There was much speculation on who might return for the rumored Guns N' Roses reunion before it happened, and while Gilby Clarke, who replaced Izzy Stradlin in the band, hasn't been a part of the "Not in This Lifetime" tour, he's definitely thrilled that it's happening and psyched to see Slash and Duff back playing with Axl Rose again.

During a chat at the Ride for Ronnie benefit over the weekend, Clarke told us, “I’ve been saying from day one that I think it’s fantastic. It’s great for rock music, number one! I mean we all know that rock music has kind of taken a hit over the last ten years and I think by the success of this tour we can really help rock come to the forefront again."

He adds, "Look, I was a huge fan of Guns N’ Roses before I was in the band. I think it was a great band and to me there’s nothing better than seeing Slash and Axl back together again and I’m happy for them."

As for his current plans, Clarke tells us, "I’m making a new solo album and I’m almost finished. I’ve been working on this record for a long time … well, long time in maybe six months on and off, but I like it."

Speaking about the impetus for new music, he revealed, "I’ve made a few solo records, but I don’t really feel that’s my career. It’s just an outlet of songs and things, but I was out on the road doing a solo show and someone said, ‘You know, you haven’t made a solo record since 2003.’ I was like, ‘Are you serious?’ That makes me feel like I haven’t written anything. So it kind of made me just bog down and start writing and I’m just enjoying the process. I went in with a certain amount of songs and the creative process just opened up and I’m very happy with it.”

“It’s not such a hard rock record. but it’s just a rock record. It’s definitely loud guitars, big drums and I’m screaming through it," he laughingly added.

When asked about who's playing with him on the disc, Clarke revealed, "Kenny Aronoff, who has played on every f—king record in the world is playing drums. Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction played a lot on it, and then my actual solo band which is EJ Curse and Troy Patrick Farrell are on it. Sean McNabb, who is here today, he played on it. No other guitar players. I’m the only guitar player on it. I have had guest guitar players over time, but not like I made a plan, but songs just evolve naturally over time and I was always there for the guitar playing."

So stay tuned for more Gilby Clarke music and we'll update when more details about the release become available.

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