He picked up a guitar at just nine, and then went on to perform with the likes of Neil Diamond and Motley Crue before joining Guns N’ Roses in 2009.
Talented, bright and, extraordinary humble despite his success, we got the lowdown from Dj ASHBA on a plethora of things that pertain to a life of being the stuff of a rock legend.
And, also, most importantly, his mission to help those who are bullied.
Check out our interview below….
Celebzter: You’ve had quite a prolific career, did you ever think that it would evolve like this?
Dj ASHBA: I appreciate you saying that, but in my mind, I’m just getting started. There are so many things that I am creating and working on for the future that I am very excited about.
Celebzter: When did you first pick a guitar and realize that was the thing you were meant to do?
Dj ASHBA: When I was 9 years old I bought my first guitar for 89.00 out of the Sears catalog. The moment I felt it in my hands it was love.
Celebzter: Who are your musical influences?
Dj ASHBA: Elvis Presley. My mom grew me up on Elvis.
Celebzter: Was it a dream come true when you got the call in 2009 to join Guns N’ Roses?
Dj ASHBA: It was very surreal, but it didn’t really hit me until the first concert I played with Guns.
Celebzter: We have to ask, what is Axl really like?
Dj ASHBA: He’s a f’n prick! haha! nah I’m only joking!
He’s actually very misunderstood by the media and people who don’t know him. People like to assume shit, now granted I can only speak for me, but truth is he is one of the funniest and coolest motherf%$#ers out there. I would take a bullet for him.
Celebzter: What do you make of Slash’s recent comments that the band will never “reunite” in their original form?
Dj ASHBA: I would have to agree with him.
Celebzter: What has been the highlight of your professional career so far?
Dj ASHBA: Joining Guns N’ Roses, working with other great artist such as Neil Diamond and Motley Crue. Building my dream clothing line
www.ASHBAswag.com And of course being a member of Sixx:A.M.
Celebzter: I’m sure that you have countless wild tales from life on the road, can you share just one with us?
Dj ASHBA: Waking up drunk in the closet, sleeping in my suitcase comes to mind.
Celebzter: Is life on the road all it is cracked up to be?
Dj ASHBA: And then some, but it’s brutal hours and a lot of hard work. It takes a toll on your mind and body.
Celebzter: What advice would you give to an aspiring musician?
Dj ASHBA: Don’t ever give up. You can be or have anything you want in life, you just have to be willing to work as hard as it takes to get it.
Celebzter: What makes you happy?
Dj ASHBA: Family, friends and of course all of my fans. I would be nothing without them. Also, reaching the goals that I set for my self.
Celebzter: How did you come up with the whole ASHBA SWAG company?
Dj ASHBA: I have always been an artist, even before a musician. I created ASHBA Swag for my fans. Some people paint pictures and hang them in galleries for others to enjoy. I love the fact that people can wear my vision, our creation for years to come. My main goal was to create a place that had something for everyone. A place where seasons don’t exist.
Celebzter: What other projects are you working on? BullyVille?
Dj ASHBA: I am working with BullyVille.com to help spread awareness to people getting bullied. It’s a huge problem, and together we can make a difference. I also am launching my very own Social Network. It will be a Rock N’ Roll Community for Fans to unite together! Its gonna be bad ass!
www.ASHBALAND.com will be coming soon to an internet near you! I also am happy to announce that I started a company called AAG (ASHBA Automotive Group) with the Ryan Friedlinghaus CEO of West Coast Customs. We are launching the Limited Edition ASHBA Challenger by Dodge. “The Death Ride” it is the sickest muscle car on the market and will be available later this year. So I am very excited about all of this!
Celebzter: When you look back on your body of work, what do you hope people will see as your lasting legacy?
Dj ASHBA: Ya know, that’s a good question, I don’t really think about that stuff.
