Slash finally met Keith Richards in a hotel room. The Rolling Stones guitarist pulled out a knife

Slash said his first personal meeting with Keith Richards began with Richards brandishing a butterfly knife in a hotel room. He recalled the moment as funny and unusual, and said he was unsure how to react; the anecdote reflects the rock image both musicians have been associated with.

Slash has described the Rolling Stones as a lasting influence, saying their music was part of his upbringing and suits any mood. He avoided seeking a public meeting or photograph when Guns N’ Roses played with the Stones, because he disliked the media framing of one “bad boy” band meeting its successor. The introduction to Richards came through Ronnie Wood.