DJ ASHBA: 'I Don't See Myself Going Back To GUNS N' ROSES Ever Again'

Ireland's Overdrive recently conducted an interview with former GUNS N' ROSES and current SIXX:A.M. guitarist DJ Ashba. An excerpt from the chat follows below.

Overdrive: Looking back over the past few years with your commitment to GUNS N' ROSES and Nikki's [Sixx] with MÖTLEY CRÜE, it must have been very stressful to commit to SIXX:A.M. amidst the demands of touring and promo stuff, to mention your own personal life. Did it feel like a tremendous weight had been lifted off your shoulders when you finally departed from GUNS N' ROSES?

Ashba: It really does feel like a humongous weight has been lifted off my shoulders, for sure. That was as huge responsibility for me being in GUNS N' ROSES, and, to be honest, I didn't really know just how big that weight was going to be. I learned a lot from my time with GN'R and am very grateful for it all. I experienced something for six whole years that money can't buy and I was able to take away a huge amount of self-growth and an insight into the workings of a huge band like that. I didn't for one moment, anticipate that along with such a great gig, was going to be so much criticism, as well as a lot of praising and a lot of everything! The whole experience really made me grow thick skin real quick [laughs] and be aware of my surroundings. Looking back on that whole experience, I took away so much, to which I apply to my everyday life, as well as my role in SIXX:A.M. I feel that it's overall made me a better business person and I'm very grateful for it.

Overdrive: In keeping with GUNS N' ROSES, have you seen any of the "reunited" live shows recently?

Ashba: No, I have not. I would love to see that show. I could not be happy for them that Slash and Duff [McKagan] are back with Axl [Rose]. I would actually love to see the whole original lineup back on stage together and that's the fanboy in me talking. [Laughs] But as the band they are now, I guess we'll take what we can get for now. I'm extremely happy about the fact that those guys have sorted out their differences and can give the fans a chance to witness that chemistry that we all know so well from the early days.

Overdrive: If you got the call to jump back into GUNS N' ROSES, or even to fill in for Izzy [Stradlin] for a couple of shows, would you do it?

Ashba: To be honest, I think they are doing great without me, and really, I don't see myself going back to GUNS N' ROSES ever again. Those days are over for me. I'm having a blast doing what I'm doing with SIXX:A.M. and couldn't be happier with the way things have panned out for me. My heart is totally committed to all things SIXX:A.M. right now and I'm very excited about the prospect of touring and writing more music with Nikki and James [Michael].

You can read the entire interview at Overdrive.