Introduction
Izzy Stradlin is an American musician and has been the rhythm guitarist for the legendary hard rock band Guns n Roses since 1985. He achieved worldwide fame with the band and is regularly mentioned in the same breath as Slash and Axl Rose in conversations about Guns n Roses.
Being a member of one of the most famous rock bands in the world, Stradlin has become a household name in the music industry and is one of the most well-known faces among Guitarists. Stradlin has not been actively involved in the band since 1994 when he split from the band and moved to pursue a solo career.
Is Izzy Stradlin Still in Guns n Roses?
No, Izzy Stradlin is not in Guns n Roses anymore. Stradlin left the band mid-1994 after a series of conflicts between himself and the other members of the band. Stradlin was replaced by a series of guitarist before the band finally stabilized with Slash, Richard Fortus, and Frank Ferrer.
However, Stradlin did make a few special appearances with the band from time to time over the next decade or so and even featured in the band’s first reunion tour in 2016. But he has otherwise been inactive with the Guns n Roses since then.
The biggest question seems to be: Why did Izzy Stradlin leave Guns n Roses? It seems that Stradlin’s decision was part and parcel with the overall atmosphere and intensity that surrounded the band’s turbulent lifestyle and personality clashes during that particular era. As Stradlin himself stated in an interview:
“When I left that [GN’R] situation, I was exhausted. There were so many management decisions where I had to take a stand. I was trying to keep us away from all the rip-off artists, which, by the way, is totally normal, and the strain of being in the middle, where the decisions were going, totally drained me.”
– Izzy Stradlin
It seems, then, that Stradlin’s split from the band was not a sudden or emotional decision, but was instead a carefully calculated one that was influenced by the issues surrounding the unique intensity of being in one of the biggest rock bands of the era.
Guns n Roses Reunion
The Guns n Roses reunion in 2016 marked a turning point in the band’s history and gave fans the closest thing they had had to a Stradlin-era Guns n Roses since the split in 1994. Stradlin was initially reported to be part of the reunion and he even agreed to appear with the band in 2017.
However, it was soon announced that Stradlin would not be part of the reunion after all as he refused to be part of the reunion tour without having any financial involvement in it. This announcement came as a huge disappointment to fans, but it perfectly fits in with Stradlin’s view of how things should be done – he has always been keen on fairness and has refused to compromise on his principles when it comes to money matters.
Stradlin’s Solo Career and Impact
Izzy Stradlin has since gone on to pursue a successful solo career and as of 2021 he has released 10 studio albums, as well as numerous singles and EPs. Stradlin’s impact is still felt in the music industry, particularly in the genre of hard rock, and he is credited for creating some of the most iconic riffs and solos in rock history.
His influence can be heard in the works of artists such as Metallica, Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Alice in Chains. Stradlin is considered to be one of the most influential rock guitarists and is regularly namechecked by some of the biggest names in rock as an inspiration.
Stradlin’s solo work is also highly acclaimed and he has released some truly iconic tunes over the years. His biggest strength lies in his ability to craft soulful, powerful songs that are full of emotion. He has also become known for his quirky sense of humour, which frequently pops up in his interviews.
Izzy Stradlin’s Legacy with Guns n Roses
Although Izzy Stradlin is no longer a member of Guns n Roses, his influence is still felt throughout the band’s latest works. Stradlin is credited for writing some of the best known and beloved Guns n Roses songs such as “November Rain”, “Welcome to the Jungle”, “Paradise City” and “Sweet Child o’ Mine”.
Stradlin’s influence on the band is undeniable, as he was the main songwriter during the early years of Guns n Roses. He was the man behind the signature hard rock style that the band was known for and his contributions helped shape the sound of the band. Stradlin is also credited for introducing various styles such as punk, classic rock, blues and country into the band’s repertoire.
Stradlin’s influence can still be heard in the band’s current lineup, as many of the new guitarists have cited him as a major influence in their playing, particularly Slash, who has repeatedly mentioned Stradlin’s influence and the impact it had on his playing.
Why is Izzy Stradlin so Special?
Izzy Stradlin is one of the most beloved and respected figures in the rock music industry and he is regularly cited as one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Stradlin has always shied away from the spotlight and has made it a point to remain humble and grounded. He has always had a unique and off-beat attitude and has refused to succumb to the trappings of fame and money, preferring to pursue his own individual style and aesthetic.
Stradlin’s sound is unique and can instantly be recognised. His songwriting is honest and direct, with an underlying sense of humour that frequently pops up in his lyrics. Stradlin’s style is also distinct, as his playing is simple yet incredibly powerful, with each note lasting for only a split second but with a huge impact.
Stradlin is also known for his social commentary and often makes political and social statements with his music, which is one of the many reasons why his music remains beloved by so many.
Izzy Stradlin Today
Izzy Stradlin remains an active musician today, usually involved in a variety of projects from solo works to collaborations with artists from all across the musical spectrum. He is currently based in Austin, Texas and is very actively associated with the music scene in the city.
Stradlin is also an outspoken supporter of diversity and LGBT rights. He is a regular participant in charity events and has created various initiatives that focus on supporting independent musicians and artists.
Stradlin is also still very actively associated with Guns n Roses and continues to be an influential figure in the band’s history. He occasionally makes guest appearances with the band, though less frequently than before, and has stated that he will always be a part of the band in spirit.
Final Thoughts
Izzy Stradlin is an iconic and highly influential figure in the hard rock and classic rock music scenes. His influence and impact can still be heard in the works of many of today’s artists and is a testament to his skill and passion as a musician.
Though Stradlin is no longer an active member of Guns n Roses, his legacy with the band remains intact and strong. Stradlin continues to be an influential figure in the group’s history and his influence is evident in the way many of the current band members have taken his style and run with it.
Stradlin’s solo career is also highly acclaimed and he continues to be a beloved figure in the music community. His off-beat attitude and his commitment to pursuing his individual style continues to make him one of the most sought after figures in the industry and his influence shows no signs of waning any time soon.
Izzy Stradlin will always be remembered for his immense influence on theHard Rock scene and for the sheer power and emotion of his music.
