Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Former GUNS N' ROSES and current SIXX: A.M. guitarist DJ Ashba says that GN'R singer Axl Rose wanted him to be a part of a partial reunion of the band's classic lineup but he "just didnt feel like it was [his] place."

Ashba, who joined GUNS N' ROSES in March 2009 following the departure of Robin Finck and stayed in the band until last July, was asked by Metal Insider if he knew that the GN'R reunion was going to happen this year. He responded: "Absolutely. In fact, Axl wanted me to be a part of it.


"I couldn't be more happy for it happening," he continued. "I was stoked to find out about it.

"People have got to remember, if I wasn't a fan of the band, I wouldn't have joined the band.

"I have great admiration for Axl, Slash and Duff [McKagan] and Steven [Adler], Izzy [Stradlin] and [what] everybody's put into that thing. I have even more respect now after playing in the band for so many years.

"I couldn't be more happy. I'm just as big a fan as I've always been.

"I'm so happy for the fans that they get to go out there and see at least half of the band reunited; it's a big deal. This is what the fans have been wanting, me included in that."

He also explained why he chose to exit GUNS N' ROSES before the band made its return to the live stage earlier this month. He said: "I just didn't feel like it was my place.

"If Slash has come back, I couldn't be more happy; this is great. At that point, it's best I go do what I'm really good at doing. It's kind of the best of both worlds. I get to have my favorite band back and I get to go play in my favorite band again. It's a win-win."

Only Rose, Slash and McKagan from GN'R's "Appetite For Destruction"-era lineup took part in the seven shows the band has played this month. They were joined by keyboardist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus and drummer Frank Ferrer. Also appearing with them was second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

Ashba issued a statement in July 2015 saying that he was leaving GUNS N' ROSES. His statement read in part: "It is with a very heavy heart and yet great pride that I announce that I've decided to close this chapter of my life and encapsulate the wonderful times that I've shared with GUNS N' ROSES into fond memories. I have reached a point in my life where I feel its time to dedicate myself to my band SIXX: A.M., my adoring wife and family, and to the many new adventures that the future holds for me."

Ashba added: "I want to take a moment to thank Axl from the bottom of my heart for not only the most incredible experience of my life, but for truly believing in me. You are a true friend and a champion of mine and I am forever grateful. And even as I move on to pursue other endeavors, I will always remain one of your biggest fans. I also would like to thank each and every one of you fans for your love and support throughout the years."

Ashba said earlier in his statement that working with GUNS N' ROSES was "the most incredible journey I could have possibly imagined."





http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dj-ashba-axl-rose-wanted-me-to-be-a-part-of-guns-n-roses-reunion/

So the reunion was a fact last July at the latest. That much we know at this point.

Slash said he hadn't talked to Axl in a long time in May of 2015. He could have be covering up of course, but if was true, it all came together between May and July of 2015 then.

Wow. I am speechless. Does this guy have any shame? he should audition for a role as Frank Gallagher's long lost illegitimate son in SHAMELESS. talk about reinventing the past. just saying...
Somebody wants to boost record and ticket sales.

DJ Ashba as part of the partial reunion? would that mean him instead of Richard or a three guitar player band (like 2001-2014)?

Why do you say that? He's always seemed genuine to me.

Meh.  Would rather hear what Chris Pittman has to say.

"The last straw was when they did not put my name in the announcement.  It was as simple as saying, 'Axl, Slash, and Duff re-unite for the first time in 23 years, and Chris Pittman will be there too!'"

For this version of the band... can't see him having any role really.

If anything he must've been the rhythm guitarist, as Slash is doing all the solos (plus more) that Ashba did in the band.

Richard handles the Bucket stuff, Ashba couldn't do that.

I don't think that this would have worked very well. DJ Ashba has his place in SIXX:AM right now. Not in GN'R.

He is not.  Check my posts from the past. No need to regurgitate it all.

Yes. So quit talking about GNR and let YOUR PRECIOUS NEW MUSIC do the talking.
Did anybody here go to his store launch the night before the epic GNR shows.

Reinventing the past?  Are you saying he is lying about Axl asking him to be a part of this?  Why would someone who has been nothing but respectful to the band the last 7 years start making up lies about them?

People who are masters of PR have a way of putting a spin on situations to promote themselves. Just like N6 saying that Axl will be a great frontman for AC/DC.
These guys have tickets and records to SELL.
James Michael has a great voice for BROADWAY. Not so sure about world domination as a rockstar.

Annie darlin', when it comes to DJ Ashba, you are NEVER speechless.   :P  I swear, it is a damn shame that DJ is already married, because NOBODY pays more attention to him than you do.  If DJ saw the frequency of your posts about him, he'd probably get a restraining order.  :hihi:


Obviously there is a need, because you certainly do!  Every chance you get!   :yes:

And checking your posts from the past just shows without question that you are the paper clip and DJ is the MAGNET!   8)

Hardly. I just get really mad at the way he twists things around. I am loyal to Axl not DJ! :rant:

He does have that magic touch to just get you, doesn't he?   :hihi:

I mean, there are two certainties in life:

1. Death.
2. Whenever a DJ Ashba thread pops up, you know Little Annie's ass will be ALL OVER it!   : ok:

"Shame.  This was a missed opportunity."

- no one, ever

Maybe Slash hadn't spoken to Axl face to face in May. But his lawyers and manager were in talks with TB. I seem to remember Eddie Trunk said in late 2014 that things were put into motion. So it is possible in July the reunion was fact or at least close to be

Not sure why 'loyalty' to Axl is an issue- there was never any bad blood, he left the band, was always polite about the band, and (as far as I know) decent to the fans.

I say good luck to him- I'm pretty sure he could have made himself a heck of a lot of money by sticking around!

If this is really true, this was Axl's dumbest idea ever!
Really? Did he really think that Ashba was necessary? I just can't believe it.

Edit: I mean if the idea was to have him as a third guitarrist.

All I know is that I am very happy he isn't involved in any way, shape, or form. That is my nice response. Wanna hear my real thoughts? :nervous:

We all constantly whine about not knowing what's been going on behind-the-scenes. 

We finally get a glimmer and it's met with nothing but hate.

Don't know why this info is so surprising to some of you.  Axl always seemed to like Ashba being in the band. 

I would have loved to see Buckethead as part of the tour? but not DJ... there is only space for one top hat in GN'R  :smoking:

Pfffffft  ::)

temporary loss of sanity...ok...6 year loss of sanity.

You do realize that every rock star is being asked about the Axl Rose/AC/DC thing right?  He isn't just going around bringing that up.

The only difference here was that Nikki Sixx was one of the only ones to say something positive about it!  I thought his analysis of Axl having the perfect voice for the material was spot on. 

Maybe it was an idea that was brought to the table among many others. Then they agreed what do and what not to do. Is DJ necessary? No, in fact I never like the way he played nor his image

Don't you find it interesting that Axl wanted three guitarists?  Presumably he'd want that because that's how the CD material was written by people who are not DJ.  But since Ashba RESPECTFULLY turned down the gig, GNR went with only two guitarist.

Says a lot, IMO.

Ashba said that Axl himself specifically asked him to be a part of the rejoining.

It is possible Axl asked DJ if he was intested if they were discussing adding or not a third guy. And DJ's answer was no

I do know that. And what N6 said about Axl is true. But I am not na?ve. He has his own agenda for putting his own spin on things. he has never been nice to Axl in the past. I do not believe DJ's story for one second. Hekkie and Jekkie work together.

just came here to see Annie bashing the guy

I am not bashing the guy. Just his actions.

and since we are defined by our actions... :hihi:

Well put!  Having ditched the Gn'R online community more than a decade ago, why is Ashba such an object of derision?  He's rock n' roll, and was the most rock n' roll of the group when I saw them in '11.  I mean, beggars can't be choosers, so I went to the show even though it wasn't Gn'R to me.  I can't say that I was standing there judging his note-for-note performance, but he performed Slash's guitar parts professionally.

Can't help myself. His BS just brings out da gangsta in me.

IMO, it's not even about Ashba's playing.  He's just the conduit that gave us some insight into Axl's thinking.

I don't understand.  What fan didn't have insight into Axl's thinking by the fall of '91?  Ashba came along 15 years after Axl had cemented his reputation.  I'm sure you don't want to dredge 5 + years of facts about the guy that others interpret how they see fit and it doesn't matter, to me, since Slash is where he belongs again, but still...  I just clicked on the thread and was like...wow...Ashba was the only rock n' roll that I saw in that show in '11, and he seemed cool anytime I saw him interviewed.

Axl's thinking as far as the CD material goes.

A lot of people thought when Slash rejoined that would be the end of GNR playing the CD material.  Slash plays the CD material.

Melissa replacing Chris is another indication that Axl is still very keen on the CD material being a part of the GNR legacy.

Now we hear that Axl also wanted three guitarists but not the two guitarist who actually wrote the material.

Could the reworking and release of CD II not be as far away as some might think?

If you think DJ Ashba is more rock n roll than Tommy Stinson....oh my....down and out.

Really?  I didn't get that at all seeing them in '11.  Aside from the fact that it was tough getting the image of Duff out of my head watching him play Duff's parts, he stood out like a sore thumb--like he was a last-minute replacement from a college station band.  I guess each to their own.  And it's a moot point, Duff has dismissed the kids and is plugged-in now.

You obviously have no clue about Tommy Stinson.

To quote sky dog ... oh my.

I have a fairly decent clue.  The Replacements were a college station band when I was a kid (as my pun indicated).  Not something one would correlate to Gn'R.  Perhaps it's an age difference in the posters that results in different perceptions of what is rn'r and what feels like Gn'R?

Don't believe everything DJ says...  GnR hasn't said one word about DJ, yet he keeps bringing up GnR time and time again.   There's youtube clips of him saying Sixx am is not a touring band, has said GnR was his main focus and he wasn't going anywhere.... now Slash is back, since DJ quit the band.

.....anything.

I have to side with Annie on this one. I liked DJ and might  listen to the new Sixx Am album. However, why is he keep bring up  GNR? His time has ended with the band. His focus should be on Sixx Am. This seems more like a publicity ploy. He's definitely serving his own agenda.

Fact of the matter is DJ was in GNR and with the rejoining of Slash and Duff there is no way he's going to escape people asking him about his time in the band and his thoughts on the rejoining. 

What he said was way better than no comment.

Why not say no comment? Or just say that you are happy for Axl, Slash and Duff to be reunited. Say it it once and that's it. That's all that really needs to be said. I have a hard time believing that Axl wanted him in GNR. I think it's DJ seeking publicity for him and his band.

Axl never ever never gave any indications he was unhappy with Ashba being in GNR.  Quite the contrary.

We fans are always on the look-out for ANY inside info ... past, present, future.

If DJ talking about GNR helps promote his current band/album, more power to him and more info for us!

Win-Win.

The 2 top hats would have confused the bandwagon!! Always liked DJ, thought he had great stage presence...

Seriously?  You honestly think people wouldn't be able to tell the difference between Slash and DJ because of the HATS??  :confused:

Not only do Slash and DJ look NOTHING alike but the hats look NOTHING alike either.

If Axl was or wasn't happy with DJ Ashba that doesn't matter at this point. It's over and done with.There's no reason for the what ifs.  Move on. Move forward.  For me, I really don't care since it's not happening.  At this point for DJ, he needs and should focus on Sixx Am.

Okay Annie.

Ha. :D You know what I'm saying is right since you said that. I just think it's a moot point now.  What matters now is that Axl, Slash, and Duff are back and it's awesome!!!

Whilst I do prefer DJ Ashba's take on the 'This I Love' solo to Slash's I can't see any reason for him to be a part of the reunion...

Except to create a false myth that gets attention for SIXX AM

very interesting things you pointed out there.

chinese democracy 2 starts NOW!!!!! ....... maybe. I hope. soon? pleeeease!!!!

I liked DJ more than a lot of GNR fans did.  I thought he fit the band pretty well.

Was he a poser?  Who wore silly shit?  Oh...I'm sorry.  Is the best guitarist in band history not named "Slash", and wears a top hat?  I'm not comparing the men in terms of ability.  But I always rolled my eyes at the complaint DJ was too schticky.  Please.  Our favorite band has guys named Slash, Izzy Stradlin, and Duff.  We're fine with schtick.

But in terms of this tour...sorry I'm not sorry, but no one cares.  He would not only seem out of place, the people that could take or leave him would be overwhelmed by the people that would HATE his inclusion.

Not worth it.  Not this time around. 

But he's not a bad guy, or a bad guitar player.

Agreed.  He was the only one, to me, who "fit" in the band last I saw them in terms of stage presence and attitude.  And I thought he did a fine job with Slash's parts.  I mean, who wants to mimic another guitar player, let alone Slash?  That's like being the next shortstop for the O's after Cal Ripken.  I'm still floored by the venomous stuff I'm reading here about Ashba!  Slash is controlling his own area of the stage again, so it's a moot point, but still...

OK, but to make up a blatant lie like this is a potential friendship killer with the GNR guys, why would he do that?  I believe he was asked only because it makes zero sense and goes against his personality to make this up.

Speaking of regurgitating,  yes we know you hate the guy, but do we have to have it rammed down our throats...   :-*

The kid Duff kicked to the curb was an influence on Duff....Duff's own words. I doubt DJ Assclown ....arghhhhh.

About a week and a half ago, I had the pleasure of hanging out with Tommy Stinson. For those of you who don't know, he is the guy who replaced me in Guns N' Roses. But also for those of you who don't know, Tommy is known to a lot of us music fans for his work in his first band, The Replacements.  

Our meeting last week was by no means the first time we have hung out. No, back in 1983, my band 10 Minute Warning opened for The Replacements right here in Seattle, at the long-defunct punk club Metropolis.


Tommy is a great fucking guy, and I always come away glad when our paths have crossed over the years.


So here is a nod to you my friend. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present, The Replacements:

"Kick Your Door Down" (Sorry Ma! Forgot To Take Out The Trash, 1980): This is the year that American punk rock really started to come into its own. This was also the year that The Replacements put Minneapolis on the map as far as the young rock mind went.


"Left Of The Dial" (Tim, 1985): "Left Of the Dial" is an old term used to inform listeners where college radio was located on the FM number dial read-out. The 'alternative' to everything else was located down there. The Replacements were of course, an alternative to everything else before that term was used simply as a hip marketing term.


"I'll Be You" (Don't Tell A Soul, 1989): This decade was remembered for Prince, Madonna, U2, and Duran Duran. What many of us knew then though was that The Replacements were just plain heroes to the rest of us.


http://www.seattleweekly.com/reverb/2010/10/replacements.php

It wouldn't surprise me if he's flat out lying.

But...

... what if Axl wanted him to stay, but Slash (and maybe Duff) said 'no way, no 3rd guitar player' ?

In that case Ashba can say what he just said without lying, and make himself more important than he really is.

I was watching the Appetite for Democracy DVD the other day (for the first time, bought it when it came out), couldn't stomach more than an hour of it.  There were WAY too many guys on that stage that should never be let near GNR ever again !

I was onboard with the first 'new' GNR... with Freese/Brain, Bucket, Fincke, Tommy, Tobias. I saw this lineup twice and loved them.

I was really disappointed when Brain left. He had incredible groove, still the best drummer this band has had, going back Adler. But Frank has been very solid. I was ok with Fortus... an upgrade over Tobias. When Bucket left, ok, that's too bad. Then when someone called Bumblefoot came in, the performances I was seeing online started to seem more and more like a cover band.

When DJ Ashba came.... and he seems like a nice enough young man.... but it was over for me. A parody of a farce. Looked like a reject from "The Motley Crue Story" or something equally stupid. His playing had no feel, no chemistry at all. Completely lost any reason to follow the band at all. So the idea of him being involved in the reunion would have been an absolute contradiction of the whole thing. Not sure if it's even true. Sounds a bit fishy.

Dj has had nothing but respect for old Guns, Axl, and every member he played with.  The other thing he has always been respectful is you and I the fans.  He took time to meet many of us and talk as did many of the members who have played in Guns with him.  For any of us fans to be desrespectful of him and turn on him is not the energy he way putting out to us the fans. He left on good terms and as much as he is in the media yea he will get asked about Guns. He is basically the media front man for his band and we will her questions asked its a major part of his playing past.  It's fucking GNR people are going to ask he does not have to bring it up but he keeps it positive also saying somethings that from him we should think are true.  He loved us as fans and he has proved that.  Now show him the respect he gave all of us.  Ok off the box now and to another thread :peace:

I am a GNR fan.  I am not and never was a Ashba fan.  I never asked his respect or love.  He'll never have mine.  He doesn't owe me anything.  I don't owe him anything. 

He can answer questions about GNR all day every day.  As long as he stays away !

Never really cared for him - let's be honest, in ten year's time the most he'll be is a pub quiz question, "Which guitar player joined Guns N' Roses in 2009 and left in 2014?"

That said, we really ought to make a bingo card for this forum.  My suggestions would be boxes for:

a) Annie howling with rage over DJ Asbha's nefarious PR (i.e. answering the only interview questions anyone has interest in asking him)
b) D-Gen using some utterly mystifying expression derived from American sports.  European fans scratch their heads in confusion.
c) HBK posts lots of laughing smilies
d) Emily waves her dictionary around

Ok...given your user name, given what dj is now doing, and given your comments....you have to laugh and chuckle at the irony here, right?

I know its all circumstantial/coincidental...but it makes it no less funny.

Edit: given some f the music "news" sites propensity for plucking headlbes from the gnr boards, i now ece t a "tension between asbha and sixx:am lead singer: Nikki Sixx slags ashba in statement" any second.

Yeah, i'm with you. I just cant see a logical fit for him in this lineup.

I liked DJ well enough. He seems like a nice guy, and i think he handled his departure really well! But, at the end of the day, Slash rejoining didnt leave anything for dj to actually do....

Don't bet against him getting back in if it all goes tits up with Slash or the other guy,GnR must have had more guitarists than any band in history so I would not be surprised to see him back in the band at some point, be it temporarily or full time.

yes, good point

ashba: blah blah blah

gnr: that mother fucker! you all hated him anyway!

gnr fans: fuuuuck yooooou ashbaaaa! fuuuuuuck yooooou!

I think he's telling the truth.

Axl: "Yeah, Slash came back, so now you need to get rid of your tophat and to be behind Dizzy in the stage with your guitar volume off. But hey, Id love to have you in the band!"

Ashba: "Yeah man, me too. I have tons of demos and songs waiting for you to record"

Axl: "Yeah, totally not doing that. But hey, I let you hear my stuff again"

Ashba: "Would I still have paycheck?"

Axl: "Why?"

respect 2 dj, but he is bordering on being a 80's parody-guy. doesn't fit modern gnr as of now imo, just my 2 credatz :peace:

That's not quite how many remember the '80's, musically, anyhow.  I remember (as well as quite a few others) that decade as Metallica, Skid Row, Junkyard, AC/DC, and Gn'R.

Duff?s brothers were also his musical influences.  So was Cameo.  According to your logic, that makes his brothers and the Cameo backline his suitable replacement.  The Replacements were a college station band.  For those that dug them, great.  By your logic, if Axl quits the band and he has been influenced by Westerberg, then Duff should hire Westerberg as a logical fit to rock the Gn?R mic.

Ashba rocked the stage when last I saw the band.  Seems like a cool dude, too.  Stinson, for me, not so much on either count.  It?s beyond me why anyone is ragging on Ashba.  His profession is music.  People speak openly about their professions, both publicly and privately.  In America, anyhow.  I can?t speak for dictatorships.

Duff?s back in his band.  So is Slash.  Judging by stadium ticket sales, that?s a huge deal to Gn?R fans.  In fact, so much so, that Gn?R has added second stadium shows in NJ, Chicago and Foxborough.  That?s a far cry from half-empty arenas in the U.S. with Ashba-Stinson, et al.

Ashba is a good player. Slash is a great player. He didn't write anything with Gn'R that we know of... and he never quite fit in to be honest.

I never liked him. He came off way too "tryhard" on the edgy factor. All the tatoos and his style in general didn't appeal to me. I just never liked him. Thank God he isn't included.

They made the correct decisions with the lineup. This lineup is as good as the Post Izzy UYI lineup.

Ashba is a bum.

uh, no ?  Ashba has nothing to do with classic Motley Crue ('81-'91) ...

not quite, he was eyecandy to the ladies and nostalgia-guys. :P

dj was just a 'additional musician' in my eyes, like tracy and roberta. the shows was for entertainment, so

I liked him. And lets be honest, the guy can write great music.

Ballad of death & Mi Amor for example, i can always enjoy them.

Hahahahaha

I was on another board and we were talking politics, and one of the guys asks "do you know any other analogies other than sports?"

You would be surprised if you knew how many jobs there are with absolutely nothing to do. But you must report for work to get paid.

I always liked him and still do.

+1 : ok: And I'll get to see him in about 5 weeks time  :)

I hated that he wore a top hat and did those ridiculous hulk hogan ears before Jungle ....

But I don't have a stong opinion of him as a member because he was never on any GNR music. I simply don't see how he would be a good fit with this current formation. I think the current set up is the absolute perfect mix of members going forward.

As for DJ,  he comes off quite personable and him talking about his career does not bother me in any way.

The reason I get so upset about the way DJ has put a spin on his departure was that I genuinely liked him in GNR.  I listened to some of the audio stream for Prayers for the Damned last night on YouTube.  It is extremely mediocre. Nothing special about it at all.

In all seriousness, I think the guy isnt a bad person. I just think he didn't contribute with anything I liked. He represents everything that's unnoriginal and vanilla in rock n' roll today.

Lets be honest, both are terrible.

if i die tomorrow was pretty good, afaik he wrote it

Haha! :D

As for Ashba, it's not surprising he is giving interviews and talking, he does have an album coming out and a tour- GNR is a hot topic and guaranteed to get clicks.

Just listened to those "songs" for the first and last time. If you appreciate those songs there's a MOUNTAIN of musical pleasure that you can find in bad japanese action-games with bad japanese heavy metal-throwaway-stuff on the soundtracks. Good luck!

Times change and there is no real rock n' roll anymore. Only smartphones and YouTube.

He's essentially the Chi Dem era's Gilby Clarke. Maybe a notch below, since at least Gilby was on a covers album.  I found his over the top crowd pandering/Hogan ears to be a huge distraction, and uncharacteristic of Guns N' Roses....And I'm a Buckethead fan, which says a lot in regard to my threshold for "different".

This doesnt mean anything. What I meant is that we had original and creative guitar players before - Izzy, Slash, Robin, Bucket, Bumble - and he just wasn't one of them.

Well, Ashba was on the DVD release, tho. In the other hand, Gilby was on the Illusions VHS and all the videos.

Ahh, I see your point. I don't know just having seen DJ playing live a couple of times and all those interviews may have clouded my judgment. There are a couple of times though when TIL went just amazingly.

Fair enough. I can understand why people may like him, I really do. I'm just not one of them.

He was likely asked and therefore answered. I don't see the comments he made as disrespectful or lies. I see them as giving credit to his boss by saying Axl offered or wanted him to be a part. Playing a part could mean many things. It could mean guest appearances or CD songs only etc. I wouldn't expect Axl to just be like btw Slash and Duff are coming back so bye. These guys were with him through a lot and so it's honorable of Axl and the right thing to do.
I also think DJ as a fan was respectful to Slash. Clearly he's a fan of the band as well.

DJ Ashba is a fan of DJ Aahba.

We. Get. It.

Please stay out of all Dj related topics.
Thank you.



/jarmo

Wow-- there is some whack-jobs on here.

There doesn't have to be an agenda or a conspiracy everytime someone mentions Axl Rose. The guy was being interviewed FFS... and answered some questions. And what he said was impressive, and if true (which we have no reason to believe it isnt) then standing aside as a fan of the band who wanted to see it get back together is very gracious.

Yes and you seem to be your own biggest fan. What's your point? Oh wait, forgot. As you were hanging out with you millionaire friends you looked into DJ's eyes and saw that he had no soul.

I always thought Ballad of Death would be a good song for Axl/GNR to put lyrics too.


Based on what DJ said, I wonder if GNR is currently in the market for a third guitarist to redo the stuff in the vault that Bucket and/or Robin wrote so that they can release CD II with Richard and Slash and #3??

I agree with this.  Talk about getting shit twisted.  Sixx AM just releases a new album, of course he's going to do interviews and he has every right to talk about his history.  Nothing self serving about it.

haha exactly... imagine the shit storm on here, if he actually sounded dirty about the band getting back together!  ;)

The poor guy can't win either way. 

There was a time when DJ wasn't those things:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQjUQmAwMAo

It sucks that he showed so little in GN'R I loved him before he joined and I thought It was going to be awesome when he joined but I admit he didn't show anything very impressive with the band. He's much better doing his own solos than copying other peoples.

Thanks! Hadn't seen this, and I gotta say, he fit much better with Beautiful Creatures. He looked more authentic on the stage there.

that "new" la-trend with black jeans and glamstuff...

i thought ballad of death was cool, but lol at the bad japanese action games soundtrack comment. japanese rock/metal music is, well... those guys really need to try smoking weed or something. sure, they are organized and can perform well, but it's almost too organized or something. very generic, generally.
 
It would be quite a trip if the band shows up with a 3rd guitarist after the not in this lifetime tour for the purpose of touring new music. very interested to see the reactions that would stir up. i for one would be fine with it. i wonder if those that hate the 3 guitar setup would be more forgiving if it came along with some new tunes.

No.  Never again please.  It's worse enough as it is with 2 keyboard players and those dancers in the back.  Back to basics please !  Rock n' roll !

I remember this song, heard it in 2009 when it was announced that he would join in. I admit it's better than Ballad of Death and Mi Amor.

As much as I agree that a 3rd guitar is not needed right now, I really don't understand all the hate towards 2 keyboard players. From what I heard, the guitars are pretty fucking loud and good and Dizzy and Melissa did nothing but minor additions. What is so bad about it? Are you responsable for their paycheck? Would you avoid to watch the band because of that?

The dancers did add a certain cheese factor.  But I hardly thought they were dealbreakers.

I think the second keyboard player hate got lumped into the pushback against 3 guitarists in the last batch of line-ups.  The impression was that Axl seemed to need a cast of thousands to replace the work done by only fewer people in the band's prime.  That, and few could ever really tell you what Chris actually, you know...did.

As for Melissa, I still don't claim to know what she's playing.  But I can hear her backing vocals along with Duff, and I like them.  So that alone makes her aces in my book.

Anything to do with that you're same sex as her? Just asking to clarify :peace:

Nope.

Do think she's cute though, if that helps your research in some way.

To me, GNR was and always should be: vocals, 2 guitars, bass and drums. Anything else is subtraction by addition (and yes, that includes Dizzy).

I can't totally agree, because I would not want to just hear AFD type material for the rest of my life.

It's an amazing rock album, but I wouldn't want them stuck in that rut.

Not to mention, that PC, one of their biggest hits on AFD, has an iconic synth intro. 

I think it's a little reductive to label Dizzy and Melissa as "2 keyboard players." As far as I can tell, Dizzy is a piano player (electric or otherwise) focused on chords and melody, while Melissa (and Chris before her) uses her "keyboard" to supply synth (as in "Paradise City") and other sound effects and cues. Dizzy and Melissa's respective contributions are far more different from each other than Slash's and Richard's, though I rarely hear people complain about having "2 guitar players."

If they want to bring 10 keyboard players for songs like Better or TWAT and add souns effects or whatever, fine. But not for a song like Paradise City or any other AFD song.

even though I love keyboards on everything else Gnr related, I don't like it on PC....that album should have been all the way straight up. Just my 2.

Sorry for being extremely intrusive and if I go too far just say so, but are you female? When reading your posts I always figured you're male.....I don't know why  :peace:

I get your point, but there's plenty of songs we wouldnt have, or at least be completely different without the keyboards etc...

I personally dont think we need 2 keyboardists... and for me.. as cool as Melissa is... i still dont see the point of her in GNR.. but hey... thats just me. Dizzy i get.... i just dont see a need for a second one.

I personally prefer just the five guys + Dizzy. I think that's enough. And then, if they decide one day play one of the UYI songs that require those musicians from the Illusion tour, that's fine.

But IMHO the big question with Melissa is that most people just don't know what she's doing most of time so it's kinda hard to appreciate her presence. For the CD songs I get it. But what the hell she does the rest of the show? She's always rocking out, so she must be doing something. I'm not being disrespectful, I just really don't know. Sorry for my ignorance.

About DJ, I don't know if maybe Axl wanted him to be on Richard's spot? Or to be the third guitarrist? I just can't comprehend why Axl would want a third guitar when Slash is back. I hope he gets inspired by the acdc thing and stop with big band megalomania. Just keep it simple.

I AGREE WITH THIS POST 100%.

I dont really get what she is doing most of the time, and without sounding disrespectful... in some ways i find it a bit of a gimmick, or an attempt by GNR to have a modern take on their music. I mean, shes a pretty, shes got the whole DJ thing going on... and it gives a modern appearance to the band.. but i really just dont get it.

if he's not a he, she had me fooled. somewhere between the hardcore wrestling fan thing and being into the girls at the bon jovi shows i just kind of figured... and yeah, comes across as a guy in general.

DJ was without a doubt THEE WORST guitar player GNR ever had? i was a fan of the original "NUGNR" lineup that included buckethead, finck, and tobias? and later fortus.  it sucked when buckethead left, but when i saw them at hammerstein and bumblefoot nailed the TWAT solo, it was an easy pill to swallow? however, when finck left and was replaced by dj ashba? i pretty much lost alot of interest in the newer lineup.  dj ashba was not a great player, and i know image really isnt important? but his clothing, and especially, that STUPID FUCKING HAT, was just soooo embarrassing? notice how he only wore it with GNR, like he was almost trying to be mistaken for slash or trying to mimic slash's top hat?  damn, he sucked.  good riddance!

i would like to hear isolated soundboard recordings of just what she is doing to see what it's all about. that would be neat.

Exactly... and i dont mean that to sound condescending, but it would be interesting to hear exactly how much she is bringing to the table for particular songs.

D-Generation X is a girl ??  :o

I never would've guessed.

Nothing against girls (duh) but weird having read all those posts thinking she was a he  ;D

Hey, it was news to me too.

I have to ask.  Have I been putting out a real female vibe over the course of these 8,000 or so posts?

If not, that had to be just about the most wack-a-doo, off the reservation assumption ever made about me around here. 

Well, non-Jarmo division, anyway.  He's still the king on that front.

Hey, if you constantly want to play the victim at your own personal Pity Party, stop bringing me up, and then cry when you get a response.
Thanks.  : ok:



/jarmo

Hey, you read my mind, but Stan The Man here can read my DNA.

Might be a sign you need to step your game up some.  The game is always changing.

Your opinions is politely disregarded.  : ok:




/jarmo

How this Ashba thread became an investigation about D-Generation gender is a mistery to me. Hahahah.

All I can say is that I'am glad Richard is in over DJ

I can't imagine how DJ would possibly fit in with Slash being back. He  doesn't have the shredding skills to take over Bumblefoot or Buckethead's parts as a third guitarist, I sure as hell wouldn't take him over  Richard in a 2 guitar lineup... I mean, what would his role be? I just don't see him being necessary or adding to the sound in any way. If Bumblefoot made this claim, it would make more sense, but DJ? I don't get it. I was a fan of the heavier 3 guitar sound, but not with DJ as that third guitar. Seems pointless to me. And going back to just 2 guitars, I think Slash & Richard are perfect

You always struck me as someone that peed sitting

No, but (in Gene Hunt mode)you do go on like a big big girls blouse

I never gave it too much thought, but I always knew you had to be a dude.  The perpetual back-and-forth with Jarmo reeks of too much competitive testosterone for you to be a chick.   :hihi:

Hahahaha

True, though.

And what chick is ever this much of a smartass all the damn time?  No chick I know.

Me neither.

Also, of the formation between 2001-2015 Richard was the only one that felt like he was like the 'old school' GnR. He has that RnR vibe, whereas Robin, DJ, Bumble and Bucket don't really have that. Of any of the recent 'old' members he's the only one that makes sense with Duff and Slash. And Frank of course, but he's no guitarist  ::)

Richard is absolutely the best fit with this band. 

Slash would be totally incongruent with guys like Bucket or Bumble.  And DJ is like the poor man's poor man's Slash.

I've said it before, my money's on him writing that letter last July knowing full well Slash was returning and his time with the band was up, and it was a professional courtesy on GNR's behalf to let it look like he was stepping down. I don't buy the 'martyr' bit for a millisecond. He was never going to be a part of this, ever. Either way, Richard is a much better fit any day of the week.

Every time I read a negative post about DJ, I picture DJ himself giving the finger

hahaha, that always bugged me about the guy

He couldn't have a camera on him, while on stage and not give the finger.  Look at me I am a rock star, heres my finger and heres a bottle of booze!  I am so bad azz.   Bad!!!!!    I read it all in a book and watched mtv when I was a kid hahahahahahaha

Is that me who has done something wrong?

But in any case, wouldn't three guitars just make a mess.

I tend to think that this reunion was well in the works before DJ made his announcement. Axl seemed to really like DJ and would have found something for him in the lineup if he choose to stay (OR if Duff and Slash agreed).

I just can't see Slash signing on for a co-lead.  Not just DJ, any co-lead.

A QB doesn't sign with a team that already has an established starter.

I agree... What I'm saying is I think Axl brought the idea to DJ and the most likely scenario is it was shot down by Slash not turned down by DJ. I just think Axl liked the guy and would have like to find a way to keep him around.

Talk like this reminds me of when people were saying Slash wouldn't play the CD songs.

Does anyone really believe that Slash wouldn't have been the draw or would somehow be "threatened" in the three guitarist scenario?

I don't understand why some fans are continually making Slash out to be on some kind of insecurity ego trip.

It's not an insecurity thing (IMO)... After all he is certainly giving Richard 'room' with extended solos in songs like KOHD and the NR intro... I just don't see him being a fan of that setup, Slash tends to lean towards raw and stripped down vs. bloated and overdone.

GNR has two keyboard players.  I'm guessing it's because it's an integral component to the CD songs.  I'm guessing/hoping the three guitarist scenario is an integral component to whatever is in the vault.

Since DJ turned down the gig, I'm guessing they decided they can do the CD songs with only Slash and Richard as long as they have the synths.  But for whatever is in the vault, they're going to also want a third (probably shredder type) guitarist.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.  No one said any of that.

The talk is about duplication of roles.

No.  The talk was about Slash rejecting DJ/a third guitarist VS DJ turning down the gig.


As I stated, what some fans perceive as a "duplication of roles" may in fact be an integral component to the songs.

IMO it's disrespectful just to suggest this to Slash.
He is GNR lead guitarist. People waited all this years for him to come back.
Nothing against Ashba, but come on!

Well, yeah, also true.  But that just gets back to the false equivalence argument so many seem to be slaves to.

As far as I'm concerned, the inclusion of Richard and Frank is more than enough of an olive branch to the replacement line-ups.  You can't say they aren't represented on that stage.

Well, Izzy is one of a kind. We don't actualy know what goes on in his head. And we can't count on Steven, so it's fine to have Richard and Frank, especially cause they're doing a great job.

But to put someone to co-lead with Slash is a complete joke IMO. Duff and Slash are coming back, that's why this tour is so big, so we want to see Slash on lead, not Ashba!

Slash seems a pretty cool guy, but I'm sure he's not coming back to his band to give away a big share of what he has always played.

It's just not worth the bullshit and the baggage it would entail. 

There would be a small group that loved it, a slightly larger group that could take or leave it, but a FAR larger group that would absolutely DESPISE it.

Who wants that vibe in the mix?

DJ ASHBA Says He Walked Away From 'One Of The Biggest Paychecks In The World' When He Left GUNS N' ROSES

https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dj-ashba-says-he-walked-away-from-one-of-the-biggest-paychecks-in-the-world-when-he-left-guns-n-roses/


still wonder what were "the couple of reasons" he left he doesn't want to go public with

I liked DJ.  He has a good heart.  Wonder if he's out giving away food and money to the homeless in Vegas.

Not a Slasba fan….gotta love Tommy calling Ashba out on his free publicity stunt.  :hihi:

Loved Tommy too.  New GNR may not have been what people wanted but I liked all of them.  Always something going on with that group.

In my opinion, Tommy was the closest “new” Gnr member to being like the old school Gnr members. His influences are very similar to Duff and Izzy.

Well, he had the drinking down.

He also came from a band who did only what they wanted…come hell or high water. They just never had their Sweet Child O Mine moment.  :-\

Guess they took the highway.  :D

Melissa said Dizzy was singing the national anthem at the Broncos game today.  Can't find a youtube or facebook video.  Anybody catch it?

Last night I watched the London show from 2012, it was amazing! I don`t know how much of it was rerecorded, touched, brushed and played with, but Axl and the band sound fantastic...
Still laughing about Axl calling himself the bad Jesus at the end :)

Id guess it wasent tampered at all.

Yesterday i watched the Vegas 2012 bluray for the first time in years. That band was even better than i remembered.

Jeez, 10 years gone soon.

My favorite lineup was definitely 2006, I saw them in Pukkelpop. Check out Rock lAm Rink 2006 KOHD Axl was awesome vocally.

Thanks for that. I don't usually seek out Knockin' videos, but that was really good.

"Let's go with the illusion"

Listen to IRS from the same show. You can thank me later.

Those were good times... two Vegas residency's the band was good.  What we have now is even better, got to meet Ashba and Tommy.. Both were very nice, I can see why Tommy called out DJ... That's water under the bridge, excited for 2022.

Did you see Slash posted a Duane Allman photo?  :D  Allman Brother's solo next time around?

Speaking of Tommy.  https://www.al.com/life/2021/12/tommy-stinson-talks-the-replacements-guns-n-roses-solo-tour.html

Technically the Layla outro is a Duane Allman solo... That is him playing slide for Derek and the Dominos.

I like the places in music history Slash goes to.  It feels like home.  Now if we could just get him to put down the porn.   :hihi:

 :hihi: Guy doesn't remember songs from Chinese Democracy? ..I remember everything about the songs I don't even like on that album...Amen to the rock n roll lifestyle!
Also seemed cautiously avoiding any talk about Axl or the Gnr name...I'm sure for good reason too.

Thx for posting - was fun to read regardless