1000+ images about Slash on Pinterest | Leather top hat, Rock stars and Rocks Pinterest • The world’s catalog of ideas Slash Saul Hudson (born July 23, 1965), better known by his stage name Slash, is a British musician and songwriter.He is best known as the former lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During his later years with Guns N' Roses, Slash formed the side project Slash's Snakepit. He then co-founded the supergroup Velvet Revolver, which re-established him as a mainstream performer in the mid to late 2000s. 49 Pins648 Followers Saul Hudson — Free listening, videos, concerts, stats and photos at Last.fm 5 Do you know what kind of music this is? Tag this artist Saul Hudson (born 23 July 1965), better known by the stage name Slash, is a guitarist best known as the former lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses and as the current lead guitarist of Velvet Revolver.

In 1983, Slash formed the band Road Crew with childhood friend Steven Adler. He placed an advertisement in a newspaper for a bassist, and received a response from Duff McKagan. When Road Crew disbanded, Slash joined a local band known as Black Sheep. Headed… read more Slash - Music on Google Play Slash About the artist Saul Hudson, better known by his stage name Slash, is a British-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the lead guitarist of the American rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During his later years with Guns N' Roses, Slash formed the side project Slash's Snakepit. After leaving Guns N' Roses in 1996, he co-founded the supergroup Velvet Revolver, which re-established him as a mainstream performer in the mid to late 2000s. Slash has since released three solo albums: Slash, featuring an array of famous guest musicians, and Apocalyptic Love and World on Fire, recorded with his band, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators.

He returned to Guns N' Roses in 2016, nearly 20 years after he had left. Slash has received critical acclaim as a guitarist. Time Magazine named him runner-up on their list of "The 10 Best Electric Guitar Players" in 2009, while Rolling Stone Magazine placed him at No. 65 on their list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" in 2011. 1 $10.49 One of modern music's most iconic guitarists returns with his second solo album and first full-length with Alter Bridge voice box Myles Kennedy solely at the helm. Joined by drummer Brent Fitz and ... 1 1 $12.49 One of modern music's most iconic guitarists returns with his second solo album and first full-length with Alter Bridge voice box Myles Kennedy solely at the helm. Joined by drummer Brent Fitz and ... 1 1 $9.49 Slash is the eponymous debut solo album by Guns N' Roses guitarist and songwriter Slash. The album was produced by Eric Valentine and features multiple musicians, including four of the five members...

1 1 $8.99 It's Five O'Clock Somewhere is the debut studio album by American hard rock band Slash's Snakepit, released in February 1995. The album was a decent commercial success, reaching number 70 on the Am... 1 1 $11.49 Made in Stoke 24/7/11 is the second live album by British-American hard rock guitarist Slash. Featuring American vocalist Myles Kennedy, the album was recorded on Slash's debut solo tour in Stoke-o... 1 Guns N' Roses 0 Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles formed in 1985. Their classic lineup, as signed to Geffen Records in 1986, consisted of vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm ... 0 Velvet Revolver 0 Velvet Revolver were an American hard rock supergroup consisting of former Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan, and Matt Sorum, alongside Dave Kushner formerly of punk band Wasted Youth. Orig... 0 Alter Bridge 0 On their fifth full-length album, The Last Hero, hard rock juggernaut Alter Bridge pursue a level of excellence inspired by timeless heroism.

Making the record became something of a personal quest ... 0 Airbourne 0 Airbourne is an Australian hard rock band formed in Warrnambool in 2003. Mainstay members are Joel O'Keeffe on lead vocals and lead guitar, his brother, Ryan O'Keeffe on drums, and David Roads on r... 0 Black Stone Cherry 0 Black Stone Cherry is an American hard rock band, formed in 2001 in Edmonton, Kentucky. They were signed to Roadrunner Records until 2015; the band is now signed to Mascot Label Group. The band con... 0 Chickenfoot 0 Having established themselves in record time as one of the earth’s premier rock bands with their Gold-certified 2009 self-titled debut, Chickenfoot – the illustrious, virtuosic supergroup formed by... 0 Duff McKagan 0 Michael Andrew "Duff" McKagan is an American musician, singer, songwriter and author. He is best known for his twelve-year tenure as the bass guitarist of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with who...

0 Slash's Snakepit 0 Slash's Snakepit was an American rock supergroup from Los Angeles, California, formed by Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash in 1993. Though often described as a solo or side project, Slash stated that S... 0 The Answer 0 The Answer is a Northern Irish hard rock and blues-rock band from Newcastle and Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK. They have achieved success with their debut album Rise selling in exc... 0 Metallica 0 Since they formed in 1981, San Francisco Bay Area band Metallica have gone from an underground heavy metal band to one of the most successful acts in the world, with an intensely loyal fan base. ... Heaven's Basement 0 Heaven's Basement is a British hard rock band formed in 2008 and signed with Red Bull Records. The current members are Sid Glover, Rob Ellershaw, and Chris Rivers. Their debut album, Filthy Empire,... 0 The Winery Dogs 0 You know what they say: Familiarity breeds creativity. Just witness the aptly named Hot Streak, the supercharged follow-up to the self-titled rabidly rocking 2013 debut of the three-piece musical...

0 Sixx:A.M. 0 Sixx:A.M. is the band formed by bassist Nikki Sixx, vocalist & producer James Michael, and guitarist DJ Ashba. Sixx:A.M.’s previous two albums - THE HEROIN DIARIES and THIS IS GONNA HURT – both of ... 0 Steel Panther 0 Steel Panther is an American comedy rock/glam metal band from Los Angeles, California, mostly known for their profane and humorous lyrics, as well as their exaggerated on-stage personae that parody... 0 Slash - Biography - IMDb Biography Showing all 62 items Jump to: Overview (3) | Mini Bio (1) | Spouse (2) | Trade Mark (5) | Trivia (40) | Personal Quotes (11) Overview (3) 5' 10" (1.78 m) Mini Bio (1) Saul Hudson, mainly known as Slash, was born on July 23, 1965, and was raised in Stoke-on-Trent. Both his parents worked in the entertainment business, his mother being a clothing designer (she did some of David Bowie's costumes) and his father being an art director for a record company.

When Slash was 11 he moved with his mother to Los Angeles, leaving his father behind in England, although he eventually joined them in L.A. years later. Slash became sort of an outsider at school since he didn't really fit in with other kids. In the mid 70s his parents separated and Slash moved in with his grandmother. During this time Slash got interested in BMX riding, and went on to win several awards and money in competitions. When he was 15 he got his first guitar, and his schoolwork started to go downhill as he skipped class to sit playing guitar all day. Slash eventually got so tired of school that he dropped out in 11th grade. As he lived in Los Angeles, a city flourishing with new, young rock bands, he quickly got in touch with people to jam with. After meeting Steven Adler the two of them formed a band called Road Crew. Then he met Izzy Stradlin who played in a band with Axl Rose, and after hearing Axl sing live, he was set on getting him in his band.

Soon a bass player answered one of Slash's ads in the paper, and Slash (guitar), Steven (drums), Izzy (guitar), Axl (vocals) and Duff McKagan (bass) formed Guns N' Roses in 1986. Soon enough, GNR were known across the globe as the new rock n' roll sensation. Album sales went sky high and the band was having a blast on their world tours, and during this time Slash worked with artists like Michael Jackson on the Dangerous album and Lenny Kravitz, just to name two. But after the Use Your Illusion tour, GNR decided to take a break. Slash however, needed to play music and so he formed his own band Slash's Snakepit. With the success of this bands album It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (1995), Slash told the public that Slash's Snakepit would be back again. During this time Slash and Axl were having some heated arguments about Guns N' Roses and what would happen next. Guns N' Roses as we knew them then, was terminated by the result as Slash decided to leave the band, handing all rights of the band name over to Axl.

After this Slash did a few gigs here and there, formed a band called Blues Ball who played blues covers, and even brought back Slash's Snakepit as he said he would, although they didn't last very long this time either. In 2000, Slash met Perla Ferrar and on October 15, 2001, married her. It's not surprising that he wore black leather pants, a white shirt and his faithful black leather jacket to the wedding! His new status as a married man didn't slow him down, though. In 2003, Velvet Revolver was formed by the former members of Guns N' Roses; Slash, Duff and Matt (who replaced Steven in 1990), Scott Weiland (vocals) from Stone Temple Pilots and Dave Kushner (guitar) from Wasted Youth. Velvet Revolver's debut album Contraband (2004) was long-awaited and sold incredibly well. They are now going to show up on the second Live Aid concert along with many other huge artists, which will be held in London.

Velvet Revolver's plans to become a rock band of great magnitude are definitely in the works, and Slash himself has earned his title as one of the greatest rock n' roll guitar players in history. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Fred Shands Spouse (2) Long curly hair, partly covering his face Always uses Gibson Les Paul guitars of various colors, with extremely few exceptions. His guitar riffs and high screeching guitar solos Almost always had a cigarette hanging from his mouth in his early days but quit smoking when he mother died of cancer Leather pants and sunglasses. Wears a tophat every time he plays live. Trivia (40) Guitarist for the heavy-metal band Guns N' Roses . 1998: Left Guns N' Roses in 1996 after numerous failed attempts at co-existing with longtime bandmate Axl Rose . 1/22/90: Created controversy after giving a profanity-laden acceptance speech at the American Music Awards. Has not spoken to his friend and former bandmate Axl Rose since 1996. They communicated their song selection for the 1999 Guns N' Roses live album "Live Era" only through intermediaries.

Released two albums with his new band, Slash's Snakepit. Before Guns N' Roses , was in a band called Road Crew with future GNR bandmates Duff McKagan and Steven Adler . Wife Perla gave birth to a 9 lbs 4 oz baby boy, London Emilio Hudson, on August 28, 2002, and to an 8 lbs 13 oz baby boy, Cash Anthony Hudson, on June 23, 2004. July 2001: Voted the West Midlands' best guitarist in Total Guitar Magazine's poll of the greatest British guitarists. Auditioned for the heavy metal band Poison . On the show Kid Notorious (2003), he plays himself, the voice of reason, next-door neighbor and good friend of Robert Evans (Kid Notorious). In real life, he actually is the next-door neighbor and good friend of Evans (although he says he is hardly the voice of reason). His pulse once stopped after a drug overdose at a hotel. Doctors were able to revive him with a shot of adrenaline into his chest. His favorite book is "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" by Hunter S. Thompson .

His father is Anthony Hudson, album cover designer for Geffen Records, including Joni Mitchell 's "Court and Spark". Mother is clothing designer Ola Hudson . Her work includes costumes for David Bowie in The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) and The Pointer Sisters . He attended Beverly Hills High School with Lenny Kravitz in the early 1980s, but did not graduate. Velvet Revolver was named after The Velvet Underground and their feelings that they were at a point where they were revolving around the world as opposed to the world revolving around them. Has recorded with British heavy metal band Phil Campbell , American singer and longtime friend Lenny Kravitz and Michael Jackson . Lives in Los Angeles, California with his family. As a child, he once lived next door to David Geffen. Has a dual United Kingdom and United States citizenship. His father is a white Englishman and his mother is African-American. Although he now currently plays authentic Les Paul Gibson guitars, the Les Paul guitar that Slash played on Guns N' Roses debut album "Appetite for Destruction" is actually a Max Webster copy of a 1959 Les Paul flametop. The youngest member of Guns N' Roses.

He is a keen collector of vintage Les Paul guitars. Received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6901 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on July 10, 2012. When he was a guest band member on Conan for the Basic Cable Band; Conan announced a website and added a picture of Slash's head in place of the normal "/" you would see on a web link. It got such a great response from the audience, Conan has kept this gag going to this day. A longtime friend of Matthew Cassel , the guitarist's nickname "Slash" was given him by Matthew's actor father Seymour Cassel . He stole his signature top hat from a street shop, along with a belt. He cut the belt in half and wore it around the hat. In 2001, at age 35, he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a form of congestive heart failure caused by his many years of alcohol and drug abuse. Originally given between six days and six weeks to live, he survived through physical therapy and the implantation of a defibrillator. He quit smoking in 2009 following his mother's death from cancer.

Although he has lived in the United States since he was six years old, he did not officially become an American citizen until 1996. Has released two songs and two videos with his new band, Velvet Revolver , and is now is the studio recording with them. [August 2003] Velvet Revolver album "Contraband" comes to stores May 18, 2004. [May 2004] Velvet Revolver 's album "Contraband" was released on June 8, 2004 and enters the Billboard charts at number one, moving roughly a quarter million copies during its first week. [June 2004] In the studio recording a new album with Velvet Revolver . [October 2006] Embarking on a book tour to promote his newly published memoir titled "Slash." [October 2007] In conjunction with IK Multimedia, the guitarist developed the "AmpliTube Slash" app for PC and iOS devices.

[2015] In July 2016, while on a reunion stadium tour with Guns N' Roses, Slash made a surprise appearance at rehearsals for the stage production of School of Rock in New York City. While the young cast were rehearsing "Sweet Child O' Mine", the guitarist simply strolled out unannounced and began casually playing the song with them and smiled when the kids finally noticed him. He continued to play with them through their rendition of "Paradise City.". After leaving Guns N' Roses in 1996, Slash auditioned for the British band The Stone Roses after they'd just lost founding member John Squire . When Slash showed up wearing leather pants he was ultimately rejected. Personal Quotes (11) Sex and drugs go hand in hand when you're a rock 'n' roll musician. If I were a violinist, it might be a different matter. [ Jeff Beck ] is one of the most amazing guitar players the world has seen when it just comes to rock and roll guitar. He's a real organic player. For me to sound like "me" I have to have a Marshall. That's just the way it is.

[on writing his memoir, "Slash"] The only reason I wrote it is because a lot of the stuff I was reading and seeing about the band got pretty frustrating. I just had to straighten out some shit. He's a huge hero of mine and the fact that he knew who I was was a huge compliment. Bo Diddley created a myth that was uniquely his own. An entire rhythm is owed to just one guy and that's pretty rare. He was such a trooper and a timeless individual. I'm hoping the pioneers of rock like Bo Diddley won't be forgotten. I learned some of Brad Whitford 's solos, and from Joe Perry I think I just picked up slam-bam dynamics. I've always worked hard towards being able to play what I hear in my head. I don't like to over-think. If something comes into my head, I want to be able to play it instantly. That's what improvising is all about, and that's why I go and jam a lot. Axl is like a magnet for problems. I've never met anybody like him. He's the kind of guy that would get a toothbrush stuck down his throat because that particular toothbrush happened to be defective.

I don't see why the subject of kicking dope is such a big deal. It's personal, really. It's like asking how I go to the bathroom or what do I wash when I take a shower. [2010] In the 1970s, my family moved from England to the Laurel Canyon area, and my parents were very much dialed in to the whole Sunset Strip scene," said the rocker. "They were both in the music business, and the whole reason we lived where we did was because of the recording industry. So I have very vivid memories of the Rainbow and the Roxy, and the Whisky was a huge point of interest at that time. And we practically lived at Tower Records. It was all so great; that's where I brought my band up. It was a such a scene. I still live close to the Strip, just up the hill, and when people are visiting from out of town, the first place I send them is the Rainbow. I still go to the Roxy and the Viper Room every so often. The Rainbow and Viper Room are almost like in a time warp. They are cryptically unchanged.

You see people you haven't seen for 20 years, and they pretty much look the same now as they did then. It's sort of a trip because I'm probably one of them. The Rainbow is like the community center of the area. It's a cool place - they've got a bar, they play rock music, it's the last vestige of cool rock 'n' roll in the city. People go there religiously, and that's probably why I go there. [on Axl Rose ] As volatile as he is, all the things that you might find complicated or difficult about Axl is what fuels him to be such an amazing performer and such an amazing songwriter. [on Axl Rose continuing to use the name Guns N' Roses] A lot of people think it's sacrilegious to do that but he doesn't really give a hot fuck.

See also Slash | Biography, News, Photos and Videos | Contactmusic.com News Pictures Video Film Music Press Festival Comments Quotes RSS Biography Slash (born Saul Hudson, 23.7.1965) Slash is the former guitarist of American rock group Guns N' Roses and current guitarist of Velvet Revolver Childhood: Slash was born into the rock 'n' roll lifestyle in Hampstead, London. His mother was a costume designer for David Bowie and his father was an artist who worked for the likes of Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. He was raised in Stoke-on-Trent until he was 11, when the family moved to Los Angeles. Whilst in the States, his parents separated and he lived with his mother, next door to David Geffen. Slash's grandmother bought him his first guitar when he was 16. The Early Years: In 1983, Slash formed Road Crew, with his friend Steven Adler and Duff McKagan, who they recruited through a newspaper advertisement. His next band, Black Sheep, shared an agent with another LA band, Hollywood Rose. When both bands opened for Stryper in 1984, Slash became friendly with Axl Rose, Hollywood Rose's lead singer.

Axl eventually asked Slash and Adler to join a new band, Guns N' Roses. The Guns N' Roses Years: Guns N' Roses were signed to Geffen Records at the start of their career and the band became notorious for their heavy-drinking rock 'n' roll lifestyle, as much as for their music. The best-known songs of their early career include 'Paradise City', 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and 'Welcome To The Jungle'. In 1987, following the release of Appetite For Destruction, Slash was sent to rehab to cure his drug habit. Returning to form, the Use Your Illusion albums were released in 1991. Many critics hailed Slash's guitar work as the best of his career to date. The band undertook a 28-month tour to promote the albums and when the tour was finished, Slash was naturalised as an American citizen. Axl Rose rejected much of the material that Slash submitted for the follow up to Use Your Illusion, so Slash formed the band Slash's Snakepit. Their debut album, It's Five O'clock Somewhere, was released in 1995, selling over a million copies in the US, despite little promotion from Geffen Records.

In October 1996, Slash's official departure from Guns N' Roses was announced, via a fax sent by Axl to MTV. Life After Guns N' Roses: As well as continuing with Slash's Snakepit, Slash also worked as a well-respected session musician, for Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper, Insane Clown Posse, Stevie Wonder and Ronnie Wood. Slash's Snakepit contributed several tracks to the soundtrack of Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown and in 2000, released the second Snakepit album, Ain't Life Grand? The album achieved platinum status and Slash supported AC/DC on their 2000 world tour. In 2002, Slash and Duff McKagan were reunited for a tribute concert for Randy Castillo. They decided to form a new band together and drafted in Keith Nelson and Josh Todd, both formerly of Buckcherry. The pair didn't last long and Slash and McKagan later recruited Dave Kushner and Stone Temple Pilots' Scott Weiland. Velvet Revolver: Slash, McKagan, Weiland and Kushner eventually began rehearsing as a solid line-up and released their debut single 'Set Me Free' for the soundtrack to The Hulk.

20004 saw the release of Velvet Revolver's debut album, Contraband. The album achieved double-platinum status. In 2007, Velvet Revolver's second album, Libertad was released and they embarked on a tour to support the album. In Glasgow, Weiland announced onstage that this was the band's "last ever tour". The rest of the band had not discussed this being their last ever tour and the incident was a major catalyst in Weiland's forced departure from the band. Personal Life: Slash is married to Perla Ferrar. He has two sons with Ferrar, London Emilio and Cash Anthony. Biography by Contactmusic.com Slash - Slash and a female companion at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - Los Angeles, California, United States - Thursday 21st April 2016 Slash Biography - Saul Hudson Profession: Guitarist Slash is the current lead guitarist of Velvet Revolvers and the former lead guitarist of Guns & Roses. He is widely regarded as one of the best guitarists of all time.

Name: Saul Hudson Other Name: Velvet Revolver, Slash, Guns N’ Roses Born: July 23, 1965 Birth Place: Hampstead, United Kingdom Height: 5 feet 10½ inches Spouse: Perla Ferrar (m. 2001), Renee Suran (m. 1992–1997) Music groups: Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver, Slash’s Snakepit, Kings of Chaos, Hollywood Rose, Slash’s Blues Ball, Road Crew Parents: Anthony Hudson, Ola Hudson Slash Biography Slash is the only member from the classic GnR lineup to actually keep going at the top level. He was, is and always will be the best. His magic with his guitar is on an insane level. Even when he is fooling around he creates something like “Sweet Child o’Mine”. He is mainly popular for his solos and awesome metal riffs. His early work with Guns n Roses made him really famous and his work was that good. Slash is so popular that while performing on the same stage as Michael Jackson , he was not over shadowed for a second.

His guitar riffs of “Paradise City” and “Welcome to the Jungle” are regarded as two of the best metal riffs in history. If you are counting solos then slash is on Jimmy Hendrix level and might be a little better. His work on “Sweet Child o’Mine”, “November Rain” and “Estranged” are proof of the previous statement statement. After the break up of Guns n Roses, the greatest hard rock band in the world faded away from spotlight for over a decade. But Slash has been performing with his heavy metal super group Velvet Revolvers. Recently he released a solo album called Slash. In this album he collaborated with legends and new stars like Ozzy Osborne, Myles Kennedy and Adam Levine. He is currently touring with his new group “Slash, Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators”. BTW, He is a Rock n Roll Hall of Fame member. He was inducted in 2012 along with Duff, Izzy, Matt, Adler and Axl.

Slash’s Biography — Free listening, videos, concerts, stats and photos at Last.fm Listeners Biography Saul Hudson (born 23 July 1965, Stoke, England), better known by his stage name Slash, is a British-American musician. He is the former lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses , with whom he performed and recorded between 1985 and 1996. He later formed Slash's Snakepit and co-founded Velvet Revolver with his former bandmates Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum ; and his debut solo album, Slash , was released in April 2010. In 2011 he wrote and featured on kick it Up a Notch , the end credit song for The Disney Channel Original Movie Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension. ( Kick It Up a Notch Songfacts ). He has written a self titled autobiography which was put to print in 2007. Slash joined his first band, Tidus Sloan, in 1981.

In 1983, he formed the band Road Crew—named for the Motörhead song "(We Are) The Road Crew"—with his childhood friend Steven Adler, who by then had learned to play drums. He placed an advertisement in a newspaper looking for a bassist, and received a response from Duff McKagan. They auditioned a number of singers, including one-time Black Flag vocalist Ron Reyes, and worked on material that included the main riff of what would become the Guns N' Roses song "Rocket Queen." Slash disbanded the group the following year due to them not being able to find a singer, as well as Adler's lack of work ethic compared to himself and McKagan. He, along with Adler, then joined a local band known as Hollywood Rose, which featured singer Axl Rose and guitarist Izzy Stradlin. Following his time with Hollywood Rose, Slash played in a band called Black Sheep and unsuccessfully auditioned for Poison, a glam metal band that he would later openly deride. In June 1985, Slash was asked by Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin to join the newly founded Guns "N' Roses. Duff McKagan and Steven Adler completed the line-up.

They played nightclubs—such as the Whisky a Go Go, The Roxy, and The Troubadour—and opened for larger acts throughout 1985 and 1986. It was during this period that the band wrote most of its classic material, including "Welcome to the Jungle," "Sweet Child o' Mine," and "Paradise City," As a result of their rowdy and rebellious behavior, Guns N' Roses quickly received the moniker "Most Dangerous Band in the World," causing Slash to remark, "For some strange reason, Guns N' Roses is like the catalyst for controversy, even before we had any kind of record deal." Slash has received critical recognition as a guitarist. In August 2009, Time Magazine ranked him #2 on its list of the "10 Best Electric Guitar Players of All-Time". He was also ranked #21 on Gigwise's list of the "50 Greatest Guitarists Ever". Slash was the first musician to own a signature amplifier created by Marshall for him.

In 1996 the Marshall Slash JCM 2555SL was launched, it was built with the specs of Slash's own original 1987 Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555 amplifier. A total of 3000 of these amplifiers were made before it was discontinued. 5 Things You Didn't Know About Slash | Mental Floss 5 Things You Didn't Know About Slash Getty Images Like us on Facebook You know him as the top-hat-wearing lead guitarist for Guns N'Roses, Slash's Snakepit, and Velvet Revolver. Do you know where he got his signature hat and the name "Slash," though? Let's take a look at the man who's darn near unbeatable in Guitar Hero. 1. He Grew Up With Rock Getty Images Slash was born Saul Hudson in Stoke-on-Trent, England, in 1965. The Hudson family lived there until Saul was 11, when they moved to Los Angeles. Slash had a pretty good foot in the door of the rock world from the time he was born.

His mother, Ola Hudson, designed costumes for John Lennon, the Pointer Sisters, and Diana Ross, and his father, Anthony Hudson, designed album covers for Neil Young and David Bowie, among others. The family also lived near David Geffen and Joni Mitchell. Not a bad way to get into rock music. Slash's parents broke up in the mid-70s, and his mom started dating Bowie. In 1990 Slash talked to Rolling Stone about his childhood feelings for Bowie: "I really didn't like him that much, because he was the new guy in the house. I was really resentful." 2. Even the Nickname "Slash" Has a Famous Origin Getty Images Film buffs know the veteran character actor Seymour Cassel as a frequent player in movies directed by John Cassavetes and Wes Anderson. (Cassel played Max Fischer's dad in Rushmore and Royal Tenenbaum's fellow elevator operator in The Royal Tenenbaums.) When Slash was growing up in Los Angeles, though, Cassel was just his buddy Matt's dad.

Even as a teenager, Saul Hudson had a lot of frenetic energy, and one day he was zipping from one room to another at a party at the Cassels' house. The actor gently ribbed Hudson's constant motion by asking, ""Hey, Slash, where ya going? Where ya going, Slash? Huh?" The nickname stuck. 3. He Shoplifted His Top Hat In 2007 Slash told the Huffington Post that he acquired his signature top hat in 1985 when he went shopping for a memorable accessory to wear for a show in Los Angeles. Since the aspiring guitar god was broke at the time, the line between "shopping" and "shoplifting" was pretty blurred. According to Slash, he spotted the top hat in a store called Retail Slut and fell in love. Since a top hat can't exactly be hidden under your shirt, Slash simply grabbed the hat and walked out, apparently unseen. When he got home he realized the hat looked a little plain, so he wrapped it with a belt he'd swiped on the same outing. And just like that, his trademark look was born.

Ironically, when Slash's hat was stolen during a round of Grammys after-parties a few years ago, he had to rely on the police to regain the purloined lid. Here's a video of the man himself telling the story: 4. He Also Swiped One of His Guitars Getty Images When Slash showed up for a 2007 ceremony honoring his career at Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, he had a surprising gift for his hosts. Slash returned a guitar that he'd swiped years earlier from the dressing room of the Hard Rock in Orlando. As he told the story, "It was in the dressing room. I didn't know what it was doing there, so I took it. I mean, it was in the dressing room and no one claimed it. So I've had it all these years and been playing it." What made Slash return the guitar that he'd pinched in an apparently perfect crime? He told reporters, "I thought what better way to honor the Hard Rock for honoring me than to give it back, sort of." At least he eventually did the right thing. That's not the only high-profile guitar Slash has given away, though.

In 1981 Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry sold his sunburst-finish 1958 Gibson Les Paul to scrounge up some money for Christmas. Ten years later, Perry got nostalgic and started looking for the guitar. He quickly found it; Slash was playing it in a Guitar Player centerfold. Perry was one of Slash's boyhood idols, but when he called to see if Slash would sell him the guitar, Slash wouldn't budge. Perry understood and later said in an interview, "I mean if I had a chance to get hold of the white Strat Jeff Beck played on Wired, I'd have a hard time letting go of it!" In September 2000, though, Perry was playing with Cheap Trick at his own 50th birthday party when a guitar tech walked onto stage and handed him his long-lost guitar as a birthday gift from Slash. 5. He's a Friend to Elephants Getty Images You might not know it, but Slash is a huge supporter of animals and the environment. Earlier this year he got behind the cause of Billy, an endangered Asian elephant who lives at the LA Zoo.

When Slash learned that funding for the zoo's Pachyderm Forest was in jeopardy, he filmed a broadcast-and-YouTube plea urging the Los Angeles City Council to complete the new habitat. At the time, one of the zookeepers told Reuters, "I've always been impressed with Slash's knowledge of animals. In many cases, he is even able to identify the different subspecies, something that most people can't do." Not too surprising for a guitar god who once owned 80 snakes. Slash with Ronnie Wood, Jason Bonham and Ozzy Osbourne at the Quart Festival by IORR June 30: Slash and Friends, Skambankt July 1: Marilyn Manson, Placebo, Volbeat, Dillinger Escape Plan. July 2: Black Eyed Peas, Paperboys, Cyndi Lauper. July 3: Korn, Chris Cornell. July 4: TBC (to be confirmed later) Slash Saul Hudson, better known by the stage name Slash, is a guitarist best known as the former lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses and as the current lead guitarist of Velvet Revolver.

As busy as ever, his current schedule is filled with numerous projects, including an animation series, several internet projects, a clothing and jewelry line, a scripted tv series based on his life�being developed by his wife and her company, Honey Pot Entertainment�and a solo project with the working title, Slash & Friends, an album of special guest collaborations. In April of �08, Gibson Guitar commissioned a Slash-inspired Les Paul. Billed as the �ultimate rock guitar from the ultimate rock guitarist,� the guitar has quickly become an in demand model. In the fall of �07, Slash released his long-awaited self-titled biography. He promoted the book by signing copies for fans in bookstores worldwide as well as making numerous guest appearances on the American talk show circuit with visits to David Letterman, Howard Stern, and Jimmy Kimmel. Critically well-received, the book climbed the bestseller list in both the US and UK on its way to selling more than 200,000 copies. Various projects aside, Slash is never far from his first love, music.

His current band Velvet Revolver recently completed a tour of Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and the States in support of its second album, Libertad, which has spawned several chart topping singles. VR�s debut release Contraband reached multi-platinum heights and earned the band a 2005 Grammy Award. Over the course of his illustrious career, Slash has performed and recorded with some of the most distinguished names in music, luminaries as diverse as Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, James Brown, and Ray Charles. As musical director at the 2005 Grammy Awards telecast, Slash led Stevie Wonder, Bono, Brian Wilson and Steven Tyler from Aerosmith through a stirring rendition of The Beatles� classic �Across The Universe.� For further reading see Slash by Wikipedia and Slash Online . Ronnie Wood Ronnie Wood is first of all known as guitar player in The Rolling Stones, where he took over the position occupied by Mick Taylor. Ronnie Wood first toured with The Rolling Stones in 1975, and is still "the new kid", even if he has been with the Stones for soon 34 years now.

Ronnie Wood began his career as a professional musician in 1964 as a guitarist with The Birds By 1967 the Birds had disbanded and Wood had joined the Jeff Beck Group as a bassist. Along with vocalist Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood did several tours with Beck, and recorded two albums: Truth in 1968 and Beck-Ola in 1969. In between Jeff Beck Group projects Ronnie Wood also worked with The Creation. In 1969, after Steve Marriott left the Small Faces, Ronnie Wood began working with the remaining members of that group, returning to his instrument of choice: the guitar. This line-up, plus Rod Stewart and ex-Bird Kim Gardner, teamed up with his brother Art Wood in a formation called Quiet Melon, making a handful of recordings in May 1969. After the Jeff Beck Group's fifth US tour in July, Wood and Stewart joined the former Small Faces full-time, and the band's name was changed to Faces.

In 1972, Ronnie Wood and Faces bassist Ronnie Lane composed the soundtrack to the film Mahoney's Last Stand; the soundtrack, which was released as an LP in 1976, also features Faces bandmates Ian McLagan and Kenney Jones, along with contributions from Pete Townshend and Ric Grech. Wood also performed with Townshend, Grech, Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Eric Clapton at Clapton's Rainbow Concert in 1973. In December 1973, Ronnie Wood collaborated with Mick Jagger on the song "It's Only Rock'n Roll (But I Like It)". Both Jagger and Keith Richards contributed to Wood's first solo album, I've Got My Own Album to Do, released in 1974. Ronnie Wood has been with the Rolling Stones since 1975, and you may read about him on the IORR web site, as well as numerous other sources for the Rolling Stones. For further reading see RonnieWood.com , Ronnie Wood by Wikipedia and IORR.org . Jason Bonham Jason Bonham is very proud of the legacy that his father left behind, and so he should be!

The world's all-time greatest drummer, John Bonham, receives a humble tribute from his son in the CD aptly titled "In the Name Of My Father - The Zepset". A newly-formed Jason Bonham Band began performing Zep songs just for kicks and since they all knew the material it was a good way to "test the water" as a new group. A handful of small charity shows were planned but it quickly grew to a full tribute tour as audience reaction was overwhelming. While on tour, Jason would occasionally tape a show, to get an idea of what it sounded like. I'd sometimes listen with the band right after a show - We were all amazed at how great it was on tape, and it was different every night. The idea of recording the set at New York's famed Electric Ladyland studio was initially done only for "posterity", recorded June 17th, 1996. "In The Name of My Father - The Zepset" captures this historic performance for the world to enjoy, in a raw, powerful and emotional set of some of Led Zeppelin's classics including: Communication Breakdown", "The Song Remains the Same", "Ten Years Gone", and "Since I've Been Loving You".

Cleverly arranged medleys, segues and jams add a spice of new life into the songs. Superb drumming throughout emphasizes Jason's hard work and dedication, playing the Zeppelin songs like no-one else can. Guitarist Tony Catania is hauntingly similar to Jimmy Page while still showcasing his own unique style. John Smithson provides solid bass and keyboards as his years of experience playing with Jason pay off. Strong, belting vocals from Charles West round up this new line-up. All proceeds are being donated to the John Bonham Memorial Motorcycle Camp and the Big Sisters of Los Angeles. "My father was a very charitable man", says Jason. "I'm following his example. It's a joy for me to be able to play these wonderful songs and give a little something back to help a few young people find their way." Jason Bonham was the Drummer for the Led Zeppelin Reunion. Other bands he has been working with includes UFO, Foreigner, Steel Dragon, Damnocracy. For further reading see DrummerWorld.com and Led-Zeppelin.com Ozzy Osbourne Ozzy Osbourne, born in Birmingham England, started his musical career in a band with Geezer Butler.

This group then split leading Ozzy and Geezer to join Tony Iommi and Bill Ward in a new band that went under several names (including Earth) that ended up being called Black Sabbath after a song of the same name that appeared on their first album (released 1969/70). Ozzy Osbourne recorded several more albums with Sabbath despite the decline of his relationship with Tony Iommi, which after several break ups led to him leaving/being fired from the band in 1979. After a short time he launched a solo career with a line up behind him that varied immensely from album to album and tour to tour. Reunited with Black Sabbath in 1985 for the Live Aid (1985) (TV) festival, and again in November of 1992 for the last night of Ozzy's so-called "final" tour. After the success of this show, the idea of a new Black Sabbath record and full tour was proposed, and the contracts were written up. However, Ozzy decided at the last minute not to sign them.

It wasn't until December of 1997 that all four original members reunited again, to perform and record what would become the live album "Reunion". 2002: Starring in the MTV reality show "The Osbournes" along with his wife and two kids. On December 8th, 2003 he was seriously injured while riding his ATV quad bike on the grounds of his Buckinghamshire estate in England. The accident occurred while he was taking a day off from his hectic promotional schedule surrounding the UK release of "Changes" - a duet with his daughter Kelly. A tour scheduled turing that time was cancelled, including a show at Oslo Spektrum in Norway. The Ozzy Osbourne remake with daughter Kelly Osbourne of the Black Sabbath song "Changes" went straight to #1 in the UK when it was released a week after his quad-bike accident. 2004: Touring the U.S. with Black Sabbath for the annual summer concert series, "Ozzfest".

Question: By what name is Saul Hudson, a Velvet Revolver guitarist and former Guns N' Roses guitarist, better known?
Answer: Slash