 2006 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/interviews/velvet_revolver_were_straight_up_f--kin_rock_part_2.html}}</ref> Together with his former Guns N' Roses bandmates [[Duff McKagan]] and [[Matt Sorum]], they formed The Project, that eventually became the hard rock [[Supergroup (music)|supergroup]] [[Velvet Revolver]] following the addition of former [[Wasted Youth (American band)|Wasted Youth]] guitarist [[Dave Kushner]], and then-former [[Stone Temple Pilots]] singer [[Scott Weiland]].<ref name="Velvet Revolver AMG">{{cite web | last = Loftus | first = Johnny | title = Velvet Revolver Biography | website = [[AllMusic]] | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p651389/biography|pure_url=yes}}}}</ref> They released their debut album ''[[Contraband (Velvet Revolver album)|Contraband]]'', in 2004,<ref name="Velvet Revolver AMG"/> followed by ''[[Libertad (Velvet Revolver album)|Libertad]]'' in 2007,<ref name="Velvet Revolver AMG"/> before they parted ways with Weiland and went on hiatus in 2008.<ref>{{cite news | title = It's Official: VELVET REVOLVER Parts Ways With Singer SCOTT WEILAND | work = [[Blabbermouth.net]] | date = April 1, 2008 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=94021 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080404001835/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=94021 | archive-date = April 4, 2008 }}</ref> With Velvet Revolver on hiatus, Slash began work on his debut solo album.<ref name="Classic Slash">{{Citation | last = Wall | first = Mick | title = Classic Rock presents Slash: What Friends Are For | work = [[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] | year = 2010 | page = 11 | isbn = 978-1-85870-318-3 }}</ref> ''[[Slash (album)|Slash]]'' was released on March 31, 2010, and featured a number of guests such as [[Andrew Stockdale]] of [[Wolfmother]], [[M. Shadows]] of [[Avenged Sevenfold]], [[Kid Rock]], [[Ozzy Osbourne]], [[Myles Kennedy]] of [[Alter Bridge]], and [[Fergie (singer)|Fergie]].<ref>{{Cite web | title = Slash album track by track | publisher = [[MusicRadar]] | date = March 4, 2010 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/slash-solo-album-interview-the-track-by-track-guide-238767#content}}</ref> His band for the tour in support of the album consisted of Kennedy, bassist [[Todd Kerns]], and drummer [[Brent Fitz]]. It also included guitarist Bobby Schneck, formerly of [[Slash's Blues Ball]].<ref>{{Cite news | last =  Bosso | first =  Joe | title = Interview: Myles Kennedy talks Alter Bridge, Slash and Led Zeppelin | publisher = [[MusicRadar]] | date = November 30, 2010 | access-date = 2011-03-14 | url = http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/interview-myles-kennedy-talks-alter-bridge-slash-and-led-zeppelin-314959}}</ref>