Slash Reflects on His Favorite Theme Park Rides: Insights from the Guns N’ Roses Legend

Guitar ace Slash rose to prominence with an unmistakable look as the anchor of Guns N’ Roses. A true rock ’n’ roll persona, the artist was once rarely seen without a drooping cigarette and a top hat, the latter of which could barely contain his face-engulfing curly hair.

Now, as of this week, he’s a theme park character at Universal Studios Hollywood.

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Slash, or, rather, a skeletal facsimile of him played by an actor, will be available for photo opportunities and meet and greets at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, which runs most evenings through Nov. 2. For the musician, born Saul Hudson, it’s a dream fulfilled. A lifelong devotee of theme parks and coasters, Slash has been closely aligned with Halloween Horror Nights since 2014, when he first began scoring music for its haunted houses.

And the character, he says, was partly his idea.

“I went to them and said, ‘Hey, can we have one of those stilt walkers?’” says Slash, referring to the larger-than-life lurkers who haunt guests during the festivities. “That would be really cool. So they came up with one and he looks pretty menacing.”

Slash enjoys the idea of being a towering, sometimes intimidating presence. That’s clear when he’s on stage as the attention-demanding cornerstone of numerous bands. And he likes to scare, as evidenced by his own horror-focused film production company, BerserkerGang. But get Slash one-on-one, and he really just wants to geek out on his favorite theme park rides.

Universal Studios has released a second vinyl compilation of music Slash has composed for Halloween Horror Nights over the years.

(Gabriella power-jones / for the times)

We talked to Slash about a week before Halloween Horror Nights opened from Orlando, Fla., where he was holed up recording an album with his band the Conspirators. That work, he says, will be released in 2027 due to planned 2026 touring obligations with Guns N’ Roses. He lamented that he wouldn’t have time to visit Walt Disney World and Universal’s new Epic Universe. The latter Florida park is home to a monsters-themed land that Slash said he was eager to see.

His love of theme parks runs deep, and is, of course, nonpartisan.

“I’m a real Disney head,” he says, joking that such a declaration may not make his Universal partners happy. He says he first visited Disneyland in the early 1970s. “I really can’t put into words what makes it so magical, but there is a definite thing there that you feel when you’re actually there. I’ve loved it since I was a little kid.”

“But I love theme parks in general,” he continues. “I love roller coasters. I love that carnival energy going on. I love arcades. I love everything about that festive outdoor thing, and I’ve never grown out of it.”

Arguably, he’s grown into it.

Halloween season means it’s time for Universa’s Halloween Horror Nights, which runs through early November at the theme park.

(Gabriella power-jones / for the times)

Slash has a deep fascination with Universal Studios, made clear by his knowledge of how the park’s backlot tram trek — officially designated as the World-Famous Studio Tour — has shifted over the years. And as a lifelong horror fan who speaks nostalgically of watching 1970s films such as “The Wicker Man,” “The Omen” and “The Exorcist” with his parents, Halloween Horror Nights is especially dear to Slash’s heart.

Slash was first drawn to the event in 2013 due to a haunted house themed around the music and images of Black Sabbath. The artist was given a tour of Horror Nights by John Murdywho has long overseen the West Coast edition of the festivities.

“I was so blown away,” Slash says. “I was elated. I remember physically making giddy sounds. The whole thing, from the stilt walkers to the invisible bush figures who would hide in the bushes and were camouflaged, it was unbelievable. I wanted to be involved.”

Murdy was open to the idea. “The first time I walked into his personal recording studio, the first thing I noticed was a huge print of ‘Bride of Frankenstein,’ our 1935 classic, hanging on the wall. And I was like, ‘Oh, we have something in common.’”

Halloween Horror Nights is filled with haunted houses and scare actors.

(Gabriella power-jones / for the times)

Slash would go on to write the music for six Halloween Horror Nights houses centered around Universal’s classic monster characters. This year, he’s returned to Horror Nights with a score set to a relaunch of an original, Depression-era set maze, “Scarecrow.” Musically, it’s a departure for the artist. “Scarecrow” includes a Slash-composed cover of traditional folk number “O Death.”

“We started talking ‘Scarecrow,’ and as pure coincidence, he said, ‘Oh, I just learned the banjo and the dobro,’” Murdy says. “He was learning all these traditional Appalachian instruments, and I said, ‘That’s awesome because my house is set in the Dust Bowl.’”

That Slash has been dipping into more Americana-influenced music isn’t a complete surprise. His 2024 solo effort, “Orgy of the Damned,” leans blues for instance, including a blistering, rootsy take on early Fleetwood Mac rocker “Oh Well” with country star Chris Stapleton. Selections from Slash’s Halloween Horror Nights work, minus the new “Scarecrow” music, will again be available on a limited-run vinyl sold at Universal Studios during Halloween Horror Nights.

Slash is featured this year as a “character” at Halloween Horror Nights, a skeletal, stilt-walking interpretation of the artist.

(Gabriella power-jones / for the times)

“As soon as they gave me the concept, my brain went into that realm — I could pull out my pedal steel, and do an Americana-type approach, as opposed to the goth, kind of pseudo-metal thing I was doing for all the Universal Monsters,” Slash says.

Slash has become such a Halloween Horror Nights fixture that this year will feature a bar centered around the artist, one complete with a mini top hat as a dessert. When asked how he feels to be immortalized as a sculpted sponge cake with coconut lime mousse, he doesn’t flinch.

“I wish I could explain in words how much I love that kind of stuff,” Slash says.

He is, after all, a theme park regular, although his favorite rides are found a few miles from Universal Studios in Anaheim. “I love the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. That and Pirates of the Caribbean will always be my two favorite rides,” he says. “The attention to detail and the creative element and everything that is going on with those old Disney rides is still, to this day, second to none.”

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios

The mark of any true theme park aficionado is an appreciation of slow-moving, old-school dark rides, attractions that are set in darkened show buildings and often filled with an assortment of vignettes. Slash singles out Universal’s “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” as another highlight.

“I went with my stepdaughter and we went on that ride and it’s great,” Slash says. “The ‘Pets’ one is really sweet. I’m a big animal guy. We love our cats, so that was a lot of fun.”

Crowds lined up to enter “Scarecrow,” a haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights featuing music by Slash.

(Gabriella power-jones / for the times)

And before Slash can finish his next thought, he starts gushing about a recent trip to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he visited Ferrari World, home to a number of celebrated roller coasters.

“I can talk about this stuff all day,” he says.

What specific elements of theme park rides, beyond just adrenaline, appeal to Slash’s creative sensibilities as a musician?

the Thrill Seeker Behind the guitar

Slash, the iconic guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, is known for his electrifying stage presence and legendary riffs. But beyond the music, he’s a self-confessed thrill seeker with a surprising passion: theme parks. recently, Slash shared insights into his love for amusement parks, especially his experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood, and his involvement with halloween Horror Nights 2025. This article delves into his favorite rides, what draws him to the adrenaline rush, and his creative collaboration with Universal.

Universal Studios Hollywood: A Frequent Destination

For Slash,Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t just a place for entertainment; it’s a source of inspiration and a nostalgic escape. He’s been a frequent visitor for years, frequently enough seeking out the most intense experiences the park has to offer.

The Studio Tour: A classic for a reason, Slash appreciates the behind-the-scenes look at movie magic. He’s particularly fascinated by the special effects demonstrations and the immersive sets.

Jurassic World – The Ride: The sheer scale and realism of this ride consistently impress him. “It’s a really well-done ride, the animatronics are amazing, and it genuinely feels like you’re escaping dinosaurs,” Slash commented in a recent interview.

Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride: The dark, indoor coaster is a favorite. the combination of speed, special effects, and unexpected drops provides the kind of adrenaline kick he enjoys.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: While appreciating the artistry, Slash admits the motion simulator aspect can be a bit intense! He enjoys the immersive world-building and the overall experience.

Halloween horror Nights & “Scarecrow: Music by Slash”

This year, Slash has taken his involvement with Universal Studios Hollywood to a new level, composing the original score for the “Scarecrow: Music by Slash” maze at Halloween Horror Nights. This collaboration blends his signature guitar sound with the terrifying atmosphere of the event.

The Inspiration Behind the Score

The maze, set on an abandoned Depression-era farm, focuses on a vengeful scarecrow. Slash’s music aims to amplify the feeling of dread and isolation.

“The concept really resonated with me,” Slash explained. “The idea of a desolate farm and a terrifying presence felt like a great canvas for some dark, bluesy riffs. I wanted the music to be unsettling and build tension, mirroring the scarecrow’s relentless pursuit.”

Creating a Sonic Landscape of Fear

The score incorporates elements of:

1. Blues Rock: A nod to Slash’s roots, providing a gritty and raw sound.
2. Atmospheric Soundscapes: Creating a sense of unease and dread.
3. Heavy Guitar Riffs: Heightening the intensity during chase sequences and scare moments.
4. Haunting Melodies: Adding a layer of psychological horror.

Beyond universal: Other Theme Park favorites

While Universal Studios hollywood holds a special place in his heart, Slash also enjoys other theme park destinations.

Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, CA): Known for its extreme roller coasters, Six Flags provides the high-speed thrills he craves. He’s a fan of rides like Twisted Colossus and West Coast Racers.

Disneyland (Anaheim, CA): He appreciates the classic charm and nostalgia of Disneyland, frequently enough visiting during the Halloween season for the festive atmosphere. Pirates of the Caribbean is a particular favorite.

Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH): Recognized as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point offers a wide variety of intense rides that appeal to Slash’s adventurous spirit.

The Psychology of Thrill-Seeking

What drives a rock legend to seek out the adrenaline rush of theme park rides? Experts suggest several factors:

Dopamine Release: Thrilling experiences trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

Controlled Risk: Theme park rides offer a safe way to experience fear and excitement.

Escapism: Theme parks provide a temporary escape from the stresses of everyday life.

Nostalgia: For many,theme parks evoke childhood memories and a sense of wonder.

slash’s Theme Park Packing Essentials

When heading to a theme park, Slash keeps it simple:

Agreeable Shoes: Essential for long days of walking.

Sunglasses & Hat: Protection from the sun.

Light Jacket: For cooler evenings.

Hydration Pack: Staying hydrated is crucial.

Earplugs (for concerts/events): Protecting his hearing is a priority.

The Future of Slash & theme Park Collaborations

with the success of “Scarecrow: Music by Slash,” fans are eager to see what future collaborations might be in store.Slash has expressed interest in exploring other opportunities to blend his music with immersive entertainment experiences. The possibilities are endless, from composing scores for new rides to creating entire themed lands.