Ultimate Classic Rock recently caught up with guitarist Rick Richards, known for his work with the Georgia Satellites and as longtime collaborator with former Guns N' Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin. Richards detailed his relationship with Stradlin in an exclusive conversation with UCR.

UCR: You’re perhaps one of the guys who has gotten to know Izzy Stradlin the most, doing as many albums with him as you have. What’s your favorite thing about working with Izzy?

Richards: "The (best) thing about working with Izzy is just hanging out with him. He’s a great cat, man. You know, Izzy Stradlin dances to the beat of his own drummer, if you know what I mean."

UCR: He’s really underrated, I think. From your perspective, what is it that makes him so unique and interesting as a songwriter?

Richards: "What’s in his head musically, it’s just different. It’s just different. Someone asked me about the transition between playing with Dan (Baird, in the Georgia Satellites) as a second guitarist as opposed to playing with Izzy as a second guitarist. It wasn’t very much of a big leap. You know, Dan played more solos than Izzy. But they’re both rhythm masters, man. They’re both great rhythm guitar players. So the transition was easy and plus we had a great band, too (working on 1992’s Izzy Stradlin & the Ju Ju Hounds album and tour)."

UCR: Do you get the sense that there’s more music to be made with Izzy?

Richards: "Yeah, the last time I spoke with him was during the pandemic, like eight months ago. I said, 'Look, if you ever feel like doing it again, I’m at your disposal.' He goes, 'Yeah, you know, you’re the first I’ll call.' I haven’t heard from him, but you know, we cut so much material. There’s so much Izzy material that’s never seen the light of day that needs to. There’s tons of stuff out there. I don’t know if he’s ever going to release it or not."

Read the complete interview here.

Izzy Stradlin, born Jeffrey Dean Isbell, was a co-founder and rhythm guitarist for Guns N' Roses, which he left at the height of their fame in 1991 after four studio albums. Following his departure, , Stradlin fronted his own rock band Izzy Stradlin And The Ju Ju Hounds, before continuing to record as a solo artist. He released 10 solo albums between 1998 and 2010.