Q: You're on the road so much these days, what do you do in your spare time?

A: I read a lot. I started a book called The Ultimate Evil by Maury Terry that's really scary.

Q: How can you stay sane in the midst of all this rock 'n' roll craziness?

A: By the people around me. The guys in the road crew, the guys I hang out with ... and my girlfriend. They keep me together.

Q: Who else influences you?

A: The guys in the band ... and my family. Especially my brothers.

Q: Who are your bass guitar influences?

A: Nobody. Except maybe Sid Vicious. He was the coolest bass player ever.

Q: But he hardly knew how to play at all!

A: I know, but that adds to it. He got away with it, didn't he?

Q: Not for long. But let's get back to you. If you weren't doing this, what would you be doing?

A: I can't imagine myself doing anything else.

Q: How else would you describe yourself as a person?

A: Down-to-earth, a lover of music, making music, and making love. I love to make people happy and I think I'm basically a good person ... despite what you may read about me.

Q: I read that Guns N' Roses trashed the Girls Room at the Whiskey club in Los Angeles.

A: Now that is true. But we broke a few mirrors, that's all.

Q: The thing I like about the band is that you back up all the outrageous stories with some of the best rock 'n' roll around.

A: Yeah, thanks. We knew people were getting turned off with all the stories that came out about us in the press even before our first album came out. Hell, I don't blame 'em. But we were very confident about the record we were about to make.

Q: Appetite For Destruction is selling like hotcakes. So you knew all along you had the goods to back it up?

A: Hell yeah, of course. But I remember at the time we did worry a little bit about all the hype. I mean, if I heard all that stuff about another band, I'd scoff too.

Q: The funny thing is that once people took the time to listen, they realized you were for real. And the kids know you're one of them.

A: That's the whole key right there, Mike. You hit it on the head. In fact, that's what I always say in all my interviews. Reporters always ask about the bad boy image. They also ask about why we think we're doing so good. Well, there is no bad boy image! It's just us -- five guys doing what we've always wanted to do and pulling it off! And I think the reason we're successful is because we are real and the kids know it. Y'know, Mike, a good song to me is one you can listen to and then imagine yourself playing and singing. That's real.

The article was written and sent by Kate. Thanx!!!

©1997-1998 Andreas Björlenstam -"We Ain't Dead Yet"...p@ge