Slash

Slash biography

Saul Hudson (born July 23, 1965), known by his stage name Slash, is a British-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the former lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During his later years with Guns N' Roses, Slash formed the side project Slash's Snakepit. He then co-founded the supergroup Velvet Revolver, which re-established him as a mainstream performer in the mid to late 2000s. In 2010, Slash released his eponymous debut solo album, featuring an all-star roster of guest musicians. His second album, Apocalyptic Love, recorded with his band, is set for release on May 22, 2012.

Slash has received critical acclaim as a guitarist. Time named him runner-up on their list of "The 10 Best Electric Guitar Players" in 2009, while Rolling Stone placed him at No. 65 on their list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" in 2011. and Total Guitar placed his riff in "Sweet Child o' Mine" at No. 1 on their list of "The 100 Greatest Riffs" in 2004.

Early life

Slash was born Saul Hudson in Hampstead, London. His mother, Ola Hudson (born Oliver; 1946-2009), was an African-American costume designer whose clients included David Bowie, and his father, Anthony Hudson, is a caucasian English artist who created album covers for musicians such as Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. Contrary to popular belief, Slash's mother was not Nigerian, nor is his father Jewish.

During his early years, Slash was raised by his father and paternal grandparents in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. When he was five years old, he and his father joined his mother in Los Angeles, California. His brother, Albion "Ash" Hudson, Following his parents' separation in 1974, Slash became a self-described "problem child," and he was often sent to live with his beloved maternal grandmother. He was given the nickname "Slash" by family friend Seymour Cassel, because he was "always in a hurry, zipping around from one thing to another."

In 1979, Slash decided to form a band with his friend Steven Adler. The band never materialized, but it prompted Slash to take up an instrument. Since Adler had designated himself the role of guitarist, Slash decided to learn how to play bass. During his first lesson, Slash decided to switch from bass to guitar after hearing Wolin play "Brown Sugar" by the Rolling Stones. A champion BMX rider, Slash put the bike aside to devote himself to playing guitar, practicing up to twelve hours a day.

Career

1981-1985: Early years

Slash joined his first band, Tidus Sloan, in 1981. Slash disbanded the group the following year due to them not being able to find a singer, as well as Adler's lack of work ethic compared to himself and McKagan. He then joined a local band known as Hollywood Rose, which featured singer Axl Rose and guitarist Izzy Stradlin. Following his time with Hollywood Rose, Slash played in a band called Black Sheep and unsuccessfully auditioned for Poison, a glam metal band that he would later openly deride.

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