Slash Recalls Letting Go of His Early Guitars Due to Financial Struggles
In a recent appearance on the Mistress Carrie podcast, Slash, the legendary guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, opened up about his early days in the music industry. Unfortunately, during those formative years, Slash admits that he wasn’t able to hold onto many of his instruments due to financial struggles.
The Road to Financial Struggles
Slash revealed that during the early days of Guns N’ Roses, the band members had to resort to selling their instruments to make ends meet. He explained, “There was a lot of hocking going on… trying to get extra cash, so a lot of those guitars went by the way of that.”
One Exception: Slash’s Oldest Guitar
While Slash may not have kept many of his early instruments, he does have one significant exception. The guitar that stands out as a nostalgic reminder of his early days in music is a 1930s Epiphone acoustic that was gifted to him during a babysitting job.
A Unique Gift from a Babysitting Gig
Slash recounted the story of how he obtained the guitar: “I was always looking for work and someone said to me, ‘Hey, I’ve got a friend who needs a babysitter.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it.’ I think it was like a seven-year-old girl. And I was like, ‘OK, cool.'”
When Slash arrived at the family’s home, his eyes landed on an Epiphone acoustic hanging on the wall. He asked the parents if he could play the guitar before they left, and to his surprise, they gave it to him.
The Lasting Impact
Slash emphasized the significance of that guitar, saying, “When the parents came home they saw how enthralled with this guitar I was and they gave it to me… And I still have it.”
A Career Spanning Multiple Eras
Over the years, Slash has had the opportunity to play with numerous bands and perform with a variety of musicians. His versatility and ability to adapt to different genres have earned him a reputation as a standout guitarist. With his latest solo album, Orgy of the Damned, and the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. touring festival, Slash continues to showcase his enduring talent and dedication to his craft.
In Conclusion
Slash’s story highlights the financial struggles that many young musicians face when trying to establish themselves in the music industry. Despite his fame and success today, Slash’s words serve as a reminder that even the greatest artists have faced humble beginnings.
