Slash returns without Guns N’Roses: the guitar hero talks about the rebellion of rock and the anti-system spirit

Silent but not granted. AS Barperhaps the most iconic guitar hero emerged in the 90s, gave shape around it to a concept that today allows it to once again be part of the monstrous tours of Guns N’ Roses and at the same time continue to travel with his main side project, Slash and the conspiratorstogether with singer Miles Kennedy.

The next one will be presented with them February 9 at the Movistar Arena from Villa Crespo, with tickets already on sale on the venue’s website, and then doing the same on February 11th at the Cosquín Rock festival in Cordoba.

They will come and introduce themselves 4their most recent album and will be a great opportunity to hear hits from their previous repertoire and also Guns N’Roses’ most acclaimed classics, which in the hands of this band sound just as good (or sometimes better) than the originals.

A unique guitarist

Slash’s image is emoji-worthy and his gameplay style is easily recognizable. Because that amalgam of midrange-laden distortion, melodiously epic plucks that transform into ultrafast sonic storms inspired by his most extreme influences, and a proven suppleness when it comes to producing hit riffs elevate him into a space few can share.

If we add that to this He built his fame together with a mega star (played from time to time) in the role of Axl Rose, the merit is twofold: since 1985 Slash has been able to build – based on his particular talent, but also on a singular way of being – a place of true demigods in the midst of a vortex of energies that could have upset many. Let’s remember that Guns N’Roses have long been defined as “the most dangerous band in the world”.

Now, 38 years after the water began to flow violently under the bridge, here is the man in the galley and the curlers that work like a mask.

From Los Angeles, a city that has also taken shape in the imagination of millions of people thanks to his songs, he presents himself in a virtual meeting with the name that his mother gave him in London almost sixty years ago: Saul Hudson.

The meeting was closely followed by several executives of his record company who warned Clarion that he had to swear and swear that he would ask no questions about Guns N’ Roses. A climate of tension was expected which already with the first “Hello Adriano!” of excellent character and natural friendliness, was left without justification.

“The Argentinian fans are fantastic”

-You’ve been here many, many times. What does coming to Argentina mean to you?

-Argentina is one of my favorite places to visit and play in the world. It means a lot to me. The fans are fantastic and I have great friends there. People I work with at Gibson (Editor’s note: his historic guitar sponsor) is Argentine. I have great stories, memories and experiences there.

-When was the first time you felt connected to the Latin American atmosphere?

-It happened almost immediately. In the early nineties, the first time Guns N Roses went to South America, we were greeted with generosity and enthusiasm on a level we had never experienced. So we created this connection with people right away, because they were so willing to give it their all and we’re the kind of band that thrives on that energy.

I, at least as a guitarist, feel this clearly and this is an integral part of what my performance will be like when I connect with people like these. The moment you step on stage, audiences in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay or wherever show that enthusiasm that you immediately want to reciprocate. We connected well from the beginning.

Simple, direct and good rock’n’roll

-With “4”, the latest album from Slash & The Conspirators, the band confirmed what you can expect from it: catchy rock songs, great melodies and guitar solos. Your project where you’re looking for a very direct sonic identity?

-The Conspirators was something that was always fun to do, I play with a group of great musicians where everyone kind of has the same goal, which is basically to make simple, straightforward, good rock’n’roll. But at the same time I think not everything is completely simple or straightforward, but we make things so that they’re fun, without too many twists and turns.

It’s a great outlet for me and more importantly, I really enjoy working with Miles, Brent, Todd and Frank; we get along very well. The experience of making records and touring together is a big part of the idea.

-And there’s Miles Kennedy, who’s a wonderful singer.

-It’s great! A couple of days ago we played together. Miles is fantastic on stage, he’s really easy to work with.

-Your musical style has survived many fads and non-hard rock artists ask you to collaborate with them. When did you realize you had a signature sound?

-You know the only times I really thought about it was when people told me they recognized my sound in a song after a few notes, which makes me feel very flattered. But beyond that, I think that as a musician it’s very important to define your personality, because there are thousands of phenomenal guitarists. So, to stand out, the only thing you can do is have your own personality.

-Is there some emotion that runs through all your guitar solos?

-When I compose a solo it’s for a specific song, so it’s difficult for the feeling to be repeated. But what is necessary is to have the feeling! (laughs). You have to find it; That’s what’s really important.

“Rock is a question of attitude”

-You are one of the most iconic guitarists in rock. What other guitarists of your generation do you like or admire?

-There are many. Talking about my generation, the one that came out in the late ’80s and early ’90s, I can be very specific, because it was a time of great guitar players.

I think of the super-fast virtuosos, even though I’m not one of them, but there are a couple of them that I really admire. Yngwie Malmsteen is one of them. I was in Los Angeles when people started talking about him. When I finally saw it I couldn’t believe it, wow! (laughs) Whether you like his music or not, his style is very identifiable. He is a virtuoso and unique guitarist, and there is no one like him.

Then Paul Gilbert comes from another planet, because his technique and skill are phenomenal. Every time I listen to one of his records, he is left speechless.

-Who else?

-Joe Satriani is another giant; He has great ideas. Obviously Zakk Wylde, who is from my generation, is another phenomenon, as is Dimebag Darrell even though he came along a little later. But these are all virtuosos, not rock guitarists… this Mark Ford is very good, he collaborated with the Black Crowes.

-And what does rock mean to you?

-It’s hard to put into words. You know, rock for me has always been about attitude, a lot of freedom and individuality. Also a lot of rebellion. I dare say it’s a kind of anti-establishment spirit. And it’s also always been about energy and volume and fun and things like that. I think it has more to do with what is inherent in the way you are than what you think it means to you.

Rock n’ roll, they are two words that go together, but they mean much more; It’s hard to be specific.

-Slash and the Conspirators’ last album came out almost two years ago. What expectations do you have for 2024 and what projects are you thinking about?

-I’m very happy with the idea of ​​extending this tour, since we initially only did it in the United States. I think it was early last year. So I’m really looking forward to this tour. And then now that COVID is over and has done as much damage as possible, we can try to get back to a regular pattern of recording and touring.

So at some point next year I’d like to get into the studio and start recording the next record and then figure out when that tour takes place. And then I have a record that I made recently that focuses mostly on blues, a little bit of old school rock and R&B. And that will come out after the tour with the Conspirators. I can’t wait because there will also be a tour to support it. So these are really the most immediate things happening right now.