Interesting interview with DJ

[OptimusPrimeNL]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20111103/GO/711039943/0

GNR guitarist brings his own style

Guns N' Roses came to us bridging the musical gap between glam and grunge, the musical missing link between Motley Crue and Nirvana.

Somewhat metal and somewhat punk, the band actually toured with the Crue and GNR bassist Duff McKagan cut his teeth in Seattle before joining the band.

These days, McKagan, Izzy Stradlin and Steven Adler aren't in the band, leaving Axl Rose as the only original member of the group that produced "Welcome To The Jungle," "Sweet Child o' Mine" and "November Rain."

Assisting Axl these days are a cadre of musicians including Dizzy Reed on keyboards, Tommy Stinson (formerly of The Replacements) on bass, Chris Pitman on keyboards, Richard Fortus (of Love Spit Love) on guitar, Bumblefoot on guitar, Frank Ferrer on drums and DJ Ashba (collaborator of Nikki Sixx and Motley Crue) on guitar.

Only some of them appeared on the band's 2008 album, "Chinese Democracy," which became famous for taking the band nearly a decade to produce.

Now the band is back on tour, hitting the United States for the first time in years.

We called Ashba at his Orlando hotel to talk about his time in Guns N' Roses, the new tour and if the band's making new music.

Q. Have you started your U.S. tour yet?

A. We just actually got here. We've only been here a couple days. Tonight's the first night in the U.S.

Q. How was the South American tour?

A. It was amazing. Rock in Rio was absolutely a blast to play. Everywhere we went was massive and sold-out and tons of fun.

Q. Are you excited? It's the first time Guns N' Roses has played the U.S. in a long time.

A. Yeah, the first time, like, in five years, so it's exciting. It's fun because for one, just being in the U.S. is awesome because so many things: you get to have friends and family coming out to see you play and hang out with people.

Q. I heard you're doing all the hits.

A. Yeah, we're doing about a two-and-a-half-to-three-and-a-half-hour show usually. We're playing all the way from "Appetite" to "Chinese." It's a lot of fun out there. It keeps me in shape, I guess, so that's good.

Q. How long have you been in Guns N' Roses and how did you join the band?

A. I've been in the band for going on almost four years now. I got a call. I had just gotten home off tour with Sixx A.M. I got a call from management. We had the same manager for a time. "On the down low, would you be interested in auditioning?" At the time, Guns had been auditioning guitarists for a year on the down low.

Axl caught wind that I was coming down and apparently he said, "If DJ shows up, he has the gig." It was pretty much that simple.

I had no idea from Axl that I was even on his radar. He had been following me for 10 years, I guess. I met him 10 years ago and he kept his eye on me.

Q. Were you nervous to jump into this band? You have some big shoes to fill.

A. I didn't think much about it. The thing with me is I don't get involved in anything unless I feel like I can bring something to the table. Co-producing and co-writing with Motley was fun for me. I grew up on Motley and on Guns.

I looked at it like, "I'm not here to replace anybody. What I can do is to stay true to the vision of where it left off." I just try to do the gig justice and stay as true to what I'd want somebody to play if I was there to see Guns.

Q. On the other side of that, how do you kind of make it your own?

A. You just do. Over the many, many years I've been playing, if people look me up, they'll realize, "This guy's been nominated for Grammys and had platinum records.

And, over the years, you create your own style. You're putting your feel to it and your heart to it. Even though you're playing the same notes, you're not playing them the same way.

I'm looking forward to the future of Guns.

Q. Have you been writing new songs?

A. Yep. I've been writing around the clock and Axl has loads of stuff that he's already recorded. We're going through tons of material. And we're asking ourselves, what songs would make the best Guns N' Roses record?

Q. So, we won't have to wait another 10 years for a new album?

A. (Laughs) No. Everybody asks that. If we wait, we'll all be too old to tour.

Q. What is it like to work with Axl? He's described as eccentric, to put it lightly, but other people say he's a genius.

A. I can only speak from personal experiences, but he's been nothing but amazing. I hear all the opinions and blah blah blah, but the guy treats me like gold. He's been nothing but an amazing friend and loyal and honest. I couldn't ask for anything more when it comes down to that.

I have really great respect when it comes to the music side of things, too. Sitting down and listening to him play piano, he has stuff up his sleeve. My jaw hits the ground. He's playing stuff I'm praying the world gets to hear. He has some really great stuff laying around.

Q. Are you doing anything else with your other projects?

A. Sixx A.M., we just put out another record. We have two songs in the top 20. "Lies of the Beautiful People" No. 1. We have tons of fan support out there. Everybody's calling the stations. We released the album, and Nikki has this photography book, so we put them together. It's a really cool, really fun project to be a part of.

I have my clothing line, Ashba Swag, we're putting out stage clothes. You can check it out at ashbaswag.com.

Q. Even though you're a rocker, you're a Midwest guy. You're from Indiana, right?

A. I was born there and grew up in Fairbury, Ill. Then my dad's side of the family lives in Indiana still and my mom's lives in Illinois. But yeah, I was born in Indiana.

I'm big-time country art. I grew up on the farm. It's always funny to me with Axl saying (in the song "One In A Million) "Just a small town white boy trying to make ends meet." He grew up 30 minutes away from where I did, so I can relate to that.

Q. What do you say to people who say you're not the real Guns N' Roses or call this lineup a "Guns N' Roses cover band?"

A. It is what it is. If people come to the concert with an open mind and accept that this isn't the original lineup, but this lineup is unbelievably kick ass and come out with that, you're going to love it.

If you come expecting to see Slash, well...

Times change people change and bands change. People have a hard time with change, but I love change. It's what keeps the world interesting.

You can't really worry about it. You'll wear yourself out if you try.

Edited November 4, 2011 by OptimusPrimeNL

[Apollo]

Awesome interview.

DJ sounds like a great guy.

[wasted]

can't wait for next album.

[Nick85]

Great questions with equally great answers, especially about the next album. Way better than the ambiguous responses we've been getting from others lately.

[Guest gunns5]

I like his optimism, it's hard not to get your hopes up about a new album, however we all know from past experience not to get too excited too soon.

[axl_on_drums]

Dj Ashba is 38? what the fuck..

If you asked me 10 minutes ago how old he was I would have said 28

[Graeme]

He joined the band in March 2009. He's not even been in the band for 3 years . Other than that, it's a good interview...

[axlsalinger]

Really good interview. I'm quite pleased with Ashba, he's fit in much better than I thought he would at the beginning. And it's obvious that he and Axl get along really well. I had no idea he was from Indiana (and so close to where Axl grew up).

In all recent interviews, he seems pretty confident that we will hear new music reasonably soon, but we've seen that movie before ...

[Bruno P.]

Great questions with equally great answers, especially about the next album. Way better than the ambiguous responses we've been getting from others lately.

Yes, because they're not like some band member (attention whore) saying "Hey, I've written music with Axl and it sounds better than November Rain...! We'll release it soon, stay tunned" and then it never happens.

In all recent interviews, he seems pretty confident that we will hear new music reasonably soon, but we've seen that movie before ...

He's been saying the same bullshit for about an year now I guess. It never happened, we haven't heard new music yet. This is getting ridiculous.

He joined the band in March 2009. He's not even been in the band for 3 years . Other than that, it's a good interview...

Yes, his interviews aren't the most reliable interviews...

A. Sixx A.M., we just put out another record. We have two songs in the top 20. "Lies of the Beautiful People" No. 1. We have tons of fan support out there. Everybody's calling the stations. We released the album, and Nikki has this photography book, so we put them together. It's a really cool, really fun project to be a part of.

I have my clothing line, Ashba Swag, we're putting out stage clothes. You can check it out at ashbaswag.com.

Is that really necessary? *Nobody* asked him that - they asked about music.

[Chris 55]

A. Sixx A.M., we just put out another record. We have two songs in the top 20. "Lies of the Beautiful People" No. 1. We have tons of fan support out there. Everybody's calling the stations. We released the album, and Nikki has this photography book, so we put them together. It's a really cool, really fun project to be a part of.

I have my clothing line, Ashba Swag, we're putting out stage clothes. You can check it out at ashbaswag.com.

Is that really necessary? *Nobody* asked him that - they asked about music.

Gotta sell their shit when GNR's not touring. All of em do.

[Nosaj Thing]

What do you say to people who say you're not the real Guns N' Roses or call this lineup a "Guns N' Roses cover band"? - Great question.

[Flayer]

These days, McKagan, Izzy Stradlin and Steven Adler aren't in the band, leaving Axl Rose as the only original member of the group that produced "Welcome To The Jungle," "Sweet Child o' Mine" and "November Rain."

Hahahahaha didn't even mention Slash.

[wasted]

they can't wait 10 years to release an album. it's now or never. or you know 5 years, 7, 8, maybe 9.5.

[Apollo]

A. Sixx A.M., we just put out another record. We have two songs in the top 20. "Lies of the Beautiful People" No. 1. We have tons of fan support out there. Everybody's calling the stations. We released the album, and Nikki has this photography book, so we put them together. It's a really cool, really fun project to be a part of.

I have my clothing line, Ashba Swag, we're putting out stage clothes. You can check it out at ashbaswag.com.

Is that really necessary? *Nobody* asked him that - they asked about music.

Gotta sell their shit when GNR's not touring. All of em do.

People complain when the band doesn't do interviews. And then complain when they do. It's because of people like bruno that Axl doesn't do more interviews. People that nitpick everything to death.

Edited November 4, 2011 by Groghan

[Funkadelic]

Groghan: don't you understand or do you not want to understand? People don't complain cause they like doing bit because these interviews don't really say anything. No dates, no names - they contain nothing but vague wishes and THAT'S why people wont be satisfied, not cause they hate the band. Can you really not see this?

I love this band, and I totally agree with Ashba that they put on some kick ass shows, but this is the last interview I'll read from any member but Axl (so 11/11/11 will be sweet).

[Black Horse]

Groghan: don't you understand or do you not want to understand? People don't complain cause they like doing bit because these interviews don't really say anything. No dates, no names - they contain nothing but vague wishes and THAT'S why people wont be satisfied, not cause they hate the band. Can you really not see this?

I love this band, and I totally agree with Ashba that they put on some kick ass shows, but this is the last interview I'll read from any member but Axl (so 11/11/11 will be sweet).

I would understand that the guys don´t give more "concrete" info if we bare in mind the amount of leaks around them. And I don´t mean the songs that leaked, but all they do, every single step is caught by someone else who can´t keep their mouth shut and spreads it in the net. For exemple, if the band goes and has a private meeting to talk stuff related to them, there´s always the waiter, the dj, the doorman..etc who will run his mouth.

Also, people here analyze every single word and they make up their own stories so...I would understand that they are carefull with their words.

[Let And Let Live]

What do you say to people who say you're not the real Guns N' Roses or call this lineup a "Guns N' Roses cover band"? - Great question.

It was a great ballsy question which I like to see, he answers very well too.

[Funkadelic]

What does evesdropping waiters have to do with the band not saying anything in interviews? I honestly can't see your point.

And of course people are going to make assumptions and start analyzing what little info they are given - that's how riddles and equations are solved.

Look, I'm not trying to bash the guys for talking. Most people don't hang around the forums on a daily basis so for them it's probably exciting just getting to new the "new" guys in the band. And for us it's good to know that Ashba, Ron and the rest are excited, but I call bullshit on the people who are following Guns and don't realise why fans want some actual news from these interviews.

Edit: I also think the cover band question was good, and well answered.

Edited November 4, 2011 by Funkadelic

[Changes]

Haha, a bit ballsy to say he can identify with One In A Million of all songs

(but still cool of him to dare)

[Damn_Smooth]

A. Sixx A.M., we just put out another record. We have two songs in the top 20. "Lies of the Beautiful People" No. 1. We have tons of fan support out there. Everybody's calling the stations. We released the album, and Nikki has this photography book, so we put them together. It's a really cool, really fun project to be a part of.

I have my clothing line, Ashba Swag, we're putting out stage clothes. You can check it out at ashbaswag.com.

Is that really necessary? *Nobody* asked him that - they asked about music.

They asked him about his other projects. Is Ashba Swag not a project of his?

I find it hilarious when somebody fails as hard at reading comprehension as you did.

[Changes]

Also, if you want a future of not paying for music that often, I think we will have to get used to musicians doing business like DJ and Slash. I mean they have to make a living.

[Bruno P.]

A. Sixx A.M., we just put out another record. We have two songs in the top 20. "Lies of the Beautiful People" No. 1. We have tons of fan support out there. Everybody's calling the stations. We released the album, and Nikki has this photography book, so we put them together. It's a really cool, really fun project to be a part of.

I have my clothing line, Ashba Swag, we're putting out stage clothes. You can check it out at ashbaswag.com.

Is that really necessary? *Nobody* asked him that - they asked about music.

They asked him about his other projects. Is Ashba Swag not a project of his?

I find it hilarious when somebody fails as hard at reading comprehension as you did.

They were obviously talking about music, not about anything else. It's pretty obvious, I guess. Ashba was only promoting himself - if it was a musical project, fine, but it is not.

[Damn_Smooth]

A. Sixx A.M., we just put out another record. We have two songs in the top 20. "Lies of the Beautiful People" No. 1. We have tons of fan support out there. Everybody's calling the stations. We released the album, and Nikki has this photography book, so we put them together. It's a really cool, really fun project to be a part of.

I have my clothing line, Ashba Swag, we're putting out stage clothes. You can check it out at ashbaswag.com.

Is that really necessary? *Nobody* asked him that - they asked about music.

They asked him about his other projects. Is Ashba Swag not a project of his?

I find it hilarious when somebody fails as hard at reading comprehension as you did.

They were obviously talking about music, not about anything else. It's pretty obvious, I guess. Ashba was only promoting himself - if it was a musical project, fine, but it is not.

It's one of his projects and he's proud of it. I would talk about it too if someone asked me about my projects and I was doing anything like that. In fact, Axl is probably the only musician on earth that doesn't promote what they're working on.

[The Glow Inc.]

Q. How long have you been in Guns N' Roses and how did you join the band?

A. I've been in the band for going on almost four years now.

What ?

[Apollo]

Groghan: don't you understand or do you not want to understand? People don't complain cause they like doing bit because these interviews don't really say anything. No dates, no names - they contain nothing but vague wishes and THAT'S why people wont be satisfied, not cause they hate the band. Can you really not see this?

I love this band, and I totally agree with Ashba that they put on some kick ass shows, but this is the last interview I'll read from any member but Axl (so 11/11/11 will be sweet).

I will ignore your "dont you understand or do you not want to understand" as it really has no relevance. If you want to have a discussion - I'm up for it.

What specific dates and names are you wanting?

So. The band is in the middle of the tour.

Nobody knows when the next album is coming out.

So obviously nobody knows what songs are going to be on the album

What names and dates are you wanting?

He says he doesn't know when an album is coming out - just that there will be.

He says there are lots of old songs. And that he is writing with Axl on new songs.

So he isn't being vague. He is tellling the truth.

I don't get why you guys don't understand that, or why it is a problem for you?

Do you want him to lie?

Or say something like this.

"Well, there are exactly 18 songs that are on tape, that were created by various forms of the Finck and Buckethead era. The titles of those 18 songs are (insert 18 random song titles). 12 of them are completely wrapped and read to go. Four of them need minor editing. And two of them need the drum parts added.

Axl and I have specifically worked on 7 songs together. Three are 100% complete. Two are near completion. Two are ones we are still playing with, tossing ideas back and forth.

Tommy has contributed 5 song ideas - three music related and two sets of lyrics.

Ron has contribute six potential solos, four potential riffs for songs. Plus he has been given 3 old songs and 2 of the new songs and is currently trying to write the guitar parts and solos to them.

We want to put a new album out, but first we have to pick 15-20 songs and deliver them to the record company. They will decide if there is 15 good enough to be on the upcoming album. At that point, we will be able to give you a realistic time frame for the release. But since you want a specific answer now....how about November 2012."

When band members say there is a ton of old stuff, they are currently collaborating on new stuff, a new album will come out - they just don't known when........they are not being vague and dishonest. They are telling you what they know!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just like if you went to ......insert any band name, let's say Metallica........and asked them the same questions, they would give you the same answer.

We have a few songs that we've written in the past that just weren't right for specific albums, but we really like. We are currently working on some new songs. We will put out a new album, of course. But not sure when yet."

I don't get what more you expect from these guys.

For years all we heard were insults that Axl had gag orders on the band. Now the band is talking to the media, and all we hear now is how lame it is because they don't say anything. Seems like some people are never happy. Unless Axl publicies every detail of the band's music life, people will always complain.