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Gilby Clarke

Here are some interesting facts about Gilby Clarke. An american guitarist, singer, songwriter, record producer, and former rhythm guitarist of "Guns N' Roses":


(Photo: Ethan Miller)


= He was born on August 17 in Cleveland, Ohio. His full name is Gilbert J. Clarke.


= Clarke started his musical career during the first half of the Eighties, replacing "Candy's" original guitarist, Geoff Siegel, later becoming the band's lead vocalist. He contributed to the band's only studio album "Whatever Happened to Fun..." released in 1985.


= In 1988 Clarke formed "Kill for Thrills", a metal band that released the EP "Commercial Suicide" in 1989 and a full album "Dynamite from Nightmareland" in 1990.


= In 1991 Clarke joined "Guns N' Roses" as the rhythm guitarist, replacing Izzy Stradlin during the "Use Your Illusion" Tour. His first show with the band was on December 5, 1991, in Worcester, MA.


= In 1993 Clarke played on "Guns N' Roses’" album "The Spaghetti Incident?", which featured covers of punk and glam rock songs.



= In 1994 he released his debut solo album "Pawnshop Guitars", which featured some members of "Guns N' Roses" and went gold in Argentina. On the same year Clarke's contract with "Guns N' Roses" was not renewed, leading to his departure from the band.


= The same year he played lead guitar on "The Loveless", "Wish I Could Fly" tracks on the album "A Tale of Gin and Salvation".


= In 1995 Clarke joined "Slash's Snakepit" and played on their album "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere". He also co-wrote the song "Monkey Chow" from the album.


= In the years 1997-2002 Clarke released three more solo albums: "The Hangover" (1997), "Rubber" (1998), and "Swag" (2002). He also released a live album, "99 Live"  in 1999.


= In 1999 Clarke made a guest appearance on the "L.A. Guns" album "Shrinking Violet", which he also produced. He also produced "L.A. Guns'" 2001 album "Man in the Moon".


= In 2001 Clarke formed "Col. Parker" with Slim Jim Phantom and Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis, releasing the album "Rock N Roll Music".


= In 2002 He collaborated with Nancy Sinatra on her album "California Girl".


= In 2003 he produced "The Bronx’s" self-titled debut album.


= The same year, "Teenage Neon Jungle" - a rare and unreleased album of his former band "Candy" was released.


= In 2005 he played guitar with the reformed "MC5", joining original members Wayne Kramer, Dennis Thompson, and Michael Davis.


= In 2006 Clarke joined "Rock Star Supernova", a supergroup formed with Tommy Lee of "Mötley Crüe" and Jason Newsted of "Metallica". The band was the focus of the reality TV show "Rock Star: Supernova", choosing their lead vocalist. Later they released their only eponymous album with their chosen lead vocalist Lukas Rossi.



= In 2007 he released a best-of compilation album featuring tracks from his solo work and "Col. Parker", including a re-recording of "Black" with vocals by "Rock Star Supernova" runner-up Dilana Robichaux.


= In 2008 he performed at the "G-TARanaki Guitar Festival" in New Zealand and toured North America with "Rock n' Roll Fantasy Camp".


= In 2012 Clarke reunited with former "Guns N' Roses" members Slash, Steven Adler, Matt Sorum, and Duff McKagan for the band’s "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" induction performance, though he was not inducted himself.


= In 2019 he released the single "Rock n Roll Is Getting Louder."


= In 2021 Clarke released his most successful album to date "The Gospel Truth", featuring contributions from Nikki Sixx and other notable musicians.



= Throughout his career Clarke has worked as a producer, producing albums for "L.A. Guns", "Bullets and Octane", "The Bronx", and "Vains of Jenna".


= He has also collaborated with artists like Alice Cooper, "Heart", "MC5", and Kathy Valentine of The "Go-Go's".


= Clarke is an avid collector of vintage guitars and motorcycles, both of which influence his music and lifestyle.


= His Wife Daniela is a costume designer. She was born in Nazareth, Israel and moved to South Africa at the age of 10. She met Gilby in LA when she was 16.


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