The enigmatic frontman continues on with a current Guns N' Roses lineup consisting of guitarist Robin Finck, bassist Tommy Stinson, guitarist Richard Fortus, guitarist Buckethead, and drummer Brian "Brain" Mantia. The only current member that was around playing with the old band is keyboardist Dizzy Reed.

McKagan was asked his thoughts on the current Guns N' Roses--and Sorum added his two cents. "It's not Guns N' Roses, you know? [Axl] should have probably done his own solo record," said McKagan. "In saying that, also, I do wish him the best. We went through a lot together and I still have a lot of love for the guy. It's a shame that there's a...he's doing a lot to...there's a lot of bitterness..."

"Does Paul McCartney go around calling himself 'the Beatles'?" interjected Sorum. When McKagan answered no, Sorum retorted, "There you go."

"But he's doing what he thinks is the right thing," McKagan continued. "You can't fault a guy for that, but it's not Guns N' Roses."

Guns N' Roses are currently completing their forthcoming album, Chinese Democracy, which the band attempted to tour on late last year. Meanwhile, the rest of the former members--whose band name is under wraps--are looking for a singer. The band has more than 50 songs written and is planning to release an album and then tour.

-- Darren Davis, New York