jeudi 28 Déc 2006, 14h59m
Gilby Clarke is one artist I really, really love and respect. I lost a little of that when he chose to appear on Rockstar Supernova. But I guess if you play music like his and produce the bands he does, you're going to need some cash to continue making that sort of music.
An exceptionally talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Gilby Clarke earns my respect largely because he knows his rock n' roll. He's not ashamed to admit it, and will probably never stop making it. There are very few musicians in this world who refuse to adapt to the big fads of the time, and it is curious indeed that two of them are former Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarists. Izzy Stradlin' is another artist I deeply respect.
Another thing is, Gilby loves music, not just rock music, and that shows. The first album he ever did was the brilliant power-pop release Whatever Happened to Fun?, which is now out of print, pops up in discussions in the most fashionable rock critic corners, and goes for quite a hefty price on eBay. This already showed significant diversity in Clarke's musical taste. With that release, he showed that he wasn't afraid to release outdated material at all, something that he would prove again in the 90's and 00's.
Next up was Kill For Thrills' only full-length album, Dynamite From Nightmareland, the album showcases Gilby's love for straight ahead hard rock, but included several original pop touches in the production. After his tenure in this band was Clarke's famous time as a Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist, during which he played to several million fans around the world. He was later fired by GN'R frontman Axl Rose upon the band's return to the US.
Clarke's solo record Pawnshop Guitars was released to critical acclaim and good sales in 1994. The record showcased even more sides to Clarke's personality and music, featuring very good vocals, and an excitingly original mix of influences which clearly included The Clash, The Rolling Stones & Cheap Trick.
He returned with two other solo albums in the 90's which didn't achieve the commercial or critical success of Pawnshop Guitars, but were good enough to sustain his popularity and keep his fans interested. The 00's saw the release of Col. Parker's only album, which ended up on a few key top 10 lists at the end of the year of its release, and his return to L.A. Sleaze Rock with Swag, coming complete with occasional guitar from Tracii Guns of L.A. Guns.
When not recording music, Clarke spends his time touring or playing club shows, filled with material from all his bands, and often featuring friends from Hollywood, as it is in the case of his live release 99 Live, which features lead guitar from Tracii Guns. Clarke also produces often, for up and coming rock bands, as well as veteran rock acts like L.A. Guns.
Clarke isn't simply a musical artist, he is a man obsessed with music. He's always doing something related to music, whether it's producing, touring off his own material, or making guest appearances in L.A. clubs with other artists. Clarke is humble, friendly, and remains an avid music lover, just like the rest of us.