Here Today... Gone To Hell!

I really like Ron.  He's smart, and really friendly, and goes above and beyond what's required of a GNR band member when it comes to dealing with the fans and giving interviews.  It's gotta be tough since there's so much you can't really talk about.  A lot of band members don't even try.  But day after day, Ron's out there busting his ass for GNR.

Whether or not you like having three guitarists in the band, or if you really miss Buckethead, there's no denying that Ron Thal was just what Axl needed personality-wise when GNR decided to hit the road again.  Ron  really takes his role in GNR seriously, and wants to earn his place in the band!

So how about we each take turns saying one thing we really dig about Ron Thal.  Just a sort of "Thanks!" to the guy who's done as much to save GNR as anyone!  I'll go first...


I think it's really cool that Ron cares so much about helping young guitar players find inspiration.  Though his message board, and his work as a college professor, Ron really gets that the greatest gift he can give future generations of rockers is to pass on his love of music.  I think that's pretty awesome of him.

Ron rules!

Though I prefer Buckethead as a guitar player, Ron is an awesome player in his own right.

Ali

That is one funky guitar he has.

(http://www.guitarz-for-ever.com/images/BumbleF2.jpg)

wow isn't that neat '
he is kool from what ive seen so far.

I love that he doesn't wear a KFC bucket or a hockey mask.  I don't care how talented Buckethead is, it just didn't seem like a proper GNR concert with his look and Robin's old look.

BBF just looks like a rock n' roll guitarist, which I like.  So thank you Ron for that!!!

BBF is a rock n' roll guitarist.

Didn't this guitar get broken on the last tour?  And he had a contest for his fans to design another one.

Who doesn't LOOK LIKE an alien!!!!!!!!!!!

Yawn to the BH bashing. Since when Rock N Roll is conservative?
I love bh for his wicked look and the superb performance.
Axl's attempt to blend him in GNR was class and Rock N Roll.

Ron is obviously a nice guy and a great maestro.
He's not really conservative either.

Ron's great, as a player and from what I can tell as a guy. I wish him the best of luck with everything he does.

what he does live in IRS, the final solo, is one of the most impressive things I've heard. He OWNED rock am ring.

and he's a great human being. I remember e-mailing him and thinking to myself ''bah, I will do a try emailing him, what can I lose? maybe in 6 months he replies me'' and the reply came in 4 minutes  ;D

then I emailed him back just to say thanks for answering my mini interview, and guess... a ''you're welcome'' email came again after 3 minutes.

I love Buckethead. I think he is the best guitarist ever in GNR career, but Bumblefoot is as good as him, but he also is a normal person (not a circus freak) and he looks killer onstage.

Thanks Bumblefoot for being part of Guns N' Roses.

I love his hair  :hihi: :hihi:

Wow I just listened to his IRS solo carefully (the rock am ring one). That was really impressive, yes. And he is really nice, i like the fact he always replies people. I haven't emailed him myself, but he is always online replying his fans.
I love his work in Gn'R, really. Everything the guy does is just nice. not even to mention the classic November Rain... he owns that song alone with his outro solo. His fretless just owns chinese democracy, too. :hihi:

seriously, I can *NOT* see Gn'R without him anymore. He's got a lot of presence stage as well, and its really nice. Now he probably feels that he's at home.  ;D

Thanks, Ron, for being a part of Gn'R.

Ron is the fuckin man in every way possible.   this might be the first decent thread MotherGooseLuvr has ever started.

I have no doubt in my mind the guitar mastery of Chinese Democracy will impress a lot of former naysayers.  Keep rockin' Ron.   :beer:

Ron's great, he came into the band on about a week's notice and still did a real nice job on all the songs, I'm sure whatever contributions he made to the album will enhance the songs, and I hope he sticks around long enough to (fingers crossed) be on future albums after CD finally sees the light of day

MotherGooseLuvR are you planning on starting a new website... SuckMyGuitar.com...

Eat it, man.  Just the other day I started a thread about "What Axl Rose Means to Me" or something.  That got people saying plenty of great things about the big guy.

If you go to shake his hand he hugs you instead (think Chris Farly in Tommy Boy "Brothers gotta hug!!!")

BEST!

 :rant:
Bumblefoot is both a technician and musician, Buckethead is just a technician. Yes Kids, there is a difference. BH was fun to watch for about 10 minutes, then his charm quickly wore off. Same set of licks and tricks. It's best he's gone. Ron adds substance and versatility, although not quite the "character" of a Buckethead, or a Slash for that matter, Ron is by far the best player in GNR and makes up for it in his ability. He makes Robin look like an up-n-comer, but not there yet...kinda guy. Live though I thought Bumblefoot had the worst tone of the 3, doesn't anybody think there's too many Les Paul's on stage (yes, too much of the same tone is dangerous to a bands health) somebody needs an old SG. Is Ron the next Slash? There's a real question, who is Axl's real side kick? I don't feel the Axl (Batman) to Robins (Robin) on stage, feels a bit forced, contrived as such. Ron could be that guy...one day. I hope Ron played on the record.

I agree with most of what you have said. BBF has been taking more a center stage role now. It seems like Finck is starting to be faded out a little bit more. You have to remember BBF has been in the band for a short amount of time and he is getting more and more attention with every concert. It seems like Axl is actually friends with Ron because reports have put them together with no other band members present.  It seems like Ron is developing a true lead guitarist stage presence. He really never had to do that before because he was a studio guy and vocalist. On this current tour you really don't hear too much about Richard or Robin, but we are hearing a lot of Ron...

well I'll take the time out to compliment Ron! - He's the only bandmember I know who gives out Happy Birthday Responses on Myspace!! : ok: ok well 2 people if ya include Frank! But that's fuckin' fantastic to go out of your way to look out for your fans and do that sort of thing!

Buckethead is a capable multi-instrumentalist. If I'm not wrong, Buckethead plays almost everything that has chords. He plays guitar like a motherfucking beast, and he also plays bass, banjo, and even piano/keyboards. How can you implicitly say that he's not a musician, just a ''technician''?

And even when I love Bumblefoot, Buckethead songwritting skills are superb. Just compare ron's solo work with any of the one million albums that Buckethead has. It's not that Bumblefoot's album are bad, in fact, I like his solo work a lot, but Buckethead's solo career is brilliant.

I will never understand how such a talented dude (probably one of the five best alive guitarist in the planet) decided to make himself look like a fucking clown... his look, IMHO, is what stops him to be recognised worldwide. He audiotioned for the RHCP and Ozzy... he could be in the boots of Frusciante or Zakk wylde nowadays... but who is going to want to play next to a freak like him?

but as a guitarist, and just that, Buckethead's undefeatable.

sorry, but Ron's songwritting is just as good as buckethead's (I'd say I prefer Ron, but that's just personal taste). He writes the songs, sings the musics, mix the musics, master it and then release it. Of course, people help him... but he has his own record label. He's just a complete musician. He is one of the few virtuosos that actually mastered a fretless guitar. He just plays everything, from Hard Rock to Funky. His solo career is brilliant as well, and I have, right now, 3 buckethead albums. But, as I said before, I prefer Ron's albums, but that's personal taste and don't really matter here.
Anyway... Slipdisc knows how to say that exactly, I don't. So, if he reads this, he'll reply probably.
But well, as a guitarrist, and just that, Ron's as good as Buckethead. He's as good as him technically...

one of the best things about Ron is his Love for food, and pepper turkey comes to mind right now!!!   :beer: :beer:

Quit talking about whether or not you like Ron or Buckethead more.

That's not what this thread is about.  You got plenty other threads to rehash those tired arguements.

This thread is for you to post compliments about Ron Thal.  So do it, or piss off. 

Thank you.

comparing any guitarist, Bumblefoot in this case, with Buckethead IS a compliment man

I agree with ya. Comparing with Slash isn't, but with one of the best guitarrists in the world it's a compliment.  :rofl:
JOKE, people, don't kill me for that. :hihi:

ron's the best. it's as simple as that!

Stop bringing Slash into this too. 

Can't you guys praise Ron without having to slag anyone else off?  It's kinda sick, man.  Just stop thinking about Slash.  He's not coming back.  It's over.  Axl won.  So let it go already.

Here's another Ron compliment...  It's fun just to hear him pick up a guitar and strum out his favorite songs -- songs you wouldn't immediately think of like 60's rock staples. 

Ron is my hero man. His music is amazing, his talent is unbelievable, and he just cares so much for every fan.
As I said in the Sydney show post I didn't get to meet him personally, but I paid tribute to him by wearing a red beanie (which sucks that he doesn't wear it though now lol), and he remembered me after I told him to look out for me in an email I sent a few days ago, and he went out of his way to acknowledge me and tossed me guitar picks, which were taken by security though - I didn't catch them properly, and just fucking rocks out. And all the emails he sent to me in the past, before he started to ease off because of his GNR touring commitments, he gave me alot of advice and inspiration. This man needs to stay as a part of GNR. He is just fucking awesome. Thanks Ron.

I met Ron in Brisbane, and Ron is just a class above the all the others. It was awesome to talk to him and he was so sincere and you can tell how took the time out to really listen to you. Such a kind and genuine guy. I am really happy with his addition to the band, I told him this and he was really happy.

Australia loved his solos too, more than any other of the old and new bands solos I've seen live and on DVD.. the Aussie crowds dug his Australian National Anthem, Back in Black & Don't Cry solos.. good solos, not boring and he played them well.

Ron ROCKS!!!

Ron clearly is the most talented of all the current lineup (Axl is still my fav though).  He is so much better than Robin, who's solo's are terribly boring.  I wish Ron would play lead and they'd get rid of Robin.  He's cool and all, but musically he's very lackluster.  No technical ability, terrible sound, and very sloppy (which I know has always been GNR's style).  Just listen to people like John Pertrucci from Dream Theater, or Steve Vai.  Can you imagine what GNR music would sound like if someone as talented as these guys would play with Axl.

 Joe Satriani is the one who told Axl about Ron's greatness. Ron is the caliber guitar player in which you mention above.

No way would GNR work with Vai or the dude from Dream Theater as lead guitarist.  GNR doesn't need solely a technician.  Robin works because he brings something else...soul.  If talent was all that it took, the drummer from the band that won my high school's Battle of the Bands when I was in 10th grade would be as famous as Keith Moon!

Ron is awesome.

I think he is developing a great stage presence, running around stage, doing solo's to get the crowd involved.
He was fantastic in Melbourne, on the friday night I was about three from the front, and during his Don't Cry solo he gave us the thumbs up : ok: for singing along. Then later he was ripping up Nightrain on his Vigier fretless right in front of us. :drool:

great guy...still miss Buckethead..but he'll do for now.

I agree. ?Saw them in September in SF and was impressed with how comfortable he already seemed to be. ?Nightrain was as standout moment from that show, too.

Ron thal the Flying man is the shitty. ;D

It would be easy for someone with Ron's talents to be conceited and arrogant.  The fact he's a thoroughly wonderful human being is to his credit  : ok:

yep. And his backstage video on that australian tv is awesome too, lol.

Listening to the Brisbane boot I could hear the improvements on the new songs made by mr. Ron Thal.. Damn, he kick ass on Better and IRS, really fucking amazing!!!

'xara', where you heard? lol. Youtube? ;D
I know he changed his YCBM solo a bit, but sound quality isnt good. I wanted to hear CD/nightrain/better but cant find any with enough quality :-\

Well if you only look on you tube that'll happen :hihi:

Here ya go  : ok:

http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/board/index.php?topic=47164.0

That man is amazing....his playing (the bbf sound), voice... everything. Very special and unique... He is a man with a very great tallent and have a very great and big heart of gold. One thing i like about him exept for his music, playing and voice is that he care for his fans as much as he does. I have loved that man for many years and will always stand by his site and be there to support him in the best way i now can. If you havnet heard any of his stuff yet. Then go to his site www.bumblefoot.com and check out the clips. You wont get dissaponited!
He is one hell of a unique man. You can only love him.

I could continue...

 :love: :peace:

what was that?  i can't hear you now.  ;D

Ron hands down is just a all over great musician and guy, he fits excellent with GNR, and having hung out on a few occasions. he is nothing more than just a really down to earth person. And has extraordinary chops on is instrument of choice.


I have no damn idea why way back people disliked him for whatever reason, but I think hes like a rock for Axl as all the band is. His addition is for me one of the best things. And thanks for rocking , and being the guy you are Ron! :beer:

If it wasn't for Bumble, my trip wouldn't have been as good. It still would have been great but Bumble was the one that stopped me from leaving the after party in Adelaide early. He is a real nice bloke and I hope to cross paths with him again.


 :peace:

Ron Thal is da man! He once stood on a spot and ordered a drink, and he waited for a bar to be built around him. Once he was done with his drink, be burned the bar to the ground, and said "I believe in leaving things the way you found them."

Seriously, Ron is one talented guy. A great addition to the band, and an undeniablely cool guy who's nice to the fans, and even puts up with our constant array of shit! (Where's the album, where's the album, where's the album!?)

Anyway, Ron deserves kudos.

BTW, where's the album?

Thank God for SLash and Izzy or Ron wouldnt have anything to play......



He seems like a nice guy but  U gotta prove it on the record. : ok:

I think Ron has plenty of things to play, he is always working on solo songs/projects.

Just sayin, Until Chinese Democracy comes out, I am reserving Judgement.  HE is a great guy to the fans, no doubt about it, I just hope he can do something really cool on the album. : ok:

Why, can't you hear enough on live performances (like IRS, Chinese and Better)? Or his solo work, maybe?

Gotta agree - Ron is awesome.

I really wanted to see Buckethead tour down here in Oz (watched the 2002 shows on youtube too much I spose) but Ron is a better fit for this band.

I couldn't keep my eyes of his fretless guitar work during the nightrain solos - equal if not better than bucketheads revamps.

Cheers

Because then he wouldn't get to complain that the album isn't out on a thread about Ron Thal.

I have not listen yet...but for those who are interested.

The latest episode of "Talking Metal" features an interview hosts Mark Strigl and and John Ostronomy conducted with 24-7 SPYZ members Jimi Hazel, Rick Skatore, and Tobias Ralph. Topics include their latest album "Face the Day", working in the studio with GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, and their relationship with Dimebag Darrell and PANTERA. Additional topics include Doug Pinnick, Muzz Skillings, Chuck D., CBGB, and breast implants. The 60-minute podcast can be downloaded at this location. iTunes users can also subscribe to "Talking Metal" for free at this location. A video portion of this interview where Hazel and Skatore describe their first meeting with Bumblefoot is also available on "Talking Metal"'s new YouTube channel. The channel also features exclusive videos with OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, ANTHRAX, and more.

http://www.striglsmusicnews.com/podcasts/talkingmetal/index.htm

cool thread...? awesome to see the love for Ron

Ron's a carpenter...
and
... carpenters rock!? :love:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


Thanks! that's nice.

lol, that's funny! ;D

The album isnt out yet? ???


Live he plays Slash and buckethead's parts?

Lets hear an original than I will give the guy some due credit.

He plays what he wants to. He didn't copy any of the solos, he just plays it in his own way (except for some of the classics). And on songs like Chinese Democracy and Nightrain, he even used a fretless guitar to play it. He added his own touches to the songs, and improved some new songs like Better, Chinese Democracy and I.R.S. with some nice "sound effects", which is awesome.
I would consider chinese democracy original, since he really changed the way that buckethead played it and got his own guitar to play it. Do you want original stuff, licks and hard to copy/play? Get normal, hands, 9.11 or adventures of bumblefoot. You'll get enough of his stuff. :hihi:

dude Ron Thal has like 7 albums of his own stuff and there is some very solid material on all of them.  and it is so diverse, its everywhere.   Nothing is off limits.   I've checked all of them out because he was kind enough to let me use his music in some of my promotional videos.

as far as what he's contributed to GnR, I do like what he's added to the song, Chinese Democracy.   He made some changes to his parts between the European and American tours last year. 

did you hear the new brisbane bootleg yet? He added some damn nice sounds to that song, lol. He really improved it even more. :hihi:
and he's got much more than 7 albums, lol, but some aren't officially released. Ah, and he also improved I.R.S. ;D

I thought you were a musician... I think, as a musician and fan of this band myself (enough to know note by note), Ron put his own style in some songs like Better, and others he just re-worked to a totally different thing (IRS, CD, Nightrain, YCBM...) - what may can be considered as "original".

Also, as others are saying, it's not that hard to check his solo work.

LOL, is that how you call your porn stuff? :hihi:

Just j/k man.. :peace:

I think Jim Bob is talkin about Chinese... We've yet to hear the 2007 version, but I agree - he improved IRS A LOT. Also because of Frank's new drums, which rocks really hard. :D

I've heard, and its pretty much the same, lol. Download auckland concert audio (download section). :D

Ron's mint. You're mint Ron!

 Ron kicks ass.   :peace:

but I meant it...   I want a pic of him in his toolbelt  :love:            heheheh