Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Music Box • Music

Slash

Slash is the stage name of Saul Hudson, a British-American rock guitarist best known as the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Slash is the stage name of Saul Hudson, a British-American rock guitarist best known as the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses. He is widely recognized for his blues-influenced playing style and his signature top hat and Gibson Les Paul guitar.

What it is

Slash is a stage name for Saul Hudson, born 23 July 1965 in London, England. He rose to fame as the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses during the band’s late-1980s and early-1990s commercial breakthrough. He has also played in projects such as Velvet Revolver and Slash’s Snakepit.

Key details

Slash’s real name is Saul Hudson. His nickname is widely reported to have come from actor Seymour Cassel. He is strongly associated with an amber Gibson Les Paul guitar and a black top hat, which became one of the most recognizable looks in rock music.

Why it matters

Slash is commonly described as one of the most influential rock guitarists of his generation. He has toured and released music internationally, including in Canada, and remains a familiar figure to Canadian rock audiences through Guns N’ Roses and related projects.

In short

  • Best known as the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses.
  • Born Saul Hudson in 1965 in London.
  • Signature look includes a top hat and Gibson Les Paul guitar.
  • Also played in Velvet Revolver and Slash’s Snakepit.
Canadian angle

Slash has toured and released music internationally, including in Canada, and remains a familiar figure to Canadian rock audiences through Guns N’ Roses and related projects.

Quick questions

Who is Slash?
Slash is the stage name of Saul Hudson, a British-American guitarist best known as the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses.
Slash real name?
Slash’s real name is Saul Hudson.
Slash guitar?
Slash is strongly associated with a Gibson Les Paul, especially an amber-colored model, which became part of his signature image.

Sources

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Slash-British-American-guitarist
    Supports: Birth name, nationality, birth date, profession, Guns N’ Roses role, and signature top hat/guitar image.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slash_(musician)
    Supports: Stage name, birth name, birth date, nationality, and career as lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/musicians/slash
    Supports: Marriage history, birth details, and career overview.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0805298/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, and marriage to Perla Ferrar.
  5. Revelation Management — https://www.revelationmgmt.com/slash
    Supports: Career achievements, record sales, awards, and background.