Slash, Guns N’ Roses legend, can talk about his favorite theme park rides all day

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As a movie critic might put it: I’ve got to hand it to Slash – the guitar maestro who rocketed into stardom as the focal point of Guns N’ Roses. A quintessential rock ‘n’ roll figure, this artist was seldom spotted without a dangling cigarette or a wide-brimmed hat that struggled to keep up with his mane of hair, which seemed to consume his face entirely.

Now, as of this week, he’s a theme park character at Universal Studios Hollywood.

At Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, which runs from most evenings through Nov. 2, a likeness of the musician Slash (formerly known as Saul Hudson) will be portrayed by an actor and will be accessible for photo sessions and meet-and-greets. For Slash, who is a passionate fan of theme parks and roller coasters, this collaboration with Halloween Horror Nights since 2014, when he started composing music for their haunted houses, marks the realization of a long-held dream.

And the character, he says, was partly his idea.

Slash approached them and asked, ‘Is it possible to get a stilt walker for our event? It would add quite an exciting touch.’ To which they agreed and created one that looked rather intimidating.

Slash relishes the concept of being a commanding, at times imposing figure. This is apparent when he takes center stage as the focal point of various bands, demanding attention. Moreover, he has a knack for instilling fear, demonstrated by his horror-oriented film production company, BerserkerGang. However, in private conversations, Slash simply revels in discussing his preferred thrill rides at amusement parks.

Approximately a week before the start of Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando, Fla., we had a conversation with Slash who was busy recording an album with his band, the Conspirators. This project, as per him, will be launched in 2027 due to touring commitments with Guns N’ Roses scheduled for 2026. Regrettably, his work schedule leaves no room for a visit to Walt Disney World or Universal’s newly established Epic Universe. However, he expressed excitement about the monsters-themed land at the latter Florida park that he was looking forward to experiencing.

Travel & Experiences

The sprawling Universal’s Epic Universe is overwhelmingly successful and is likely to be beloved by many as their preferred theme park destination. It has the potential to revolutionize the amusement park industry.

His love of theme parks runs deep, and is, of course, nonpartisan.

He admits to being a big fan of Disney, half-jokingly acknowledging that his partners from Universal might not be too pleased. He shares that his first visit to Disneyland happened in the early 1970s and finds it hard to express exactly what makes it so enchanting, but there’s an undeniable magical feeling one experiences when actually there. Since childhood, he has cherished Disney.

He goes on to say, ‘I have a soft spot for theme parks in particular.’ What really gets me excited are roller coasters, the lively carnival atmosphere, arcade games. I’m drawn to the whole festive outdoor vibe, and I must admit, I never seem to outgrow my fondness for it.’

Arguably, he’s grown into it.

Slash deeply appreciates Universal Studios, demonstrated by his understanding of how the backlot tram tour, commonly known as the World-Famous Studio Tour, has evolved throughout the years. As a longtime horror enthusiast who fondly recalls watching movies like “The Wicker Man” (1970s), “The Omen,” and “The Exorcist” with his parents, Slash holds Halloween Horror Nights particularly close to his heart.

Slash became interested in this event back in 2013 because it featured a spooky house inspired by Black Sabbath’s music and visuals. The musician was taken on a guided tour by John Murdy, who has been managing the West Coast version of these celebrations for quite some time.

As a film enthusiast, let me tell you, I was utterly astounded! My heart soared, and I found myself making excited noises that seemed to come from nowhere. From the captivating stilt walkers to the ingeniously hidden bush figures – camouflaged masters of disguise – it was all beyond belief. To be a part of such an extraordinary event? Sign me up!

When I visited Murdy’s private recording studio for the first time, I saw a large poster of the 1935 movie “Bride of Frankenstein” on the wall. This made me think that we shared an interest, so I said, “It seems we have something in common.

This year, the musician Slash is back at Halloween Horror Nights, composing music for a reboot of an original maze themed around classic monster characters from Universal. Interestingly, “Scarecrow” is musically different from his previous works as it features a cover by Slash of the traditional folk song “O Death.

In a strange turn of events, they began conversing as if discussing a scarecrow, and remarkably, Scarecrow mentioned he had recently mastered both the banjo and dobro. This piqued Murdy’s interest, for his home was nestled within the Dust Bowl region, where traditional Appalachian music resonated strongly – making his response, “That’s fantastic,” especially fitting.

Travel & Experiences

In simpler, more conversational terms: The launch of Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas indicates that our society is now wholeheartedly appreciating the creepier aspects of traditional folktales.

It’s no shock that Slash has been exploring more Americana sounds in his music. After all, his upcoming solo album in 2024, titled “Orgy of the Damned,” seems to embrace blues tones – take for instance, the fiery, down-home version of early Fleetwood Mac rock hit “Oh Well” he recorded with country sensation Chris Stapleton. Furthermore, some tracks from Slash’s Halloween Horror Nights collection (excluding the latest “Scarecrow” track) will once again be offered as a limited-edition vinyl record during Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights.

When presented with the idea, my mind immediately ventured there – I was able to grab my pedal steel and create a style reminiscent of Americana music, instead of the darker, metal-influenced sound I’d been using for the Universal Monsters projects, as Slash explains.

Slash is now synonymous with Halloween Horror Nights, and this year will showcase a bar dedicated to the musician, including a small top hat-shaped dessert. When asked about being transformed into a sculpted sponge cake with coconut lime mousse, he remains unfazed. (Paraphrased for readability and natural language)

“I wish I could explain in words how much I love that kind of stuff,” Slash says.

He frequently visits theme parks, but his preferred attractions are located a few miles away from Universal Studios in Anaheim. Instead, he proclaims his enduring affection for the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean rides at Disneyland. Even today, he maintains that these classic Disney rides, with their intricate design and creative elements, remain unmatched in terms of quality.

A genuine theme park enthusiast is characterized by their fondness for traditional, leisurely dark rides – these are experiences housed within dimly lit structures, frequently featuring various scenes or vignettes. Notably, Universal’s “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” is singled out as a noteworthy addition to this category.

Accompanied by my stepdaughter, we hopped on that enjoyable ride, as Slash mentions. The ‘Pets’ one is particularly endearing, given my fondness for animals. We’re cat lovers ourselves, so experiencing it was delightful.

Before Slash could fully complete his following statement, he began excitedly talking about a recent vacation to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, during which he explored Ferrari World, famous for its thrilling roller coasters.

“I can talk about this stuff all day,” he says.

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2025-09-05 23:31