MusicRadar

Slash shows off one of his new Gibson signature models

View in gallery

Along with the top hat and the Les Paul, we've got used to seeing you photographed with a cigarette over the years. How are you coping with the smoking bans that have come into force in the various countries you visit?

"I've paid a healthy sum of fines! You just have to go to the promoters and ask for extra money. That's not a bad idea, I'm glad I just thought of that. So you need to go to the promoter and say you need an extra 400 quid every time…"

Finally, there's a big fuss about the new Metallica record. Have you heard Death Magnetic and if so, what do you think?

"I've heard one song, which was great, but I haven't heard the whole record. It's worthy of a big fuss because everybody has been waiting for a new like, Metallica Metallica record for years so I'm excited to hear the whole thing and actually have a physical copy in my hand. I can't wait to put it on my car stereo and drive around at high speed."

It's definitely a record for driving fast to, even if that is a little dangerous…

"Metallica are meant to be dangerous."

Gibson and Epiphone's new Slash Les Paul Goldtops are available worldwide from 7 October. For more information visit www.gibson.com/slash.