Slash says the music industry has turned into the "Wild West".

The former lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses says things have changed dramatically since he started out in entertainment.

Slash has given a warning to new bands starting up.

"Be careful what you wish for! It's a f**king no-man's land out there at this point," he told Kerrang! magazine. "The rules have changed so much, and the tips I might have given out when the music industry was easier to understand really don't apply any more.

"It's like the Wild West out there, so I'd say keep your wits about you and make your own path."

Alice Cooper agreed with the sentiment. The rock star says burgeoning bands should remain positive while they are climbing the ladder.

"If you believe in your material, shove it down their throats. Sure, some of them are going to spit it back up, but if they swallow it, then they're yours," he said.

"You can't go out there with the attitude of, 'Gosh, I hope you like us tonight.' The rock attitude is you grab the audience by the throat and you say this is my stage, this is my two hours. It's like dominatrix - you've got to be the one in control.