Izzy Stradlin Biography

After Guns N' Roses and beyond

After Guns N' Roses he went back to Indiana and started recording the songs that ended up on his first solo album with his band the Ju Ju Hounds, Izzy Stradlin and the Ju Ju Hounds, released in 1992. The music was more laid back and simpler than Use Your Illusion I and II They received fair reviews and went out on a world tour.

In 1993 Stradlin's replacement in GN'R, Gilby Clarke, hurt his wrist in a motorcycle accident and the band's upcoming European tour was in jeopardy. A quick solution was needed, and Stradlin was able to fill the gap. However, after his tour obligations were met, he promptly returned to Indiana to take time away from the music industry. Stradlin was promised to receive royalties he felt he was owed by the band in return for this.

During these years off, he travelled a lot and dedicated much time to two strong interests: motors and racing. He even built a track close to his house. In 1998 Stradlin returned to the music scene with his second solo album, 117°. As before, he had little interest in promoting the album — he agreed only to do a few interviews — and played few live performances. It turned out that it would be Stradlin's last release on the Geffen label. In the big merge of the label into Dreamworks, Stradlin and many others were dropped (along with Duff McKagan). In 1999 his third solo album Ride On, a Japan-only album, was released on the Universal Victor label. This time Stradlin actually did a small tour in Japan as promotion. A fourth album called River came out in 2001 released by Sanctuary then re-released in the US by Canoga Park California based indie label Bilawn Records, followed by On Down The Road in 2002.

Several of his former bandmates asked him to join Velvet Revolver when it was in its formative stage but he declined due to his unwillingness to work with a lead singer, and his aversion to the life on the road.

In 2003 Stradlin recorded his sixth album, Like A Dog. Several promo copies were made, but it was not released. Two years later, a petition was formed by Stradlin fan Will Villiers to have the promo copies sold to Stradlin's fans. The petition was very successful with over a thousand signatures. The maker of the petition, who also hosts a large Izzy Stradlin fansite, was contacted by Stradlin. He had decided to release Like A Dog, selling them for $20 to his fans.

In 2004, Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan, his former Guns N' Roses bandmate, appeared on the Mark Lanegan album Bubblegum.

Stradlin announced in early 2006 that he was considering releasing some tracks excluded from his albums among other things hidden away in his basement. He also stated a new album is near completion, and could be hitting shelves sometime soon.

As with fellow former member of Guns N' Roses, Matt Sorum, it appears that Stradlin and Axl Rose have repaired their fractured friendship, as it was reported that Rose attended a birthday party held for Stradlin in New York. A brief report on this can be found at [2]

[edit] Back on the road with Guns N' Roses

On May 17, 2006, Stradlin appeared on stage with Guns N' Roses to perform the songs Nightrain, Think About You and Patience. Stradlin also performed five songs with Guns N' Roses at the UK's Download Festival on June 11, 2006, in Prague in the Czech Republic on June 13, 2006 and in Nijmegen in the Netherlands on July 2 2006. The songs were "Patience", "Nightrain", "Used to Love Her", "Think About You", "Paradise City" and "You Could Be Mine". He also appeared on stage in Oslo Spektrum, Norway during the concert on July 8, 2006. Stradlin also has made an appearance with Guns N' Roses during numerous UK performances. He appeared at Sheiffield's Hallam FM hall, Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena on July 19, 2006, Glasgow's SECC on 22 July 2006, Manchester's Manchester Evening News Arena on 23 July 2006, in Birmingham at the National Exhibition Centre on 25 July 2006, at Nottingham Arena on the 27 July 2006. Also on the 29 July at Wembley Arena, London and 30 July at the same venue.

Izzy Stradlin made his first appearance with GN'R on their 2006 North American tour at the first show of three at Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA (December 17, 2006). He was guesting on Think About You, Used to Love Her, Patience, Nightrain and Paradise City. He also would appear on the 19th and the 20th at the Gibson Amphitheater to play the same songs.

Recently, Stradlin has been in contact with the four other original Gunners, and was approached by Steven Adler about a possible reunion tour, which Adler said would be "the biggest reunion in history". Stradlin is apparently in favour of the idea.

New Album (Miami)

On May 3rd, 2007, Izzy announced on www.Chopaway.com that a new album would be released on iTunes sometime in May-June 2007, and on May 30, the record was released. The album is an exclusive 'iTunes only' release, available in U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia and Europe simultaneously, and there's no physical CD release planned. The album features 11 tracks recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami, including "Buildings In The Sky," "Let Go," "TJ" and "Fso Ragga." The new album is described by guitarist Rick Richards as being "a bit of a departure from "Like A Dog" but still quite a rocker." Clips of "TJ" and "Fso Ragga" can be listen to at [www.Chopaway.com]