Richard Fortus, the longest-serving guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, recently discussed the band’s future direction in an interview with Guitar World.
When asked about how he sees GN’R’s future unfolding, Fortus emphasized his approach to the band’s trajectory and creative process. His response highlighted a philosophy focused on immediate progress rather than long-term planning.
“I see us continuing to put out new music, but like I said, I don’t think about things more than a year out,” Fortus said. “That’s my focus. It’s always on the next rung in the ladder. I’m not looking at where I’ve come from or where I’m going, long term. I’m just constantly trying to move up.”
Fortus has been with Guns N’ Roses for 23 years. He reflected on the band’s internal dynamics and noted that the group has evolved significantly since he joined. The band moved from a fractured state to a more unified front. His ability to work seamlessly with legendary guitarist Slash and his mastery of tone have been key factors in his longevity within the band.
Fortus’s measured optimism about the band’s future aligns with recent developments in the studio. Metal Injection reported that Guns N’ Roses is actively assembling ideas and recording new material. The band has not yet officially started tracking a full album in the studio. This phase of creative accumulation suggests the groundwork is being laid for what could be a significant release.
In recent interviews, Fortus expressed confidence in the project’s trajectory. Ultimate Classic Rock documented Fortus stating, “Yeah, I do [think a new album will happen]. It’s sort of too good not to happen at this point.” He added that the band is “counting on it” and “planning on it.” This sentiment reflects a collective momentum within the band that extends beyond mere speculation.
Fortus also praised Axl Rose’s songwriting abilities and his unique talent for assembling cohesive songs from various musical parts. The collaborative creative process has fostered a sense of unity that Fortus believes is essential to the band’s success. WRAT noted that while no official release date has been announced, Fortus suggested the album could arrive sooner than fans might expect. He stated, “I think it will come a lot sooner than you think.”
The band has accumulated a significant amount of new material over time. The current focus is on organizing and finalizing the tracks. With the band feeling solidified and everyone eager to move forward, the pieces appear to be falling into place for what could be one of rock’s most anticipated releases in recent years.
