Yes I play guitar, I didn't audition. I criticize him because he is shite
I got into GnR a long long time ago when they were a bunch of "dangerous" and unpredictable musicians with a "fuck you world" attitude. The only danger Ashba shows is that he may get mascara in his eye or a dildo jammed too deep in his arse.
When Axl formed the "new" GnR, he did a great thing. He didn't try to replace the members like for like or settle for generic, he went out and found amazingly talented, hungry musicians. Ashba is neither, he pumps out absolute bog standard, unchallenging, pap. And the way he hocks his shitty Gashbafagswag appalls me.
I hate his appearance just as i hated Finck's in the early days BUT Finck is an excellent songwriter, and wrote some fantastic solos. He may get called sloppy live but i do not for one second accept that Ashba is a better player or an improvement. Not in a million years.
He has made me not give a flying fuck about this current band because he is so shite in comparison to Richard and Ron yet is the one thrusted into the limelight, and why? I have no idea, i think Axl has lost his mind...