‘Slash’s November Rain Solo Became My Sexual Awakening,’ Sona Movsesian Explains

Cansu Cobanoglu
By
Cansu Cobanoglu
I am interested in rock and metal music, horror literature and movies, and philosophy; and currently doing research in the sociology of science and technology. [email protected]
5 Min Read

It’s common for rockstars to have a unique charisma that can easily make them someone’s first crush, especially during the ’90s, considering all of the iconic rockers conquering the stage. One such person who fell under the spell of a rockstar was Sona Movsesian, who had a crush on Slash. In a recent appearance on Literally! With Rob Lowe, Movsesian explained it was more than just a crush, as she was thinking of a serious relationship with the guitarist since she heard him soloing in ‘November Rain.’

Since the day he stepped into the music scene with his top hat, sunglasses, and Les Paul guitar in hand that seems a part of his body now, Slash quickly became known for his energetic stage presence and incredible guitar skills. His cool, rebellious image, combined with his raw talent, made him an instant icon. One of the highlights of his discography was, of course, ‘November Rain.’ Already a staple in Guns N’ Roses’ setlist, this song became even more iconic when Slash unleashed his solo.

As many of you remember, in the music video for the track, Slash is depicted in a stark, desert-like setting. Dressed in his trademark leather and sporting a cigarette, he stands solitary, a lone figure against the vast, empty landscape. With his guitar in hand, he launches into the now-famous solo, and the camera focuses solely on him as he plays. With each chord, the intensity builds, and the emotion of the solo takes over. It seems that watching him with that passion served as a kind of sexual awakening moment for Sona Movsesian.

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In a recent interview, Movsesian revealed she was impressed by Slash’s performance in that video, leading to a sexual awakening and a deeper emotional connection to the musician. She noted that his attraction to the guitarist differed from her brother’s crush on female celebrities. Instead, she viewed Slash as an aspirational figure and a long-term partner, imagining a meaningful relationship with him rather than just a physical attraction.

Here are Movsesian’s words about Slash:

“Slash is sort of the… He was my sexual awakening. He’s the one who, as I saw him in that ‘November Rain’ video, and I just remember thinking, ‘Why is my body responding this way?’ And so Jordan Knight was my first crush. Slash was something deeper than that because we’re not that different in age. Maybe when I’m older, I can actually be with Slash because my brother had posters of girls in his room.

He had, like, a lot of guys, and I think it’s different for them. It’s more lust. It’s more like, ‘She’s hot; I want a picture of her in my room.’ For me, it was, one day, I think I can be with Slash. One day I think he and I will be together. It’s aspirational. And I think it’s also you write your name with their last name on your binder. You think about long-term plans. It’s not just I want to get with him. I want to have a long, meaningful relationship. At least that’s how it was for me.”

‘November Rain’s release marked a significant moment in Guns N’ Roses’ career, as it showed the band’s evolution from their hard-hitting, rebellious roots to a more melodic, introspective sound. The song’s grandiose production, combined with its sweeping orchestral arrangements, was a departure from the band’s earlier material. On the other hand, the song’s success further solidified Guns N’ Roses’ status as one of the biggest rock bands of the time and helped to cement their place in rock history.

Slash’s solo in ‘November Rain’ is widely considered one of the greatest guitar solos of all time due to its emotional expression and musical complexity. The solo showcases Slash’s technical proficiency on the guitar, incorporating fluid runs and intricate phrasing that complement the song’s soaring melody. At the same time, the solo conveys a sense of deep feeling and intensity, heightening the dramatic impact of the song. It was also proof of his raw passion for guitar.

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