Guns N' Roses Drummer Welcomes You to His Jungle

Steven Adler is renowned as one of the world's best drummers, stemming from his days with Guns N' Roses. Adler's personal struggles have also been well documented on MTV's "Celebrity Rehab," and he came to Book Revue on Monday night to share his inspiring story with fans and promote his new book, "My Appetite for Destruction: Sex & Drugs & Guns N' Roses."

"I thought it was going to be difficult for me," Adler said. "Once I actually started talking about it and getting these feelings out, it was very therapeutic."

Huntington resident Robert Folan said he was impressed with Adler's ability to be forthcoming about the mistakes that he's made.

"I think it's really nice," Folan said. "I think it's great that he is willing to share all of his experiences."

Adler was also promoting the debut single "Alive" of Adler's Appetite, his current band. The single debuted on Howard Stern on Tuesday. People who purchased Adler's book were also given instructions on how to get a free copy.

One topic that came up was Adler's relationship with Axl Rose, who fired Adler from Guns N' Roses on July 11, 1990 due to a heavy substance abuse problem impeding Adler's ability to work. Initially, Adler blamed Slash for not defending him but he explained that he knows that his mistakes are not Slash's fault.

"For 20 years, I blamed him for every bad thing that happened to me," Adler said. "I did everything to myself."

Adler said he reached out and apologized to Slash, and he also ironed things out with Rose.

"I ran into him in Las Vegas three years ago, and we talked until 6 a.m.," Adler said. "We shared a $3,000 bottle of tequila. It was nice because we got to make amends with each other."

After taking questions, Adler signed autographs for fans, who were more than happy to stand in line.

"It was pretty cool to meet him," said Eric Kroeger, of Franklin Square. "It was well worth the wait."

Ritchie Garcia, of Huntington Station, said he was surprised by the kind of guy Adler proved to be.

"He was a much nicer guy than I thought," Garcia said. "You would think that he would be moody, but he was really down to earth."

Another Huntington Station resident, Jim Maltese, said he was really touched by hearing about Adler's experiences.

"He's just one of the sweetest guys from rock and roll that I have ever seen," Maltese said. "I think he has the potential to touch a lot of people with his story."

Adler put it simply to his audience.

"It's good to be alive," Adler said.