2013.09.01 - Ecos Del Vinilo - The Guitarist Of Guns N’ Roses Takes The Floor (Bumblefoot)

Interview with Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal
The guitarist of Guns N’ Roses takes the floor

[Ricardo Portman]

Being the lead guitarist of Guns N 'Roses implies, among other things, be a survivor. Being in one of the last great rock & roll bands, along with frontman Axl Rose as demanding as it is a challenge that Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (New York, 1969) has been able to cope with large doses of virtuosity and maturity of after a long solo career on the shoulders. Ron, aside from his duties with the band, also has served as producer, engineer and has continued with his own band playing across continents.

Looking at the distance the history of the band and the rotation of its guitarists comes to my mind, aloof, the dynamics that took the Stones with their soloists. Could Mick Taylor Bumblefoot of Guns N 'Roses? It is quite possible, if we compare the base bluesy Slash with Thal lyrical style. Ron is probably the most technically gifted guitarist of the Californian band's history.

His first release dates back far 1995 (The Adventures of Bumblefoot). Since then he has published another ten discs, highlighting the number of Normal (2005) and Abnormal (2008). Precisely these tables learned in school and the tours are what allowed him to adapt to the jungle Guns for recording of Chinese Democracy. Replacing the eccentric Buckethead came in 2004 and has since been sharing the work on guitar with Robin Finck (until 2009), DJ Ashba and Richard Fortus.

Today there are understood to Guns N 'Roses without the great performance of the Pink Panther Theme and double vision of mast Vigier Bumblefoot, spitting riffs and solos of classic tracks are burned into the DNA of rock culture & roll. Ron attended Echoes Vinyl kindly just up their latest tour. We talked about GN 'R, his own albums, the music industry and more.

Ricardo Portmán: Ron, you are the most technical lead guitar of all Gn'R lineups. How heavy is the legacy of the other great soloists (Slash, Buckethead) who has had the band? How did you approach your contributions and personal sound in such familiar-to-millions songs?

Ron Thal: When I first joined Guns N' Roses, I had to spend some time to find my place musically within the songs. Finding the balance between playing the parts note-for-note, and improvising and writing my own parts. After the first year of touring I got a good sense of what to make the priority – if it's a part of the song someone can sing, play it the way people know the song and love the song. t's an honor to be in a band known for stand-out guitarists, and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to write and record my own parts for Chinese Democracy, the fretless guitar and all. I continue to put in the effort to be the best I can be, and keep improving, and live up to the legacy.

RP: They are almost mythical your meet-n-greets with fans after concerts. Your closeness to the fans is more the exception than the rule. Bumblefoot still has the soul of a fan as well? With legendary artist what you like (as a fan) have a meet-n-greet?

RT: Artists and fans are two parts that create a whole entity, and should be connected and treated as one entity. When I do solo shows, fans usually end up on stage with me singing, jamming, we're hearing what each other say and responding, it's very personal. Every performer has to do what makes them comfortable, and I respect whatever that is. I haven't met any artists in an organized meet-n-greet, I always preferred to just enjoy the music without getting personal. It may seem like a contradiction, but it relates to my nature, I'm more of a giver and provider. My own wants and needs are very simple, and I get more pleasure out of giving pleasure.

RP: Your solo albums Normal and Abnormal have so admirable very personal stories, treated in a very musically inspired. There will be a third release of this concept? Or you prefer to release something different in the future?

RT: I think those two albums form a nice balance as they are, and when I think about any kind of 'sequel', the idea seems forced. But I can't predict what the next Bumblefoot album will be, I always write without a plan, and an album concept forms itself, organically.

RP: I think those two albums form a nice balance as they are, and when I think about any kind of 'sequel', the idea seems forced. But I can't predict what the next Bumblefoot album will be, I always write without a plan, and an album concept forms itself, organically.

RT: Businesses will put the most stock in what appeals to the masses, it's about survival and growth. Nothing is dead, unless you let it die. If you like rock n' roll, crowd funding is a great way fans can support the artists they like, so they can continue making music. It's no longer about record labels, it's about fans - without the support of fans, the music will die.

RP: Touring as soloist in Albania, Greece, Italy, Australia, UK, South America. Playing live with Guns n' Roses and Lita Ford. Seems that the stages are your virtual habitat. Our readers can have some hope to see you soon? Are you planning to visit the Caribbean?

RT: I'd love to play in the Caribbean, yes! Actually, I'm playing with vocalist Tony Harnell on a progressive-metal cruise going to the Bahamas,.February 18 – 22, 2014. It's www.ProgressiveNationAtSea.com and is featuring a great line-up of artists – Mike Portnoy, Derek Sherinian, Billy Sheehan, Tony MacAlpine, Jon Anderson, Andrian Belew, King's X, Spock's Beard, Devin Townsend, lots more... going to be fun!! It leaves from Miami and goes to Great Stirrup Cay and Grand Bahama Island. Hopefully I can come visit you all on the mainland and do a guitar workshop at some point

RP: We are waiting with open arms. Thank you very much for having us and good luck in all your projects Ron.

RT: Thanks so much, gracias!!

For more information on Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal:
www.bumblefoot.com
www.twitter.com/bumblefoot
www.facebook.com/bumblefoot
www.youtube.com/bumblefoot
www.reverbnation.com/bumblefoot