Memories of the Use Your Illusion Tour: An Interview with Tracey Amos

[willl]

Were you a fan of Guns N Roses before joining them?

I was called to audition during a time when I was really into my music and was in local bands and the studio all the time. I, of course knew a lot of their (GnR) songs, and loved their music, but had yet to really delve into them.

How did you get the job? Were there auditions?

I was in a local band, as a backup singer, for my friends' group, Rise Robots Rise, and I was finishing my demo and working on a solo deal. Roberta came to town after a tour with Cinderella, and was recommended by our sound man as a 4th voice for the intricate harmonies. She was hired for one gig and planned to move from NY to LA afterwards. She did. I was, in the mean time, lighting a candle every night for the tour. One day she called, while I was lighting the candle, and asked if I wanted to come to LA to audition with her for GnR ... She had been recommended to Slash by Cinderella ... and that was it. I flew into LA, auditioned with her, rehearsed for 2 weeks, and began the tour.

Did you know any of the band members before joining?

Yes, Roberta.

Whose idea was it to bring in additional backup singers and the 976-Horns?

Axl saw the vision of the bigger band with bvs and horns and Teddy Zig Zag. I am not sure that Slash ever really got used to us. He was more into the raw sound.

Were you and Roberta considered to be part of the 976 Horns?

No, not at all.

You mentioned 2 weeks of rehearsals before starting on the UYI tour. Were all the GnR guys around during those rehearsals in one form or another? Who was around most? Who was around the least?

Everyone was rehearsing the whole time, except Axl, who came a few times, which is standard. The lead singer doesn't usually attend all of the rehearsals.

Did you ever meet Izzy Stradlin'? If so, did his brief comeback have a noticeable impact in Guns camp, sound or otherwise?

I never met him. I wish I had. He's  immensely talented ... and wow, I missed out.

Gilby Clarke replaced Izzy Stradlin' early on into the UYI Tour. How was your experience of him, being a new recruit as well?

Gilby is a class act, a kind soul. A lot of fun and a soul man. He's fun and mellow.

What are your favorite Guns N Roses songs? Which songs were your favorites to perform on the tour?

I loved performing all of their songs, they are a great band. I was always inspired, and in awe, of how they brought it. I can't say I have a favorite because I loved all of the songs, and when I wasn't on stage I was backstage rockin' out with them. But I did love the dramatic songs with time for a lot of dancing and movement, like November Rain and Live and Let Die. Those were really fun. I loved being on stage for Slash's solos and the epic arrangements.

The Use Your Illusion tour is known for its legendary, wild themed parties. What are your most memorable moments?

In Paris we had time to really party and hang out with Lenny Kravitz and the band. It was a good time and people from all over were there. Slash had a party at his place in LA ... that was a great night too.

The tour is also famous for the lengthy delays before the show starts. How did you feel about this? Any negative memories of this or do you have any bad memories in general about the tour?

Yes, that happened a few times (laughs). It was slightly stressful a few times, yes. Because you didn't know how the crowd would react and what was going to happen, but at the same time I didn't really worry about it. I just flowed with it. I remember the most negative thing was management. They didn't show us much love. But it was hectic and they probably didn't want to have more to manage. In general there was no issue really, just a lot of adventures. The tour was called the "Love Tour" because so many people married from the tour. I married and had 2 kids thanks to meeting my ex-hubby on the tour. So with all the love, music and travel it was all a great time.

Were you present at the Montreal Riot? Memories of that time?

I was not present for any riots, but my ex husband was. It was extreme. Grand Pianos broken and chairs torn out of the floor of new stadiums. I know it was disappointing and wrong for the fans. But that reaction was just as wrong. I was at a few close calls when we went on really late. I was never scared but it was a little stressful to think of what could happen and you're in stiletto-heel thigh-highs (laughs).

While Slash, Duff and Matt were known for their heavy partying, Axl had emotional issues causing sometimes erratic behavior. How did the atmosphere in the band (and the entire outfit) develop as the tour went on from your perspective?

Everything on the UYI tour was pretty much working like a machine. Management had it down and the band was partying, of course, but not more than they could manage. It was high pro-status Rock and Roll . Yes emotional issues, yes partying ... that's rock and roll.

How do you think the tension affected the band's sound and performance over time?

I only noticed a little tension here and there for what seemed to be reasonable band issues during a tour. But mainly I think it was all love and some miscommunications, or lack of communication, that was the main issue. Understanding each other when life is on the road isn't easy. A lot was going on all at the same time.

Axl's tour rider is notorious for some strange items. Any comments/funny stories about band requirements from venues at each stop?

No comment, except think debauchery.

Does any particular show stick out in your memories of crowd sing along volume on KOHD?

The Paris and Tokyo Dome shows, the Madison Square Garden and Freddie Mercury Tributes. Epic moments. Vortexes of time. Music is a powerful influence and GNR was the last band of a time of great rock n' roll. Being on tour with them was incredible, and then to be on the same stage with nearly every rock legend in one day, and to have Steven Tyler show you his chops in person while harmonizing, a sweet gift.

What was it like being in/filming some of the music videos?

Fun, but scripted, less raw of course. My favorite thing is to let the music and moment take you, and you connect with the crowd and the moment and that's all there is. Dancing and singing in that rare space. But a lot of characters shows up for shoots, so it's a good time.

Did you ever meet Sharon 'Yoda' Maynard, Axl's spiritual advisor?

I saw her and was in her presence, but she was in her zone and she was there for a purpose, so she didn't really speak much to anyone. I would like to know more about her.

Did you witness any songwriting magic with the GNR guys during the tour?

Unfortunately no. I would have loved to. Axl would play the piano during sound check. On a few occasions he explored new ideas.

Do you recall This I Love from Chinese Democracy? Axl apparently wrote the song in Paris in 1992.

I remember him playing around at sound check a few times very magical moments.

Did you lay down any vocals on The Spaghetti Incident or partake in the jam sessions for those songs during the UYI tour?

We jammed a few times, but not for the Spaghetti Incident. One jam was epic with Gilby, Matt, Duff  and Teddy. Those were great fun, we jammed on all types of songs. The tour schedule was intense so we had very little down time.

Were there any discussions about including you in a potential upcoming album at the time?

No. We were mostly viewed by the band as a new sound for Use Your Illusion. It made sense with the impact of the album and the dynamics of the song arrangements.
Any musical collaborations with any of the crew since the UYI tour?

No.

What did you do right after this tour ended?

I was offered a few record deals. I was always recording and I married and had my daughter Jordan.

Are you still in contact with anyone from those days?

I am with my ex-husband (laughs). I am also in touch with Roberta and Matt ... and I have run into Slash a few times.

With some form of a Guns N Roses reunion taking place and the potential for guest appearances in the future by former members, are you open to the possibility to performing with them if you were asked to do so?

Of course, that would be amazing, I hope they call us for at least a leg of the tour.

Do you have any material available for purchase or download for interested fans?

Yes I have an album. "Who are we Really?"
It's available on iTunes.

I am planning to release another album and launching a label and site that allows collection between great people doing real work via non profits, new tech and music.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tracey-amos/id51836386

Source: GNR Evo 27/04/16

 

[Babooshka]

It would be fun to have Tracy and Roberta back, maybe for a guest appearance or something.

[maxpax]

Roberta and Tracey made KOHD epic.

[Strange Broue]

I think this is the first interview with her, really cool questions, the interviewer knows GNR for sure. 

[JONEZY]

I like that last picture.  She looks really cute there.

 

[EvanG]

Nothing against them personally, they are professionals and all, but that whole extra band is what made GnR become a joke for a lot of people in the early 90s... they went from being the most dangerous band in rock n roll to a Las Vegas act.

[James Bond]

44 minutes ago, EvanG said:

Nothing against them personally, they are professionals and all, but that whole extra band is what made GnR become a joke for a lot of people in the early 90s... they went from being the most dangerous band in rock n roll to a Las Vegas act.

On one hand I understand that logic, but on the other hand I think Axl just envisioned Guns as the second coming of The Stones so to speak - a band that is larger than life. They tour with singers and backing musicians and I don't think anyone considers them anything less than a badass rock band because of it.

That said, I can see why it's not everyone's cup of tea or why people prefer the raw approach. Personally, I like the raw approach but I'm not totally opposed to the backing musicians thing. That's how I've come to accept Melissa in the band.

[Italian girl]

2 hours ago, Babooshka said:

It would be fun to have Tracy and Roberta back, maybe for a guest appearance or something.

yes please!

[WAR41]

Great interview.  She sounds really down to earth.  It seems like she also recognizes how fortunate she is to have been a part of that tour. 

[niceguy]

Impressed. She sounds like a class act, a real professional. And a sweet lady!

[killuridols]

Wow, great girl! She kept her tongue tamed

[Tom-Ass]

3 hours ago, EvanG said:

Nothing against them personally, they are professionals and all, but that whole extra band is what made GnR become a joke for a lot of people in the early 90s... they went from being the most dangerous band in rock n roll to a Las Vegas act.

Agree.. I still have a hard time watching videos from that tour. It was just too much.. Not to mention Axl's outfits.. Just tough to watch all together and looked super cheesy and staged. Glad he ditched the outfits and they stripped it back down for the Skin N' Bones tour. That tour was incredible.

[janrichmond]

1 minute ago, Tom-Ass said:

Agree.. I still have a hard time watching videos from that tour. It was just too much.. Not to mention Axl's outfits.. Just tough to watch all together and looked super cheesy and staged. Glad he ditched the outfits and they stripped it back down for the Skin N' Bones tour. That tour was incredible.

i saw both legs of the illusions tours and loved them both, Tom-Ass is right the Skin n Bones leg was amazing!! Ronnie Wood was there and they done Honky Tonk Women.Perfection.

[EvanG]

2 hours ago, James Bond said:

On one hand I understand that logic, but on the other hand I think Axl just envisioned Guns as the second coming of The Stones so to speak - a band that is larger than life. They tour with singers and backing musicians and I don't think anyone considers them anything less than a badass rock band because of it.

That said, I can see why it's not everyone's cup of tea or why people prefer the raw approach. Personally, I like the raw approach but I'm not totally opposed to the backing musicians thing. That's how I've come to accept Melissa in the band.

Agreed, it's a matter of taste. I like that they evolved but they went from being a dirty, raw sounding rock band from the streets to an arena rock band with sexy background singers and two keyboard players in less than five years... it just wasn't my thing.

[Tom-Ass]

2 minutes ago, janrichmond said:

i saw both legs of the illusions tours and loved them both, Tom-Ass is right the Skin n Bones leg was amazing!! Ronnie Wood was there and they done Honky Tonk Women.Perfection.

Don't get me wrong. I saw them twice during the 91/92 tour with all the bells and whistles.. The first time was amazing.. I fucking worshiped them though and they could have done no wrong. I was 15 years old and was on acid.. Good times..  The second time was with Metallica and to be honest Metallica made the Guns shows seem a bit cheesy and bloated.. The 3rd time was the Skin N' Bones tour. That was in 1993.. Well over 200 shows later and I am still yet to find any band to top that show.

[janrichmond]

1 minute ago, Tom-Ass said:

Don't get me wrong. I saw them twice during the 91/92 tour with all the bells and whistles.. The first time was amazing.. I fucking worshiped them though and they could have done no wrong. I was 15 years old and was on acid.. Good times..  The second time was with Metallica and to be honest Metallica made the Guns shows seem a bit cheesy and bloated.. The 3rd time was the Skin N' Bones tour. That was in 1993.. Well over 200 shows later and I am still yet to find any band to top that show.

I done 91,92 and 93 as well, 91 was Izzy's last show(as a permanent member) at Wembley.Skin n Bones I really loved and went both nights! Best concerts ever!!

[Tom-Ass]

21 minutes ago, janrichmond said:

I done 91,92 and 93 as well, 91 was Izzy's last show(as a permanent member) at Wembley.Skin n Bones I really loved and went both nights! Best concerts ever!!

You saw Izzy's last show and I was at Gilby's first show lol.. Bastard..

[janrichmond]

8 minutes ago, Tom-Ass said:

You saw Izzy's last show and I was at Gilby's first show lol.. Bastard..

haha and I saw Izzy when he replaced Gilby for the 93 shows! haha I win!!

[Tom-Ass]

1 minute ago, janrichmond said:

haha and I saw Izzy when he replaced Gilby for the 93 shows! haha I win!!

I kind of hate you right now lol

[janrichmond]

Just now, Tom-Ass said:

I kind of hate you right now lol

[willl]

10 hours ago, Strange Broue said:

I think this is the first interview with her, really cool questions, the interviewer knows GNR for sure. 

The questions were compiled by about 10 diehard fans so they knew what to ask

Also, just an FYI, not that it's even been suggested by anyone, but...... Tracey didn't come out of the woodwork just because of the GNR Reunion hoopla. I told a business associate that I was going to Vegas to see GNR live and he dropped the bombshell "Oh cool, my friend Tracey was a backup singer for Guns many years ago". My jaw about hit the floor when he said that Anyway he passed on her contact details and the guys at Evo compiled their huge list of questions for her. All the photos are from Traceys personal collection and we didn't ask her to send them (as far as I know) so it was really cool of her to send those along for fans too.

[DIST]

I 've  noticed Teddy zigzag carrying a video camera in a few illusion tour pics, would love to see that footage. 

[SWINGTRADER]

Thank god GNR did not ask them to return. Can you imagine how cheesy it would be for this band to have backup singers? Thankfully GNR decided to hire a couple of strippers to dance on stage instead. ( sarcasm)

Edited April 30, 2016 by SWINGTRADER

[Gilla999]

OMG @downliner where did you find this?! This woman was literally all I wanted to be aged 14 years old, but info then and now was always so rare. In a purely self indulgent way, I would love to see her and Roberta come back for a guest spot this year (when I'm there to see it, obviously ). Will, you're brilliant. Thanks for sharing!

Edit: I've just seen that you submitted the questions?! Geeky fan overdose alert on my part. Wowser.

Edited April 30, 2016 by Gilla999

[Nosaj Thing]

Amazing interview.  Huge thanks to those who made this interview posible and to Tracey for answering the questions and providing photos from her personal collection.

I loved the UYI tour, and while the Skin N' Bones leg of the tour was my favorite, the inclusion of back-up singers, horns and Teddy Zig Zag had its magic, too!