Gallagher was an inspiration, says Slash

Hard rock icon Slash was inspired by legendary Cork guitarist Rory Gallagher when writing his latest album, he has told the Irish Examiner.

“The song ‘Avalon’ on the new record is very much influenced by him,” said the former Guns N’ Roses guitarist, who revealed he had met Gallagher in Los Angeles in the mid-80s, in the early days of the band.

“By the times Guns started, I was really well versed in Rory Gallagher,” said Slash (real name Saul Hudson). “He wasn’t a big influence the first time I picked up a guitar. I became familiar with him through other players.”