Gibson CEO Teams Up with Slash & Duff McKagan for Epic New Single, “I Can Breathe”

In an exciting collaboration that blends rock legends and a meaningful cause, Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian has joined forces with two iconic members of Guns N’ Roses—guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan—on a new single, “I Can Breathe.” Released under the artist name Gibson Band, the track marks a powerful step forward in Gueikian’s musical journey, following the release of his first single, “Deconstruction,” last December, which featured heavy hitters like Serj Tankian of System of a Down and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath.

“I Can Breathe” isn’t just another rock anthem; it’s a piece of music created with purpose. The song aims to raise funds for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) through the Gibson Gives foundation, which has long been a champion of charitable efforts. With an all-star lineup of musicians contributing their talents, this track blends hard-hitting rock with emotional depth, all in support of mental health awareness.

A Star-Studded Collaboration

The talent behind “I Can Breathe” speaks for itself. McKagan penned the song’s lyrics, while Slash added his signature “bluesy guitar licks” to the mix. Gueikian himself brought his creative vision to life by writing the riffs and performing rhythm guitar and keyboards. Joining the team are Seta Von Gravessen on bass and Jota Morelli on drums, completing the powerful ensemble that delivered the track.

The final cut of “I Can Breathe” clocks in at just under six minutes, with the original demo running twice as long. The song’s epic nature is reflected in its progressive rock elements, which McKagan describes as pushing him in a “whole new direction.” The experience of working with Gueikian and the rest of the crew was a rewarding one, especially given the song’s focus on mental health. “Most importantly,” McKagan said, “to be of service for mental health issues and awareness is super important to me at this time. Let’s rock!”

Auctioning for a Cause

True to the spirit of the project, all proceeds from the single will be donated to NAMI, with additional funds being raised through two unique auctions tied to the release. One auction features a painting by Serj Tankian titled “They’re Coming”, which serves as the cover art for the single. The second auction includes a Les Paul guitar, featuring Tankian’s artwork along with the signatures of all the collaborators involved in the track. Both items will be available through Julien’s Auctions, offering fans the chance to own a piece of rock history while supporting an important cause.

A Meaningful Musical Legacy

By teaming up with legendary artists like Slash and McKagan, Gueikian has proven that music can do more than just entertain—it can inspire, challenge, and bring awareness to causes that matter. “I Can Breathe” is not just another song in the rock world; it’s a powerful anthem that speaks to the importance of mental health while featuring a blend of musical influences that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of all ages.

This collaboration is a reminder that no matter where you are in your career, the power of music and the drive to make a difference can unite the most iconic musicians for a greater cause. As McKagan said, “Let’s rock!” And with “I Can Breathe,” that’s exactly what they’re doing—creating a lasting impact while delivering a song that rocks hard and speaks to the heart.