Tracii Guns: New L.A. Guns and Guns N' Roses beginnings | Ep. 499

The legendary Alex Lifeson of Rush joins. We chat his band Envy of None, their new album "Stygian Wavz," and what it means to inspire other musicians.

Then, "Shotgun News!" - You and I discuss Isaac Carpenter becoming the new drummer of Guns N' Roses. Plus, I read your emails for "Mr. Mailstone"

"It's 5 O' Clock Somewhere," the debut album from Slash's Snakepit, recently turned 30 years old. Here to celebrate, reminisce, and talk about his project "Sextus - Hello the Mushroom," is former Snakepit vocalist Eric Dover.

The "Duke of Spook," Wednesday 13 joins to talk about his new album "Mid Death Crisis," available April 25th. Weds also chats about his extensive toy collection, Alice Cooper/Marylin Manson comparisons, plus partying with Axl Rose in Switzerland after a Guns N' Roses concert at a Hooters backstage...

Let's finally end the debate. Ace Von Johnson, guitarist for L.A. Guns, joins to chat the seemingly endless conversation of whether Guns N' Roses' Use Your Illusion 1 & 2 should have only been one album. Ace says yes, I say no. What say you? 

Dorothy is set to release her new album "The Way" (out 3/14), including the instant classic single and video for "Tombstone Town," featuring Slash. Dorothy talks her new record, working with the Guns N' Roses guitarist, and more!

Killswitch Engage drummer Justin Foley talks their new album "This Consequence," listening to GN'R in secret so he wouldn't get in trouble with his parents, love for the Yankees, The Simpsons, cats, and more! 

The multi-talented Todd Kerns returns to the podcast to talk about watching horror movies with Slash, singing rare Guns N' Roses songs on tour with Myles Kennedy, when we might see the new SMKC record, and love for our pets.

Drummer Rob Hammersmith joins to talk the latest with Skid Row, reflect on his upcoming 15th anniversary with the band, seeing Guns N' Roses live, and what not to do when encouraging your child to play an instrument. 

Guns N' Roses took 2024 off but Axl, Slash, and Duff kept busy. It's the year in review, plus what 2025 might bring, for current and past members of GN'R.

Ultimate Classic Rock recently published "5 Songs Guns N’ Roses Need to Cut From Their Set in 2025: Roundtable." We extend the conversation with UCR journalist Bryan Rolli. Which songs and why? What do you think?

To this very day, no one has claimed ownership of being that guy who famously jumped into the wedding cake in Guns N' Roses' November Rain music video. However, we now have a name. We welcome Bad Brad, RIAA Certified Gold/Platinum Guitarist and YouTuber, who knew "that guy" ...Steve Henderson. 

"Heartbreak Is the National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music" is the new book from veteran Rolling Stone writer, Rob Sheffield. We dare to compare the Taylor Swift phenomenon with Guns N' Roses. You may be surprised. 

First: Pär Sundström talks the new Sabaton "Tour To End All Tours," a concert film hitting North America for two nights only — October 30th and 31st. Plus, being on the road with Judas Priest and why he enjoyed "November Rain" during his school dance days.

Second: Tom Hunting talks the new Exodus "The Battle of '24" North American Tour. Plus, we rewind to the origin of this legendary thrash band and his experiences seeing Guns N' Roses live, both then and now. 

First: Mike Odd lives up to his name by sharing the unique path to managing a band of fast-food metal mutants, Mac Sabbath. Do Ronald Osborne and Slayer MacCheeze have beef with Snaxl Rose, Slush, and Gilby ClarkBar?  

Then: We're joined Diamond Rowe of Tetrarch, the first female Jackson signature guitar artist in heavy music. We talk about what that means to her, Slash as an influence, and why "Estranged" is her favorite Guns N' Roses song. 

The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction takes place on Saturday, October 19th in Cleveland, Ohio. Here to talk about Foreigner's (overdue) induction, his path to sobriety, Slash's campaign to get the band inducted, what he first thought of Guns N' Roses and Axl Rose's voice, is legendary vocalist Lou Gramm.

Apocalyptica vocalist Franky Perez joins to chat his band, "Franky Perez & The All Nighters," why it didn't work out with Velvet Revolver and Deadland Ritual, the Las Vegas music scene, Ricky Ricardo, and much more!

 Thrash-metal icons Testament are currently on their "Klash of the Titans" Tour. We chat with guitar virtuoso Alex Skolnick about life on the road, what's next for Testament, The Simpsons, horror movies, podcasting, witnessing GN'R open for Aerosmith, and much more! 

Billy Morrison (Billy Idol’s rhythm guitar player) chats his new solo album "The Morrison Project." We dive into his collaborations with Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Al Jourgensen, Steve Vai, Steve Stevens, and Linda Perry. Plus, we ask his feelings on the current status of Jane's Addiction and Guns N' Roses.

 First, blues songwriter and guitarist ZZ Ward shares her experience on Slash's S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival, motherhood, and more!  

Then, K. L. Doty, author of "The True Tale of Mista Bone: A Rock + Roll Narrative" shares her experience writing about, and with, the late Great White frontman, Jack Russell.  

"The BIG Finish Live" is a brand-new live album and concert film of Mr. Big’s farewell tour. Here to say goodbye to a BIG band, discuss his future, and recall the early days of Guns N' Roses, is legendary bassist Billy Sheehan. 

 "Live In London" is first live album and concert film from legendary rock band Skid Row. Here to talk the new release, search for a lead singer, touring with Guns N' Roses and much more, is guitarist Scotti Hill. 

The Dead Daisies frontman John Corabi chats the band's latest album "Light 'Em Up," a special blues record, Slash, Mick Mars, and more!

Plus, Tim Montana joins to talk his record "Savage," upcoming tour with Myles Kennedy, having Billy Gibbons as a father figure, his GN'R fandom, and more!

Making his long-awaited return to the podcast, guitarist Dave Kushner talks about the 20th Anniversary of Velvet Revolver's debut album, "Contraband."  Dave reminisces on this lifechanging record, answers YOUR questions, and more!  
 

Michael Schenker celebrates the 50th anniversary of his tenure with UFO with the new album "My Years with UFO," featuring Axl Rose, Slash, and more. Michael joins to chat his upcoming record and collaborations with the Guns N' Roses guys. 

Live and Stone Temple Pilots have joined forces for the co-headlining "Jubilee Tour" and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of two of the most beloved albums of the 90s, "Throwing Copper" and “Purple.”  Robert DeLeo from Stone Temple Pilots and Ed Kowalczyk from Live join to discuss this and more! 

This episode is dedicated to Lucy-Blue Knight, stepdaughter of Slash, who tragically lost her life at only 25 years old. We honor Lucy, my father Mark, and all who have lost their battle with depression. In an effort to end the stigma, let's talk. 

Opening for Slash on his S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival, Jackie Venson didn't lose her cool as Slash watched from side stage. It took a long time to reach that level of confidence. Learn all about Jackie's journey to becoming "an Austin legend in the making.” 

Packed episode! Featuring Gerry Beckley of America, Mark Schulman formerly of P!nk, and Hannes Braun with Kissin' Dynamite. Plus, my review of half a Foo Fighters show.  

First, Gerry Beckley, co-founder of the iconic band, America. For my actual radio job, I worked with Gerry to help promote his new self-titled album on different radio stations. Hear a brief behind-the-scenes clip of Gerry and I talking about Slash.  

Then we're joined by pop/rock drummer, Mark Schulman (former P!nk/Billy Idol/Cher). Mark is also a motivational speaker and an author. We chat his new book, "The Attitude Equation: Rockstars In All Fields Share Their Secret Attitudes," the Matt Sorum chapter, and his brief stint with Velvet Revolver. 

After that, German vocalist Hannes Braun returns to the podcast to talk Kissin’ Dynamite’s new offering, "Back With A Bang," status of rock today, and his classic interview with Slash.  

And if that's not enough, I give you my review of half a Foo Fighters concert at a stormy Citifield in Queens, New York... 

The multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band is set to release "Dirt On My Diamonds, Volume 2" on September 20th. KWS joins to talk the new record, touring with Van Halen, relationship with Slash, and more! 

First up, P.O.D. vocalist Sonny Sandoval joins to talk their new album "Veritas," the band's legacy, and Slash in his dressing room.  

Then for "Appetite for Discovery," we meet 25-year-old Kevin "Sonny" Gullage to talk his debut album "Go Be Free," the future of the blues, and why Slash is a hero.  

Plus, "Mr. Mailstone" where I read your listener comments and questions.  

First guest: Mark Morton, guitarist and lyricist of the Grammy-nominated heavy metal band Lamb of God, joins to talk his book "DESOLATION: A Heavy Metal Memoir," mental health, getting help from Slash, and more!  

Next: Appetite for Discovery with Tobias Gustavsson of Sweden's Nestor talks new album, "Teenage Rebel," relaunching this late 80s band, Axl's vocal stylings, and more!  

Peter Napoliello, former SVP of Promotions at Geffen, EMI, and A&M Records, makes his 3rd appearance (eps. 144 and 311) on the podcast to talk Guns N' Roses' past, present, and future. Peter was there for Appetite, Lies, and the Illusions. Where does he think the band stands now?  

  On December 3rd, 2015, the music world mourned over the loss of Scott Weiland. As his wife and best friend, Jamie Weiland lost much more. Jamie shares fond memories, struggles, and the misconceptions surrounding her late husband. 

Meet 17-year-old Eddie Dolak of the LA-based rock group Standby. Their debut album "All For Nothing" is available now. The future is bright for this young man, and who better to give him career advice than the Axl Rose...in an In N Out Burger. Hear Eddie's story of passion for music and a chance encounter with Guns N' Roses' frontman.