Some music fans cling so tightly to genre boundaries that they find it hard to accept when their icons draw inspiration from unexpected sources. For example, the rock enthusiasts who burned disco records in protest back in 1979 might not know that The Rolling Stones’ “Miss You” carries a distinctly disco-inspired bassline. Likewise, many hard rock purists who see Slash as the quintessential guitar soloist may be unaware of his deep appreciation for pop legend Michael Jackson. While some listeners view such crossovers as musical betrayal, they often become the very catalysts that drive innovation and artistic growth.
As the 1980s transitioned into the 1990s, Michael Jackson stood at the summit of global stardom. His career was then unmarred by the controversies that would later shadow his name, and his musical output — crafted alongside Quincy Jones — had revolutionized the pop landscape. With blockbuster albums and groundbreaking performances, Jackson became more than a chart-topper; he was a transformative cultural force. Meanwhile, Guns N’ Roses were establishing themselves as major players in the rock world. They churned out hit after hit, turning gritty ballads into radio gold and carving out a commercial niche for hard rock amid the pop-heavy charts.
In that climate, while many artists competed for the chance to collaborate with Jackson, Slash found himself in the rare position of doing just that. Their unexpected partnership blossomed during Jackson’s 1991 Dangerous album, most notably on the track “Give In To Me.” Slash also lent his signature guitar work to the intro and outro of “Black or White.” The experience clearly left a mark on him. Reflecting on their time together, Slash said, “Michael Jackson amazed me. Even though I’ve always thought he was great, to work with him in person was a phenomenal experience.”
Yet, for fans more comfortable with traditional rock royalty, Slash had more stories to share. He made a point of referencing other artists who aligned more closely with his musical roots. “And it goes the other way,” he explained. “There can be guys like Bob Dylan, who was extremely difficult to work with. But working with Iggy Pop was a great experience and I had no idea that working with Iggy could be so inspired and cover so much ground musically, you know, in just a couple of days.”
Since 2010, Iggy Pop has collaborated on two tracks with Slash, marking a creative period that has seemingly brought balance and renewed focus to the legendary guitarist. Their most recent collaboration, the 2024 track “Awful Dream,” takes a more introspective, mid-tempo direction that highlights the distinctive texture of Iggy’s voice. In contrast, their 2010 collaboration “We’re All Gonna Die” was a full-throttle rock anthem that delivered everything fans of straightforward rock could ask for.
These partnerships—whether with pop megastars or punk rock icons—reflect Slash’s openness to musical exploration and his ability to find inspiration in unexpected places. Far from compromising his rock credentials, these ventures showcase his versatility and confirm that great music often lives at the intersection of different sounds and sensibilities.
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