Slash: ‘I Don’t Think There’s Any Truth’ to Rift With Axl Rose Over Michael Jackson Collaboration

Former Guns N' Roses manager Doug Goldstein offered what appeared to be a little insight on what has led to the fractured relationship between Axl Rose and Slash when he recently told the Brazilian edition of Rolling Stone that Slash's collaboration with Michael Jackson was to blame for the soured relationship between Guns N' Roses' singer and guitarist. But in a new interview, Slash states that he feels that's not the case.

Goldstein initially stated, "In 1991, we were on the road, and Slash went to my office and said, 'I'll be leaving tomorrow to play with Michael Jackson at a tribute concert.' I told him not to do it because Axl was molested by his father when he was two and he believed the charges against Michael Jackson." Goldstein went on to add, "When Axl found out Slash was going to play with Michael Jackson and that the payment was a big-screen TV, he was devastated. He thought Slash would support him and be against all abuse. From the point of view of Axl, that was the only problem. He could ignore the drugs and the alcohol, but could never the child abuse."

Speaking about the comments to DC 101 host Elliot Segal on the Elliot in the Morning show (as heard in the player above), Slash stated, "I've been hearing a lot about this particular interview from a lot of people that he really pissed off. And I've heard that. And I don't think there's any truth to that. I mean, obviously, the band stayed together for years after that whole thing. And it wasn't a big deal at the time. And if it did piss anybody off, it was something that went away. So I don't think it had anything to do with the original Guns N' Roses demise." As stated, the incident in question occurred in 1991 and Slash remained with the band through to his final performance in 1993.

The guitarist went on to add about Goldstein, "I don't wanna read or hear that guy's B.S., so I just avoid it. That way I stay sane."

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