Ghost (featuring Ian Astbury)

The Zoo Crew is grooving at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the killer track Ghost (featuring Ian Astbury) from Slash's self-titled solo album, and the Zoo Freaks are totally vibing! This song is a hard-rock banger with a cool backstory. Slash teamed up with The Cult’s Ian Astbury for vocals, and the collaboration was a natural fit. In an interview with Musicradar.com, Slash shared that the song’s chord changes screamed Astbury’s style, but he was initially nervous to reach out since they hadn’t spoken in years. Their history goes way back to 1987 when Guns N’ Roses opened for The Cult on their first U.S. and Canada tour, making this a reunion of rock legends. Slash called it “smooth sailing” in the studio, and Astbury’s powerful vocals brought the track to life. Fun fact: the song also features former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin on rhythm guitar. Slash told Musicradar.com that he and Izzy have a “recognizable dual guitar sound,” and it was a blast to recapture that magic. The album’s cover art, including for Ghost, was crafted by pop surrealist artist Ron English, a close friend of Slash, adding a trippy visual vibe to the project.

Another juicy tidbit comes from the song’s release buzz. A 2010 post on X by @2xsRadio hyped Ghost as a standout from Slash’s debut solo album, praising Astbury’s guest vocals and Slash’s iconic guitar riffs. In 2019, Slash himself shared a live performance clip of Ghost on X from his tour with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, showing the song’s enduring energy. Fans on Songfacts.com even noted that Ghost has a vibe that feels like it could’ve been sung by Axl Rose, highlighting its Guns N’ Roses-esque edge. The track’s raw power and nostalgic roots make it a perfect spin for the Zoo Freaks getting down to THE ZOO’s eclectic playlist.

Now, let’s rewind to how Slash, born Saul Hudson on July 23, 1965, in Hampstead, London, kicked off his legendary career. Raised in Stoke-on-Trent, England, and later Los Angeles, Slash was surrounded by music and art from a young age. His parents worked in the entertainment industry—his mom designed costumes for stars like David Bowie, and his dad created album art. As a teen, Slash was drawn to BMX biking but switched gears when he picked up a guitar at 14. Inspired by bands like Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin, he taught himself to play, spending hours jamming. By 1981, he joined his first band, Tidus Sloan, and in 1983, he formed Road Crew with drummer Steven Adler. This led to the creation of Guns N’ Roses in 1985 with Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin, and Adler. Their debut album, Appetite for Destruction (1987), exploded with hits like Sweet Child O’ Mine, cementing Slash as a guitar icon. After leaving Guns N’ Roses in 1996, he formed Velvet Revolver and later launched his solo career with the 2010 album featuring Ghost, showcasing his versatility and knack for collaborating with artists like Ian Astbury.

Stay connected with Slash and his music through his official website, where you can find tour dates, merch, and news. Follow him on Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content, and check out his Instagram for killer guitar shots, horror art, and quirky memes. On X, he shares live clips and interacts with fans. Zoo Freaks can also dive into fan communities like the Slash Army Facebook Group, a hub for diehard supporters sharing concert stories and rare photos. Another great spot is Slash Fan Club, a fan-run site with discography details and forum chats. Keep rocking with THE ZOO, and let Slash’s riffs light up your soul!