MUMBAI: A day before his Mumbai concert with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators for MTVi Xtreme, Slash had his first interview with the Indian media community at a press conference on 6 November. Accompanied by senior vice-president and business head of Viacom18- Jaideep Singh, Slash had heard great stories of the country in the past, but due to some reason or the other, visiting India “did not work out”.

The guitar God, however, returns to the country for the first time since his famous stint with Indus Creed during the MTV India launch in 1996. “I had a great time with the band,” recalled Slash, unaware of the fact that Indus Creed would open for his act on 14 November in Bangalore- the same city where they crossed musical paths almost 20 years ago. “That is so awesome,” exclaimed the former Guns N Roses guitarist. Asked if history would repeat itself, Slash said, “I don’t know if I can come out before slotted time and perform. Back then, it was the launch and things worked out but I doubt that (now).”

With Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, Slash released an album last year titled ‘World On Fire’. And just like every other gig, they do not have a specific set-list per se, but will continue to perform tracks from their latest album in Mumbai and Bangalore.

The guitarist-songwriter turned 50 this July. With 25 years of professional experience that has resulted in several accolades, classic solos, couple of projects- including Velvet Revolver- and going solo, Slash has inspired many youngsters of the 90s and later, to pick up guitars and ‘live their dreams’, but Slash struggles to find it believable.

“I am not conscious of any of that, you know. I have a hard time believing I inspired people through my work.” Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page were few of the guitarists Slash grew up listening to; Aerosmith later joining his list of idols- that include AC/DC, Rage Against the Machine and Slayer. The guitarist admits that he has been friends with Aerosmith after Guns n Roses toured with the American legends back in 1989. More recently, Slash toured with the band again last year. “You see them do what they do, and even today the example they have set, is amazing.”

Myles Kennedy, the voice of Slash’s latest project, was approached when Slash co-founded his former band- Velvet Revolver. He did not know what the Alter Bridge frontman sounded like until Kennedy provided vocals for Slash’s debut solo album for the track- ‘Starlight’. “Since then, we just hit it off. We toured, continued to make records. It did not materialise during Velvet Revolver though. He is a brilliant musician with the idea of proper rock and roll.” Slash started his solo journey with an adventurous debut self-titled album, comprising of different singers and styles. “It’s fun to make different styles,” he added.

Slash continues to remain one of those few legends from the 90s to fill up venues, year after year, but feels the current ‘rock scene’ is predictable, safe and deluded.

Additionally, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, who reassures pythons no more find shelter in his home, passionately contributes towards anti-poaching, a cause that he believes will put an end to illegal ivory trade and animal abuse.