Dizzy Reed
The steadfast keyboardist who bridged the Use Your Illusion era to the modern reunion.
Darren Arthur 'Dizzy' Reed is an American musician best known as the keyboardist for Guns N' Roses, having played, toured, and recorded with the band since 1990. Born on June 18, 1963, in Hinsdale, Illinois, and raised in Colorado, he began learning organ from his grandmother at a young age before forming local bands in elementary school. Aside from lead singer Axl Rose, Reed is the longest-standing member of Guns N' Roses, remaining through the Use Your Illusion era until Slash and Duff McKagan returned in 2016. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as a band member, though he did not attend the ceremony.
- Role
- Keyboardist / Pianist
- Affiliation
- Guns N' Roses
- Joined Era
- 1990
- Status
- Active Touring Member
- Primary Instrument
- Piano & Synthesizers
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Reed met the classic Guns N' Roses lineup in 1985 while his club band, The Wild, rehearsed in a neighboring studio. He kept in touch with the group and was invited by friend Axl Rose in 1990 to join the recording of the Use Your Illusion albums and their subsequent tour. Reed quickly became an accepted member, appearing on every album from Use Your Illusion I onward. While he did not co-write songs during those sessions, his writing credits expanded significantly for Chinese Democracy, including tracks like 'Chinese Democracy', 'Catcher in the Rye', 'Street of Dreams', 'There Was a Time', 'I.R.S', and 'Oh My God'. He also co-wrote the unfinished demo 'Silkworms' with Chris Pitman, which was re-worked and released as the single 'ABSUЯD' in 2021.
In Their Own Story
From his early days playing organ as a child to forming small local bands before finishing elementary school, Reed's journey led him to Los Angeles where he pursued a music career. In the late 1980s, he spent five years with The Wild, the club band he founded. His connection to Guns N' Roses began in 1985, but it wasn't until 1990 that he officially joined for the Use Your Illusion project. Known on stage for his keyboard, piano, and backing vocals on hits like 'Estranged', 'November Rain', and 'Civil War', Reed also provides percussion and backup vocals during live performances of older tracks such as 'Mr. Brownstone' and 'Welcome to the Jungle'. Beyond Guns N' Roses, he formed the cover band Hookers & Blow in 2003 with Alex Grossi, earning Outstanding Keyboardist of the Year at the 2007 Rock City Awards.
Reader's Guide
Dizzy Reed's role extends beyond playing keys; he frequently handles backup percussion and vocals during live shows. His discography includes guest appearances on albums by former bandmates Slash, Duff McKagan, Gilby Clarke, and Tommy Stinson, as well as Larry Norman's Copper Wires. He composed film scores for The Still Life (2006) and Celebrity Art Show (2008) and released his debut solo album on February 16, 2018. Reed also acted as 'Mumbles' in the 2005 film Charlie's Death Wish. His musical versatility is evident in his work with The Dead Daisies alongside Richard Fortus until they both left in 2015 to focus on Guns N' Roses, and he played keyboard on Cokie The Clown's 2019 album You're Welcome. In his personal life, Reed was married for 20 years to Lisa before divorcing in 2010; they have two daughters, and he has a daughter and son from a previous relationship.
Did You Know?
- Reed was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 but did not attend the ceremony.
- In 2006, Reed became a member of the Cornell University chapter of Zeta Psi fraternity at an age well beyond traditional induction years.
- The song 'Silkworms', co-written by Reed and Chris Pitman, was re-worked and released as the single 'ABSUЯD' in 2021.
- Reed is a fan of Christian music pioneer Larry Norman and played on Norman's Copper Wires album.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dizzy Reed?
Darren Arthur 'Dizzy' Reed is an American musician born in 1963 who serves as the keyboardist for Guns N' Roses. He joined the band in 1990 and has remained a constant presence alongside vocalist Axl Rose through various lineup changes.
What role does Dizzy Reed play in the band?
His primary function involves playing piano and synthesizers to complement the group's hard rock sound. He is also credited for backing vocals during live performances and studio recordings.
How long has Dizzy Reed been with Guns N' Roses?
Reed joined in 1990 and is currently the longest-standing member of the band after lead singer Axl Rose. He played through the Use Your Illusion era and continued into the modern reunion period starting in 2016.
What significant honors has Dizzy Reed received?
As a recognized member of Guns N' Roses, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. This honor acknowledges his contributions to the band's legacy during their most successful decades.
Where did Dizzy Reed grow up and start playing music?
Although born in Illinois, he was raised in Colorado where he began learning organ from his grandmother at a young age. He formed local bands while still in elementary school before eventually joining the rock supergroup.
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