(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Slash says touring with his songs is the "icing on the cake".

The 46-year-old guitarist is gearing up to play at The Download Festival in the UK. Slash is currently on the road with his new album Apocalyptic Love, and says he can't wait to showcase his new material live.

"I can't wait. This new album is really great to get on the road with because it's all tailor-made to playing it live. That's the only real reason I do this," he told kerrang! magazine.

"I mean, I love playing guitar, don't get me wrong, and I like writing and I like recording, but it's always been, ever since I picked up a guitar, to go out and f**king do concerts and big shows like Download.

"So I make records, but touring and playing is the icing on the cake."

Slash - who was formerly lead guitarist for Guns N' Roses - has previously admitted that playing shows keeps his creative juices flowing.

"I'd be in my room or on the bus and I'd be writing all the time. Being on the road is conducive to having your juices flow. [The songs] came out in a rush!" he laughed. (C) Cover Media