Guns N’ Roses Guitarists DJ Ashba And Bumblefoot Quit The Band

There’s been speculation on guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal’s exit from Guns N’ Roses for about year; a recent interview with journalist Gary Graff has added to the mystery. The conversation, as reported by Blabbermouth and Loudwire, led to Graff asking Bumblefoot to clarify his status with the group. Bumblefoot replied:

That is the thing I am not to elaborate on. I think there’s enough clues out there for you to figure out what I’m up to now…I’m a real busy guy and really enjoying everything I’m doing, and I think that everything I’m doing has a future and a bigger plan — the solo stuff, the other bands, the producing, the charity and educational things I’m doing. These are all the things I love that I’ve really missed, and I’m very happy to be putting my time back into that. It’s really what I should be doing.

However, Graff reported that Bumblefoot is for sure out. A source within the band apparently stated: “Bumblefoot quit last year. I don’t understand why he continues to be evasive on his status with the band — he quit in South America. He told Axl he was done and (Las) Vegas would be his last run with the band.”

We’re not sure why Bumblefoot won’t explicitly state that he’s done with GNR. Just last week, fellow Guns N’ Roses guitarist DJ Ashba announced his official exit from the band in a heartfelt, handwritten letter posted on his website, titled “A Letter from Me to All of You.” He details his fond memories of working with the band and Axl Rose before announcing the difficult decision to dedicate his time to Sixx:A.M and “close this chapter” of his life.

Bumblefoot released a solo album, Little Brother Is Watching, back in February. He’s also made a guest appearance on Metal Allegiance’s self-titled album, due in September, and has been involved with rock supergroup Art of Anarchy since 2011. Perhaps a letter detailing his official exit from Guns N’ Roses will surface soon; until then, it’s safe to assume he has left and is producing enough outside material to keep himself and his fans occupied.