Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Alice Cooper Talks Guns N' Roses Reunion: 'Where's Izzy?'

"You'd think if Slash and Axl are working together ... Izzy would be a shoo-in," singer says

By Kory Grow February 9, 2016

As Alice Cooper began preparing to debut a new Hollywood Vampires tune and pay tribute to Mot?rhead's Lemmy Kilmister at the Grammy Awards, he marveled at how he and his bandmates, which include Johnny Depp and Joe Perry, could coordinate schedules. One new challenge has been working around Guns N' Roses' recent reunion, since erstwhile GN'R members bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum double in Vampires.

"I had a feeling it was going to happen," Cooper says of the reunited GN'R, which officially welcomed McKagan and guitarist Slash back into Axl Rose's world. "Guns N' Roses is always unpredictable, which makes them exciting. I think those gigs will go through."

The one thing that has Cooper scratching his head though is the apparent absence of founding GN'R guitarist Izzy Stradlin, who played with the band from 1985 through 1991. "I'm just wondering why isn't Izzy in there?" he says. "I don't know about drums, but certainly Izzy is viable. You'd think if Slash and Axl are working together ? and Duff is one of those guys that gets along with everybody ? then at least Izzy would be one of the guys who would be a shoo-in.

"And maybe he is, I don't know," Cooper says, continuing speculation. "I don't what their setup is with him. But it's like not having Brian Jones with the Rolling Stones, if he were available."

Since Guns N' Roses announced the reunion, Cooper says McKagan has seemed reinvigorated, even in Hollywood Vampires. "Duff is great, man," he says. "One of the great things about when we put the Vampires together is how the bass and drums make the songs move. You've got two guys that have played together for 20 years. They're locked in. It's really good."

Cooper, who recorded a version of his "Under My Wheels" with Rose and Slash in 1988 and later guested on GN'R's "The Garden," also remembered taking Guns N' Roses out on the road with him in 1987, shortly after the release of Appetite for Destruction. "They were great," he says. "They were never late." He laughs. "They were one of those bands that, when they go on before you, you have to look at your band and be like, 'Hey guys, we better be good tonight because those guys were great.' You always want the opening band to push you. That's always a good thing."



http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/alice-cooper-talks-guns-n-roses-reunion-wheres-izzy-20160209

I agree with all of that!

Musically it certainly makes sense to have Izzy in the band. I think it comes more down to Izzy's own "dislike" for big commitments ? like a giant world tour or something.

Izzy certainly is friendly with everybody, so I think they did probably approach him about this. I do think he most likely has the same deal as before, "show up when and wherever you want", if you want to join in with us during the tour.

what people who aren't true fans don't get is Izzy's just way of going about things. He doesn't want to dive into this huge commitments that's fine. Let him show up time to time and do his thing.

For sure he will have an impact on this reunion.

Agreed.

I know this doesn't sit well with some folks... but what Alice said about Matt and Duff playing together for so long... I do wish Matt was the full time drummer w/ Steven sprinkled in.  It just makes sense... If you are going back to that era... bring on the drummer too. Matt has such a connection with Slash and Duff. No disrespect to Frank is meant.

I also like Matt's wise ass mouth.  ;)

The drummer seat is always a fun argument around here isn't it?

Yes, I will actually be surprised if Izzy doesn't show up here and there to play with the band.

I'm right with you.

In what will be an even more unpopular opinion (I'm guessing) is that I find Frank's inclusion more than a little forced.  And all about Axl trying to keep as much of his most recent line-up as he can and not make it seem like he's trying to downplay it.

I find the selection of Frank to be more about optics and the way Axl wants things to appear than anything else.

But, ultimately, I consider the drumming in this particular band to be the FAR least important part, so I'm really not all that moved by it either way.

I think we are all just hoping that Izzy shows up at one of the shows that we attend !

Haha, yeah that will probably be a gamble.

We would just be guessing as to why Frank over Matt or why Axl may just not like the guy ... but one was involved with a good chunk of the music... and one isn't... one has a 20 year history with Slash and Duff and one doesn't...

So the scales certainly weigh one direction....

This gives me a real good feeling about the GN'R stuff coming up.

I don't see why Izzy wouldn't play at some of the shows. I think it is almost certain that he plays a few or comes on stage at some point at the very least.

I would hope he would do the Vegas/Coachella gigs though. Or maybe he just does the US tour, then someone fills in?

I would rather this be a rock solid lineup and no revolving doors (we've all been there... fuck  :confused:)

Axl, Slash, Izzy, Duff, Matt, Steven, Dizzy

That is what I want. They need Dizzy for the UYI songs and he's a important background guy. I have Matt in there because I just don't think Steven can handle something so big like this.

The best he's done is like 200-300 people at little clubs. this might get too big for him and overwhelm him. And you just DON'T need 3 guitarists and a bassist. I always thought that was stupid as hell.

Let Steven play some of the UYI songs too. Just don't bring him out for the AFD stuff or just an encore. Let them play 1 show with 1 drummer and 1 eith the other? Or just split or something. Whatever. To me... Steven is the better drummer.

I get the sense that this will be really special to him. Not that Slash and Axl won't appreciate and or enjoy this... but to Duff... you really get the sense this is important to him and that he is going to cherish every second of it.

Plus Axl and Slash can got heir separate ways and do their own things musically with ease anyway... Duff can't go off with Loaded and sell x y and z.

Damn... this was a Izzy post right? I want off on a Steven thing.

If a new album is made at some point IZZY has to be included. It would strengthen the album's writing process for sure. I could see them all recording and Axl might feel a them vs me feeling in the studio.

Izzy would help things on so many levels

I never got the impression Axl and Matt were tight.  There are several examples of that support this.

It's just that once he patches it up with Slash, can't imagine there is any other fence he would not be able to mend.

Yeah Matt and Axl are clearly not cool as of last year.

It has been reported over the years several times that Matt stood up to Axl and told him what's up and Axl flipped, then over the years there's been barbs from Matt to Axl.

Well I guess we will wait and see...

Definitely looking forward to some confirmation about the drums and other guitar parts.

Axl, Slash, Duff, Izzy and Richard with any drummer and Dizzy is such a freaking monster...

Never in my wildest dreams... so jacked up.

Yeah I never truly thought I'd see Slash and Axl together.

I kinda thought maybe in their 60s or something maybe. But never really thought it through or anything. I was one of those "Well if its not happened yet then its not" kinda people.

Excited no matter who is in.

Yeah. I just hope it has the same effect in Axl.

People keep thinking its a classic line up reunion.  It's not.  It's really just reuniting Axl and Slash together along with the newer line up of G n R.

G N R have never officially called it a reunion because they never intended it to be one imo.  It's just adding Slash back in, and Duff permanently.  

With GN'R, with a history of so many line-ups, it's kinda hard to know what classifies as "a reunion". The AFD5 would be the official one I think.

If they had brought Matt and Izzy back, is that a reunion? Not sure. Gilby and Steven? Not sure.

I think the experience coming up will really not be that different from the UYI tour (after Izzy left).

If it's Matt or Frank behind the kit won't make much of a difference imo.

It is just another lineup.....simple as that.

Why is this so difficult for people? Reunion? Obviously the original AFD 5 would make it a true and pure reunion. UYI requires keyboards... so Dizzy is a must and if they want Pittman too... why not I guess?

Axl, Slash, Duff all played together consistently or were working together from 85-96. That is the heart and soul. Matt joined in 1990, and recorded the UYI albums and did that insane fucking tour. So in a lot of ways as much as I don't like him that much he's = to Steven in legacy.

(I've laid it out like this so it is more clear, I know most of you guys know these things... I hope)

Izzy is the biggest curve ball in this Gn'R news/reunion. If he is not included in the tour, then it is not a "reunion" tour. He was in and wrote all of their studio albums. I love Gilby, and would love him in there if Izzy can't go, but if that is the case it isn't a actual "reunion".

Axl, Slash, Izzy, Duff, Steve, Matt, Dizzy, Pittman

If any of the above are not involved then it isn't a reunion. It's simple. Of course I'll take whatever I can get. More than likely Matt or Steven are out as far as a "part time or ful time" drummer. It's going to be Frank splitting or sharing with either Matt or Steven. And whoever isn't picked will make a couple appearances.

If history tells me anything it would be Steven and Frank split and Matt does a couple one offs with them. Or maybe it goes the other way and Steven does a couple one offs. I know no one wants this more than Steven... and he's not done anything with them in 25+ years. So I think they'd give him a shot right? He's clean now. For almost 2 years I heard.

Izzy is the key. I hope he does this. If not Richard or Gilby would be great.

A grand total of 3 guitarists is all they need. 1 bass, 1 rhythm and 1 lead.

about as clear as mud... ::)

Um ok dude.

I laid it out pretty clear actually sorry you're angry with life. lol

As long as we know there's no such thing as  a reunion going on. It's just a new line-up.

I have to believe that if Izzy isn't there, it's because he doesn't want to be there, at least full time.  And who knows what a man's reasoning could be for that? Obviously, it'd be a personal decision on his part.

So very much this.  Yeah, I'm sure people barked plenty about Izzy and Steven being gone in 92 & 93, but did that affect ticket sales, or the quality of the shows?  Nope.  Same thing now.

Izzy indeed IS around, but as we know him, he doesn't want to be involved at full time. maybe some guest appearance, maybe some studio work or writing, but that's it.
on the opposite, Adler and Sorum are out - thank god for that, because both of them were just acting like pricks in the past. the band doesn't need jerks, who have just a mouth full of shit and everyone only expects, when they fail miserably. one erratic Axl is more than enough.

Is a reunion / not a reunion / not a real reunion, etc.

Never going to be a true answer that pleases everyone.  Here is what I know :  

- they are playing arenas and stadiums in the U.S. and not bowling alleys and clubs
- people other than forum diehards are paying attention again
- there has been more press attention in the past 3 months than the past 3 years (or longer)

I don't get bogged down in semantics of what we are calling this.  But this is enough tell me happy days are here again.

So let's enjoy it.

I just Love Alice Cooper...not only as an artist but as a person...so down to earth/likable yet also such a showman. I respect his opinion and like the kind words he threw towards Duff. As for the Izzy comments..."where's izzy"...reminds me of the "dont cry" video...

as a longtime fan (joined the fun in 1992) I would love to see Izzy play live (I have yet to see him live)...altho' I feel he is more of a "background" player live (i.e. he isn't front centre stage, not much of a showman), I still feel his presnence would be appreciated. I feel he was more integral in the writing/production of GNR (vs/ live performances).

I would think/hope he shows up to a few of the shows as he did in the past (ideally I would've loved to see him in all the shows!!)

Agree with this.

There's a lot of positivity surrounding GN'R now, and it all comes down to Axl and Slash I believe. Those two, back together, that's the most recognizable duo in GN'R, that's a duo for the history books.

No disrespect to the rest of the guys in GN'R, past or present, it is what it is.

As Slash once described it.... the "meat n potatoes" of GNR are back !

Yeah its also obvious to me. I don't get why people act like it's not by his choice.

I actually think it's a combo. The rest of the guys knows about Izzy's elusive behavior. They are most likely the best of friends still, but that's just how Izzy is and both the guys and Izzy himself knows it.

Yeah, but it's frustrating to see various journalists and talk-backers get like 10,000 "likes" on a comment about how they're furious that Izzy isn't included in the reunion, when it's more than likely due to his own choosing. 

Nothing that a little press wouldn't fix, if everyone involved wasn't restricted to posting various banners to their social media sent by management, to clarify things.

That's true. There is probably no drama internally around the line-up.

Yeah I agree Axl/Slash and Duff really is enough for me.

If it was just Axl/Duff/Richard/Gilby/Frank or something that's a hybrid

Axl Slash and Duff is close to a "pure" reunion.

For all intensive purposes this is a reunion anyway you look at it I guess. I'm just a purist about some things.

It's a good time to be alive. Enjoy like some have already stated.

The only thing that could be strange behind the scenes is Steven FURIOUSLY trying to be involved as much as humanly possible.  He's been quiet, so maybe they threw him a bone.  

We could bring up a similar situation, VR.

Izzy didn't join them back then either.

That's the one thing I'm most uncertain about. Will he be involved somehow?

From Matt's description of events, it sounded like all was water under the bridge after they met in NYC in 2006:

While getting out of the cab I run into Sean Lennon who was leaving and when inside there was Axl Rose. Oh my God. I hadn't seen him in at least six years. I walked over and said hello. We shook hands. And it was pleasant. Later that evening I ended up in a loft somewhere in the East Village where Axl was again. We spoke for quite some time. And it was nice to clear some things up. I told him how great of a frontman he was while I was in the band and no hard feelings from me at all. It was an all-around good vibe, I think.  After the party ended. Axl gave me a ride back to my hotel in his suburban.

It's touchy.  Remember a few years back when Axl said that one show, or even a few songs with Steven could result in years of legal aftermath?  

I would imagine that if he's involved, it'd be for two or three songs, and it'd be Axl doing him the biggest favor of his life. Again, he's been quiet, so who knows what's being cooked up?

Axl doing him the biggest favor of his life? I don't think so.

Axl cried like kid about publishing rights way way back. Steven's sound and style really really made Appetite a great thing. Yes he's a drummer but he deserves to be in this again. He is an original member and while he has been the most train wrecked of them all... he finally seems to have it together. Finally.

Doing him a favor... I think he has a right to do this tour.

Really?  Because Steven has so much going on?

Axl's concern about Steven is that he can turn on a dime.  See, the thing about Steven is...he's an idiot.  How many times does he pop off at the mouth, only to walk it back later.  Slash "his brother" (supposedly) was an asshole for having "that piece of shit Sorum" play on something instead of him.


Suppose Steven plays 3-5 songs at Coachella.  That's all he gets.

Then on his Twitter later :

"Was great to get back out there playing with the REAL Guns N' Roses."

<5 minutes pass>

"I wish I was going to be there for the whole tour, but you know.  I know you fans would rather see me."

<5 minutes pass>

"No disrespect to Frank or anyone else."  #carriedaway

Can you rule that out?

That is why I've stated multiple times that Matt should be involved or Frank.

I think going with just Steve, or Matt or Frank is dumb and a waste.

Steven presents risk. Frank would be the safest pick and probably what we'll get and they will sprinkle in steven and matt

I'm just saying that Steven deserves a chance to at least split time in the tour. If they leave him out it would be really shitty.

Exactly.  And the way he shot his mouth off on Eddie Trunk a few months back, about how Dizzy shouldn't be up there, Frank is a "nameless" drummer, and Slash & Duff are now more or less assholes who forgot they were junkies once too. He couldn't even behave when he might've had a snail's chance back then.

If Axl let's him up there on any level? Big favor. Big time.

The whole point is that it should be "Axl's" call.

He whined his way to owning the name. So the end results leads back to him being a bitch about things...

Why there's been a 20 year wait with original guys lol

He should of never been able to tour under the Gn'R name technically if Slash and Duff didn't give in.

Okay, then they'd ALL be doing Steven a favor.

I don't get it. If Steven is included in the reunion it really isn't a favor. He deserves to be there people.

Who doesn't think that he deserves to be included in a reunion tour in either a part time or random fashion?

I don't think anyone here thinks that. Having him be the "main" drummer would be very risky and could backfire. Then again he very well might do great with it. Who knows.

Him being the main drummer? 5-10%

I agree.  If he goes on tour and fucks up, that's one thing.  But he deserves it because -- despite his past issues -- he is the original drummer that went through hell with the band when they were establishing themselves, as well as being the most recognized drummer to the fans.  The "favor" would be done to the fans who want to see the true version of the band they fell in love with.



I half agree with this.  It's not officially a GNR reunion.  However, I don't necessary foresee Duff sticking around permanently.  After they finish whatever business they have currently planned, who's to say that Slash and Duff will stick around.  I wouldn't agree with anybody who suggested that this "reunion" is so solid and concrete that it will last forever.  Time will tell.

A few songs at Coachella, and only if Izzy is there too.  That's it.

I see the argument. that its a dick move to have Izzy and not Steven in that scenario.  However, if Izzy blew it off, I would have zero qualms with keeping Steven out too.

Actions have consequences.  Steven's position in all this is his to own.  I actually forgot some of Steven's other greatest hits that sofine11 just rattled off.  My lord.

And I just recalled another story.  The one about him taking a flight with Duff, only Steven gets shitfaced at the airport first, and Duff didn't like it.

Steven is right about their pasts, but its just that - the past.  Steven is still the little boy that won't grow up.

Could be.

However, I don't see Axl putting together another merry band of fill-ins as an alternative.

I really think they should just give him a fucking chance.

Like rehearse with him. See how he acts... see what quality his drumming is in...and if it looks good roll with it. Have Frank or Matt on Stand by and sprinkle them in.

I do know this for sure. This Gn'R tour WILL NOT feature 1 drummer.

The fact that you, and to be fair, several others, have to pitch this as having to have a stand-by there for if (when?) Steven fucks up is a huge red flag to me.

Who needs that bullshit?

And are Matt and Frank going to be all that excited to just be the Steven Adler insurance policy?

Yeah I know. It's fucked up but maybe he needs this? I've said from the get go that going with him as the main guy is probably not going to happen or the best thing.

I highly doubt it.

It will probably be Frank with the other 2 randomly in there at various gigs or just Coachella. Not a big deal. Just as long as Steven is in there respecfully I'm cool with whatever.

Yeah, the poster above made another good point.  We've been wondering why all the press releases refer to this as a "regrouping" rather than "reunion".  I myself initially thought it was perhaps because Axl always had an aversion to the word reunion.

Now, thinking about it and putting things in perspective, I bet it's because they don't want to be held culpable, either legally or in the media, for labeling this a "reunion" while excluding other former members such as Steven, Izzy, Matt, Gilby, etc.

By promoting it as a "regrouping" of Axl, Slash & Duff, they get all the media attention that a reunion would garner, without being responsible for including other band alumni. Sure, fans and some media outlets will kick and scream, but ultimately that's their problem, not the band's.

I agree that Steven being considered at least somewhat of a liability isn't unfair to suggest.  At the end of the day, I personally find it fair to say to Steven, "hey man, we're giving you 4 songs a night, just to give you a chance.  Frank plays the rest.  If you fuck up, you're out.  If it works, we'll see where it goes in the future."

I think this is probably the most realistic scenario, should he be involved. Anything more, and you're thinking through nostalgic fan goggles.

I am perfectly happy with Axl, Slash, Duff, and whom ever they think will best support that core lineup. I think no matter what there will be some part-time/scattered involvement of Izzy here and there (song writing if it ever goes there).

Steven to me is a huge liability. He was kicked out of the most dangerous band in the world for being too dangerous. He then failed multiple times at getting sober on reality TV shows... there are stories about how unreliable he was with his solo projects. The last thing they need is the press associated with any issue he causes... and then when he does mess up and is removed, he has a history of being litigious which I wouldn't open myself up to if I'm Axl, Slash or Duff.

WORST CASE he pulls a Scott Weiland and dies on tour.

I see no upside what so ever including him. It's not like this is an Axl thing... Slash Duff and Izzy have all had solo projects and in some cases worked together... NO ONE has ever included Steven, there is a reason for it.

Back to the article, I loved the end when he talked about GnR opening for them in 87 and Alice turning to the band and pretty much saying we are going to have to bring it tonight...

The somewhat frustrating part... is that physically... he can play the shit out of those songs... it's just all the other "off the court" issues he brings with him and whether or not he has "writing credits"... he created those drum parts.

Like I said before...if I had a vote... i'd be all for Matt with Stevie sprinkled in...but they don't ask any of us  :)

Hahahaha

"off the court"

I agree. This is what probably happens at best. I'd be cool with that. I want him to make some money, have a good time and enjoy the ride.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waM0iqEFDZQ

in case anyone missed his interview from september.

Incorrect.... Slash recorded with Steven twice (once on his solo album, and once on Steven's album).

Izzy recorded a cover of "Do You Love Me" with Steven on drums.

Slash and Izzy played live in 2003 with Adler's Appetite.

Duff, Izzy, and Steven all played live together at the 20th anniversary of Appetite show in 2007.  Slash was also present at that show.

Steven and Duff went on a Japanese tour together.  Yes, Steven was drinking and that upset Duff, but they still did it.

Good points.

Never knew that at all.  Just listened to it, not bad!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMEfkJsD0fI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMEfkJsD0fI)   Gotta admit, Stevie rocks the shit out of those drums. 

Jaeball this is essentially my opinion too.

I really couldnt care less for Frank in this setup. Or Pittman or Richard..... but thats just me.

I'd like to see steven get a song or 2.... But I'd like to see Matt get the starting gig. He's reliable... he's good... other then past beefs with Axl.. why couldnt he? The only reason i dont see Matt getting it... is because of Axl's current loyalty to frank.. and at this stage.. from the social media stuff that frank has posted before xmas.. hes in.. so id say it's just Frank.... with maybe steven doing a cameo...

I mean.. does anyone really think 3 drummers will tour? I dont.

And its the same issue with guitarists... I have always been of the opinion that Guns only needs 2 + a bass.... not 3.

I know we could all put a million scenarios together... but id like to see a stable lineup... I think most want Izzy in there.. but i dont see it long term... so we will probably get the bloated squad of players and a mish mash line up from show to show that everyone is talking about.

But as i said, id like to see a smaller settled lineup... I dont think it will happen though.

Or just let Steven play the Appetite songs and Civil war then the rest someone else?

that might fuck up the flow of the show

I think it will be a stable line-up with Richard and Slash. Izzy will join the two of them for shows of his choosing.

Frank on drums. Steven maybe at some shows.

That's it.

So in 26 years you are hanging your hat on a 3 random songs, 2 one off appearances and a tour that he admits strained his relationship with Duff????

Velvet Revolver for example... Slash and Duff begged Izzy to join? Where was Steven? VR toured... Why didn't Adler's Appetite (or whatever shit coverband he was in at the time) open for them?

Why isn't he the drummer of the Conspirators? It's not like a was busy with better options?

Slash played in South America... Loaded and Gilby Clarke opened for them and then all played on stage together. Where was Steven?

I think there is far more evidence of the distrust and distancing than the 5 random acts of kindness that were displayed over the course of 26 years since he was kicked out of the band. No one ever relied on him for anything (except maybe Duff with the quick Japanese tour).

Yeah.
The core of the line up:
Axl, Slash, Duff, Dizzy, Chris, Richard, Frank

Special Guests:
Izzy, Tracii, Steven, Matt, Gilby, Baz

I think that could work.

I don't think Traci should be included really. Maybe for 1 or 2 songs for the first night or something.

I mean i wouldn't put him in the same list with Steven, Matt and Izzy...

Great Interview !!!

ALICE COOPER IS GOD

 :smoking:

No, I am hanging my hat on the fact that you made an erroneous statement that Steven had NEVER been included, and I provided the correction.



No way.  Tracii is the candy ass who quit the band because he didn't want to go on the Hell Tour.  Leave that bastard at home!   :P



I would think the best way to handle it would be to have Steven handle the encore.  Have Frank (or whoever) play the entire show, then introduce Steven to play the final four songs.  Something like that.  That way it wouldn't interfere with the show musically, or fuck with the emotions of the crowd.  Introducing Steven is going to get a huge reaction from the crowd (whether some here will admit it or not) so it should be saved for the end of the show.  I agree that we don't want to see constant drummer switcheroos during the show.

I think Tracii is a huge stretch.....

Yeah that is best. Just have him do the encore. That would kick ass.

That is really growing on me. I hope they don't do AFD songs for the encore only. Like if they want to do an UYI song in the encore or something still do it with Steven. The guy can play. It's not like he is some monkey that can only play AFD songs.

Totally agree.  Izzy rejoined GNR almost a decade ago on May 17, 2006.  His participation over the past 10 years seems to be on his own terms and mutually agreeable between himself and all the other band members.

And IMO, Richard and Izzy sharing the stage together is proof positive that both Classic N' NuGNR can co-exist IF the participants choose to make it a win-win for the fans.

IMO, one of the many hazards of Steven's participation in any way/shape/form is the perceived volatility of the Axl/Slash dynamic.  We the fans obviously have no idea what brought about their agreeing to this rejoining.  I think a lot of us have concerns about something going awry and things coming to an abrupt end.  IMO, bringing Steven and his self-serving/divisive attitude into the mix at this point in time will precipitate the undoing of the tour.
  

I think that the setlist will remains almost the same as in 2014. Maybe a few more songs from UYI I and II but that't it.

There's not much they can take out of that setlist before fans start to get upset, so yeah I agree.

Remember Pic 2006 In Europe In Studio Whit Guitars ?

To me, what is really important is to have Izzy back in the writing process or even recording sessions.

More so than the live show, I agree.

The guy is not exactly a wizard out there.  Axl himself said they used to turn down his speakers onstage.

Every time I'm trying out a new pair of headphones the first thing I do is listening to AFD. When they're indeed good and you can hear the interplay between Slash and Izzy, it's simply jaw dropping.  :drool: Something magical happens when those two play together.

Cool. I use Better and Shacklers when I try out new headphones. Not because of the stereo mix, but to feel if the bass is heavy enough, but not overblown like in some Beats headsets.

Always loved the story on how Axl, before AFD was released, was late for an opening slot for Alice Cooper and was unable to get into the arena..Wonder why Izzy didn't sing that night...

Love the Axl/Izzy/Alice version of Under my Wheels...Too bad Axl wasn't on the Hollywood Vampires album..Check out Whole Lotta Love and Schools Out...

Really looking forward to seeing Duff and Matt with them on the Grammys in a few days.

Hey guys!

Well, I would love to see any form of the 1987-1993 era. Anything as far as possible from the new GNR thing. But that's just me.

The media has little info about what goes on with Izzy, so that's why we keep listening about him being left out when we know it's not the case - I've even heard some musicians saying that. But we have to keep in mind that not every fan or journalist is on a message board discussing and watching these guys every single step. Personaly it would be HEAVEN for me to see Izzy up there with them, especially because I love the songs he sings and for me he's such a big part of the band. But I'm sure he will be there ON HIS TERMS in someway.

Although I love Steven's playing - I even went to see him live once - he's not a reliable guy just because he has a big mouth, is very impulsive and imature. I always get the impression that he has no filter, like a little kid. Matt, for me, is great. He played on the Illusions albums, was always there, and is a big part of the band just as Steven, I would love to see him as the drummer on these shows. The problem is that Matt also has a big mouth - is it a drummers's issue? LOL I haven't heard anything about him joining, only the opposite actually. I am missing something?

Oh, and about Steven being in as a favor, what I get is that Slash, Duff and Izzy try to help Steven from time to time because they know he needs their support and care about him. But they always make sure to calculate the risks first and never put themselves in a position where Steven can fuck up and make them look bad. Of course he is a great player and deserves a place in this "reunion", but his behavior does not help.

So I think we'll get Axl, Slash, Duff, Frank and Steven (as a special guest), Fortus and Izzy (when he wants to show up), Dizzy and Pittman.

It would be great if they had a main set with the hybrid lineup and then came back for a killer five song encore with just the AFD five: Patience, Used To Love Her, Sweet Child Of Mine, Nighttrain and Paradise City. Everybody would be happy and if Steven ever messes up then Frank is there.

Hey, I wrote a song called factory girl once  :hihi:

To say Steven would be a risk to do a reunion is completely nuts,the main reason he was thrown out of GnR was his conflicts with Axl,if u read Slash's book he says this and while he did have problems with drugs by all accounts slash and duff were 10 times worse ,if anything they could be more of a liability going by past endeavors ,yeah we know they are sober these days but the cliff edge is never far away,slash almost died from a heroin over dose so none of them could be counted on as been reliable,,Izzy needs to be part of this the main song writer and unsung guitar hero however nothing is set in stone yet and only 5 shows announced and at this stage I'd be sweating over Axl turning up as we all know he is the most unpredictable liability in the band.

Axl and Steven never got along and of course he would not be a risk to the reunion.
They just never wanted to deal with his shit and I'm not talking specifically about drugs. He wasn't in any of their bands after GNR, they never included him, it's not just a problem with Axl: Snakepit, Velvet Revolver, Loaded, Neurotic Outsiders, The Conspirators etc. It's not a coincidence, apparently he just doesn't have the maturity to deal with these projects, this is very well documented.

Axl just thinks it's his band and he can do whatever he wants. Duff and Slash play a completely different part than Steven, it's not even a question here.

But I would really like to see Steven, he's the one who always wanted this the most, and since he's been quiet - which is pretty unusual for him - I think he will be there in someway.

It doesn't matter if he wasn't in any of the post gnr bands maybe he didn't want to be ,maybe he was trying to sort his drug problems out ,he is no different to the rest of them they were all trailer thrash junkies who got famous and couldn't handle it end of,Axl tried to cover it up and move on but he had a very dysfunctional and difficult upbringing and dealt with it differently ,the rest turned to drink and drugs and could not handle been rich and famous ,how long this reunion will last is anybody's guess but going by their history I can't see it lasting past the summer tour.

Not sure why a topic about Izzy is discussing Steve, nevertheless. I think Steve was thrown out because his performance became not only a hinderance but pretty embarrassing (see Farm Aid, and all interviews discussing the recording of the Illusion albums)

The reason why is because it would be too weird seeing four members of the AFD line-up in that stage and not being able to see the AFD five playing at least a couple of songs.

It would be exactly what Van Halen fans had to endure seeing the Classic line-up together again but without Michael Anthony...  :no: Great, yes, but still missing something to make it really special.