Universal Studios Hollywood is getting ready for its scariest Halloween Horror Nights yet, with iconic guitarist Slash leading the way. For the seventh year in a row, the famous guitarist will be at the event, this time making an original score for the new haunted house called "Scarecrow: Music by Slash." This year's event will take place on certain nights between September 4 and November 2, 2025.
The Past of Slash's Work with Halloween Horror Nights
In 2014, Slash started working with Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights by writing music for a 3D clown labyrinth. His work has become a regular component of the event since then, especially for the haunted homes based on Universal Monsters. He wrote original music for things like "Universal Monsters" (2018), "Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man" (2019), "Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives" (2021), "Universal Monsters: Legends Collide" (2022), and "Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines" (2024).
John Murdy, the Executive Producer and Creative Director of Halloween Horror Nights, talks about how Slash has always had an effect. Murdy said, "For years, SLASH has been an important creative partner, making music that has made our Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses much better."
Making the "Scarecrow" Score Behind the Scenes
For "Scarecrow: Music by Slash," the artist wrote the music for each scene in a way that made it feel like a movie. The goal of this method is to make guests more scared as they walk through the dark hallways. Slash has talked about how he makes music for scary attractions. He writes his music based on how he imagines the scenario in his mind, with the goal of making people feel scared. He thinks that rock music and horror are similar since they both break the rules and generally deal with scary topics. This makes them a good match.
Slash recently said that he was excited: "As a longtime fan of Halloween Horror Nights, it has been incredibly rewarding to not only have experienced the event as a guest, but to have partnered with Universal Studios Hollywood for so many years to create an array of original music that intensifies the storylines of these haunted houses."
He went on to say that this year's partnership with Halloween Horror Nights and the chance to be one of the event's main attractions is really humbling, and he can't wait for the guests to join him in the fright.
Details about the "Scarecrow" Haunted House
"Scarecrow: Music by Slash" is all about revenge. Mother Nature wants to get back at homesteaders for things they did wrong in the past. The scarecrows in the fields carry out this punishment. They are quiet witnesses who turn into dangerous guards for anyone who crosses their path. The house will be built in the T-Pad location, which is behind Soundstage 15. This version builds on past "Scarecrow" themes from HHN, such a scare zone from a few years ago that had crows walking on stilts.
In the official description for the house at Universal Studios Hollywood, it says, "Scarecrow: Music by SLASH puts retribution at the forefront in which Mother Nature seeks vengeance on the homesteaders for their sins of the past that will be carried out by farmland scarecrows, mute witnesses who have become the guardians of destruction for anyone who crosses their path."
The Slash Bar: Drinks, Fun, and Fear at HHN
In addition to the haunted home, there is a themed "Slash Bar" that is all about Slash. This place is at Jurassic Cove, above Jurassic World—The Ride. It serves drinks based on his songs. "The Danse of the Dead," "Beautiful Dangerous," and the non-alcoholic "Slash's Snakepit" are some of the drinks. Some of Slash's favorite delicacies are also on the menu. These include Thai Beef Tacos, Thai Curry Tacos, and Chicken Satay Tacos. Guests can have a Slash Hat cake for dessert. It looks like his famous top hat.
A scary stilt-walking Slash scare-actor with his trademark black curly hair and top hat will wander around the entrance to the pub, making fun of people to add to the spooky mood.
Exclusive Vinyl: "Halloween Horror Nights, Volume 2: Music of Universal Studios Hollywood"
"SLASH: Music of Universal Studios Hollywood – Halloween Horror Nights, Volume 2" is also available for fans of Slash's horror music. This record, which is exclusively available on vinyl, builds on last year's sold-out edition and has original songs from his six years of work on HHN. There is a tribute from John Murdy on the album. "Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives" (2021), "Universal Monsters" (2018), and "Universal Monsters: Legends Collide" (2022) are some of the songs in Volume 2.
Planning Your Visit: Seeing Slash at HHN 2025
From September 4 to November 2, 2025, Halloween Horror Nights will be held at Universal Studios Hollywood on certain nights. The event starts at 7:00 PM every night, although anyone with Early Access tickets can get inside some haunted houses starting at 5:30 PM. You may buy tickets today, and there are other types of tickets to choose from, such as General Admission, Universal Express, and multi-night passes.
Visitors should make the "Scarecrow: Music by Slash" haunted house a priority and plan to stop at the Slash Bar to properly enjoy Slash's work. Because HHN is so popular, it's best to buy tickets ahead of time. "Terrifier," "Jason Universe," and "Fallout" are some of the other residences that will be open in 2025.
John Murdy talked about how Slash's role grew: "Making a series of interactive experiences based on SLASH was a natural step for the event, and it's an honor to headline Universal's horror legacy with SLASH."
Slash's ongoing work with Halloween Horror Nights shows how rock music and horror movies are becoming more and more connected. His special talent for producing creepy soundscapes adds a new level of horror to the attractions, making each visit memorable for guests. This relationship not only makes the event better, but it also shows how versatile a musical great can be in a new creative space.