June 3, 2008 1:22

Slash remembers Bo Diddley

'He was a huge hero of mine' says Guns N Roses guitarist

Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash paid tribute to Bo Diddley, the pioneering guitarist who died of heart failure today (June 2).

Slash told NME.COM that Diddley greatly influenced countless musicians, and the Bo Diddley beat was the inspiration for Guns N' Roses' song 'Mr Brownstone'.

"He's a huge hero of mine and the fact that he knew who I was was a huge compliment," Slash said.

"Bo Diddley created a myth that was uniquely his own. An entire rhythm is owed to just one guy and that's pretty rare," he said.

Slash pointed out that Diddley touched a vast array of artists from The Rolling Stones to George Thorogood to Guns N' Roses.

"He was such a trooper and a timeless individual. I'm hoping the pioneers of rock like Bo Diddley won't be forgotten."

Check out Bo Diddley's greatest Youtube video clips on the NME Office Blog now.

For more on Bo Diddley and a biography visit Bo-diddley.com or check out Bo Diddley's Wikipedia entry.

Bo Diddley was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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