#GunsNRoses: DJ Ashba Leaves The Band After 6 Years

Oh this is gonna hurt.

After six years with Guns N’ Roses, guitarist DJ Ashba has parted ways with Axl Rose’s band. Following the release of “Chinese Democracy” Ashba who joined the band in 2009 was brought on to replace guitarist Robin Flink, who left the band to rejoin Nine Inch Nails.

The guitarist announced his departure from the band via a long handwritten letter to fans.

“It is with a very heavy heart and yet great pride that I announce that I’ve decided to close this chapter of my life and encapsulate the wonderful times that I’ve shared with Guns N’ Roses into fond memories.

Ashba who was last in Malaysia in 2013 with Guns N’ Roses for the Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix post-race concert served as the band’s touring guitarist for six years, although the band hadn’t performed since their spring 2014 Las Vegas residency.

With no tour dates scheduled for Guns N’ Roses, Ashba writes that he will instead focus on his family as well as his side project with Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx. Ashba wrote:

“I have reached a point in my life where I feel it’s time to dedicate myself to my band Sixx:A.M., my adoring wife and family, and to the many new adventures that the future holds for me”

The letter details how Ashba joined Guns N’ Roses and goes on to thank Axl Rose explicitly. He wrote:

“I want to take a moment to thank Axl from the bottom of my heart for not only the most incredible experience of my life, but for truly believing in me. You are a true friend and a champion of mine and I am forever grateful. And even as I move on to pursue other endeavours, I will always remain one of your biggest fans.”

Ashba’s band Sixx: A.M. includes Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx and producer James Michael, who fronts the group. In September 2013, Ashba made news for proposing to his then-girlfriend Colombian actress Nathalia Henao on a private Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department helicopter in 2013.

Ashba’s letter can be read here.