Unveiling the Mystery: Why Slash Ditched the Curls for Guns N’ Roses’ Iconic ‘Appetite for Destruction’ Cover

When Guns N’ Roses released their debut album Appetite for Destruction in 1987, the cover design became as legendary as the music itself. Featuring a Celtic-inspired cross with skulls representing each band member, the artwork was not only striking but also loaded with stories and symbolism. However, one detail that has puzzled fans for years is why Slash, the band’s famously curly-haired guitarist, appears with sleek and wavy hair on the cover. The explanation for this artistic choice is a mix of practicality, humor, and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll history.

Designing the Album Cover

The cross depicted on Appetite for Destruction’s cover was originally designed by artist Billy White Jr., who sadly passed away in July 2023. White created the design for a tattoo that frontman Axl Rose wanted. Inspired by Thin Lizzy, Rose envisioned a Celtic cross featuring the faces of his bandmates as skulls. White’s design was later taken to Robert Benedetti at Sunset Strip Tattoo in Los Angeles, where it was inked onto Rose’s right forearm—a piece he still proudly wears today.

Initially, the album’s cover featured a painting by Robert Williams, which was deemed too controversial and gruesome by some retailers. To circumvent this, Geffen Records decided to use White’s cross design against a black background as the new cover, giving the album its iconic look. This change not only made the album more palatable for stores but also embedded a deeper personal meaning for the band.

Slash’s Straight Hair on the Album Cover

A peculiar aspect of the cover is the depiction of Slash with straight hair, a notable departure from his signature curly locks. This detail was addressed in a 1988 MTV interview where Axl Rose and Slash recounted the story behind the hair transformation.

Rose explained that the tattoo was a sentimental piece meant to capture a significant time in the band’s career. He pointed out, “Notice, Slash wanted straight hair, so we gave him straight hair,” referring to the sleek-haired skull.

Slash, however, humorously protested, “I didn’t ask for straight hair!” leading to a playful back-and-forth between the two. Rose insisted, “Yes you did, you totally did. Yes you did.”

Amid the banter, Slash questioned if he was drunk when he made the request, a plausible scenario given the band’s infamous partying. Rose initially hesitated but then recalled that Slash had been at the “Hell House,” a chaotic residence where the band lived and partied in their early years. This prompted Slash to remember, “Oh yeah, because I told Bill, I said, ‘You’re never gonna be able to draw curly hair right.'”

This admission reveals a practical side to the decision: drawing curly hair accurately is notoriously difficult. Slash, knowing this, likely suggested straight hair as a simpler solution. It’s a small but telling detail about the collaborative and often spontaneous nature of the band’s decisions during their rise to fame.

A Symbol of an Era

The Appetite for Destruction cover remains one of rock’s most recognizable images. The straight-haired Slash is a testament to the band’s practical considerations and lighthearted moments amidst their tumultuous journey. As fans continue to analyze and admire the cover, the story behind the hair serves as a charming reminder of the band’s early days and the personalities that shaped their iconic status.