DJ ASHBA: AXL ROSE Wanted Me To Be A Part Of GUNS N' ROSES Reunion

[RnT]

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/

[Spirit]

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.

[Annie]

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.

[Sosso]

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

[allwaystired]

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.

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

[jc_seven]

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!'"

[Spirit]

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

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.

[Sosso]

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.

[Annie]

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.

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

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

[Annie]

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.

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.

[Bodhi]

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.

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?

[Annie]

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.

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.

[Bridge]

Wow. I am speechless.

Annie darlin', when it comes to DJ Ashba, you are NEVER speechless.     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. 

Check my posts from the past.  No need to regurgitate it all.

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

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

[Annie]

Wow. I am speechless.

Annie darlin', when it comes to DJ Ashba, you are NEVER speechless.     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. 

Check my posts from the past.  No need to regurgitate it all.

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

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

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

[Bridge]

Hardly. I just get really mad at the way he twists things around.

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

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!   

[D-GenerationX]

"Shame.  This was a missed opportunity."

- no one, ever

[Princess Leia]

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.

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

[allwaystired]

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!

[Factory Girl]

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.

[sky dog]

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?