GUNS N' ROSES Guitarist RICHARD FORTUS: 'I Don't Think This Band Has Ever Sounded Better Than It Does Right Now'

May 22, 2017

GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Richard Fortus says that the band has never sounded better than it does right now.

GUNS kicked off its long-rumored and long-awaited reunion tour in April 2016 with a club show in Hollywood and appearances in Las Vegas and at California's Coachella festival.

The "Not In This Lifetime" tour features classic lineup members Slash, bassist Duff McKagan and Axl Rose backed by Fortus, drummer Frank Ferrer, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and new second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

Speaking to Hot Press, Fortus stated about the chemistry between him and Slash: "I've a lot in common with Slash. He feels like a kindred spirit and we relate on many musical levels. I've a lot of respect for him as a musician and have a blast playing with him. The greatest thing about him is that he's constantly stretching out. He's trying new things. Every night, he plays differently and is always reaching for new heights. He's very inspiring to play with."

Fortus also spoke about the similarities between his playing style and those of his bandmates, explaining: "Slash and Duff have the same approach that I do. You play for the song, first and foremost. It's not about it being some type of masturbatory showcase for your abilities; it's about working together as a band. Supporting wherever the focus needs to be, not simply waiting for your turn to wank."

He continued: "I don't think this band has ever sounded better than it does right now. Axl has never sounded better and we're tighter and more focused than ever."

As previously reported, the "Not In This Lifetime" tour has reached a staggering overall gross of $230 million since launching more than a year ago, according to Billboard.

That figure includes a $38 million haul from eight concerts in Australia and New Zealand, but does not yet account for earnings from seven Asian markets that the band visited during the first quarter of 2017.

Last summer's North American leg, which featured 25 stadium shows in 21 cities, grossed a whopping $116.8 million with over one million tickets sold.

GUNS will come back to North America for at least another 15 stadium dates this summer, starting on July 27 in St. Louis and ending on September 8 in San Antonio.

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