Slash: Raised On The Sunset Strip

Slash: Raised On The Sunset Strip is a 2014 documentary film that takes a closer look into the life of a legendary guitar icon: Slash. The film, directed by Martyn Atkins, features testimonials from some of rock music's most iconic figures, including musicians Steven Adler, Jerry Cantrell, Dave Mustaine, and Nikki Sixx, among others. The documentary film takes viewers on a journey from the early days of Slash's life growing up in Los Angeles to his rise as one of the most influential guitarists in rock history.

The documentary film opens with spectacular shots of Los Angeles, the city where Slash was raised. The film talks about Slash's childhood and how he was adopted at an early age by his father, who introduced him to rock and roll music. Raised by a single father who worked as a costume designer for films and television, Slash was exposed to the rock scene from a young age. Growing up, he would attend musician parties and make trips to famous Sunset Strip venues such as the Whiskey A Go-Go and the Roxy Theater.

As Slash got older, he began to experiment with music, creating his unique sound and writing songs. The documentary film takes us through his early days playing in bands in Los Angeles, including his time playing in Hollywood Rose, which then became Guns N' Roses. The film showcases rare footage from Guns N' Roses' early days and how the band quickly gained popularity on Sunset Strip before exploding onto the worldwide rock scene. The documentary further delves into the group's fast rise to fame and how the band dealt with the harsh realities that came with it, including drugs, alcohol abuse, and internal strife.

The film then explores Slash's decision to leave Guns N' Roses in the early '90s and how he formed his own band: Slash's Snakepit. Through interviews with Slash's bandmates, we get an inside look at the creative process behind the band's music, which resulted in their debut album, It's Five O'Clock Somewhere. The documentary also delves into Slash's collaborations with other artists, including his involvement with Michael Jackson's Dangerous album.

Along with anecdotes from Slash's peers and bandmates, the movie features interviews with close friends and family members. We hear from Slash's childhood friend and photographer Marc Canter as he shares intimate memories about their friendship, including their shared love for music, and how Canter documented Slash's career from the earliest days. The documentary also features interviews with Slash's father, who provided a never-before-seen look at his son's early life and upbringing.

The film takes viewers on a journey through Slash's career as a rock and roll icon, and we witness his transformation into a solo artist. We see how he formed Velvet Revolver with former members of Guns N' Roses and Stone Temple Pilots, which resulted in huge commercial success for the band. The film also explores the collaborations Slash had with different artists, including Ozzy Osbourne, Motorhead, and Alice Cooper. Through these collaborations, we get an insight into Slash's versatility as a musician and how he fit into various musical genres.

Overall, Slash: Raised On The Sunset Strip is a must-see for any fan of rock music. The documentary film provides a rare glimpse into the life of one of the most exceptional guitarists in rock and roll. Through the interviews with his friends, family, and peers, we get to relive Slash's incredible journey from his childhood days in Los Angeles to his rise as a rock icon. The film gives us an authentic look into the triumphs and hardships that he faced along the way. Slash: Raised On The Sunset Strip is an honest and inspiring tribute to one of the greatest guitarists of all time.