Slash

1. Early Life & Finding Purpose in Music

Being able to create the sound that had spoken to me in music ever since I can remember was more empowering than anything I’d ever known.

Bohemian beginnings. Born in England to creative parents (costume designer mom, artist dad), Slash's early life was unconventional, marked by transatlantic moves and exposure to the vibrant 60s/70s art and music scenes in London and Los Angeles. His parents' separation led to a period of instability and acting out, including BMX obsession, stealing, and early drug use, as he struggled to process emotional turmoil.

Guitar as salvation. A chance encounter with a guitar at age 14 shifted his focus entirely. What started as a way to join a friend's fantasy band quickly became a deep, personal obsession, replacing all other interests. The guitar provided an outlet for expression that drawing or other activities couldn't match, offering clarity and purpose amidst adolescent chaos.

Self-taught drive. Despite initial struggles and impatience with formal lessons, a simple instruction book and relentless practice allowed him to develop his unique style by ear. This intense, self-directed pursuit of mastery, fueled by a deep connection to the instrument and the sounds of classic rock, laid the foundation for his future career.

2. The Raw Power of Early Guns N' Roses

We were passionate, with a common goal and a very distinct sense of integrity.

Forming the core. After various unsuccessful band attempts, a chance reconnection with Izzy Stradlin and the eventual meeting of Duff McKagan, Steven Adler, and W. Axl Rose forged a unique chemistry. This group of like-minded misfits, drawn together by a shared love for raw, blues-based rock and roll and a disdain for the polished LA scene, quickly gelled despite their individual dysfunctions.

Against the grain. Unlike other bands courting record deals with calculated looks and pop choruses, Guns N' Roses embraced their gritty, authentic selves. Their early sound was a raw blend of Aerosmith, New York Dolls, and punk energy, reflecting their chaotic lifestyle and defiant attitude. This genuine, unpolished approach set them apart.

Building momentum. Despite lacking a singer initially and facing constant obstacles (like a broken-down car on their first attempted tour), the band's collective drive pushed them forward. Living together in a squalid rehearsal space, they honed their sound, wrote iconic songs like "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Sweet Child o' Mine," and built a loyal local following through explosive live shows.

3. Addiction: A Seductive and Destructive Force

Being a junkie is akin to what we imagine vampires are: it has an enticing aura at first but it becomes a hunger that must be fed at all costs.

Early experimentation. Drug use began in adolescence, initially recreational and tied to social scenes (BMX, parties). However, the instability of his home life and the intense pressures of the music world created fertile ground for addiction to take root.

Heroin's grip. A first intravenous use of heroin at age 19 proved to be a turning point, quickly escalating into a daily habit. Despite initial attempts to control it or switch to other substances like alcohol, the physical and psychological dependence became a constant struggle, impacting his life and relationships.

The illusion of control. Even as addiction worsened, leading to missed appointments, legal troubles (jaywalking arrest leading to county jail detox), and near-fatal overdoses, Slash maintained a facade of control. He often hid the severity of his use from others, including girlfriends and bandmates, believing he could manage it or quit on his own terms, a common delusion of addiction.

4. Success Breeds Dysfunction

Success fragmented that bond by giving us everything we wanted and a lot we didn’t need—all at once.

The price of fame. Signing with Geffen Records brought financial stability and the resources to pursue their music professionally, but it also introduced new pressures and opportunities for excess. The sudden influx of money, coupled with a lack of structure after the Appetite recording, fueled existing addictive tendencies and individual trips.

Erosion of unity. The collective, us-against-the-world mentality that defined early Guns N' Roses began to erode as individual members pursued separate interests and lifestyles. While some, like Duff, maintained a semblance of responsibility, others, including Slash and Steven, dove deeper into addiction, creating distance within the band.

External influences. The music industry's focus on image and marketability clashed with the band's raw authenticity. Managers and label executives, while enabling their excesses, also attempted to mold them, adding another layer of tension. The band's growing fame attracted hangers-on and opportunists, further complicating relationships and exacerbating internal issues.

5. Life on the Road: Chaos and Camaraderie

Touring, to this day, is still not a cliché to me; every room is not the same.

The ultimate escape. Despite the internal band drama and personal struggles with addiction, touring provided a sense of purpose and excitement that home life often lacked. The constant motion, the energy of live performance, and the camaraderie with bandmates and crew offered a powerful distraction from personal demons.

A learning curve. Early tours were chaotic and unprofessional, marked by unreliable transportation, lack of proper crew, and unpredictable behavior. However, the band learned quickly, adapting to different venues, audiences, and touring conditions, developing a resilience that would serve them later.

Moments of magic. Despite the difficulties, the live shows themselves were often transcendent. The band's raw energy and connection with the audience created unforgettable performances, particularly in international markets where their music resonated deeply. These moments of onstage brilliance were the driving force that kept the band going through turbulent times.

6. The Slow Breakdown of Guns N’ Roses

It had become no fun. It had become depressing.

Axl's evolving demands. As the band's success grew, Axl Rose's behavior became increasingly unpredictable and controlling. His perfectionism, coupled with a growing entourage and a tendency to communicate through intermediaries, created significant friction, particularly regarding punctuality and creative direction.

Loss of key members. The internal tension and chaotic lifestyle led to the departure of founding members. Izzy Stradlin left due to the band's escalating dysfunction and near-disasters, while Steven Adler was fired due to his inability to control his drug use, despite the hypocrisy of the situation given the habits of other members.

Contractual disputes. Legal battles over the band name and songwriting credits further fractured relationships. Axl's insistence on controlling the band's identity and finances alienated other members, transforming a collaborative effort into a perceived dictatorship, ultimately leading to Slash's own departure.

7. Leaving the Past, Finding a New Future

I consider leaving GN’R one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made.

Hitting the breaking point. After years of navigating increasing dysfunction, lack of communication, and personal struggles, Slash reached a point of emotional and creative exhaustion. The final straw came after a particularly demoralizing rehearsal session and a moment of suicidal ideation, leading to the realization that he had to leave for his own well-being.

A difficult departure. Leaving the band he helped build was emotionally challenging, but the sense of relief outweighed the difficulty. Despite external pressure and disbelief from others, he stood by his decision, prioritizing his mental and physical health over the band's continued existence in its current form.

Rediscovering passion. Free from the constraints and negativity of Guns N' Roses, Slash focused on personal projects like Slash's Snakepit, allowing him to rediscover the joy of playing music without the accompanying drama. This period of creative exploration and collaboration with other musicians was essential for his artistic and personal recovery.

8. Survival and Rebirth Against All Odds

You can’t wait around for destiny to give you what you think you deserve, you have to earn it, even if you think you’ve paid your dues.

Facing mortality. Years of hard living and addiction culminated in a severe heart condition and multiple near-fatal overdoses. These brushes with death served as stark wake-up calls, forcing him to confront the consequences of his lifestyle and seek sobriety.

Finding stability. Marriage to Perla and the birth of his sons provided a new anchor and motivation for lasting change. Perla's unwavering support and the responsibilities of fatherhood offered a stability he had lacked for most of his life, contributing significantly to his sobriety and personal growth.

A new beginning. The unexpected reunion with Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum at a friend's funeral sparked a realization of their undeniable musical chemistry. This led to the formation of Velvet Revolver, a band that allowed him to return to the collaborative, rock-and-roll spirit he cherished, proving that it was possible to find success and fulfillment after leaving Guns N' Roses.

Last updated: May 9, 2025