2011.12.01 - The Cincinatti Enquirer - Stepping In For Guns N' Roses (Tommy)

Though he’s probably associated more often with his previous band, 1980s rock ’n’ roll heroes the Replacements, Stinson has been a member of Guns N’ Roses longer. He became GNR’s bass player in 1998, when singer Axl Rose re-launched the group with a new lineup.

“The title of my (expletive) book would be, ‘I Was a Replacement Longer than I Was a Replacement,’ ” joked Stinson.

Rose isn’t doing much press for this tour, and Stinson was gracious enough to give us a few minutes on a recent day off.

Question: I wanted to ask you about those sessions you did with Moth, because they were a Cincinnati band.

Answer: Oh, God. Man, that was a long time ago. Are those guys still a band?

Q: I don’t think so. What do you recall about those sessions?

A: Well, they were a lot of fun. It was me and Josh (studio drummer Josh Freese), and those guys, the guitar player (Bob Gayol) and the singer kid (Brad Stenz). It was a blast. I (expletive) love that record (2002’s “Provisions, Fiction and Gear”). And they made one right after too, which I thought was pretty good as well (“Drop Deaf”). They were a good band.

Q: Were you ever asked to join Moth?

A: No, I wasn’t, and I wouldn’t have been able to at that time. I was under contract with Guns. I would have done some dates with them if it worked out. I really liked those guys. They were real talented and (expletive), but it wasn’t in the cards.

Q: In 1987 the Replacements’ “Don’t Tell a Soul” came out, and so did Guns N’ Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction.” Those are two very different records. What were your thoughts on Guns N Roses at the time?

A: You know, I wasn’t really into them. Guns weren’t my thing. That’s kind of the laughing point for Axl and I. He wasn’t really a ‘Mats fan and I wasn’t a Guns fan. I got into this band with him ’cause I thought the idea that he had of… the whole (expletive) band kind of left him sitting there, and he’s like, “Well (expletive) that, man. I want to work. I’m not gonna sit here and call it a day,” was kind of ballsy, so I was in.

Q: The shows have been running three hours. Have you adopted any sort of physical regimen to get through these marathons?

A: Aleve, whiskey and a big (expletive) dinner.

Q: What sort of whiskey, Tommy?

A: Maker’s Mark.

Q: Shows have been starting late and ending late, as late as 2 a.m. in some instances. Could that be viewed as a sign of contempt for the audience, to play that late and have a two-hour break between the opening set and your set?

A: I mean, (expletive), (Rose) was more notoriously bad with that before. I think to his credit he’s gotten better at that whole issue. Ultimately, when he’s ready to play, that’s when we’re gonna play. I wouldn’t want to play with him one minute before he’s ready. He ain’t (expletive) ever gonna change because of you or me or (expletive) anyone.

Q: What are the chances of a Replacements reunion?

A: They’re about the same as a Guns reunion. They’re about nil at this point.