Slash Shares Why Axl Rose Was Different From Any Other Vocalist

Slash has played alongside many vocalists, but none impacted him quite like Axl Rose. During an episode of Revolver’s Fan First podcast, the legendary guitarist explained what made his Guns N’ Roses bandmate unique compared to anyone he had worked with before.

Axl Rose: The Emotional Connection

Slash shared:

“I’d worked with different singers on and off for a while.
“And then when I met Axl and we started jamming together, he was the only singer that ever brought an emotional content to it that affected me on an emotional level, on an energy level.”

For Slash, working with Axl transformed his understanding of music. He explained:

“A song all of a sudden went to a whole new level, and I felt it.
“That’s when I realized where music and vocals really meet.”

Before Axl, Slash struggled to find singers who could connect emotionally with the music. “Everybody that I’d worked with sucked, and I had no use for it,” he admitted. “I would just rather play instrumentally. But with Axl, I first really arrived at that poignant feeling that you get when things connect on a lyrical, vocal, and music level.”

Journey Through Slash’s Musical History

Slash’s road to Guns N’ Roses was shaped by a series of short-lived bands. He played in groups like Road Crew and Hollywood Rose, which featured future GNR members Duff McKagan, Steven Adler, and Izzy Stradlin. These early experiences laid the groundwork for the iconic lineup that would take the rock world by storm.

Inspirations and Collaborations

In the same podcast, Slash also reflected on his journey as a music fan and artist. He spoke about his encounters with bands like Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones and discussed working with artists such as Myles Kennedy and, of course, Axl Rose.

For Slash, Axl Rose wasn’t just a bandmate—he was the missing piece that brought his music to life. “That’s when I felt it,” Slash said, describing the magic they created together.