Slash reflects on Guns N' Roses' wild past and his journey to sobriety
Slash, the legendary Guns N' Roses guitarist, was recently seen shopping in a Los Angeles supermarket with his long-term girlfriend, Meegan Hodges. The 60-year-old rocker, known for his wild past, has openly discussed how his band's behaviour would likely face backlash in today's internet-driven culture. His comments come alongside a decades-long career marked by health struggles, sobriety, and continued musical success.
Slash, born Saul Hudson, battled severe health issues in the early 2000s due to years of drug abuse. In 2001, doctors diagnosed him with cardiomyopathy, a form of congestive heart failure, and warned he had between six days and six weeks to live. He survived after receiving a defibrillator and undergoing intense physical therapy. By 2006, he had achieved sobriety—a turning point that allowed him to resume his career with renewed energy.
Since then, Slash has remained active in music, releasing solo albums like *Slash* (2010), which featured collaborations with Myles Kennedy, Ozzy Osbourne, and others. His work with Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators produced well-received records such as *Apocalyptic Love* and *Living the Dream*. This year, he released *Orgy of the Damned*, a blues covers album featuring guests like Steven Tyler and Iggy Pop. Meanwhile, Guns N' Roses continues to tour and release new material, including the 2023 single *The General*. Outside of music, Slash has been in an on-and-off relationship with former model Meegan Hodges for over a decade. The couple was recently photographed during a casual outing, with Slash dressed in his signature style—a black leather jacket, jeans, and a backwards baseball cap. Hodges wore a knitted poncho and beanie, keeping the appearance relaxed. Reflecting on his band's controversial past, Slash admitted that many of Guns N' Roses' actions would not be tolerated today. He suggested the group would likely face cancellation if they emerged in the age of social media scrutiny.
Slash's career has spanned over four decades, surviving health crises and industry changes. His recent projects and ongoing relationship with Hodges show a life now focused on music and stability. Meanwhile, his remarks on modern cultural standards highlight how much the entertainment landscape has shifted since Guns N' Roses first rose to fame.
