2011.07.22 - The Guardian - Q&A: Slash

Q&A: Slash

By Rosanna Greenstreet

Slash, 45, was born Saul Hudson in London and raised in England and Los Angeles. He was an original member of the rock band Guns N' Roses which formed in 1985 and sold 100m albums worldwide. Slash – considered one of the greatest rock guitar players of all time – left Guns N' Roses in 1996 and went on to have further success with the group Velvet Revolver. He has performed with everyone from Michael Jackson to Ray Charles, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is a playable character in Guitar Hero III. He performs at High Voltage Festival this weekend and, on Monday, releases the single Starlight from his debut solo album.

When were you happiest?

Right now, because I am just about to go on the road.

What is your greatest fear?

Not showing up. I never do that, but I fear the idea of doing it.

What is your earliest memory?

Living in Stoke-on-Trent with my grandparents, my father and my uncles. That was when I was five. My mom was living in Los Angeles.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Making excuses.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Being obnoxiously loud.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

Doing an interview for In Touch magazine – an American lifestyle rag.

Property aside, what's the most expensive thing you've bought?

An Aston Martin.

What is your most treasured possession?

My main guitar that I use the most. It's a 59 Les Paul replica.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

Unmanageable hair.

What is your most unappealing habit?

Slurping my coffee, apparently.

Where would you like to live?

I am not real particular about where I live. I live in LA right now and that's fine.

What is your favourite smell?

Freshly cut grass in summer.

What is your favourite book?

Right now it's Germinal.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Playing Angry Birds.

To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?

Any number of kids I was rude to when I was younger.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My kids.

What does love feel like?

It's great when you have it, awesome.

What was the best kiss of your life?

With a giraffe in Africa, way back when.

Which living person do you most despise?

Probably Guns N' Roses' last manager when I was in the band.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Keith Moon and Jimi Hendrix.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

"Awesome" and "I'll get back to you".

What is the worst job you've done?

A newspaper route when I was 11.

What has been your biggest disappointment?

The music business.

What is the closest you've come to death?

You know my history – it's been many times.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Picking up and learning how to play the guitar.

Tell us a secret.

I am not wearing underwear.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/jul/22/slash-interview