Alright, This Has been Something That Has Really Been Bothering Me About Slash

[Buddha_Master]

He is so so fucking great. I know I don't have to tell any of you that. So what's the problem?

It's that Slash is a Guitar God who is settling for KFC, when he can take on an elephant. WTF?

What I mean is that Slash can do what few other Guitar Gods have. He can leave a legacy behind that is far greater then the one he is settling for. Settling. This word is key. I remember someone saying, "I always wanted the world to know how great he is." His abilities and look... just fucking awesome. But the man is too content. He has been playing it safe for way too long. He can become so much more then what he is.

I guess what is really bothering me about Slash, is that Slash, doesn't have the same drive that say, Hendrix had. He is alright not showing the world how fucking great he is. He is alright producing the same old same old. Big rewards seemingly, with little effort. I wish he was passionate enough to show his shit in a big way, in front of the world or, just create an album that just showcases his ability. Like say what Jeff Beck does. Or Satriani. Have a guest singer for a track or two. But keep it all grounded and centered on Slash.

I always thought growing up, that Slash would be so much bigger then what he is. But he is just coasting. I don't want this going all dead horse so I am leaving the GNR side of it out of it.

[D]

WHOA WHOA WHOA

Lets say SLash choked on his vomit and died around 1994, imagine how great he'd be looked upon.


People say cobain is overrated cause he killed himself, Maybe Hendrix fits that bill a little also cause he died so young at the height of his popularity.


Slash never has to do another thing and will remain forever and always one of the greatest guitarists ever. I think the stuff he plays now is different but still brilliant and unmatched by any guitarist today not named John Frusciante.

[DEAD HORSE]

He is so so fucking great. I know I don't have to tell any of you that. So what's the problem?

It's that Slash is a Guitar God who is settling for KFC, when he can take on an elephant. WTF?

What I mean is that Slash can do what few other Guitar Gods have. He can leave a legacy behind that is far greater then the one he is settling for. Settling. This word is key. I remember someone saying, "I always wanted the world to know how great he is." His abilities and look... just fucking awesome. But the man is too content. He has been playing it safe for way too long. He can become so much more then what he is.

I guess what is really bothering me about Slash, is that Slash, doesn't have the same drive that say, Hendrix had. He is alright not showing the world how fucking great he is. He is alright producing the same old same old. Big rewards seemingly, with little effort. I wish he was passionate enough to show his shit in a big way, in front of the world or, just create an album that just showcases his ability. Like say what Jeff Beck does. Or Satriani. Have a guest singer for a track or two. But keep it all grounded and centered on Slash.

I always thought growing up, that Slash would be so much bigger then what he is. But he is just coasting. I don't want this going all dead horse so I am leaving the GNR side of it out of it.

have you heard  Slash's Snakepit? thats  straight rock N' roll (after GNR) , just underground hard rock n' roll, he doesnt need a GREAT singer 'cause no one can "top" Axl, and Slash already had him, so , he is just playing rock n' roll and enjoying it! remember Slash is no a "solo" guitarrist like the ones u mentioned, he is a rock n roller, you'll never see Keith Richards doing what for ex. Satriani/Beck/ Vai are doing.

look at Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, J Page, AWESOME guitar players and they are not doing anything "earth shattering" cause they already did it anyway. 
I agree with D on the thing that if Slash would have died in 94 he would haven been bigger than fuckin Hendrix , thanks God we have Slash, alive and rocking, doing what ever the fuck he wants to DO, he's showed us he CAN play rock, metal, pop, hip hop, latin pop, you name it      GOD SAVE SLASH!

[Lethalis]

Why don't you want him just to be happy?

Let him enjoy his life and have some privacy as well. He doesn't need VR, he is in that band because he wants to. Nothing wrong with that..

[IzzyDutch]

Alltough I haven't heard Libertad fully yet, I think there are two people out there who have the ability to press Slash more to his limits and have him come up with better stuff, more memborable riffs and solos: Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin?

[metallex78]

It's that Slash is a Guitar God who is settling for KFC, when he can take on an elephant. WTF?

Could be much worse, at least he's not settling for wearing a KFC bucket on his head instead of his top hat... 

[Naupis]

Alltough I haven't heard Libertad fully yet, I think there are two people out there who have the ability to press Slash more to his limits and have him come up with better stuff, more memborable riffs and solos: Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin

I agree whole heartedly. I would also concur that Izzy Stradlin and Slash are the two people out there who could actually make Axl confident enough in his material to actually release it. I wonder if those 3 have ever collaborated on anything before . Recent history is showing maybe they need eachother more than they'll ever know.

[madagas]

recent history? Axl has the same problem he had in 1994 He can't finish an album. He didn't like Slash's stuff in 94-95-96 and he still can't settle on guitar parts in 2007 as evidenced by the early 2007 Bumble sessions. Slash, Bucket, Robin, Bumble, Richard.....it doesn't matter who the guitarist is at this point, Axl can't or won't settle on ANYTHING. I don't even think Izzy would change things. Axl has a huge 2000 pound gorilla on his back that he cannot shake off...it is kinda sad really.

As for the topic, I don't see Slash as "underachieving" at all. I don't think he has the ability to branch out any further than he already has...and he knows that. He does what he is good at. I do think Slash needs a great complimentary rhythm player who is a cool song writer like Izzy. Kushner and Gilby Clarke just don't cut it.

[fuckin crazy]

Maybe Hendrix fits that bill a little also cause he died so young at the height of his popularity.

WTF ? ... Hendrix is the GOD that all Guitarist look to emulate . The man was an absolute genious . He did more with less than anyone before or since . He is the Patriarch . All heil Hendrix . Well that last part might be a bit much , but I think you get the point .

[Mikkamakka]

He is so so fucking great. I know I don't have to tell any of you that. So what's the problem?

It's that Slash is a Guitar God who is settling for KFC, when he can take on an elephant. WTF?


I guess what is really bothering me about Slash, is that Slash, doesn't have the same drive that say, Hendrix had. He is alright not showing the world how fucking great he is. He is alright producing the same old same old.

It's a good topic, I hope it won't get hijacked! 

BTW Hendrox had like... a four year career? He didn't even had the time to burn out - although a lot of people are saying that he wasn't that great in his last year. He did some stuff that nobody had done before, so the man deseres a lot of respect.

As for Slash... his AFD, Lies and UYI works established the guy as one on the biggest guitarists of all time. Hell, the curdled virtuoso still wins major guitar awards and gets mentioned all the time!

Thansk for the guys who summed my opinion well:

Slash never has to do another thing and will remain forever and always one of the greatest guitarists ever. I think the stuff he plays now is different but still brilliant and unmatched

have you heard  Slash's Snakepit? thats  straight rock N' roll (after GNR) , just underground hard rock n' roll, he doesnt need a GREAT singer 'cause no one can "top" Axl, and Slash already had him, so , he is just playing rock n' roll and enjoying it! remember Slash is no a "solo" guitarrist like the ones u mentioned, he is a rock n roller, you'll never see Keith Richards doing what for ex. Satriani/Beck/ Vai are doing.

look at Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, J Page, AWESOME guitar players and they are not doing anything "earth shattering" cause they already did it anyway. 
I agree with D on the thing that if Slash would have died in 94 he would haven been bigger than fuckin Hendrix , thanks God we have Slash, alive and rocking, doing what ever the fuck he wants to DO, he's showed us he CAN play rock, metal, pop, hip hop, latin pop, you name it

Alltough I haven't heard Libertad fully yet, I think there are two people out there who have the ability to press Slash more to his limits and have him come up with better stuff, more memborable riffs and solos: Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin

I agree whole heartedly. I would also concur that Izzy Stradlin and Slash are the two people out there who could actually make Axl confident enough in his material to actually release it.

BTW Slash has been doing a lot of differnt music. Neither Can I, Beggars, Jizz Da Pit, Be The Ball, Back and Forth, Serial Killer, Shine, Ain't Life Grand, YNR, Superhuman etc. are all very different yet fuckin' great. Not to mention the stuff he's done with Lenny, Jacko, Elan, Ray Charles, the Curdled soundtrack songs etc. The man hasn't lost it, he's even better than he was back then 
 



 

[cyllan]

I would also concur that Izzy Stradlin and Slash are the two people out there who could actually make Axl confident enough in his material to actually release it. I wonder if those 3 have ever collaborated on anything before . Recent history is showing maybe they need eachother more than they'll ever know.

recent history? Axl has the same problem he had in 1994 He can't finish an album. He didn't like Slash's stuff in 94-95-96 and he still can't settle on guitar parts in 2007 as evidenced by the early 2007 Bumble sessions. Slash, Bucket, Robin, Bumble, Richard.....it doesn't matter who the guitarist is at this point, Axl can't or won't settle on ANYTHING. I don't even think Izzy would change things. Axl has a huge 2000 pound gorilla on his back that he cannot shake off...it is kinda sad really.

I'm sorry but I can't agree with either post.? I think that Axl has long got over the fact that Slash decided to leave GNR and has a clear idea of where he wants to take the band now.? Recent history, in the form of the highly successful 2006 tour, has proved that beyond doubt.? The recording has been completed and it won't be long before everyone will be able to hear and appreciate what GNR has achieved in the studio.

As for Slash, he appears content with his current band and, if only from a purely sentimental point of view, I'm pleased about that.? It took me a while to accept that he didn't see a future for himself in GNR, and during that time I had hoped that his post-GNR work would be something that I'd enjoy.? Whilst I don't hate his recent work, I'm not that impressed with it either, but don't believe he currently has the drive to create anything outstanding.? Maybe one day, but not at present...

[madagas]

NOTHING about the 2006 tour proves ANYTHING about Axl and his ability to complete and release an album. He still hasn't done it - enough said-no release date in sight. recording complete my ass.....

[Falcon]

Let's not let this descend into the usual so please refrain.

On topic..

I think Slash's playing has come light years over the years. 

So much more focused than at any time in his career.

[coolman78SLASH]

Slash has done a lot of growing on his skills since GnR, and the solos and riffs from some of his work since 95 have been as great as many in GnR. But he is lacking a key element: Its not under the GnR name with Axl voice over it, because that was the extra spice he needed, just as Axl in my opinion needed Slashs tones to spice up his great voice. But if you listen to for example Take it Away or Serial Killer those solos and riffs is as good as most on the UIU albums, honestly! I always loved when Slash does something with other great singers , but he havent done a cool thing like that for a good while now. Those Latin songs he played on sucked big time, I think maybe he did those for Perla..? ? like, what happend to the previosly standard like the songs with Michael Jackson, Lenny Krawitz, and so on? The gueat apperances he did between 90 and until 2000 rocked way more, and used to become international hits as big as the GnR hits! Like with Blackstreet, MJ and Lenny. I love Slash, and will always follow him around and buy anything he plays on, because he has done a lot more fantastic things than shitty stuff, but I feel its time for him to do something that will stand out way more then lately!

Peace!

[Buddha_Master]

But, there is a reason why Slash isn't seen by the majority of music aficionados as being among the greats. I would put Slash above most people in the Top 100 Guitar Players Of All Time Lists, but most don't have him anywhere near the the top. Look it up yourself. Now Appetite is always on the front of the lists for best hard rock album of all time, so its not some prejudice against GNR and Slash's involvement in making it the success that it is.

On the top of the lists are names like;

Hendrix, Duane Allman, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, Santana, Clapton, and so on.

In most of the lists Slash isn't even listed. Its not just that these lists are made by ignorant douche bags, its more that Slash just flys under the radar. Its in the mishandling of his image. And I am absolutely not fucking talking about selling out. Slash unfortunately is just seen as a good lead guitarist. Slash could proudly sit alongside some of the names topping these lists, that again aren't some fucking sellout corporate motherfuckers.

Slash's Snakepit should have been completely different. He had an opportunity there to make them showpieces. Someone mentioned Buckethead, and I really don't want this going off the wrong way. Bucket just makes albums that are showpieces for him. Hendrix did that, Vaughan, Beck, Santana, and Satriani all continue to do this too. So why can't Slash? Slash is so fucking great .... why not really demonstrate that and go outside the box once in awhile. It isn't selling out or comprising himself in the least. It could only bring great things for Slash. That is what I am talking about.

And listen...I of course want nothing more then for the man to be happy. But I would also like the world to to know how great he is.?

[Mikkamakka]

But, there is a reason why Slash isn't seen by the majority of music aficionados as being among the greats. I would put Slash above most people in the Top 100 Guitar Players Of All Time Lists, but most don't have him anywhere near the the top.

Wow, then we see different lists.


And as far as I know one of the top guitar magazines (or its readers) ranked the often criticized Contraband as the guitar album of 2004.

[don_vercetti]

I'm gonna go out on a limb, listen to ANY gnr originals album, and then follow it up by listening to ANY Vr or Snakepit album.   They simply do not compare in terms of quality, i don't think anybody could really argue against that.

Now i don't think Axl's voice was what made Gnr.  It's very good, no question, but certainly not the be-all end-all.  For proof of this, listen to the instrumental versions of Estranged or Locomotive.  I can listen to these quite happily, on account of the brilliant guitar playing.  But since leaving Gnr, Slash has not played anything as hard as Nightrain, as heavy as Coma or as insightful and sensitive as Estranged/November Rain. 

I personally think that Slash very much needed the push of Izzy and Axl in order to make him play well.  It's said that Izzy helped out on contraband, if this is true then I think it shows he needs both Izzy AND Axl to drive him.  Gnr clearly had some sort of chemisty that really bought out the best in Slash.  Maybe it was all the forceful personalities, wheras in VR, i suspect he is the leader, surrounded by Yes men.   

Slash is obviously a great guitarist, and he has 8 years of work to show for it, but I agree that recently he has just done nothing of much worth, compared to his early stuff. 

And don't try and tell me SS was rock n roll.  Led Zeppelin was Rock n roll, The Doors was rock n roll, Gnr was rock n roll, AC/DC was rock n roll.  Hell, even early Black Sabbath was rock n roll.  Slash's Snakepit was just heavy metal, it had no swing or groove.  No interplay between any of the instruments.  None of that 'livin for the sake of it' that songs like Rock N Roll, Paradise City, LA Woman or any number of other great songs had.  Nothing from SS will be remembered in a few years time by any but the most ardent slash admirers.  People still know the songs i mentioned, not because they're commercial or something, because they're great. 

[Buddha_Master]

But, there is a reason why Slash isn't seen by the majority of music aficionados as being among the greats. I would put Slash above most people in the Top 100 Guitar Players Of All Time Lists, but most don't have him anywhere near the the top.

Wow, then we see different lists.


And as far as I know one of the top guitar magazines (or its readers) ranked the often criticized Contraband as the guitar album of 2004.

Dude seriously google it. Google "greatest guitar players of all time" and look how many lists there is from the most well known sources. Slash is either really far down the lists, or isn't on it at all! I love Slash so don't take this the wrong way.

Read my post again above this one. And please, don't make this a Axl thing either. Last thing I would want is this going to dead horse before we can fully discuss this.

Slash is not seen as being among the very best Guitar Players of all time. But he is certainly gifted enough both in raw talent and heart. Slash is so good that its almost a shame that he isn't bigger and sitting pretty among the ones viewed as being the best. The world should know how great he is. I would, as a fan, dig the shit out of a true Slash showpiece. Along the lines of what Satriani, Vaughan, Beck, Santana, and Hendrix releases/d. Its not like Slash doesn't like the limelight. If he didn't he wouldn't have been involved with Wacko Jacko.

You dig what Im saying? Slash is a Guitar God. But to the general public, he either is unknown, or is seen as just being a good lead guitarist for a rock band. Slash should be way more respected. But as is apparent from the music industries top media outlets, he just doesn't make the cut. And considering what he was a part of, its a damn shame. I would personally love for Slash to step up in a big way and create an album that demonstrates what this thing called Slash is. There is no reason he shouldn't be seen as being the top of the food chain along with the select few.

[sweetness]

Slash is doing great. A few weeks ago my local newspaper did a thing on "guitar heros", and Slash was ranked right up there with Clapton, Hendrix, and Page as one of the greatest rock n roll guitarists of all time.  And its not like its all based on GNR, it also talked about his work with VR and Snakepit.  People know Slash, nobody's going to forget about a guitarists as influencial as he is.  His solos and riffs on Contraband were ace and the album was huge despite the community of GNR fans who it apparently doesnt do anything for. 

I dont see what the problem is, do you just think he isnt as good with VR as he was with GNR?

[Mikkamakka]

But, there is a reason why Slash isn't seen by the majority of music aficionados as being among the greats. I would put Slash above most people in the Top 100 Guitar Players Of All Time Lists, but most don't have him anywhere near the the top.

Wow, then we see different lists.


And as far as I know one of the top guitar magazines (or its readers) ranked the often criticized Contraband as the guitar album of 2004.

Dude seriously google it. Google "greatest guitar players of all time" and look how many lists there is from the most well known sources. Slash is either really far down the lists, or isn't on it at all! I love Slash so don't take this the wrong way.

I understand your point, but I'm one of the few (well, onw million) poeple who think that the first Snakepit album is one of the greatest guitar albums of all time. And even the second was a great one BTW. But... here In Hungary we have a 'heavy metal' magazine, called Metal Hammer World. It had a 'readers' poll' of 2006... in every cathegory. Slash was in like the 4th favourite guitar players, or the 7th, I don't remember... my point is.. he's well respected. I agree he could've achived more after GN'R... but look at Jimmy Page.. he's like nothing since Led Zep.. so I think Slash's doing great... in overall.