When rumors of a Guns N' Roses began to gain traction online, Matt Sorum was touring South America with Duff McKagan and Slash , but his bandmates only confirmed the return after the deal was already finalized.
In the dark about the negotiations, the Use Your Illusion got a bucket of cold water thrown on him when he confronted his colleague about the tour, as he told Rolling Stone . “Axl wants his drummer [ Frank Ferrer ],” McKagan said. “Tell Axl you want me on drums, period. Now is the time,” Sorum retorted. “Oh, man. I already signed the contract,” Duff replied.
Despite the awkward situation, Matt Sorum is grateful for the opportunities his time in Guns N' Roses brought to his career: recognition, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and connections that led to business ventures in startups.
“I accepted the fact that they are doing their own thing and I am doing mine. I can’t say I was completely happy with the circumstances when it happened. At the same time, I feel very good about the time I spent in the band,” he stated.
The reason he wasn't invited, Sorum believes, is Axl Rose to the band that has accompanied him for years. “If anyone in that band is loyal, it's probably Axl. He was like, 'I'm going to bring my guy. If I get Slash, great. If I get Duff, great too. And that's enough.' That's how it happened and what they're doing,” he said.
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