Guns N' Roses will tour starting next summer with a lineup
including guitarists Robin Finck and Buckethead, according to a
statement issued Friday by the band's management.
The statement, from Big FD Entertainment, confirmed that Finck,
who recorded with GN'R for two years before returning to his old
band, Nine Inch Nails (see "Guitarist
Robin Finck Leaves GN'R To Return To NIN"), is back in the
fold. Also confirmed is the long-rumored addition of avant-garde
guitarist Buckethead to the group (see "GN'R:
Buckethead In, Freese Out").
Former Primus drummer Bryan "Brain" Mantia has also hooked up
with GN'R, according to a source close to the band.
Producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper) has signed on to
help the band with its perpetually in-progress new album, Chinese
Democracy, the statement also said. Ezrin is said to be working
with current producer Roy Thomas Baker in an A&R capacity,
though management could not be reached to discuss the details of
Ezrin's duties.
Guns N' Roses will play the giant Rock in Rio festival in
January, according to the Brazilian festival's promoter (see "Guns
N' Roses To Play Rock In Rio").
—Sorelle
Saidman