Daily Star 2008-03-31 – Why Amy Rocks!
An article covering comments from guitarist Saul "Slash" Hudson, including one of Muse, on the Daily Star website, published 2008-03-31.
WHY AMY ROCKS!
31st March 2008
NOTORIOUS hell raiser Slash has crowned Brit soul girl Amy Winehouse the new queen of rock n’ roll.
The former Guns N’ Roses axeman believes Amy, is way more dangerous than any of the current crop of hard rocking bands.
Slash, 42, told Playlist’s guitar slinger James Cabooter: “Amy’s cool, she’s carrying the torch for rock ’n’ roll. “I think she’s great, not so much because of her personal choices, but because she’s a great singer with a unique sound and style. And she doesn’t take any shit.”
But the hat-wearing icon – who is himself a reformed alcoholic and drug addict – has warned Amy, 24, to steer clear of dodgy substances if she wants to become a true legend.
He said: “She’s on the verge of greatness, but it would be regrettable if her talent was overshadowed by her extra-curricular activities.
“She’s at a crossroads, I hope she makes the right decision.”
Along with Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, 63, and Eddie Van Halen, 53, Slash is one of the all-time great guitarists.
But he is pretty damning of today’s generation of fret fiddlers.
“It’s sad,” he says. “There’s no identifiable guitar players in rock ’n’ roll any more.
“With the exception of Jack White – who is great – the new breed of bands aren’t bringing out decent guitarists. Rock ’n’ roll is so diluted in this millennium, you just don’t hear good solos. And I hate EMO.”
But there is at least one band Slash still has a bit of time for.
He said: “I did a gig with Muse recently and those guys can really play.
“It’s not really what I’d call proper rock ’n’ roll, but they do something pretty special. And I admire that.”
The rocker is hoping that his signature line of Gibson and Epiphone Les Paul guitars will inspire a new generation to pick up the instrument.
He said: “The new guitar is incredible. I was very involved in its creation.
“Normally I have to customise Gibsons because I’m very particular about the neck.
“But this one comes ready made. It’s a beautiful thing and there’s even a version which will come with cigarette burns for the full effect.”
The Limited Edition Slash Gibson and Epiphone Les Paul guitars hit the shops worldwide tomorrow.