Guns N’ Roses guitarist Richard Fortus has said that the current lineup are “tighter and more focused than ever.”
The band are gearing up for a run of European shows on their Not In This Lifetime tour which will get underway this coming weekend at Slane Castle in Ireland, with Fortus saying GNR are currently on top of their game.
He tells Hot Press: “This tour has exceeded anything that I’ve previously been a part of. The band is tighter than it’s ever been and everyone is extremely focused. It’s been an honour to be a part of it and something that I will always be very proud of.
“I’ve a lot in common with Slash. He feels like a kindred spirit and we relate on many musical levels. I’ve a lot of respect for him as a musician and have a blast playing with him.
“The greatest thing about him is that he’s constantly stretching out. He’s trying new things. Every night, he plays differently and is always reaching for new heights. He’s very inspiring to play with.”
Fortus continues: “Slash and Duff have the same approach that I do. You play for the song, first and foremost. It’s not about it being some type of masturbatory showcase for your abilities – it’s about working together as a band.”
“I don’t think this band has ever sounded better than it does right now. Axl has never sounded better and we’re tighter and more focused than ever.”
Last month it was revealed that Guns N’ Roses Not in This Lifetime tour had grossed $230 million since it began in April 2016.
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Guns N’ Roses 2017 Not In This Lifetime tour dates
May 27: Slane Castle, Ireland
May 30: Bilbao San Mames, Spain
Jun 02: Lisbon Passeio Maritimo Alges, Portugal
Jun 04: Madrid Estadio Vicente Calderon, Spain
Jun 07: Zurich Letzigrund, Switzerland
Jun 10: Imola Bo Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Italy
Jun 13: Munich Olympiastadion, Germany
Jun 16: London Stadium, UK
Jun 17: London Stadium, UK
Jun 20: Gdansk Stadion Energa, Poland
Jun 22: Hannover Messegelande, Germany
Jun 24: Werchter Festivalpark, Belgium
Jun 27: Kobenhavn Telia Parken, Denmark
Jun 29: Jarva Friends Arena, Sweden
Jul 01: Hameelinna Kantolan Tapahtumapuisto, Finland
Jul 04: Prague Letiste Letnany, Czech Republic
Jul 07: St Denis Stade De France, France
Jul 10: Wien Ernst Happen Stadion, Austria
Jul 12: Nymegen Goffertpark, Netherlands
Jul 15: Tel Aviv Hayarkon Park, Israel
Jul 27: St Louis The Dome, MO
Jul 30: Minneapolis US Bank Stadium, MN
Aug 02: Denver Sports Authority Field, CO
Aug 08: Miami Marlins Park, FL
Aug 11: Winston Salem BB&T Field, NC
Aug 13: Hershey Hersheypark Stadium, PA
Aug 16: Buffalo Orchard Park, NY
Aug 19: Montreal Parc Jean Drapeau, QC
Aug 21: Ottawa TD Place Stadium, ON
Aug 24: Winnipeg Investors Group Field, MB
Aug 27: Regina Mosaic Stadium, SK
Aug 30: Edmonton Commonwealth Stadium, AB
Sep 01: Vancouver BC Place, BC
Sep 03: George Gorge Amphitheatre, WA
Sep 06: El Paso Sun Bowl Stadium, TX
Sep 08: San Antonio Alamodome, TX
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