adriana smith music

Adriana Smith’s interview in Bubblegum Slut mag #33 w/ The Damned, Backyard Babies, etc.!

– Let’s begin with how your story came to light. It‘s only in recent months that you‘ve come forward as ‘The Rocket Queen’ and begun speaking openly in the media about the part you played in creating that classic song. What spurred you on to do that just now, after so many years of silence? Actually, I began speaking openely about it a couple of years ago as a way to resolve issues I felt regarding my past in it’s entirety. I did not know that the story immediately surrounding the song “Rocket Queen” would actually hold such appeal at this late of a date. Marc Canter’s book “Reckless Road” seemed to be the catalyst. Marc has created a picture/story historical timeline of his child hood friend Slash’s rise to fame ultimately through playing with GNR. I lent my story and pictures to his effort because of the long-time friendship I had with he and his wife Lisa. I was also developing a friendship with Steven Adler’s long-time webmaster and free-lance writter Brook Ellis who asked to interview me for an issue of “Classic Rock Magazine” which he was writting. I saw no harm in doing either, since Axl was very interested back in the early Appetite for Destruction days to tell the story then. I asked him to refrain from using my name openly and crediting me, because of my personal relationship with Steven, whom I regarded as my boyfriend. Steven and I had a rocky relationship anyway, and because of infidelities on both our parts, the relationship did not last. In a sense, I betrayed Axl by keeping the whole thing a hush situation, for Steven’s sake, which I now regret. Axl has remained true to his word; he never spoke about who the girl was on the song. I know that must have been very difficult for him, because he is extremely bright, filled with ideas, and proud of his work. That sounds sort of tongue in cheeck, but even sexually, Axl Rose is a fine designer of his craft, and takes pride in his artistic product. I stand by it 100%!Soon after, “Classic Rock” interview, I was contacted by “Rolling Stone.” It just so happened that all of these events were coinciding with the 20year anniversary of Guns n Roses first album, which features the song “Rocket Queen.” Many people have criticized me publically, saying that I have some alterior motive to it all. I couldn’t have possibly planned it out so well! In fact, I do front a band in San Diego called “Ghost in the Graveyard” which many think is a coat-tail ride on GNR. Not so. My band was created in 2006, which is sometime before Marc got started with “Reckless Road” and before any public interviews were wrtitten. In fact I had been playing for about 8 years with Doug Tilley around San Diego trying to form a country-cover band in hopes of getting some paying gigs around locally and in the casinos. Many in my circle of friends did not even know that I had anything to do with GNR much less never heard a peep out of me about it, and were stunned to find out that I was the “Mystery girl” on the sex sounds for “Rocket Queen.” Now everyone knows, and it’s no big secret, the way it should have originally gone down. I don’t deal in secrets or deception anymore. After all, the old saying goes “You are only as sick as your secrets,” and my secrets are not sick, they are fantastic, real, and you know them all now! People suffer illnesses like cancer from holding things in. Honestly, I doubt if sex with Axl Rose is something to be ashamed of, much less hidden. Let’s face it! I am a pretty lucky girl to claim not only the sex, the friendship, memories and life experiences to go along with all of it. Also, I was the ONLY other person that appeared on that album besides the band, and a female too! Pretty cool! – Today few would disagree that Appetite For Destruction represents a seminal moment in global rock history. At the time it was recorded was there any sense of just what that first album might go on to do? I’m sure at least Geffen Records figured on it, and probably many others too. I guess I was just young and inexperienced. I was looking for a happily-ever-after with Steven which I thought the album could provide.I mean, I guess I should have been able to see how big things were getting when I was in New York, and met up with Axl, Izzy, and Slash. The hotel was nice, and everyone had food and liquor which were the things I used to have to work for. The studio was great and the engineers were reputed to be top notch. Back in L.A., everyone was excited about the album release, and I got to meet a lot of people and go to a lot of events. I just couldn’t grasp the scope of it. Who could possibly overestimate the sucess of that album to such a degree that they would be right?! Axl! That’s who. He seemed to totally get everything that was happening around and was super saavy about initiating ideas and marketing the band. I remember him telling me that he wanted the album in Kmart. I couldn’t understand that. Tower Records on Sunset is what I remember being the chic place to get an album. He was thinking about the whole midwest and kids going shopping with their parents. Bam! There it is Guns n Roses! You’d almost have to buy it Today plenty of bands are marketed through Walmart, etc. Back then, not so much. What are your memories of those studio sessions? Fun! Did you personally have an inkling that G’n’R had a seriously special set of songs on their hands?I was a cheerleader and fan of the music from the beginning. The guys in the band, and all of the people closest to them were a family unit of sorts.The songs that were being recorded for the album were memorized by me and my bff’s Gaby, and Barbour, and all of our other friends from the beginning. We loved the guys and their music. There were fantastic GNR stage shows, but the day to day life with our “family of friends” was the truest love for music I have ever experienced. There was a dear friend and noted songwritter for GNR who passed away named West Arkeen (RIP). West had never-ending “gatherings” wherever he lived. Music, partying, and comraderie over-flowed continually. When someone like that is alive and creates an atmosphere of creativity, many things can happen. Many songs were born then. – There is a tendency, when a band enjoys worldwide fame on the scale G’n’R have ever since that album’s release, for them to become more characters than humans beings in the eyes of a public seeing them through the distorting lens of the media. In Axl’s case this caricature of ego, excess and eccentricity appears to have over taken the man. Having seen those guys close up, before the fame, just how much of a distortion do you find that to be? 100%. Lets face it; money and fame change people to a ceratain degree. We all would become exposed to a world we cannot even fathom, much less judge someone else about. As for Axl, I believe the press has taken every opportunity to berate and belittle Axl in the way of making him out to be some sort of a big-headded recluse, plagued by depression and over-indulgences. Even up until the recent release of “Chinese Democracy” the press has seized this album’s release as yet another way to make Axl out to be a bad guy, and for what? Putting his music out there for the people? I mean, that is what he does for a living . Axl is a man who is extremely bright and gifted, and no one can deny that, so the press and the haters have to find a way to undermine the success they are so jealous of, yet so consumed with! Axl is probably, one of the most recognized people on the planet. Fame has created the recluse-type of identity, which is the case with any superstar. One cannot simply venture out to a movie, or the mall unnoticed after a platinum album or four, for instance. As far as ego goes, I think the press and nay-sayers mistake over-inflated ego for superior self-confidence skills in a guy that has to walk through many horrific piles of media/press bullshit everyday. I cannot even imagine how the guy copes with all of the negativity from out-in-out mean spirited teams of people on mini-character assasignations! I look at one, not-so-note worthy revue or blog about me, my band, or just nasty rumors and I experience all kinds of highs and lows, until I finally come to terms with it, and let it go. I know, for me, on a much smaller scale, it makes me stronger. I often look to Axl’s sucesses today as examples to be learned from. He is a really special guy, and aside from a mischevious side that comes out now and again, I do not remember him as having a vendictive bone in his body. I have never heard him speak so highly of himself to be a boastful ego-maniac. The press, media, and all of the people who were supposed to be his friends walked out on him, and talked trash about him, and took from him, leaving him to lick his wounds alone, get back up on his feet, and make a go of it again. He has done that, and quite well. Accusations of the kind are malarcky! Why is no one touting Slash as an ego maniac? Isn’t he looking for singer #? for his projects since leaving GNR? Why isn’t Izzy described as a recluse? Haven’t seen him painting the town red lately, have you? Steven is on drugs, or maybe not this week, who knows. Duff has a side project in Seattle and a wife and kids. Axl is the sure shot. He’s the one still kicking feild goals! I don’t give a care what anybody says, the actions speak for themselves.Axl Rose is a phenomenon, and that’s why they attack him. – So, Rocket Queen itself. I’d love to hear this notorious story in Adriana’s own words. How did Axl come to approach you with his idea of such an unusual ‘collaboration’ on the song? And what can you reveal of the ‘recording session’ itself? Axl has a boyish charm.He laid his head on my lap in the recording studio and began explaining how and what the artistic endeavor would entail. I agreed and I kicked out most people, had the lights dimmed and went into a michrophoned sound booth which was paneled with wood half way up. No one could see us, they could only hear what we were doing from the sound board, which was in a seperate room.It was nice. All of it was handled very professionally, actually. I think the sound engineers were amazed that the whole thing was actually going to happen and wanted to catch the moment. As for me, it just was like Axl and I were alone, so it was fun. I was a bit tipsy, and messing around a bit. He was able to re-direct me and focus me in on really making love. At first I was being a bit much; I was faking moaning and being all extravagent. Axl calmed me down and worked his magic.What you hear on “Rocket Queen” is real. I think that is why I was leery of it for so long. I had never done anything like that before and to listen to myself sexually freaked me out! I sounded like I was enjoying the hell out of it! I obviously did, and why should I be ashamed of something that went so well? – That isn’t of course the only part you played in ensuring Appetite For Destruction, as we know, it saw the light of day. It’s reported that you saved Axl from overdose just a week before the release, could you tell us about that night? No comment Obviously that’s the sort of experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life, was it at the back of your mind when you later chose to train as a drugs counsellor? Drug Counselling was something that was very close to my heart. I know that anyone who is living with a situation that is not condusive to their personal growth , productivity, or general well-being in life can be changed. One just has to be honest with their inner-most selves and be willing to do whatever it takes to change. There is a Higher Order in life. I do not believe anyone has to stay on the planet and live in misery. – While itself the sound effect you created with Axl that have afforded you most notoriety you were in fact seeing Steven Adler at the time that was recorded.Yes. Bed-hopping is often viewing as being part and parcel of the L.A scene at that time, even so was there some jealousy on Steven’s part, or regret on yours, afterwards? Steven was a jealous hippocrite who would not totally accept that he was in love with me at the time. He was young, but I saw us as a monogomous couple. I was also young, and questioning his innability to commit to one person. I decided to try things his way. Axl and I always got along swimmingly. Axl was extremely attractive to me and was someone I could have also seen myself in a comitted relationship with. it was natural to migrate towards Axl’s affections toward me, as he was a very attentitave person. I understand you faced a difficult decision later on when Steven was no longer in the band and they invited you to go on the road? No comment – You have commented elsewhere that you gave Steven a personal playback from the debut album by your current band The Ghost In The Graveyard, which suggests the pair of you are on good terms, and that you’ve been forgiven for what happened in the studio all those years ago! Just what is your relationship to Steven like these days? Steven and I will always be friends no matter what happens, how mad I get with him, or who else in his life feels they have control of his emotions or actions. – The Ghost In The Graveyard’s album does include a dedication to Axl, in the form of the track Come Find Me. Tell us about the inspiration and writing process behind that one. Axl has been someone I have been trying to make a personal ammends to for years. I felt this song gave light to what I wanted to say in the simpleist of terms. Axl knows personally what this song means.I wanted to reach him through whatever means I had, since at this juncture in time, it is not as easy as simply going to visit him, or calling him on the phone. Axl was the inspiration for this song, and will always be a positive source of inspiration for songs to come from me. I admire him very much. – Much as you take an obvious pride in your part in making Appetite… do you find the notoriety that brings to be as much hindrance as help when it comes to publicizing The Ghost In The Graveyard, and particularly establishing it’s identity as a new band. Is your history a double-edge sword in that sense? Yes. – The darker fallout out that comes with a debauched scene such as that seen on Sunset Strip in the 80s is well documented. Personally you’ve not only cleaned up but started work as a drugs counsellor. How, and at what point, did you come to realize it was time to make some changes in your life? And from there what was the process that brought you onto this new path?I am no longer a paid employee of a treatment center, however I continue to work with those around me who need guidance. I realized it was time for a change about 2 weeks after I was released from jail in 1993, when I found myself drinking, using marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, and pills. My dear friend, Dennis Morgan, encouraged me to begin attending twelve-step meetings, and my first one was on Sunset & Vine. I then returned to San Diego, and turned myself into jail to pay my debt to society for drunk driving charges. With the help of my family and friends, I waas guided into a residential treatment center where I spent a year. I got out and moved in with sober friends, and began my journey. It has been a long road, and I have watched many people die. I returned to LA only to attend the funeral of one of the greatest guitarists, and dear personal friend West Arkeen. He wrote and helped to create many GNR tunes. Everyone else around me,it seemed was loaded. I was able to not use any drugs or alcohol during that time, although it was excrutiatingly painful. This taught me that no matter what happens in life, I needn’t turn to my old ways to deal with the feelings that may arrive. death is a part of life…. i just wonder why someone so great as West had to die. I miss him terribly. – Music has clearly been a driving force throughout your life, and you write that it was your dreams of a musical career which led you to L.A in the first place. Despite having received some notable writing credits over the years though (including one for a song used by Duff McKagan) The Ghost In The Graveyard appears to be your first firm band project, from what I can gather. Why did it take until now to establish something like this? Wow! How did you know about the Duff song? It is called ‘Man in the Meadow” and actually West and I wrote that about another friend, Todd Crew who died in relation to abuse of drugs and alcohol. Axl used to dedicate “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” to Todd onsatge.As far as the timeline of events, Fate has a lot to do with what happens. I have only begun. I do not feel that I could be where I am at without having to have gone through my life events I had to live. I had to get clean, get married, have a baby, get divorced, go through therapy for domestic violence, work my 12 steps, go to school for 6 years, raise a child, remain celibate for one year, have several sober relationships, get fat, get skinny, get married again, and be able to speak my truth so that the universe and everyone iin it could hear me. Do you feel that it was necessary to get clean, and find that sense of purpose as a counsellor and mother, before you could truly focus on making music? Yes – You describe the songs on The Ghost In The Graveyard’s first record as a product of lessons learned and experienced gained by every member of the group. What would cite as some of the major theme’s of Wars In The Graveyard, or some of those regrets that you personally have only been able to work out fully through songs? Coming to terms with one’s own destiny. teenage angst, love lost, love found, rock ‘n’ roll never dies, and one is never to old to rock! – By now we know plenty about Adriana Smith, so would you care to introduce us quickly to the rest of the band? You met bassist Doug in the unique environment of a treatment centre, and at least until recent had a father / son team on guitar and drums respectively. Do bonds like these make for the foundations of an particularly tight, and well-attuned band in your mind? Absolutely! however, Dave Wagner has had to leave the band due to the fact that his tendons in his fore arm are virtually shredding! he has been playing for 30 years and is seeking treatment. I guess it is something no one could predict. also his son Zack has had to refocus on high school and his college path. therefore, we have added a girl drummer named jess. She was formerly in an all girl line-up called “Hell on Heels.” John Marshall is our new guitarist and has been friends of mine, doug, and Dave’s for years! these two bring a whole new sound and energy to the band, and create yet a new version of our original stuff. Dave and Zack are extremely supportive of our efforts, in fact I just spoke to Dave this morning for an hour. He is a great friend and will be working collaboratively on our new stuff. good relationships, and love, and a sense of togetherness makes for a really creative and supporting environement. i like for everyone to be able to put their two-cents in!- Finally what’s next for Adriana And The Ghost In The Graveyard? Are you still firmly focused on getting Wars In The Graveyard out there or is a new batch of material in the works as we speak? I would like “Wars” to keep selling. It has been doing great! It is availlable on our website www.therocketqueen.com or on the bandsite on myspace. we do have a new batch of songs and are gonna get the old stuff re-recorded and the new stuff recorded and come out with our second CD. I expect that to be done by the middle of summer so stay tuned! I have been talking with many people who are interested in shooting a videao for us. I love that ! Videos are great! Also we are palying many shows around san Diego and in LA. We are hoping to be in Arizona and Las Vegas in July. We are taking it to the midwest in the winter, and will hopefully hit the east coast by next sring! Pretty good for a local band . We are also helping other bands venture down into our san diego scene, and encourage anyone who wants to play down here to contact out band phone and come 619) 227-4698. Jess and I are talking about starting a clothing line featuring our own merchandise. Once you see and recognize you own visions, the only thing left to do is begin a path towards your destination. All the rest will follow. Peace and good luck to you and your magazine. Thank you for your interest in myself, and my band, Wishing you and everyone else to keep in touch! Thanks for your time!