Richard Fortus interview from St Louis (Feb 2019)

[jarmo]

Richard Fortus of Guns N' Roses gets experimental with Headtronics

By Daniel Durchholz |
Special to the Post-Dispatch
Feb 7, 2019

Richard Fortus is a familiar sight onstage in his native St. Louis.

In December, the guitarist joined his former outfit, Pale Divine, for its latest reunion show at the Pageant, and sat in with El Monstero during its recent run at the same venue. Also in 2018, he played (again at the Pageant) with Blackberry Smoke and with Live at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre.

His primary gig these days, of course, is with Guns N’ Roses, which he joined in 2001. Fortus finally played a hometown gig with GNR at America’s Center in July 2017.

But on Saturday, he will try something a little different and a lot more experimental, joining the funk/rock/electronica/jam-band collective Headtronics for a show at the Old Rock House. The band also includes founding members Freekbass, DJ Logic and Steve Molitz.

“I think it’s going to be awesome,” Fortus says. “But I’m curious to find out what exactly it’s going to be.”

----- cut -----

Right now, there’s only three Headtronics shows planned — St. Louis, Ardmore, Penn., and Brooklyn, but more may be added later.

Whether Fortus will be part of those shows isn’t yet known. His busy schedule currently includes producing the next album by Psychedelic Furs at St. Louis’ Sawhorse Studios. He’s also recording an album with the electronica artist BT. There’s another major project in the works, he says, but it’s something he can’t talk about yet.

If all of that weren’t enough, there’s his ongoing commitment to Guns N’ Roses. A new album is apparently in the works.

“Slash is on tour right now,” Fortus says. “Once he gets back from that, we’re gonna get some more recording done and hopefully get an album out soon. And then we’ll get back to touring.”

In the meantime, Fortus is happy to try something as loose and spontaneous as Headtronics.

“Generally, the stuff I do is all song-based, where there might be free sections (for soloing and jamming) here and there,” he says. “But this is sort of the opposite of that. It’ll be a cool collaboration, and I’m excited to do it.”

What Headtronics • When 8 p.m. Saturday • Where Old Rock House, 1200 South Seventh Street • How much $25 • More info 314-588-0505; metrotix.com



Source: https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/richard-fortus-of-guns-n-roses-gets-experimental-with-headtronics/article_8596478a-a7c9-5928-9bcf-847d6238f021.html





/jarmo

[COMAMOTIVE]

"We're gonna get some MORE recording done"

 

[14 Yrs Of Silence]

I know the cynics will say we've heard this from Richard many times before, but I fully believe we will be getting a new album in the near future, no later than 2020.  My main argument, which is educated presumption, is that Slash is willing to work with many of the songs Axl already recorded.  Slash has had his own thing to be creative without having to negotiate for sometime now, and by having that outlet, he doesn't need to escalate creative differences with Axl, he's much more willing to work with Axl's ideas and add some of his own flavor.  I can see them creating a couple brand new songs from scratch, including Axl letting Slash take the creative reigns a bit on them.  I'm going to say they release new material by Nov 2020.  When it happens I'll repost for all of the naysayers.

[FreddieJames]

I know the cynics will say we've heard this from Richard many times before, but I fully believe we will be getting a new album in the near future, no later than 2020.  My main argument, which is educated presumption, is that Slash is willing to work with many of the songs Axl already recorded.  Slash has had his own thing to be creative without having to negotiate for sometime now, and by having that outlet, he doesn't need to escalate creative differences with Axl, he's much more willing to work with Axl's ideas and add some of his own flavor.  I can see them creating a couple brand new songs from scratch, including Axl letting Slash take the creative reigns a bit on them.  I'm going to say they release new material by Nov 2020.  When it happens I'll repost for all of the naysayers.

I definitely feel there's a lot of mutual respect between them to create together again. Looking forward to hearing what they'd create these days!

[D-GenerationX]

Hopefully, they are going to start looking very seriously at what they are doing in that regard.

[Lord Stan]

I know the cynics will say we've heard this from Richard many times before, but I fully believe we will be getting a new album in the near future, no later than 2020.

What cynics are those. We have heard all this before. The reason being simply because we have. I suppose there is no reason not to believe something could be happening but there's not much point in saying so unless it will happen.

I once heard of a band that actually gave the exact date when the album will be out.

[allwaystired]

I think Richard says this a lot, largely due to the fact he's doing the most interviews. Every one he does he gets asked the same question, and he largely says the same.

He's damned if he does, damned if he doesn't though. Refusal to answer the questions would mean speculation. Answering it and saying nothing is happening it probably isn't in his remit to do. Answering it and saying loads is happening is also probably not in his remit. Instead he seems to try to be as diplomatic as possible without upsetting anyone.

I do wish though that things were a little more clear as to what might be in the future. If nothing is going on, I'd rather know that for sure than just wait.

[pilferk]

Well, Slash has chimed in in another interview and has said there IS material being worked on for a new album.

http://loudwire.com/slash-new-guns-n-roses-album/

So,  it's not just Richard, here.

[allwaystired]

Well, Slash has chimed in in another interview and has said there IS material being worked on for a new album.

http://loudwire.com/slash-new-guns-n-roses-album/

So,  it's not just Richard, here.

The "see what happens, when it happens" bit doesn't make me massively confident though. We'll see I guess. Ultimately, we might hear nothing for a long time...and then (hopefully) be surprised.

[pilferk]

The "see what happens, when it happens" bit doesn't make me massively confident though. We'll see I guess. Ultimately, we might hear nothing for a long time...and then (hopefully) be surprised.

I think that's the band learning from past "mistakes", to be honest.  Its far easier to set expectations super low vs fielding unending questions from the press (and the fans) about new material, when the album will drop, why it's later than they first promised (guessed), second promised (guessed), etc.  "It'll be ready when it's ready" is a good response that doesn't put pressure on the band.  It lets them take their time, relearn how to work with each other, and really nail down some quality material rather than feel pressured to release something by such and such a date.  It lets them be more organic, IMHO.

I take Slash saying "There is material for a new album" as nothing but a good sign. It means they are working together as a creative unit, again.  That's good enough, for me, right now because it's a first step to new material....which I think is what most of us are hoping for.

 

[allwaystired]

The "see what happens, when it happens" bit doesn't make me massively confident though. We'll see I guess. Ultimately, we might hear nothing for a long time...and then (hopefully) be surprised.

I think that's the band learning from past "mistakes", to be honest.  Its far easier to set expectations super low vs fielding unending questions from the press (and the fans) about new material, when the album will drop, why it's later than they first promised (guessed), second promised (guessed), etc.  "It'll be ready when it's ready" is a good response that doesn't put pressure on the band.  It lets them take their time, relearn how to work with each other, and really nail down some quality material rather than feel pressured to release something by such and such a date.  It lets them be more organic, IMHO.

I take Slash saying "There is material for a new album" as nothing but a good sign. It means they are working together as a creative unit, again.  That's good enough, for me, right now because it's a first step to new material....which I think is what most of us are hoping for.

 

I think the best approach would be to manage expectations by keeping everything under wraps - otherwise it could well be 'knives out' again before a note has even been heard. The problem is more that people are fairly cynical and jaded when it comes to suggestions new material is on the way, so treat every comment with large amounts of suspicion. Maybe not a bad thing though - we all could all be pleasantly surprised if it happens. I do still think it's 'if' though rather than 'when'.....

[Lord Stan]

I'm quite sure something new has been recorded but is anything even ready enough to be put into the Vault, that we don't know.

Could be for instance just some stuff they have recorded after rehearsing for the tour that doesn't mean much in terms of a new album.

Generally, pretty much everything is recorded that is played or not

[PermissionToLand]

The "see what happens, when it happens" bit doesn't make me massively confident though. We'll see I guess. Ultimately, we might hear nothing for a long time...and then (hopefully) be surprised.

I think that's the band learning from past "mistakes", to be honest.  Its far easier to set expectations super low vs fielding unending questions from the press (and the fans) about new material, when the album will drop, why it's later than they first promised (guessed), second promised (guessed), etc.  "It'll be ready when it's ready" is a good response that doesn't put pressure on the band.  It lets them take their time, relearn how to work with each other, and really nail down some quality material rather than feel pressured to release something by such and such a date.  It lets them be more organic, IMHO.

I take Slash saying "There is material for a new album" as nothing but a good sign. It means they are working together as a creative unit, again.  That's good enough, for me, right now because it's a first step to new material....which I think is what most of us are hoping for.

 

Exactly this. I understand the pessimism (or realism, as they argue) of some, but I think that analogies to the CD era are misplaced. This is a very different band, and even still, it's not like they weren't trying to get CD out despite the massive overhaul/shakeup of the band and record label nonsense. And post-CD, I don't think Axl had any intentions of actually releasing a followup, it was just something he held out there to keep the band from feeling aimless. I've heard he was hinting at a reunion as early as 2012.

[jarmo]

And post-CD, I don't think Axl had any intentions of actually releasing a followup, it was just something he held out there to keep the band from feeling aimless. I've heard he was hinting at a reunion as early as 2012.

Huh? That's what he wanted to do after the 2014 Las Vegas residency ended. He's not the kind of person who just says things without meaning it. You've obviously come to the conclusion that because it didn't happen, he didn't want to do it and so he was lying all along.


2012 was when he said "Not In This Lifetime....". He also didn't take part in the reunion at the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame. So I'd say your assumption about 2012 is kinda off.

Yes, it's true that he was playing shows with Izzy and also at that point Duff had also played with GN'R. But still, the reunion wasn't hinted at.... The band that existed in 2012 still toured in 2013 and 2014.





/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

Agree with Jarmo on this here.

Circa 2012, Axl most defintiely was not in a real reuniony sort of mood.  As he points out, he'd have done the RNR HOF with the guys if he was.  Which would have been a great launch for the whole thing.

But really, wasn't that the reason he did NOT do the HOF?  Didn't want people thinking that's where his head was at?

[jarmo]

But really, wasn't that the reason he did NOT do the HOF?  Didn't want people thinking that's where his head was at?

Might have played a part. Also, they wanted to dictate who gets in and who doesn't. No one understands the rules of that place...

I think it was a combination of several things... Imagine if they had played a song together, it would've pretty much opened up for all those "so when are you guys gonna reunite for real" questions....

Better to do it on your own terms rather than having the RNRHOF facilitate it.



/jarmo

[PermissionToLand]

And post-CD, I don't think Axl had any intentions of actually releasing a followup, it was just something he held out there to keep the band from feeling aimless. I've heard he was hinting at a reunion as early as 2012.

Huh? That's what he wanted to do after the 2014 Las Vegas residency ended. He's not the kind of person who just says things without meaning it. You've obviously come to the conclusion that because it didn't happen, he didn't want to do it and so he was lying all along.


2012 was when he said "Not In This Lifetime....". He also didn't take part in the reunion at the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame. So I'd say your assumption about 2012 is kinda off.

Yes, it's true that he was playing shows with Izzy and also at that point Duff had also played with GN'R. But still, the reunion wasn't hinted at.... The band that existed in 2012 still toured in 2013 and 2014.





/jarmo

I wish I could find it, but I remember somebody close to him (maybe Baz?) saying that while he was going after Slash in public, in private, he was saying stuff like "you never know...".

[jarmo]

I wish I could find it, but I remember somebody close to him (maybe Baz?) saying that while he was going after Slash in public, in private, he was saying stuff like "you never know...".

It was in Mick Wall's book that Ricky Warwick from Thin Lizzy said that...





/jarmo