GNR Replacement Guitarist Announced

Guns N' Roses have announced that Sixx:A.M. and Beautiful Creatures guitarist DJ Ashba has joined the group for their "upcoming" summer stadium tour.

He'll officially be replacing current Nine Inch Nails axeman Robin Finck.

"DJ's a gifted, energetic guitarist that Guns N' Roses is proud to have on board!!" lead singer Axl Rose said in a statement on the band's website on March 21. "We're very excited to have the opportunity to work together.

"Guns' radar has silently been aware of DJ's presence for quite some time. He brings a fresh approach to our particular brand of mayhem expanding the tapestry of Guns N' Roses live. Once DJ's name was in the hat, the hat disappeared!!"

Ashba, who helped co-write and co-produce Motley Crue's Saints Of Los Angeles, said it was "an honour to have the opportunity to be a part of a band that I have always loved and respected.

"I'm looking forward to working with Axl, who is not only one of the few great front men of our generation, but a true artist."

Guns N' Roses released the long-awaited Chinese Democracy last year. While no tour dates have yet been confirmed for 2009, a press release stating Ashba's inclusion in the band said they recruited the guitarist for their "upcoming tour."