Yes, Did Slash Play With Michael Jackson? The Full Story Behind Their Epic Collaborations
For music lovers, the idea of two absolute legends from wildly different musical worlds coming together can feel a bit like a dream. You might wonder, "Did Slash play with Michael Jackson?" It’s a question that pops up quite a lot, actually. The Guns N' Roses guitar hero, known for his signature top hat and powerful riffs, and the King of Pop, a true icon of sound and stage, seem like an unlikely pairing. Yet, their paths did cross, creating some truly memorable music. This collaboration, frankly, still fascinates fans to this day.
Many people are curious about how this unusual musical partnership came about. It's not every day you hear about a rock guitar legend lending his distinct sound to a pop superstar's album, is that right? Michael Jackson, as it turns out, really knew how to pick his talent. He sought out the best, and for his eighth solo album, 'Dangerous,' which came out on November 26, 1991, he had a very specific vision for some of the guitar work.
This particular joining of forces has been a topic of conversation for years, and Slash himself has spoken about it quite openly in various interviews. He’s a very honest person, you know, when he talks about his past. From his time with Guns N' Roses to working with other famous artists, he's always had interesting stories to share, and his experience with Michael Jackson is, quite honestly, one of the most talked-about.
Table of Contents
- Slash: A Brief Look at the Guitar Icon
- The 'Dangerous' Album and a Key Phone Call
- The Songs Slash Contributed To
- Slash's Recollections of Working with Michael Jackson
- Frequently Asked Questions
Slash: A Brief Look at the Guitar Icon
Before we get too deep into the collaboration itself, it's probably good to get a little background on the man behind the guitar, Saul Hudson, known universally as Slash. He's arguably one of the most recognizable guitarists in rock history, you know, with his signature look and that incredible sound. His work with Guns N' Roses truly made him a household name, and he's been quite busy with other projects too, like his work with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators.
He's a musician who has, in some respects, always pushed boundaries, never really sticking to just one style. That willingness to explore different sounds and work with diverse artists is, very much, a big part of what makes him so unique. It’s almost like he’s a chameleon, in a way, able to adapt his guitar voice to many different musical settings.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Slash
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Saul Hudson |
Known As | Slash |
Born | July 23, 1965 |
Birthplace | Hampstead, London, England |
Primary Instrument | Guitar |
Notable Bands | Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, Slash's Snakepit, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators |
Signature Style | Blues-rock influences, melodic solos, top hat, long curly hair |
The 'Dangerous' Album and a Key Phone Call
So, the story of how Slash ended up on Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous' album really begins with a phone call. This was back in 1991, and Michael Jackson was putting together what would become a truly massive album. He had a clear idea of what he wanted for certain tracks, and for some of the guitar parts, he apparently thought of Slash. It was, you know, a pretty big deal to get a call like that.
Slash, in a recent conversation with Kerrang, recalled how the whole thing started. He said, "Initially, it was a phone call from my manager where he said, ‘Michael is trying to get in.'" That’s how it usually happens with these big collaborations, isn't it? Managers connecting the dots. It’s not like Michael Jackson just showed up at Slash’s door, which would be, arguably, a wild story in itself.
This phone call eventually led to Slash being invited to play on the album. It shows, in a way, how much Michael Jackson respected Slash's unique guitar playing. He wanted that particular sound, that raw energy that Slash brings to his music. And so, the stage was set for two very different musical forces to come together.
The Songs Slash Contributed To
Slash's contributions to 'Dangerous' weren't just a fleeting moment; he actually played on two songs. These tracks really stood out, you know, because of that distinct guitar work. One of the most talked-about collaborations was on the song "Give In To Me." This track, in particular, is often described as a menacing ballad with sizzling guitar, and that’s pretty accurate.
"Give In To Me" really showcases Slash's ability to add a raw, almost gritty edge to Michael Jackson's pop sound. The guitar solo on that song is, honestly, quite memorable. It's got that classic Slash feel, which, in some respects, gives the track a different kind of intensity. It just works so well, you know?
Beyond "Give In To Me," Slash also played on another track from the 'Dangerous' album. While "Give In To Me" is the most widely recognized, Ultimate Classic Rock recently revisited Michael Jackson’s collaborations with Slash, also mentioning "D.S." and "Morphine." So, it wasn't just a one-off thing; he contributed to more than one piece of music, which is, you know, pretty cool.
These tracks really highlight Michael Jackson's willingness to experiment and bring different musical textures into his work. To have a rock guitarist like Slash on his album was, frankly, a bold move, and it paid off. It added a layer of depth and power that really made those songs stand out on an album already full of hits.
Slash's Recollections of Working with Michael Jackson
Working with Michael Jackson was, understandably, a unique experience for Slash. He’s spoken about it in several interviews, offering a glimpse into what it was like behind the scenes. In a recent conversation with ComingSoon Interviews, Slash opened up about his time with the King of Pop. He was asked directly, "How did you end up working with Michael Jackson on the Dangerous album in 1991?" and he gave a pretty straightforward answer, as we discussed earlier.
Slash also talked about how Michael Jackson treated him during their working sessions. He recalled his tenure with Michael Jackson and revealed how Jackson behaved when they were together. It seems, in a way, that Michael Jackson was very respectful of Slash's talent and gave him the space to create. This is, you know, a sign of a true artist recognizing another.
One interesting detail Slash shared, particularly in an interview with Kerrang, was about Michael Jackson leaving him in the studio. Before looking back at when Slash recalled Michael Jackson leaving him in the studio, let’s detail what Slash made for Michael Jackson. He was brought in for specific guitar parts, and he was given the freedom to lay down his signature sound. Michael Jackson would, apparently, come in, listen, and then sometimes just leave Slash to work, which, in some respects, is a huge vote of confidence.
Slash is currently promoting a new album with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators titled '4,' and naturally, questions about his past collaborations still come up. When asked about appearing on Michael Jackson's "Give In To Me" track from 1991's 'Dangerous' album, the musician replied, sharing details that really help paint a picture of the recording process. It’s clear that, even after all these years, the experience remains quite vivid for him.
The Guns N' Roses lead guitarist, whose real name is Saul Hudson, spoke about the late King of Pop Michael Jackson in an interview recently, offering more insights into their professional relationship. He discussed his life and, you know, the upcoming album, but the conversation always seems to circle back to these iconic moments in his career. It just shows how much interest there still is in these collaborations.
During a conversation with Kerrang, Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash looked back on collaborating with Michael Jackson in the early '90s, explaining how the whole thing came to be. He pretty much confirmed that it was a direct invitation from Michael Jackson himself, through his management, to get that specific guitar sound. It was, arguably, a very smart move by Jackson.
Music legend Slash recently opened up about collaborating with the late King of Pop Michael Jackson on the song “Give In To Me.” What did Slash say about collaborating with him? He described a professional environment where he was able to contribute his unique style. This kind of creative freedom is, you know, what many musicians really appreciate when working with other big names.
It’s fascinating to hear these stories directly from Slash. He appeared on Jackson’s 1991 album, and his contributions are, to be honest, a significant part of what makes those songs so powerful. The blend of Michael Jackson’s pop brilliance with Slash’s rock edge created something truly special, something that, frankly, still resonates with listeners today. You can learn more about famous musical collaborations on our site, and perhaps even discover other unexpected pairings by checking out this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Slash play guitar on any Michael Jackson songs?
Yes, he absolutely did. Slash played guitar on two songs for Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous' album, which came out in 1991. The most famous one he played on is "Give In To Me," which features a really strong guitar part. He also contributed to other tracks, so, it was more than just a quick appearance.
What was it like for Slash to work with Michael Jackson?
Slash has talked about it quite a bit in interviews. He mentioned that Michael Jackson invited him directly, and it seems Jackson was very professional and respectful of his musical input. Slash recalled being left in the studio to work on the guitar parts, which, in a way, shows a lot of trust. It sounds like it was a very focused and creative environment.
Which Michael Jackson album features Slash's guitar work?
Slash's guitar work can be heard on Michael Jackson's eighth solo album, 'Dangerous,' released in 1991. He's particularly prominent on the track "Give In To Me," which is, arguably, one of the album's most powerful songs due in part to his contribution.
![Slash Upstages Michael Jackson! [VIDEO]](https://townsquare.media/site/157/files/2014/06/slash-getty.jpg?w=1200&h=0&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89)
Slash Upstages Michael Jackson! [VIDEO]

Michael Jackson’s Collaborations With Slash - Michael Jackson Official Site

When Slash and Michael Jackson Staged a 'Dangerous' Team-Up