During the recent interview with Sunday Times Live, Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash explained the story behind his iconic black hat.
He said that “my hat became something that I feel comfortable in”, here’s the statement:
“Early in my career, I was always on the lookout for a cool hat to complete my stage wardrobe. In 1985, we were playing the Whisky a Go Go (in West Hollywood) and I went to Melrose Boulevard in Los Angeles, where I spotted this top hat in the window of a store called Retail Slut.
I went inside and checked it out and thought it looked really cool, so I got it. In the vintage shop right next door, called Leathers & Treasures, I got a concert belt that I cut up and put around the hat. That became my hat and I wore it that night for the first time at that gig.
From that night on, my hat became something that I feel comfortable in. It has also become something I can hide behind, as even though I love performing, I have never been good at looking into the eyes of the audience who are watching me. So, my hat and my hair in my face has just been my thing ever since.“
He also talked about ‘simplicity’ and how he was influenced by Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. He said:
“Simplicity is great, until you overthink it. The secret is not to be so insecure that you keep messing with it until you eventually mess it up. I feel if the initial idea is good enough, then just let it be. That is, of course, way easier said than done, though.
There were several artists I got exposed to early on that had a massive impact on me and where I was going. This included artists like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Jeff Beck and Cream, who subconsciously helped create the backbone of my own personality.”
Click here to entire interview.
