Izzy Stradlin, the co-founder and original rhythm guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, celebrates 63 today
Stradlin formed several bands in his early years before reconnecting with childhood friend William Bailey, who would later become known as Axl Rose and together, they co-founded Guns N’ Roses in 1985
Izzy Stradlin, the co-founder and original rhythm guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, celebrates 63 today
The co-founder and original rhythm guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, Izzy Stradlin was born Jeffrey Dean Isbell on April 8, 1962, in Lafayette, Indiana. Raised in a musical and creative environment, he began playing music at a young age, eventually moving to Los Angeles in the early 1980s to pursue a professional music career.
Stradlin formed several bands in his early years before reconnecting with childhood friend William Bailey, who would later become known as Axl Rose. Together, they co-founded Guns N’ Roses in 1985, joining forces with Slash, Duff McKagan, and Steven Adler to complete the classic lineup. The band’s debut album, Appetite for Destruction (1987), became one of the best-selling records of all time, with Stradlin contributing heavily to songwriting and the band’s raw, blues-infused sound.
He played a key role in crafting hits like “Patience,” “Mr. Brownstone,” and “You Could Be Mine,” and remained with the band through their success on the albums G N’ R Lies (1988) and Use Your Illusion I & II (1991). However, due to personal and professional tensions, along with a desire to lead a quieter life away from the chaos of fame, Stradlin left the band in November 1991 at the peak of their popularity.
Following his departure, he formed Izzy Stradlin and the Ju Ju Hounds and released a self-titled debut album in 1992, which received critical acclaim for its roots rock and blues influences. Over the years, Stradlin has continued to record solo material, releasing a series of albums independently, often with minimal promotion. Though he has occasionally reunited with former Guns N’ Roses bandmates for select performances, he has largely remained out of the spotlight.
Watch the 1988 music video “Paradise City” by Guns N’ Roses
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