When I share photos with guests who join my Airbnb Experience, “The Sunset Strip: Stories With a Music Journalist,” the first one I show is a shot of me with Dizzy Reed outside the Whisky in 1989. It was taken a few months before Reed joined Guns N’ Roses as their keyboard player, a role he has held for 35 years and one that makes him the band’s longest-serving member after its figurehead, Axl Rose.
In those long-ago days, Reed was one of the Strip’s hair metal hopefuls, a regular at the neighborhood’s iconic clubs with his band, the Wild. Our friendship extended beyond nightlife into the “normal” daytime activities, as I recount in this story when we reconnected in 2016 after a 27-year hiatus.
At that time, Reed had already finished his first solo album, Rock ‘N Roll Ain’t Easy, which had been in the works for eight years, though it would take another two before it came out. Its follow-up, Rock ‘N Roll Chose Me, was completed soon after with co-producer Jason Achilles Mezilis, but that record also took a few years to surface. It finally appeared this August as a limited-edition package featuring an orange LP, autographed sleeve, collectible poster, and custom bumper sticker, with the streaming version following in September.
Rock ‘N Roll Chose Me is a musically joyful album with an unforced feel that shrugs off the impulse to “rawk” at every turn. It marks a shift from Rock ‘N Roll Ain’t Easy, which featured members of Guns N’ Roses. Says Reed, “For this record, I removed any restrictions and tried to do what I want to do. Then, if it needed it, I brought in some guys to round it out with some killer guitar stuff. It’s still me singing, and it’s still based on the rootsy stuff I’m into. Keyboard-wise, I wanted to add a lot of ear candy.”
This approach softens some of the album’s more sensitive themes, particularly the mental health struggles Reed shares with his daughter Shade. She and his wife, Nadja, join him on “My Wounds Don’t Bleed,” a track Shade partly wrote.
“I thought it’s time to talk about my mental illness, while also throwing in the view of someone who doesn’t, but supports someone who does,” he says. “Shade came over and goes, ‘I have poetry. It could be lyrics.’ She handed it to me, and it was really baring her soul about the issues she has. It was the last song we recorded, and it was hard to get through because it was all these emotions and feelings about things I buried.
“I came from a time where mental illness and depression was something you just dealt with. Most people wouldn’t recognize it. You bury it, you move on, and you try to be strong. I got to the point where I couldn’t do that anymore. I needed to seek out help, and I did. Shade, luckily her mom and I, we recognized it early on. With kids, it’s important that they get that help. I wanted to make people aware.”
There’s a chance Reed will perform his solo material live while Guns N’ Roses are on a brief touring hiatus. More immediately, his project Hookers and Blow will be taking over our old stomping ground, the Whisky, on Boxing Day. But most of Reed’s life is spent on the road. Here, he shares 10 essential movies and series he watches on tour to stay sane—plus a bonus pick.
Lost in America (movie)
Albert Brooks is a genius filmmaker/writer/actor/director/comedian in any era. And he was so ahead of his time (check out Real Life, his first feature film). I remember his appearances on the Tonight Show and his short films on SNL in the ’70s. I have been a fan most of my life. For some reason, I’m always drawn back to this movie. Julie Hagerty is so amazing.
Idiocracy (movie)
In addition to being so prophetic, there are many, many layers of comedy in this movie. The characters and the casting are incredible. President Camacho kicks ass.
“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (series)
This show just got better and better. Never jumped the shark. It ALL still makes me laugh every time.
“We Bare Bears” (series)
Waking up to this brilliant animated series will always put me in a good mood: show day, travel day, or day off. Demitri Martin’s Ice Bear is cooler than cool.
“I Think You Should Leave” (series)
This series has gotten me through some tough tours and some tough times. I just wish they’d make more. Tim Robinson is brilliant.
“Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda” (series)
I love true crime TV and there’s a lot to choose from, but Joe Kenda’s narration, sayings, quotes, and comments are unlike any other. And it all takes place in my home state which is both relatable and a bit frightening.
“W/ Bob & David” (series)
……or “Mr. Show.” I will watch anything that Bob Odenkirk or David Cross are a part of. Even the Chipmunks movies.
“Trailer Park Boys” (series)
If you haven’t watched this show, you are missing out on one of the best shows ever. I love ALL the characters.
The Big Lebowski (movie)
This movie is on loop on my tech Willie T.’s workstation on stage. Yes, that’s how I prepare for the show.
“Forensic Files” (series)
So informative, so great. I can never remember how each case turns out for some reason, even after multiple viewings, so it does not get old.
Barfly (movie)
I always have Bukowski available to read on my iPad. I discovered his writings when I was living at or near that level for so many years in L.A. This movie is a way overlooked gem Mickey Rourke, Faye Dunaway, and Frank Stallone as Eddie!!!! It’s cinema at its finest.
