Guns N’ Roses bandmates Slash and Duff McKagan have teamed up with Cesar Gueikian, CEO of the Gibson guitar company, to record a benefit single titled “I Can Breathe.” Proceeds from the track, which was released worldwide on Tuesday, December 3, will benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
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“I Can Breathe” is a hard-rocking song that features McKagan on lead vocals and Slash on lead guitar. In addition, Gueikian played rhythm guitar and keyboards, Seta Von Gravessen played bass, and Jota Morelli played drums.
As Gueikian explained in a behind-the-song video feature posted on the Gibson TV YouTube channel, the tune was built around an instrumental track that he wrote. He then presented the song to McKagan, who wrote the lyrics and added vocals. Lastly, Cesar called on Slash, who played guitar solos and riffs throughout the track.
Slash, McKagan, and Gueikian recorded the song as “the Gibson Band,” which is a rotating collective of musicians who come together to make music in support of charitable causes via the Gibson Gives charity. A previous version of the Gibson Band that featured Gueikian, Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, and System of a Down’s Serj Tankian released a charity single titled “Deconstruction” in December 2023. That track benefited the Armenia Fund humanitarian organization.
The cover art for the “I Can Breathe” single is based on a painting by Tankian called “They’re Coming.” The painting, which Tankian donated to the project, and a signed Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar decorated with his artwork are being auctioned to raise money for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Julien’s Auctions is hosting the sale.
Slash’s and Duff’s Comments About the Collaboration
Both Slash and McKagan issued statements about their involvement in the collaborative project.
“Cesar and Duff came to me with a really cool piece of music,” Slash said. “I loved the riff idea and Duff’s vocal, so I felt right at home on the track.”
McKagan added, “It was such a pleasure to work with Cesar and his whole crew on this tune. The musical slant and progressive rock-ness of this huge epic pushed me in a whole new direction. I love a challenge, and Cesar killed it! Most importantly, to be of service for mental health issues and awareness is super important to me at this time. Let’s rock!”
Gueikian’s Comments About “I Can Breathe”
Gueikian also shared a statement about the collaboration that began with him acknowledging the “profound influence” Guns N’ Roses had on him and his guitar playing.
“[H]aving the opportunity to write and record this song with Slash and Duff is a dream come true, and it’s an honor to call them friends and partners,” Cesar said.
The Gibson CEO then noted, “Both Duff and Slash transformed the track from a collection of riffs to a great song, while Greg Gordon’s mixing and creativity tied it all together.”
He concluded, “I am grateful for the collaboration from Slash, Duff, and Greg and for my friend Serj Tankian’s participation with the cover artwork. I’m thrilled we are donating all proceeds from the song to a great and relevant cause.”
More About “I Can Breathe”
“I Can Breathe” is available now as a digital download and via streaming services. You also can check out a lyric video for the song at the Gibson TV YouTube channel.
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