Slash: Guitar nerds are the worst

Slash says the worst part of performing live is seeing a group of guitar aficionados watching him play.

But he’s loving the experience of touring on the back of third album World On Fire – especially since he’s been doing it long enough that his solo work has attracted its own fanbase.

Slash tells AL.com: “As far as guitar nerds go, that’s the worst. You’re standing on stage, you look down and there’s people standing there expecting you to blow their minds with your guitar-playing tricks.

“That’s not exactly my MO. I’m a player and I can play – but it’s all within the context of the music, the songs.”

He says of the past five years: “It’s been great. The band is really kicking ass and we’re playing all over the planet. I think more than anything I just love playing. When you have a lot of opportunities to just go out there and do it, that’s pretty much what you do it for.”

Meanwhile, his thoughts are turning to a follow-up album. “We’re working on new material,” he confirms. “What I’m into is trying to do the most inspiring thing – and picking up new stuff along the way.”

But he adds: “It’s going to be from-the-heart hard rock material. Whatever it is that I end up putting out, I’m always true to the school.”

Slash releases a live DVD in June after his appearance at this year’s Download festival.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.