Guns N’ Roses guitarist D.J. Ashba has made the following announcement:
“Six years ago, I received a call that changed my life forever. The call was from a dear friend of mine (Katie McNeil-Diamond) who was working with Guns N’ Roses. It was an offer to audition for Axl Rose and earn a role in arguably the biggest rock band of my time. While I thought it was a complete long shot, I decided to go ahead and give it a try. Much to my shock and surprise, I got the gig. And so began the most incredible journey I could have possibly imagined. I was blessed with the opportunity to not only work with one of the most talented bands, but also to share the stage with a living legend and a truly gifted human being, Axl Rose. The amount of confidence and trust that Axl placed in me was genuinely heartwarming and truly career-defining. In the years that followed, I traveled the world many times over and played these incredible songs night after night to the most enthusiastic and loving crowds. As you can imagine, the friendships that were forged during that time were deep and long lasting. But the most beautiful surprise of all was YOU… the fans. You welcomed me into your lives with open arms and showed me love and support that I could only have dreamed of. From the very first time I stepped on stage and started playing Welcome To The Jungle and felt the crowd erupt, I knew my life would never be the same. I’m not gonna lie…I was terrified!! But you were so accepting. You immediately turned my fear into pride. For that, I am truly grateful.
So now it is with a very heavy heart and yet great pride that I announce that I’ve decided to close this chapter of my life and encapsulate the wonderful times that I’ve shared with GUNS N’ ROSES into fond memories. I have reached a point in my life where I feel its time to dedicate myself to my band Sixx: A.M., my adoring wife and family, and to the many new adventures that the future holds for me.
….As I sit here writing this letter, I want to take a moment to thank Axl from the bottom of my heart for not only the most incredible experience of my life, but for truly believing in me. You are a true friend and a champion of mine and I am forever grateful. And even as I move on to pursue other endeavors, I will always remain one of your biggest fans. I also would like to thank each and every one of you fans for your love and support throughout the years. Without you, I am nothing. Please know that I do not take one minute of this amazing life for granted.
I hope that you all join me as I forge ahead. Let’s conquer the world together!”
Ashba joined Guns N’ Roses in March 2009 following the departure of guitarist Robin Finck.
13 Responses
Wow,I don’t think I can ever remember a time when there was nothing but accolade written about Axl.Sounds like he is a changed man.Can you say reunion!! Please Guns camp put the past in the past and kick start the rock scene.Please we need something.
DJ is leaving G ‘N R, during Eddie’s podcast, Bumblefoot wouldn’t comment on his status with the band, which more than likely means he’s out to. This is leading me to believe there’s the possibility of an actual reunion of the original band. Slash has always seemed to be the main holdout, but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
I don’t think these guys leaving has anything to do with a reunion.
Axl was always a big hold out as well. You will never see the original/classic line up of GNR ever again. Axl has 100% control over the band. Why in the world would he give that up? I don’t know them, but I think it’s a safe bet that the original guys are not going to come back and just be hired hands.
Eddie,what James and I are saying ,and correct me if I’m wrong James ,it seems right now that there is an opportunity for a reunion to happen being that Axl has nothing on his plate right now.Will it happen,who knows.
Exactly. I wasn’t thinking band members are leaving because a reunion is in the works. It’s just that now since they are leaving, for whatever the reason, maybe there’s a chance this could lead to the possibility of a reunion or at least a discussion about one.