Why? The Axl camp did its job again? I just can't imagine Slash cutting the set GN'R-less by his own choice. They all should accept that the others were there, they wrote the songs together and let the others use whatever they want   

Funny how "success" changed over the years. Two number 1 rock singles used to mean millions of albums sold. Now, I don't think Slash would have sold more than 100,000 copies in the US and more than 500,000 worldwide (probably it's close to its half!), although much more people saw him live on the current tour.

I don't consider neither BD's not Gotten's "solo" a solo. The Fergie one is just jerking off a bit on the guitar with no ration, while the second was less than a minimalistic approach. I hate that. Gotten is an amazing song and would have deserved a fabulous Slash solo.

Great topic!

Although you seem to prefer Slash I's solos, I think he's doing a much better job on AL. By The Sword is pure genius, very fine playing, not too many notes, but the feel and melody is all over the place. That's why he's my favourite 6-stringer. I also dig the hell out of Watch This N' Starlight, while Nothing to Fear was a huge step into a new direction in Slash's career. I'd also mention the bonus(?) track Mother Maria, which is maybe even better that By The Sword.

However Anastacia is an all time great, without a doubt. I love No More Heroes' solo, at a point it sounds very chromatic. Not for Me is simple, but very Lies/Dust N' Bones-type slashy. I also like the solo of Halo, Standing in the Sun, Shots Fired, Carolina and Crazy Life a lot. Such a badass guitar album! My only complaint solo wise would be the title track and We Will Roam, which is basically Civil War II.