Slash was presented with the 2026 Les Paul Spirit Award during a private event Monday at the Les Paul Recording Studio at United Recording Studios in Hollywood. The award, given by the Les Paul Foundation in partnership with Gibson Gives, recognizes artists who embody Les Paul’s spirit of innovation, technology and musicianship. Previous honorees include Bob Weir, Nile Rodgers, the Edge, Peter Frampton and Steve Miller.
The guitarist, who has said he maintained a personal friendship with Les Paul and played music with him during his lifetime, received an award crafted from hand-carved acoustic boards originally built and used by Les Paul in his home studio. Each award is fashioned from different studio materials, making it one of a kind, according to the Les Paul Foundation.
Ahead of the ceremony, media in attendance heard an advance preview of four tracks from Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators’ upcoming album, Flying Blind, including the title track, “Good Time Girl,” “One of Your Kind” and “Looking for a Miracle.” The album, recorded largely live with producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette, is set for release February 26, 2027 via Gibson Records. The band will support the record with the Flying Blind World Tour 2027, with dates across Latin America, North America, the U.K. and Europe including stops at The Wiltern, Beacon Theatre and Ryman Auditorium.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Libby Coffey, primeprgroup.com.