Slash was back at the Rockhal Monday night. Wort.lu had the opportunity to talk with him about his latest album “Apocalytic Love”, his meeting with Miles Kennedy, his destiny, horror films, but certainly not Axl Rose!

You said that recording your latest album "Apocalyptic Love" was one of the things that made you happiest since the days of Guns' n Roses. Why?

I worked with great people. They are all very good musicians and very down to earth and we had a great time in the studio. I loved writing songs and working with Miles and the work environment was very creative, very positive and stress free.

Why did you choose to work with Miles Kennedy?

I worked with him on my last solo album. I found him a really good singer and I thought that maybehe could go on tour with me, which is what he did! During the tour, I thought that maybe he would agree to make a record with me.

For "Apocalytic Love", unlike "Slash", you have chosen not to sing your songs but use different singers. Why?

I did not want to do the same thing. It was just one project and I don't intend to repeat it.

But it wasn't a negative experience?No! First, because it allowed me to meet Miles that was a beautiful experience, but I can not go on forever like that, all the time.The reason I did this was because I wanted to create an album of myself with guests, in the same way I often appear on other people's records.

Exactly, you've worked with a lot of different artists during your career. How do you adapt to each style?

That's part of the magic! Working with different people, personalities and styles, this is really important. You learn to adapt, we see how people think and we are evolving musically. For me as an individual it's a fantastic learning experience. I learned to become a better musician in contact with these people. I'm very lucky.

By playing your songs again and again, do you still experience the same emotions as when you first played them ?

I think some elements remain the same as when they are recorded or played for the first time. But new emotions also emerge. It evolves over time, but the song is still about the same thing.

How do you feel about being given the title one of the best guitarists in the world?

I don't think about it much. I know myself and I know how hard it is and how I have to work. On top of that, there are guitarists that few people know who are actually better than me.It's certainly very flattering, but I don't take it too seriously, because if I had to enter a room with loads of great guitar players, I would be embarrassed. So, I appreciate that you say that about me, but it's not necessarily fair.

What does the word "destiny" mean for you?

Destiny is a big word. I think things happen for a reason, I'm a big believer. But I don't live my life thinking about my destiny. I walk blindly following my heart. But again, things do not happen without reason. Some coincidences are too perfect to be.

Would you have said the same thing, 25 years ago?

Yes!

What does Slash do when he's not playing guitar?

I have it with me all the time! But when I manage to let go, I'm a father and husband. I find stuff to do to around the house. I'm quite a calm person and think about music all the time. My mind is always on music, so when I'm not playing the guitar, I manage to do something connected with music.

And horror films!

And horror films! I've been a fan since I was little and I had the chance to produce one with a partner. Filming of my first movie just ended and it looks good.

Porn Queen are your opening act here, what do you think of them?

I met Lucas a few years ago on Twitter. He started sending me his music. I found it very good and when I came to Luxembourg two years ago, I contacted him to get Porn Queen to be the opening act. It was great and I promised to contact him again if I returned. It's done! Porn Queen also played with us in Paris last year, a really great band.

Interview by Sophie Kieffer