If you're near a TV in the US on New Year's Eve...or better still, if
you're near Washington, D.C., get ready to
We've just learned from SLASH's management that SLASH will be rockin' the
President and guests this weekend on a stage by the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial.
Right now workers are setting up the huge stage with a ton of marble
scenery, three screens, miles of cable and 75 generators for heat and light.
Hosted by Will Smith, the stage show is produced by Quincy Jones, the one
who approached SLASH about playing for the President, guests and the public.
It should be a mammoth affair. You'll want to tune in to CBS beginning
at 10 pm eastern time, December 31.
PLEASE NOTE! SLASH WILL NOT BE PLAYING WITH THE BAND
DESCRIBED BELOW. SLASH WILL BE PART OF THE FINALE AT THE END OF
THE SHOW. THIS SHOULD BE BETWEEN 12:30 AND 1:00 AM EASTERN TIME.
As The New Yorker says, "Musicians lead
complicated lives. It is therefore always advisable to call ahead
to confirm engagements".
The show is divided into segments.
There are no trendy techno or industrial segments, but they do have good old
rock and roll!! And who better to exemplify that than SLASH?
SLASH will be playing on
three songs. A band has been put together for the occasion: SLASH
and Vernon Reed (Living Color)on guitars, Kenny Aronoff (John
Mellencamp) on drums,
Edgar Winter on sax, and Nathan East
on bass. Vocals by John Fogerty. The three songs are "Proud Mary", "Travelin' Band", and
"Johnny B Good". Every band member is truly outstanding, so you'll see
a fantastic 8 minute show.
We asked what SLASH
would be wearing as this is a black tie event. Not black tie for our
SLASH! But he will be wearing his top hat. He is really busy today
working with the other musicians, learning the songs, and maybe thinking about
how cold his hands are going to be onstage. D.C. will be in the 30s
tomorrow night, but there will be heat onstage.
SLASH hung out with Tom Jones last night after he arrived in D.C. and
pronounced Jones "a cool guy". He said there are celebs everywhere.
SLASH might see a lot of other famous people around: Bobby McFerrin,
Robert Duvall, Don McLean, Kenny Rogers, Luther Vandross, Diane
Keaton and more. Performing for Washington and the nation is a huge
honor. We're so proud of SLASH! Get those VCRs ready to roll!
Happy New Year To All Of You!
Happy New Year, SLASH!
SLASH has been
busy lately getting some promotional work underway for Ain't Life Grand.
He's done four photo shoots and interviews in just a few days. He said
we should be seeing these in magazines after the first of the year.
We also have some information on Izzy's new album, Ride On.
The album has only been released in Japan so far, and there's no word that
there will be additional releases. We've learned of a source in Japan
that is reliable and fast, CD Japan. They are located at this url:
www.cdjapan.co.jp. While you're picking up Izzy's album there, you might
also get the Japanese release of GNR's Live Era '87-'93. This
is the only place to get "Coma" on CD. "Coma" does appear on the vinyl
release, so if you can play vinyl, get the lp for the larger
graphics.
We try to keep you up to date with books about SLASH. These two are guitar
books and can help you play the GNR songs like SLASH! The Guns N'Roses
Riff by Riff book is from Cherry Lane Music in 1993. This one has
a band history, a discussion of GNR's music, and many photos. The meat
of the book is the annotated excerpts from the albums, Appetite
for Destruction, GNR Lies, and Use Your Illusion I & II.
Not only SLASH's guitar parts are here but also Izzy's. If your band
just isn't sounding enough like GNR, give this book a try.
The second book is The Best of Guns N'Roses: A Step-By-Step
Breakdown of the Guitar Styles and Techniques of SLASH by Jeff Perrin.
This book comes with a CD to provide an audio assist to the written
material. Some of GNR's most memorable riffs and solos are taken from
all four GNR albums. Performance notes are included for each example as
are guitar tabs. This book can give a real boost to your solo GNR
work! Both books can be found at Barnes and Noble, www.bn.com. We
also found one at Border's, www.borders.com. These are very reputable
businesses with great service. And both have many other GNR titles for sale.
Hope everyone had
a great holiday! If you're looking toward New Year's Eve, so is SLASH.
He has been offered a gig that night, but the details are still being worked
out. He may or may not be doing this show; but if he is, we'll try to have
the details to you right away. What a great way to celebrate the
Millenium...with SLASH!
SLASH talked about some of the things that have been printed on the net
about the new album. We have a couple of corrections for you and some
additional information. You may have read that a singer/rapper called
Raya Beam is guesting on the album. She's doing the intro to "Mean Bone",
and we're told that Jack Douglas found Ms. Beam. Evidently, she is a
low key lady unlike most singers! SLASH says she is very good, and he
had a chance to meet her. There are 14 tracks on the album. It is doubtful
this will be reduced although some tracks may be replaced with others. This
is part of the negotiation with the record label as they try to make the
album as marketable as possible. Personally, we'd rather just have what
SLASH selects. Ain't Life Grand will be released in CD and vinyl
format. It's possible that cassettes may not be produced. Once again, Japan
is going to be a winner with a bonus track not available elsewhere. SLASH
is trying to figure out a way to get that bonus track to the rest of us -
with a single or something. The tour might not be mainly clubs this time,
and another difference is that the opening band might be taken along with
Snakepit instead of using local bands at each stop. The world tour will
almost certainly begin internationally and not in the US. The US will be
on the tour list, don't worry! We just won't be first.
We see some good areas for discussion here. Not too much is in concrete
just yet, but it looks to us like the label is backing SLASH with
pretour discussions and assistance. We're anxious to hear about the
venue size as so many of us were looking forward to seeing the band that
way. SLASH says he'll keep us posted.
During this holiday
season, the spirit of giving is all around us. Recently, SLASH played at
a charity Christmas party for children. Ryan Roxie was there along with
Stefan Adika, bassist for Dad's Porno Mag. Other band members rounded out
the group. They played "Frosty the Snowman" and "Jingle Bells". SLASH
didn't know those songs beforehand, but he learned them quickly and made
them rock! Guitar players need some seasonal music in their repertoire!
The party was great, the kids were happy, and SLASH had a good time, too.
Sometimes instead of his time and talent, SLASH will give away some
belongings to charity auctions. Right now, you can pick up the hat
SLASH wore in the Dead poster at right. He also wore this during the
"Yesterdays" video! And a letter handwritten by SLASH explaining where
he wore the hat is included, and it's signed SLASH 99/2000. Experts
value this item at $1000. SLASH donated his hat to VH1 Save the Music,
a nonprofit foundation whose aim is to restore music programs to the
public schools. Want to have a look and maybe bid on the hat? Click
the tophat:
And now a gift to all the SLASH fans from the SLASH page. This is just
a wonderful SLASH screensaver created for us by Eric Draven. There are
large pictures of SLASH, some interesting SLASH quotes, and music by
Snakepit 95 ("Be The Ball" written by SLASH). We hope you will enjoy it
as much as we do. Thanks to all of you who visited this year and sent
suggestions and questions and comments. SLASH appreciates your loyalty
so much, and we love to hear from you! Eric, thanks again for making
this great screensaver.
Here's what you do. Click on the Christmas tree below and it will start to
download the screensaver to your PC (Windows only). Save it in C:\Temp.
After you've captured it, go to C:\Temp and doubleclick on the saved file
name. It will install the Slash screensaver for you.
How many times
has SLASH appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone? Here he is
again...with just a few friends! Rolling Stone's "Millenium
Special" issue will be on your newsstand soon. The whole issue revolves
around famous artists of the day. The magazine states that "the cover
photo...is a collage of icons rubbing elbows in some cosmic crash pad in the
sky....[the cover shows] a party and captures that kind of anarchy and
chaos and sexuality". The cover is 2 full pages wide, and we're showing
you a small part here with Our Guy, SLASH. Can you find him? Of course,
SLASH is on the guest list for all parties! We have him on our Millenium
Party list just in
case he's free!
"Our attitude epitomizes what rock is all about. At least what I
think rock and roll is all about, which is all that matters".....SLASH
MTV 11/9/99 3:30pm ET "Total Request Live"
CONTEST QUESTIONS:
Remember this guy?
Of course, it's Izzy Stradlin. And if you've been wondering "Where's
Izzy?", we can enlighten you. One of our favorite rhythm guitar players
has come out with his third album. It was released December 16 in Japan
only at this time. Ride On is the title, and the band members are
Duff (!!!), Rick Richards, Tax Bentley. The record company made a quick
decision to release the album during all the GNR album publicity. The
ten tracks are: "Ride On"/"California"/"Spaced"/"Primitive Man"/Transmission/
"Needles"/"The Glover"/"Here Comes the Rain"/"Hometown"/"Highway Zero".
We'd like to find a copy under our Christmas tree! Keep a lookout for
Ride On, and we can all hope that Izzy will tour in support of this
one. Thanks to Tetsuya Wakamatsu for all the details.
Speaking of albums,
Anthology is the Ramones' new box set. We found this obscure
SLASH reference in the liner notes. It mentions that SLASH learned how
to play guitar from the Ramones' Road to Ruin album. Here's the
full quote:
"People liked Road to Ruin," Stasium insists. "I was talking to
SLASH of Guns N'Roses once, and he's like "dude, that's the best record
ever. I learned how to play guitar by listening to Road to Ruin".
So you might get yourself a copy if you want to learn to play like SLASH!
Here are some familiar
faces from SLASH's Snakepit! We've been wondering what the guys have been
doing while SLASH is going crazy trying to get the world and promotional
tours set up. Johnny G. and Rod Jackson are chilling, just waiting for
things to come together. Rod, of course, will be traveling with SLASH
on the promo tour. We understand those two did the town in New York while
the album was being mastered and had a "great time". So we know who to
watch out for on the tour! You knew SLASH would be the ringleader of
any "great times", now didn't you?!
A couple of the guys are working.
Matt Laug, Snakepit's drummer, is playing with Venice, his old band and
is doing some session work. If you are out in the L.A. area, look for
Venice performing and tell Matt hello. Now, you knew Ryan Roxie would
be busy, didn't you? Ryan likes to keep really busy. Ryan has two gigs
coming up in L.A. on December 19 and 26. He'll be playing with his band,
GlamNation at The Gig, 7302 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood. (Please note The
Gig is 21 and over). As a former member of Alice Cooper's band, we'll bet
you can guess where Ryan will be for New Year's Eve! Alice is having a
big New Year's show at his club in Phoenix, Arizona. This show promises to
be one of the best of the holiday season; so if you are out that way, head
over to see Ryan Roxie and Alice.
And what about this
goodlookin' guitar player (have you noticed, ladies, that all the band
members are goodlooking?!)? SLASH is working on the tours and going over
the album with the label. He's very busy as always. And he's been approached
on doing some New Year's gigs, but so far nothing is announced. How would
you like to spend New Year's with SLASH? Rock it in, SLASH! When we get
any confirmations of his plans, we'll let you know. One thing is for sure:
we'll be seeing them all really soon on tour!
SLASH announced
that the title of the new SLASH's Snakepit album will be
Ain't Life Grand!! Doesn't that just suit your mental picture of
SLASH?! The album is on the Geffen/Interscope label and is scheduled
for release on February 22. Any changes on that date, we'll let you know,
but it looks very good for now! The promotional tour where SLASH and Rod
visit tv, radio, newspapers internationally will begin after the first of
the year. The world tour will coincide with the album release or possibly
in March. The itinerary is not set so there is no word to us of cities
or countries. We'll post that information here and on a special new
2000 Snakepit section. Finally! The long wait is almost over.
There will be a new GNR Live Era '87-'93 album out very soon in the
US to replace the one with skips and booklet problems. There should be a
new cover on this one, too. You may return your old cd to place of purchase
and exchange it for this one. You might want to keep that old one as a
collector's item and purchase the new one as well. We don't have an exact
availability date, but it should be soon. Watch your record store for that
new cover.
Our favorite music
publication, Q magazine, has a big article in its January 2000
issue about GNR. It's another one of those histories of the band which
goes right up to Axl's phone interview with MTV and SLASH's plan for
the new Snakepit album. Lots of great photos including the one above
which we hadn't seen before. Look at SLASH! He is the centerpoint of the
photo which is much larger in the magazine. There is also a review of
Live Era '87-'93 which seemed fair on the whole as they rated it
at three stars. Q is a UK publication, but it is available at
larger newsstands in the US and hopefully other countries.
Last year SLASH
did some soundtrack work on a film for the indie film festival, Slamdance.
This year he's moved up to the most important indie film festival in the
world, Sundance. Sundance is held in Park City, Utah every year where
actors and actresses rub shoulders with film buffs and fans. The population
swells by 12,000 during these ten days. The film will also be submitted
to the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France.
SLASH is a friend of Charlie Sheen, and Sheen and brother Emilio Estevez
are submitting their film, Rated X to the festival. SLASH
played about a minute (two, thirty second pieces each) on the soundtrack
(all of which we hope will be retained by Tyler Bates, soundtrack
producer). Rated X is produced by Showtime, directed by and starring
Estevez and Sheen.
Rated X is the story of porn kings Jim and Artie Mitchell who owned
the O'Farrell Theater in San Francisco.
SLASH says the film has a
personal importance for him. He and Steven Adler used to hang out at
the O'Farrell which SLASH describes as a strip bar, porno film place,
theater and just about anything to do with sex. SLASH explained that
one of the brothers went insane, and he was killed by the other who
subsequently went to jail. As bizarre and sordid as this seems, SLASH
says it is actually a sad story. With SLASH, Sheen, and Estevez, we
could have a winner here!
Recently we've seen
SLASH on MTV, heard interviews on the radio, and read what he has to say
in guitar magazines. We also found some SLASH mentions at our local
bookstore. The Complete Encyclopedia of the Guitar is a big coffee
table-sized book with some great SLASH information. Edited by Terry
Burrows, this book is a definitive guide to the world's most popular
instrument, the guitar. It covers everything from the birth and evolution
of the guitar to the A-Z of guitarists. In the "Star Guitars" section is
the Les Paul, and there's a wonderful picture of SLASH with his low-slung
Les Paul Standard. 
Guitar World
Presents: Private Lessons has another SLASH mention. This book is
not as thick as the Encyclopedia of the Guitar but it has a more
specific purpose: private guitar lessons with some of today's guitar heroes.
Lessons are with Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen, Nuno Bettencourt, Dave
Mustaine and many more including SLASH! In SLASH's lesson, he offers
insights on the art of vibrato, the importance of string muting, and
avoidance of standard rock licks. There are 12 small pictures of SLASH's
hands and guitar but unfortunately not his head!
In case you're keeping track of what SLASH is doing on the Snakepit album
now that the label has its copy, he and his brother Ash are working on
the artwork for the album. Ash Hudson has his own graphics art company,
and he did the artwork for It's Five O'Clock Somewhere in
collaboration with SLASH. SLASH has an album title to work with now
(although we are not permitted to reveal it - SLASH wants to have that
honor), so the brothers are working hard on the CD booklet. And for
those of you who have asked, we still don't have the tour itinerary.
We're hoping for something on the promotional tour soon. Stay tuned!
SLASH was on the E! TV
channel again this week. The show was True Hollywood Stories, and
this was another where the subject's artistic excellence took a
back seat to the sordid and negative aspects of their lives. Sam Kinison,
described by many as a comedic genius, was also a friend to many in the
LA rock bands. One friend was SLASH. SLASH appeared on two albums and
one video for Kinison (see SLASH Discography). Kinison was a substance
and alcohol abuser who died in a 1992 car accident while sober and
drug free. He and his new bride were on their way to Las Vegas for a
gig when their car was struck headon. A sad ending for a very talented man. SLASH appears on
the E! show commenting on Sam Kinison, his life and their friendship.
The show will no doubt air again and again. We'll try to give you
advance warning next time. In the meantime, you might want to check
out the "Wild Thing" video where SLASH played guitar and appeared with
Sam and his then-girlfriend, the notorious Jessica Hahn.
Did you catch SLASH
on MTV last night? He was one of several guest celebrities hosting the
MTV Top 100 Videos program. It appears that instead of each being on
the whole hour, that each will be on every night! SLASH introduced two
videos last night and made two comments on videos in general. Looking
extremely cool and well-dressed in a beautiful black with white pinstripe
jacket (like a suit coat), jeans, jewelry, black hat, SLASH was drop
dead goodlooking and articulate! Great to see him on every night! The
show airs 8-9pm eastern time, but it repeats often during the following
day. Can't wait for that tour! Bring that outfit, SLASH!
Ladies, how would you like to find this guy under your tree? Pretty sexy
outfit, SLASH! SLASH has done so much for his fans. He's written
wonderful music, put on great performances, and done autographs till his
hand aches! The other day SLASH was on his way to the record company to
pick up his fan mail, and we wondered if there would be much there for
him. Many fans have gotten their autographs, and everyone is so busy this
time of the year.
Seems too bad if SLASH goes for his mail, and there isn't much there! We got the idea of
sending SLASH a Christmas card...not asking for anything...just saying
thanks or have a great holiday or good luck on the forthcoming tour! If
you can join us in this, that would be great...maybe we can fill his studio
with Christmas and New Year's and other greeting cards! He really does like
getting your mail. You might use this chance to tell him where you want him
to play on tour. If you want to send something, send HIM a guitar pick!
Or draw a picture of YOU at a show. Or send a pack of Marlboros. Here's
the address right here. When you send out your cards, don't forget there
is one curly haired guitarist that should be on YOUR list! Send to:
P.O. Box 93458
Los Angeles, CA
90093-3458
In today's SLASH news, we have several items. First, the SLASH page
wishes everyone Happy Holidays! And so does SLASH. To hear SLASH's
holiday greetings go to the home page (Happy Holidays!) and scroll
down just a litte. We hope you like our holiday decorations.
When you're out shopping this season, look for the January 2000 issue of
Spin. There's mention of the GNR live album, SLASH at NetAid, and
Snakepit (with photo). Thanks, Bruce for letting us know.
Last item...US fans who bought Live Era '87-'91 are finding problems
with their CDs including a skip on the "Paradise City" track, track list
reversals on the CD booklet, and two photos printed backward. The skip
may sound like a loop, but it was not intended to be there. The booklet
was intended to be correct. "Out Ta Get Me"? The pressing plant in Hong
Kong takes the blame for the skip. It appears that someone at the label
got the pictures and tracks reversed. Cassettes and vinyl seem to be fine.
Many fans are disappointed that "Coma" is only to be found on the very
expensive Japanese import,and there is no listing as to concert date
and venue. We've passed on your complaints to SLASH. Other band members
are aware of the problems, too. To date, we have been told that you can
return your CD to the dealer that sold it to you. US fans should be
aware they may just get another one like the one they turned in. There
are some thoughts on how to correct all of this, but at this time it is
unclear whether fans will have to buy additional CDs to get working,
complete copies. The decision has yet to be announced, so hold your
CDs till we all get the word.
The big headline above is a reminder that SLASH will host one evening
of this six part show on MTV this week. Each night there will be a
one part episode. We don't know which night is SLASH night, but we'll
be watching and taping starting Monday night, December 6 at 8 pm
Eastern Time. SLASH introduces videos, and there is said to be an
interview with him also! Forget Monday Night Football when you might
see SLASH! They told Our Guy to read the cue cards, but he said forget
that...he read them over and what you hear are SLASH's words not
MTV-speak. A full hour with SLASH and top videos...how can you lose?
By the way, GNR has three videos in the Top 100! More SLASH viewing!
See that man rock! GNR is tied for most videos on the show. You never
doubted that for a second, did you? If you'd like to see some clips
of the Top 100 videos, artist pictures, band information, we've got a
link for you. Read about the show and get a list of the Top 100 in
the December 4-10 issue of TV Guide. All this and SLASH, too!
"When's SLASH going back to Guns N'Roses?" We hear that a lot. The
short term answer is "he's not", and in the long run, you need a crystal
ball. SLASH wants to be in a rock and roll band. Axl's not selling that
right now, thank you very much. So the two really don't have a lot of
musical common ground. But, Oh When They Did! Did you get your copy of
Live Era '87-'91? If you haven't, get out there and get it! A
double CD of the Gunners, and it rocks! If you aren't up on your feet
singing and dancing in the opening minute of "Nightrain", you've lost
your grip on rock and roll. Live Era is all about when Guns
ruled the charts and the world and got airplay on demand.
There are
cuts from the band's younger days, and these might be the finest to
have on hand. Bootlegs from '87 tend to be in the thousands of generations.
You have never heard them so clearly. "Welcome to the Jungle" has to
be heard to be believed. The tracks click along like magic, and you'll
hear the best live band LIVE. Everyone's got a favorite, but everyone
mentions "Rocket Queen" as the one where SLASH just burns the stage down.
SLASH does a solo on each song, and they are slightly different than
the album solos. Lots and lots of great music. We can't say enough about
it. It's been released all over the world - for the Guns fans all over
the world. Don't miss Live Era in all three forms...start with the
double CD, then get the vinyl (to have the "Coma" track), and the cassettes
are great for the beach or in your old car. SLASH is going to be out there
promoting this one big time. It's a work of love from the band that is no
more. They're saying goodbye to you. Make sure you hear it.
SLASH is mentioned
in at least three guitar magazines this month. At right is the cover of
Guitar World which has the best coverage. In addition to a seven
page article covering the history of the band and featuring lots of color
photographs, there is a pull out poster
of Axl and SLASH, and a full page back cover ad featuring SLASH.
At left is the cover
of the January 2000 issue of Hit Parader where the entire issue
focuses on the "metal millenium". SLASH is listed as one of the Top 100
Stars of the millenium. We'll drink to that! They say "...SLASH just exudes
rock and roll", a great characterization of Our Man. There's another list,
the Top 100 CDs of All Time. Use Your Illusion I and II hold down
the number 27 spot. And sitting at number 1 is Appetite for Destruction!
Finally, GuitarOne has an article about guitar in the
twentieth century in their January 2000 issue. They say that "new directions
in rock and metal music were introduced ... [by] Metallica and ...Guns N'Roses".
Lots of coverage for GNR and SLASH as we reach the end of the
millenium. You can bet money that SLASH will keep the presses hot in the
next!
There was a nice
article about Ryan Roxie by Mitch Lafon in an online publication.
Ryan is, of course, a guitarist in SLASH's Snakepit, and this article gives
more details on his professional career. Lafon says Ryan is ex-Electric
Angels, has toured with Alice Cooper and appeared on Alice's album, A
Fistful of Alice (so did SLASH). Ryan is asked about SLASH's Snakepit's
new album and says that it "is going to be a really important record in the
year 2000. It's the first real rock 'n' roll record in years. SLASH writes
amazing riffs".
Ryan will be touring with Snakepit, and he says that people
will really like singer Rod Jackson's voice which he characterizes as a blend
of rock and soul. In the period between his part in the Snakepit recording
and the forthcoming tour, Ryan is like SLASH in that he has to be busy.
He will be recording with Alice Cooper again on his upcoming Spitfire Records
album. Ryan is busy in GlamNation, a show celebrating glam rock. Some other
GlamNation band members are Eric Singer (ex-Alice Cooper, ex-Kiss) and Eric Dover (ex-Snakepit
vocalist). Ryan has another band called Dad's Porno Mag or DPM. In DPM
Ryan is lead guitarist and he's joined by Gilby Clarke (ex-GNR, ex-Snakepit).
DPM will release a debut album in early 2000 on the Robison Records label.
Lots of Snakepit fans are big Ryan Roxie fans. If you want to see what
Ryan's up to with DPM or other side projects, check
Ryan Roxie. We're glad
to have you in SLASH's Snakepit, Ryan! (Thanks to Mitch Lafon).
Just a few days left till the release of the first live GNR album ever!
This is Live Era '87-'93, what may be the last album from the
spectacular Gunners: SLASH, Duff, Izzy, Steven, Gilby, Matt and Axl.
We've got the track list for you here, and you can preorder the album
at any number of locations on the web. SLASH worked on the mixing along
with Duff. The album is available on cassette, CD and vinyl. Albums
in Japan and possibly others outside the US have an extra
track, and it's "Coma"! Here's the track list for this double cd
album:
CD 1 CD2
Nightrain Out Ta Get Me
Mr. Brownstone Pretty Tied Up
It's So Easy Yesterdays
Welcome to the Jungle Move to the City
Dust N'Bones You Could Be Mine
My Michelle Rocket Queen
You're Crazy Sweet Child O'Mine
Used To Love Her Knockin' On Heaven's Door
Patience Don't Cry
It's Alright Estranged
November Rain Paradise City
Coma -Japanese only
SLASH has appeared on so many magazine covers and done so many magazine
interviews and had so many mentions that SLASH collectors have stacks
and stacks of magazines waiting to be read or clipped. The Rolling
Stone at left is definitely a requirement for any collection. You
have the opportunity to get some more magazines! The January issue
of Guitar World is a must. Gunner and Chris tell us that there
is a 7 page GNR article as well as an ad for the live album, and a
two page poster of SLASH and Axl from 1987. They say the band pictures
are awesome! On the back cover, see more SLASH in the ad for Korg Guitar
tuners. It should be at the newstand very soon!
Rolling Stone's forthcoming 12/16-23 issue has a big section on their
photojournalism. There's one GNR photo here, Axl sitting on a pool table
in 1988. This was taken at a biker bar in New Jersey. The whole band was
there. The photographer is less than enthusiastic about GNR; but when you
read the article about where the shot was taken...well, it's hard to
imagine the Gunners being thrilled. SLASH has a quote in large font which
we repeat below:
Get this Rolling Stone for the SLASH mention as well as all the
other great photos.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has an exhibit of significant
historic rock clothing on display through March 2000. The Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame put it together, and it's sponsored by Tommy Hilfiger. The
show is called "Rock Style", and there's a book coming out by the same
name. The Hall of Fame pictures SLASH's leather jacket with the skull
(copy of his left upper arm tattoo). The exhibit will move from the
Met to the HOF in Cleveland, Ohio and be there all summer. Rolling
Stone has some coverage of the exhibit in the above December issue but
there is no GNR mention there.
CDNOW Music News reported a conversation with SLASH's management. What
you may have read is a little off the mark as to what was said. Here's
what should have been reported. The Snakepit album will come out between
February 15 and March 15 depending on the record company and band schedules.
The February 15 date is what SLASH and company would like, but it's no
problem to delay into March. The album is basically ready to hand into
the label this week. As for the work with Michael Jackson CDNOW reported,
that's just a possibility not a planned and scheduled arrangement. The
reality of its happening is.."who knows", and while Michael is working
away on his album, it's not clear whether SLASH can or will be a part of
it.
In other SLASH news...
SLASH did a photo session with his buddy Duff for Burrn magazine, and
SLASH did another for Guild Guitars. There was a Snakepit band meeting to
listen to the mixed and mastered album (pronounced f*ckin' great, no doubt!) and to do
band photos which may or may not be part of the album artwork. SLASH
and the gang have started intensive work with the label this week
although Thanksgiving will give them a break. To all the Snakepit guys
and management...and especially to SLASH:
Here's additional information on SLASH's upcoming MTV appearance. MTV
will be airing "The 100 Greatest Videos Ever Made" December 6 through
the 10th from 8-9pm (ET) every night. 48 hours of special programming
will be aired around this. The Top 100 were selected out of over
15,000 videos played during MTV's history. Guns N'Roses' spectacular
videos are in the running, and GNR is tied for the most videos in the
Top 100! That's great news, and SLASH is one of the hosts of the show!
Other hosts are Michael Stipe, Billy Corrigan, L L Cool J, Eurythmics
and more. Get in a supply of tapes because you'll be seeing music
video history. And SLASH will be there with his thoughts and intros
to some of the videos. An excellent way to rock into the holiday season!
And speaking of top lists and SLASH, pick up a copy of the December issue
of Guitar One for the best riffs of the century during the last 25
years of rock. This ip the big SLASH era, and he is cited for GNR's
1987 "Sweet Child of Mine". It says that GNR vid`os highlighted Axl
Rose's charisma and lead guitarist SLASH's mysterious persona. There's
a couple of good paragraphs telling you how to play that unmistakable
introduction. And an onstage picture of SLASH drenched in sweat and
driving his Les Paul. Good work, SLASH!
Last night the
Los Angeles Music Awards honored SLASH with its Rothchild Award. The
award was presented by Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (ex Steely Dan, Doobie Br`thers)
and the Awards creator/director Brent Harvey. The Hous` of Blues was
packed, and SLASH arrived 10 minutes before going on. SLASH didn't seem
to know what to say, so he lit up a cigarette and looked at the Award. After
a few words, he simply said thank you and went offstage.
Paul Rodgers then
received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and he did three songs with his
band (time was now after 11:30pm PT): "Can't Get Enough", "Blue" and "Rock and
Roll Fantasy". Then SLASH and Steve Lukather (ex Toto) joined Paul and
his band for "Muddy Water Blues" which ended phe evening.
It was a long day for SLASH. He started in NYC and flew into LA about
noon. There was a Snakepit band meeting in the afternoon, then he had
soundcheck at HOB, and the whole Snakepit band went to the show together.
The band felt good back together again after SLASH's absence in NYC.
The group is a genuine team now and are looking forward to the new album
and especially touring again.
Thanks to Ravi and SLASH's management for this information. The webcast
will air Thursday, November 25 (Thanksgiving) beginning at 7pm PT. Check
www.hob.com or www.lamusicawards.com for software and also for the webcast
itself. And once more,
Today we have three news items about SLASH. He's an international favorite,
and there are events here for Japanese, UK and US fans to watch for. Starting
with Japan, SLASH and Duff will do an interview this Saturday with Burrn
magazine! The interviews will be published in the January issue and continue
in the February issue. Burrn is almost entirely written in Japanese,
but even if you can't read it, the pictures are always great. If any
Japanese fan would `are to send us a synopsis of the interviews, we'd
be grateful and would print them right here. Thanks!
For fans in the UK, SLASH's country of origin, you are going to be seeing
SLASH in a special about US stadium bands. Many bands will be
included such as Aerosmith, Kiss, Van H`len, and, of course, Guns N'Roses!
The biggest artists will be on the show talking about their memories and
experiences, and who better to describe the Gunners than SLASH! As we
have the details here, SLASH will film this on December 6, and the show
will air in February 2000. We be`ieve this is a weekly show, but we don't
have the show's name, the exact date or time. If anyone in the UK gets
more information, we'd be pleased to have it and publish it here so no one
misses the chance to see SLASH! This show is UK only! If you can make
a tape off the tv and get it to us, we'd love to put it on the SLASH
Videos section. Get in touch with us at the SLASH page. Thanks!
For the US fans, SLASH will be on MTV in December MTV has a program
every yearend called the Top 100 Videos of All Time. SLASH will host
part of the program and be interviewed. We understand that he is cool
with doing the interview, but MTV wants him to use cue cards when he
hosts the show. You know SLASH doesn't like that! He wants to tell you
things in HIS way, not the MTV way! We'll see what happens on this. We
think SLASH will agree to cue cards and then just wing it. So if he
disappears after the first commercial, you'll know MTV took him away!
This is all we have for now, so we are missing the date and time. If
you hear anything on this one, let us know!
BONUS SLASH ITEM! We had a fourth item for you! SLASH has done an
interview with one of the guitar magazines, and it should be on the
newsstands very soon. We are not sure of the title...Guitar World
or Guitar Player most likely, but we just don't have the title.
So if the guitarists out there would watch for it, and let us know; we
can pass the information on to everyone. Thanks!
We asked for your help quite a bit, so let's give you the place to get
in touch with us. Click this to send us mail:
Did you miss seeing
SLASH at NetAid? It's not too late! NetAid has more clips up at their
website. One is a 4 hour clip of the whole show. Go to www.netaid.com,
click on Concert Clips, then The Best of NetAid. This 4 hour show comes
in 2 clips. If you just want to see the SLASH part, switch to Clip 2 by
clicking on Playlist and selecting Clip 2. There's a long ad, then one
act, and then SLASH! There's a nice picture of SLASH with Puff Daddy
under Pictures, then Puff Daddy. Enjoy!
Another webcast that involves SLASH is the Los Angeles Music Awards. The
Awards are to be on Thursday, November 18, 7pm Pacific Time. We've learned
that SLASH will definitely perform with Paul Rodgers - just a song or two.
And these two will be getting their awards which will be great to see. The
acceptance speeches should be pretty cool. If you are going to the show,
be advised that SLASH and Paul Rodgers will not go on till 10:30 pm. And
their awards will be the last given. If you were planning to watch the
show on the webcast, there has been a change. The webcast will NOT be
live on the 18th. It is now scheduled for November 25 at 6 or 7 pm(website
lists both times). November 25 is Thanksgiving Day, but SLASH will not
be on till 3 hours after the start. So grab a turkey leg and pumpkin pie
and watch SLASH get his award!
Scott from the UK
let us know that SLASH is on a CNN program Pinnacle Europe! The
show focused on Jim Marshal of Marshall amps fame, and SLASH's Snakepit
was shown in the studio where SLASH talked about amps! Scott reported
that he missed what was said, but SLASH did have to get bleeped! The
show should be repeated several times, so European fans should tune in
about 5:30pm(GMT). Scott is not certain of the days it might be on, so
tune in to CNN Europe and look for SLASH! If you catch the show, let us
know what SLASH says. If you can get a tape, that would be wonderful!
Email the SLASH page if you catch the show or could tell us the days for
other fans to tune in. Thank you very much, Scott! SLASH and CNN...that's
great!
Did you see SLASH on VH1's Hard Rock? He looked great and introduced four
videos he had chosen for the show. He led off with AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds
Done Dirt Cheap", a classic. Selecting one from today's videos, SLASH
chose Kid Rock's "Cowboy". There was Jane's Addiction's "Mountain Song",
and finally GNR's "Welcome to the Jungle". Great choices, SLASH! The
host, Cane, asked him how the new album was coming. SLASH reported that
he continues to be in New York working with Producer Jack Douglas and
with George Marino who is doing the mastering. It was a good time
evening; SLASH was relaxed, told some stories and introduced the videos.
It was good to see him again.
Much to the fans'
sadness, you won't be seeing these two onstage together soon. At the MTV
Axl interview, Axl blamed SLASH for his not being able to make a rock
album. Very puzzling to the GNR fans who have listened to or read the
SLASH interviews over the years where he says he tried in vain to get
Axl to agree to make a rock album. For example, the songs written for
Snakepit 95 were offered to Axl and refused since he "wanted to sound like
Pearl Jam". When MTV asked why he couldn't have gotten another guitarist
and made the album, Axl said he couldn't find one like SLASH. An unexpected
compliment! He also claimed no one was fired from GNR, but maybe at least
Gilby (and most likely Matt) would like to discuss that with him. All of
this is disappointing to the fans as it seems like yet another nail in the
coffin of a reconciliation.
Meanwhile SLASH is undeterred by all this controversy. He continues to
forge ahead on his solo career. He flew into LA for one day to tend to
some meetings. He immediately flew back to New York. This guy must have
amazing frequent flyer miles! SLASH is in New York until November 17 at
which point he has to return for the LA Music Awards on the 18th.
One last thing! Don't forget tonight is the big night where
SLASH debuts on VH1 the new GNR video, "Welcome to the Jungle". If you haven't
seen this, you need to be watching. It's excellent and has a lot of SLASH
footage! If you like to see SLASH jump onstage from one level to another,
tune in tonight at 12:30 Eastern to Rock Show! How does he do that?!
SLASH will be on
TV this week several times! Some are new shows; some are repeats. Get some
VCR tapes ready to go. Here's the TV schedule:
Debut of the new "Welcome to the Jungle" video.
Vote to see the WTTJ video today and every day:
WTTJ Video Request
VH1 11/11/99 12:30am ET "RockShow"
SLASH guest hosts this show and debuts the "Welcome to the Jungle"
video on VH1.
USA 11/10/99 9:00pm ET "Private Parts"
Autobiography of Howard Stern. With brief appearance by SLASH and
then wife Renee Suran.
E! 11/12/99 9:00pm ET "Sunset Strip - True Hollywood Story"
Documentary of this area. SLASH is interviewed on the early GNR
experiences here.
That's it for this week! And by the way, check out some artwork on the
radio sampler for the live GNR album. The album goes on sale November 30,
but most music sales spots are taking pre-orders now!
The November 25
issue of Rolling Stone has a SLASH mention in an article reviewing
NetAid. Rolling Stone trashes NetAid management for not turning out
the crowds in Giant Stadium (less than 11,500 attending), but says
the low attendance was due to poor planning and advertisement not the
artists (all of whom donated their time). Rolling Stone cited many
performers, especially Puff Daddy,
for his high energy set. They also mentioned that the "eternally
tophatted SLASH" played guitar on "It's All About the Benjamins". There's
a nice but very small picture of SLASH and Puffy onstage. Rolling Stone
did note that over 2 million people watched on the webcast, the largest
crowd ever. Lots of SLASH fans in the audience, watching on TV, and
on the web. You were great, SLASH!
Big news! SLASH will make two
appearances very soon on VH1. The first appearance is Thursday, November
11. SLASH will appear on Rock Show which airs at 12:30am Eastern
time. SLASH will be hosting the show with Cane, and they'll talk and
play some rock videos including the new "Welcome to the Jungle" video
released in support of the "Live Era '87-'93" album. The show is just
on for half an hour, so stay up late with SLASH!
The second VH1 appearance is on the At Work show where SLASH will
be a guest DJ. At Work is VH1's new 24 hour, internet only radio
station. SLASH will DJ for an hour - wonder if he will take requests?!
The show is being taped soon but it is for future airing. The date is not
decided as yet. We'll let you know as soon as it is available. Meanwhile
head over to VH1's site and get the software you need.
SLASH wants you to know that the "Welcome to the Jungle" video debuts
this Tuesday, November 9 on MTV's Total Request Live. The show
airs from 3:30 to 5:00pm Eastern time. The video will go into rotation
after that. This "Welcome to the Jungle" video is brand new with new
footage of the band. It is being released in support of the live album.
Check it out while you know a definite time to watch and tape MTV!
If you live in the USA
and ordered one of the SLASH's Snakepit '99 Tour Tshirts, you should
know that the mail orders are caught up. You should have your tshirt
order by now. If you live in the USA and
didn't get your tshirt order yet, please
This is a brief update
on the Los Angeles Music Awards which is detailed below. We did some
research about the Paul Rothchild Award which SLASH will receive on November
18. Paul Rothchild was an important figure on the LA music scene and
produced all but one of the Doors' albums. SLASH's award is given to the
musician in the LA area who has made important contributions to music
and to fostering the LA music scene.
The award committee cited SLASH's
extensive work in LA clubs in the early GNR days, his branching out and
working with other professionals (Lenny Kravitz, Michael Monroe, etc.),
his Blues Ball and two Snakepit bands that heavily play in the area, and
his own habit of dropping into almost any LA club and jamming with the
band onstage. Sounds like an excellent choice to us! Congratulations,
SLASH! SLASH is happy about performing with Paul Rodgers and maybe not
so happy about having to take the stage to do a thank you speech. Anyone
who can get there, give SLASH a big hand when he takes that walk to the
podium. Hopefully some of you can get some pictures, too!
There are two other SLASH friends getting awards, and you know both of
them. 
The first is Teddy Andreadis who has worked with GNR, SLASH's
Blues Ball and the current Snakepit. Teddy has done work with many other
fine artists such as Carole King, and he has a band of his own and a record
album out! One of the nicest men in the business, we were pleased that
Teddy is receiving well deserved recognition. The other SLASH friend being
honored is Jimmy Z. If you saw SLASH's Snakepit '99 on tour, you saw
Jimmy making that sax wail. Congratulations, Jimmy and Teddy! If you
are in LA, you have to be at the House of Blues. If you aren't closeby,
then check that www.lamusicawards.com web site and get the software you
need for getting in on the webcast broadcast.
Thursday, November 18,
the 9TH Annual L.A. Music Awards will be held at the House of Blues in
Los Angeles beginning at 8 pm. And if you rush out and get a ticket, you'll
be able to see SLASH! SLASH will be performing with Paul Rodgers, and both
of these outstanding artists will receive an award. Paul Rodgers will be
presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. SLASH will be presented with
the Paul Rothchild Award! We hope lots of fans come and cheer the roof
off when he gets his award.
Tickets are on sale right now
at the box office, at TicketMaster outlets and Online. For those
far away, you can be in the ceremonies, too. House of Blues is providing
a webcast. You need the right software for this, of course. We're going
to give you a link to check out the site. While you're there, take a look
at the Silent Auction merchandise and the list of nominees for the awards.
We should be hearing more very soon as to what SLASH and Paul will be
doing in their part of the show. Take a minute and head over to the
LA Music Awards Page.
We've been
wanting to start a new SLASH Page section on books with SLASH information.
The book at right, Guitars That Shook The
World: A Star-Studded Collection of the World's Most Famous Guitars,
has very interesting SLASH guitar information.
Guitars That Shook The Worldis a 1995 production of Guitar World Magazine
and edited by Brad Tolinski, Harold Steinblatt & Tom Beaujour.
SLASH has two entries
(the Snakepit and Guild Signature Guitars came out after this book): his Les
Paul 1959 Replica and his Guild Doubleneck.
SLASH occupies four pages. There is
a full page picture of each guitar with SLASH explaining the guitars'
unique qualities. About the Replica Les Paul, the book says that
SLASH is widely credited as the musician that brought
back the Les Paul which is ironic since the guitar he used was a Les
Paul Replica. It says the guitar "remains virtually unaltered except for
countless pickup rings pulverized by the guitarist during his celebrated
onstage antics." The Guild Doubleneck solved SLASH's problem of switching
back and forth from electric to acoustic. SLASH thought an acoustic
parked on a stand onstage was lame, so he did something about it. His idea
for a doubleneck acoustic/electric was drawn on a napkin and delivered to
Guild. SLASH explains that this guitar is for the professional musician onstage
because you need two amps that have to be switched back and forth. SLASH
thinks the electric acoustic sound is perfect and used it on "Yesterdays"
and "Don't Cry". For more interesting and helpful information on SLASH
and his world shaking guitars, trace down a copy of this book. And while
you're at it, you can also read similar information from such world class
guitarists as Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Ace Frehley, Jimi Hendrix, John
Lennon, Brian May, Rick Nielsen, Jimmy Page, Les Paul, Johnny Ramone and
many others.
SLASH's hair is
one of his trademarks - like his top hat and a Les Paul. Fans love that mop
of hair, so it's no wonder many people got upset at an item printed in the
New York Post Sightings column. It said SLASH was jamming at Le
Bar Bat in NYC and had his long hair cut off! We spoke to SLASH about this
urgent subject in New York where we tore him away from mixing the new
album long enough for him to say that he simply had his hair in a ponytail tucked
inside his collar. No, he hasn't had a haircut! The Post reporter
also said SLASH said he would be getting GNR back together again. No!
That's wrong, too. SLASH has gotten Snakepit back together. That may be
the source of confusion, or it may have stemmed from his work on the live GNR album. The Post
didn't do well on this report. We like to see SLASH mentioned but with a
little more accuracy. SLASH fans can relax knowing the famous hair and
Snakepit band are safe tonight.
One last thing. If you live near Vegas, SLASH says you might have caught
him on TV last night. SLASH likes to hang out in Vegas, and a TV camera
crew caught up with him. Did they ask him about GNR? His hair? Snakepit?
Nope! They asked him about Halloween. If you saw this and caught
his response, we'd love to hear it. He said he didn't even see them
coming, and he didn't have a standard answer prepared for how he liked
Halloween! So he seems a little blank on what his complete response was.
Next one coming up is Thanksgiving....get ready, SLASH!
Slamdance is an
independent film festival. This year it was held in Utah, and Matt Sorum
was there publicizing the film he worked on, Soundman. Duff and
SLASH came up to lend some support, and the three had a band together
that rocked Slamdance. The other day we gave you a link to a site with
a video from that performance. A friend of ours, Ravi, is a SLASH and
GNR fan. He's found a different video on another site. In this one,
the SLASH/Duff/Matt band (called Guns Without Rose in the media)
plays a GNR concert favorite, "Attitude". Duff does the vocals/bass here
with SLASH on lead guitar and Matt on drums. Good sound and decent quality,
,so if you're ready to check out the Slamdance "Attitude" video,
There are a couple
of good SLASH references that we found today. Rather than reproduce them
here, we'll give you links for these sites. First is Rolling Stone online
again. They've been paying SLASH a lot of attention, and this is based on
the interview he gave them after his NetAid performance. In this article,
you'll find the track list for the Live Album and a glimpse into the
stormy world of GNR today. What's it like to get an album out when some
of the principles aren't communicating at all? A long and interesting
article that we hope you'll take time to read. If you'd like to take a
look at it now, then just
(Note: it it has been moved, scroll to "Yesterday's News" at the bottom and
follow that link)
This great closeup
of SLASH playing guitar was taken at the Slamdance Soundman party. Slamdance was the independent
film festival held in Utah last year. SLASH, Matt and Duff put together
a hot performance to entertain the movie people, and they were the
best, most exciting draw there! We discovered on the net a video clip of
SLASH playing his "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" solo, and we thought you
might like to see it too.
There are some large pictures there - a couple
of SLASH and a nice one with Teddy ZigZag and SLASH. Some gigs really
rock...and this was one of them. The photos and video clip are from Slamdance, Inc.
To see the video and pics,
We've just gotten
the word that the vinyl edition of Live Era '87-'93 will definitely
have an extra track, and the track is "COMA"! This same track will be
found on the European CD and the Japanese CD also. "Civil War" was to
be the extra track on the CDs but the best sounding version was just not
good enough to push "Coma" aside! SLASH did some snazzy guitar work on
this one, and it certainly was a rarity in concert. US fans will have
to get something other than the US version in order to hear "Coma". But
you were buying them all, anyway, weren't you?
SLASH is working
hard on the album, but sometimes he has to take a rest. Then he might head
out to one of those New York City clubs. He's been to Anton Fig's place
with Rod Jackson, and they were blown away by how great the band was. Anton
is the drummer in David Letterman's studio band, in case you thought the
name was familiar. And SLASH went to an old, seedy club where lots of
great bands have started from...CBGB's! He went in for a drink, but
so many people wanted to talk with him that he ended up staying much
longer. SLASH seems unconcerned about wandering the New York streets at
night. He is estimating he'll be done with mixing the album just about November 6. Halloween
in New York? Take care, SLASH!
If you're a GNR
vinyl collector, you know the record at right is the Don't Cry 12". There's
something warm about vinyl sound, and collectors often find unreleased
or extra tracks. Live Era '87 - '93 is due out November 30 in the
US. There are rumors already that the vinyl edition will have some extra
tracks. We have also heard rumors that the European CD will be different
from the US CD with the European version having additional tracks. We checked
this out, but SLASH and company could only confirm that rumors are swirling.
They hope to have further information for us soon. In the meantime, we
have ordered the vinyl and decided to go for the cassette, too!
As you may have guessed there are destined to be singles off the live album.
"It's So Easy" is a good candidate, but when did GNR ever do anything
predictably? There will definitely be another video coming along. This is
"Welcome to the Jungle", but not the video released with Appetite for Destruction.
This video was recorded during the last of the GNR tours. Bracketing
the album with early and late videos makes a lot of sense. The video is
just now in progress with Slash, Duff and others consulting.
Just to keep you up to speed on Snakepit, Rod Jackson has gone back to LA.
SLASH will be there this week and the first week in November (at least).
We heard from one of our favorite band members, Teddy ZigZag, who says the album is a real powerhouse and
that Jack Douglas is a genius as a producer. Thanks, Teddy! He also
confirmed SLASH is still in NYC; we like to have lots of sources confirming
SLASH's whereabouts...he's a hard man to keep track of as you know! SLASH
did say that Snakepit will have a vinyl recording which most likely will be
targeted at the international market. The Snakepit 95 album was made in
the UK and was very tough for the US fans to get. Come on, SLASH, the US
needs some copies, too!
This beautiful
picture of SLASH taken by Anton Corbijn appears in the photographer's
book Star Trak. Brian Eno writes the introduction to this 1996
photography book of pop and music icons. The pictures are primarily black
and white and have a dark, brooding quality in contrast with some of the
smiles and pretty faces. SLASH was included as one of "the enfant
terribles of the eighties and nineties". A beautiful photograph of
SLASH in a beautiful, oversized book.
In the October 1999 issue
of the UK publication, Q, you'll find a two page article about the
St.Louis concert riot on July 2, 1991. Each month Q talks about
a concert from the past using quotes from fans, security, the band. As
Q says, "Having punched a snap-happy biker at a Guns N'Roses show
in St. Louis, Axl Rose lost his contact lens and stormed offstage in a
huff. The ensuing riot left dozens of police bleeding and the band
in fear of their lives."
Three items are in the
SLASH Current Events today. There's a great article on the Rolling Stone
site. SLASH was interviewed after his performance at NetAid. He talks
a little about GNR but mostly about the forthcoming Snakepit album. If
you'd like to
check it out, come back and read more here about SLASH.
Have you seen the new GNR video, "It's So Easy"? The video was released
to promote the forthcoming GNR live double album, "Live Era '87-'93". (Album can
be preordered right now - release date is 11/23/99 in the US). The video
was shot in 1989 at The Cathouse, an LA club. SLASH looks great, and you
can see all the members of the original band. Concert footage is interspersed
with photos from the band's official photographer, Robert John. Right now
the video seems to be on the MTV All Hours show only.
Pick up Guitar World Acoustic, the copy with Sheryl Crow on the
cover, and you'll find "Red, Hot & Blue", an article about acoustic blues
riffs, licks and solos in classic rock. SLASH is pictured there with
Eric Clapton,Jimmy Page, The Black Crowes, Eddie Van Halen and David Lee
Roth. The magazine discusses the verse rhythm part of "Used To Love Her"
and explains how SLASH plays this. Interesting!
In 1993,
Stone Free: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix" came out. SLASH appears on
this album doing "I Don't Live Today" with Paul Rodgers and the Band of
Gypsys. This is a terrific album, and SLASH sounds great. A video was
made of the rehearsals for this track, and SLASH loaned the video so that
everyone who wanted to could see it! It's great! You'll see SLASH with
the Band of Gipsys' Billy Cox (bass) and Buddy Miles (drums). In an interview
disk, Billy Cox said that Jimi was smiling hearing SLASH play his riffs.
And he might even be picking up some new ones from SLASH. SLASH is a
very popular guitarist to work with - great musicianship and the ability to
get along with people and come out of the rehearsal with a work of art. The
video is located in the SLASH Video section - that's at www.snakepit.org,
scroll down to Main Menu. You'll find a change to the Video section - the
videos are now arranged with the most recently posted first. If you would
like to go right now, then just Click Here!
On October 9, 1999, SLASH
performed at NetAid with Puff Daddy. SLASH took Puffy's song, "It's
All About The Benjamins", and changed it from a rapper to a rocker!
If you were there or saw it on TV, you saw SLASH do his familiar
moves in a cool Snakepit leather jacket. You might have noticed he kept
both his jacket and Tshirt on - probably to counter that cool northeast
weather on his LA bones! He had a great time, and Puffy was grateful
to SLASH for coming and rocking the Giant's Stadium audience. If you
saw it, you saw a memorable performance. If you missed it, we're giving
you a chance to see three long clips from the performance - the SLASH
intro before Puffy started rapping, the SLASH guitar solo, and the end
of SLASH's part of the performance. You'll see Puffy hug SLASH and thank
him for the great work. These are big clips so set aside time for loading.
They are located in the Video section. Go to the www.snakepit.org page,
scroll down to Main Menu, and click on SLASH Videos. These, the newest
videos, can be found by scrolling almost to the end of the page. If you'd
like to go right away, we can take you to the Video section now.
Enjoy! SLASH Videos
In case you haven't
heard, the original and real GNR band is releasing what may be its final album next
month. This is the double CD live album that bandmembers put together for
us. SLASH worked on the mixing and is currently finalizing the track list.
The album title, NOT chosen by SLASH, is Live Era '87-'93. SLASH did not
pick that one. We had the same reaction that
he did... sounds like laundry detergent... ERA cleans your clothes, LIVE ERA
really cleans them. We're hoping the content is down and dirtier. Also,
GNR is resurrecting an old, unreleased video, It's So Easy, tuning
it up and getting it out there to help promote the live album sales. There
is a clip on the MTV site you might want to see although this is just a
terrible quality video as are all the ones there. Just click
It's So Easy
to go to the MTV site where you can load and play the video.
BEFORE YOU GO, don't forget to go to the SLASH Merchandise section of
the Main Menu and see about ordering your Snakepit picture. Click
Snakepit TShirt
and you're on your way. Write with any questions. Thanks!
If you didn't see the cool SLASH ad in the November 1999 issue of
Guitar Player, here's a chance to see it now! On the right
we have a great picture of SLASH and Al DiMeola talking about Monster
Cables in SLASH's studio. Take note of that snazzy guitar of SLASH's.
In an informative but humorous dialogue, the two explain why they like
Monster Cables. Be sure to at least read the last two lines of this
text! SLASH is just too funny!
SLASH appeared
recently on the northern England show Rock on the North. Most of
us won't get a chance to see this recent interview with SLASH. He talked
about his career, some memories of Stoke-on-Trent, and discussed the fate
of Guns N'Roses and the problems with Axl Rose. Fortunately for all of
us, clips of this are on the web courtesy of Exarkun! The clips are very
good quality videos, so why not go over sometime and check these out?
If you didnt't see NetAid, you can still experience some of the great music
and see the great stars who performed! The MTV online site has gorgeous
photographs and a video. There are Slash photos, and Slash is near the end
of the video. When you get to the news section of their site, look for
the NetAid reference.
Did you see SLASH at the
NetAid concert Saturday? If you didn't, you missed a great performance.
SLASH took Puff Daddy's song "It's All About The Benjamins" and made it rock! While sound
was a problem throughout the show, guess what? You could sure hear SLASH!
Absolutely stunning! Puffy gave SLASH a wonderful introduction. Then the
Human Riff from LA came out and showed New York how it's done! Those of
us watching at home were excited to see signs for SLASH in the audience
and to hear all that applause at the end. Great to see SLASH up there
where the whole world was watching! SLASH was to be in town Monday to start
mixing the Snakepit album (and did you notice the cool Snakepit logo on
his jacket?), but he came in early to work with Puff Daddy on the Netaid show.
Backstage was very crowded at the end, but SLASH did get to say hello to
Jimmy Page among others. Then he went back to his hotel where Sunday he
was taking it easy and maybe checking out the city. Monday, October 11,
Jack Douglas and SLASH will begin mixing which is a very complicated process
of altering the mix of vocals and music to get the sound just right.
SLASH'll be keeping us posted on their progress, but the goal is one song a
day and to finish in 2 weeks. PLEASE CHECK BELOW FOR ANOTHER IMPORTANT
OCTOBER 10 STORY! TIME TO GET YOUR SNAKEPIT TSHIRT!
Here's another important item for October 10. If you didn't get to a prealbum
show, chances are you didn't have a chance to buy one of the Tshirts.
We've been asking SLASH and his manager since the tour ended about this.
They have almost 200 Tshirts they are willing to have advertised on the
net only. If you want one, now is the time to get one. When they are sold out,
there won't be anymore. You want to have one of a very limited number of
shirts - a great SLASH collectible. So, HURRY and order now. If they
receive your order after they are sold out, it will be returned to you. And
of course we will announce right here when they are gone. Don't miss out!
Here are the Tshirt details. All look like the picture above, right and
the printed insert is pictured at left, closeup. They
are black with the logo and the Ninety F.'n Nine at the bottom. Sizes are
limited, so pick your size and give a SECOND, ALTERNATE SIZE. If you
don't want an alternate size, write that your order should be returned if they are
out of the only size you want. Payment MUST be in CASHIER'S CHECK or
MONEY ORDER ONLY!
Send orders to:
There is no limit to the number of Tshirts you may order! Remember
the holidays are coming! Why not treat yourself to a great Tshirt? This
one would be great for ringing out 1999! If there are any questions at
all, please email
Just a reminder
to check out the NetAid concerts on Saturday, October 9. SLASH is in New York
right now rehearsing with Puff Daddy. Puff Daddy is scheduled to perform
3 or 4 songs, and SLASH will join him in one of them. We've been told that
the song is a slow/hip hop song, but Puffy told SLASH to do something with
it. SLASH made it ROCK!
Puff Daddy liked it, too. Our guy will be "playing
his ass off", and he'll be doing a solo during the song. SLASH is really
happy to be there. He's getting to work with someone new in a musical
genre he usually steers away from. And it's working out great! There are
so many wonderful musicians there, too: Sting, Wyclef Jean, Bono, Counting Crows,
Black Crowes, Sheryl Crow, Jimmy Page and more...and that is JUST the US
show. And SLASH is part of that whole scene and enjoying it. NetAid is
a worthwhile cause; SLASH wouldn't be there otherwise. This is a longterm
effort to use the net in new ways to help improve the world. NetAid is taking
on world hunger, refugee assistance, improving the environment, human
rights, and working through the Jubilee 2000 organization
to relieve debt in poverty-stricken nations. That's a lot of
causes and you are urged to visit the NetAid web site, learn more about
them, make a financial contribution if possible, do some work for them, and
sign the Jubilee 2000 petition relieving debt worries in developing nations. SLASH is
giving his time and energy for NetAid. Let's see if his fans can help out, too.
Also at the web site, there is all the information on tomorrow's
concerts. TV and radio channels are listed, and there is help on preparing
for the cybercast. If you are watching or listening tomorrow, be advised
that Puff Daddy and Our Man will be going on in the evening (at least that
is the current plan). But how about getting in your easy chair as early
as you can and watching a once in a life time musical event. And later on,
the highpoint of our day.....SLASH!
NetAid's long range
goal is to use the internet to promote development and alleviate extreme
poverty in the world. You might have heard of their informational and
fundraising concerts to be held Saturday, October 9 at Giant's Stadium in
New Jersey, Wembly Stadium in London, and Palais Des Nations in Geneva.
The concerts will be broadcast on television (VH-1 and BBC at this time),
cybercast at various web sites including www.mtv.com and www.netaid.com, and on the radio.
This is just a huge event, and as you might guess, the recording artists
are coming out full force for this one. These aren't some lower echelon
performers! The cream of the crop is here like Black Crowes, Sting, Jewel,
Counting Crows, Wyclef Jean with Bono, Jimmy Page, David Bowie, Bush, etc.
You know what we're leading up to...SLASH will be there! He will be at the
New Jersey concert and left for New York today. Now, NetAid wanted him there,
but the person who really wants him there to perform with him is Puff Daddy!
In the past, SLASH has turned down offers from Puffy. This time Puffy has
really put on the pressure himself and through mutual friends. SLASH decided
this was a good cause, and he would give it a try. As he said to us when
we were concerned about the Puffster, "Don't worry. I'm gonna play my ass
off!" That's a promise. NetAid is on VH-1 beginning at 2 pm Saturday,
October 9 and runs for EIGHT hours! We don't have a schedule yet, so you'll
just have to watch the whole day! Or you can come over to the NetAid or
MTV websites and get in on the cybercast. And if you are very lucky, you
can actually go to the shows. The US show has tickets on sale now
through TicketMaster and at TM OnLine. You can win tickets on any
associated site. Wembly tickets are also on sale now while the Geneva
show is invitation only. More information is on the NetAid site at
www.netaid.org. We'll be watching for SLASH and hope you will, too.
The E! cable network has never
been known for good taste; and its current Hollywood series, The Price of Fame
continues the raunchy tradition. We wouldn't bother you with this dirt cutting series,
but SLASH figures in one of the shows this week. The story centers around porn
queen Savannah, an early girlfriend of Slash, Axl Rose, Vince Neil and many others.
We won't give you all the sordid details of her life other than to quote the show's
publicity naming her as an alcoholic drug user who took her own life. This seemed to
be caused by having a minor accident where she received a small mark on her forehead.
Since she was to start work on yet another porn film, she decided she was too wretched
looking and blew her head off. Fortunately, by this time SLASH had seen the error of
his ways and was in the process of courting future wife, model, and normal person,
Renee Suran. Final rocker comment on Ms. Savannah: none, not one, attended her funeral.
If you want to catch the mud slinging, tune in to E!. The show airs on October 7 at 9 pm
and October 8 at 10 am, 4 pm. After that we hope it sinks back into the swamp. We've
had it up to here with unsavory stories from Hollywood. The show is 2 HOURS if you think
you can stomach that. Get in the ring, E!
Ian sent us the
first issue of the GNR Unofficial Fanzine called "Nightrain". This
publication is so interesting, and there is enough reading material to
keep you busy for several evenings. There are articles about Adam Day,
favorite live shows, videos, and on and on. Ian is hoping other fans
will contribute to the fanzine. Why don't you get a copy and check it
out? There are articles about SLASH, the SLASH page, SLASH's Snakepit.
And there are many articles about GNR and the other solo projects. You'll
want a copy of this for sure! We're sending these on to SLASH, so maybe
someday he will be reading an issue with your article! Send a message to
Ian to get a copy of "Nightrain". Click on the bloody logo below:
SLASH mention! We found a book on sale at the local bookstore that caught
our eye with its full page picture of SLASH on the back cover. The title
is Heavy Metal Guitar Styles by Alan Warner (Foundations, Rod Stewart's
band, Stevie Wonder, Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy). The book comes with a
cassette tape and is sealed in heavy plastic. SLASH appears on the back
cover and there is on more black and white picture of him inside along with
a live GNR picture. We could only see one place where GNR was referred to
and SLASH himself is not mentioned at all. The "power driving pedal note
riff" is said to be typical of GNR (and many other bands). Since you can't
open this till you get it out of the store, just be advised that this is
not a book on how to play like SLASH. It's a guitar book on how to play
in the heavy metal style. If you find any books that include SLASH as
pictures or text, we'd appreciate knowing about them. We could gather these
up in one place so the guitarists know which are the SLASH content and
style books and which are just SLASH picture books.
Is this one of your favorite SLASH pictures? Did you send it to SLASH to be
autographed? All the fan mail has been answered and is now on its
way back to you. SLASH says there are 3 items
where part/all of the address was missing. He is forwarding those to us,
and we'll try to get his mail to you. If you are expecting something,
and nothing has come by October 9, please get in touch with the SLASH page.
Here's another update on the SLASH's Snakepit album! SLASH will be spending
today polishing up the last two songs. All studio work should be done by
October 4 or 5. SLASH and Jack Douglas will go to New York next week to mix
the album. The plan is to deliver the album by Halloween. The president
of the record company met with SLASH and his manager last week. He says
the album should be released in about mid-February to early March depending
on the slotting, etc. Hang on! It's really coming out! Remember that
the Snakepit '95 album was released on Valentine's Day, 1995. So this will
be just about 4 years to the day! Happy Valentine's Day from SLASH!!
There's a new section
on the SLASH page! It's found on the Main Menu under Movies, Videos and
TV appearances. If you check this out, you can find the three movies SLASH
has been in (so far). Videos and TV appearances need some updates which
hopefully some of you can provide. We're looking for SLASH solo appearances
here. Also, videos should be regular releases, not bootlegs. If you have a
tape of SLASH TV appearances, let us know if we're missing any of yours.
Thanks for your help! If you want to check this out now, click on the
picture of SLASH on TV at Slamdance:
We have two updates from SLASH
for all the fans. First, about the tshirts! SLASH says they are still planning on our
advertising them here on the SLASH page, but they need a post office box for the mail to
come to. Believe it or not, none are available! SLASH is on a waiting list for us. As soon
as he gets one, we are ready to begin. The information on style and price will be given here
along with the address. Money orders only and international fans will use the regular
international money orders. We believe that the sizes are all Large and that there is one
style, black with the snake logo and the words Slash's Snakepit and Ninety f'n Nine! on
them. We'll have a picture you can look at when we are sure. So, hang on, they are coming.
See yourself in this picture? That's
SLASH with some fans after one of the pre-album shows. We hope to see all of you in pictures
like this for the World Tour. Because of the intensive work finishing the album and getting
the promo and world tours planned, Slash has had to give up processing the fan mail by
himself. It was great to have him actually open, read, and take care of the fan mail, but
he can either do an album or fan mail! He really, really enjoyed getting it and answering it.
After July, he got behind and could never really get to it. If you have been waiting, hold
on! SLASH tells us he has now answered all the fan mail he received. As of yesterday, all the
photos, autographs, books, picks were ready to go to the Post Office. He says they will all
be mailed Monday. He has to buy some stamps! You should be looking for your mail from
SLASH at the end of the week if you are in the US. International fans, give it a little longer
of course. He said to tell you he did not answer letters because he doesn't even send letters
to his family. He wants you to continue writing! If you have something to be
autographeded, send it along. If you want SLASH to send you an autographed picture, you
can say that as well. Please, do not send tapes; and please don't ask for a letter.
The mail will be forwarded from the
address we'll give you to Interscope where the mail will be opened and sorted. It will take
longer for Slash to get to the autographing part if he is on the road, but be patient. He
says he wants you to write, and he will be in LA sometimes and will stop in and check his
mail. Here is the address you use (if you forget it, it will be in the FAQ section):
P.O. Box 93458
Los Angeles, CA
90093-3458
THANKS, SLASH!!
Kim has sent us some more information on Rock Of The North the UK TV series on
ITV. The show airs 11:30 to midnight on Thursdays in September/October. It is only
seen in Granada, Tyne Tees, and Yorkshire, all northern UK areas. The SLASH interview
is scheduled for Thursday, September 30! So if you get the program, let us know what
SLASH said. This is his first interview in a long time. Thanks, Kim!
Here's another coming SLASH treat!
Fozzy let us know that SLASH will appear in the November 1999 issue of Guitar Player.
He tells us that there is a full page ad for Monster Cable, and it's there you will find
SLASH! There's a super new picture of SLASH and legendary jazz guitarist Al DiMeola at Snakepit
(SLASH's studio). The guys talk about how Monster Cables help them get the tones they
want. SLASH talks the most! He makes a joke about the durability of the cables. He says
you can even tie people up with them! Al's reply is "Uhhh...right". Great ad, great
picture. SLASH is always so funny. Thanks, Fozzy. We'll be out to get a copy.
The latest SLASH contest is
over! The three winners are Josh, Maria, and Yuri. They've been notified by email. If
you didn't win this one, stay tuned for the next one with a different picture for the
winners. Overall, the entries were great! These were tough question, we thought. Here
are the answers:
1. Which two musicians in the 1995 Snakepit recording band were unable to go on tour?
Answer: Matt Sorum (Axl said he needed him for recording the GNR album) and Mike Inez
(Recording Alice In Chains album).
2. Which song on "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" did Slash write alone? Answer: "Be The Ball".
3. Who is the bassist for Snakepit 1999? Answer: Johnny Griparic (or Johnny G.)
4. Slash appeared on an album called "Guitar Zeus". Whose album was it? Answer: Carmen Appice
5. Slash played on this song which one the MTV Europe Best R&B Video Award. Name the song.
Answer: "Fix".
Here's what's happening on the SLASH's
Snakepit album! SLASH and Rod have finished lead guitar and vocals parts. Now the album
is ready for Teddy Andreadis to put the highlights on it. That starts tomorrow, Monday,
9/20/99. When Teddy is finished with this, the album recording is finished! Next project
will be the mixing. SLASH will do this with his producer, Jack Douglas; and Rod Jackson will
be in and out. Aside from the artwork, when the album is mixed, it is completed and ready
to be pressed! Best of luck to the guys! Make it great!
Speaking of Teddy, everyone who meets
him has nice things to say about him. He make Snakepit sound just right, and he and SLASH
are fast friends. We were reminded recently that Teddy has an album out, and if you've
missed it, it isn't too late to pick it up. Teddy does all the singing here just as he did
for SLASH's Blues Balls. The album is called "Innocent Loser", and it is a Korean import.
You should be able to get the album from the CD web sites. And look who else guests on
"Innocent Loser"....how about SLASH! Teddy and SLASH could be a super band by themselves.
But that's not all! Here are some other guest stars on the album: Duff, Matt Sorum, Carole King, Pat
Torpey, Steve Lukather, and many more. We've already gotten our copy. It's great! Why don't
you see for yourself?
Not long ago,
SLASH did a taped, 2 1/2 hour interview for a special UK series called "Rock of the
North". The series will run once a week for six weeks. Selected artists
talk about their upbringing in the UK, their history, and
what their future plans are. All are from the northern part of the UK. And so is SLASH!
Although SLASH is now a US citizen, he has not been one all that long. He was born in the
UK and raised in the US. After the Illusions tours, he renounced his UK citizenship and
became a US citizen. Stoke-On-Trent is SLASH's birthplace, and it is in northern England
so it stands to reason they would have SLASH on the show. However, they cannot have him
back! SLASH is a US national treasure!
The series starts off around September
15 and runs through October. Kim from the UK sent additional information. The first show
was on Thursday, September 16 featuring Def Leppard. Next week they are featuring Gary
Barlow (ex Take That). Kim promises to let us know as soon as she finds out when the SLASH
show is. She says that it is being shown on channel ITV, and it is only being shown on
ITV Yorkshire, Granada, and Tyne Tees (all northern regions). Show time is 11:30 pm till
midnight. SLASH's interview will really be condensed for the show! Kim also clued us in
on the title, "Rock Of The North". The TV listing reads: "Music series which focuses on
successful pop and rock stars from the north of England." Thanks, Kim!
SLASH and Rod Jackson are finishing
up the recording, and Teddy Andreadis is putting in the keyboard/percussion highlights. SLASH
is closing up his house in preparation for his trip to New York to mix the album. After that
comes the promo tour and then the World Tour! The album and tour are still planned for
late December/early January.
In the meantime, Ryan Roxie continues his tour with Alice Cooper. Willie sent us a message
that he had seen Alice's show, and it rocked. Ryan played most of the lead guitar parts.
Willie said Ryan was a real rocker and an outstanding guitar player (although not in
SLASH's league, of course!). He reports that Ryan's hair is down to his shoulders now.
He is still playing those GMP guitars. An excellent show with Alice having a boa onstage.
This is so Ryan won't miss SLASH, we guess! Ryan did his own trick by tossing a pick
10 or 20 feet in the air, catching it, and throwing it to the crowd. Now there is a pick
that's worth having! And we have one more note on the Alice tour. Our dates below did not
include the Toronto show. Yuri sent in a message that the show will be on Sept. 29 at
Massey Hall in Toronto. Alice and Ryan both...this has to be a great show (to say nothing
of the snake and picks!).
Want to win the picture of SLASH shown here? It's a promo, 8x10, black and white picture,
and SLASH looks great! There are 3 of these pictures donated by SLASH. First thing is
to answer the 5 questions below and send them to the SLASH Page.
If your answers are
correct, you'll win IF only 3 people send the right answers. If there are more than 3,
then there will be a drawing from the people who answered correctly. You'll be notified
by email if you win! The deadline for entries will be midnight, eastern time on Monday,
September 20. The answers are all somewhere on the SLASH page. When you send your entry,
please put SLASH Contest as the subject. Thanks and good luck!
1. Of the original (recording) Snakepit 1995 band, which two members were unable to tour?
2. Which "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" song lyrics were written by SLASH alone?
3. Name the bassist in Snakepit 99.
4. SLASH played on this musician's "Guitar Zeus" album.
5. SLASH guests on a song which won an MTV Europe award for best R&B video. Which song
was it?
Marco sent us the 12 pictures from the Oliver Books Guns N'Roses calendar for 2000. Slash
is in four months by himself. He's also the cover guy! Slash is combined
in three other pictures with the original band, Steven Adler, and Axl. The seven pictures
are right here! The other five months are solos of Axl or Duff. The calendar is for sale
right now in Europe. It has not come into the US bookstores yet. However, you can bid
on the calendar on the internet auctions. The sellers are Europeans so factor the shipping
into your bid. Thanks again to Marco for taking time to scan and mail these to us.
You've heard it here before...SLASH is VERY busy right now. He's putting in the
guitar solos, and he's got Rod putting in the vocals. Next step will be to get
Teddy Zigzag to put in some keyboard and percussion highlights. The album should
be recorded in 2 or 3 weeks. Then it has to be mixed which will be done by SLASH
in New York City. So, you New Yorkers should be watching for The Human Riff to come
your way. No shows are arranged, but he could drop into a club or two!
The list of tasks to be done goes on and on, and SLASH is sorry to say he is going
to have to drop the fan mail idea for awhile. He just can't give it the personal
attention it deserves at the moment. He will come up with another address at some
point where you can send your fan mail. It will be a long time before he can give it
much personal attention since he will be on the road for 2 years soon. Best thing is
to make it to a club gig and see him after the show. Please don't send any more mail
to the Snakepit Fan Mail address, as the box is closed and your mail will be returned
by the Post Office.
The good news is that SLASH is going to have an address you can send to if you want to
buy one of the Snakepit '99 Tshirts! We'll fill you in on price and address as soon
as the plans are complete. There are about 150 for sale. After they are gone, they are
gone,so order quickly! These will be the Tshirts sold on the pre-album tour. The Tshirts
sold at the World Tour will be different, so these 99 shirts are now a limited edition.
We've just gotten
a look at the cover of Oliver Books Guns N'Roses for the year 2000. And if
you look to the left, you can, too. Amazing they
still put one out with the original band, but they know what sells! And
speaking of a real marketing ploy, check out who is on the cover! And
representing GNR, we have SLASH! Excellent. Oliver is not ready to sell
the calendar at their web site yet, but when they are, we'll let you know.
UPDATE: We heard from Marco in The Netherlands who was able to buy the Oliver
Books GNR calendar last weekend at a record fair. European fans should try
record fairs and the usual bookstores now! Marco reports that not only is
our guy on the cover, but SLASH can be seen during 7 of the months next year.
He's in 4 solo shots and 3 with other Gunners. Sounds great to put up at
home and in the office. American fans, let us know if you see it for sale here!
Thanks, Marco!
Guns N'Roses will
deliver a live album to fans in November! The album will most likely be
a double one with 23 or 24 songs. Several different concerts were chosen,
so that all the band incarnations from 1987 to 1992 could be included. SLASH
did not do the selection, only the mixing. He told the people involved
to bring what
they had, and he and Andy Wallace would mix it. SLASH wasn't interested
in going through the various versions of a song looking for the best one.
All band members were in on
the album in one way or another. Old songs like "Sweet Child O'Mine", "Welcome
to the Jungle", "November Rain", "Estranged", "Mr. Brownstone", and the
audience-participation song and only cover, "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" will
all be a part of it. SLASH said that "Bad Apples" would be there, too. The
shows used were Tokyo, Mexico City and Las Vegas. There's some disappointment
in hearing that the Tokyo shows are the same as those on the concert video.
SLASH said he was working on the artwork, and the band checked out four
possibilities today. He's still not telling the album's name! A big
disappointment for SLASH fans is that the guitar solo, "Theme from The
Godfather" is not included although it was featured in almost every concert,
and has never been released. SLASH says getting the licensing done for
covers is time consuming, so they only used those songs they had written
or ones they had previously licensed for the Illusions albums. This should
be a hot seller!
Ryan Roxie plays
guitar for SLASH's Snakepit. If you saw him on tour, you know he can rock!
Like SLASH, Ryan loves to work. He's finished his part on the Snakepit album
and is on hold waiting for the next step. Ryan was in Alice Cooper's
band, and Alice is touring right now. So, SLASH gave the OK for Ryan to go
on tour with Alice. We have the tour schedule right here. If you get a chance,
go and see them! And tell Ryan we'll see him on Snakepit's World Tour!
Keep in mind this is the schedule for Alice Cooper with Ryan Roxie. SLASH
will NOT be there.
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
1 Bakersfield, CA Fox Theatre 1 Jackson, NJ 6 Flags
2 San Diego, CA Humphrey's Ampitheatre 2 Atlantic City, NJ Trump Marina
3 Las Vegas, NV The Joint at Hard Rock 3 Atlantic City, NJ Trump Marina
4 Reno, NV The Pavilion 5 Washington, DC The 930
5 Boise, ID Idaho Center Ampitheatre 6 Syracuse, NY Landmark Theatre
8 Spokane, WA Opera House 7 Erie, PA Warner Theatre
10 Kelowna, BC Skyreach Place 9 St.Louis, MO 6 Flags
11 Vancouver, BC Riverside Coliseum 10 Cicero, IL Hawthorne Race Crs.
13 Kamloops, BC Riverside Coliseum 12 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theatre
14 Prince George, BC Multi Plexe 13 Lampe, MO Black Oak Mtn.Amp.
15 Grand Praire, AL Canada Games Arena 16 San Antonio, TX 6 Flags Fiesta
SLASH made
his appearance at Cheap Trick's 25th Anniversary show August 28. We're
fortunate to have two reports from SLASH fans who made road trips in
support of Our Guy! Noah says he drove 3 1/2 hours and seeing SLASH was
half the reason! He said that Cheap Trick played three sets, and SLASH
came out during the third. He was wearing black jeans, black shirt, and
black baseball cap (backwards). (We call this the low-key SLASH hat.)
SLASH jammed with Cheap Trick on "You're All Talk".
Noah tells us that SLASH broke a string as he started to play, so he played
one of Rick Nielsen's guitars. When he finished, SLASH hugged the guys and left after
just one song. Noah thought SLASH sounded fantastic and said there is
nothing like seeing SLASH again. Thanks, Noah!
Brian was also in the audience waiting to see SLASH. He says the crowd
was pretty subdued, but when SLASH came out, the crowd got loud for SLASH!
Hey, imagine if all of us had been there! Talk about breaking the sound
barrier! Robin Zander did the lead vocalist honors on "You're All Talk"
featuring SLASH. SLASH sounded great despite breaking a string and
switching to a non-SLASH guitar! Brian reported that SLASH didn't say
anything to the crowd when he left, just waved and walked off. Brian
tried for some photos for us, but they didn't come out. Work on that,
Brian, for the World Tour! Thanks for sharing your story with us!
UK SLASH fans
luck out! As you know, SLASH was born in the UK but has US citizenship.
So we have to share! The UK, which seems to catch onto musical trends
faster than the US at times, has moved ahead again. This past week,
SLASH did a taped interview for a special UK series called "Rock of the
North". The series will run once a week for six weeks. Selected artists
talk about their upbringing in the UK, their history, and
what their future plans are. The series starts off around September
15 and runs through October. It's not certain at this point exactly
when during the six weeks will be the SLASH episode, but as soon as we
find out, we'll pass it on to you. If you know more about the series,
please let the SLASH page know. We think they are talking about a TV
series here. Is that correct? Have you seen any advertising yet? What
is the significance of the program's name? Why "Rock of the North"?
And would you be willing to share or trade a copy of the show? If we
can get a copy to the US, we can convert it to US format, and then
put some highlights on the SLASH page. Please contact the SLASH page
at: SLASH Page. Thanks!
MTV OnLINE is
carrying two stories this week on SLASH. Nothing you haven't read here
before; but if you're just tuning in, you might want to skip over and
see SLASH's name on your screen. The newest story is the one on Cheap
Trick. SLASH plays at Cheap Trick's 25th Anniversary on Saturday, August 28. this weekend. MTV has news on other participants,
and the whole show sounds great. Get out to this one if you can. Show
starts at 8 pm, and tickets are available through TicketMaster Online. If
you get to this show, be sure to send us a review! We want to hear all
about it! To read up on the Cheap Trick festivities, click on
Cheap Trick below:
An earlier story on the MTV site is a good summary of SLASH's legal problems, the
burglary of his home, and a bit on the new album's progress. You've
seen all this here before, but it's helpful if you missed a story or
two. The latest word is that the loss was reported to the police at
over $90,000. When you get to the MTV site, you'll need to head down to More
Headlines. Eventually, stories are archived there. Click on
SLASH playing Godzilla (stolen from his home) to check the MTV OnLINE story:
Here are a couple items
of interest that came up in a conversation with SLASH. The GNR live album
is done. SLASH was working on the artwork the other day, but the selection
and mixing are completed. He did not have a release date for us, but he
thinks we'll like it. We're like someone crawling across the desert seeing
an oasis! We love it already.
The next thing
we asked about (again) was SLASH dumping Snakepit and working for Axl
in the new, unimproved GNR.
As long as Axl is without a guitar player, the rumors are going to fly
about who will be the new lead guitarist in the new GNR. SLASH, Brian
May, Jimmy Page have been mentioned. SLASH's manager says he doesn't care
who says it, if they think SLASH is going back to GNR, they are smoking
crack! SLASH is doing his own album with his own band, and that's his
focus.
And some final
news from the SLASH camp for this week...
Ryan Roxie left town to go on a 7-week tour with Alice Cooper. Ryan's guitar work
on the Snakepit album is completed. We asked SLASH... don't you have to
work together? He said there is not enough room in the studio for both
of them. He discussed things about amps and channels and immediately lost
us although we said "I see" intelligently. What remains to be done is
for SLASH and Rod to finish their Snakepit parts along with some other things.
When the album is done, the record label gives it a slot where they think
it can do well and receive support from the label. The only slots right now
are end of December and then January. So that World Tour is coming - just not
quite as fast as we hoped!
If you've read about SLASH's influences, then for sure you have heard
of Cheap Trick. The band, pictured at right, has been rockin' for
25 years! This Saturday, August 28, 1999 is Cheap Trick's 25TH
Anniversary Show. It will be held in Rockford, IL at Davis Park, and
tickets are on sale right now. What's this got to do with SLASH? Well,
SLASH has been invited to join Jack Douglas (Snakepit producer) at
this tribute to Cheap Trick.
Jack Douglas produced Cheap Trick's first album and
is a guest of honor, and SLASH will be there jamming with Cheap
Trick and other guests. Billy Corrigan, Julian Lennon, Everclear are
on the schedule! Jack will be speaking at part of the show, and the rest
of the guests will be jamming with Cheap Trick. The show starts at 8 pm
and tickets are available through Ticketmaster Online right now.
It sounds like a great tribute concert as is, and with
SLASH coming, you know you're going to hear some terrific riffs in Illinois.
Rockford, IL was the band's
hometown, and since blowing out of there with their unique brand of
high-powered pop, the quartet reinvigorated rock and turned out album
after album. Happy Anniversary, Cheap Trick! Rock on!
It seems like we just found the Graham Bonnet album where SLASH appears,
and now we've found another guest appearance! And SLASH sounds great! The
album is from 1998
by artist Ella. Ella is huge in Malaysia. If you locate the album, you'll
find it is not in English. An old SLASH acquaintance was working on
Ella's project and connected with SLASH for a guest appearance. SLASH
flew to Malaysia and almost everyone there was Asian and did not speak
English - including Ella! Everyone understood great music, and they went
ahead. SLASH did some fine work on the first track, "Bayargar". What this
word means, we don't know. Anyone out there who can translate? Ella is
pictured here, and as usual, SLASH has managed to connect with a very
beautiful artist! You can find more information on the SLASH discography.
We only have the cassette tape. If anyone has the cd, we would be grateful
for the cd catalog number for the discography. Thanks! By the way, how
many more of these appearances have yet to be discovered? Keep your eyes
open and let us know when any surface. Thanks!
There's a new video on the SLASH Video section, the Paris Pay Per View
GNR show soundcheck.
This small video was
extracted from there. Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Jeff Beck are onstage
along with Duff, Matt, and SLASH. Mostly you'll see Steven and SLASH
with Steven getting SLASH to do the "all night long" part of "Train Kept
A Rollin' ". This is a super video, nice and short for fast downloading.
It is 1.6 MB in the avi format. Click below to go to the Videos section,
and then scroll down to the end:
Metal Edge reports that on July 25 SLASH attended the opening of
Snakepit's Ryan Roxie's Club American Style. Style is a Sunday evening
show at the Gig in Hollywood. Ryan has put together Glamnation, a cover
band. Glamnation is Eric Singer from Kiss and Eric Dover, ex-Snakepit
vocalist, among others. Metal Edge says the band will perform August
only as Singer and Roxie begin tours with Alice Cooper in September.
With that schedule, it looks like Snakepit won't be touring for quite
a while?? We'll try to check this out with SLASH.
UPDATE: SLASH says that Ryan will only be doing a short tour with
Alice Cooper. Ryan will be available for the Snakepit tour whenever the
band is ready to roll out to your neighborhood! SLASH still thinks they
will hit their September deadline on the album. He has 3 songs completed
with all guitar rhythm and solos done. The release of the album still
depends on the slot the record label gives them. Right now the ones
available are at Christmas time and beyond. SLASH doesn't want the album
lost in the Christmas shuffle. So release may be end of December 1999 or
January 2000. Think the new title could have something to do with the
millenium?
Everytime SLASH is asked, he says how great the new album is! He has
poured a lot of time and heart into this. It will be way different than
the 95 Snakepit that was put together quickly without much polish. All
the basic tracks are down, and Slash and producer Jack Douglas are working
on getting the guitar tracks just right. SLASH loves it because his whole
studio is just guitars, amps and speakers! Wouldn't you love to be there
to hear SLASH doing his solos? He's so excited and happy about the whole
recording process! Slash's manager said the deadline is in September but
that does not mean the album will be released then. The album has to be
slotted into the record label's schedule, and it might not get a slot till
the end of December, early January. Fall was the date SLASH had told us
for the album being out but that's only if the label can find a fall slot.
SLASH and Rod will be doing a promo tour similar to the one Slash did with
Eric Dover. They'll hit tv and radio stations and do lots and lots of
interviews and songs from the new album. As soon as we get word of a
schedule for this or the regular tour, we'll have it right on the SLASH
page.
If you've heard the recent rumors about SLASH rejoining Axl Rose, SLASH
wants to let you know they are only rumors. SLASH has no intention of
dropping his Snakepit project to bail out Axl and Co. To bring you up
to speed, Robin Finck has resigned as the new GNR's lead guitarist. He's
returning to his former job with Reznor and NIN. All Axl's music has been
recorded, and he'll just need someone to play Robin's part on the tour.
Honestly, SLASH fans, do you think SLASH would EVER sign up for that? No
way. The head of Interscope Records talked to SLASH, too, and told SLASH
that what the label wanted was for SLASH to finish and tour on his own
album. Let Axl solve his own problems. SLASH laughed at the thought
of his going to this new GNR, and he couldn't remember the guitar player's
name. So, it looks like Axl will be doing auditions for his tour.
Speaking of GNR, it's beginning to sound more and more like a double live
album. We hear more and more songs and it looks like they will run out of
room on one. The band doesn't mind a double, but the record label will decide
that in the end. SLASH says the artwork is in progress and is being done
by the band. He says the album is pretty much ready to go now, but the
label decides when. We have not heard a title yet. How about: GNR...Live
and Raw? Got any suggestions? Send them along.
Rollercoasters go with Florida's DisneyWorld like SLASH and top hats!
How about rollercoasters and rockers? The picture here is of the
"Rock 'N'Roller Coaster" in Disney-MGM in Orlando, Florida. Why is it
a rockin' coaster? It's themed as a limo that's late to a rock concert!
It has triple inversion and is an all-indoors coaster that hits 60
mph to a rock music backbeat supplied by Aerosmith. And which rocker do
you think was invited down for the Grand Opening? Aerosmith
invited SLASH! SLASH said he had a great time, but he did say it felt
like 120 degrees in Florida. He was melting and ready to head back to
California. He said the ride was great and not only did he ride that one,
but he got to go on other rides in the park. Can you imagine SLASH and
Joe Perry behind you in line? Walk This Way!
If you collect all
the albums on which SLASH has made a guest appearance, get ready to look
for another! The album is "The Day I Went Mad", and the artist is Graham
Bonnet pictured at right. It was released on June 23 in Japan, and right
now it is available as an import. SLASH plays on track 4, an old Beatles
classic called "Oh! Darling". Teddy Zigzag is also a guest on that
track! We've heard that SLASH's trademark raw guitar sounds are terrific.
If you're not current on Graham Bonnet, we'll give you a rundown on
this English-born artist. He started out with the Marbles about 1969.
Later, he connected with Richie Blackmore's Rainbow band. After a long
tenure, he struck out on his own and did the outstanding "Line Up". He
next worked with Michael Schenker, but the two didn't last long. Bonnet
worked with Yngwie Malmsteen in the group Alcatrazz which was big in
Japan and the US. Later he worked with Steve Vai. Now Bonnet's released
"The Day I Went Mad" which features SLASH, Vivian Campbell from Def
Leopard, Bruce Kulick from Kiss as well as Teddy Zigzag and others. Bonnet
says that a video called "Session" will be released that documents his
latest recording, and SLASH will appear in the video. We have the CD on
order, but we haven't traced down the video. If anyone does, please let
us know! Oh, and by the way, SLASH says that both he and Axl were really
into Bonnet! They like his raw sounds.
Everyone's speculating on the new, live GNR album that SLASH is working on.
SLASH says the album will have to meet the approval of the GNR members
before it's ready for production. He is working on mixing it, and often
Duff comes in and works on that, too. Every one of the band members is involved in
some way. SLASH says that 8 songs are done. The artwork is already in
progress and will be done by the band. The album will be made up of songs from
different concerts. There will be some GNR standbys like "Welcome
to the Jungle", but there will also be rare cuts like "Bad Apples". "November
Rain" and "Estranged" are both included. Actually, SLASH said there was
way too much material for one CD, so they are constantly working to size
down the tracks to be included. Still no date, but SLASH says they are
half done, and 24 songs are in mid-mix. So obviously, the band has got a
ways to go to compressing this down to the cd-size 13-15. SLASH will be
going very briefly to New York to master this Guns album. Hurry up, SLASH!
Here's an update
on the forthcoming SLASH's Snakepit album! The basic tracks are completed;
that means the bass and drums are done. SLASH is back at his home studio
right now working on the guitar parts with Rod working on the vocals. This
should take about a month.
Twelve tracks are being worked on, but the number on the finished album
could change. The band has about 30 songs in hand, so choosing the 12 or
so is always tough. "Speed Parade" which is on the Viper pinball machine
also made it to the album. So did "Landslide". "Break You" is there with
a new title. If "Dry Jack" was a favorite, you'll have to live without an
album version. Sadly, there are no covers, so our favorite, "Papa Was A
Rolling Stone", didn't make the cut. SLASH said the live version was great;
and they'll keep it in the show, but it sounded boring when it was recorded.
SLASH says that all of those that didn't make the cut will likely turn up
here and there at the shows.
Everyone knows
about SLASH's beautiful red signature guitar. And if you were at any
Snakepit shows recently, you saw SLASH with Godzilla
, his Guild signature doubleneck (picture at right). Recently, SLASH's
house was robbed! Both of these guitars were stolen along with nine
others. All the microphones in SLASH's studio were taken as well as some
valuable tapes. The stolen items are most likely still together, so
where one is found, most likely all will be found. We'd like to shut off
the internet for the sale of SLASH's items. Please be on the lookout for
these things. If you play guitar yourself, you'll recognize the signatures
instantly. There are 3 Guild prototypes missing as part of the 11. If you
get any information at all on SLASH's guitars, please get in touch with
the SLASH page ASAP! SLASH would appreciate any help you can give in
tracking down these items. Thanks! UPDATE: We are anticipating a press
release from SLASH very soon.
SLASH has passed another milestone in getting that new Snakepit album
out to us. He has finished his work at Ocean Way Recording where he
was laying down the basic tracks with producer Jack Douglas. And the last
night, Izzy and Duff stopped in! Ocean Way
provided recording facilities for the record of the year three years in a row.
The company has a tradition of great recording with artists
such as Paula Abdul, AC/DC, Tori Amos, B.B. King, Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker,
Counting Crows, Dr. Dre, Bob Dylan, Amy Grant, Green Day, Elton John, Miles Davis,
Waylon Jennings, R. Kelly, k.d. lang, Luis Miguel, Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Willie Nelson,
Aaron Neville, Tom Petty, T