Friday, April 8: Rock Birthdays

Happy Birthday today (April 8) to former Guns N' Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin. He's 54. Also celebrating is guitarist Steve Howe of Yes (69) and bassist Mel Schacher of Grand Funk Railroad (64). In remembrance, bassist Paul Gray of Slipknot would have been 44 today.

Izzy Stradlin is best known as the co-founder and former rhythm guitarist for Guns N’ Roses.  Stradlin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Guns N’ Roses in 2012. After leaving Guns N’ Roses in 1991, he released an album and toured with his new band Izzy Stradlin and the Ju Ju Hounds. He’s also released many solo albums over the years. Guns N’ Roses formed in 1985 and the band had great success in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Their first album Appetite for Destruction is the best-selling debut album in U.S. with sales of 18 million. The album has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The successful Use Your Illusion albums were released in 1991. Guns N' Roses are one of my favorite bands, and I'm hoping Izzy Stradlin will be involved in some way with the reunion tour this summer.