Slash: It Was Management That Drove the Wedge Between Me and Axl Rose in the ’90s

For decades, fans have speculated about what truly caused the legendary fallout between Slash and Axl Rose during Guns N’ Roses’ turbulent peak in the 1990s. The tension between the guitarist and frontman became one of rock’s most talked-about rivalries, leaving fans wondering whether the band’s chemistry could ever be restored. In a candid conversation with Guitar World, Slash finally shed light on the real culprit behind their rift — and how time, perspective, and a management-free bond helped rebuild their friendship.

When Slash rejoined Guns N’ Roses in 2016, it marked one of the most anticipated reunions in rock history. The reunion wasn’t just about nostalgia — it was about closure, healing, and rediscovering the joy of playing music together. Reflecting on the past, Slash admitted that what once tore them apart was never about music at all.

He emphasized that the chaos of the ’90s — the height of fame, pressure, and conflicting egos — was fueled by outside forces. “A lot of the stuff that was an issue for Guns in the early days had to do with management issues,” Slash revealed. “It pitted me and Axl against each other. And it worked.”

What Really Caused the Rift

By the mid-1990s, Guns N’ Roses had become one of the biggest bands in the world — but fame came with friction. Slash officially left in 1996, followed by bassist Duff McKagan in 1997, leaving Axl Rose as the sole remaining original member from Appetite for Destruction. At the time, rumors swirled about creative differences, ego clashes, and the band’s inability to stay grounded.

Slash now believes the real wedge came not from artistic tension but from manipulation behind the scenes. Management conflicts, financial disputes, and power struggles amplified misunderstandings between him and Rose. What could have been resolved through conversation instead became years of resentment.

Looking back, Slash says those toxic elements are long gone — and that’s why the current dynamic feels different. “Without that element, he and I get along great,” he said. “Duff and I have always gotten along great, and Richard Fortus is an amazing guitar partner. We just have a great time doing what we do.”

On Izzy Stradlin and the Reunion That Almost Was

When Guns N’ Roses announced the Not in This Lifetime reunion tour in 2016, fans immediately wondered whether rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin — a founding member — would join the lineup. Slash revealed that the idea was discussed, but the reunion took on a life of its own before Stradlin could become involved.

“It was weird coming back into it for me,” Slash admitted. “The level of musicianship had grown so much since the ’90s. We were all evolving, getting better, and I don’t know where Izzy would have fallen in at that time.” The chemistry between Slash, Axl, Duff, and Fortus helped stabilize the lineup, even if the classic formation remained incomplete.

Stradlin later clarified that he’d declined to participate because the band “didn’t want to split the loot equally.” His absence remains one of rock’s great what-ifs — a reminder that while old wounds may heal, not everyone chooses to revisit the past.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

Today, Guns N’ Roses are a well-oiled live machine, continuing to sell out arenas and headline festivals nearly four decades after their debut. With only a couple of shows left in 2025 and confirmed appearances at Brazil’s Monsters of Rock and the U.K.’s Download Festival in 2026, the band shows no signs of slowing down.

Slash’s reunion with Axl wasn’t just a career move — it was a personal milestone. What once seemed impossible has become a testament to growth and forgiveness. The guitarist’s renewed partnership with Rose and the rest of the band feels like a second chapter, driven more by mutual respect than fame or fortune.

As for new music, Slash has teased that a new Guns N’ Roses album “is coming.” While details remain under wraps, one thing is certain — the same bond that once broke apart the band has now evolved into something stronger. The past may have been chaotic, but in 2025 and beyond, Guns N’ Roses are writing their story on their own terms once again.