Slash, best known for playing in the now-iconic rock group Guns N’ Roses, is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, with awards and critical acclaim that most of us can only dream of.
In addition to his contribution with Guns N’ Roses, Slash has done solo music and has produced five solo studio albums to date. So it’s fair to assume he’s a person with the necessary qualifications to cast judgement on the splendid of music, not to mention the fact that he’s collaborated with many of them. While Axl Rose is an easy pick among the incredible vocalists with whom Slash has performed – despite the difficulties surrounding his personal life – he just kicks off on Slash’s list of all-time favorites.
Axl Rose
It only makes sense to show thanks and appreciation for someone you’ve worked with for as long as Slash and Rose have, as seen by the way Slash spoke about Rose throughout their careers.
Slash once stated about Axl: “I’d worked with different singers on and off for a while, and then when I met Axl and we started jamming together, he was the only singer that ever brought an emotional content to it that affected me on an emotional level, on an energy level.”
He continued, “A song all of a sudden went to a whole new level, and I felt it. And that’s when I realised where music and vocals really meet. Because prior to that, everybody that I’d worked with sucked and I had no use for it, and I would just rather play instrumentally. But that’s when I first really arrived at that poignant feeling that you get when things connect on a lyrical and the vocal level and the music level.”
Changing someone’s entire perception of music and how it relates with vocals? It is some of the finest conceivable compliments.
Michael Jackson
Is it really necessary to introduce Michael Jackson? He’s the undisputed king of popular music, but it does seem like an odd pick for Slash, doesn’t it?
Slash, on the other hand, stated: “Initially, it was a phone call from my manager where he said, ‘Michael is trying to get in touch with you.’ I was like, ‘Wow.’ So I called him back and he wanted me to play on ‘Dangerous.’ We made a date. I went down to the Record Plant in Hollywood and he was there with Brooke Shields. That was very surreal. These were two people that I’d sort of grown up with, in a way.”
He remarked of his collaboration with the singer, “So we hung out for two minutes and they went off to dinner and left me with this song. I did my thing, he really dug it and afterwards he kept asking me if I’d be into doing this or doing that. I’d do some shows here and there and it was fun because he was such a pro. He was such a fucking talent from on high. That was the main thing: he was so amazingly musically fluid. Such a treat to be around.”
Not only is he a fantastic singer, but he is also an excellent collaborator.
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger, the Rolling Stones’ lead singer and co – founder, is widely regarded as one of the most prominent rock artists of all time. Furthermore, he seems to have a big influence on Slash, who grew up listening to The Rolling Stones a lot.
In 2016, he stated: “From day one it was all about the Stones, The Yardbirds, Cream and the Kinks.” Although he referenced other bands as well, The Rolling Stones got a mention.
The two has also been photographed together several times and has even collaborated, although briefly.
James Brown
It seems obvious that James Brown would be on anyone’s list because he is the standard to end all classics. The legendary funk musician died in 2006, but not before striking a pose with Slash and a few other famous people.
Slash also uploaded a clip of James Brown’s “I Feel Good” on Instagram along with some background information to show his love and adoration for the singer.
With this selection, it becomes abundantly evident that Slash not only possesses exceptional ability but also has an extensive and fascinating taste that crosses decades.
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