DJ ASHBA Hopes STEVEN And IZZY will Be Part Of GNR reunion

[Bazfreak]

Former GUNS N' ROSES and current SIXX: A.M. guitarist DJ Ashba says that he "loves" the fact that that a partial reunion of GN'R's classic lineup is finally coming together, but hopes that Steven Adler and Izzy Stradlin will also be involved in the band's return.

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 during a question-and-answer session on SIXX: A.M.'s Facebook page how he feels about GNR's reunion and guitarist Slash. Ashba responded: "I love it for the fans. However, I hope they bring in Steven, Izzy and even Matt [Sorum] and Gilby [Clarke]!" He added: "I've always been a fan of Slash's playing; that was a big reason why I took the gig!"


GUNS N' ROSES has so far announced six headlining performances in April, including two in Las Vegas and two at California's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, with singer Axl Rose, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan slated to perform together again for the first time in 22 years.

The rest of the band's lineup for the shows ? and a potential tour later in the year ? remains unclear, although keyboardist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus, keyboard player Chris Pitman and drummer Frank Ferrer are all believed to be involved.

According to Alternative Nation, there is an "oversight management committee" handling GN'R's affair, with Slash, Axl and Duff each having a representative and a fourth person representing the other members.

Fan speculation around the involvement of original members Izzy Stradlin (guitar) and Steven Adler (drums) has been heavy, with Stradlin reportedly not interested in doing extensive touring and the band members not sure whether Adler, who has a longer history of drug problems than any of the other members, can hold it together on the road.

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."


Source: Blabbermouth

[FunkyMonkey]

He also said this, Blabbermouth didn't run this part:

Nick Mullins How does working with Sixx a.m. compare to your time with GNR?

Dj Ashba: I had the time of my life playing for GNR, but Sixx:A.M. is songs from my soul, both great, but no comparison.

[Annie]

And DJ's opinion on this matters? Just saying...

[C0ma]

And DJ's opinion on this matters? Just saying...

And yours???

[Annie]

And DJ's opinion on this matters? Just saying...

And yours???

At least I'm not shamelessly trying to promote myself. 

[C0ma]

And DJ's opinion on this matters? Just saying...

And yours???

At least I'm not shamelessly trying to promote myself. 

He is doing press for his band and is asked a question about a band he was in for more than 5 years, what should he do? I get it you don't like him... you've made that abundantly clear.

[FunkyMonkey]

At least I'm not shamelessly trying to promote myself. 

Shamelessly trying to promote himself.  That was the answer to a fan's question, about 100 in, on the Sixx: A.M. Facebook Q&A.

[TheBaconman]

He's a bum

But had a very hot wife

So he is doing something right

[TokyoRose]

DJ was a very good guitarist.  He has respect for the legacy, and the songs.  Some didn't like him, but I always got a great vibe off of him.

These comments are nothing but love and respect for the classic guns, and the fan base.

I think Izzy, and Adler will have limited roles, and it will make a lot of fans happy.

[Annie]

DJ was a very good guitarist.  He has respect for the legacy, and the songs.  Some didn't like him, but I always got a great vibe off of him.

These comments are nothing but love and respect for the classic guns, and the fan base.

I think Izzy, and Adler will have limited roles, and it will make a lot of fans happy.

I used to love DJ. he is a great guitarist and designer. But he is even BETTER at PR for Sixx Am. Those comments are about love and respect for HIMSELF not the "classic " guns.

[sandman]

I keep hearing all these "talking heads" saying I hope Izzy and Steven are involved.....I've heard musicians (Alice Cooper, DJ Ashba, etc.) DJs on radio stations making comments, and talk show hosts (Trunk).

and I'm not one to race to Axl's defense or defend the band at all costs when it comes to media comments, but it is getting really fucking annoying that no one clarifies their statements with "IF those guys actually WANT to be involved."

the comments wishing they were involved are always made with no clarifications which probably leads a lot of the general public to believe that they have not been invited. and truth be told, none of us know who has or has not been invited.

BUT I wish everyone would acknowledge that FACT (i.e. that we do not know who has been invited and who may have said no) when they comment cause it's really fucking annoying when I read these comments and the general public is probably left thinking that some decision was made NOT to include izzy and steven. it's an assumption that just puts a slightly negative spin on the whole reunion/tour.

[LongGoneDay]

I think Izzy and Steven will be involved in some capacity.
I think Fortus and Frank are there more as a safety net.
Is that wishful thinking on my part? Maybe.

I can understand why they might not fully trust Steven and Izzy alone to finish a world tour, but I don?t see them being excluded entirely.
And if Steven was invited, he?d be volunteering to help build the T-Mobile Arena faster.

[Continental_Drift]

Love Dj (and Sixx: A.M.)- and have no real issue with these comments. Would have been nice IMHO to see him give Richard n' Frank a "shout out" as well though (e.g. "happy for those guys", etc.)- rather than just rattle off every classic rhythm guitarist and drummer- each of whose potential/theoretical involvements present varying challenges...

As far as Dj's constant self-promotion- no problem here. The music industry ain't what it was (particularly rock). You got to hustle- and he's pieced together a very solid career with multiple revenue streams. Smart.

[Annie]

Love Dj (and Sixx: A.M.)- and have no real issue with these comments. Would have been nice IMHO to see him give Richard n' Frank a "shout out" as well though (e.g. "happy for those guys", etc.)- rather than just rattle off every classic rhythm guitarist and drummer- each of whose potential/theoretical involvements present varying challenges...

As far as Dj's constant self-promotion- no problem here. The music industry ain't what it was (particularly rock). You got to hustle- and he's pieced together a very solid career with multiple revenue streams. Smart.

I agree with a lot of what you say, BUT it just seemed like he and Axl were friends. Axl deserved more genuine loyaly than DJ chose to give. Axl gave DJ the opportunity of a lifetime. No wonder Axl doesn't want to do any interviews.

[Continental_Drift]

Love Dj (and Sixx: A.M.)- and have no real issue with these comments. Would have been nice IMHO to see him give Richard n' Frank a "shout out" as well though (e.g. "happy for those guys", etc.)- rather than just rattle off every classic rhythm guitarist and drummer- each of whose potential/theoretical involvements present varying challenges...

As far as Dj's constant self-promotion- no problem here. The music industry ain't what it was (particularly rock). You got to hustle- and he's pieced together a very solid career with multiple revenue streams. Smart.

I agree with a lot of what you say, BUT it just seemed like he and Axl were friends. Axl deserved more genuine loyaly than DJ chose to give. Axl gave DJ the opportunity of a lifetime. No wonder Axl doesn't want to do any interviews.

Yeah. I got you Annie. The Axl/Dj chemistry onstage (and seemingly off) was very special to me as a fan. The shows I saw in 2011 and 2012 were just so much fun. So it was tough to see things go as they did (though over the moon that Slash is back). I hope there are no real bad feelings there (beyond some eye-rolling at Dj's promotion fro time-to-time)- but of course I don't know that to be true.

I guess whether it be Slash n' Duff back in the 90s, Buckethead, Robin, Dj, etc. I just can't imagine willfully leaving Guns N' Roses- so these decisions have never really made that much sense to me. Perhaps in Dj's case he got the sense (not from Axl- but elsewhere) that Slash coming back was a real possibility though- and best to get in front of the story with a resignation and thank you.

[Annie]

Love Dj (and Sixx: A.M.)- and have no real issue with these comments. Would have been nice IMHO to see him give Richard n' Frank a "shout out" as well though (e.g. "happy for those guys", etc.)- rather than just rattle off every classic rhythm guitarist and drummer- each of whose potential/theoretical involvements present varying challenges...

As far as Dj's constant self-promotion- no problem here. The music industry ain't what it was (particularly rock). You got to hustle- and he's pieced together a very solid career with multiple revenue streams. Smart.

I agree with a lot of what you say, BUT it just seemed like he and Axl were friends. Axl deserved more genuine loyaly than DJ chose to give. Axl gave DJ the opportunity of a lifetime. No wonder Axl doesn't want to do any interviews.

Yeah. I got you Annie. The Axl/Dj chemistry onstage (and seemingly off) was very special to me as a fan. The shows I saw in 2011 and 2012 were just so much fun. So it was tough to see things go as they did (though over the moon that Slash is back). I hope there are no real bad feelings there (beyond some eye-rolling at Dj's promotion fro time-to-time)- but of course I don't know that to be true.

I guess whether it be Slash n' Duff back in the 90s, Buckethead, Robin, Dj, etc. I just can't imagine willfully leaving Guns N' Roses- so these decisions have never really made that much sense to me. Perhaps in Dj's case he got the sense (not from Axl- but elsewhere) that Slash coming back was a real possibility though- and best to get in front of the story with a resignation and thank you.

No I think that DJ leaving was unexpected and that is what opened the door to Slash's return. Just my opinion and something I read on gnrtruth. I wish DJ well. I just don't like the spin he is putting on things to make himself look like some sort of saint. And all his comments about the current lineup are just a way to get his name out there since GNR is so hot right now.

[Continental_Drift]

Love Dj (and Sixx: A.M.)- and have no real issue with these comments. Would have been nice IMHO to see him give Richard n' Frank a "shout out" as well though (e.g. "happy for those guys", etc.)- rather than just rattle off every classic rhythm guitarist and drummer- each of whose potential/theoretical involvements present varying challenges...

As far as Dj's constant self-promotion- no problem here. The music industry ain't what it was (particularly rock). You got to hustle- and he's pieced together a very solid career with multiple revenue streams. Smart.

I agree with a lot of what you say, BUT it just seemed like he and Axl were friends. Axl deserved more genuine loyaly than DJ chose to give. Axl gave DJ the opportunity of a lifetime. No wonder Axl doesn't want to do any interviews.

Yeah. I got you Annie. The Axl/Dj chemistry onstage (and seemingly off) was very special to me as a fan. The shows I saw in 2011 and 2012 were just so much fun. So it was tough to see things go as they did (though over the moon that Slash is back). I hope there are no real bad feelings there (beyond some eye-rolling at Dj's promotion fro time-to-time)- but of course I don't know that to be true.

I guess whether it be Slash n' Duff back in the 90s, Buckethead, Robin, Dj, etc. I just can't imagine willfully leaving Guns N' Roses- so these decisions have never really made that much sense to me. Perhaps in Dj's case he got the sense (not from Axl- but elsewhere) that Slash coming back was a real possibility though- and best to get in front of the story with a resignation and thank you.

No I think that DJ leaving was unexpected and that is what opened the door to Slash's return. Just my opinion and something I read on gnrtruth. I wish DJ well. I just don't like the spin he is putting on things to make himself look like some sort of saint. And all his comments about the current lineup are just a way to get his name out there since GNR is so hot right now.

Yeah- I'm sure the letter was very calculated. On the whole though- as a fan (Axl and camp may have a different take which I of course respect if true- though I know no details)- I didn't mind it all that much as up to very recently there had always been so little positive/complimentary about Axl out there. All that said- I completely agree with you about Dj moving forward. I would prefer if he wouldn't speculate about lineups, etc. and rather just took a "real happy for Axl and the guys- and hope things go great!" approach. Personally, I think being realistic Dj's too "out there" with Sixx: A.M. amping up, Nikki probably chiming in here or there, etc. to expect that he'll go completely silent (a la Bucket, Robin)- especially with it being a huge event in the industry- and the genre in particular. That said- a simple- supportive "go to" statement would be the way to go IMHO- rather than injecting Steven, Matt, Gilby, etc. into the discussion.

[C0ma]

I agree with a lot of what you say, BUT it just seemed like he and Axl were friends. Axl deserved more genuine loyaly than DJ chose to give. Axl gave DJ the opportunity of a lifetime. No wonder Axl doesn't want to do any interviews.

I have a couple of issues with this

1. What loyalty was owed? DJ was given an opportunity to play guitar in a live touring band. Was it lucrative? Yes, but that doesn't mean that DJ the artist can't make a decision to focus on what he enjoys the most, which is creating and playing his own music. At the end of the day this is a band, it's not a Special Ops team that needs to trust people on a life or death level... If Axl can't understand his decision and continue a friendship because he was tired of waiting around, then were they ever really friends?

2. I would argue against the idea that Axl gave DJ the opportunity of a lifetime... If anything Motley Crue gave him the opportunity of a lifetime. He is more interested in playing his own music. Motley Crue allowed him to write music, which then transitioned into the Heroin Diaries, which basically became Sixx AM which he is very much more interested in (based on his decision to not move forward with GnR). That band draws more attention from Nikki and Crue than they do from GnR, while he got a signature guitar from Gibson during his tenure with GnR, I don't think the average Rock fan really knows him or is flocking to Sixx AM shows because of a few years touring with GnR.

[HBK]

Dj Is Good Guitar, NOT MY STYLE And Not Legacy In GNR

[Annie]

I agree with a lot of what you say, BUT it just seemed like he and Axl were friends. Axl deserved more genuine loyaly than DJ chose to give. Axl gave DJ the opportunity of a lifetime. No wonder Axl doesn't want to do any interviews.

I have a couple of issues with this

1. What loyalty was owed? DJ was given an opportunity to play guitar in a live touring band. Was it lucrative? Yes, but that doesn't mean that DJ the artist can't make a decision to focus on what he enjoys the most, which is creating and playing his own music. At the end of the day this is a band, it's not a Special Ops team that needs to trust people on a life or death level... If Axl can't understand his decision and continue a friendship because he was tired of waiting around, then were they ever really friends?

2. I would argue against the idea that Axl gave DJ the opportunity of a lifetime... If anything Motley Crue gave him the opportunity of a lifetime. He is more interested in playing his own music. Motley Crue allowed him to write music, which then transitioned into the Heroin Diaries, which basically became Sixx AM which he is very much more interested in (based on his decision to not move forward with GnR). That band draws more attention from Nikki and Crue than they do from GnR, while he got a signature guitar from Gibson during his tenure with GnR, I don't think the average Rock fan really knows him or is flocking to Sixx AM shows because of a few years touring with GnR.

Ok. Riddle me this then, Why does he talk about GNR every chance he gets?