Saul (Slash) Hudson

The hero that I picked is Slash he was born in July 23, 1965 in West Hampstead, England and the reason I picked this person is because I am inspired by his perseverance, courage and boldness. Saul Hudson is also known as Slash the former lead guitarist of Guns and Roses and now the lead guitarist of Velvet Revolver. He inspires me because every time I see him play the guitar I immediately go down stairs and practice the guitar. I think that’s how a lot of people who like his music feel. I think Guns and Roses was one of the best bands ever and to me they always will be.

Slash’s inspiration was his music teacher. When seeing him play the guitar Slash said “I want to do that”. I like how Slash plays the guitar because not many people play the guitar these days. But most people my age you would quit after a while but I will not because this is what I love to do. That is why I picked this person as my hero because he and I love to do the same thing. Slash grew up in an old neighborhood and his family was poor and when he got his first guitar he never put it down. He treated it like gold.

Slash (http://www.gibson.com/email/images/042505_slash.jpg)

When Slash was about eighteen he dropped out of school just to focus on music. I don’t think that was the smartest idea. Because you need school; you can practice after school or something. When Slash formed the band Guns and Roses with Axl Rose, Duff Mckagen and Izzy Stradlin, it was his big break. If I ever had a big break like that I would probably faint. A lot of people dream of being a rock star and only a few people get to experience that. I think if there weren’t a Guns and Roses that I wouldn’t be playing the guitar today. Guns and Roses is my favorite band and it always will be.

When Slash had big, screaming fans running after him and with all the publicity he started to do drugs. I think that a lot of people saw a difference in him and his playing. Then his alcoholism really messed up his playing on stage like messing up on “Welcome to the Jungle” and some other songs. Then once he finally realized it he said “I need to stop”. When he tried to get off drugs it was hard. He had to be courageous and bold and he couldn’t take one hit. I can’t even imagine what it’s like. For example, Johnny Cash getting off the pills. I respect that, but I bet it’s really hard. He must have had a lot of perseverance and bravery. It must have tortured and really sickened him, and those are two of Slash’s traits that inspire me: his boldness and courage.

Finally…When Slash got off drugs his life started to be clearer to him. He might have felt good when he was on drugs but it ruined his life. Slash was the former guitar player in Guns and Roses and he has learned his lesson with drugs and he will probably never do them again. I don’t know Slash that well but I have a feeling that he has a lot of trust. Slash is my hero because he is my favorite guitar player and I like his perseverance, boldness, courage, and I hope a lot of trust. Slash continues to play with the band Velvet Revolver as the lead guitarists and continues to live his dream, hopefully for as long as he can.