2004.08.18 - Glam Metal - Interview with Steven

Interview with Steven Adler

By Debbie Rao

It’s hard not to root for Steven Adler. He was the driving force behind the original line-up of Guns n' Roses, which even today is consider one of the greatest bands of all time. But, unfortunately for Adler, his time in the band didn’t last long. He was relieved from his duties as drummer in GNR during 1990, after struggling with a serious drug addiction. After being ousted from the band, Alder disappeared from the music scene for a few years to concentrate on fighting his addiction. During this time he suffered a drug induced stroke. But now with his demons behind him, a healthy Adler has returned. He is currently on the Bad Boys of Metal Tour, which also features Kevin DuBrow and Bang Tango. In addition, Adler is getting ready to enter the recording studio with his band, “Adler's Appetite.” The band plans on commencing recording in three weeks for a CD scheduled for release early next year on Metal Blade Records. In this brief interview, Adler gives his fans some insight to the Bad Boys Tour and discusses his new CD.

Hey Steven, how is the Bad Boys tour going so far?

It’s been going great. We had a couple of shows that were cancelled for some reason, I don’t know why. But, we are having a good time.

What tunes have you been playing?

Seven or eight GNR songs plus “Mama Kin,” “Knockin’ on Heaven's Door.” Just in case you don’t already know, I’m not playing with my band Adler's Appetite on this tour. My band mates are currently involved in other things. Robbie Crane and Jizzy Pearl are doing a few weekend shows. My guitar player Kerri Kelly is doing shows with Vince Neil. So not until I’m done and they’re done, which will be at the same time, we will start working on our new record. And I’m excited about working on that.

Now what will your new album sound like? Will it be more modern or will it be like classic Guns?

No, I am a hippie rock and roller. It’s going to be like the 60's and 70's rock that I grew up with. That’s the type of music that all the boys in the band grew up with. It will also be like GNR, straight head rock and roll. It will be released on Metal Blade Records.

Will it be out by the end of the year?

No, we will be working on it in three weeks. It would be nice if it would be out by my birthday Jan 22, but probably more like Feb or March.

Will you be touring soon with Adler's Appetite?

I will be going back to Europe in Nov or Dec with the Bad Boys.

You played in Springfield, MA recently. I see Alex Grossi perform in Worcester at the Lucky Dog all the time.

Yeah, you are from Alex's hometown right?

Yeah. Where are you from originally? Are you from LA?

NO, I am from Cleveland, Ohio. I moved to LA when I was 7 with my family. I live in Vegas now.

I heard you just renewed your nuptial vows recently.

Yeah, with my wife. I am married to a great girl. I am happy with her, she is happy with me.

Tell me about your musical history. How long have you been playing drums?

I am 39 now. It’s been awhile. My first band was with Slash. We had Road Crew, then Hollywood Rose, and then Guns n' Roses. We have been around for awhile. I started playing drums at 6 or 7.

How has the music scene changed since you first started playing on the Hollywood Sunset Strip Club scene?

It was so much fun going out to shows then. All the local bands would go out to see everyone else's band. If they thought they were good. It was just a different time. We use to go to the Rainbow on Sunset and we would be having the greatest time, but then two years ago, Bruce Kulick from Kiss got shot in the foot at the Rainbow. When we were growing up and playing around, you had fist fights, but nobody pulled out a gun or knife. It was a different scene back then. But it was a different scene in the 60's too, when Sunset Strip first started really.

Do you like the music scene today?

I love the Foo Fighters. That's sort of a new band that I really like. I love Dave Grohl, who went from playing drums in a huge band to playing guitar and singing, and I think that’s so great.

Thanks Steven for doing this interview for glam-metal.

Thank you!

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