2013.02.04 - StageShottz Magazine - Interview with Steven

Adler – Interview

By William Simpson

Steven Adler has been on top of the world and at the bottom of it. The legendary drummer of Guns and Roses has seen and done it all. Everything is coming up roses for Steven these days as he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year and he has a new band simply called Adler. Steven is more excited about his music and his band since he has been since the early days and G&R. He has brought in amazing vocalist Jacob Bunton, guitarist Lonny Paul and bassist Johnny Martin. StageShottz has the honor of talking to this rock and roll legend on the 25th anniversary of “Appetite for Destruction”, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and of course his new band.

StageShottz Magazine: It has been 25 years since the release of the iconic album “Appetite for Destruction” with Guns and Roses. As you look back that album today what are your thoughts as to its place in rock and roll history?

Steven Adler: I feel incredibly honored to have been a part of such a legacy and work with some of the greatest musicians in rock history.

SSM: What were your most favorite and least favorite parts of your time in Guns and Roses?

SA: We were in the “big show” and got to play with bands like the Rolling Stones and Motley Crue. I guess my least favorite part is that I don’t remember a lot of it… lol.

SSM: You have a new band named Adler, Tell me about the band and your southern singer Jacob Bunton?

SA: Most people, if they’re lucky only get one opportunity to be in a great band, this is my second. Jacob is an amazing singer/songwriter and all around wonderful person. So are the rest of my members Lonny and Johnny. Jacob can sing anything and is the perfect rock star front-man!

SSM: Tell me about your new album “Back from the Dead” that you recently released.

SA: I haven’t been this excited since the early days of GNR. This is my favorite record! I can’t wait for the whole world to hear it.

SSM: Can we expect a tour to support the album?

SA: Yes, our booking agent is setting things up now. We’ll be playing some shows with Duff’s band Loaded early March in Japan.

SSM: I read your book “My Appetite for Destruction”, and you were majorly messed up most of your life, are you sober now and after all those years, what finally gave you the motivation to want to get sober and stay sober?

SA: Yes, I think everyone knows my battle with addiction. I guess I just got tired of being high all the time. I have a new band that is my inspiration and reason to stay sober.

SSM: What was your time on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew like for you personally?

SA: I think it was a great experience. To see yourself fucked up on screen is sobering. There is no lying on film.

SSM: Last year you were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Guns and Roses. That has to be one of the highlights of your career. What did being inducted mean to you?

SA: It was and is the highest honor a musician can get. I was happy to be there with the guys I started my career with… Slash and Duff. It’s a shame we couldn’t all be there for the fans, but in a way, it let me know that there is no chance of the original members of GNR reuniting, so I can finally move on. It was a great way to close that chapter of my like.

SSM: Where do you see the band Adler 3-5 years down the road?

SA: More records and lots of touring.

SSM: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans?

SA: Thank you for all the love and support and not giving up on me.

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