Some might have been caught off guard by Guns N' Roses' plans to mount a classic-era reunion, but Slash's solo band weren't among them. In fact, Todd Kerns – bassist in Slash's backing group, the Conspirators – says they came to terms with it a while back.

"Well, to be honest, we have all known for a long time that 2016 was going to be a year with not much public activity in the Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators camp," Kerns says on his official web site. "In music, as in life, things change all the time."

Kern also offers some insight into how long his boss is planning on being away, adding that Slash, Kennedy and the Conspirators "still have every intention of entering the studio to record [their third album] in May and some form of release following in 2017."

In the meantime, Kern can't wait until Slash takes the stage again with Axl Rose and Duff McKagan for the first time since 1993. "I hope to see this reformed unit in person," Kern says. "The effect of Appetite For Destruction is in my very DNA. It changed so much for me. It changed so much for most of us who love rock and roll."

That's why he's committed to "support [Slash] wholeheartedly to dive into this experience," despite a necessary hiatus on the solo front. "How it affects me really isn't the point," Kern says. "This thing is bigger than all of us. I think it is a healthy thing for the individuals involved, as well as the great gift they are giving to the world. I accept that gift thankfully."

Guns N' Roses announced an appearance at April's Coachella festival in Indio, Calif., earlier this week. Initial rumors also mentioned a 25-date stadium tour to follow, though that has yet to be confirmed.

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