Richard Fortus of Guns N' Roses: Reflecting on Evolution, Co-Guitarists, and New Music Plans
Richard Fortus, a guitarist for Guns N' Roses, reflects on his time with the band and how his role has evolved since joining in 2002. He shares insights into his favorite co-guitarists, including Slash and Robin Finck, and discusses the unique dynamics of playing alongside them.
Fortus discusses the responsibility of covering parts once played by Izzy Stradlin and Gilby Clarke in the band. While he approaches these parts with respect for the original players, he also adds his own interpretation to stay true to the spirit of the songs.
Having been part of the Chinese Democracy album release in 2008, Fortus is set to feature on the band's upcoming album. Slash has hinted at their plans to work on new music together, emphasizing the importance of taking their time to create something meaningful.
Despite the challenges of performing in extreme conditions, such as a hot gig in Saudi Arabia that melted his pickups, Fortus remains dedicated to delivering memorable performances with Guns N' Roses. The band's full cover story can be found in the latest issue of Guitar World for fans to explore further.