Slash

Slash
Slash performing live in 2022 Slash performing live in 2022
Background information
Birth name	Saul Hudson
Born	Birth date -1st March 1966 Hampstead, London, England
Origin	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Hard rock, heavy metal, blues rock
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter, record producer
Instrument(s)	Guitar
Years active	1981–present
Website	www.slashonline.com

Slash (born Saul Hudson on July 23, 1965) is a British-American musician and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in rock history, known for his distinctive playing style and iconic top hat.

Early Life

Slash was born in Hampstead, London, to an English artist father and an African-American costume designer mother. He moved to Los Angeles, California, with his mother at a young age. His interest in music began in his early teens, and he received his first guitar at the age of 15.

Career

Guns N' Roses

Slash joined Guns N' Roses in 1985, contributing to the band's debut album Appetite for Destruction (1987), which became a massive commercial success. The album included hits like "Sweet Child o' Mine", "Welcome to the Jungle", and "Paradise City". Slash's guitar work on these tracks helped define the band's sound and earned him critical acclaim.

Slash's Snakepit

After leaving Guns N' Roses in 1996, Slash formed Slash's Snakepit, releasing two albums: It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (1995) and Ain't Life Grand (2000). The band allowed Slash to explore different musical styles and collaborate with various artists.

Velvet Revolver

In 2002, Slash co-founded Velvet Revolver with former Guns N' Roses bandmates Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum, along with Scott Weiland and Dave Kushner. The band released two albums, Contraband (2004) and Libertad (2007), achieving commercial success and critical praise.

Solo Career

Slash launched his solo career with the release of his self-titled album Slash in 2010, featuring collaborations with artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Fergie, and Myles Kennedy. He later formed Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, releasing several albums including Apocalyptic Love (2012) and World on Fire (2014).

Musical Style and Influence

Slash is known for his blues-influenced, hard rock guitar style, characterized by his use of the Gibson Les Paul guitar and Marshall Amplifiers. His solos often feature expressive bends, fast-paced runs, and a distinctive vibrato. Influenced by guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page, Slash has inspired countless musicians worldwide.

Personal Life

Slash has been married twice and has two sons. He is an avid collector of guitars and has a passion for pinball machines. In addition to his music career, Slash has been involved in various charitable activities, supporting causes such as animal rights and children's health.

Legacy

Slash's contributions to rock music have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Guns N' Roses in 2012. He continues to tour and record, maintaining his status as a legendary figure in the music industry.

Also see

• Guns N' Roses
• Velvet Revolver
• Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators
• Gibson Les Paul
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame