The two guitarists Slash was scared to perform for: “The most intimidating shows I ever did”
The so-called musical greats are often elevated to mythological status, with their stories stripping away the human emotions that are intrinsic to all of us, regardless of fame or influence. This is certainly the case for Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, the seemingly otherworldly, top-hat-wearing genius behind hits like ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ and more.
Despite his technical proficiency and the storied nature of his exploits and flowing locks, Slash is a human being like the rest of us. He might have risen to heights unfathomable both economically and fame-wise for everyday folk, but beneath all the ostentations of being a lauded rocker, he is still the same wide-eyed Saul Hudson who was greatly inspired by the classic rock boom.
Slash may have rubbed shoulders with many of the greats who opened his eyes to the power of music when growing up and regularly played in stadiums packed full of thousands of adoring fans. However, time has not assuaged his nerves when meeting figures even more revered than he. While his musical ability speaks for itself, Slash has admitted to feeling particularly intimidated to perform in front of two guitarists he cherishes more than most: Brian May and Jimmy Page.
Slash has spoken openly about his love for both men’s work, with each leaving their mark on him with their muscular riffs. However, at one particular show in 2005 when he was playing with Velvet Revolver, both showed up together out of the blue and as he’d never met May before, the presence of the Queen musician was particularly nerve-wracking.
Slash revealed this when speaking to Matt Pinfield at 95.5 KLOS in 2022. Interestingly, he has since fostered a great friendship with Brian May, who has also openly applauded his efforts on the fretboard and maintained that the respect is mutual.
Slash explained to the host that, despite meeting many icons, he still gets just as “starstruck”—if not more—than the average person. Describing the experience, he noted the importance of staying composed and avoiding the temptation to tell them they’ve been a huge influence. According to him, this can unsettle musical legends, no matter how many fans have told them the same over the years. He adopts this approach because, as he admitted, he himself doesn’t know how to react when faced with such comments.
Recalling that life-changing show, Slash said: “I was doing a show at Hammersmith in; I guess it was 2005 with Velvet Revolver. And Jimmy Page and Brian May, who I’ve not met before, showed up at the gig. And that was…talk about just being really uncomfortable. But they’re lovely guys, really, really down to earth. And I was really happy to meet them and also to find that they were so, sort of, human. But I’ll never forget that as being one of the most intimidating shows I ever did.”
There’s no doubt that performing alongside two of the greatest rock guitarists had a profound effect on Slash, making him realise just how much respect he holds for them and sparking lasting friendships. What’s interesting, though, is that Slash seems to have mixed up his dates. In February 1993, The Brian May Band supported Guns N’ Roses, when Slash was still with the band. They had even shared the stage the year before at the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert.
