Slash Guns Roses: Career, Health, and Personal Life

When Slash joined Guns N’ Roses in 1985, he helped shape a sound that would define a generation — but his journey has been anything but a straight line. From health scares to a feud with Axl Rose, his story is one of resilience and reinvention.

Full name: Saul Hudson ·
Born: 23 July 1965 ·
Member of: Guns N’ Roses (1985–1996, 2016–present) ·
Years active: 1981–present ·
Children: 2 ·
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)

Seven key facts about Slash, from his real name to his recording career:

Why was Slash kicked out of Guns and Roses?

The short answer: he wasn’t kicked out — he quit. By 1996, creative differences and personal tensions had made the band environment unbearable. Slash himself described it as a mutual realization that the band was no longer working.

What happened to Slash after leaving Guns N Roses?

• He formed Slash’s Snakepit and later Velvet Revolver, a supergroup that achieved commercial success (Wikipedia).
• Released two solo albums (Wikipedia).
• Reunited with Guns N’ Roses in 2016 for the Not In This Lifetime… tour (Rolling Stone).

Is Slash still in Guns N Roses?

Yes. Slash rejoined the band in 2016 and has been touring and recording with them ever since. The reunion tour became one of the highest-grossing tours of all time (Rolling Stone).

The implication: leaving didn’t end his connection with Guns N’ Roses; it paused it until conditions aligned.

What condition does Slash have?

Slash suffers from cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart muscle. After a health scare in 2006, he had a pacemaker implanted to regulate his heartbeat (Biography.com). He has spoken openly about the experience in interviews and his autobiography.

What disease does Slash have?

Cardiomyopathy is a chronic disease that can lead to heart failure if untreated. Slash’s pacemaker helps manage the condition.

How did Slash’s health affect his career?

The health scare was a wake-up call that led him to quit drugs and alcohol. It also made him prioritize his health over the rock-star lifestyle, which likely prolonged his career (Apple Books).

The pattern: a major health crisis became the catalyst for a cleaner lifestyle and extended career.

Are Axl and Slash still friends?

The feud between Slash and Axl Rose lasted nearly two decades. After Slash left Guns N’ Roses in 1996, the two barely spoke. A public reconciliation in 2016 paved the way for the reunion tour (Wikipedia).

Did Slash and Axl Rose reconcile?

Yes. Axl Rose publicly stated in 2016, “We’re all happy to be playing together again.” The reunion was not just a business move — it required genuine personal forgiveness.

Are Axl and Slash on good terms?

Current relationship is professional but not close friends. They share a stage and a mutual respect for the music, but neither has indicated a deep personal bond outside of the band.

Is Slash a nice guy?

By all accounts, Slash is known for being down-to-earth and friendly. Fellow musicians describe him as laid-back and easy to work with. His reputation stands in stark contrast to the volatile Axl Rose (Rolling Stone).

What is Slash’s reputation among peers?

Positive anecdotes abound. He is often described as a generous collaborator who puts the music first.

Does Slash have a temperamental personality?

Not typically. While he had a heavy drug and alcohol problem in the 1990s, since getting sober he has been seen as stable and professional.

What drugs was Slash on?

Slash struggled with alcohol and cocaine addiction for many years. In 2006, he suffered a near-fatal overdose that prompted him to get sober (Wikipedia). He has been clean ever since.

When did Slash struggle with addiction?

The worst period was during the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Guns N’ Roses was at its peak. He has said that the band’s success enabled his addiction.

How did Slash overcome drug addiction?

After the 2006 overdose, he entered rehab and committed to a sober lifestyle. He credits his pacemaker surgery and the support of his family for his recovery.

How old is Slash?

Slash was born on 23 July 1965, making him 59 years old as of 2025. He holds dual British and American citizenship (Wikipedia).

Who are Slash’s parents?

His father is Anthony Hudson, a British artist, and his mother is Ola Oliver, a Black American costume designer. They divorced when Slash was young (Wikipedia).

Who is Slash’s wife?

Slash was married to Perla Ferrar from 2001 until their divorce in 2018. They have two sons together (Wikipedia).

Does Slash have children?

Yes, two sons: London (born 2002) and Cash (born 2004).

What is Slash’s nationality?

Slash is a British-American citizen, born in London to a British father and American mother (Wikipedia).

The takeaway: Slash’s career has been punctuated by exits and reunions, each phase building on the last.

The pattern: most facts are solid, but the personal dynamics remain partially opaque.

Quotes

“It was a mutual thing; we just weren’t getting along.”

Slash, autobiography

“I had to get a pacemaker; it was a wake-up call.”

Slash, interview with Classic Rock

“We’re all happy to be playing together again.”

Axl Rose, public statement, 2016

Slash’s ability to bounce back from health crises, addiction, and a fractured band relationship shows his resilience. For the music industry, his story is a reminder that second acts are possible — even for rock stars who seemed to have burned all bridges. For Slash, the road ahead is clear: keep playing, keep creating, and stay healthy.

Frequently asked questions