by Alexandra Mrozowska
— Sr. Columnist —
Rock ‘n roll ain’t easy, says Dizzy Reed – not only the second longest-standing member of Guns N’ Roses who joined the band in 1990 and remained with them ever since but also a co-founder of cover band Hookers & Blow and now a solo act. It’s little wonder this catchphrase has become a title of his first solo effort hitting the shelves right now as both music- and lyric-wise, the album portrays the ups and downs of rock’n’roll lifestyle. Although incredibly busy with his ongoing tenure in reunited Guns ‘N Roses as well as promoting Rock ‘N Roll Ain’t Easy, Dizzy caught up with Hardrock Haven to share a few thoughts about his recent endeavors.
Hardrock Haven: Although you’re active in the music industry for roughly three decades, Rock ‘N Roll Ain’t Easy is your first solo album. When did the idea for making a solo album appear? Is it more like a reflection of your current state of mind or a resultant of all your experiences past and present?
Dizzy Reed: The ideas for the songs first appeared in my head about ten or eleven years ago. I decided then that they should leave my brain. The title song itself was really about things coming full circle for me, sort of back on the streets after so many years, reflecting on the experience. Instead of letting it get me down, I put the circumstances to work. Made it work for me. Picked up a guitar and let it all out. And while it’s a good time, rock ‘n roll ain’t easy. And [the Australian record label] Golden Robot Records wanted to sign us. They had the right ideas for it.
Hardrock Haven: Your songwriting partners on the album included Ricky Warwick (Thin Lizzy, Black Star Riders) and Del James. Do you prefer working on songs with co-writers rather than alone?
Dizzy Reed: I am very into collaborating. I’ve been fortunate enough to be around so many great musicians and songwriters. I’d be foolish to not try and work with them. That said, there are a couple of tunes on the record that I did all by myself. I ran it by Del and he convinced me they were fine as they were.
Hardrock Haven: Somehow, the second part of the album seems to be more modern (“I Celebrate,” “Understanding, “Crestfallen”) than the first, more ‘80s tinted one…
Dizzy Reed: We didn’t really try and create a separation. We just tried to stay true to our roots. Much of the inspiration came from the great players that are performing on the record.
Hardrock Haven: Speaking of them, was the choice of guest prompted by artistic or personal reasons – or both?
Dizzy Reed: Del and I decided right away that rather than put a band together to do this, we would bring in people we knew that were into it. We were very lucky to be able to get the people we did through their willingness and availability. Pretty cool. Their enthusiasm made the whole thing happen really.
Hardrock Haven: As far as we talk your side project Hookers & Blow, have you ever thought of making your own material?
Dizzy Reed: Hookers & Blow have vowed never to make a record, to do the opposite of what all bands do and we are succeeding.
Hardrock Haven: You’ve been rightfully credited with enriching Guns N’ Roses sound. What is the experience of being a part of this band like?
Dizzy Reed: It has been and will hopefully continue to be a hell of a ride. I’m so f’n lucky that I was asked to be a part of that. And the fact that they ever even asked for my input and accepted my contributions is, well, an honor.
Hardrock Haven: G N’ R is one of the quite rare instances when as many as two keyboard players play in the band at the same time, as it happened with Chris Pitman and now with Melissa Reese…
Dizzy Reed: It’s really more common than most people think. If it adds to the sound then it should be there. We never force anything in just because. Ever. Melissa is an incredible addition. Modern flavor, amazing voice. And she’s a pleasure to be around onstage, backstage, on the bus and that’s saying a lot. She fits in with the whole scheme perfectly.
Hardrock Haven: What does the future hold in store for Dizzy Reed, with your solo career as well as your ongoing tenure in GN’R?
Dizzy Reed: I’m so stoked that my record is finally coming out, it was a long time coming. I will squeeze in whatever promo and dates I can do for it, but G N’ R is my number one priority. No rest for the wicked. Rock ‘n Roll ain’t easy, folks!
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