Simplify the following text for a Grade 11 native English-speaking person.
Original: Prior to its release , the band was looking for a second guitarist and Armstrong asked former UK Subs guitarist Lars Frederiksen to be Rancid 's second guitarist , but he immediately turned down the request .
Simplified: Tim had previously asked Lars Frederiksen to be Rancid 's second guitarist , but he turned down the request initially as he was playing with the UK Subs at the time .