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Guns N’ Roses didn’t ask for row of models at UK shows

Guns N’ Roses didn’t ask for row of models at UK shows

Comments 4
at 10:19am May 22 2012
Bumblefoot

New model barney: Bumblefoot says it's not down to band (pic: Jesse Wild)

Guns N’ Roses guitarist Bumblefoot has lambasted claims the band have asked for a row of models to be placed at the front of live audiences during their current UK tour.

He says he’s got nothing against the bevy of hired beauties being there, but wants fans to know it’s not happening at the band’s request.

The Daily Record revealed a Glasgow modelling agency had been asked to provide 20 girls to stand in the front row at GN’R's show in Scotland on Friday. That was followed by suggestions from fans that the arrangement is in place for other UK appearances.

The paper said: “Sources claim the rockers are keen to have eye-candy in the front row during their gig. The band’s promoter invited 20 models from the Sonia Scott Agency to join them backstage after the concert. No other band has ever requested models from the agency to party with a rock band before.”

Now Bumblefoot says clarifying the situation is a matter of respect.

The guitarist explains: “I think the story is presented dishonestly and it’s disrespectful to the families of band members. They deserve to be respected and defended.”

He continues: “A lot of fans feel that access is being granted to people who haven’t earned it. By that I mean standing loyally by the band for years, buying a ticket, waiting on sore feet for hours and hours, cheering until they have no voice left, staying to the end and trying to find a way home after public transport has been shut down. And doing it again the next time we’re in town.

“I have nothing against the models. They were offered a fun night out and they deserve equal treatment from the band that any person at the show should get.

“But the band did not request it. This stuff comes from other people that are offering a good time by whatever means they have – and that’s fine.

“I just feel the need to speak up on behalf of our families and the fans, because they’re respected. I don’t want them feeling like they’re not.”

In a separate Twitter comment Bumblefoot referred to GN’R's notorious practice of starting shows very late, telling followers: “When you’re waiting, so am I.”