SLASH On GUNS N' ROSES' Early Years: 'The Struggle Up Was The Best Time'

February 1, 2011

Gerry Gittelson of the Daily News recently conducted an interview with legendary guitarist Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

On touring as the support act for Ozzy Osbourne:

Slash: "I guess you could say I've worked with some high-maintenance singers, but Ozzy is one of the most professional people I've ever met. Even back in the day, when he was out of control, one thing you could always count on with Ozzy was he would do the gig. It was never an issue. I can deal with all the craziness in the world as long as you do your gig. He's a bleeping machine."

On whether he is motivated by commercial success:

Slash: "Money is no longer relative as to why I do what I do. It's a cliché, but rock is what I live and breathe, and there's that certain vibe and spirit that still drives me forever and always will. I mean, yeah, there are peaks and valleys in this business, but it's what I do even though there are so many bands these days that can't even get their foot in the door."

On GUNS N' ROSES' early years:

Slash: "When GUNS N' ROSES got really big, we went from supporting AEROSMITH to headlining stadiums on our own, so once it happened, it happened really fast. But looking back, the struggle up was the best time. There's just that hunger, and I enjoyed that. That sweaty, real intimate feel when just a select group of people love your band, and you're building and touring. That's rock and roll. I mean, when you get to the big-time, that's great, but the scrappy climb to get to the top, that's the part I still appreciate. We had such a good time, even if we didn't know it at the time."

On what he would do if Axl Rose called his cell tomorrow morning and apologized for everything and promised to do whatever it takes to make a GUNS N' ROSES reunion work:

Slash: "All things considered, that would be a call I would be surprised to get. If that really happened, I would have to clean out my junk drawer, too, but I don't see it happening. But if it did happen, I would do whatever it takes to at least have a conversation about it."

Read the entire interview at Daily News.

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