Discover the shocking reason behind Slash’s decision to leave Guns N’ Roses
Slash, the rock legend with a reputation for being one of the most relaxed guys in the industry, has always stood out. Despite his status as a prominent guitarist, he often shied away from the spotlight on stage, hiding his long locks under his top hat. While Guns N’ Roses established themselves as a dominating force with Slash at the forefront, it was their tour in 1991-1992 that prompted him to consider leaving.
When reflecting on the groundbreaking album “Appetite for Destruction,” it’s clear that Slash revolutionized the hair metal scene like no other artist could. While there were virtuosos in the genre before him, Slash aimed to steer music away from glam metal towards the classic rock ‘n’ roll vibes of bands like Aerosmith.
Despite being labeled as the gutter punks of The Sunset Strip, Guns N’ Roses’ authenticity was precisely what the music scene needed. Although grunge is often credited with killing hair metal, Slash began to set the standard with the iconic guitar intro to ‘Welcome to the Jungle.’
By 1989, the band had it all—a hit album, a packed touring schedule, and enviable royalty checks. But the looming question remained: what next? While most artists struggle to answer, Axl Rose had big plans. The band aimed for greater heights with the ambitious project ‘Use Your Illusion,’ pushing their musical boundaries with a double album and an intense tour.
However, the pressure and chaos took a toll on Slash, who eventually reached his breaking point. Reflecting on that time, he confessed, “It was exciting because of the audience factor, but it was a really hard time for us.” The internal conflicts, managerial issues, and relentless business demands led him to the brink, prompting him to walk away without a clear plan.
His departure from Guns N’ Roses came at a crucial juncture, marked by riots during the tour and a near-death experience in a hotel room. Stepping away from the chaos allowed Slash to preserve his sanity and pave the way for his successful ventures with Velvet Revolver and a thriving solo career.
While his days of excess and indulgence may have caught up with him, Slash’s journey through the highs and lows of the music industry remains a testament to his resilience and enduring legacy.
