Guns N’ Roses‘ ex-manager says an argument over collaborating with Michael Jackson is ultimately what fractured the relationship between Axl Rose and Slash. But Doug Goldstein says he knows how to fix it.
“In 1991, we were on the road, and Slash went to my office and said ‘I’ll be leaving tomorrow to play with Michael Jackson on a tribute concert,’” Goldstein told Rolling Stone Brazil. “I told him not to do it because Axl was molested by his father when he was 2, and he believed the charges against Michael Jackson.”
Slash refused to change his mind, later working with Jackson in the studio on the songs “Black and White” and “Give It to Me,” and developing an entertaining solo routine for their joint appearances. It’s something Goldstein said Rose never got over. “He thought Slash would support him and be against all abuse,” the ex-manager argued. “From the point of view of Axl, that was the only problem. He could ignore the drugs and the alcohol, but could never the child abuse.”
Slash has long since split with GNR, and Jackson has since died. So what would it take to heal this King of Pop-related rift? “Slash would have to apologize for the episode with Michael Jackson,” Goldstein said. “And I really believe … I’d be the manager to reunite them. I don’t think anyone else could do it.”
