Virtuoso guitar player, songwriter, and producer Richard Fortus joins Nick on the show today to talk about everything Guns N’ Roses, touring with Psychedelic Furs and producing their latest chart-topping record, as well as having found peace and focus in his home recording studio.
Key Takeaways
[2:10] Nick welcomes Richard Fortus and asks him how quarantine has been treating him — a touring beast. Richard touches on moving back to St. Louis, and his youth playing the violin and drumming for what he calls secular music.
[9:54] Richard shares the story of how he came to inherit a massive record collection from his aunt, which essentially shaped his musical youth. He talks about the seminal influence Cream Magazine had on him as well as his transition from the art-rock scene up until he first heard The Clash.
[15:53] From his first label, Richard recounts how he began touring with Psychedelic Furs and Richard Butler as well as the creation of Love Spit Love. Nick and Richard discuss the start of his songwriting career.
[30:14] Honky Toast’s ridiculously large record deal… Richard talks about substance abuse, touring with Enrique Iglesias, and a timely second call to audition for Guns N’ Roses.
[35:22] Richard shares the story of being mistaken for Izzy Stradlin while on his way to taking his job. Touring with GNR wasn’t always stadiums but the camaraderie was there, even if making three guitars work is a difficult dynamic.
[39:15] GNR dynamics as members come and go was something Richard never perceived as uncomfortable, he speaks to how naturally and quickly things fell together when Duff and Slash came back.
[42:56] Richard talks about what time is left for his own projects outside of GNR and trying to strike a balance. He shares his current playlists.
[49:02] Nick thanks Richard for coming on and sharing so much of his story.
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Find out more about today’s guest, Richard Fortus
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