STEVEN ADLER Holds No Resentment Toward AXL ROSE And IZZY STRADLIN For Skipping HALL OF FAME Induction
March 19, 2015In a new interview with music writer Joel Gausten, former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler discusses a number of topics including his new fine art series ("50"),the return of his band ADLER and how letting go of his resentment over his 1990 firing from the band helped him achieve sobriety.
In addition to the unwavering support of his wife, Carolina, perhaps the biggest key to Adler's recent success at sobriety was repairing his relationship with his childhood friend, Slash.
"I had all these resentments towards him because he was a part of [GUNS N' ROSES] getting rid of me [in 1990]," he shares. "We grew up together, and we accomplished our dreams. We've known each other since we were 12 years old. From the second we met each other, that was our dream — to become successful, travel the world, sell millions of records, make out with all these girls and party. Our dream came true, and I resented that he didn't stick up for me. But then I realized everybody was in a bad state of mind at that time; nobody could stick up for anybody. It's really great that I have a reasonable amount of sobriety time, and Slash himself has [been] like 11 years sober. Now that I'm [more than 400 days] sober, he's my friend again, and we hang out. I didn't understand why we wouldn't before, but now I do understand why."
Fortunately, Adler was able to reach this realization while all five original GUNS N' ROSES members are still alive.
"If I wasn't able to apologize to those guys and make amends, it would have bothered me for the rest of my life," he says.
Adler also talks about singer Axl Rose and guitarist Izzy Stradlin's decision to skip GUNS N' ROSES' Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction in 2012.
"It would have been nice if Axl and Izzy were there, because those were our songs," Adler says of the experience. "That's what the five of us created. It would have been nice if they were there, but it was still very exciting being a part of it, and I feel blessed. [Axl and Izzy] have their reasons [for not attending], and I have no resentments."
Adler was the drummer for GUNS N' ROSES from 1985 to 1990. He was eventually fired from the band due to his drug addiction, which caused him to spiral down into depression and more drug use.
GUNS N' ROSES was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2012. Adler, Slash and bassist Duff McKagan attended the ceremony.
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