stonebird
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Ex-Replacement Tommy Stinson talks up solo album ahead of Guns N' Roses dates
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Tommy Stinson is a true rock 'n' roll survivor. At the age of 13, he joined the Replacements, growing up and throwing up on the road in vans and nightclubs and theaters across America until their split in 1991. Since 1998, he's been one of the few consistent presences in the reconstituted Guns N' Roses, having survived the tortuous experience known as 'Chinese Democracy.' In 2005, he joined Soul Asylum, replacing the late Karl Mueller.
Photo: Steven Cohen
Story by Craig Rosen
SoundSpike Contributor
Published August 30, 2011 10:29 AM
Tommy Stinson is a true rock 'n' roll survivor. At the age of 13, he joined the Replacements, growing up and throwing up on the road in vans and nightclubs and theaters across America until their split in 1991. Since 1998, he's been one of the few consistent presences in the reconstituted Guns N' Roses, having survived the tortuous experience known as "Chinese Democracy." In 2005, he joined Soul Asylum, replacing the late Karl Mueller.
Aside from playing bass alongside Paul Westerberg, Axl Rose and Dave Pirner, Stinson has also made his own music, first in the unsung combos Bash & Pop and Perfect, and now as a solo artist. He recently released his second solo album, "One Man Mutiny," on his own Done To Death Music label, distributed by Redeye Distribution.
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Listen to "Meant to Be" by Tommy Stinson:
Meant to Be (mp3)
To download "Meant to Be" from "One Man Mutiny," right-click on the hyperlink below and save the file to your drive.
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"I figured the time was right," Stinson says of his label. "The record industry is falling apart, so I thought I'd figure it out on my own and make a permanent place for my music."
He's also setting aside a portion of the proceeds from the album for the Timkatec Schools in earthquake-ravaged Haiti. He previously raised more than $40,000 for the school through an online auction.
"One Man Mutiny" began to take shape out of the leftovers of "Village Gorilla Head," Stinson's 2004 solo debut. The song "Come to Hide," helped land Stinson a scoring gig with BT on the 2007 film "Catch and Release." Stinson stumbled into that business by reuniting with Westerberg for the soundtrack of the 2006 animated film "Open Season."
On "One Man Mutiny," "Come to Hide" is revived as a tasteful introspective ballad, accented by Stinson's pal Joan Jones on pocket trumpet. "It's a real sad sounding fucking instrument," Stinson says. That track is a highlight on an album that runs the gamut from rollicking Stones-like rockers such as "It's a Drag" to the countrified slide-guitar-drenched "Zero to Stupid." In a sense, the album is a future family affair with Stinson's fiancee Emily Roberts singing backing vocals on much of the album and singing a duet with him on "Destroy Me." Emily's uncle Chip Roberts' slide guitar is heard on much of the album, while "Match Made in Hell" was co-written by one Paul Westerberg. "I sent it to him and he came up the counter melody and the vocal hook," Stinson says. "It's a little thing that did a lot, so that's why I credited the old fucker."
Although Stinson played on Westerberg's "Open Season" and performed with him at the film's premiere, the two ex-Mats usually don't share or talk music. In fact, Stinson doubts Westerberg has heard "One Man Mutiny." Says Stinson, "We don't really do that. He doesn't send me his music and I don't send him mine." Still, he doesn't rule out joining forces with Westerberg at some time in the future. "I can see us playing together some day," he says. "We'll always have that connection and it's easy to spark up -- just add water."
For now, Stinson is focusing on "One Man Mutiny," which he supported with a series of pre-release gigs on the East Coast. But he'll break from his solo work to rejoin GN'R for rehearsals as the band prepares to bring "Chinese Democracy" to South America, beginning with an appearance at Rock in Rio on October 2.
The title track from "One Man Mutiny" was born while Stinson was on the road with G N' R. "We had a little inner-bus dispute going," Stinson says. "I started writing it on the bus in Ireland and by the time we got to Brussels, I had it written."
Since the band had some time off, Stinson hired Guns mates guitarist Richard Fortus and keyboardist Dizzy Reed to play on it, and then ended up recording the track right then and there. "It was the right spot to do it and it turned out real good. There was even a piano in the hotel restaurant that we used."
While Reed's tenure with Rose goes back to the original line-up of GN'R, it was Stinson who brought Fortus -- who played with Richard Butler in Love Spit Love and a touring version of the Psychedelic Furs -- to the fold. "I don't know if he'll ever forgive me," Stinson jokes. "Hopefully, he'll live through it. We met at a session and became fast friends. We have a lot of things in common and we've been good friends since."
Stinson himself was tipped to the Guns' gig by drummer extraordinaire Josh Freese. "We were chatting and he said they needed a bass player. I kinda thought he was joking, but then I checked it out and they wanted me to do it. I thought maybe it would be a good idea because it came right on the coattails of my band Perfect getting tossed under a bus. We finished our album and then the label didn't want to put it out, so I was about to pull my eyes out. I thought it would be a good opportunity to recover."
The against-all-odds prospect of Axl Rose reviving the Guns name with a whole new cast of characters also appealed to Stinson, because few acts have been able to pull off such a reinvention in the annals of rock history. Stinson's role in Guns stretches beyond merely playing bass, but he balks at the title of musical director. "I do a little corralling of people," he says, "but I wouldn't call me the MD. Don't want that gig, not for me."
While Stinson says the mega-stadium shows with Guns "are a lot of fucking work," he feels no pressure of living up to the band's storied reputation. "I'm the last guy in the world who would ever feel pressure," he says. "I honestly don't care what anyone thinks. I'm just too busy to get bogged down with such thoughts."
And, somehow he's managed to survive the treacherous rock 'n' roll lifestyle that claimed the life of his older brother, original 'Mats guitarist Bob Stinson in 1995 and dogged several former Guns' members. Stinson's never gone to rehab. "Somehow I work my shit out," he says. "I've got my own little program."
As for dealing with the notorious hard to deal with personalities like Westerberg and Axl Rose, Stinson says it's not all that difficult for him. "You just kind of deal with it," he says. "It's not that hard for me to deal with Axl. It's a little harder because I don't see him that often, but we're respectful enough to each other, so it ain't that hard. That's not to say we don't have disagreements. Everyone has those."
Stinson says Guns haven't begun working on a follow-up to "Chinese Democracy," but still have material left over from the last sessions. "We haven't recorded in a while and I don't see us doing so in the near future; we have those upcoming dates."
However, Stinson will be featured on an upcoming release by another band, Soul Asylum. He started playing with his old high school pal Dave Pirner after Karl Mueller's widow asked him to fill in for her late husband on some dates that band had booked prior to his death from throat cancer in 2005, played on their 2006 album "The Silver Lining," and the follow-up that's nearing completion. "Compared to 'The Silver Lining,' it's a little more rock and a little more upbeat," Stinson says. "Dave has really outdone himself on it, lyrically and all that."
In an odd twist of fate, Stinson recently played the Taste of Chicago Festival with Soul Asylum, the same festival where the Replacements played their final gig the Fourth of July in 1991. "That was kinda kooky. I didn't realize it until that day, but it turned out to be a good gig." As for the Replacements' end, Stinson says it wasn't a bitter breakup. "It was like, 'OK, we've taken this as far is it can go. It wasn't a bad relationship, it was just time to move on."
After the GN'R tour, Stinson plans to do some more solo shows, with hopes of hitting the Midwest and possibly the West Coast. For now, Stinson says he's content juggling his solo work with his time with Guns and Soul Asylum. "As long as I can have fun doing them," he says. "If it becomes too much, I can see that coming to an end, but for now, as far as I'm concerned, it's all still workable."
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Well i see this as good news - GNR touring in any shape or form is good news and it could be great for the US fans if they finally get a full tour! Lots of rumours of tours, remixes, re-releases, new album... things are definitely happening - I can't wait to see what's coming next for GNR.
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Is it me or was Bumblefoot trying way too hard to look cool at the end? He just doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of the bands image.
It's you.
Ok it's me! So glad to see them do an interview as a band, hope this line up gets a chance to record new material too.
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Is it me or was Bumblefoot trying way too hard to look cool at the end? He just doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of the bands image.
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He ALWAYS starts the shows LATE. ALWAYS. ITS THE BUYERS RESPONSIBILITY TO RESEARCH ANY PRODUCT HE/SHE BUYS BEFORE HE/SHE BUYS IT.
DID YOU EVER CONSIDER THAT MAYBE AXL TELLS THE PROMOTORS HE WONT BE ON UNTIL AFTER MIDNIGHT, AND THEY PUT WHATEVER TIME THEY WANT ON THE TICKET ANYWAY??
this.
both times he came to Edmonton, it was all over the radio that it was going to be late, and the city announced that they would run the train for everyone to get home, as late as needed, even though the ticket said 8PM. in 06, the train ran until 2am, just for the show, rather than midnight, or 1230 when it regularly shuts down.
but not every city is gonna put on late trains when GNR play and neither should they. GNR are contracted to play for example on 28th August, but they actually end up playing in the early hours of 29th August because they go on so late. I was at the Hammersmith gig in London in 2006 when the crowds were booing because GNR didn't take the stage until gone 12 - many people were stranded and couldn't get home - that's rediculous!!!!! Axl doesn't give a fuck about his fans!
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What annoys me about all this, is even if it wasn't Axl's fault this time that the band went on late, this has been happening for way too long, and people are just fed up of it now. Every other band in the world manages to honour their contracts and get on stage on time the majority of the time. With GNR you never know what time they're gonna take the stage, whether they'll turn up at all, or whether the tour is gonna be cancelled after you've already bought your tickets.
Now, I am a huge GNR fan and will continue to go and see them live and will take my chances, but I can completely understand why so many people get easily annoyed at them, or don't bother going to see them at all. GNR doesn't show any kind of loyalty or respect to its fans, and whenever something goes wrong, as is usually the case, it's always someones elses fault, they don't take any responsibility for anything.
you really should rephrase this statement "GNR doesn't show any kind of loyalty or respect to its fans, and whenever something goes wrong, as is usually the case, it's always someones elses fault, they don't take any responsibility for anything." and replace GNR w/ Axl, because it seems the other band members/hired hands do show the fans respect but this story is very old and tired, as everyone knows Axl doesn't like to take the stage till after midnight; when I went to see them in NYC in 2006; I didn't even show up to the Hammerstein and MSG till after 10:30pm and had a minimal wait for them to come on
Yes you're quite right - i'm sure if GNR had another singer these problems wouldn't occur. Both the current and old members of the band have always been repectful to the fans. Axl is the main reason why people are still interested in Guns N Roses and ultimately he will be/is the one responsible for their demise.
By the way, I was also at the Hammerstein gig, flew out from Wales for it. I was at the gig early and waited at least 5 or six hours until they took the stage. More fool me.....
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What annoys me about all this, is even if it wasn't Axl's fault this time that the band went on late, this has been happening for way too long, and people are just fed up of it now. Every other band in the world manages to honour their contracts and get on stage on time the majority of the time. With GNR you never know what time they're gonna take the stage, whether they'll turn up at all, or whether the tour is gonna be cancelled after you've already bought your tickets.
Now, I am a huge GNR fan and will continue to go and see them live and will take my chances, but I can completely understand why so many people get easily annoyed at them, or don't bother going to see them at all. GNR doesn't show any kind of loyalty or respect to its fans, and whenever something goes wrong, as is usually the case, it's always someones elses fault, they don't take any responsibility for anything.
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Yeah I know...that's why I don't think CD is going to come out.This thing sucks.
And Stonebird,I am done waiting for Axie's sorry ass.I don't want an album instantly..If he just says ''Ok,I dunno the relese date but I know it's going to come out'' I'll be happy.But he LIED.And that thing sucks more than everything that has sucked before (2005,2004,2003,etc.).
Maybe Axl had every intention of releasing CD this year, but for whatever reason it has been delayed. What i'm saying is, there is more to the release of CD than Axl. I know what you mean though, i feel lied to as well, if things weren't 100% positive for the release this year, then perhaps Axl should have kept quiet.
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Well dude it's not going to happen.Unless Axl has made a hidden contract with the record company and they have kept this thing a super-secret-hidden-thing.But I doubt it.2006 was the year.Axie blew it.
CD is obviously on its way, they've had a great tour this year. I saw them three times, and each time they were amazing. I think GNR are planning on touring for a long time, from the rumours of Australia and what Fortus said about Asia. CD will be out sometime during the tour, we've waited this long i don't think a few more months is gonna make a big difference. Although if it is released next Tuesday, i will be the happiest man alive!
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OK cheers Merck, but where's the f***ing album?!
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Why do people assume that Axl is delaying the album?
Perhaps it's something to do with the record label, or Merck leaving Sanctuary, we just don't know.
Until we get some kind of official announcement, i suggest we say nothing.
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Best post on this board for a long time. Well done Matt.
I agree 100% with this post, positivity is what we need.
It's been a great year for GNR so far, and the year isn't over yet, i'm still hoping to get my hands on CD before Xmas, just like Axl and Merck have stated previously!
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is this some error?
go check it out its not coming on with the deleted shit n 18-12-06 thing..
wheres it gone?
still there muppet.
http://www.hmv.co.uk/hmvweb/simpleSearch.d...ubmitSearch.y=4
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I can't see what all the secrecy is about, either your releasing an album or you're not. If so, then give us some info, tracklisting, release date, single date just something to convince everyone it's coming.
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HMV website now says the 18th of December, i think that's more realistic, but still probably another guess.
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Isn't the fact that he was putting the finishes touches to the album a good sign?
I mean now that he has joined the band for the tour, the album is probably all complete, finishing touches could mean anything from tracklisting, artwork, mixing.
My guess is the album is done now and will come out during the tour end November or beginning of December.
No it's not a good sign! Want 12 reasons?
95'
96'
97'
98'
99'
00'
01'
02'
03'
04'
05'
06'
Mixing and artwork aren't axl's job either...the tracklisting has been done for a long time
A8R
I don't mean Axl's been doing the mixing and artwork, but he is involved in the whole process of over seeing it all and having the final say to make sure everything is ok.
The final touches were never being made in 95, 96, 97,98.... They've been working on this a long time and they are finally ready to release it, you only have to look at what's happened this year so far to realise that.
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Isn't the fact that he was putting the finishes touches to the album a good sign?
I mean now that he has joined the band for the tour, the album is probably all complete, finishing touches could mean anything from tracklisting, artwork, mixing.
My guess is the album is done now and will come out during the tour end November or beginning of December.
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I think over the next two months we'll definitely hear some new live songs.
I can't wait to see an official track listing for CD, after all the years of speculating and rumoured track titles it will be good to see if titles such as This I love, Prostitute, Seven, The General etc.. will actually make the final 13.
Stonebird
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Didn't Axl also mention earlier this year that there will be 13 tracks on the album?
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Hammerstein May 17
(cuz I was there)
hammerstein may 15- cause i was there..
Hey, i was there on May 15 too, flew out from the UK for it. What an amazing show and to see them that close was out of this world. What was your best moment of the gig?
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I think it's just Baz.
Cool, anyone know, who's in the band, and is it original songs or covers that they play?
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Who is supporting GNR at Nottingham apart from BFMV?
Is it Baz or is it Towers of London?
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Nice choice imo.
Add Breakdown though
EDIT: Don't Damn Me and Dead Horse would be good too; just some suggestions that you could add.
Yeh, Breakdown forgot about that, all depends on how many songs i can get on one cd, especially with NR, estranged and coma on there!
Cheers
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Hi guys,
i'm travelling up to the Nottingham gig next week, and wanted to do an illusions compilation of GNR songs for me and my mates in the car. What do you think of this?
Civil War
Right next door to hell
Yesterdays
Perfect Crime
Get in the ring
Live and Let die
Pretty tied up
Garden of Eden
You could be mine
November Rain
Locomotive
Bad Obsession
Dust n bones
Estranged
Coma
New Stinson Article
in 2011
Posted
I think the next release will be the remaining tracks from the Chinese sessions... All members of the band have talked about other tracks, and that they've all recorded parts for the songs... so i think we'll hear them at some point.