Clarke was brought in to replace original guitarist Izzy Stradlin who left the group in 1991. Gilby was asked by The Times of India if he would take part if his era of the band, featuring Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, wanted to reunite.

He responded, "Of course, it was a great band. If Slash and Duff came back, it would be special. I would hope I could be a part of it if that ever happened. I had a great time during those years. We were young and didn't give a sh*t what anybody thought. Most people's memories are of the drama and negative sh*t. I remember being a part of a very powerful musical unit.