Happy Birthday Slash

Saul Hudson was born July 23, 1965 in London, England. Wait – What!? Slash is British!? How long did you think you could keep this from us!? Our entire lives have been a lie. First Darrin on Bewitched and now this!

Saul’s mom was Ola J. Hudson, an American-born English fashion designer and costumier to the stars. She later dated David Bowie and worked with Ringo and Janis Joplin. His father Anthony Hudson was an artist and one of the famous Hudson Brothers. He created album covers for artists such as Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. The family moved to Los Angeles when Saul was 5. The boy was given the nickname “Slash” by actor Charles Nelson Reilly. “The little sonofabitch slashed my man purse with a razor and stole my wallet”.

Happy Birthday Slash — Slash with Axl Rose – Illustration By Paul King Art

Before their success with Guns n Roses, the lads were in a boy band together. Way before New Edition and New Kids On The Block, Impresario Maurice Starr and his partner Mary Alford discovered Boyz n Roses, and guided their early success. Fifteen-year-old Axl Rose immediately impressed Starr and Alford with his rapping skills, dancing ability and showmanship, becoming the group’s first member. Rose assisted in helping to recruit other members. Among them were his best friends Duff McKagen and Izzy Stradlin. He also coaxed one-time schoolmate Saul Hudson – who sang an exceptional falsetto – into auditioning for Starr as well. Upon Hudson’s passing the audition, his friend Steven Adler was accepted into the group as well. Boyz n Roses lasted 9 months and recorded one album before puberty, drugs and arrests led to the bands demise.

Guns n Roses

Of course we all know about his time with Guns n Roses. The biggest band in the world at one time, they were a breath of fresh air compared to the hair bands of the time. GnR sold a billion albums and filled every stadium 10x over. Once again, puberty, drugs, arrests and Axl Rose being a big PITA led to the band’s demise. Slash is considered by many to be one of the world’s greatest and most influential guitarists. He is a real cool dude too.