1991.12.DD - RAW - Izzy quits! It's official

GUNS LOSE IZZY: IT'S OFFICIAL!

Guns N' Roses, after months of speculation, have officially announced the departure of longstanding rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin'. The news was initially broken in the US by MTV News before being withdrawn from broadcast by the station at the band's request.

Vocalist W Axl Rose, however, then announced the split publicly in a broadcast on the nationally-syndicated radio show 'Rockline' declaring that the band and Stradlin' were going in separate direction and he's not really into touring or video or anything like that.

"Slash and I are the ones figuring out the direction Guns n' Roses is going and Izzy's not really a part of that anymore."

Rose then added that "Izzy and I have been together 15 years so it's kind of a shock to my system."

This appears to confirm initial rumours that Stradlin' departure is due to a much-publicised disagreement with Rose over the band's method of conducting business and the singer's volatile nature.

After being 'clean' for something approaching two years, Stradlin', it seems, made his decision to quit during the band's European tour this Summer when the band, and Rose in particular, cancelled a show in Germany at extremely short notice. Having travelled apart from the rest of the band during the US leg of the tour in the company of his girlfriend and his dog, it seems that the personal chaos within the band - who also comprise bass player Duff McKagan, drummer Matt Sorum and keyboard player Dizzy Reed - escalated and prompted Stradlin' to threaten his departure before making it final on his return to Los Angeles following the Wembley Stadium data on August 31.

Despite constant rumours concerning possible replacements involving Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro and ex-Rose Tattoo slide guitarist Mick Cocks, the official replacement is former Kill For Thrills man Gilby Clarke who, by the time you read this, will have already assumed band duties starting with the band's current US tour which kicked off at the 15,000-seat Centrum in Worchester, Massachusetts on December 5, a show which sold out in a record 22 minutes.

At this point, whether Clarke will remain involved with Guns n' Roses for writing and recording or future projects remains unclear.

Opening for Guns n' Roses on this tour, as previously announced, are Seattle Grunge-sters Soundgarden who have just released their new album 'badmotorfinger' on A&M and completed a US tour with LA-based act Blind Melon in support.

Blind melon themselves feature vocalist Shannon Hoon who, eagle-eyed Guns fans will have noticed, not only guests on a number of cuts on Guns n' Roses 'Use Your Illusion I & II' albums but can also be seen dueting with Axl Rose in the 'Don't Cry' video. Having gained Rose's seal of approval, the LA-based Blind Melon are now managed by the Gusn management team, BFD, and have just signed to Capitol Records.

Elsewhere in the Guns camp, rumours of further dissatisfaction in the band have been squashed by Rose, notably over stories concerning the imminent departure of Matt Sorum.

"The tensions got high with everybody at different points but Matt's working his ass off and he's great. Matt's amazing and it's a real pleasure to introduce him to the world in the way he deserved. he's up there with anybody."

Despite firm touring commitments for the hole of December and more US dates being added for January and February, bassist Duff McKagan is close to completing his, as yet untitled, solo album which he recorded mostly on the road during te first leg of 'The get In The Ring Tour' earlier this year and features guest appearances from assorted luminaries including former touring buddies Skid Row.

At this point, however, when this album will emerge and on what label remains unclear. So too are Stradlin's future plans. Expect more details on both situations as soon as we get 'em. Meanwhile, Slash, as widely reported, has guested on Michael Jackson's recently released album 'Dangerous,' where he's featured on the current single 'Black And White' and 'Give In To Me'.

As far as the band's current situation in the UK is concerned, the Gunners have just released their cover of Paul McCartney's 'Live And Let Die' (see review this issue) and rumours suggest that the band will play shows here before the end of '92.