DJ ASHBA: AXL ROSE 'Doesn't Do Anything In A Small Way, It's Always Go Big Or Go Home'

EspyRock recently conducted an interview with GUNS N' ROSES/SIXX: A.M. guitarist DJ Ashba. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

EspyRock: This year marks your third year with the band so how has the journey been so far?

Ashba: It's been surreal; it's a dream come true. I would have never believed anyone when I was a kid that one day I would grow up to be the lead guitarist of GUNS N' ROSES. It's just surreal and I'm honored to part of it. I'm super appreciative of the fans out there who have supported it.

EspyRock: Did you have trouble adjusting to begin with, because you were walking into the lion's den with everything that had happened over the years and you also had other aspects such as your on stage time being doubled from what you were used to?

Ashba: Yeah, well I've played a lot of arenas in other big bands before, but nothing ever like GUNS N' ROSES. The fans and the production, everything about it is just first-class and top-notch. Axl [Rose] doesn't do anything in a small way, it's always "go big or go home," and I love that about being in GUNS.

EspyRock: You have been very vocal about the future of GUNS N' ROSES and wanting to work on new material for a new GUNS N' ROSES album but we haven't heard a lot from the other members. Have the band actually had the opportunity to sit down together and discuss it?

Ashba: Yeah, we have and it has become one of our main focuses. We're working on a lot of new stuff, not only for the music but we have surprises on this tour and everyone is looking forward to getting out there and putting on a kick-ass rock 'n' roll show. The most important thing is that I'm really looking forward to the future with this band. Getting in and writing with everybody and that's what I'm excited about the most but when it happens has still to be decided.

EspyRock: The demos that you have been working on, I know Axl has heard a lot of them.

Ashba: Yes, he has.

EspyRock: Has there been anything that he has heard and felt could be on a future album or are you not moving as fast as that yet?

Ashba: I don't want to put words in his mouth and I don't know yet if he feels it is ready for the album. All I know is that he really liked what he heard and I think together, as a band, we're all looking forward to putting together what we feel will be the next best GUNS N' ROSES record.

EspyRock: Are you more eager than the others to get into the studio so you can put your personal stamp on GUNS N' ROSES?

Ashba: I think everyone is so talented in this band and as a band, we're so incredibly tight, like a family, and we play insanely well together. I think if this band does put out a new record, it's obviously going to be a lot different than "Chinese Democracy" or anything you've ever heard because it is a completely new band in that aspect.

Read the entire interview from EspyRock.