Slash has opened up about the management issues that caused the rift between him and Axl Rose, leading to his departure from Guns N’ Roses in 1996. In a recent interview with Guitar World, he discussed the reasons behind the split and why the reunited band is thriving now. He noted that all the members have been dedicated to improving their skills as musicians.
Slash left the band in 1996 after years of growing tension. He was one of the last members from the classic Appetite for Destruction lineup to exit, with Duff McKagan following him the next year. After their departures, Axl Rose remained the only original member until the band reunited in 2016.
During the interview, Slash also touched on the possibility of Izzy Stradlin joining the Not in This Lifetime reunion tour. He expressed uncertainty about how Stradlin would fit into the current lineup. Although Stradlin met with the band when the reunion was first discussed, he ultimately decided not to participate. Richard Fortus stepped in as the second guitarist alongside Slash.
Since the 2016 reunion, Slash has praised his collaboration with Fortus. The two have been performing together, bringing the core members back after two decades apart. Looking ahead, Guns N’ Roses has announced performances for 2026 at Brazil’s Monsters of Rock festival and the U.K.’s Download Festival. Tickets are already available, so fans can get ready for an exciting year ahead!
