Slash has been the live embodiment of all things rock and roll for the previous forty years. Ever since making his musical debut with Guns N’ Roses, the top-hat-wearing guitarist actively exploits his solos. Creating catchy melodies that make it easy to sing along with them when they play. Slash had the chance to join one of the most well-known bands in the world. But, ultimately, he realized that working with Axl Rose was his destiny.
However, Slash grew up surrounded by many facets of the music business before rising to the top of the Sunset Strip. The young guitarist would eventually mingle with early 1970s rock stars like James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. His mother created clothing, and his father created album covers.
Slash knew he wanted to play something heavier by the time he was an adult. Slash began learning how to play the guitar and performing at different parties in the Los Angeles area. He quickly became enamored with bands like Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin. He may have started out doing it for fun, but when he saw an audition for the band Kiss. Slash saw his chance of a lifetime.
The shock rockers, who were regarded as one of the best hard rock acts of the decade, had recently broken up with Ace Frehley. This happened following the release of the album Music From the Elder. In an attempt to reconnect with their hard rock sound, lead singer Paul Stanley recalled that the band had gone through a number of different musicians before finding Slash.
Stanley believed that Slash’s age was a major disadvantage, even though he may have aced the audition. Since Slash was still in his teens, the band was more willing to give him the full makeup treatment. And even go on tour than the other members who had some rockstar experience.
Stanley remembered, “I turned thirty earlier that year. Gene was twice this kid’s age,” as he said in his biography. You seem like a great guy, but I think you’re too young for this, you know? I said. He was so kind and unaffected that I always thought of him and wished him well.
But by the time Guns N’ Roses began penning original songs like “Welcome to the Jungle,” they were ultimately declining Stanley’s request. After seeing them perform in a dive bar, Stanley’s initial desire was to produce the band. However, his proposal to change the song arrangements was shot down.
Kiss would continue with different guitarists after the release of the album Creatures of the Night. But Slash’s work behind the fretboard was unmatched. Slash was attempting to inject a significant amount of blues into rock and roll with songs like “Paradise City,” frequently. He allowed his music speak for itself when he performed live. Kiss might have been mostly about showmanship, but by turning down the role, Slash most likely spared himself a lifetime of makeup.
