Joe Satriani's Recommendation: How Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal Joined Guns N' Roses
In a recent interview on the Appetite For Distortion podcast, Joe Satriani shared the story of how he recommended Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal for the guitarist position in GUNS N' ROSES over 20 years ago. Satriani's producer, Eric Cadieux, who had worked on the 'G3' live album, mentioned that Axl Rose was looking for a unique guitarist to join the band. Satriani immediately thought of Ron Thal, known for his exceptional and unconventional guitar skills.
Satriani first met Thal in Paris during an interview where Thal's abstract and unconventional guitar playing style was showcased. Despite a misunderstanding in the interview, they became friends, and Satriani admired Thal's musical talent. Satriani then recommended Thal to Cadieux for the GUNS N' ROSES guitarist position, highlighting Thal's exceptional musicianship and ability to stand out alongside Buckethead.
Thal was surprised when Satriani approached him about auditioning for GUNS N' ROSES, as he never expected to be considered for such a mainstream rock band. However, Thal decided to audition as an experiment and was eventually chosen for the role due to his unique style and musical genius. Thal's tenure with GUNS N' ROSES lasted for several years, showcasing his exceptional guitar skills and creativity.
Thal's friendship with Satriani began in the early '90s when they crossed paths and jammed together at one of Satriani's shows. Satriani later recommended Thal to GUNS N' ROSES, leading to Thal joining the band in 2006. Thal's time with the band included the release of "Chinese Democracy" in 2008, which featured music written before his arrival. Despite the album's lengthy production and moderate commercial success, Thal's contribution to the band was significant.
While Thal never officially announced his departure from GUNS N' ROSES, sources confirmed his exit in 2014. Thal shifted his focus to his solo career and other projects after spending eight years playing with the band. Thal's time with GUNS N' ROSES showcased his exceptional talent and unique musical style, leaving a lasting impact on the band's sound and legacy.