Legendary Rock Interview recently spoke with Marc Canter (GUNS N' ROSES insider and author of the new G'N'R-related book Reckless Road). In the interview he talked about SLASH's younger years. An excerpt from the chat follow.
"Slash almost joined Poison at that point who were being managed by Vicky Hamilton. He didn't really wanna join but he knew it was a good opportunity because they were a big drawing act and their guitarist Matt had gotten his girlfriend pregnant and wanted to go back to Pennsylvania but he and Slash were friendly. Matt liked Slash, he had seen HOLLYWOOD ROSE open a couple Poison gigs and and wanted him to take over in Poison gig. Slash really didn't wanna do it, he didn't like the music, he didn't like the silly string and the image. I told him 'Dude, you gotta do it, you don't have a band, you'll be able to record an album and it will be a stepping stone to other things' but he still really didn't wanna go audition. He did go because I basically kept buggin him and I actually drove him out to go see them play this sold out show and convinced him to audition like 'Man, look at this' though he clearly wasn't into it and basically blew the audition. He was not into the music or the image and I guess he made some of that way too clear to the Poison guys. They knew he was clearly adept at the guitar parts and all but when it came down to it they were looking for someone who was really into the whole presentation and willing to play that game. Oddly enough, Slash walked out of the audition and saw C.C. walking in and KNEW without even hearing him play that he was the guy they were looking for, he just was so obviously perfect for POISON."