2003.06.06 - Rolling Stone - Izzy Rolling Out "Dog" Days

Izzy Rolling Out "Dog" Days

Former Gn'R guitarist wraps sixth album

Izzy Stradlin has finished recording his sixth solo album, Like a Dog, and plans to release it later this year. The former Guns n' Roses guitarist has been on a prolific run -- Dog will be his fifth release in the past five years.

Stradlin promises a tour later in the year to support the set, recorded in Dallas in April and May. His solo work is running parallel to new activity from his former Gn'R bandmates -- guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum -- who yesterday officially confirmed Scott Weiland as the frontman for their new project, tentatively named Velvet Revolver. Though Stradlin has written several songs for the project, his further involvement is uncertain.

Stradlin left Gn'R after the release of the band's dual 1991 Use Your Illusion albums. Having contributed the more Stonesy rock & roll numbers to the albums (he wrote or co-wrote twelve Illusion tracks), Stradlin opted out of promotional duty, which included filming epic, melodramatic videos for songs like "November Rain." Instead, he threw himself into his debut, Izzy Stradlin and the Ju Ju Hounds, which was followed by a six-year silence. But after that break, Stradlin began spilling albums: 117 in 1998, Ride On in 1999, River in 2001 and On Down the Road last year. All feature his regular touring unit, former Georgia Satellites lead and slide guitarist Rick Richards and drummer Taz Bentley, with McKagan adding bass.

Richards and Bentley are back for Dog, with Stradlin handling bass duty in addition to guitar. Clips from two tracks, "Hammerhead" and "Bomb," can be found at izzy-stradlin.com.

ANDREW DANSBY

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