Richard Fortus talks to GnrDaily.Com

[zombux]

(note how he plays the Bucket solo on Madagascar now...).

well that's the wrong way, it's the same as let Robin play Slash's parts. he can try, but it will never work. and you forgot we have BBF

[antonyrose]

For those that think Slash can not shred, pull out Lies and listen to I believe either Reckless Life or Nice Boys.

[GGS]

We'll see when the time comes and if Slash's solo album bombs or not if certain people around here change their thinking.

[antonyrose]

We'll see when the time comes and if Slash's solo album bombs or not if certain people around here change their thinking.

  Just because his album might bomb, doesn't mean he can't shred

[Iconic Shawn]

you have some point. about money for current members - of course they are paid, they need to live off something, until uncle Axl decides to release the record(s). I can see no problem here, every band member is paid somehow.

about Slash, I really don't think he would fit in the current GNR style. his playing is just completely different. and I don't think he could play TWAT at all, it's Bucket's work and people would bash him for shredding ( )

on the other hand, I'm sure we will see reunion, for a show or maybe a tour. I really have nothing against this, I would be glad to see the old lineup back together.

but there is a small problem - Axl spent about 14 years of work on Chinese Democracy, and there's no way he would scrap all and start something new with Slash & co. that just doesn't make sense. even more, Axl is just not interested in classic rock nowadays, so I can't see any classic stuff happening, it's just gone.

the best for everyone could be this situation - two bands with Axl as singer, two different styles, maybe both bands could tour (Chinese Democracy lineup and classic lineup), both with their own songs, maybe just the ChiDem lineup could play some songs they mastered like Nightrain. I really can't see any reason why we should fight about shit like band name etc, when we could have two awesome bands!

Now we're talking.

No doubt they should be paid for their time as musicians these new guys.

I think Slash can pull anything off. And if anything, Richard would be my (and it looks like everyone elses) pick to play that second guitar. However, I'm sure Slash can play those parts unless they involve tapping which he's really not into. No one I know had a problem seeing Slash shred on Double Talkin Jive Live (look up Argentina's version on youtube to see Slash at his finest).

I in NO WAY want Axl to can this album of his. I think the music he wrote is really good and everyone I've shown it to has become addicted to at least 'Better'. I wish he would get it out of the way already though. Its been forever and the jokes have reached their limit.

I don't however think the 2 bands thing would work. Maybe have BBF come out and do some ChiDem songs and shit because the dude is pretty likable, but

Axl
Slash
Richard
Duff
Pick your drummer

is a lineup that could really... really rock and I wouldn't see why Buckethead, BBF and Izzy wouldn't want to make cameos with them.

Thats just me though.

~S~

[zombux]

I think Bucket isn't going back in any way. shame.

[Ayako]

Hi!everyone!
I am new comer from Japan.
I have been a big fan of GNR for 20years!

AAAAnd!!!I have been to X Japan!!to see Richard Fortus in Tokyo dome!!!
He was so awesome!!!
I was so proud of him!


Ayako

Friday - April 18,  2008

We were lucky enough to get Richard Fortus to spend a little time with us and answer a few questions. Unfortunately he wasn't comfortable answering any Guns N' Roses related questions.



Big Pat. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this. Answer what you
feel comfortable doing. I understand the GN'R situation.

Richard Fortus. No problem

BigPat.- I grew up not too far from St. Louis. Most of my early concert
memories were going to Kiel Auditorium or the Opera House and the old
Checkerdome. Do you have some memories of those places? Anything you
can share?

Richard Fortus - I have SOOOO many memories of Kiel and the Arena (Checkerdome). My father was in the wholesale end of musical instrument sales, so we used to get backstage to all the shows. I would go with guys from his company to see and meet bands like Kiss, Peter Frampton, ELO, Rush, Yes, Ted Nugent, UFO, The Who, The Stones, Aerosmith, man the list goes on and on. I got to sit under the stage one night when Yes came and they were performing in the round. Another night with Yes, they let me sit in and do soundcheck with them. Pretty major for a 12 year old, especially considering they were my favorite band at the time.

Big Pat - What led up to you performing the shows with X Japan?

Richard Fortus - I've known Yoshiki for years. I'd done sessions that he was producing and I'd done some work for some artists that were on his label. I went to Tokyo to play with one of his artists for the launch of his label. Then I ran in to him at his studio while i was working on a movie score. We spoke and he told me that he'd heard that Robin and I had played "Endless Rain" while Gn'R was in Japan. A few weeks later he called and asked if i'd be interested in being a guest guitarist for the X Japan reunion shows.

Big Pat - You recently played together with the legendary Sami Yaffa from
Hanoi Rocks/The New York Dolls. Tell me a little bit more about that?

Richard Fortus - Sami and I have been trying to do something together for ages. A good friend of mine (Michael DeHoughton), was doing a fashion week party for his clothing line and put a band together to play with him. Frank and I have done a lot of shows with Michael and we also love his clothes, then he got Sami in to do the gig as well. Michael dresses most of the major rock stars today, so his parties are always a blast. Sami is an awesome bassist and i'm sure we'll be doing more stuff together.

Big Pat - Also hear you are doing some writing for a new Furs album. If true,
when will it be out?

Richard Fortus - I've been writing the new Furs record with Richard Butler (the singer). I think it's some of the best stuff we have written together. Don't know when it will be out. I will probably be doing shows with the Furs in June/July.

Big Pat - What's your most memorable moment to date as an artist?

Richard Fortus - There have been way too many amazing moments for me to pick one! I have been incredibly fortunate.

Big Pat - With all the collaborating you do with various artists, have you ever thought of recording a solo album?

Richard Fortus - I have no desire to do a solo record. I love composing for film. To me, that is the ultimate medium. As far as making records goes, i'd rather collaborate. I also don't believe that anyone would really care if i put out a solo record!

Big Pat - Will you be doing any touring this summer? If so,with who?

Richard Fortus - I don't really want to tour right now. I'm going to be doing some shows with the Furs and possibly some more shows with X Japan and also with a Danish band called the Storm. I played on their record and they are good friends. Other than that, i'd much rather be at home playing on different records and composing film/ads and video game scores, as well as writing with different artists.

Big Pat - Guitar Hero is a huge game right now. Do you have a Guitar Hero?

Richard Fortus - I don't really have a guitar hero. I think that Jeff Beck is probably my favorite living guitarist.

Big Pat - Stones or Beatles?

Richard Fortus - Both are genius. However, I feel like I relate much more to the Stones!

Big Pat - Any new or up and coming bands that you think deserve a listen?

Richard Fortus - I've been listening to Warren Suicide, Tacks the Boy Disaster, the new Raconteurs record, Black Mountain, Sea Wolf.

Big Pat - The recording industry is changing, and most feel not for the better. What do
you feel are the biggest challenges in the industry today? And do you
see a light at the end of the tunnel?

Richard Fortus - I don't necessarily believe that it is a bad thing. The world of 'pop' music is dying. That's not such a bad thing, unless you are a pop artist that is used to making big $. The time of making crazy $ from music is just about over, unless you are already established and have a strong core fan base. Everything is becoming niche. The days of the major labels running everything and being the only game in town are over. It's a very exciting time in music. I think that new bands are going to be able to develop themselves and only the bands that are really good are the ones that will become known. Bands will not be force-fed to the public, we are now discovering bands via the internet, not through the hype of major labels.

Big Pat - You and Robin played X Japan's "Endless Rain" as part of your
guitar duet during some of GN'R's Japanese shows in July 2007. Why that
song? Who picked it?

Richard Fortus - No Comment on this question.

Big Pat - We know Robin has signed on to do NIN tour this summer. You guys
seem to have amazing chemistry on stage. Are you looking forward to
playing with him in the future? And speaking of chemistry, how
important is it?

Richard Fortus - No Comment on this question.

Big Pat - There's a lot of buzz right now regarding Gn'R and the Dr. Pepper challenge. Do you think you might be drinking a free Dr Pepper soon?

Richard Fortus - No Comment on this question.

Big Pat - Besides Frank, do you hang out with any other members of GN'R?

Richard Fortus - Frank and I don't get to hang out that much anymore since he lives in NJ and I live in LA most of the time now. Robin lives right up the street from me and we hang out pretty often. I also hang out with Tommy and Dizzy quite a bit. Axl lives out in Malibu, so i don't see him that often.

Big Pat - Thanks again man, I really appreciate your time!


Source: GnRDaily.com

[reddragon53545]

welcome to the forum Ayako !

 how do you say it  Co Neichewa

[XMr.BrownstoneX]

this doesn't have anything to do with guns n' roses 

[Ayako]

Thanks a lot!!dear friends!!
it is Kon nichiwa??it means hello!!

I am really glad to join this Comminity!!

my English is not perfect at all,I know.
but I love English And!!Guns and Roses!!forever!!

do you know??
last year･･･when they came to Japan,they played "Dont cry"every show!
especially,first day.it was surpurise!!!and miracle!!

because the show was over,already turn the light.
People was just about to go out.yes,some people already out there.

and then,Ron was coming back on the stage suddunly,
AAAnd Axl was also coming back on the stage with smile!!

I was crazy night!
during the show,Axl said"step back,step back!! I dont want you get hurt!"something like that.

It was like a dream,but it lovely trueth!!

[Faxl]

Thanks a lot!!dear friends!!
it is Kon nichiwa??it means hello!!

I am really glad to join this Comminity!!

my English is not perfect at all,I know.
but I love English And!!Guns and Roses!!forever!!

do you know??
last year･･･when they came to Japan,they played "Dont cry"every show!
especially,first day.it was surpurise!!!and miracle!!

because the show was over,already turn the light.
People was just about to go out.yes,some people already out there.

and then,Ron was coming back on the stage suddunly,
AAAnd Axl was also coming back on the stage with smile!!

I was crazy night!
during the show,Axl said"step back,step back!! I dont want you get hurt!"something like that.

It was like a dream,but it lovely trueth!!

Good for you, witnessing DOn't Cry must have been amazing

[AndAndew]

Awesome Richard Talks, man he seems like a fucking very cool , down to earth guitar player. I get a good vibe from him and cant wait to hear what he brough to Chinese Democracy...

Sucks he talked to GnrDaily about everything But Gnr.
'
I hope they are saving all this for a book , or Movie or some other shit. Cause noone has really said anything to let any of us in to The making of these albums and stories and shit, but I think Axl made a good point when he tried to tell us that he chose them and it was one on one and they hadnt even had any experience with one another , Thats a huge thing to go from just a studio band and a lot of one on one or a few guys doing some shit here, I think a lot of good music could still be made from this band even more then they have ready now.

[XMr.BrownstoneX]

Thanks a lot!!dear friends!!
it is Kon nichiwa??it means hello!!

I am really glad to join this Comminity!!

my English is not perfect at all,I know.
but I love English And!!Guns and Roses!!forever!!

do you know??
last year･･･when they came to Japan,they played "Dont cry"every show!
especially,first day.it was surpurise!!!and miracle!!

because the show was over,already turn the light.
People was just about to go out.yes,some people already out there.

and then,Ron was coming back on the stage suddunly,
AAAnd Axl was also coming back on the stage with smile!!

I was crazy night!
during the show,Axl said"step back,step back!! I dont want you get hurt!"something like that.

It was like a dream,but it lovely trueth!!

[reddragon53545]

Thanks a lot!!dear friends!!
it is Kon nichiwa??it means hello!!

I am really glad to join this Comminity!!

my English is not perfect at all,I know.
but I love English And!!Guns and Roses!!forever!!

do you know??
last year･･･when they came to Japan,they played "Dont cry"every show!
especially,first day.it was surpurise!!!and miracle!!

because the show was over,already turn the light.
People was just about to go out.yes,some people already out there.

and then,Ron was coming back on the stage suddunly,
AAAnd Axl was also coming back on the stage with smile!!

I was crazy night!
during the show,Axl said"step back,step back!! I dont want you get hurt!"something like that.

It was like a dream,but it lovely trueth!!

 that is one thing I love about this site/community.. there are people from all over the world that love GNR ..  Someday I will get the chance to go to Japan !