$20 Million
What is Izzy Stradlin’s net worth?
Izzy Stradlin is an American rock musician who has a net worth of $20 million. In the 1980s, Izzy Stradlin formed the group, Hollywood Rose, with high school friend Axl Rose in the early 80s. They released a demo, then went their separate ways, but chose to regroup a few months later. In 1985, they added new members to the group and became known as Guns N’ Roses. The band would go on to sell 25 million copies of their debut album, and to subsequently become the only band to ever hold the #1 and #2 positions for album sales at the same time, when they released their two-part sophomore album. The group ran into interpersonal issues and drug problems and after regrouping as a sober band, toured extensively throughout the early 90s. Izzy Stradlin left the group to pursue a successful solo career in 1992.
Izzy Stradlin was born as Jeffrey Isbell on April 8, 1962 in Lafayette, Indiana to Sonja, who worked for a phone company, and Richard, an engraver. His parents divorced when he was eight, and he was subsequently raised by his mother with his two younger brothers Kevin and Joe. Growing up, Stradlin listened to Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, and Alice Cooper, and learned how to play the drums. In high school, he started his first band, with which he played covers in the garage. Stradlin graduated from high school in 1980 with a D average, and subsequently moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music.
Biography
Jeffrey Dean Isbell, famously known as Izzy Stradlin, is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter renowned for his significant role in the iconic hard rock and heavy metal band Guns N’ Roses. As a co-founder, rhythm guitarist, and backing vocalist, Stradlin played an integral part in the band’s rise to stardom, contributing to their success with four studio albums. Beyond his Guns N’ Roses journey, he ventured into his solo career and fronted the band “Izzy Stradlin and the Ju Ju Hounds.” Stradlin’s impact on the rock music scene led to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Guns N’ Roses in 2012.
Early Life and Musical Awakening:
Izzy Stradlin was born in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1962. His father, Richard Clyde Isbell, worked as an engraver, while his mother, Sonja LaVern Isbell, was employed by a phone company. Stradlin’s parents divorced when he was just eight years old, and he, along with his two younger brothers, Kevin Thomas Isbell and Joseph “Joe” Isbell, relocated with his mother to Lafayette, Indiana.
Growing up in Lafayette, Stradlin’s hometown was a small and relatively quiet place. He reminisced about his youth, describing it as a town with a courthouse, a college, a river, and railroad tracks. With limited entertainment options, he and his friends engaged in typical teenage activities, including biking, experimenting with substances like marijuana, and occasionally getting into mischief. Stradlin humorously compared their adventures to something out of the animated series “Beavis and Butt-Head.”
A noteworthy musical influence in Stradlin’s life was his paternal grandmother, who had a profound impact on him. She played the drums in a swing jazz band with her friends, inspiring Stradlin to pursue his own musical interests. At the tender age of eight, he convinced his parents to buy him a drum kit, marking the beginning of his musical journey.
High School and the Birth of Guns N’ Roses:
During high school, Stradlin and his friends, including a young William Bailey (later known as Axl Rose), formed a band together. The camaraderie among the “long-haired guys” grew strong as they navigated high school life together. Stradlin recalled their shared experiences, stating that they were neither athletes nor jocks, so they naturally gravitated toward each other. Their musical journey began in a garage, where they played cover songs. However, the absence of local clubs to perform in kept them confined to the garage.
Despite Stradlin’s disinterest in formal education, he managed to graduate in 1980 with a D average, making him the only original member of Guns N’ Roses with a high school diploma. His unwavering dedication to a career in music led him to make the life-changing decision to move to Los Angeles, California.
Later Life:
Stradlin has experienced significant life changes, including divorce in 2001. As of 2016, he was residing in or around Ojai, California, continuing his musical journey and maintaining his influence in the rock music world.
Izzy Stradlin’s contributions to Guns N’ Roses and his subsequent solo career have left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape. His talent, passion, and enduring commitment to his craft have solidified his status as a legendary figure in the world of rock and roll.
