In a recent episode of the “Appetite For Distortion” podcast, former Guns N’ Roses bassist Tommy Stinson delved into his belief that the end of his marriage indirectly influenced the partial reunion of the band’s classic lineup. Now, many fans have disagreed with this in the past as Stinson has stated this previously, but he still feels this way. Stinson, who played with Guns N’ Roses from 1998 to 2014, faced a difficult decision when his parental responsibilities took precedence, leading him to leave the band. His departure opened the door for Duff McKagan’s return during a South American tour.
As reported by BlabberMouth, Looking back on this pivotal moment, Stinson candidly expressed on “Appetite For Distortion”: “I found myself in a situation where I needed to be at home… The tours that were being discussed required me to make a choice. It was one of the toughest decisions I had to make, one that I had no other option but to make. It strained my relationship with Axl, understandably, as he was upset and didn’t appreciate it.”
While acknowledging the strain caused by his departure, Stinson couldn’t help but speculate that Axl Rose may now view the outcome in a positive light. With hindsight, Stinson joked that Rose might actually be grateful for the events that unfolded. This perspective is particularly relevant considering Rose’s subsequent ventures, such as temporarily fronting AC/DC in place of Brian Johnson, which made a significant impact in the realm of rock and roll.
Stinson suggests that Rose, upon reflection, might think, “I probably wouldn’t have done that if Tommy hadn’t quit and we had just continued with those tours.” While a full band reunion may not have occurred at that time, it remains a possibility for the future. Stinson ultimately concludes that everything seems to be going well for Rose, and he imagines that Rose appreciates the current state of affairs.
Since parting ways with Guns N’ Roses, Stinson has attended a couple of their concerts, sharing his experience with enthusiasm: “I went to a few shows with my friend Steve… It’s quite amusing to be on the other side of the fence.” Stinson humorously recounts being recognized by fans who questioned his presence at the shows, creating enjoyable moments with his friend. This shift in perspective offers a unique vantage point for Stinson, allowing him to savor the music as a fan rather than a performer.
In a previous interview with Rolling Stone in 2017, Stinson disclosed that much of the material recorded during his tenure with Guns N’ Roses remains unreleased. He mentioned unfinished tracks, some with lyrics and others without, which were intended for the “Chinese Democracy” album. Stinson also hinted at additional unreleased songs from the band’s original lineup that may see the light of day in the future.
What do you think? Was this a blessing in disguise for the legacy of the band?
