Ex-Guns N’ Roses rocker Duff McKagan hit the stage to present the Riff Lord honor — another new category at the 2012 Revolver Golden Gods — one “for six-string guitar shredders,” as McKagan put it. And he was able to present the trophy to his former GN’R bandmate Slash, who beat out a field that included Zakk Wylde from Black Label Society, Scott Ian from Anthrax, Munky from Korn, Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters and Eddie Van Halen from, well, Van Halen.

“This is f—ing awesome,” said Slash after giving McKagan a big hug.”I was honored to be even nominated with the classic people that I was nominated with so I’m speechless to win. This is really humbling, I’m very honored. Thank you very much, peace!”

And with that, Slash and his new hardware walked off the stage. He kept his speech short and sweet — we wonder if he’ll do the same thing Saturday night when Guns N’ Roses are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Slash also performed with Myles Kennedy and Alice Cooper later in the night.

More From Banana 101.5