With his rock legend status, Slash has always exuded a laid-back demeanor, making him one of the most relaxed individuals in the industry. Despite his reputation as a prominent guitarist, he tended to shy away from the spotlight during his performances. He would often cover his face with his long hair and top hat while playing. Despite Guns N’ Roses becoming a powerhouse with Slash as their frontman, he openly acknowledged that it was the band’s tour from 1991 to 1992 that fueled his desire to depart.
When examining the album Appetite for Destruction, it’s clear that Slash’s contribution to the hair metal scene was unparalleled. There were previous experts in the genre. However, Slash aimed to steer music away from the glam metal sounds and towards the classic rock and roll style of Aerosmith.
Despite their reputation as the rebellious punks of The Sunset Strip, it became clear that their genuine nature was precisely what the scene was lacking. Grunge may have been credited with dethroning hair metal. However, the moment Slash unleashed the iconic intro to ‘Welcome to the Jungle‘ was pivotal. It marked the beginning of him establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
By the time they reached 1989, the band had achieved everything they could have dreamed of a highly successful album, a packed touring schedule, and generous royalty checks that any musician would envy. And so, the inevitable question arose… what comes next?
Many artists are uncertain about the answer to that question, but Axl Rose certainly did. The upcoming project called for a more ambitious approach, as the band embarked on a musical journey of rapid maturation with Use Your Illusion. Despite the presence of a few noteworthy songs on the album, the extensive double album was quite challenging. The tour that accompanied it proved to be too much for anyone to handle.
In addition to their extensive global travels, the original lineup faced significant challenges. These challenges led to Izzy Stradlin’s departure due to his unwillingness to tolerate their disruptive behavior any longer. At this point, it’s quite a stretch to refer to the group as a band. Rose calling the shots on whether they’ll perform on any given night adds to the perception of a lack of unity.
For Slash, this type of behavior became overwhelming to the point where he reached his breaking point. In an interview with Rock Icons, he expressed how it was a mix of excitement due to the audience. However, he also described it as a challenging time as they tried to navigate through it all. There were various internal matters, managerial responsibilities, and business-related tasks that involved multiple individuals contributing to the overall progress. I abruptly left my job without any clear plan for my next career move.
Considering the timing of his departure, it’s possible that he disembarked from the boat at an opportune moment. The tour was plagued by riots and a terrifying incident that nearly claimed Slash’s life in his hotel room. Understandably, he may have needed to step away to preserve his mental well-being. Velvet Revolver and his solo career thrived, but consequences of excessive lifestyle and drinking began manifesting.
