Guns N’ Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles, California. Originally formed in 1985, today the band has vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Tracii Guns, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Ole Beich and drummer Rob Gardner. Melissa Reese is also a current member on keyboard. I had the opportunity to see Guns N’ Roses on the 12th November in Singapore, which was my 16th birthday.
According to Wikipedia, “the band has been through many lineup changes and currently includes Rose (a constant member), bassist Duff McKagan (from 1985 to 1997, and since 2016), lead guitarist Slash (from 1985 to 1996, and since 2016), keyboardist Dizzy Reed (since 1990), rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus (since 2002), drummer Frank Ferrer (since 2006) and keyboardist Melissa Reese (since 2016).”
Current members
Slash is lead guitarist for the band and is my favorite guitar player. His full name is Saul Hudson and he was born in 1965). Slash is a British-American musician, best known as the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, and he is considered one of the greatest guitarists in history. When I watched him perform, I could not believe his energy on stage.
Axl Rose, is lead vocals and piano. Full name William Bruce Rose Jr, he was born in 1962 and he has been the band’s only constant member since the band was formed in 1985. While I found his voice a little tired at the concert in 2022, he is known to possess “a distinctive and powerful wide-ranging voice and has been named one of the greatest singers of all time by various media outlets, including Rolling Stone and NME.”
Duff McKagan is the bass player for Guns N’ Roses. His full name is Michael Andrew “Duff” McKagan and he was born in 1964). He played with the band for 12 years, and then he rejoined in 2016 after they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Dizzy Reed, is keyboardist for Guns N’ Roses, and he was named Darren Arthur Reed, born in the US in 1963. Best known for his role as a keyboardist with Guns N’ Roses he has also tried a bit of acting on the side. With the band since 1990, after Axl Rose, that makes him the second longest serving member of the band.
Richard Fortus is a guitarist with Guns N’ Roses and he was born in the US in 1966. He has been with the band since 2001, but has also done a lot more beyond the band, including collaborating with The Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler and fellow Guns N’ Roses bandmate Frank Ferrer. Richard is a former member of Love Spit Love, Thin Lizzy, and The Dead Daisies.
Frank Ferrer also known as “Thunderchucker” is the drummer for Guns N’ Roses. Born in the US in 1966, who has been a member since 2006. Prior to Guns N’ Roses, he has also been a member of The Psychedelic Furs, Love Spit Love, and The Beautiful. He has also recorded and worked with many high profile musicians that include: Robi “Draco” Rosa; Tool; Gordon Gano; PJ Harvey; Tommy Stinson; Nena; Frank Black of The Pixies; Neil Young; Perry Farrell; and Cheetah Chrome of The Dead Boys.
Melissa Reese is the keyboard player for Guns N’ Roses and was born in Seattle in 1990. Her musical genres include hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal, alternative rock, alternative metal, electronica, experimental rock and punk rock. Both a musician and a model, her heritage is fascinating. She was the third daughter born into a family of Chinese, English, Spanish, Japanese, Filipino, Irish, Scottish and Danish descent! She was amazing to watch live.
Previous members
- Buckethead (Brian Carroll) lead and rhythm guitarist, 2000-2004
- Steven Adler (Michael Coletti)1985–1990, drums, percussion, backing vocals
- Izzy Stradlin (Jeff Isbell)1985–1991, rhythm and lead guitars, backing and occasional lead vocals, percussion
- DJ ashba (Daren Ashba) 2009–2015, lead and rhythm guitars
- Matt Sorum 1990-1 997, drums, percussion, backing vocals
- Tracii Guns (Tracy Ulrich) 1985-1985, lead and rhythm guitars
- Robin Finck (Robert Finck) 1997–1999, 2000–2008, lead and rhythm guitar, occasional keyboards
- Ole Beich 1985-1985 (died 1991) bass player
- Gilby Clarke 1991–1994, rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals
- Rob Gardner 1985-1985, drums, backing vocals
- Tommy Stinson 1998–2014, bass, backing and occasional lead vocals
- Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal 2006–2014, lead and rhythm guitars, backing and occasional lead vocals
- Josh Freese 1997–2000, drums, percussion
- Paul “Huge” Tobias 1994–2002, rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals, occasional piano
- Brain (Bryan Mantia) 2000–2006, drums, percussion
- Teddy Andreadis 1991–1993, keyboards, percussion, harmonica, backing vocals
- Chris Pitman 1998–2016 keyboard, synthesizers, sub-bass, programming, backing vocals, percussion, occasional guitar
Personal reflection
I love Guns N’ Roses but I am particularly impressed with Slash, because I watched him stand on stage all night, without rest, and his performance was incredible to watch. Such a commitment to his music. You could feel his passion for guitar.
Links
Spotify
