Guns N' Roses - Steven Adler Exclusive Interview

On September 18, 2007, Rockum's Gino Alache met Steven Adler at the Hotel María Angola in Lima, Peru, just hours before his live performance that evening. Best known as the original drummer of Guns N' Roses and a key contributor to Appetite for Destruction and G N' R Lies, Adler spoke openly about his relationship with his former bandmates, the possibility of a reunion, the American music press, his appreciation for South American audiences and the next chapter of his life and career.

Recorded in person, this conversation captures Steven Adler in a remarkably candid moment, sharing stories and opinions that reflected both his past with Guns N' Roses and his hopes for the future.

Gino Alache: You told me in Mexicali that the press in the United States is sometimes rude with you.

Steven Adler: Disrespectful.

Gino Alache: Why?

Steven Adler: American people are very spoiled and have to have everything their own way. People hate seeing others progress, become successful and do the things they wish they were doing themselves. If they can't do it, then nobody should. That's the attitude I often feel when I go back to America.

Gino Alache: Okay.

Steven Adler: It's totally different in South America. There's so much love, respect and appreciation for the music. I'm telling you, there's nothing like playing in South America.

Gino Alache: The music?

Steven Adler: The love for the music.

Gino Alache: Many people confuse an artist's personal life with the music itself.

Steven Adler: Exactly. Most of the time they don't even know anything about the person's real life. They just make things up. Because of what happened with Guns N' Roses in the '90s, the American press created this reputation that I'm completely messed up and constantly on drugs.

I didn't invent drugs. I'm not the only person who's ever done drugs, and I certainly won't be the last. It's simply a reputation that people like to keep repeating. They always want to bring me down in America.

South America is completely different.

Gino Alache: A different world.

Steven Adler: A totally different world. The moment you cross the border, everything changes. It's wonderful.

Gino Alache: Did you ever perform with Guns N' Roses in South America?

Steven Adler: No. Unfortunately I never had that chance with Guns.

Gino Alache: The band came with Matt Sorum.

Steven Adler: Yeah... I missed that opportunity.

Gino Alache: Matt Sorum was very lucky because...

Steven Adler: He practically took over my life. Everything I worked for... Slash and the guys simply handed it to him.

Gino Alache: When I watch old Use Your Illusion videos, you can tell the audience knew he was the new guy.

Steven Adler: They weren't excited because of him. They were excited because Slash, Duff, Izzy and Axl were still on stage together. He was just in the background. People knew something was missing.

Gino Alache: How is your relationship with the other members of Guns N' Roses today?

Steven Adler: It's actually been wonderful because I've been talking with them a lot lately. They feel the same way I do.

It's really a matter of Axl wanting to do it and being ready. All four of us want a proper reunion. We want to finish what we started. Slash, Duff and Izzy all want it. Even Axl... but he wants to release his record first. Beyond that, I really can't say.

Gino Alache: I saw the photos from the Key Club show...

Steven Adler: Yeah, it was great. But Matt Sorum and that other singer, Scott Weiland... that's why Slash didn't come up and play. They kept calling him asking, "What are you doing there?" Like little kids. Just let him come up and play a couple of songs. It was crazy.

Gino Alache: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Steven Adler: God... ten years? I don't know. Nostradamus didn't say we'd even last another ten years.

Gino Alache: (Laughs.)

Steven Adler: I'm taking life one day at a time.

Gino Alache: You look very young.

Steven Adler: Drugs! Drugs are great! They keep you looking young! (laughs)

Hey, I'm kidding. Don't do drugs. I'm a fan of marijuana, but what really keeps you young is the music. Playing these shows, feeling all that love and energy from the fans—you can't help but feel young and alive.

Gino Alache: Do you subscribe to High Times magazine?

Steven Adler: Yes, I do! In fact, this November I'll be in Amsterdam judging the Cannabis Cup. I'm really excited. It's something I've always wanted to do.

Gino Alache: Marijuana isn't as bad as many people say.

Steven Adler: No!

Gino Alache: There are medicinal uses and nobody has ever died from it.

Steven Adler: I'll probably be the first! (laughs)

Gino Alache: You once told me your wife is from Argentina.

Steven Adler: Yes. She's a wonderful woman and I absolutely love her. I also love her family.

Gino Alache: You currently live in Las Vegas.

Steven Adler: Yes... although hopefully Holland soon. We'll see what happens. Day by day.

Gino Alache: Finally, what would you like to say to your fans across Latin America?

Steven Adler: I love them. I truly adore them. I'm grateful that they appreciate the music because I love playing for them. I'm really looking forward to tonight's show.

Gino Alache: Thank you very much, Steven.

Steven Adler: Thank you.