I Hold On (featuring Kidd Rock)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs spinning vinyl at THE ZOO radio station, are dropping "I Hold On (featuring Kid Rock)" by Slash from his self-titled album Slash for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, a gritty blend of hard rock and southern swagger, was born from a late-night studio jam. In a 2010 interview with Ultimate Guitar, Slash shared that the song came together organically when he and Kid Rock were messing around with riffs and lyrics, aiming for something raw and unpolished. He called it a "barroom anthem" meant to capture the vibe of holding onto your roots no matter where life takes you. Kid Rock, in a 2010 Rolling Stone feature, mentioned he drew inspiration for his verses from his early days hustling in Detroit, giving the song its defiant, blue-collar edge.

Another tidbit comes from a 2010 post on Slash's Facebook page, where he revealed the track was almost scrapped because the initial mix felt too clean. It was only after they stripped it back, cranking up the distortion and letting Kid Rock’s vocals rasp, that it clicked. Fans on the Slash Army Facebook group often cite "I Hold On" as a live favorite, noting how Slash’s soulful guitar solos paired with Kid Rock’s energy turn it into a crowd-pleaser. In a 2011 Guitar World interview, Slash mentioned he chose Kid Rock for the collab because of his unpredictable vibe, saying, "Bob [Kid Rock] brings a chaos that keeps things real." The song’s music video, shot in a dive bar with gritty black-and-white visuals, was praised on Slash’s Instagram for reflecting the track’s no-nonsense attitude.

Slash, born Saul Hudson in London on July 23, 1965, got his start in music thanks to a mix of grit and serendipity. Raised in Los Angeles, he was surrounded by the 1970s rock scene, with his parents’ connections to musicians like David Bowie and Joni Mitchell sparking his early interest. In a 2018 Loudwire interview, Slash recalled picking up the guitar at 14 after a friend showed him a riff, instantly hooked. He dropped out of high school to chase music, forming his first band, Tidus Sloan, while gigging around L.A. By 1985, he joined Guns N’ Roses, where his iconic riffs on tracks like "Sweet Child O’ Mine" cemented his legend status. After leaving GNR in 1996, he launched Slash’s Snakepit, later forming Velvet Revolver, and eventually going solo with his 2010 album Slash, which featured "I Hold On."

You can keep up with Slash on his official website, where he posts tour dates and merch, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes glimpses and updates. Note that Slash left X in April 2025 after his account was hacked, as reported by Loudwire, but he’s since returned with a verified handle. Fans gather at sites like Slash News for the latest on his projects, and the Slash Army Facebook group is a buzzing hub for Zoo Freaks and diehards swapping stories, setlists, and rare photos. Whether you’re vibing to "I Hold On" or diving into Slash’s legacy, there’s no shortage of ways to stay connected to this rock icon.