Slash - The Autobiography

[FORD]

While the drug problems were certainly a factor, it was AxHole's enormous ego that destroyed Guns N Roses, more than anything else.

[binnie]

I think that people are being a bit harsh on Slash as a guitar player here. Partly that's because of over-exposure - both he, and the 'Appetite' songs, are so ubiquitous that's it's got to the point where familiarity breeds contempt. But I think that there are two principle things that make him worthy of respect:

1) in the '80s he stood apart from all of the Eddie/Lynch clones by being defined by the bluesier approach to playing.

2) when you hear one bar of his playing you know it's him - distinctive style and tone, whether you like 'em or not.

I'd also say that there are a lot of killer riffs he's written that people forget about. Check out the second - and criminally under-appreciated - Slash's Snakepit record 'Ain't Life Grand' for plenty. As far as GNR goes, 'Coma' would be a good example - that riff is HUGE.

[binnie]

While the drug problems were certainly a factor, it was AxHole's enormous ego that destroyed Guns N Roses, more than anything else.

I just don't think that they were a band capable of holding it together under that level of fame. Few bands can, but one where at least 3 of the members are fucked up beyond recognition and a fourth is Axl Rose really doesn't stand a chance......