Slash's Snakepit will be doing some shows soon, but it looks like the Texas venues are out for the short term. A couple of shows will be done in Southern California in early February. We were happy to hear that a couple more shows will be done at Sammy Hagar's club Cabo Wabo in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We know everyone wants dates and venues and they will be along very soon. Meanwhile you Mexican fans - get organized for a road trip to Cabo Wabo! That looks like a wonderful club!

Goldmine is a periodical devoted to record and cd collection and featuring articles on recording artists. The June 5, 1998 issue has a wonderful interview with SLASH. You'll want to get a copy of this! There's just too much to tell it all here. But in summary:

SLASH makes some interesting commentary on GNR, Snakepit, and what's going on with him now. The front cover has big picture of Ozzy and in the upper right is a SLASH picture. Pages and pages of interview with our favorite guitarist.

SLASH says he still has not settled on the final band members for Snakepit although there seem to be people in and out playing and singing. He says Blues Ball was just for fun - more or less to have a band to do things with. Original name was Slash's Blue Balls but they decided to make it less offensive. (You had guessed that original name, hadn't you?) He talked about the blues covers they did, and how they did it their way not as a replica of the original. He said Blues Ball was taking a guy from GNR with a very hard sound, who was loud as f*ck, and mixing in traditional blues songs.

He was asked about his family background in music, and he said his mom liked blues, his dad was into folk, and his grandma preferred classical. They asked how he liked funk which he did with Lenny Kravitz. SLASH said he gets turned on to different styles by hanging with people who like a certain kind of music. He says he is "a sponge". Slash said that Duff was the one who introduced him to punk, gave him the good albums..he says what he got out of it mostly was the punk attitude. Rap he sees as an extension of what he listened to as a kid, but he can't tell the groups apart.

Goldmine asked about his racial identity and where he really fit. He said he had that all through high school - that being a certain race meant you liked a certain music - and he was just puzzled because he kind of liked them all. He said when GNR was first in clubs no one would even ask the race questions because the whole band was so brash and loud. The first time he was concerned about a racial difference between himself and the others in GNR was when they went on tour, and his mom was warning him about getting backlash for being partly black. But it never happened except for a couple instances where he was cornered by some brothers over Axl's One In A Million lyrics.

Goldmine said that the band's image came mostly from Axl, but especially on Appetite you can hear it was a whole group thing. Slash said that GNR was definitely a band tied together in many ways. Axl saw his role as being overseer, but no one else in the band thought of him that way. Slash said that no matter what, though, Axl stuck up for the band. Axl loved to get in someone's face about the band, the members, and even friends. He was always right there if there was a problem.

He was asked to comment on One In A Million, and he said he didn't like it or My Michelle. He said My Michelle was about someone he went to junior high with, and he didn't like saying those things about her. Still, when it came out, she liked it. But One In A Million was impossible to defend. The KKK loved it. The blacks and homosexuals hated it. He said the only good that came from that was Axl learned he couldn't spout off his feelings anymore in a 3 minute record.

When the band was falling apart in 1990, they opened for the Stones and broke up the first night but were back together the next. He said they had an offer to open for the Stones last year. (This was a rumor that could never be confirmed). Axl turned it down flat. Slash was hoping it would be a way to get the band together, and he said that was his last shot at continuing GNR.

Goldmine asked...so the fact that you (Axl and Slash) are not working together is really artistic differences? Slash said the breakup was really an Axl trip where everything got complicated feeding on the power of the band itself. Nobody else took advantage of that, but Axl did and does.

They asked him how he felt about Axl using GNR's name. He said when he tried to get the band together...he couldn't..and it was at the same time the statute of limitations ran out, and he just let it go. Slash says he is waiting for Axl to do his thing now, and maybe then there can be another chance to do the real GNR again. He says now everyone in the band has their own agenda, so if time permits and they are all in one room and they want to do it, they will. He said he is going to do Snakepit and his outside projects because he loves to play.

Asked about working as a sideman, SLASH said the last high profile thing was Blackstreet. And he should be doing the Alice Cooper tribute. He says he does a lot of anonymous stuff where you would never know he was there - and he doesn't get paid - but he loves to play. He said he turned down Puff Daddy, though.

Goldmine asked if he practiced 12 hours a day. He said the Snakepit singer is in his studio and he (Slash) is shy about playing in front of people. Asked about guitarists he enjoys, he names Mick Taylor, Joe Perry, Jeff Beck, Pete Townshend, Carlos Montoya.

He still has his snake collection and a collection of dinosaur models. (minus 3 I bought in a celebrity auction).

There is so much more here. Get yourself a copy. Pictures of Slash and the one of Axl being arrested. Way to go, Slash! GNR appeared on the cover of Goldmine a long time ago - just that once and now Slash. Excellent!

While we're waiting for the new Snakepit album, we've found another album where you can hear SLASH. This is Teddy Andreadis' debut album Innocent Loser on Samsung Records. Teddy is a keyboardist, harmonica player and vocalist who worked with Guns N'Roses, Seal and Carole King. He's famous with SLASH fans for being Teddy ZigZag Andreadis, the lead vocalist on SLASH's Blues Ball! SLASH plays guitar solos on the tracks "Innocent Loser" and "Shotgun Shack". Two other Gunners, Matt and Duff, also appear on this album. On "Shotgun Shack" you get all three ex-Gunners for the price of one as Matt, Duff and Slash rock altogether on this one. Carole King also appears on the album as do many other artists. Why not get a copy and hear some SLASH tonight?

Here are some vintage photos of Slash with Duff and Slash with Izzy. Don't they look great? And they look even better today. The three guys have been getting together in Slash's studio and Duff's studio. Some publications have reported that the three ex-Gunners are forming a new band that will have an album out before Axl Rose knows what hit him. But even though some of us would kill to see these three onstage in the same band, it won't be happening. The guys have been playing together just for fun. At most, some material may make it into Duff's solo album. And the word from California once again is that SLASH has not selected a singer yet for his new band. He is busy working in his studio, writing new material, and keeping up the search for a singer. This is going to be one wonderful band!

Guess who's on the cover of the May 1998 issue of Guitar Techniques magazine? SLASH! He looks great! Some of us were a little concerned about him since we haven't seen him in awhile. This magazine comes with a cd and instructions on how to play "Welcome to the Jungle". When you master this, your band is ready for the big leagues! Keep checking the stores for Home Recording with its interview with SLASH on his home studio. Lots of places are sold out, so you're going to have to look around. SLASH will give you a lot of tips on setting up a high quality studio in your own home.

There's been a lot of speculation about the makeup of the new Snakepit. Of course that name has yet to be confirmed. Does anyone else think it has to be Snakepit? After SLASH had that name used in the new Sega pinball game, it's hard to believe it would be something else. Anyway, people are wondering and rumors are flying about the band - in particular who will the next singer be? Recently radio stations in New Zealand have said that a native, Jon Stevens, is the Snakepit vocalist. SLASH's manager says Stevens is a good friend of Slash, and they have done some recording for fun in SLASH's studio, but Stevens is NOT the Snakepit singer now nor will he be. SLASH and his people know we're impatient, but they ask for a little more patience. SLASH wants just the right guy, and so do we!

We're keeping you up to date on the new Dodge Viper pinball game that SLASH did the music for, and if you scroll up, you can read all about it. There have been some recent developments you'll want to know about. SLASH was out in Las Vegas doing some pinball promoting for Sega, and you know he just couldn't leave that guitar at home! If you happened to wander into the Hard Rock when Los Lobos was on, you would have seen our world class guitarist rocking with the wolves from L.A.

SLASH's pets are reptiles, primarily snakes and lizards. In his free time, he cares for his pets and learns more about them. SLASH will be showing off some of his pets on The Pet Shop, a show on The Animal Planet channel. The air time is not available just yet, but it will be posted here as soon as its known. This is another great show with SLASH! He does a great job with these tv interviews. Let's see him take on Letterman!

Update: The SLASH show has been on before but the time never seem to be announced. Now we have a definite air time. The Pet Shop show with SLASH will be on Saturday, August 29, at 10:30 pm and repeating at 1:30 am. These are Eastern Times. SLASH and his pets will be there, and we understand that SLASH plays with the studio orchestra, too! Set the vcr.

Check out the newstands for a new magazine called Home Recording. SLASH has been building a recording studio in his new home, and while this was going on, he did an interview and photosession with Home Recording. Guitar Player Magazine has the same publisher as Home Recording. This SLASH information is in the first issue which recently came out. The next issue will follow in a couple of months and will feature a follow-up on SLASH's new studio. Anyone locates this, be sure to let the SLASH page know.

Hey, we knew SLASH wasn't going to stay in the studio forever! He's taking a break and you can see him! On April 29, SLASH will be playing at the House of Blues in LA. Actually, Les Paul is the main artist playing for the 4th anniversary of the HOB. Les has joining him: SLASH, Stephen Stills, Steve Vai, Joe Walsh, Skunk Baxter and Dave Edmunds. Shows are at 8 and 10 pm, and they are All Ages! Ticket prices are $30. A great price to see all these artists at once - especially SLASH. SLASH works really hard when he plays with Les Paul, so you'll see a wonderful show. Let the SLASH page know if you get there and how it was. Good to hear that SLASH is still rocking.

We've had reports from several people that went to the HOB. Everyone said SLASH was truly outstanding and had the loudest applause of all the artists! Let him know we're there!!! He played a song with Teddy Andreadis on vocals. The other selections were instrumentals, but they were all wonderful! SLASH was looking handsome in his black hat with feathers! And afterward he signed everything that was put in front of him. A fan reports they got to help get SLASH out of the building as he was being totally mobbed! He asked SLASH if he wanted to go for a beer, but SLASH said he was too tired. Worn out! He puts everything into his show. The fan's last sighting was SLASH heading across the parking lot to his car. A terrific, rocking evening! Thanks to everyone who supplied details and especially to Melanie who sent her autographed ticket's image.

It has just been learned that drummer Cozy Powell of Black Sabbath was killed in an automobile accident. More details when they become available. The band is said to be in shock. The connection with SLASH is that Cozy Powell and Brian May recorded a song together, "Resurrection". This was put out as a single. On the last track, is SLASH's performance with the Brian May band on The Tonight Show. Many of us came to know Cozy Powell's excellent drumming through buying this single with the SLASH track. SLASH had discussed doing a project with Cozy Powell and Nile Rodgers, but they hadn't gotten anything arranged yet...and they ran out of time. Our sympathies to the Black Sabbath band and to Cozy Powell's family.

One of SLASH's buddies from GNR has formed a new band. Duff McKagan is in Ten Minute Warning, a Seattle-based band that will be releasing their debut self-titled EP on May 5. The release is on the Sub-Pop label, and you will find the GNR bassist now on guitar. Duff formed TMW in 1982 as a punk rock band which slowly changed to playing heavier music. The band was together about two years before they went their separate ways. Now after a long stint in GNR, a solo album, and a lot of guesting, Duff has put Ten Minute Warning together again. The band says they will see how the album does before making touring plans. To get more information on Ten Minute Warning and order the new album directly from the band, go to web site: Ten Minute Warning Good luck, Duff!

News about SLASH is slim this spring. We have been told by a SLASH friend that he is very busy in the studio coming up with a great Snakepit lineup, getting songs written and recorded. SLASH now considers this to be his permanent band, so you know he wants to create the best band possible. And that's good for us! So let's be patient a bit longer. In the meantime, there is news of former bandmates to pass along.

Brian Tichy was the drummer for SLASH's Snakepit when they went on tour. You might remember the enthusiasm and skill he showed us! Now Brian has a new project called Ball where he is not only the drummer, but the guitarist, bassist and vocalist. You can hear Ball at web site Brian Tichy using RealMedia. Interestingly, Brian has recorded all his songs at Gilby Clarke's studio! Ball has had some gigs, and you can check the web site for the schedule. Brian also played on the Ace Frehley tribute and did some work with another ex-snake, bassist James LoMenzo! If you are in California, you can get to see Brian. The rest of the country is out here waiting! And then there is Europe...and Japan...and Australia...

Instead of eating all that Easter candy, how about watching SLASH on Easter Sunday, April 12? SLASH will be on MTV at 10 pm ET on a show MTV calls "Ultra Sound: Rock and Roll Feuds". Don't know any GNR feuds? Better read the rest of this web site and get ready! MTV is going to talk to SLASH to get his take on Axl Rose and the collapse of GNR. Other bands discussed will be Van Halen, Oasis, and Pink Floyd. No word as to why Fleetwood Mac and about 500 others are being omitted! Get those VCRs set for 10 pm on April 12. It will be a real joy to see SLASH again.

It has just been learned that MTV pulled this show and is running one on Wu Tang Clan instead. Perhaps a less volatile show was thought to be more appropriate for the holiday weekend. The show will be rescheduled, and we'll let you know when. And here is the new date and time: it is now scheduled for Sunday, May 10 at 10 pm. Think there is a feud within GNR? You bet, and Slash will tell you all about it.

Here's another MTV show to watch for IF they stick to the schedule. On Friday, April 17, at 9 pm eastern time, MTV will show "Hair Today? Hair Tomorrow?". This seems to be a program about band hair lengths! Still, it's a chance to see GNR, and you can bet that SLASH will be on with that beautiful hair that we hope he never changes.

MTV is really in the Guns N'Roses spirit. On Tuesday, April 13 at 9pm, MTV will air the GNR Rockumentary. This is an old show but it hasn't been shown for years. They claim to have done a "remix" on it, so we are hoping for new footage. Set VCR's on record and let's hope they put it on this time! ***UPDATE: Although the program was advertised the day before and the evening of April 13, 9 pm came and went with no GNR show. This is the second MTV cancellation in 3 days! Hey, MTV, Get In The Ring!

SLASH has been busy lately and hasn't been making any public appearances. So you don't miss him too much, you might look for this book at your local bookstore. David Ellefson, bassist for Megadeth, has written "Making Music Your Business", and it describes the record business and things a new artist needs to know. There is information about tours, attorneys, accountants, band names, and many little tips that seem very helpful. There are quite a few musicians who have given some time to providing useful information. SLASH has some things to say. There is a SLASH credit at the front of the book, two quotes and a picture!

Here's what SLASH had to say on touring from the perspective of the early GNR touring days:
On touring, Slash says this about GNR's early touring experiences: "We were signed for a year before we even went into the studio. Then after we recorded Appetite for Destruction, we toured for a year before the record broke. We toured real hard and won over a lot of fans because we kicked ass, and there was a genuine spirit to it. Finally, that caught on and the better the opening slots on tours became for us, the better the response was, and the more people we reached. Finally, it just all turned over."

And here is SLASH on the need to learn things as you go along:
"A lot of the people who buy records don't realize what goes into a band's career. When GNR started, I was very naive. I didn't have any aspirations about where I wanted it to go; I was focused on just playing. But every single day, there are things to pick up and new experiences that happen - if you pay attention, you learn from them. Our whole career has been a learning process."

A really interesting and enlightening book for new artists and fans who want to find out more how the industry works and what people like David and SLASH have to do to survive and prosper there.

If you live in Los Angeles, you've probably heard of the famous KNAC radio station. KNAC was a home to heavy metal music which is moving from the airwaves to the internet! To kick things off on Sunday, February 15, there will be live programming for the first time since 1995. On Tuesday, SLASH is scheduled for a live interview. Other interviews will take place throughout the week with such bands as Megadeth, Pantera, Anthrax, and White Zombie. Set your web browser for www.knaclive.com and go listen to SLASH! He might have news on Snakepit or the Axl Rose arrest or just some cool jokes. You'll find the web site has a chat area, news on the metal scene and other hooks to pull you in. See you there!

No one reported hearing the SLASH interview. And his manager confirms that SLASH was unable to make it due to his busy schedule. BUT, he might be there the first week in March. Check KNAC out for possible announcements. Or just tune in all night, every night! Get yourself ready to tape off the net and to hear a great interview.

A project in the very early stages is one with the new King of Hip Hop, Puff Daddy Coombs. Puff Daddy called SLASH and wants him to play on a remix of his next single. SLASH says now that he will not be working on this. He listened to the single and felt there was nothing he could contribute. SLASH can be very diplomatic!

One of SLASH's longtime friends in the rock music business is Alice Cooper. Very early in their Guns' career, Izzy, Axl and SLASH appeared on an Alice Cooper song, Under My Wheels. Alice also appeared on the Illusions album. It's been back and forth like this right along. Here comes another time! SLASH is looking at the "Tribute to Alice Cooper" that is happening now. Bob Kulick is producing and playing rhythm guitar. Bruce Buillet is co-producing and engineering. A portion of the sales will be donated to charity. Participants so far are: Ronnie James Dio, Don Dokken, Duff McKagen, John Norum, Eric Singer, Bob Daisley, Steve Jones, Stu Hamm, Frankie Banali, Rudy Sarzo, Billy Duffy, Clarence Clemons, Phil Soussan, Randy Castillo, Tommy Aldridge, Tony Franklin, Vinnie Caliuta, Pat Torpey, Chuck Wright, Tim Bogart, Greg Bissonette, Mike Inez, Carmine Appice, Mat Sorum, and Steve Lukather. Lead guitarists and vocalists are now being signed up.
SLASH may play one of Alice's huge hits, "No More Mr. Nice Guy". SLASH is looking to be joined by Roger Daltry and Mike Inez. Right now SLASH and his management are waiting to hear how the project will be done and if SLASH likes the arrangements. Let's hope he does! SLASH belongs on this tribute album! We've been informed that SLASH will definitely be on the album due out summer 1998!

On January 28, SLASH is going into the studio to work on a terrific new project. He will record the basics of four songs that will be the music bed for a new Sega pinball game "Viper" based on the Dodge car. SLASH is the one who designed the GNR pinball game and came up with the music for it from the GNR vaults. SLASH is a pinball wizard who owns several pinball games and has appeared on a tv show called the History of Pinball!

An update on this pinball story. A SLASH fan from Chicago reports hearing a dj, Mancow, on the radio in Chicago. "Viper" is being market tested in Chicago. Mancow says SLASH's music is awesome,and he, Mancow, does the voice for it! According to Mancow, "Viper" is still a prototype and is in only a few locations. He said that the game has a black lights in it, and the pinball glows in the dark! Midwest SLASH fans - try to find it and give it a thorough checkout. We'd love to hear about it!

Another update on the pinball game as the release date approaches! SLASH did the music (played guitar AND bass!) with drummer Matt Laug. The game's name is officially "Dodge Viper", and SLASH went to the Electronic Games Convention in Las Vegas to sign autographs in the Sega booth for the launching of this new game. "Dodge Viper" should be in arcades and other locations very soon. When you see it, notice that there is a SLASH's Snakepit area! Way to go Sega...and SLASH. If you get a chance to play it, drop a line to the SLASH page. Thanks!

Now that it's getting toward the end of January, SLASH fans are really asking about Snakepit - who's in it? is the big question. SLASH isn't ready to tell us just yet! He's still doing some tinkering with the lineup and so forth. Maybe within the next month we will know something....SLASH, hurry!!!

But SLASH hasn't been idle while he makes his new band decision - he's been jamming with....Guess who? Duff and Izzy! Seems like old times to hear those guys are together. They are using Duff's studio and really putting some things on tape. Who knows if that will go anywhere? Right now it's just for fun. Somehow it's really great to see some Gunners in the same room having a good time making music.

TLC stands for The Learning Channel, and Saturday, January 17 at 10 pm eastern time, TLC
will broadcast Guitar Heroes, part of its TLC Legends Series. This program was created in Canada and shown there first. Now the US is next. Denmark and other European stations will be getting the show. Guitar legends from B.B. King and Chet Atkins to Peter Frampton and SLASH, talk about their love for six-strings and give impromptu performances. The show repeats at 1 am eastern time. Tune in and hear SLASH talk about guitars! And if SLASH can't tell you about guitars, then no one can!

Update: This was a great show filled with the thoughts of music of some wonderful guitarists. Slash was there! We saw him playing a solo at an Illusions concert - so lost in the music that he might as well have been alone somewhere. He was interviewed and talked about the importance of his guitar and music to him. The video is ready! Go back to the main SLASH web page, then find the Main Menu (or click on the picture at the bottom here). Click on SLASH videos. It will be down the page a little, and maybe you can take time to see the others. In this video you see closeups of a SLASH solo, and SLASH talks for a bit. Excellent!

Heard of that new Quentin Tarentino movie called Jackie Brown? Well, get your Snakepit tracks in mind when you go in. Look for the scene where Samuel Jackson and Robert DeNiro are watching a video called Chicks With Guns. If you listen hard, you can hear Jizz Da Pit from SLASH's Snakepit on the soundtrack! The song is unfortunately mixed way down so you might have to see it a few times to catch it! Also, remember that tshirt of Slash's that has the title Chicks With Chains? Could this be just the 98 version?

SLASH has been asked to contribute longer pieces to some movies, but any movie commitments won't be finalized, if ever, till after the new year gets going. Although SLASH would like to do many of the things he is offered, he just runs out of time. More on the movie scene and SLASH soundtracks as we get additional information.

Another SLASH interview! UK readers should look for The Guitar Magazine, volume 7, no.12 with the SLASH picture on the covers. SLASH talked about these things: GNR, Snakepit, a movie he's in, and musical genres. For those of us without access to the article, here is a summary of what was said.

About GNR...SLASH said he went back to Guns late last year for 12 rehearsals, and it was such a negative experience that he left again. SLASH said that the band that once called itself family seemed like a foreign place. He knew no one except Duff and Matt. About Axl's work, SLASH says it will take time to see if Axl has f*cked up by putting the band through so many changes. SLASH was happy with the band the way it was (and so were we, SLASH!). He says that Axl should have done a solo project to do these other things he is trying out now with what remains (which is not much) of GNR.

About Snakepit...SLASH has auditioned about 100 singers and is disappointed in the calibre of rock and roll vocalists around today. He says Snakepit will be his only permanent band now, and he has to be more serious about choosing and keeping band members, writing with the singer, etc. (Sounds like SLASH has really written off GNR).

Movies...SLASH has made his first real foray onto the other side of the camera in The Underground Comedy Movie where he plays a drunken rock star. SLASH describes the movie as "forthcoming". (Geffen was not as sanguine and said that with any luck this indie movie will never see the light of day.)

Genre... SLASH was asked about all the different kinds of music he has been playing solo. He plays on Fix (R&B), Obsession (Spanish guitar/pop), etc. Why play these and not the techno variations Axl wants to use? SLASH says that he can make his music work in all types of projects that aren't loud and brash, but within the confines of Guns, he can only see it one way. (rock and roll, what else?)

An enlightening interview for all SLASH fans. Think Snakepit, not Guns - at least for the time being.

SLASH fans are big on guitars - playing them, reading about them, collecting them - hey, that sounds like SLASH! The SLASH page has received some requests for guitar tabs for SLASH songs. The GNR ones are widely available on the net, but there isn't much out there for SLASH's Snakepit and some of the solo project songs. Luckily, some super SLASH fans have volunteered to create tabs. And as of now, you can find a new section of the SLASH page - the SLASH's Guitar Tabs. Right now there are just a few available. Come on, guys! SLASH wants every one of them out there. If anyone can lend a hand on this project, it would be very cool! See your name on the SLASH page! You know, someday SLASH might surf on over and see your name! To check out this new section, go to the Main Menu and click on the guitar tabs option. And if you can contribute one or two or ten (!!), you know more about SLASH guitar than most of the rest of us! Email the SLASH page if you want to help. We have to get these done before the NEW album comes out! Write to the SLASH page at:

webmaster@snakepit.org

Radio station Rock 103.5 holds their second annual Rock 103.5 Big Bad Bidding Bazaar on Thursday, December 4, from 6-10pm at Joe's on W. Weed Street in Chicago. What's this got to do with SLASH? Well, get over there and see! We hear that SLASH has donated an autographed bottle of Jack Daniels!Admission is $5, and all proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald Charities and The Chicago Tribune Charities. There will be live bands, a live and silent auction featuring the SLASH donation as well as autographed items from other rockers. Bid high on the SLASH Jack Daniels, and you'll be all set for your New Year's Eve party!

TMF, a Dutch publication, interviewed SLASH at the end of last month. He reportedly told them that he had been asked by Teddy Riley to record another single with BLACKstreet! And SLASH said he would! Of course BLACKstreet want SLASH; they know who helped them get that MTV Europe award for the best R&B music video! And they know whose guitar and video appearance helped push Fix to the top of the charts! Come on, SLASH! Two in a row!

SLASH recently returned from his second trip to Europe in two weeks. Meanwhile there has been a lot of speculation as to whether SLASH was in or out of Guns N'Roses. His manager tells us that SLASH is currently not working on GNR. However, if Axl Rose and SLASH work out their relationship as to the musical direction of the band, SLASH would be open minded about getting GNR back together again. His manager added that SLASH does not foresee this happening for some time to come, if ever. So the split is definitely there. It may be long term or permanent, but fans should start looking ahead to Snakepit. Not much is going on now with SLASH as the holidays are nearly upon us. SLASH will continue trying out vocalists for Snakepit. And just to put to rest a Snakepit rumor that appeared in Metal Edge magazine, SLASH has not selected a vocalist or anyone for the band. Metal Edge claims an ex-actor named Julian is the vocalist and that both Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum from GNR are in Snakepit. SLASH's manager says Julian is not the vocalist. Matt and Duff could be in the band as SLASH is friends with them and their musical ability is unquestioned. However, the vocalist must be selected first. OK! Guess we can stop asking those questions! Now, let's hope the New Year brings us a new Snakepit album!

For the Scandinavian fans...the Scandinavian guitar magazine Fuzz has an interview with SLASH in the NR 10, December 1997 issue. The interview is a healthy 4 pages long! Not much new, but the pictures are reported to be very cool!

If you look back over the 1997 SLASH news, you'll be reminded SLASH found out he would have the July (his birthday month) slot for 1998's Hollywood Pet Calendar. Last year he had the October slot. The pet calendar proceeds benefit the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Additional celebrities include Fabio, Cloris Leachman, Englebert Humperdinck and others. All appear with pets. The calendars are $12.95 plus $3.95 postage and handling. Call 1-800-881-0725 for charge orders.And if you'd rather pay by check or money order, write to:

Hollywood Pet Calendar
PO Box 1673
Pacific Palisades CA 90272

Click on the snake below to visit the web site for the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Use the back button on your browser to return to the SLASH News Page!

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

For more information on the 1998 Hollywood Pet Calendar, click on the snake below. Use the back button on your browser to return to the SLASH News Page.

1998 Hollywood Pet Calendar

SLASH supports this charity, so why not show how generous SLASH fans can be? You can order calendars from 1995-1998. All SLASH fans need at least the 1997 and 1998 versions! Call and order yours today!

Sometimes SLASH is where you might not expect to find him - like the bookstore. Some current books on the Music shelf have some SLASH mentions. A new book called Beginning Rock Lead Guitar by Troy Stetina has a nice SLASH mention. It says you can learn to play rock lead guitar in the style of Hendrix...SLASH...etc. A nice little paperback for you guitarists looking for some SLASH tips. The Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal by Martin Popoff is making waves with its reviews. Slash's Snakepit comes in for some good comments - the best GNR solo band yet, sounds like GNR. On the other hand, referring to Snakepit as a sleaze metal band seems like a stretch and sniping at SLASH for not including happy songs seems churlish. See the next title and you KNOW that SLASH will be in it: 1000 Great Guitarists by Mary Osborne. The author refers to SLASH as one of the most technically effective guitarists from the 1980's. Furthermore she says that SLASH has an ear for the supportive riff and well-turned lick like Keith Richards has. She says that SLASH is governed by his gut and does instinctive soloing. Her criticism seems to be that SLASH once removed guitar tracks laid down by Izzy Stradlin on TSI? after Izzy left the band. Finally, there is a gorgeous book called Electric Guitar: an Illustrated History. Of course, SLASH is in the Gibson Les Paul section and tells the story of how he acquired Joe Perry's Les Paul. Here's one for guitar players who'd like a lesson from SLASH. The book is Guitar World Presents Private Lessons. In addition to SLASH, you can take a lesson from Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen, Zakk Wylde and other big name axmen. SLASH offers insights on vibrato, string muting and avoiding standard rock licks. Excellent!

So, next time you are in the bookstore, head over to the Popular Music section. You might see SLASH! Or at least, find some good books with SLASH information.

Grand Funk Railroad is a band that needs no introduction - especially if you were around the music scene in the sixties and seventies. The band that sang "We're An American Band" disbanded in 1976, reformed in 1980 and broke up in 1982. Now they are back! They have launched their 1997 World Tour with three shows to benefit the Bosnian-American Relief Fund. In New York, Chicago and LA, SLASH joined them onstage along with guests Billy Preston (organ) and Alto Reed (horn section). So if you have a chance, go see Grand Funk on tour. SLASH obviously thinks they are pretty cool, and they are!

SLASH is on TV again! If you get DirecTV, you can see SLASH on The History of Pinball. SLASH is a big fan of pinball and designed the GNR pinball game. This show is about the popularity behind the game. There will be footage of rare games and interviews with pinball wizards. SLASH and White Sox slugger Frank Thomas do the commentary. On Friday, 9/5, (Eastern time), the show will air at 6am, 9:30am, 1pm, 4:30pm, 8pm and 11:30pm. On Saturday, 9/6, the program will be on at 3am (probably so SLASH can be awake to see it!). And on Sunday, 9/7, the show will be on at 8am, 11:30am, 3pm, 6:30pm, and 10pm. On Monday, 9/8, it will be on at 1:30am. On Thursday, 9/11, the times are 6am, 9:30am, 1pm, 4:30pm, 8pm, and 11:30pm. Friday, 9/12, it is listed at 3am. Lots of times to see SLASH and pick up some pinball pointers!

The show was taped, and there are three portions from the program here on the SLASH page. Check out the section on SLASH Videos - go to the Main Menu, click on Videos and scroll down. You can hear SLASH tell you why he loves to play pinball - because it's like rock and roll, of course!

There's a big event coming up for everyone who can get to the Paramount Studios Back Lot in Hollywood, California. Starting Friday, October 3, with a VIP Party then continuing Saturday from 10 am - midnight and Sunday from 10am to 10pm, the Hollywood Bike Jam 97 is ready to rock you. All kinds of bands will be there from classic rock, rock, blues and alternative. And don't you know our SLASH, who has yet to miss a party in his life, will be there, too?! So take those autograph books. Lots of musicians on 3 stages including Teddy Andreadis, Eddie Money, Steppenwolf, Mark Shulman, Ron Diego. You will at least want Sunday tickets because SLASH will be playing Sunday night, October 5! On Friday, there's Eddie Money. On Saturday, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy appears, and on Sunday, there's SLASH, John Kay, and Steppenwolf. SLASH will be appearing with...who else? BLUES BALL!! That's worth the price of admission right there. Gilby Clarke will also be playing at the event, so it sounds like a great music evening. There will be a silent auction, a vintage bike exhibition, tatoo parlor, motorcycle raffle, wine tasting and much, much more. New Millennium Pictures is producing the event and part of the proceeds will be donated to charity. TicketMaster will be selling the tickets, and for details on the types of tickets available and for a chance to win a free pass, you need to check the Hollywood Bike Jam 97 web site. While you are there, check out the Bike Jam Calendar of events! This one sounds like a real blast. And the Paramount Lot is on Melrose! Think you're pretty tied up now?? If you see a woman with handcuffs, whips and chains, head in the other direction! If you see SLASH cruising by, tell him! Click on the Hollywood Bike Jam picture below to go to the Hollywood Bike Jam web site. Use your BACK browser key to return for more thrilling adventures with SLASH in Hollywood!

You never know which club you might find SLASH in. If you were at Hollywood's Billboard Live on September 11, you would have seen a band billed as Gilby Clarke and Friends. SLASH joined the band for the last of the regular set and played Dead Flowers with Gilby and his band. Other band members included Eric Singer (drums), Teddy Andreadis, and a bassist. At the encore, they did Knockin' On Heaven's Door with SLASH and Steven Adler (replacing Singer on drums). The show's promoter was Jaime Adler who we believe to be Steven's brother. Gilby and SLASH were good friends till GNR problems drove them apart. It's great to see this great rhythm guitarist and this great lead guitarist together again.

Metal Edge magazine reported seeing SLASH and Matt Sorum at a Brett Michaels show. Gerri Miller reported that she spoke with SLASH and he told her that he has found a new singer for Snakepit! He wasn't ready to make the big announcement yet, but it sounds like Snakepit will be slithering toward a new album soon! And that means touring!

Later, SLASH's manager said that Gerri had misunderstood. There is no singer yet named for Snakepit. He told us that the rest of the band (other than SLASH, of course!) will be selected after the singer is chosen. This is done to make sure the rhythm section coordinates with the singer. No word on when the big announcement will come.

Despite rumors centering on the SLASH sighting at the Brett Michaels' concert, Michaels will not be the singer for Snakepit. SLASH was there to see some other friends who had been at the concert, not to hang out with Michaels. Poison and GN'R were never friends, and while everyone has mellowed, there is no thought of SLASH and Michaels working together.

SLASH's manager let us know that SLASH is working on a couple of deals right now. He says they will be very exciting if they work out. They do NOT involve SLASH hooking up with Axl Rose! So watch this news column, and we'll report it when it happens. Maybe SLASH will be doing some more work with other artists. Maybe he will be taking Blues Ball out on tour again!! Could be anything.

SLASH will be on the MTV Loveline show on Monday, August 4. The show is scheduled for 11:30 pm EST. This is most likely a summer re-run of a show SLASH did in the spring, but it's best to be prepared with a new video tape!

SLASH's Blues Ball had an unusual gig recently. They entertained at a SIGGRAPH 97 party primarily sponsored by ElectricImage! This "Decadence Party" was held at the Hollywood Colonnade on Hollywood Blvd., August 6. SIGGRAPH is the Special Interest Group for computer graphics within the ACM (Association for Computer Machinery). SIGGRAPH 97, this year's conference, was held in Los Angeles - home of SLASH's Blues Ball! The conference was held during the week of August 3-8, and attendees saw something better than computer graphics onstage! The ACM, well known as a somewhat stodgy computer organization, was way cool on this one. Now where is that application?

Love those rock calendars, but hate it that SLASH doesn't have his own? We're getting there! The 1998 Guns N'Roses calendar features 4 pictures of Axl Rose, 1 picture of Duff McKagan, and SEVEN, that's right!!, 7 of SLASH. Ahhhh. Be sure to get a couple of these from the UK. Bookstores, record stores, import dealers should have them.

Sports Illustrated has an article about Sergei Federov of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. Federov, a Russian immigrant, says he has gotten some autographs since he came to the US, and the first one he ever got was from SLASH! The autograph reads, "To Sergei, Go Wings! - SLASH". So if you're ever waiting for SLASH to come out, you just might see a guy in a red and white hockey shirt waiting too!

Robert John is the official photographer for Guns N'Roses. If you haven't picked up his book of photos of the band, Guns N'Roses: The Photographic History, get one soon. Robert has a one time offer for GNR fans. He is selling limited edition photographs of SLASH! There are photos for Axl Rose and the entire band as well. Each photograph is limited to 20 copies, and your photograph will be autographed by Robert John. This is a rare collectible that you can look and smile at every day.

Click on the GNR button to see the pictures. Use the back key on your web browser to return and see what else is new with SLASH!

If you're interested in ordering a picture or have some questions, email Jeff Boerio (boerio@teleport.com).

Canadian fans: there is a rumor that SLASH's Blues Ball will be coming to Toronto in August! Right now, that's all the details there are. As soon as the information is released by SLASH and his management, it will be posted here. Keep your fingers crossed!
An update on this rumor: SLASH's manager says the only solid plans for August are the gig in Denver, CO on August 31 and for SLASH to work on getting Snakepit together. He will be developing some new material and trying to find a new singer. So he'll be busy, and he'll be back on tour soon with Snakepit! And ya know what else that means??? A NEW ALBUM!!!!!

There is a definite time to see SLASH in August - on TV. Get those VCR's set for record! Coming up on VH1 on August 12 (8pm EST) will be the Alice Cooper at Cabo Wabo Concert. Cabo Wabo is Sammy Hagar's club in Mexico and the place that "A Fistful of Alice" was recorded. So, SLASH will be there along with Alice, Sammy, and Rob Zombie. Hey, for those of us who can't see him live, this is a big night! Check your local TV listings as the date approaches.

An update on this program which, sadly, was just a half hour long. After a long,but Alice-filled wait, SLASH appeared doing the final number, Elected, with Rob Zombie and Alice on vocals. SLASH did a great job, looked wonderful and played some cool solo sections despite confetti and balloons raining down and a staged fight between some former presidents on the floor beside him. He looked like he was having a good time, and it would have been great to be there. The Fistful of Alice video was to have been released at the same time the album was, so check out local stores carrying music videos. And to see a clip from the Elected video, check out SLASH's video page by returning to the Main Menu and clicking on Videos.

A Fistful of Alice will repeat on VH1 Wednesday, August 27 at 9:30 pm Eastern time and 10:30 pm Eastern time on VH1 Saturday, August 30.

Recently SLASH was in Spain making a video for "Obsession", the song he wrote for the Curdled soundtrack. This song is now riding high on AOR stations throughout the US. SLASH was also spotted in March at the opening of the Rock in Rio Club in Brazil. It's been announced that Brazil will hold another Rock in Rio like the one Guns played at. This is tentatively planned for 1999, and SLASH is sure to return for that.

On March 7, Howard Stern's new movie, Private Parts, will open in the US. Both Slash and his wife Renee have small parts in this movie. SLASH and Blues Ball played during the weeklong celebration of the movie's debut. SLASH and his band were in LA at the Billboard Live Club. SLASH appeared on Howard Stern's tv broadcast from LA. Clips of that were shown on Hard Copy. The entire show was seen on E! SLASH seemed very relaxed and very funny on the show.

SLASH's Blues Ball will be playing in Baltimore and Boston in May. Details will be posted on the Blues Ball section. In early July, SLASH's Blues Ball will be in Detroit. On July 4 the band will be playing at a free festival in Tampa Bay, Florida. Beginning in May, drummer Alvino may be leaving, and Matt Sorum might come in. Tshirts are currently being sold at the gigs for $15. Get yours NOW!! Sure to be a collector's item!!

SLASH is joining Sebastian Bach on the song "Communication Breakdown" destined to be on a forthcoming Led Zeppelin tribute album. SLASH claims Led Zep as one of his major influences.


SLASH wrote music for a song on Marta Sanchez's new album. This song, called "Wet My Heart", also features SLASH playing guitar. The album title is "Azabache" and is out in Spain. It was released in the US on April 21, and the back liner of the album shows SLASH's Snakepit guitar pick.

SLASH was spotted at a club playing in a pickup band in Phoenix with, among others, Gilby Clarke. Gilby's manager confirmed this and another gig at the Troubador in LA where SLASH joined in.

SLASH says that he is collaborating on songs with Axl Rose for GNR. He also said he had laid down three tracks with Izzy Stradlin but isn't sure if these will go on a Snakepit or a Ju Ju Hounds album.


SLASH is still planning to start up Snakepit, but who the band members will be (other than lead guitarist!) has not been announced at this time.

When Marta Sanchez' album, "Azabache", was released in her native Spain, SLASH flew over for the festivities. SLASH had received some criticism for appearing on Marta's album which is a pop album, not his usual genre. Also, Marta has been criticized by some Spaniards who are unhappy with Marta's reputation. A Spanish heavy metal magazine was moved to defend SLASH saying in essence that he can work with whatever artists and whatever areas of music he wishes. His fans wouldn't have it any other way! SLASH was in Detroit, Mi on May 8, 1997 and was interviewed on a local radio station. He said that someday he, Izzy, Matt, Gilby and Duff might form a band. He recently rejoined GNR for 12 rehearsals, but it was just too different from the band he used to be in. Sounding as if he were on better terms with Axl Rose, SLASH did not rule out the possibility of his rejoining GNR at some future date. SLASH was on his way to a fundraiser given by a dinosaur museum. SLASH has always loved dinosaurs, and he was able to speak knowledgeably about them during the interview. He said he would return to Detroit in early July for a Blues Ball gig. The announcer invited SLASH, Duff, Matt, Gilby and Izzy to come on the show together sometime.

The Detroit gig was subsequently announced for July 1 at Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI at 6pm. Cheap Trick is headlining, and SLASH considers them to be one of his favorite bands. Tickets are on sale through TicketMaster outlets at $10 each. Get your tickets now! Don't forget to bring money for a Blues Ball tshirt. These are now being sold at the venue for $15. They have the famous SLASH skull drawing and the band name on them. A must have for all SLASH fans. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio has an exhibit called Bang Your Head: Three Decades of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. SLASH has contributed his famous tophat and that beautiful leather jacket with the skull painted on the back. You can see the exhibition through the end of May 1997. A Celebrity Auction held on the web ended Saturday, May 10. SLASH contributed some toy dinosaurs that he had made, and one could have been yours if you were the high bidder. The auction benefited a children's charity. Fortunately all the dinosaurs were bought by the owner of this web site and are now a part of the SLASH "Museum".
Good news for Chicago fans! SLASH and his Blues Ball will be at the House of Blues on Saturday, May 24. A local radio station is holding a birthday party with SLASH and Sammy Hagar as headliners. Unfortunately, the only way to get a ticket is to win them through the station. So get those radios on! And who knows, if you go down to the House of Blues before the show or afterward, you just might meet SLASH! Good luck!! SLASH has appeared on a couple of tracks on Michael Jackson's Dangerous and his History albums. Here we go again! SLASH is featured on the track "Morphine" on Michael's new album Blood On The Dance Floor.

Private schools in the San Fernando Valley are turning out some new bands. One of these is the Feds whose guitarist and primary vocalist is Adrian Perry, son of Aerosmith Guitarist Joe Perry. The Feds are getting ready to make a demo tape with the help of SLASH. SLASH has always looked up to Joe Perry and been a friend of the Aerosmith organization.

SLASH appears on another friend's album. This is the new one from Sammy Hagar called Marching to Mars. SLASH plays on "Little White Lie", and he really makes that song rock! Be sure to get this album. "Little White Lie" is the first single off the new album, and it is currently at the top of the rock singles charts around the country. Forthcoming is the Alice Cooper live album that SLASH played on. Latest word is that this album will be released this summer.

Latest news on SLASH's Blues Ball is that they will not be going to the July 4 festival in Tampa Bay. But if you hurry out to the Pacific Northwest you can see them at The Fenix in Seattle's Pioneer Square on June 6, 1997 at around 9:30 pm. Cover charge will be $12 to get into National Act night at about 15 bars in this Square. National acts will be at all the bars, but SLASH is the best known act, and he is at The Fenix. It's 21+ so once again the younger fans can hang outside hoping to see SLASH and the gang enter or leave.

A sad announcement for the GNR family and fans came on May 30, 1997: Long time friend and associate West Arkeen had died of a drug overdose. Arkeen had suffered severe burns about a week before his death when an indoor grill exploded. After his release from the hospital, and in an apparent attempt to cope with the physical agony of the burns, Arkeen began to use heroin again resulting in the drug overdose. Arkeen co-wrote some GNR songs and was a personal friend of the band. Recently he had put together his band called The Outpatience. The first album, Anxious Disease, was released in Japan and a US release was planned. SLASH played on the track Anxious Disease with Axl Rose doing backing vocals. Izzy appears on the album too. A sad day for the GNR family, and a day for SLASH fans to recall how near he came to that same fate. West Arkeen's talent lives on in the Guns N'Roses songs he wrote, his own Anxious Disease album, and in the memories of his friends.

June 9, 1997: SLASH has been telling the fans that Blues Ball will only do another show or two. July 1 in Michigan is the last scheduled show. Of course, he said this at the Venura show last February! We can't seem to let him go! SLASH has many songs ready to record for Snakepit, and he wants to get to the studio and do that. He did not announce his lineup, but he said the holdup is in finding a singer. He has many tapes from singers who want a chance with Snakepit, though. Matt Sorum is playing drums whenever the regular Blues Ball drummer can't make it. Sometimes Matt can't make it and SLASH has used Matt Loug (Alanis Morissette). It looks like Blues Ball is rolling out and Snakepit is slithering in.

Checking out Playboy: SLASH appears in "The Grapevine" section of Playboy. There is a picture of SLASH with his Les Paul and sitting with his idol, Les Paul, who has HIS Les Paul! Les Paul says that some people think he is a guitar and not a person. Not SLASH! And not us either, Les!

Early June: MTV (www.mtv.com) posted that SLASH has been replaced in Guns N'Roses by NIN guitarist Robin Finck. Matt Sorum said the new GN'R sound will be like Soundgarden mixed with Nine Inch Nails - a techno- industrial sound mixed with hard rock. This was the change of direction SLASH talked about as his reason for leaving GNR.

ESPN has a wild show called Extreme Games. X Games will air June 21-28. No, SLASH will not be in it - although one of his favorite sports, BMX biking, is on the list of events. He and Matt wrote some music for the show. A different artist will peform their interpretation of the X Games theme each day. ESPN was unable to give the date for SLASH so you'll have to tune in each day and see if his video with Matt is on. Or sign up for one of the games - to be held in San Diego and Oceanside, CA.

SLASH did a track for the new I.C.P. (Insane Clown Posse) album, The Great Milenko. The album will be released June 24, and SLASH's track is called "Halls of Illusions". Steve Jones (Sex Pistols, Neurotic Outsiders) does another track, and Alice Cooper does a spoken word introduction. The band is out of Detroit, and this is their fourth album. SLASH says this hip-hop band is really heavy and that's why he did the track. "Halls of Illusion" - wonder if he picked the title??

A postscript on this news item. The Great Milenko was released on June 26 and within 6 hours, 100,000 copies were pulled from stores by the record company, Hollywood Records, as "requested" by parent company, Walt Disney Co. Disney management said that the lyrics were inappropriate for a product released under any label of the company. Recalling a cd is almost unprecedented because most problems are caught before the album is shipped. In fact, some fans were able to get copies including the owner of this web site. SLASH sounds fine, of course, and the lyrics here are no worse than any you hear on this kind of urban recording. The band says they will most likely be dropped from the label, and the album will not be released of course. So if you got a copy, you may be one of the few to hear SLASH play "Halls of Illusion".

An update to this story - now you can get The Great Milenko at your local record store. Insane Clown Posse has been picked up by Island records and the album was released August 12. The band is on tour and says that SLASH will join them for three dates to play "Halls of Illusion".

SLASH did a remix and video of a track on the forthcoming BLACKstreet album Another Level. The single features a remix of "Fix". SLASH made an appearance on MTV with Bill Bellamy to discuss the new single and video. To see a clip from the video, go to SLASH's main menu and then click on SLASH's Videos.

In early August, SLASH appeared with BLACKstreet on the premier of VIBE TV, a new late night talk show produced by Quincy Jones. SLASH and the band reprised their remix of "Fix".

On June 21 and 22, SLASH will appear at the London Docklands Arena in England. This is the Mad About Music Show and is free to any visitors to the exhibition. SLASH will be there promoting Marshall amps and will play blues from a set list drawn from classic blues/rock tunes. Teddy Andreadis will be there as vocalist and the band will be the Marshall demo band including Ant Glynne on guitar, John Currie on bass, and John Lingwood on drums. UK fans are advised to get tickets NOW and arrive early! Should be a great show!

An update on SLASH's new band which we all are calling Snakepit till told otherwise! SLASH says he is trying to select a singer. He has received many tapes from potential lead vocalists, and he is going through these trying to select just the right one. Hopefully, he will announce the band lineup soon and get busy with an album and then a tour! We want to see you again, SLASH! In May, SLASH did a recording session with J (from the Japanese band Luna Sea). J is doing a solo album since Luna Sea has been on hiatus this year. J is a bass guitar player, and one of his favorite artists is SLASH! His record company, Universal Victor, sent a demo to SLASH who liked it and agreed to play a track on J's album. SLASH can be found on track 9, "But You Said I'm Useless". The album, Pyromania, will be released July 24 in Japan.

Bringing this story up to date, the album was released in Japan and is now available as an import in the U.S. If you can get it, this is one for SLASH fans to own! The whole album rocks hard, and SLASH's track is unbelievable. He's there backing up J's singing and has a guitar solo in the middle. You listen to the album and it's rocking along...and then SLASH comes on and raises everything to a new level. The cd is beautiful to look at too. It is an all red cd, including a 3"cd and a wooden match! SLASH makes this one hot enough! To hear an audio clip from "But You Said I'm Useless", click on SLASH's name below: (avi format, 419kb)

ESPN has a program called X Games which is a contest of unusual games like sky surfing, street luge, in-line skating, etc. The games have a theme song, and ESPN has asked several artists to do a take on the theme. SLASH was asked, and he and Matt Sorum did their interpretation which really rocks! You can go to the ESPN site (espn.com) and vote for your favorite artists. Get over there NOW! The games run from a preview show on Friday, June 20 through Tuesday, July 1. One artist is featured each day. SLASH's day is Thursday, June 26. X Games are on that day from 8:30-11 pm EST and 12:30-2 am EST. Check out the ESPN site for complete listings. Can't get over there? Well, the audio clip is right here!

CLICK ON THE PICTURE OF SLASH AT THE X GAMES TO HEAR SLASH'S AUDIO CLIP NOW! THIS IS A 594K FILE IN WAV FORMAT.

And the video? It is on SLASH's video page. Go back to the Main Menu, click on Videos, and it's right there!

Here's a new album that's been in the works for quite awhile. A Fistful of Alice by Alice Cooper is a 1996 live concert (and one studio track) done at Cabo Wabo, Sammy Haggar's club in Mexico. SLASH is on here for THREE tracks! These are "Lost In America", "Only Women Bleed", and "Elected". "Lost in America" and "Elected" sound really great. "Only Women Bleed" is a standby of the GNR Illusions tour, but this treatment is much softer supporting Alice's quieter voice. The three are like magic for those of us wanting to hear some new SLASH. Alice Cooper is a class act. A Fistful of Alice is highly recommended.

On July 25, SLASH's Blues Ball will be in New Jersey! Finally, the East Coast is getting some SLASH attention! The venue is Birch Hill. Opening for Blues Ball is Rattlebone. This band can rock! Get out there early and see this dynamite opening act. After they get you rockin', SLASH's Blues Ball takes over for a night to remember. If you're from Jersey, you may have seen Rattlebone open for Ratt, Dokken, Great White, etc. Check them out before the gig! Here's where Rattlebone hangs out on the web - they've got some great sounds for you there. A little taste of July 25!

Click on Rattlebone's cd to visit their web site (use the back arrow on your browser to return to us here). SLASH ain't done with you yet, baby!

SLASH will be back on the East Coast with Blues Ball for three shows. The first is the one announced above: Birch Hills in New Jersey on July 25. Blues Ball rolls into New England on July 26 with a show at Loon Mountain just outside of Lincoln, New Hampshire. Last time they were in Massachusetts, SLASH's Blues Ball brought an unexpected snow storm that threatened to bring Boston to a standstill! Let's see what they can do on July 27 when they appear at the Pearl Street Nightclub in Northampton, Mass. Advice to fans: forget those longjohns! It's going to be HOT in New England very soon!

SLASH is nothing if not versatile! He is working on a Nickolodeon pilot called Fathead, doing the theme music and scoring for the show. It's a prehistoric teenage animated show. Of course there are dinosaurs which SLASH loves. Nickolodeon will decide in about a month or so if they are picking up this pilot. SLASH found this an interesting and very different kind of project. Doing music for a TV show is more than just writing a theme song. Sound bites have to be fit into the actual show and this is a very exacting and ongoing project. SLASH goes into the studio on Monday, July 14, to finish the pilot episode. That alone will take four days. Let's all hope the show is picked up! A chance to hear a little SLASH once a week? Sign us up!
An update on this: in early August, the project was completed. Nickolodeon is currently doing market research which will help determine if the show gets picked up. If it does, it will air September 98. Insiders say that the show is pretty cool! As if SLASH would work on anything else??

SLASH played on a track on Sammy Hagar's new album, Marching to Mars. The track, Little White Lie, has been at or near the top on every rock singles chart. On August 31, SLASH's Blues Ball will play at one of Sammy Hagar's shows. Get ready, DENVER! It's your turn, and you can see SLASH at the Red Rock Ampitheater. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 25. Get yours, and see two astounding rock acts for the price of one. And one of them is SLASH's Blues Ball? You know you've got to be there!

A dj on KBPI in Denver says that the show will be transmitted live from over 100 radio stations all over the US. Call your radio stations and see if they will transmit the show (and if not, tell them get on the Ball).

Some Scandinavian fans have alerted us that SLASH will be in Stockholm, Sweden for a performance. We're not sure of the date, the venue...so bear with us. Some Swedish papers have said September 18 at Cafe Opera in Stockholm. Cafe Opera has some well known nightclubbing going on there. Another source said it was for a Gibson guitar show next week. Our hope is that the Scandinavian contingent will come up with an answer soon. If you aren't living there, save your air fare till we have better information. If you are there, hey, let's start calling around! See if we can track SLASH down. Just get him out of there before the snow flies! He might be cool, but he's a warm, West Coast man!

You can always count on SLASH fans to be generous with what they find out. Thanks to one of SLASH's Swedish fans who spotted some information in his newspaper. This seemed to be a private party by invitation only for the Gibson Guitars International Distributors Meeting. SLASH played 6 songs with John Norum's band (Norum is formerly of Europe). Other acts were Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) and the Cardigans. SLASH was interviewed, and he had some familiar things to say. He said he has had no contact with Axl Rose but is open to the idea of joining GNR again. Right now SLASH wants to play with Blues Ball and record a new Snakepit album. He also said he is busy getting a new studio built. SLASH said again that he would like to put together a band sometime with Duff McKagan. GNR is an Axl Rose solo project now with just Axl working on the new album at this point. Duff McKagan is the latest to be out of the band. Axl is doing the new album under the name GNR although there are no GNR members but himself. SLASH said that it was actually a relief to leave GNR. Although he loves the band and the GNR fans, he got tired of Axl Rose insisting on his ideas of how GNR should sound. And about his pets, SLASH says he needs to give away some of his snakes because he just has too many. Any takers out there? SLASH arrived in Stockholm on Wednesday, September 18, and returns to the US on Saturday. So, even if he wasn't in your town, he was working hard, having fun and talking to the press. But, oh, wouldn't it be great to be at an invitation-only party to see SLASH!

On a less than happy personal note, SLASH and his wife Renee are seeking a divorce. The couple remains friendly. SLASH seems to be moving on with his life. In Sweden, he listed his family as his girlfriend! Now who is that lucky lady?!

September 25 was the anniversary of John Bonham's death. Bonham was the spectacular drummer for Led Zeppelin, and his death marked the end of that group of musicians. This year, September 25 was marked by a celebration and tribute to the man who some call the greatest drummer in rock history. Jason Bonham, John's son, launched his band's tour at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. The "Night for Bonzo" show had many highlights. For SLASH fans, a highlight was Zoe Bonham jamming on a bluesy harmonica with Jason's band...and joined by surprise guest, SLASH! A quick run-through at soundcheck was all they needed for this awesome finale. It was a proud evening for the Bonham's, and fans saw an amazing musical event.

If you live in Northern California and find yourself thinking about SLASH a lot, you might be in love or you might be listening to an ad for radio station Smooth Jazz 101. The ad has been seen on tv stations showing lakes and pretty houses and inviting listeners tired of harsh music to come there and wind down. Playing in the background is SLASH! He's playing his acoustic Obsession/Confession from the Curdled soundtrack. It takes a real SLASH fan to pick up on this one!

Word's out that SLASH will be on another calendar this year in addition to the GNR calendar (where he is pictured 7 of the 12 months!). This one is the Celebrity Pet Calendar. This is a charitable calendar, and when SLASH appeared before, he had the October slot. This time, SLASH got his birthday month of July. As soon as we get the details on ordering a calendar, they will be posted right here. SLASH loves animals - let's support this animal charity with him!

In the current GNR debacle, we are really missing recorded music by SLASH and the other Gunners. Good news! Duff McKagan put together his second solo album on the Geffen Record label, and it could be out this spring. SLASH appears on at least one or two tracks. Duff also did a new album in Seattle with 10 Minute Warning. Look for that one in April.

Izzy Stradlin's new album, 117 Degrees, will be released on March 10 in the US and March 11 in Japan. The Japanese release will have a track or two from the Ju Ju Hounds days. Duff McKagan appears on Izzy's album. Audio demo bootlegs have already appeared! More information on albums and tours as it is announced by Geffen Records, Duff and Izzy.

As you might suspect from seeing the blue SLASH, it's time for another Blues Ball gig! This one is being held at the Cajun House in Phoenix, Arizona on October 31. And who better to spend Halloween with than SLASH? Bring him a candy bar and show him a few tricks. The Cajun House marks the shortest SLASH's Blues Ball gig ever. Last time the band was there, police stopped the show after three numbers because Blues Ball was too loud. SLASH had been told the show had to be a quieter one, but he just smiled and blew the roof off the place! To be honest, The Cajun House did not have a roof then. Now, they have a new, million dollar roof and are ready to try out SLASH's amps! Come on, SLASH! Blow the roof off again!

UK nightowls! If you've got the tube on very late on Saturday, November 8, you can catch SLASH with BLACKstreet on the Later With Jools show. This will be on television station BBC2. Time has been given in the listings as 12:15 am, but it's always best to check local listings to be sure. BLACKstreet and SLASH will be performing Fix! Let's hope SLASH turns up the amps and brings Tower Bridge down! Set those vcrs for late taping so you have a permanent record of this TV shakeup!

SLASH fans in The Netherlands are so lucky! SLASH is coming your way in early November for a couple of things. First, SLASH and BLACKstreet will be at the MTV Europe Video Awards on November 6. They are nominated for the video of Fix, and you can see a live performance of Fix if you tune in for the Awards. Go to MTV Europe's web site and cast an R&B vote for Blackstreet (and SLASH)! The awards will also be seen on US MTV. A shortened version will be shown on November 6 from 7 to 9 pm. SLASH has been seen in the US commercials for the show, so BLACKstreet and SLASH will be on the US as well as the European version. For those who get tv station MusiquePlus in Canada, the entire awards show will be shown on November 29 at 8pm. It will be shown on (Canada ONLY) MuchMusic on November 27 at 9pm. It will be repeated on US MTV on Thanksgiving, November 27 at 9pm.
This is a wonderful video featuring SLASH playing guitar in an apartment building with Blackstreet (and other residents) on the floors below. If you haven't seen it, head over to SLASH's Videos (return to the Main Menu from here and select SLASH's Videos).

European fans were able to see and read some interviews not available to other SLASH fans. A reporter for a Finnish paper asked SLASH for some tips for a healthy life. SLASH replied that in LA he was in a bar where you couldn't smoke, but European bars still permit smoking. So, SLASH said his tip for a healthy life is to move to Europe! And then he lit another cigarette! SLASH, the US is not ready to let you leave! US fans will be glad to pour you a drink and light your cigarettes in their homes! Get back to where you once belonged!

Next, SLASH will be appearing in Amsterdam with Teddy Andreadis and Johnny Griparic to play a (mini)Blues Ball set with some musicians from the Netherlands substituting for the rest of the regular Blues Ball gang. This will be a benefit concert for guitarist Jason Becker. Also appearing will be Zakk Wylde, Sepultura's Andreas Kisser, and The Project. Jason Becker suffers from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) which causes progressive paralysis in the body but leaves the mind intact. ALS has no cure. Jason has an album out, Perspective, that he took 5 years to record using a special computer. GUITARISTS.COM was Jason's home on the web. The site now just consists of this banner. A sad end to the career of the young man who loved speed metal and once played in David Lee Roth's band. Come out and show Jason some support and see our guy SLASH. The gig is November 16 at the Paradiso, Amsterdam. Tickets go on sale October 25.

Fans at the concert report that SLASH did an awesome show. Blues Ball started with Stone Free and played a one hour blues set. Teddy Andreadis was in excellent voice, and the fans had a great time listening to Blues Ball (and untying SLASH's shoes)! Afterwards, he said he had a f*ckin' great time and was sorry he could only play for an hour. Zakk Wylde did some amazing guitar playing behind his back and with his teeth!

If you follow NFL football at all, you know the Pittsburgh Steelers have a player, Kordell Stewart, whose nickname is SLASH! Stewart was nicknamed by the Steeler coach when he was playing so many positions: QB/WR/RB. Stewart now plays QB only for the Steelers, but some still call him Slash.

ESPN had the idea of doing a short sports feature before the next Steeler game they broadcast on November 9 (Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore). This would feature two cool guys who both play super well and are both named SLASH! So guess which cool SLASH came to Pittsburgh?? That's right, OUR SLASH! If you have been to the Steel City, here's where SLASH was filmed: Mt. Washington (overlooks the three rivers and the stadium), at the fountain at Point State Park, downtown in the old Allegheny County Jail (where Silence of the Lambs and Mrs. Soffa's jail scenes were filmed), US Steel Mill, Three Rivers Stadium, and in the Steelers dressing room. Jizz Da Pit from It's Five O'Clock Somewhere will be the music used. SLASH is said to have loved Pittsburgh! So maybe he'll come back and see us again another day. We still have Stewart, and maybe they will become friends, and then Slash will want to hang out here, and.....!!!!!!!!! Get those vcrs ready to record! Best football game of the season coming up!

Update: The SLASH film was shown on ESPN at the start of the Pittsburgh/Baltimore game on November 9 at 8pm. SLASH was so great! He really rocked Pittsburgh. The caption said "SLASH - formerly of Guns N'Roses". And then they showed Kordell Stewart and it said "Slash - formerly RB/WR". To see the whole thing, go to SLASH's Videos Page. Return to Main Menu, click on Videos, and scroll down. Use your backarrow key to return right here for more SLASH news!

The second issue of Yesterdaze, a Japanese GNR newsletter, is now available! If you've been looking for something new to read about the Gunners, here's the mag for you. The magazine is beautifully bound and has a cool picture of (who else??) SLASH on the cover! A special section is devoted to the SLASH's Blues Ball tour, and there are other sections with news, discographies, and some great stories! On the back cover is a super Duff picture, and inside there is picture after picture. Most of the magazine is in Japanese, but if your Japanese is not too hot, you can still enjoy Yesterdaze! The magazine is a collector's dream - a strictly limited edition of 300 with each copy numbered! So get yours now and check out what editor Tetsuya Wakamatsu has to say. He's a huge SLASH fan, too! For information on buying a copy, contact Tetsuya at:

Yesterdaze@cup.com

Canadians will get to see SLASH on TV!Tune in MuchMusic on Sunday, November 9 at 8 pm. There's a special on called "Wired for Sound: A Guitar Odyssey". It's a history of the Gibson guitar and the mark it's left on the music industry.

Interviews and performances are part of the show. SLASH is on as well as his pal, Joe Perry. Steve Windwood, Randy Bachman, Joe Walsh, John Entwistle, Bob Weir are just some of the guys on the program. Some of rock's greatest axmen - be there!

When SLASH's Snakepit was touring, the rockin' drummer was Brian Tichy. Brian's been doing some new things professionally and personally. Recently, Brian was married in Boston to his longstanding girlfriend. Congratulations, Brian! And professionally, Brian has been busy. Currently he is working with a great band called Nicklebag. The lead singer is Bernard Fowler who is singing backup vocals for the Stones on their Bridges to Babylon tour. Brian and SLASH were close during the Snakepit tour, and SLASH is sure to be wishing Brian and his new bride all the best.

On January 28, SLASH's Blues Ball will be playing back at the Cajun House in Phoenix, Arizona. This gig is meant to be a warm up show for the band's NAMM Convention show at the Roxy. Even SLASH does rehearsals! This will be the last really public sign of Blues Ball. The Roxy show is mostly private. And Blues Ball gets rolled away for a long time - maybe coming out for some one-offs now and then, but basically gone. Don't let them roll away without saying goodbye!

SLASH appeared at the NAMM conference at the LA Convention Center at the end of January. SLASH went there to support the companies that endorse him. The companies like to have SLASH there as it shows how good their products are if this terrific musician uses them. So SLASH is basically doing a huge meet and greet at NAMM; and he signs uncounted autographs, shakes a million hands, has his picture taken, etc. at each of his endorser's booths. SLASH appeared at these booths: Seymour Duncan (pickups, wah-wah), Dunlop (picks), Monster Cable (cables for the studio and on the road), Gibson (guitars!!), Marshall (amps!), Guild (acoustic guitars), and Ernie Ball (strings). SLASH can talk about how he uses a product if you are interested, and you can get his autograph, too. In addition to dealer and fan attendees, SLASH runs into so many people he knows such as people in the media, photographers, other musicians and their managers. SLASH had VERY LONG lines wherever he went which is great to hear. After a long day at NAMM, SLASH went off to the Viper Room with Rod Jackson and jammed with Teddy Andreadis. Wish we could have been there!

Just wanted to remind everyone in Southern California that tonight, Friday, February 5, SLASH's Snakepit opens at Cabo Wabo in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Still have time to get there! This is the public opening night...what a wonderful event to be a part of! If you go to a Snakepit show, be sure to let us know how it was! And don't forget that at 7:30 pm on Saturday, February 6, MTV will have a special on about the Sundance Film Festival, but also included is a lot of stuff about SLASH. MTV followed him around during his day there, and you can see SLASH going to dinner, getting bounced out for smoking, drinking something that looked really good, and many other interesting SLASH events! You know MTV will re-run it. It was called Hollywood Tomorrow.

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