Steven Adler, the original drummer for Guns N' Roses, is about to unleash his first new album in 25 years, on the eve of his induction into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame. The band is called Adler, with Lonny Paul on guitar and backing vocals, and Jacob Bunton on lead vocals and guitar. Jeff Pilson of Dokken fame played bass and produced the album in his home studio. Guest musicians include none other than Slash and John 5. If you don't know Jacob's other band Lynam, I highly recommend checking out 'Tragic City Symphony' and 'Slave to the Machine' - 2 of the best written, brilliantly performed rock albums of the last decade. With so much talent on board, this is one album that I am really looking forward to hearing.

Adler has been trying for years to get a band and album together, and it was only after he stopped trying so hard that the universe brought the right people into his life. "Once I let those people go and let new people into my life, everything just came together. All the work, all the playing of the villages all around the world has paid off and I've been blessed. I really feel like I have God's favor, because he brought Jacob and Lonny and Jeff and these new people into my life and it's exciting." Lonny Paul had been playing in Adler's Appetite, and he is the magnet that drew everyone together, including co-producer Jay Ruston.

I have had the pleasure of seeing Adler's Appetite live several times, and they always brought a tremendous performance, keeping the early Gn'R songs alive. Steven has played with energy and passion, with an infectious smile on his face all night long. He always takes the time to thank every fan for attending and is one of the most genuine people I have met. He is honored to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14th and wishes the original band would perform together for the fans sake. "If it wasn't for the fans, I wouldn't get to live like I do. I think we owe it to them to perform for them, and if it doesn't happen with the 5 of us, I'm going up there with my drums, and I'll play with the CD. I love and respect my fans, because of the love and respect I get from them, all over the world." Steven plans to honor the bands that came before him, even though they are not yet in the HOF, because he knows there would be no Gn'R without those artists. He even plans to quote Freddie Mercury in his speech, so stay tuned.

Adler's first single "The One You Hated" will be released on iTunes April 10th.

For the full band interview, see next month's edition of Shockwave Magazine.