GUNS N' ROSES Guitarist DJ ASHBA: I Don't Even Like The Word 'Rock Star'

March 1, 2013

GUNS N' ROSES guitarist DJ Ashba, who joined the band in March 2009 following the departure of Robin Finck, spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald about being in one of rock 'n' roll's most contentious acts.

"It's the craziest roller-coaster ride you'll ever be on," the 40-year-old axeman said, "but I wake up every day grateful to be in the position I am. I don't know many guitar players out there who wouldn't kill to be in my spot, so I refuse to take it for granted."

In addition sole original member Axl Rose (lead vocals) and Ashba, the current lineup of GUNS N' ROSES includes guitarists Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and Richard Fortus, bassist Tommy Stinson, keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman and drummer Frank Ferrer.

"We're a solid band now," Ashba said. "Before [2009], members were coming and going and it was a different time. We've toured for four years almost constantly and we haven't missed one show since I've been in the band. All that stuff has come to an end and Axl is very inspired."

Ashba, who moved to Las Vegas in January 2012, recently teamed up with BullyVille.com, the Internet's first anti-bullying social web site and media platform. The guitarist also focuses on his media consultancy, fashion line and automotive detailing group.

"I always joke that I play guitar for a hobby and that really I'm an entrepreneur," he told The Sydney Morning Herald. "If you hung out with me at my house you would never know I played in GUNS N' ROSES. I'm not the guy sitting around patting myself on the back. I don't even like the word 'rock star.'"

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