The Day Slash
Reached the Stars

Do you know how legendary and iconic Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash is? He's one of the most recognizable rock stars in history, with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star to prove it. His image alone is iconic—when you see a tall guy with wild, black curly hair, dark sunglasses, and a top hat, you'll instantly think of him.

Slash belongs to that exclusive class of musicians whose image is as synonymous with his music as the music is with him. He's become the very symbol of a rock star, an ideal for other artists, especially aspiring rockers, to look up to. And to think, he's actually pretty nice in person!

I was there when he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 10, 2012. I had just moved to LA, and one of my first friends in the city knew how much I loved Slash and Guns N' Roses. He told me about the ceremony and asked me to join him in checking it out, hoping to get his autograph.

Not a bad start to a new life in a new city! It was my first week as a new LA resident, and already, I was gonna meet one of my favorite celebrities. I couldn't miss the chance, so I accompanied him to the event, and it remains one of the best decisions I ever made.

The ceremony was held in front of the Hard Rock Café on Hollywood Boulevard, with Charlie Sheen serving as master of ceremonies and film producer Robert Evans among the speakers. I gotta hand it to Slash, though. He's really dedicated to upholding his iconic image, no matter the environment. It was absolutely scorching that day, yet he still let his famous curly locks down, with his iconic top hat and sunglasses on. I can't imagine how hot he felt in that get-up, but I also respect the dedication.

Seeing him smile with his star and his family was the first time he looked human to me. He, along with other rock stars of his kind, always seemed larger than life. But that day, as his closest friends and family paid tribute to him, the man behind the sunglasses came out.

He felt even more human when he went up to me and signed my poster. After the ceremony, Slash approached fans and gave autographs to almost everyone there. He put on his usual rock-star personality, but it was still clear how emotional he got.

I finally met my favorite rock star of all time, but in a very emotional moment, he felt more vulnerable than I ever expected. It wasn't bad; on the contrary, I think I liked it more than meeting him after a concert. I got to see a different side of the guy, and not everyone can say the same.