Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum addressed whether he was surprised by the 2016 reunion of Slash, Duff McKagan, and Axl Rose during an appearance on Talkin’ Rock with Meltdown. The musician reflected on the band’s massive success and the challenges that came with it.
“Not really,” Sorum said when asked if he was caught off guard. “I guess it was gonna be coming down the pike eventually. But like I say, when they got back together, I didn’t know anything about it, to be honest with you.”
“So when it happened, they did it the way they wanted to, and they’re off doing that,” he added.
Sorum also discussed the difficulties of sustaining success at the highest level, noting that Metallica managed to navigate those challenges effectively.
The drummer first learned about the reunion through the rumor mill while he was on tour in South America with Slash and Duff McKagan. Being left out of the loop did not come as a complete shock, but the experience highlighted deeper issues within the band’s dynamics.
Sorum emphasized that communication is key in any band and that resentment is a killer. He suggested that unresolved tension can make situations like this far more painful than they need to be. His comments reflect a broader understanding of how relationships break down in the music industry.
The former Guns N’ Roses member was reportedly offered a guest appearance during the reunion tour but declined over financial disagreements. The decision underscored the complicated nature of his departure from the band and the lasting impact it had on his relationship with his former bandmates.
“When I see these bands that are out touring and have a career that spans the test of time — obviously GN’R, it took them 25 years to get back together, but what I’m saying is it can be a little bit daunting when you’re big like that,” Sorum said. “Metallica’s pulled it off because they’re a machine. They understand. And obviously you saw the documentary about what they went through. But they figured it out. And I’ve said to people, ‘Look, I could be a counselor for your band if you’re having problems. ‘Cause I know what not to do.”
Sorum played on the Use Your Illusion albums and toured with the band during their most commercially successful period. His tenure in Guns N’ Roses from 1990 to 1997 saw the band reach unprecedented heights before internal conflicts ultimately led to his departure.
