Makes A Lot Of Sense When You Think About It…

Many rockstars, aside from their impeccable musical talent, are known for their iconic stage attire. Whether it’s Angus Young’s school uniform, Gene Simmons’ demon suit, or whatever the hell it was that David Bowie was wearing every night, half the show is what the rock star is wearing.

One such iconic piece of clothing that will forever be synonymous will rock & roll is Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash’s black top hat, or as he prefers to call it, ‘black hat’. Not only does it make Slash one of the most recognizable rockers in history, but it’s arguably the most recognizable thing in all of Guns N’ Roses.

But the story of how Slash came to always don this hat is actually pretty cool. Here is what he revealed during an interview with Sunday Times Live…

“Early in my career, I was always on the lookout for a cool hat to complete my stage wardrobe. In 1985, we were playing the Whisky a Go Go (in West Hollywood) and I went to Melrose Boulevard in Los Angeles, where I spotted this top hat in the window of a store called Retail Slut.”

“I went inside and checked it out and thought it looked really cool, so I got it. In the vintage shop right next door, called Leathers & Treasures, I got a concert belt that I cut up and put around the hat. That became my hat and I wore it that night for the first time at that gig.”

“From that night on, my hat became something that I feel comfortable in. It has also become something I can hide behind, as even though I love performing, I have never been good at looking into the eyes of the audience who are watching me. So, my hat and my hair in my face has just been my thing ever since.”

Just imagine what would’ve happened if that top hat had not been in that window. Would Guns N’ Roses be where they are today? Would there even be a Guns N’ Roses at all!?! These are the real questions, people. These are the important topics!