Rolling Stones Fans Say This Heartfelt “Wild Horses” Cover by Slash, Myles Kennedy, and Haley Reinhart Is Nothing Short of Breathtaking

When Haley Reinhart and Myles Kennedy share a stage, the chemistry is undeniable—but when you add Slash into the mix, something truly extraordinary happens. The three artists came together for a heartfelt acoustic version of the Rolling Stones’ classic “Wild Horses,” performed in tribute to Muhammad Ali on his 70th birthday. Their interpretation was drenched in soul and sincerity, earning widespread acclaim for its delicate arrangement and deeply moving delivery of a legendary track.

Haley Reinhart opened the song with her signature smoky, emotional tone, setting an intimate, reverent tone from the very first note. Her delivery pulled listeners in close, and as the harmonies with Myles Kennedy began to build, the emotional weight of the song deepened. Kennedy’s raw, raspy voice added an earthy contrast, giving the verses an aching quality that perfectly matched the somber beauty of the lyrics. Their voices blended with haunting precision, creating an atmosphere that felt almost sacred.

Slash entered the performance at just the right moment, his guitar lines weaving effortlessly into the stripped-down setting. He didn’t try to overpower the vocals—instead, his delicate phrasing added texture and richness without ever stealing the spotlight. The result was a dynamic yet gentle backdrop that supported Reinhart and Kennedy’s duet. His melodic flourishes enhanced the performance, making it not only respectful to the original but also completely fresh and emotionally charged.

The trio’s take on “Wild Horses” quickly captured the attention of music lovers around the world. The video went viral, racking up millions of views on YouTube and drawing praise from fans and critics alike. Viewers flooded the comment section with admiration, many pointing to the chemistry between the artists and the purity of their execution. The authenticity and restraint in their performance turned what could have been a routine cover into a moment of genuine artistic connection.

One viewer noted how rare it is to see a cover that honors the original while bringing something new to the table, saying, “They didn’t just sing it—they lived it.” Others applauded Slash’s understated performance, which allowed the emotional resonance of the song to breathe. Reinhart and Kennedy, both powerhouses in their own right, were praised for avoiding vocal showboating and instead focusing on serving the story of the song. It was a masterclass in restraint, emotion, and respect for musical legacy.

“Wild Horses” has long held a special place in the rock canon, and interpreting it is no easy task—especially in front of a global audience. But Reinhart, Kennedy, and Slash approached it with reverence, finding the heart of the song and letting it guide their performance. Each artist brought their own unique sensitivity to the piece, creating a version that was not only musically compelling but emotionally transcendent. The video continues to gain traction, resonating with audiences years after its release.

The collaboration was not the first acoustic venture for Slash and Kennedy. Their stripped-back session of Velvet Revolver’s “Fall to Pieces” is another fan favorite, celebrated for its raw vulnerability and emotional weight. That performance, featuring Kennedy’s band The Conspirators, highlighted their ability to transform heavy rock tracks into intimate acoustic ballads. Slash’s solo in that rendition was particularly memorable, evoking the soulfulness of classic blues while retaining the grit of hard rock.

Fans of Guns N’ Roses may recall Slash’s earlier relationship with “Wild Horses.” During the Use Your Illusion tour in the early ’90s, the band incorporated a cover of the track into several sets, including a standout show in Tokyo in 1992. That live version featured Slash alongside rhythm guitarist Gilby Clarke, both adding a bluesy depth that paid homage to the Stones while injecting their own unique flavor. Even then, it was clear that Slash had a deep emotional connection to the song.

That history brings added weight to his performance with Reinhart and Kennedy. This wasn’t just a one-off collaboration—it was a full-circle moment, tying together decades of reverence for one of rock’s most beloved ballads. It was evident in Slash’s delicate touch and in the way he listened as much as he played. Each note seemed chosen with intention, serving not just the arrangement but the emotional narrative at its core.

Ultimately, this rendition of “Wild Horses” stands as a rare example of how to pay tribute to a classic without diluting its essence. Haley Reinhart, Myles Kennedy, and Slash came together not to outshine the Rolling Stones, but to channel the song’s spirit through their own voices and instruments. The performance felt timeless, intimate, and achingly beautiful—a reminder that when great artists come together with humility and heart, magic can still happen.