Saul (Slash) Hudson

The hero I nominate is a musician named Slash. Slash is a famous guitarist for many bands, including Guns n Roses and Velvet Revolver. Even after he left Guns n Roses, he recorded albums and CD’s with many other famous bands and musicians. Slash even recorded with Stevie Wonder, and he is another great hero to talk about. He is still in a band called Velvet Revolver, and they released a new album this year called “Libertad”.

Slash was born Saul Hudson, in a suburb area of London. His father was a white man, and his mother was an African-American. At the age of 11, his family relocated to Los Angeles, California. Soon after, his parents split up, and Slash spent most of his time with his mother. Later, he got his nickname from a family friend who described Slash as being, ”Always in a hurry, or a rush to do something.” And from that day on, the name just stuck to him.

At age 14, Slash was given his first guitar from his grandmother. Soon, he started practicing for many hours a day, and his entire dedication from then on went towards music. In 1983, after he and Steven Adler (childhood friend) failed to join a band called Poison, they put out an ad in the newspaper for a bassist. Soon after, they received a response from Duff McKagan. After a younger group of them broke up, Slash joined a band named Black Sheep. After they opened for another band, Slash was introduced to Axl Rose. They quickly became friends and were asked to join the band with Axl, Steven Adler, Duff McKagan, and Izzy Strandlin. That is when they formed Guns n Roses. Finally, after some disappointments, let downs and multiple garage bands, Slash found his perfect band.

I think that Slash relates to T.A Barron’s book The Hero’s Trail because he is a hero to those near and far. His music has been all around the country, with multiple huge tours that Guns n Roses had gone on. Along with Slash still bringing great music and guitar playing to the people today by playing in Velvet Revolver, he is a inspiration and a hero to many. When Guns n Roses was a popular band in 1985-1986, they were given the “Most Dangerous Band in the World”. Soon after, they released their first album, Appetite for Destruction. This album included their top hits, such as Sweet Child o’ Mine, and Welcome to the Jungle. Also, the whole band Guns n Roses was kind of like a hero to me because their album sold 15 million debut copies, second only to Boston’s premiere album. That is why I think that the whole band was like a hero to me, like an inspiration. Slash was also a great hero to me because he had been named the “Best Guitarist” in 2005 and was given this award by Esquire Magazine. For Slash being an old but great musician, I think that this is one amazing accomplishment for him.

In conclusion, Slash was a great hero to me because he was so inspirational. He had many failed attempts at joining some pretty big bands back then, but he kept going and eventually formed (in my opinion) the greatest band ever. Slash inspired me to learn his music on my own guitar, and to practice just like he did. I want to be as good as him someday; he is my hero, and also my inspiration. Those are the reasons why Slash is a great hero to me and many others.