Rolling Stone Uncut: Slash from Guns N' Roses

Rolling Stone Australia & New Zealand
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About this episode Slash reflects on the 10-year reunion of Guns N' Roses, attributing its success to mending fences with Axl Ros… AI summary

Slash reflects on the 10-year reunion of Guns N' Roses, attributing its success to mending fences with Axl Rose and prioritizing the music over business concerns. He discusses balancing multiple musical projects—including The Conspirators and a blues album—by using them as creative outlets that keep him grounded and busy. The conversation also covers the emotional impact of the Ozzy Osbourne tribute concert and the ongoing development of new Guns N' Roses material.

Key takeaways 5
  • The Guns N' Roses reunion succeeded because the core issues between Slash and Axl Rose were exacerbated by third parties; once those were removed, they had not fought in 10 years.
  • Slash maintains his sanity and creativity by juggling multiple bands (Guns N' Roses, The Conspirators, Blues project), noting that keeping busy prevents trouble and keeps him 'down to earth' compared to being a 'one-trick pony' in a stadium band.
  • The Ozzy Osbourne tribute concert was a unique, ego-free gathering of rock legends across generations, described by Slash as the most special event of his career.
  • New Guns N' Roses music is in progress, with recent studio sessions indicating the project is 'getting closer,' though no specific release date has been locked in.
  • Slash's blues album was a long-held dream from his 'Slash's Blues Ball' days in the mid-90s, finally realized during a break in Guns N' Roses touring.
Notable quotes 5 AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
  • “The actual issues between Axel and I weren't insurmountable. It really had to do with other people that had gotten involved that sort of really exacerbated the issues... So without them around, it was really easy for me and Axel to just sort of like, you know, get past it... we haven't had not one [__] fight the whole 10 years that we've been together this time around.”
    ▶ 3:43 Explaining why the reunion worked when previous feuds seemed permanent.
  • “This is not a like... cash grab... Yes, it is it is a business... but this is these are friends reconnecting. These is a brilliant band getting back together and doing what you and the fans love. It's always been about the music and about having a good time jamming.”
    ▶ 5:59 Addressing skepticism about the reunion's longevity and motives.
  • “I just keep busy. So I put together the Conspirators... I do it because I love to do it... It's also very simple. It's not a big mega band... It's good for me just to have all these musical outlets just so I can constantly be playing because trust me, you don't want me to go back the other way.”
    ▶ 9:46 Describing his strategy for managing multiple projects and avoiding trouble.
  • “It was just a lot of people... there was just such a massive feeling of warmth and camaraderie with all the different musicians... There was no attitude. There was no egos. It was all checked at the door and it was just the nicest get together of musicians and crew and of course the fans that were there. And I've never witnessed anything in my career so far that was this special is that particular event.”
    ▶ 19:46 Reflecting on the atmosphere at the Ozzy Osbourne tribute concert.
  • “It's hard to look at younger bands and know what's going to happen. I think that the thing that you is is more to be in the moment and and appreciate what's happening in the moment and hope that that that continues on.”
    ▶ 24:10 His philosophy on predicting the longevity of young bands like Pierce the Veil.

Chapters & Sections (13)

0:03 Guns N' Roses Reunion and Touring chapter 3
2:23 Resolving Feuds and Reunion Origins
4:13 Guns N' Roses Reunion Origins
6:37 Backstage Routine and Touring Lifestyle
8:55 Balancing Multiple Musical Projects and Blues Album chapter 1
11:45 Origin of Slash's Blues Ball Project
14:03 Band Scheduling and Rock Legacy chapter 2
16:09 Longevity of Rock Legends
17:48 Inspiration from Rock Legends
19:22 Memories of the Last Axl Rose Gig chapter 3
22:16 Backstage Tributes and Future Rock Predictions
24:10 Appreciating Bands in the Moment
26:15 New Guns N' Roses Album Timeline

Transcript

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