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Slash contributes music, mazes and food to Universal Halloween L.A.

Slash Brings His Signature Sound to Universal's Halloween Horror Nights Mazes with a Culinary Twist

In the world of rock music and immersive entertainment, few collaborations spark as much excitement as when legendary guitarist Slash steps outside his comfort zone of stadium tours and album releases to lend his talents to unexpected projects. The former Guns N' Roses axeman, known for his top-hat-wearing persona and blistering solos on hits like "Sweet Child o' Mine" and "November Rain," has once again proven his versatility by contributing original music to a unique venture that combines spine-tingling horror mazes with gourmet food experiences. This latest endeavor, detailed in a recent announcement from Universal Studios, sees Slash composing custom scores for themed mazes at their annual Halloween Horror Nights event, with an innovative twist that incorporates food elements to heighten the sensory immersion. It's a fusion of sound, scares, and savory delights that promises to redefine how fans experience themed attractions.

Slash, whose real name is Saul Hudson, has a long history of dabbling in film and event soundtracks, but this project marks a particularly creative intersection of his musical prowess with interactive entertainment. The mazes in question are part of Universal's renowned Halloween Horror Nights, an event that transforms the theme park into a labyrinth of terror each fall. For this year's iteration, Slash has crafted eerie, atmospheric tracks designed to accompany visitors as they navigate through dimly lit corridors filled with jump scares, monstrous creatures, and elaborate set pieces inspired by classic horror films and original concepts. But what sets this apart is the integration of "food" elements—think themed culinary stations within or adjacent to the mazes, where guests can indulge in horror-inspired bites that complement the auditory experience.

According to sources close to the project, Slash's involvement began when Universal approached him with the idea of elevating their mazes beyond traditional haunted houses. "I've always been a huge fan of horror," Slash shared in an exclusive interview. "From the classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula to modern slashers, it's a genre that resonates with the dark, intense energy of rock music. When they asked me to score these mazes and tie in some food experiences, I was all in. It's about creating a full-body immersion—your heart races from the scares, your ears are pummeled by the music, and then you hit a spot where you can grab a 'blood-red' cocktail or a monster-themed snack to keep the adrenaline going."

The mazes themselves are a highlight of the event. One featured attraction, dubbed "Slash's Nightmare Labyrinth," draws inspiration from the guitarist's own affinity for gothic tales. Guests enter a winding maze that mimics an abandoned rock venue haunted by spectral musicians and demonic entities. Slash's score here is a masterful blend of heavy riffs, orchestral swells, and ambient dread, recorded with his signature Les Paul guitar and a full ensemble of session musicians. As visitors progress, they encounter interactive elements where the music syncs with lighting effects and animatronics, creating moments of pure terror. Midway through, a "food zone" offers respite with items like "Guitar String Fries" (crispy potato twists dusted with spicy seasonings) or "Velvet Revolver Burgers" (a nod to Slash's other band, featuring juicy patties with bold, smoky flavors). These culinary stops aren't just gimmicks; they're designed to enhance the narrative, with flavors that evoke the maze's themes—salty and sharp for tension, sweet and surprising for twists.

This isn't Slash's first foray into Halloween Horror Nights. He previously composed music for mazes like the 2014 "Clowns 3D" experience, where his tracks amplified the creepy carnival atmosphere, and the 2018 "Universal Monsters" maze, which paid homage to the studio's horror legacy with symphonic rock elements. Each time, his contributions have been praised for adding a layer of authenticity and intensity that recorded sound effects alone can't achieve. "Slash's music doesn't just play in the background," explained John Murdy, the creative director of Halloween Horror Nights. "It becomes part of the story. For this year's mazes with the food integration, we wanted to push boundaries. Imagine dodging zombies in a post-apocalyptic wasteland maze, only to stumble upon a hidden speakeasy serving 'apocalypse tacos' while Slash's guitar wails overhead. It's multisensory magic."

Expanding on the food aspect, Universal has partnered with celebrity chefs and mixologists to curate menus that align with each maze's theme. In the "Haunted Harvest" maze, for instance, which features cornfield terrors and rural nightmares, Slash's folksy yet menacing acoustic tracks accompany farm-to-table style eats like roasted corn on the cob infused with ghostly herbs or pumpkin-spiced treats that play on autumnal fears. The idea is to blur the lines between fright and delight, allowing guests to refuel without breaking the immersion. "Food is universal," Slash noted. "It grounds you, but in this context, it can also unsettle you. A bite of something familiar turning unexpectedly bizarre mirrors the twists in the music and the maze."

Critics and fans alike are buzzing about this collaboration. Music journalists have lauded Slash for continuing to innovate in his post-Guns N' Roses career, which includes solo albums like "World on Fire" and tours with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. His ability to adapt his hard rock style to orchestral and ambient formats showcases a depth often overlooked in his rock god image. Meanwhile, theme park enthusiasts see this as a game-changer for events like Halloween Horror Nights, which already draws millions annually. By incorporating live music elements and food, Universal is elevating the experience from a simple walk-through to a full evening of entertainment.

Behind the scenes, Slash's creative process for these scores is fascinating. He starts with rough sketches on his guitar, layering in synthesizers and percussion to build tension. For the food-tied mazes, he even experimented with sound design that incorporates subtle ASMR-like elements—crunching sounds or bubbling effects—to sync with eating moments. "It's all about rhythm," he explained. "The beat of your footsteps in the maze, the pulse of the music, even the chew of a snack—everything syncs up to keep you on edge."

As Halloween approaches, anticipation builds for these mazes. Tickets for Universal's event are selling fast, with special packages offering VIP access to Slash-signed merchandise and exclusive tastings. For Slash, this project is more than a side gig; it's a passion project that merges his loves for music, horror, and now, unexpectedly, cuisine. "Rock 'n' roll is about pushing limits," he said. "This lets me do that in a way that's fun and frightening."

In a broader sense, this collaboration highlights a trend in entertainment where musicians are increasingly involved in experiential media. From Hans Zimmer scoring theme park rides to rock stars like Alice Cooper designing haunted attractions, the lines between music, film, and live events are blurring. Slash's contribution to these mazes and food experiences stands as a testament to his enduring relevance, proving that even after decades in the spotlight, he can still surprise and terrify in equal measure.

For those planning to attend, prepare for an assault on all senses. The mazes open select nights from September through October, with Slash's music echoing through every shadow. Whether you're a die-hard fan of his guitar work or just seeking a thrilling night out, this fusion of scares, sounds, and snacks is poised to be unforgettable. As Slash himself might say, it's time to turn up the volume—and the flavor—on fear.

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