Exclusive: Guns N’ Roses Insider Gilby Clarke Reveals Shocking Truth About His Departure from the Band!

Former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke recently revealed that he had never received official notice of his dismissal from the band. In a candid interview with Guitar World, Clarke reminisced about his three-year tenure with Axl Rose’s band during a tumultuous period following Izzy Stradlin’s departure. Despite the chaotic nature of the “Guns machine,” Clarke expressed his appreciation for the band members’ respect and acceptance towards him.

Reflecting on his time with Guns N’ Roses, Clarke shared that he was encouraged by Slash to infuse his own unique style into the band’s songs. This creative freedom allowed him to imprint his mark on the music without the pressure of emulating Izzy’s style. While on the road for over two years with the band’s infamous Use Your Illusion tour, Clarke contributed songs to the band that ultimately went unused by Rose.

This led Clarke to release his solo album, Pawnshop Guitars, which featured collaborations with his former bandmates. Despite initial uncertainty about his status in Guns N’ Roses, Clarke’s predicament was clarified by Slash who initially relayed a message of dismissal, only to retract it a week later. Clarke’s involuntarily departure from the band was marked by the sudden discontinuation of his paychecks.

Clarke also discussed his involvement with Slash’s Snakepit, a band formed by the lead guitarist following similar disagreements with Rose about the band’s direction. Clarke revealed that between himself and Slash, they had enough material to create the next Guns N’ Roses album.

Gilby Clarke’s experience sheds light on the complexities of band dynamics and the often unpredictable nature of the music industry. Despite his abrupt exit from Guns N’ Roses, Clarke’s contributions to the band and the rock music scene as a whole have left an indelible mark.