“I Need People to Stop Seeing Me as Just the Guitar Player”: Slash on His Hollywood Aspirations

To millions of fans worldwide, Slash is the legendary guitarist behind some of the most unforgettable rock riffs in history. With his signature top hat and fiery solos, he has left an indelible mark on music. But at 59, Slash is determined to redefine his public persona, shifting his focus from guitar icon to a versatile creative force in Hollywood.

“I need people to stop looking at me as the guitar player,” Slash confessed in a recent interview with The Times.

The Guns N’ Roses legend ventured into film production over a decade ago, debuting with the 2013 horror movie Nothing Left to Fear. Now, he’s diving into his most ambitious project yet: a psychological thriller series titled The Crow Girl. Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, the show represents a major step in Slash’s creative evolution.

Yet, his fame has proven to be both a blessing and a challenge in his Hollywood journey. “It’s a Catch-22,” Slash admits. “Having a name helps get a meeting, but that can overshadow the project.” While his reputation often opens doors, it can be difficult to get industry professionals to view him as more than a rock star.

“There’s a lot of that,” he notes, referring to frequent selfie requests from executives during meetings. “It’s great for a foot in the door, but harder to get people to take you seriously.”

In addition to producing the series, Slash is also contributing to its music. Even while touring with Guns N’ Roses, he dedicates his downtime to scoring the project. Armed with a laptop and guitar, he often works on the soundtrack from the comfort of his hotel room. “It keeps me out of trouble,” he jokes.

For Slash, who has experienced the highs and lows of fame, staying grounded has been a journey in itself. The twice-divorced father of two, London and Cash, now leads a much steadier life. Sober since 2006 and in a long-term relationship, he reflects on his earlier years when the chaos of rock ‘n’ roll frequently consumed him.

“I was just going headlong into everything,” he says of his younger days. “Hardcore partying. But nobody ever talked about what happens when the tour stops, and the adrenaline ends. Because I didn’t have a real life before this. I was a kid, then I got into a band. So when I had a break, I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to go out and be recognised. That’s not my thing—though I would have been laid more, I guess.”

Instead, Slash turned to isolation and substance abuse. “I ended up doing lots of drugs—alienating drugs where you are just a loner. I did that for years. And then, finally, I got sober. After that, I just jumped into spending all my time doing music. It speaks to me in a positive way.”

As Slash continues to broaden his creative horizons, he remains committed to his art, both on stage and behind the scenes. With The Crow Girl, he hopes to show the world a new side of himself—a visionary who refuses to be defined by a single label.

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