2011.12.07 - Rolling Stone - Steven Adler On A Guns N' Roses Hall Of Fame Reunion

Steven Adler on a Guns N' Roses Hall of Fame Reunion

'We owe it to the fans to do a tour around the world'

By Andy Green

Over the past 25 years, many bands have put aside years of infighting to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Nobody ever thought that bands like Cream, the Talking Heads, Led Zeppelin and The Police would ever play again, but they all did when they got into the Hall of Fame. Guns N' Roses may be the exception. The original line-up hasn't played together since 1990, and Axl Rose has said vicious things about Slash in recent years. Despite all that, fans are incredibly hopeful they'll put that aside next April in Cleveland. We checked in with former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler to hear his feelings on the induction, and to see if he thinks that a reunion is likely to happen.

Congratulations on the big news.

Dreams do come true.

Tell me your first reaction to hearing it.

Of course, excitement and joy. I always knew it was going to happen, just like when the band first started. I always knew that we were going to be successful and accomplish and succeed at our dreams. There was never a doubt in my mind. When we were recording Appetite For Destruction, we all knew. I've been blessed. I grew up and played and worked and created with the Freddie Mercury, the Jimi Hendrix, the Keith Richards, the John Paul Jones of my generation. I love those guys, no matter what happened. Everything was meant to happen the way it happened. I always knew that we were going to succeed.

You guys got in your first year of eligibility. That's pretty rare these days.

It was such a historical, monumental record. It blows my mind that KISS isn't in there. If it wasn't for KISS, there would be no Guns N' Roses. Bands like that made Guns N' Roses. We were five guys with five personalities and five different influences. The stars were aligned for us. Getting inducted is a huge deal for me. I just read that Eric Clapton was inducted into the Hall of Fame twice. I went, "Wow, I'm being inducted into the same club as Clapton Is God and the Beatles and Elvis…" It's a honor and a dream come true.

Are you looking forward to the ceremony?

I've been working on my speech for the last three weeks, since I found out we were on the ballot. I've got a tent and a sleeping bag, so I'm going to be there the week before.

Do you think that all five of you will show up?

Absolutely not. But, as far as I know, there is a God and a higher power, and it's possible. Unfortunately, I don't foresee it. You figure that time could heal all wounds, but some people just REALLY hold a crazy grudge.

I think that Axl is cool with you, Duff and Izzy…

He should be cool with Slash! The real shame about the ending of the Guns N' Roses when I got kicked out wasn't just that I got kicked out, but Slash and Axl stopped working together. They are the Keith Richards and the Mick Jagger! The Steven Tyler and Joe Perry! For twenty years, because of some STUPID grudge, which I guarantee you that neither of them could even tell you what it was. They don't even know! I just had lunch with Slash two days ago. He loves Axl. He holds no grudges towards him. Twenty years of great music wasn't created because of some stupid grudge. That's a shame.

It's interesting that Axl was willing to make peace with Duff and Izzy, but he seems to have really held onto his anger towards Slash. He even called him a cancer.

I've been reading his Tweets about all the shows he's been doing in the same states. My brother e-mailed his manager to see if I could come play a song. I had him do it twice, and he has not returned the e-mail. He can't be mad at me!

Didn't you talk to him in Las Vegas a while back?

Seven years ago! But everything was fine. I didn't like that interview he did on That Metal Show. I was very disappointed. He didn't answer one question. I guarantee you – and I could tell by the looks on Eddie and the other guy's faces – that before Axl came out, his manager told those guys, "If you ask him this, if you ask him that, he will stand up and walk out in the middle." I guarantee it. And the questions that that they did ask, he didn't answer. He just started talking about whatever he wanted to. And, he blamed everybody else. He blamed everybody! Who gives a crap? Don't blame people. I was disappointed. I was hoping to hear something better from him.

Then, when he talked about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…that's why I don't think he'll show up. He seemed to have such a grudge! He didn't even answer. Eddie asked him, and he did not give a straight answer. He said, "blah blah blah blah." Then he said something about, "I don't know what they're expecting of me and expecting of the old band."  What do you mean what they're expecting? Can't we just be fucking people who played music and accomplished a huge goal in their life and just play a couple songs? It's only rock and roll, my god! It's not rocket science.

Bands tend to reunite at the Rock Hall.

If the Police could do a reunion…One of the biggest jerks I ever met was Sting. If he can do it, then anyone can do it. It's not that big a deal. And the Eagles! They did it! They severely hated each other. It's just rock and roll.

Five old friends playing music shouldn't have to be this complicated.

It shouldn't be. It's nerve-wracking. Thank god I believe in a higher power, because it's nerve-wracking. Especially because whenever I go out, even to the 7-11 or something, someone is going to ask me, "When are you guys going to do a reunion." Look, if it was up to me, we would have done it 20 years ago! People fight, they get angry, they do drugs, and they do crazy things. If you survive and get over it, you're supposed to be able to move on. These are the only wounds that I've ever heard of that can't be healed by time. It's not like anyone has fucked anyone's wife or stole their wife, like the Rolling Stones with Brian Jones and Keith Richards. None of that crap happened.

I think Axl might come and it might happen. This is the one time where it feels possible.

It would mean so much to me if he did. Izzy too. I know that Duff and Slash will show up. They're basically normal human beings. Izzy is a gypsy. He's happy doing his own thing and he lives life to the fullest. Izzy is one of my heroes. I look up to him more than anybody. Steven Tyler and Izzy are the two coolest people that I've ever met or ever wanted to be influenced by. But Axl…it would mean so much to me. I personally just want to finish what I started with those jack-offs. We started off something, let's end the career playing together, at least once. I'd love to do a whole tour of the world. I personally, and I know that Slash and Duff feel the same way, we owe it to the fans to do a tour around the world. We haven't performed for over 20 years and they've stuck by us and believe in us. I get Tweets every day from people around the world saying how much they love the original band.

When it comes to after I left, I do believe that Matt Sorum and Dizzy Reed both have every right to be inducted too. Dizzy did play on Use Your Illusion, and he's been with Axl longer than anybody. He deserves it. Matt Sorum also played on Use Your Illusion. I think that the seven of us deserve it. I was just texting Matt Sorum in Australia. I'm going to play with him at The Roxy next week with Camp Freddy. He invited me to come down and play. He's a great guy.

It's going to be a pretty great night in Cleveland with you guys and the Beasties…

Do they do it in Cleveland? I thought they did it in New York.

It's in Cleveland every third year now. It's going to be at Public Hall.

Look at that! I was born in Cleveland. This is how I get to go back. This is fabulous!

It's you guys and the Beastie Boys, Chili Peppers, Donovan, Laura Nyro, The Faces with Rod Stewart…

Oh, wow! Rod Stewart is going to be there too? Wow. I haven't talked to him since he called me up and yelled at me about his ex-wife (laughs hysterically). I love you Rod.

You know what's really cool about the Chili Peppers being there too? Me and Slash and Flea all went to junior high together. We all grew up in the same neighborhood. We all used to play football in the street and Flea would play trumpet for my grandmother on her porch. It was really cool that me and Slash and Flea recorded a song for Slash's solo album last year. That was really exciting…But this! Three punks from the streets of Hollywood who grew up together and did good.

What do you think the moment will be like when you're standing at the podium accepting the award?

I'll tell you after it happens. But I'll tell you that I've been working on my speech for the past three weeks.

Didn't you just find out yesterday?

Once I heard we were on the ballot, I knew we were going to win. That's one thing with this band, I never had any doubts with it…Expect for when they kicked me out. Then I had doubts. My doubts were confirmed! It wasn't like when Bruce Dickinson joined Iron Maiden. The band didn't get bigger and better. That's what was supposed to happen, but it didn't. You'd figure after that normal people would realize, but I guess that we aren't dealing with normal people.

Was Axl always like this? Back in the day was he easier to deal with?

I think that he's exactly the same. From the Tweets that I read, nothing has changed. Back in the day, he did show up on time. He didn't necessarily stay onstage for that long, but we were on time.

How is your health these days? Are you clean?

My health is wonderful. I work out. I'm working. Playing music. I have a beautiful wife, a nice home, a nice car, I got money in the bank. I got three beautiful dogs that love me. Like I said, I'm blessed. I survived. If you want to know what it was really like being a part of Guns N' Roses from the very beginning, you have to get my book. And Slash's book and Duff's book too. If you put them all together, it's like you are best friends with all three of us. I want to see Izzy's book. I want to know what was going on with him. I was there, but I wasn't always there.

Are you clean right now? Off drugs?

Yeah, I'm clean. I work with Dr. Drew. I work with Dr. Sophie. I work with Bob Forrest. Now I'm very excited. I have something to live for.

Do you see this induction as the highlight of your career?

It is a highlight, but the highlight would really be if the five of us could perform together again. That would be the highlight. Yes, this is very huge. Of course. Eric Clapton, John Lennon…I'm getting inducted. Those are going to be my brothers. But the real thing would be if we could perform together. If Axl and the other guys will consider doing it, it would be a dream come true for me. As I said, I would like to finish what I started with them.

I'm guessing that over the next four months there's going to be endless drama and stories of "will they or won't they." I envision lots of drama coming.

The drama hasn't stopped for 25 years. I don't forsee it stopping, but I know there's love between all five of us. I know there is. Not just four of us, five of us. Five. We owe it to the fans. The LEAST we can do is give them one great performance.

Well, I'm crossing my fingers.

Me and you both. My fingers are crossed. My toes are crossed!

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/steven-adler-on-a-guns-n-roses-hall-of-fame-reunion-238723/

Another article in Rolling Stone (Dec. 7, 2011) about the 2012 inductees:
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Guns N' Roses, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers Chosen for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Laura Nyro, Donovan and the Small Faces/Faces will also be inducted in 2012

By Andy Greene

The votes are in and next year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class will include Guns N' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, the Small Faces/Faces, Donovan and Laura Nyro. Freddie King will enter the Hall of Fame as an Early Influence, while the late producer and TV host Don Kirshner will receive the Ahmet Ertegun (nonperformer) Award and producers Cosimo Matassa, Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns will receive the Award for Musical Excellence. The ceremony will be held April 14th at Cleveland's Public Hall. It will be broadcast on HBO in early May.

Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis got the news while his band was touring Europe."I called my dad and he cried," he tells Rolling Stone. "The most emotional part for me was thinking about [late Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist] Hillel Slovak . . . It's really kind of his induction that I'm the most excited about. He's a beautiful person that picked up a guitar in the 1970s and didn't make it out of the 1980s, and he is getting honored for his beauty . . . It really fills my heart with the reality of how much we love doing what we do, and how much Flea and I love each other. We have stuck together through thick and thin and we want to keep on trucking and continuing to do what it is we do."

Guns N' Roses are the only group to be inducted on their first year of eligibility. The original line-up hasn't performed together since drummer Steven Adler left the band in 1990. During an interview last month with VH1 Classic's That Metal Show, Axl Rose didn't completely rule out a reunion. "I don't know what it means in terms of me with the old band and the old lineup," he said. "If we were to be invited, I don't know what they would ask of me. It's up in the air."

Adler remains skeptical that Axl will be willing to perform with the original lineup. "You figure that time heals all wounds," he tells Rolling Stone. "But some people just REALLY hold a crazy grudge. I just had lunch with Slash two days ago. He loves Axl. He holds no grudges towards him. Twenty years of great music wasn't created because of some stupid grudge . . . Can't we just be fucking people who played music and accomplished a huge goal in their life and just play a couple songs? It's only rock & roll, my god! It's not rocket science."

For Faces/Small Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan, the news was somewhat bittersweet. "I was not happy that the Small Faces and the Faces were lumped together," he tells Rolling Stone. "I've given it a lot of thought and I figure, well . . . I'll take it." The Faces have been touring with former Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall, but original singer Rod Stewart recently said that he'd like to reunite with the group at the ceremony. "I'll be happy if he does that," says McLagan. "It certainly would be wonderful."

Rod Stewart tells Rolling Stone that he has every intention of performing with the Faces at the event. "I'd love it," he says. "If they're all available, I'll definitely make myself available . . . I'm absolutely over the moon about this." He's none too pleased that McLagan has voiced his unhappiness that the two bands are getting inducted together. "I think that was a little out of order," he says. "I think Mac should think himself lucky that he's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I'll knock him into shape when I see him, McLagan."

Scottish folk icon Donovan was overjoyed when he learned of his induction. "I'm pleased as punch," he tells Rolling Stone. "Honors and awards are very interesting, and I truly accept them. I have very high regard for what they mean. What they mean is that they're pointing to the work. For me, the work was always to show others, to lead others, to experiment, to break all the rules. I've had lots of recognition . . . but this one is singular."

The Beastie Boys are only the third hip-hop act to get inducted into the Hall of Fame. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five got inducted in 2007. Two years later, Run-D.M.C. got the nod as well. The Beastie Boys released their eighth studio LP Hot Sauce Committee Part Two this past April, but have been lying low while Adam Yauch receives treatment for cancer.

"We're in the rock and roll hall of fame?" the Beasties said in a written statement. "That's f----n' crazy and awesome! While we are very proud of the music we make, we have to acknowledge the inspiration from our families, friends and musicians like The Slits, Bad Brains, X-Ray Spex, The Treacherous Three and too many others to possibly name. And most of all, we give thanks to New York City and the world of musical influence it provided for us."

Laura Nyro was an incredibly gifted and under-appreciated songwriter whose work has been covered by everyone from Peter, Paul and Mary and Three Dog Night to the Fifth Dimension. Her late-1960s LPs Eli and the Thirteenth Confession and New York Tendaberry weren't huge sellers, but were tremendously acclaimed and they inspired an entire generation of songwriters. "I idolized her," Elton John said in 2008. "The soul, the passion, just the out and out audacity of the way her rhythmic and medley changes came was like nothing I've heard before." Nyro died from ovarian cancer in 1997.

This is the third time that the ceremony will be held in Cleveland, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. As in 2009, the ceremony will be open to the public.

https://web.archive.org/web/20120108011726/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-beastie-boys-red-hot-chili-peppers-chosen-for-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-20111207