Exclusive: BUMBLEFOOT’s Death Threat Drama During Epic GUNS N’ ROSES Solo Mishap!
Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, the iconic guitarist known for his stints with Guns N’ Roses and Art Of Anarchy, shared a jaw-dropping and hilarious moment from his extensive touring career during a recent interview with Rockin’ Metal Revival. The incident took place at the Rock In Rio festival in Brazil in 2011, where Thal faced a series of calamitous challenges amidst pouring rain that turned the stage into a makeshift swimming pool.
Describing the chaotic scene vividly, Thal recounted how the rain was so intense that it created a few inches of water on the stage, almost submerging the pedal boards. He reminisced about the misfiring pyro effects and the immense struggle of playing on a wet fretless guitar, comparing it to trying to play on a wet balloon amidst the downpour. However, the absurdity peaked when a fan handed Thal a ‘Star Wars’ stormtrooper helmet, leading to a hilarious yet disastrous turn of events.
As Thal attempted to put on the helmet, he found it clinging to his wet skin due to the rain, impairing his vision and causing a moment of panic during the performance. Despite his best efforts to lift the helmet above his eyes, it stubbornly flopped back down, hindering his ability to play flawlessly during the iconic “Welcome to the Jungle” solo. The struggle climaxed when Thal had to pause midway through the solo to clear his vision, resulting in a slew of angry emails and even death threats from disgruntled Brazilian fans who felt personally offended by the interruption.
The fallout from the incident continued to haunt Thal for years, with occasional emails from fans reminding him of that unforgettable moment on stage. Despite the challenges and unexpected turns during the performance, Thal’s ability to navigate through the chaos with humor and resilience showcases his unwavering dedication to his craft and his fans.
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