Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash has offered new insight into the legendary feud that split one of rock's biggest bands at the height of its fame. In a recent interview, the iconic musician pointed to external pressures and management conflicts as the primary cause of the division between him and frontman Axl Rose, rather than personal animosity alone.
After years of speculation, Slash explained that forces behind the scenes successfully created a wedge between the two founding members, leading to his departure in 1996. He also detailed why the band's current dynamic is stronger than ever, allowing them to move past decades of tension.
Key Takeaways
- Slash attributes the '90s rift with Axl Rose to "management issues" designed to pit them against each other.
- He states that without those external factors, he and Axl Rose get along great, contributing to the success of the reunion.
- The current lineup, including Duff McKagan and Richard Fortus, is described as a highly functional and enjoyable creative environment.
- The departure of original members like Izzy Stradlin was complex, with Stradlin reportedly declining the reunion over financial disagreements.
The Wedge Between Two Rock Icons
For nearly two decades, the story of Guns N' Roses was one of fractured relationships and public disputes. The creative partnership between Slash and Axl Rose, which defined their sound, dissolved into a seemingly irreparable conflict. Slash now suggests the narrative was more complicated than many fans believed.
"I think a lot of the stuff that was an issue for Guns in the early days – especially in the '90s – had to do with management issues and stuff that pitted me and Axl against each other," Slash recalled. "And it worked, it definitely worked."
This perspective reframes the band's infamous breakup, suggesting that calculated external manipulation, rather than just creative differences or clashing egos, was the critical factor. According to Slash, removing that element has been key to their successful reunion, which began in 2016.
"Without that element, he and I get along great. Duff and I have always gotten along great... We all get along really well, and we have a good time doing what we do."
This newfound harmony has allowed the Not in This Lifetime... Tour to become one of the highest-grossing tours in music history, proving the enduring appeal of the band's core members performing together.
A Band Rebuilt
The current iteration of Guns N' Roses features three members of its classic lineup: Axl Rose, Slash, and bassist Duff McKagan. They are joined by longtime keyboardist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus, drummer Isaac Carpenter, and keyboardist Melissa Reese.
Slash spoke highly of the band's chemistry, particularly his partnership with Richard Fortus. "He and I make a really great guitar team, and he’s just a good guy," he noted. This collaborative spirit is a far cry from the tensions that marked his final years with the band in the mid-1990s.
The Long Road to Reunion
Slash officially left Guns N' Roses in October 1996, following years of escalating tension. His departure came after Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum had also grown distant from Axl Rose's vision. For nearly 20 years, a reunion seemed impossible, with both sides trading barbs in the press. The surprise reconciliation in 2016 marked a monumental moment for rock music.
The stability of the current lineup contrasts sharply with the band's tumultuous history. Between the classic era and the reunion, Guns N' Roses saw over a dozen musicians cycle through its ranks as Axl Rose worked on the long-delayed album Chinese Democracy, which was finally released in 2008.
The Ghosts of the Original Lineup
While fans celebrated the return of Slash and McKagan, questions lingered about the other original members, particularly rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin and drummer Steven Adler.
Adler, who was fired in 1990 due to his struggles with addiction, did make guest appearances at a few shows during the reunion tour. However, Izzy Stradlin, a key songwriter on Appetite for Destruction, remained absent.
Reports suggested Stradlin was approached for the reunion but ultimately declined. In a since-deleted social media post, he claimed the band "didn't want to split the loot equally."
A History of Lineup Changes
Since its formation in 1985, Guns N' Roses has had more than 20 official members. Axl Rose is the only constant member throughout the band's entire history. Longtime keyboardist Dizzy Reed, who joined in 1990, is the second-longest tenured member.
When asked how Stradlin might have fit into the reunited band's dynamic, Slash was uncertain. "I don’t know where Izzy would have fallen in at that time," he admitted. "I have no idea, because we never really got a chance to jam at any of those initial rehearsals for the Not in This Lifetime tour."
Why Did the Classic Band Disintegrate?
The original lineup's dissolution was a gradual process marked by personal and professional conflicts:
- Steven Adler (Drums, 1985-1990): Fired due to severe drug addiction that impeded his ability to perform.
- Izzy Stradlin (Rhythm Guitar, 1985-1991): Left after becoming sober, citing the band's excessive lifestyle and Axl Rose's lack of punctuality and structure.
- Slash (Lead Guitar, 1985-1996): Departed over creative control, contract disputes giving Rose rights to the band name, and Rose's decision to include another guitarist's work on a track without his consent.
- Duff McKagan (Bass, 1985-1997): Was the last of the classic lineup besides Rose to leave, citing a desire to focus on family and sobriety after a health scare.
The Future of Guns N' Roses
With years of successful touring behind them, the focus has shifted to new music. The band has released two songs, "Absurd" and "Hard Skool," which were re-workings of material from the Chinese Democracy sessions. However, fans are eager for a full album of brand-new material.
Slash has confirmed that the band is actively working on a new record. In past interviews, he has stated, "There’s so much material," suggesting that a new Guns N' Roses album "is coming."
As of now, the band has a few festival dates scheduled for 2026, including Monsters of Rock in Brazil and Download Festival in the U.K. The continued positive relationship between its core members suggests that this chapter of Guns N' Roses is far from over, offering a story of reconciliation that once seemed impossible.