A Complete List of All Bands Slash Has Played With Throughout His Career

Slash, the renowned English-American hard rock guitarist, has carved an iconic legacy in music.

Best known for his role as the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, he has also captivated fans with his work in Velvet Revolver and his solo projects.

Throughout his career, Slash has played with an impressive list of bands, including Hollywood Rose, Slash’s Snakepit, and Slash feat.

Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators.

His versatility and distinctive guitar style have allowed him to collaborate with a diverse array of musicians, continually pushing the boundaries of rock.

Road Crew and Tidus Sloan

In the early ’80s, Slash formed a band called Road Crew with his friend Steven Adler, who would later become the drummer for Guns N’ Roses. They named the band after a song by Motörhead, reflecting their appreciation for heavy rock. Although the group didn’t achieve commercial success, it was crucial in helping Slash develop his musical style and stage presence.

Road Crew practiced rigorously, aiming to create a sound reminiscent of their hard rock influences like Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin. Slash’s ability to blend bluesy guitar riffs with hard rock rhythms began to take shape during this time. Despite their dedication, the band members eventually went their separate ways, but the experience was invaluable for Slash’s career.

Shortly after Road Crew disbanded, Slash joined another local band, Tidus Sloan. While this group also had a brief existence, it provided Slash with more opportunities to perform live and refine his guitar techniques. Tidus Sloan exposed him to different music styles, which contributed to his versatility as a guitarist.

Hollywood Rose

This lineup included future GN’R members Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin. Hollywood Rose allowed Slash to play in more prominent Los Angeles venues, increasing his exposure and experience in the music scene.

Hollywood Rose was pivotal in developing the groundwork for what would become the iconic Guns N’ Roses sound. The band’s raw energy and rebellious attitude were essential in shaping Slash’s guitar style. During his time with Hollywood Rose, Slash’s playing became more confident and innovative, incorporating complex solos and emotive melodies.

Hollywood Rose achieved a level of local fame, creating a buzz that set the stage for the formation of Guns N’ Roses. This period was critical for Slash, as it solidified his status as a standout guitarist in the burgeoning L.A. rock scene.

Guns N’ Roses Era

The album featured hits like “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and “Paradise City.” Appetite for Destruction topped the Billboard 200 chart and went on to sell over 30 million copies worldwide.

Slash’s Snakepit

This band marked his foray into a solo career. The group released two albums, It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere (1995) and Ain’t Life Grand (2000). These projects featured a mix of hard rock and blues, showcasing Slash’s signature guitar style.

The band’s lineup included members from Guns N’ Roses and other notable artists. Slash’s Snakepit allowed him to experiment with a different musical direction while retaining the rock essence that defined his career.

Velvet Revolver

Formed in 2002, this supergroup included former Guns N’ Roses members Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum, as well as Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots.

Velvet Revolver released two successful albums, Contraband (2004) and Libertad (2007). Their music merged rock and alternative elements, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Guest Appearances

He has made guest appearances with numerous artists across various genres. Notable appearances include working with Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper, and Lenny Kravitz.

In these collaborations, Slash’s unique guitar riffs and solo work added a distinctive flavor to a variety of music tracks. His contributions spanned from rock and metal to pop and blues, underscoring his adaptability and wide-ranging influence in the music industry.

Solo Career

Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators

Myles Kennedy, known for his powerful vocals, added a unique dimension to Slash’s guitar-driven sound.

Their first album, Apocalyptic Love, released in 2012, achieved critical and commercial success. This partnership continued with the release of World on Fire in 2014 and Living the Dream in 2018. Each album features a blend of rock influences, showcasing Slash’s signature style.

Their music often explores themes of personal struggle and resilience, resonating with audiences worldwide. Frequent touring helped solidify their reputation, with energetic performances that highlight their chemistry on stage.

This album included contributions from well-known musicians like Ozzy Osbourne, Fergie, and Chris Cornell.

The subsequent albums with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators continued his success. Apocalyptic Love peaked at number four on the Billboard 200, while World on Fire and Living the Dream further cemented his place in rock music history.

Slash’s tours are known for their high energy and skilled performances, often including a mix of solo material and classics from his previous bands.

Reunion Projects

Guns N’ Roses ‘Not in This Lifetime… Tour’

In 2016, Slash and Duff McKagan reunited with Axl Rose for the “Not in This Lifetime… Tour”, marking the first time the trio had performed together since 1993.

The tour, spanning from 2016 to 2019, became one of the highest-grossing tours in history, earning acclaim and massive ticket sales.

Despite past tensions, the reunion was characterized by remarkable professionalism and mutual respect. Fans were thrilled to see their dynamic performances again, showcasing classic hits and deep cuts from their extensive catalog.

Discography and Notable Performances

Slash’s Solo Discography

Studio Albums

1. Slash (2010)
2. Apocalyptic Love (2012)
3. World on Fire (2014)
4. Living the Dream (2018)
5. 4 (2022)

Live Albums

1. Made in Stoke 24/7/11 (2011)
2. Live at the Roxy 9.25.14 (2015)

Collaborations and Band Discography

Guns N’ Roses

• Appetite for Destruction (1987)
• Use Your Illusion I & II (1991)

Velvet Revolver

• Contraband (2004)
• Libertad (2007)

Notable Collaborations

• Slash has worked with artists like Michael Jackson, contributing to tracks on the Dangerous and HIStory albums.

Equipment and Musical Style

Slash is renowned for his distinctive sound, which owes much to his choice of equipment and playing techniques.

Guitars

• Gibson Les Paul: Particularly the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, is closely associated with his signature tone.
• B.C. Rich Mockingbird: Used during his early career.
• Guild Crossroads: Another notable model in his collection.

Amplifiers

• Marshall JCM800: A staple in his setup, providing the raw power and sustain in his solos.
• Marshall Silver Jubilee: Further refines his gritty and robust tone.

Effects Pedals

• Dunlop Cry Baby SW95 Slash: This special wah pedal is a key component, often used throughout his solos.
• Boss DS-1 Distortion: Offers additional layers of crunchy distortion.
• MXR M-108 10-Band EQ: Fine-tunes the mid-range frequencies.

Playing Style

Heavily influenced by blues and rock, his style incorporates fluid, melodic solos with heavy use of the blues scale.

• Heavy Vibrato: Creates a soulful and expressive tone.
• Pinch Harmonics: Adds a squealing, attention-grabbing effect to his solos.

Signature Techniques

• String Bending: Frequent bends at the end of phrases to emphasize emotion.
• Legato: Smooth transitions between notes add speed and fluidity.

Awards and Recognitions

Grammy Awards

47th Annual Grammy Awards

• Winner: Best Hard Rock Performance for “Slither” with Velvet Revolver
• Nominations:
  • Best Rock Album for “Contraband” with Velvet Revolver
  • Best Rock Song for “Fall to Pieces” with Velvet Revolver

Other Notable Awards and Nominations

Slash has received numerous accolades from various institutions. Below is a table highlighting some of these: