Classic Rock Dec 2006, 100 Icons of Rock - Slash

[tomass74]

From Classic Rock Dec 2006

Slash
A True Guitar Hero
by the Rev

Slash was born Saul Hudson in Hampstead, North London on July 23, 1965 but raised in Stoke On Trent. He became a hero to many a guitarist, myself being one. I was brought up listening to my dad's record collection - not the greatest, looking back on it now- but it featured some classic albums. Among them was Appetite for Destruction.

I remember the first time I heard that record and not being able to control myself. I was caught playing air guitar on my bed as a teenager many times by my mum - very embarrassing - but having the record confiscated was just heat breaking. I had it taken off me because I'd become so obsessed with Guns N Roses, Slash in particular,  I'd embodied everything they were about. I began to wear black jeans and a leather jacket to school and grow my hair. I just couldn't put my guitar down and stop listening to GNR. I got in trouble for not doing my homework so my guitar and albums were taken from me. That didn't stop me, though.  I would go round to my friend's house after school, I got my first band together and we'd learn the songs of Appetite mimicking Slash. I would watch the UYI videos repeatedly I remember just knowing that's what I wanted to do.

From then on I would practice every day with my band after school, learning covers and writing our own songs. The inspiration I got from watching and listening to Slash as a guitarist got me where I am today. I still use him as a constant source of motivation and I hold him up as the true guitar hero. Growing up I never thought I would ever get to see him in action until 2004 when Velvet Revolver toured the UK. I went to two shows, Manchester and Hammersmith, and fought my way to the front of both gigs holding on to the barrier and eyeballing Slash all night.

The Rev is lead guitarist with Towers of London. Their debut album Blood, Sweat and Towers is out now on TVT Records.

[mrlee]

From Classic Rock Dec 2006

Slash
A True Guitar Hero
by the Rev

Slash was born Saul Hudson in Hampstead, North London on July 23, 1965 but raised in Stoke On Trent. He became a hero to many a guitarist, myself being one. I was brought up listening to my dad's record collection - not the greatest, looking back on it now- but it featured some classic albums. Among them was Appetite for Destruction.

I remember the first time I heard that record and not being able to control myself. I was caught playing air guitar on my bed as a teenager many times by my mum - very embarrassing - but having the record confiscated was just heat breaking. I had it taken off me because I'd become so obsessed with Guns N Roses, Slash in particular,  I'd embodied everything they were about. I began to wear black jeans and a leather jacket to school and grow my hair. I just couldn't put my guitar down and stop listening to GNR. I got in trouble for not doing my homework so my guitar and albums were taken from me. That didn't stop me, though.  I would go round to my friend's house after school, I got my first band together and we'd learn the songs of Appetite mimicking Slash. I would watch the UYI videos repeatedly I remember just knowing that's what I wanted to do.

From then on I would practice every day with my band after school, learning covers and writing our own songs. The inspiration I got from watching and listening to Slash as a guitarist got me where I am today. I still use him as a constant source of motivation and I hold him up as the true guitar hero. Growing up I never thought I would ever get to see him in action until 2004 when Velvet Revolver toured the UK. I went to two shows, Manchester and Hammersmith, and fought my way to the front of both gigs holding on to the barrier and eyeballing Slash all night.

The Rev is lead guitarist with Towers of London. Their debut album Blood, Sweat and Towers is out now on TVT Records.

the revs a great bloke. helped me get my gibson thunderbird IV bass guitar.

nice words on slash there.

[Butch Français]

hahha, that's pretty damn awesome!

[CheapJon]

The Rev is lead guitarist with Towers of London. Their debut album Blood, Sweat and Towers is out now on TVT Records.

wasn't towers of london an opening act for some gig on the europeean gn'r tour?

[T_Roxie]

The Rev is lead guitarist with Towers of London. Their debut album Blood, Sweat and Towers is out now on TVT Records.

wasn't towers of london an opening act for some gig on the europeean gn'r tour?

Yes and they're a great band.

[mrlee]

The Rev is lead guitarist with Towers of London. Their debut album Blood, Sweat and Towers is out now on TVT Records.

wasn't towers of london an opening act for some gig on the europeean gn'r tour?

yeah, you would like them dude, being into the music you are into.

[aimz]

I was caught playing air guitar on my bed as a teenager many times by my mum

lol, thats well embarrassing!!!!!!!!!! .......classic childhood embarresment though haha

[tomass74]

I totally got caught miming a song.. I was probably like 11 or 12 in the height of the 80's hairband shit...  I had weight benching bar as my mic and I was rolling around like an 80's butt rocker.  My aunt walked in and had no idea what was going on... I think she though I was doing strange things.. I am still embarassed lol.....

[T_Roxie]

I was caught playing air guitar on my bed as a teenager many times by my mum

lol, thats well embarrassing!!!!!!!!!! .......classic childhood embarresment though haha

That still happens to me...

I'm nearly 20...is that bad?

[SlashRock]

Cool article about a truly great guitarist. Thanks for sharing

[aimz]

I was caught playing air guitar on my bed as a teenager many times by my mum

lol, thats well embarrassing!!!!!!!!!! .......classic childhood embarresment though haha

That still happens to me...

I'm nearly 20...is that bad?

i can feel the shame