Ola Hudson — the mother of former Guns ‘N Roses guitarist Slash — has died after her losing a battle with lung cancer, a longtime family friend said today. The late designer is known for her creating spectacular costumes for well-known celebrities like Diana Ross, the late John Lennon the Pointer Sisters, Ringo Starr and many others.
On Friday evening — on June 5, around 6:00 p.m. PST — the 62-year-old mother of the famous rock guitarist, whose real name is Saul Hudson, died in Santa Monica, according to the longtime friend.
Yesterday, Slash send a message to his fans via Twitter: “Back in the studio today but I’m having a hard time concentrating.”
The death of Slash’s mother has additional stress to the guitar hero’s hectic schedule as he is recording his debut solo CD with former Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney, former Nine Inch Nails drummer Josh Freese, Avenged Sevenfold’s M. Shadows, Ozzy Osbourne and former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin.
To show their solidarity and respect to Slash, many fans have subscribed to the former Guns ‘N Roses guitarist’s Twitter channel.
During the marriage, Ola (of Nigerian descent) and husband Anthony (of English descent) provided a modest living on which they supported their family: Ola tailored outfits for famous celebrities while Anthony design album covers for stars like Neil Diamond and Joni Mitchell. Since his parents ended their marriage in the mid-1970s, Slash has always remain close to each parent. After his parents’ divorce, Slash’s mother briefly dated David Bowie. She is credited for designing Bowie’s suits for the film “The Man Who Fell To Earth.” However, the her romantic relationship with Bowie ended abruptly — a relationship ending decision she would later regretted to had made.
In a 1990 Rolling Stone magazine interview, Slash revealed his strong distaste for Bowie: “I really didn’t like him that much, because he was the new guy in the house… I was really resentful.”
Ola is survived by her sons — 43-year-old Slash and 38-year-old Albion (Ash) — and her former husband, Anthony (Cash). Ash is a graphic designer and father Anthony is a album cover designer for Geffen Records.
At the time of posting this Weblog entry, funeral arrangements for Slash’s mother were still being finalized.