In case you were wondering, SLASH really did pass up the Metallica mtvICON filming and head for the Kentucky Derby with wife Perla. A fan of both SLASH and Metallica, Steve had fan tickets to the taping, had a great time and didn't see SLASH. No one claimed to have seen him in that mob at the Derby, but Michael reports that he and SLASH were on the same flight out. Michael quizzed the tophatted one on The Project: who will be the new vocalist, and Michael says that SLASH told him Scott Weiland. If SLASH is certain on this decision, there should be a press release soon. We are unable to confirm at this time, but hopefully there will be some kind of announcement very soon.

We do have some SLASH-at-the-Derby feedback. Brian is from Louisville, KY, home of the Kentucky Derby, and he has been checking out the papers and TV coverage there. The closest he got to seeing SLASH was on TV when they were showing horses and the odds. A news team was doing a voice over on the crowd when suddenly one of these local reporters blurted, "Hey! There's SLASH from Guns N'Roses! SLASH is right behind us!" Brian said she seemed very excited, and the co-anchor asked, "Did you used to be a groupie?" SLASH always is in chick magnet mode. Just a natural thing. Brian wanted so much to be there. He heard there was a jam session at the Barnstable Brown Gala that SLASH went to, but Brian hasn't heard if SLASH joined in or not. We just learned today he was onstage jamming with Kid Rock on vocals.How could you keep him in his chair? News to us was that this party is the biggest Derby party...last year, tickets went for $500 each, and they sell out months in advance. All proceeds went to diabetes research, half to the University of Kentucky and half to the University of Louisville for this much needed research. Brian is also diabetic, so he says it was great having SLASH help the cause. Thanks, Brian, and let us know if you see or hear anymore.

A couple of newspapers had some SLASH-at-the-Derby mentions. The Courier-Journal in Louisville did a nice article on the big fundraiser parties and the celeb guests. The article talks about how this is a time of war and peace in the US, and it's time to have some fun. Here's what they said about Our Guy: "After a month of tanks and troops, they give us Guns N'Roses--- or the band's guitarist, at least: a peacenik named SLASH who wields a mean Les Paul guitar." Take aim at Jerry Berliant, a Chicago entry magician, who said that he would not bother to crash the Barnstable party this year: 'Bo Derek, SLASH, Phil Donahue, nothing but zeroes.' Not invited to the party, Jerry? And who are you anyway? The parties are over, and the Derby was run. It looked like a fine weekend for the Hudsons. Now back to work, SLASH!

The most startling news over the weekend was learning that Robert John, official GNR photographer, is suing Axl Rose for refusing to honor a contract. Robert is such a nice guy, and he has sold us a couple of wonderful SLASH tidbits over the years. Robert sold Axl a set of hundreds of photos of GNR taken since 1985. The price? $80,000. Axl has neither paid nor returned the photos. As you know, Robert was good friends with the band, and he documented their career in Guns N'Roses - The Photographic History which was used to produce a one hour TV show on the band and Robert. Even when Guns fell apart, Robert remained friendly with the old band. He told me he didn't work with the new GNR as he just never had that same feeling for them. Opposing Axl in a lawsuit is not going to be pleasant, but Robert should come out fine. How long does it take to preview the pictures? Note to Axl: pay for them or return them. It's been 5 months. To read more on this, see Blabbermouth News

Now that you're back, let's send you off again. This time to Metal-Sludge to pick up a couple more SLASH mentions. There's a 20 Questions interview with Riki Rachtman, former host of MTV's Headbanger's Ball. He's asked in Question 10 when he has last seen the GNR guys. He says he saw SLASH last night, and he's AWESOME. He said Duff is, too. Axl was his real pal, and you'll want to read about that. In Question 11, they asked Riki which lead singer looks the worst now but was really good looking back in the day. He said CC Deville. And then he says, "Like a lot of people, you'd think... SLASH would look dead after all the shit that he's done. And he's not. He looks good. Even the interviewer said so. So do we.

CONTEST! How would you like to hear SLASH play the smash Yardbird tune "Over, Under, Sideways, Down" in your car, office or house? We can't send the man himself, but we'd like you to win a copy of the newly released Yardbird album, Birdland. This album is a prize not just for the SLASH appearance but also for the other guitar stars on other tracks. It's a wonderful album. The nice people on the Yardbirds team are making three prizes available, and the advertisement is just for this site. It's a drawing, so you needn't be a Yardbirds expert to enter. The first prize is a book signed by Yardbirds Chris Dreja and Jim McCarty plus the CD. Two second prizes of the CD will also be awarded. The contest will end one month from today. Why not go over and enter now? The Yardbirds people have taken care of having a special form for entries, and they will draw the winners and ship the prizes. And if you don't win, get out and buy a copy! Here's the address for entering:

We'll remind you of this throughout the month. Click "ecard" when you are there to see a cool intro and then listen to SLASH's song! One entry per person, please. Entries are taken through the end of May!

News Reported: 05/05/03

Tomorrow, MTV will tape its mtvICON show on Metallica before a live studio audience. SLASH was invited to come, but he has a schedule conflict. They are taping the whole show at once, so he couldn't make arrangements to do his spoken tribute. He will not be there. Where he will be is at Churchill Downs at the Race for the Roses, the Kentucky Derby. We've been told that he may wear his top hat, so we should be able to spot him in the celebrity crowd. There are several webcams around, and you might see him in the celebrity area or out near the track. The Derby show is on all day, but the running will be during the shows that begin at 5pm ET...NBC is one of these. SLASH and wife Perla will be there. Baby London is also coming along, but he might hang out at the hotel!

London is really a sweet looking little guy. He looks really big in photos with his Mom, but with Dad, he still looks tiny. He's just a bit over 8 months old, and his development is right on schedule. In photos, he really has SLASH's eyes...and the facial expression when they aren't smiling. SLASH's look to a T. Otherwise he still favors his mom. No photos of London will be posted here at the family's request. We'll keep you up to date as much as possible.

Brian, Allen and Sebastian sent us out to chase down the May 15 issue of Rolling Stone, the one with the American flag on the cover. Seems SLASH contributed a short article that was part of a large feature on American icons. Musicians identified what they see as American icons and wrote about them. SLASH wrote about Jack Daniels. The subtitle says, "Sip it. Pound it. Mix it. Its place in rock remains the same." SLASH talked about seeing rockers like Keith Richards and Jimmy Page carrying their Jack onstage or on airplanes...everywhere. SLASH said he started drinking Jack as soon as he could afford it. Seems like he wanted to project the right rock image and just mellow out. He says he got to a point in his life where all he needed was his guitar, his Jack and his cigarettes. To this day, it's on his tour rider, and people send him Jack for his birthday. SLASH says he's cut back on the drinking, and he's eliminated daytime drinking, but at night he still has his Jack and coke. A nice article...go out and read it in SLASH's own words (p.114).

As promised, Izzy answered some fan questions. The Q&A can be found on an Izzy fan site. He talks about the new album he is making, a possible tour and the "lost ju ju hounds record". Here's where you can read the latest news from Izzy: Izzy Q&A.

Another ex-Gunner, Steven Adler, was interviewed for a future issue of Rolling Stone. He's a confirmed special guest on the Poison/Vince Neil summer tour when it hits the Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, Texas on July 19. Steven answers some fan questions at popcornadler@hotmail.com.

Some interesting and funny mentions: SLASH gets a small mention in the current Playboy (Sarah from 'Joe Millionaire' on cover). SLASH says his favorite Playmate is Miss September of 1977 for her very long blonde hair. (Thanks, Tamara!). Get that man a fresh copy! Matias found a bulk candy vending company on the net named Gums N Roses. Absolutely nothing to do with the band; but if you are in need of candy machines for your store, they are at www.gumsnroses.com. Finally, Charles found a bar named Guns and Roses in Vietnam of all places. Under the heading of night entertainment the guide book says, "The backpacker's area (De Tham and Pham Ngu Lao) also has some pretty good bars - Guns and Roses, Rolling Stone and Alley Boo, for example. These tend to be cheaper than at the other end of town. " And from a traveler's page, "I felt like having more beer so I walked toward where I knew a couple of pubs were. I passed one (called "Guns and Roses" -- it should really be "'n'" instead of "and" or better yet the name could have been "G'n'F'n'R" but oh well) but it was empty except for Vietnamese chicks...". So, if you find yourself in Vietnam, you'll know where to have a drink! Thanks, Charles.

News Reported: 05/02/03 If you haven't entered the SLASH/Yardbirds Contest yet, you'll see the entry instructions at the top of the News. Click on the Yardbirds' Birdland cover to read all about, then go ahead and enter!

The band met to decide on what they would call themselves on the two soundtrack songs. They are going with their individual names. Whether Scott's jumping the gun announcing Reloaded as the name was a factor, we don't know. Another might be the huge new Matrix movie, Matrix: Reloaded, that's coming out worldwide. In any event, they are now listed as individuals. As the typist, we're going back to The Project. As for the soundtracks, we told you last time that neither song would appear on the album's soundtrack. The Hulk's soundtrack will just be the original score. Who makes these decisions? That album is due out June 17 which gives you time to cancel your pre-orders. The Italian Job looks like a good movie, but there may not be a soundtrack released for that one. Asssian sent a note that he thinks The Project's song is on the first trailer for The Hulk. We think it is also on the second, possible the same music. It is not on the other two trailers. You can see and hear these at the official site (and others), www.thehulk.com. It's so good, that we really need more. Maybe it will be a single and/or a video?

This week has been a hectic one for SLASH what with finishing up some songs and dealing with the Weiland announcement confusion. So, Wednesday night he took a break and went to the movies. SLASH was spotted at the premiere of Jim Carrey's Bruce Almighty. This sounds like one of Carrey's better films. He curses God for all that's wrong in the world, and God challenges him to do better or a cataclysm will befall the earth. Hopefully, SLASH had a few laughs. SLASH says he doesn't often go to the movies as it's tough to smoke there. Also once he fell asleep, and a nearby moviegoer reported him to the ushers for "snoring like a polar bear". SLASH has a sleeping disorder, and he sleeps very little but takes naps when he is sleepy. Next time bring a blanket and pillow, SLASH! We're told there are pictures of him at the premiere, so let us know if you see any!

Our apologies for a mixup on Noel Redding who died this week. Noel was the bassist for the Jimi Hendrix Experience, and we reported that SLASH played with him. The band SLASH played with was the Band of Gypsies, a later Hendrix band. Thanks, Ray, for setting the record straight.

In Elin's native Norway, they have a TV show called "Idol" where young kids compete to become stars. One of the judges, a music journalist, was in NYC many years ago. He went to an early GNR show. After he heard "Welcome to the Jungle", he said this band would never get very far. Just a one hit wonder. He ate those words when three months later GNR was the top rock band in the world! Elin also wants to recommend to you the Ronnie Wood DVD Far East Man. She says that SLASH is on almost every song, playing great as always! Thanks, Elin!

Get in the mood for TV re-runs. Here's the TV SLASH/original GNR schedule. This first one is a good one. It's "How the Stars Get Hot", and it's on VH1 Friday, May 23 at 3pm ET. This is the story of the stylists who "dress" the music celbs. SLASH is on this one trying on a pair of black leather pants. This is the one and only item she has made for SLASH although she makes it sound like he is there a lot. SLASH talks and smokes and comments...the usual relaxing SLASH appearance. GNR appears on "Headbangers Ball Uncensored". Of course, they are taped. Another good one. It's on MTV2 Saturday, May 17 at 1pm ET and Sunday, May 25 at 3am ET. On Friday, May 23 at 11am ET, VH1 presents "25 Greatest Power Ballads". It's also on at 9pm that same day. On Saturday, May 24, it's on again at 12:30pm ET. There's one more listing...for Sunday, May 25 at 2pm ET. These are power ballads written and sung by hard rock bands. And you can probably figure out the ones for GNR. SLASH doesn't like ballads so these were not his favorites, but he was understandably proud of his work on these. You'll have to stay up late for this one on Sunday, May 25 at 1am. This is "Testimony: 20 Years of Rock on MTV", and it highlights the key moments of rock on MTV. SLASH makes an appearance, and the show is on MTV2. Check local listings to confirm times and stations.

Declan took a lot of time getting this article together for us. If you haven't read it, you'll find it very interesting. It's from the June 2003 issue of the UK's Total Guitar. Each page including the enlarged cover page is linked below. Just click and print or read. Thanks, Declan!

Cover Picture	Page 1	Page 2
Page 3	Page 4	Page 5

News Reported: 05/16/03

First, thanks to everyone who sent in the MTV, VH-1 and Rolling Stones articles where Weiland announced he is the singer for The Project. As such, he must have thought he might also announce Reloaded as the band name. Having heard nothing from SLASH himself or his management, we went to them for confirmation. The answer from SLASH and his management team is that no contracts have been signed. Scott Weiland is not the official vocalist for the band as yet. Matt and Scott were at the Manson concert when this occurred, and you notice Matt did not confirm there and then. The band was really pleased with Scott's work on the two soundtrack songs, but SLASH still wants to check the demos sent in. Also, there are Scott's rehab issues to settle which are becoming more and more of a concern. We cannot even confirm Reloaded as the band name although it certainly seems to have the pole position at this time. The word is that when it comes from SLASH, it is official. SLASH says that the band will meet Friday to decide what to call themselves on the "Set Me Free" song they are doing for The Hulk movie. The Project was the artist name used for "Money" on The Italian Job film. For more information on the step back MTV has taken, we'll send you over to their site where they also have some information on the band's music:
The Project: Summary!

We've learned from SLASH's management that neither the song for The Italian Job nor the one for The Hulk will be on the album soundtracks for those movies. The songs will be on the soundtrack of the movie itself. Think you can spot SLASH's vibe and Scott's voice? Many of you were able to spot the small bit of "Jizz Da Pit" on Jackie Brown, so we'll wait to hear from you on this one. Try to find "Money" by Pink Floyd and get a listen..that's the one The Project is covering for The Italian Job. For The Hulk, let's hope for volume set high during their original song "Set Me Free". Listen for SLASH and also for Scott hitting some high notes. Take a small tape recorder and collect the song if you can drown out the popcorn munching. This group overcomes difficulties!

This press release comes from the band's management on the subject of The Hulk:

"When former Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum was asked to organize a benefit turned 'tribute' for former Ozzy Osbourne drummer Randy Castillo who suddenly died of cancer on March 26, 2002, he called his ex-GNR band members Slash and Duff to collaborate. It was obvious that the chemistry between them did not fade over the years, and it paved the way to a reunion of sorts. Duff called Dave Kushner, who not only played with Duff in his post-GNR band "Loaded", Dave also went to Junior High and High School with Slash. Finding the right singer/songwriter would make the band complete.. Duff's wife happens to be friends with Stone Temple Pilot's singer Scott Weiland's wife, and a conversation turned into dinner for 4, and Scott was 'interested' in working with the band.. Initially nothing happened, until about 7 months later, when Slash and his still unnamed band referred to as "The Project" were asked to contribute a song for the feature film "The Hulk" due out in June. Duff called Scott and asked if he would be interested in working on a particular song the band had written. He was, wrote the lyrics to the song now called "Set Me Free" and recorded it with the band."

If you keep track of Duff's guest appearances, there is one on the new Alien Crime Syndicate's record XL From Coast to Coast. Jeff Rouse (ex-Loaded) recruited Duff to do the bass on "Don't Go Breaking My Heart". The album comes out on toshiba/emi August 6, but this Duff track is a bonus track, Japan only, so you'll need the import to hear Duff. Thanks, Sam.

The newspaper tonight had an obituary for Noel Redding, a bassist SLASH has worked with several times. Noel is from the original Jimi Hendrix Experience starting in 1966. He was 57 when he died of natural causes. When you see videos of SLASH with the Experience, you see Noel. The Experience produced three groundbreaking albums of psychedelic rock - Are You Experienced?, Axis: Bold as Love and Electric Ladyland. All these should be in your collection. Rest in peace, Noel.

News Reported: 05/14/03

Finally, we got our copy of June's Spin with the one page spread on the magazine's mostly lighthearted recommendations for The Project's vocalist. Each of the six recommendations comes with brief mention of who they are, would the artist fit in to the band, the unique contribution they could make, any liability they bring along and SLASH's response. Just the funniest part on each:

Michael Jackson, The Once and Probably Not Future King of Pop. Liability: where do we begin? SLASH says...actually MJ mentioned something about this. Spin replies: he really wanted to play with you guys?? SLASH says..let's just change the subject.

Rivers Cuomo, lead singer for Weezer. Unique contribution: corrective lenses. Liability: may fire band soon after being hired. SLASH says Cuomo is probably one of the closest people to what I am talking about. He's pretty great, but he's taken.

Dr. Teeth, leader of the Muppets' Electric Mayhem Band. He'd fit in because he has dealt with the likes of Animal...Duff would be cake. Unique contribution: is a Muppet. Liability: refuses to perform unless someone sticks a hand up his ass. SLASH says...is that the drummer? Spin says... no, that was Animal. Dr. Teeth is the singer. SLASH says...that's a good one. Dr. Teeth has a great attitude. Would I have to do the hand thing? Spin...yeah.

Courtney Love, formerly lead singer of Hole. She'd fit in because she can trade Axl stories. Unique contribution: breasts. Liability: totally mental. SLASH says...from a distance, Courtney is great. Great actor. Great singer. Probably too much baggage.

Fred Durst, lead singer for Limp Bizkit. Unique contribution..comes with record deal. Liability...weak-ass flow. SLASH...Fred is (long pause) Fred. I've run into him recently a few times. He never asked me to play guitar, and I never asked him to sing.

Eartha Kitt, feline cabaret singer/actress. Unique contribution..can roll R's like no one else in the business. Liability...is 76 years old. SLASH says...Eartha Kitt is amazing! That's the best thing I've heard so far. That's a really talented person right there. I'll call the management and see if they can get her number.

What a hoot! SLASH and Spin are too much. Eartha Kitt may be the best, but we are partial to Dr. Teeth! Maybe Scott or Baz could do the hand thing for him. We left some good parts for you to find...and all the pictures.

Duff and Izzy aren't neglecting The Project, but it hasn't stopped them from doing some other work. Mark Lanegan of The Queens of the Stone Age has a new album coming out late this summer, and Duff and Izzy do a guest appearance. The record is titled Bubblegum, and there are a lot of guest appearances on this one including PJ Harvey, Greg Dulli (Afghan Whigs)and many others. Brian, thanks for that Duff/Izzy information.

Metal Sludge talked with ex-Warrant drummer Mike "The Sack" Fasano. They asked Mike which was the last band he teched for, and he said that last week he was in The Project studio! Matt, Duff, SLASH and Scott Weiland were there working on the two soundtrack songs (for The Italian Job and The Hulk. Mike said he thought the band name would be Loaded which we don't think can be right as that's Duff's old band name. Might as well recycle Snakepit again. Interestingly, Mike said that The Project would be recording their album this summer, and it would come out in January 2004. Hmmm. First date was summer 2003, then fall 2003, then year end 2003, now January 2004. We'll wait for SLASH to announce that date! Thanks to Tommy for that interview information.

The Camp Freddy site reported on what all the members are doing. Matt and SLASH are reported as working on The Project, of course. But all the band members and their principal guests seem to be going their own ways right now. The site advises fans they'll be doing a lot more gigs this year after everyone comes together again. Camp Freddy gives SLASH a chance to keep up his chops, but he has a lot to do on his own band.

A unique feature on this site is the SLASH Q&A. This question is from Ricardo in Brazil. He asks, "What is the model of the wah-wah pedal SLASH uses. It's the Dunlop rack mount wah-wah, but which model? There are 6 crybaby wah-wah models, so it could be any of these."

SLASH replies, "I don't know what model it is, but it is definitely a rack mount."

This one is from the webmaster who asks, "SLASH, I do a lot of reading, mostly fiction; and I have always wanted to know if you enjoy reading also. If so, what kind of books do you like...fiction/nonfiction/both? Are all the books you like to read of a certain type, for example, books on reptiles? Is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas still your favorite book?

SLASH replies, "I like educational books, fiction and nonfiction. I don't like biographies, though. Fear and Loathing... is still one of my favorite books."

Thank you Slash and Ricardo. SLASH said he could do a few more, and those are in his hands right now.

News Reported: 05/12/03