GUNS N' ROSES Keyboardist DIZZY REED: 'AXL Wants Us To Be A Band, So We're A Band'

[gunsguy]

Ross Raihala of TwinCities.com recently conducted an interview with GUNS N' ROSES keyboardist Dizzy Reed. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

On why someone should go see GUNS N' ROSES when it's entirely possible the show won't even kick off until midnight:

Dizzy: "Fair enough. I know what it's like. I'm not getting any younger and I know what it's like to have kids back home. But we don't know when we're going to be back. This could be your only chance to see us, so just go to the damn show."

On how GUNS N' ROSES makes use of not one, but two keyboard players:

Dizzy: "Chris (Pitman) has been in the band for a long time now. I have a lot of respect for what he does and vice versa. We figure out who's going to do what, you know? I think it's important for people to look at the big picture, to put your ego aside at the door and do what's best for the band. Chris and I both have that capability."

On how many unheard new GUNS N' ROSES songs are kicking around:

Dizzy: "A lot. (Dozens), easily. Hopefully, the future holds good things for all of them, but I don't know (about a new record). I never know about that. There are some great songs and it would a shame if they don't come out. But after the whole 'Chinese Democracy' thing, I don't want to make any predictions."

On the perception that GUNS N' ROSES has merely become Axl Rose and his hired hands:

Dizzy: "People are going to think what they want to think. Axl wants us to be a band, so we're a band. I love Axl. He's a great person. He gets bashed a lot in the press, but he's a great cat and he's amazingly talented. And he's really funny, that's something I don't think people realize. A lot of times he'll greet you with a joke, and it's a good joke, not something your grandpa would tell you."

Source:

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=165957&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[ITW 2012]

Dizzy: "A lot. (Dozens), easily. Hopefully, the future holds good things for all of them, but I don't know (about a new record). I never know about that. There are some great songs and it would a shame if they don't come out. But after the whole 'Chinese Democracy' thing, I don't want to make any predictions."

As a fan it's frustrating to read quotes like this.

[tat2d1]

Dizzy: "A lot. (Dozens), easily. Hopefully, the future holds good things for all of them, but I don't know (about a new record). I never know about that. There are some great songs and it would a shame if they don't come out. But after the whole 'Chinese Democracy' thing, I don't want to make any predictions."

As a fan it's frustrating to read quotes like this.

Yeah. So, they had a botched release. Learn from the mistakes made, move on and put out a new kick ass record.

[Gagarin]

You got that right it's frustrating.

[ITW 2012]

Dizzy: "A lot. (Dozens), easily. Hopefully, the future holds good things for all of them, but I don't know (about a new record). I never know about that. There are some great songs and it would a shame if they don't come out. But after the whole 'Chinese Democracy' thing, I don't want to make any predictions."

As a fan it's frustrating to read quotes like this.

Yeah. So, they had a botched release. Learn from the mistakes made, move on and put out a new kick ass record.

I think it's the record company who has no interest in putting out another New GNR album. To them, Axl is like a mining stock. They could sell that stock by putting out another New GNR album, or they could just hold on to it and wait/hope for a reunion. I think they're probably doing the latter.

Edited November 11, 2011 by ITW 2012

[slickrick220]

Here is the full article, it has some more interesting tidbits

http://www.twincities.com/ci_19307059

Guns N' Roses have never been the most reliable live act, with a reputation for starting shows late and, more than occasionally, canceling gigs altogether.

So why should someone go see GNR on Sunday when it's entirely possible the show won't even kick off until midnight?

"Fair enough," said keyboardist Dizzy Reed during a recent phone interview. "I know what it's like. I'm not getting any younger and I know what it's like to have kids back home. But we don't know when we're going to be back. This could be your only chance to see us, so just go to the damn show."

Of course, Guns N' Roses aren't just notorious for tardiness. In the late '80s and early '90s, they were one of the biggest bands on the planet, crafting infectious arena anthems influenced by punk, metal and glam rock. But after the group issued the two "Use Your Illusion" albums in 1991, things slowly started to fall apart, with founding members quitting (or getting fired) one by one, eventually leaving lead singer Axl Rose the last man standing.

Rose didn't let GNR die, however, and found new musicians to enter the fold, starting with Reed in 1990 and, later, former Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson and second keyboardist Chris Pitman. Starting in 1994, Rose began work on what would become "Chinese Democracy," a long-delayed comeback album that finally hit shelves in 2008. And by that time, Rose had completely transformed GNR's lineup into the triple-guitar monster it is today.

Now, Reed is the second-most senior member of the band, which will return to the Target Center on Sunday night. Here's what he had to say about the state of GNR:

ON HOW REED ENDED UP JOINING THE LINEUP:

"My old band and (GNR) used to live next to each other. And when I saw them play live, I thought: 'I'm going to join that f--- band. They need me!' (I later learned) it was Axl's idea, his vision for the band to grow in that way. It was something (he had planned) before the band even got signed. He was eventually going to put a keyboard player in the band, and it was going to be me."

ON THE CONTROVERSY AT THE TIME OVER GNR HIRING - GASP! - A PIANIST:

"From what I remember - and trust me, it was a long time ago and many, many vodkas and beers ago - a lot of people had a hard time accepting I was in the band. They were gigantic when I joined. Some people thought I was just going to be a passing thing. Whether or not the other guys at the time were into it, I don't know. But now they're gone, and I'm still here."

ON HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH STINSON, WHO JOINED GUNS N' ROSES IN 1998:

"Tommy and I, we get along great. He's one of a kind, man. I tell you, the first time he walked into the studio, I said, 'Dude, that's the guy.' He hadn't even played a note, but I could just tell. He's everything you need to be a bass player in a rock band. I don't want to say he takes control, but he does sort of guide us through rehearsals and, to me, it's important to have someone in that position. He's inspirational and he brings so much to the table. It could be any band - if he's committed to them, he's going to make them a thousand times better."

ON HOW GNR MAKES USE OF NOT ONE, BUT TWO KEYBOARD PLAYERS:

"Chris (Pitman) has been in the band for a long time now. I have a lot of respect for what he does and vice versa. We figure out who's going to do what, you know? I think it's important for people to look at the big picture, to put your ego aside at the door and do what's best for the band. Chris and I both have that capability."

ON HOW SUNDAY NIGHT'S CONCERT WILL DIFFER FROM THE LAST TIME GNR WAS IN TOWN IN 2006:

"I'm trying to think of who was in the band then. (Laughs) We have a new guitar player, DJ Ashba, and he's amazing. We've got everything off 'Chinese Democracy' ready to go, and we've been re-addressing some older classics. I think the band is a little bit looser. Not playing-wise, it's just more of a party now."

ON HOW MANY UNHEARD NEW GNR SONGS ARE KICKING AROUND:

"A lot. (Dozens), easily. Hopefully, the future holds good things for all of them, but I don't know (about a new record). I never know about that. There are some great songs and it would a shame if they don't come out. But after the whole 'Chinese Democracy' thing, I don't want to make any predictions."

ON THE PERCEPTION THAT GUNS N' ROSES HAS MERELY BECOME AXL ROSE AND HIS HIRED HANDS:

"People are going to think what they want to think. Axl wants us to be a band, so we're a band. I love Axl. He's a great person. He gets bashed a lot in the press, but he's a great cat and he's amazingly talented. And he's really funny, that's something I don't think people realize. A lot of times he'll greet you with a joke, and it's a good joke, not something your grandpa would tell you."

[GnR Chris]

I think he sounds like a little twat in that interview, particularly:

"From what I remember - and trust me, it was a long time ago and many, many vodkas and beers ago - a lot of people had a hard time accepting I was in the band. They were gigantic when I joined. Some people thought I was just going to be a passing thing. Whether or not the other guys at the time were into it, I don't know. But now they're gone, and I'm still here."

Go fuck yourself, Dizzy. Most worthless member of Guns N' Roses ever.

He's as peripheral as they come.

[shotgunblues1978]

I think he sounds like a little twat in that interview, particularly:

"From what I remember - and trust me, it was a long time ago and many, many vodkas and beers ago - a lot of people had a hard time accepting I was in the band. They were gigantic when I joined. Some people thought I was just going to be a passing thing. Whether or not the other guys at the time were into it, I don't know. But now they're gone, and I'm still here."

Go fuck yourself, Dizzy. Most worthless member of Guns N' Roses ever.

He's as peripheral as they come.

Yes, yes. Let the butthurt flow through you

[Chris 55]

I think he sounds like a little twat in that interview, particularly:

"From what I remember - and trust me, it was a long time ago and many, many vodkas and beers ago - a lot of people had a hard time accepting I was in the band. They were gigantic when I joined. Some people thought I was just going to be a passing thing. Whether or not the other guys at the time were into it, I don't know. But now they're gone, and I'm still here."

Go fuck yourself, Dizzy. Most worthless member of Guns N' Roses ever.

He's as peripheral as they come.

Yes, yes. Let the butthurt flow through you

He's got a point.

[Apollo]

Great interview, dizzy seems like a cool guy.

[DrBrownstone]

I think he sounds like a little twat in that interview, particularly:

"From what I remember - and trust me, it was a long time ago and many, many vodkas and beers ago - a lot of people had a hard time accepting I was in the band. They were gigantic when I joined. Some people thought I was just going to be a passing thing. Whether or not the other guys at the time were into it, I don't know. But now they're gone, and I'm still here."

Go fuck yourself, Dizzy. Most worthless member of Guns N' Roses ever.

He's as peripheral as they come.

Exactly how I feel. I've expressed my opinion on this here before, but immediately get bashed for not being a real fan. He should be extremely humble for Uncle Axl letting him be a part of something he has no business being a part of.

[star]

'Axl wants us to be a band, so we're a band.' - DR

How weird does that sound. It's like without Axl's thumbs up it don't exist. What ever Axl says, they do. A dictatorship

Edited November 11, 2011 by star

[droezle]

On how many unheard new GUNS N' ROSES songs are kicking around:

Dizzy: "A lot. (Dozens), easily. Hopefully, the future holds good things for all of them, but I don't know (about a new record). I never know about that. There are some great songs and it would a shame if they don't come out. But after the whole 'Chinese Democracy' thing, I don't want to make any predictions."

Don't you have to know that as a member of a band?

[bumblecool]

another thread fucked by cupcakes and haters..

[The Black]

another thread fucked by cupcakes and haters..

Optimism can turn into pessimism. Being let down one too many times will do that.

[YOUCOULDBEMINE.]

'Axl wants us to be a band, so we're a band.' - DR

How weird does that sound. It's like without Axl's thumbs up it don't exist. What ever Axl says, they do. A dictatorship

You have no idea what that word means do you

[Nosaj Thing]

I think he sounds like a little twat in that interview, particularly:

"From what I remember - and trust me, it was a long time ago and many, many vodkas and beers ago - a lot of people had a hard time accepting I was in the band. They were gigantic when I joined. Some people thought I was just going to be a passing thing. Whether or not the other guys at the time were into it, I don't know. But now they're gone, and I'm still here."

Go fuck yourself, Dizzy. Most worthless member of Guns N' Roses ever.

He's as peripheral as they come.

+1. Dizzy is shit. If I'm an interviewer and they tell me that I could interview this guy I'll definitely say NO, there's no reason of interviewing this worthless piece of trash.

[Cosmo]

'Axl wants us to be a band, so we're a band.' - DR

How weird does that sound. It's like without Axl's thumbs up it don't exist. What ever Axl says, they do. A dictatorship

On how many unheard new GUNS N' ROSES songs are kicking around:

Dizzy: "A lot. (Dozens), easily. Hopefully, the future holds good things for all of them, but I don't know (about a new record). I never know about that. There are some great songs and it would a shame if they don't come out. But after the whole 'Chinese Democracy' thing, I don't want to make any predictions."

Don't you have to know that as a member of a band?

Why don't you two hold hands while posting you shit? I'd be cute

another thread fucked by cupcakes and haters..

+1. By lonely hate-filled jackasses...

[YOUCOULDBEMINE.]

I think he sounds like a little twat in that interview, particularly:

"From what I remember - and trust me, it was a long time ago and many, many vodkas and beers ago - a lot of people had a hard time accepting I was in the band. They were gigantic when I joined. Some people thought I was just going to be a passing thing. Whether or not the other guys at the time were into it, I don't know. But now they're gone, and I'm still here."

Go fuck yourself, Dizzy. Most worthless member of Guns N' Roses ever.

He's as peripheral as they come.

+1. Dizzy is shit. If I'm an interviewer and they tell me that I could interview this guy I'll definitely say NO, there's no reason of interviewing this worthless piece of trash.

You'd do it. Why?

Because you'd get paid to do it.

Simple as that you worthless piece of trash.

[Nosaj Thing]

I think he sounds like a little twat in that interview, particularly:

"From what I remember - and trust me, it was a long time ago and many, many vodkas and beers ago - a lot of people had a hard time accepting I was in the band. They were gigantic when I joined. Some people thought I was just going to be a passing thing. Whether or not the other guys at the time were into it, I don't know. But now they're gone, and I'm still here."

Go fuck yourself, Dizzy. Most worthless member of Guns N' Roses ever.

He's as peripheral as they come.

+1. Dizzy is shit. If I'm an interviewer and they tell me that I could interview this guy I'll definitely say NO, there's no reason of interviewing this worthless piece of trash.

You'd do it. Why?

Because you'd get paid to do it.

Simple as that you worthless piece of trash.

Am I hurting your feelings worthless piece of trash? Sorry

[Kill Devil Hill]

This thread is a fail.

Great interview. I've always wondered how he felt when Chris joined the band.

[GnR Chris]

This thread is a fail.

Great interview. I've always wondered how he felt when Chris joined the band.

Why? Who cares? I'm sure he didn't feel worse than the classic lineup when he was brought in for no discernible reason.

[Cosmo]

This thread is a fail.

Great interview. I've always wondered how he felt when Chris joined the band.

Why? Who cares? I'm sure he didn't feel worse than the classic lineup when he was brought in for no discernible reason.

I care. He cares. You don't. Good for you, buddy

[shotgunblues1978]

Have to laugh at all the whining cunts in this thread. Say what you want but I can guarantee he's accomplished more in his life and done more cool shit than any of the useless, bitter little turds that are bitching about him

[SALonghorn]

So behind the Team Slash vs Team Axl, the second most divise subject is Dizzy Reed?

Fact, as Slash has confirmed, Axl did want to bring in a pianst into GNR, if onyl to complete songs like November Rain. Axl is a big fan of Elton and Joel, so writing songs that are piano driven is understandable.

In the end, I really like songs like SOD and TIL, which Dizzy plays a big part of or wrote, so I'm cool with it. Glad he is still in the band over all these years. But its clear that he doesn't take GNR as seriously as some people on this board do. Have fun with it, and let come what may. Don't blame him for it. Axl clearly has the same attitude these days.

That isn't good enough for some around here.

Edited November 11, 2011 by SALonghorn