Slash's Support: How Cardinal Black Overcame Visa Challenges and Rocked Their North American Tour
Cardinal Black faced a challenge when they needed visas for their debut North American tour. Fortunately, Chris Buck sought help from Slash, who came to their aid. Buck, a prominent UK blues rock guitarist, shared his experience preparing for the tour and the logistical challenges involved in bringing their music to new audiences in the US. With Slash's endorsement, the band successfully obtained the necessary visa, allowing them to kick off their North American tour at the Gramercy Theatre in New York. The tour was a huge success, leading to a venue upgrade due to the quick sell-out of tickets.
Slash's support for Buck and Cardinal Black extends beyond visa assistance. Their connection dates back years when Slash invited a young Buck to jam in front of a large audience after being impressed by his guitar skills. Slash's continued support helped Cardinal Black secure a gig at the iconic Troubadour in Los Angeles in 2024, and they returned to the venue for their 2025 headline tour. Slash's involvement in assisting the band with visas and organizing gigs highlights his admiration for emerging blues artists like Buck.
To learn more about Chris Buck and Cardinal Black's journey, check out the latest issue of Guitar World, featuring interviews with Slash, Buddy Guy, Samantha Fish, and others. The magazine provides insights into the blues music scene and the experiences of renowned artists. Guitarist magazine also sat down with Chris Buck to discuss the upcoming milestone shows on Cardinal Black's US tour.