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Generell schließe ich mich den Ausführungen von Mountain King an. Das es kein Hammer-Album wie „Appetite for Destruction“ wird, habe ich von vornherein erwartet, Insgesamt kann ich aber sagen, dass es weitaus schlimmer hätte kommen können. Ein recht ordentliches Album, dass man sich ohne Reuegefühle zulegen kann.
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20.Oktober 2012 OVERKILL in Bochum :horns: 6.Juli 2013 IRON MAIDEN in Oberhausen :horns:Highlights von metal-hammer.deIch bin von dem Album hellauf begeistert! Hammer, vor allem der Song“Better“. Die Gitarrenarbeit ist mal mächtig! Buckethead, naja, auch wenn er nicht in die Band passt, gut ist das Album allemal!!
Buckethead ist ja auch schon seit 2004 nimmer dabei…
Guns ‘N Roses:
Dynamics and quality win the Loudness Warsfrom Bob Ludwig:
On Sunday, November 23rd the new Guns ‘N Roses record Chinese Democracy was finally released after many years of waiting and many millions spent making it. 14 different recording studios are credited. I was thrilled to have been chosen to master the album.
In October, when I first heard some of final mixes which were incredibly multi-layered and dense, I was surprised by two things: The mixes were so finally honed that doing the smallest move sounded like I had done a lot and also that adding the typical amount of compression used in mastering these days took the life and musicality out of the recordings in a big way.
The trial disc I submitted to the producers had 3 versions: The one I personally liked had no compression that was used just for loudness, only compression that was needed for great sounding rock and roll. Then, knowing how competitive everything is these days, I made two more masterings, one with more compression and another with yet more compression, but even the loudest one wasn’t remotely as loud as some recent CDs. Hoping that at least one of these would satisfy Axl and Caram Costanzo, the co-producers of the record, I was floored when I heard they decided to go with my full dynamics version and the loudness-for-loudness-sake versions be damned.
I think the fan and press backlash against the recent heavily compressed recordings finally set the context for someone to take a stand and return to putting music and dynamics above shear level.
The dynamics vs. volume trade-offs include the act of simply turning your playback volume clockwise a little. True, when shopping the iTunes store your song may not blast out as loudly as other songs. When trying to impress the radio station PD it may be an issue if you don’t have the guaranteed attention this record deserves, however level on the radio broadcast is NOT an issue. As I have been lecturing to people for years, the radio stations are all in competition with each other and they all have devices to make loud things soft and soft things loud and indeed, I heard a critic’s review of Chinese Democracy on NPR and the song examples they played screamed over my portable radio. Even with the radio station compression you can still hear detail in the car… amazing!
I’m hoping that Chinese Democracy will mark the beginning of people returning to sane levels and musicality triumphing over distortion and grunge. I have already seen a new awareness and appreciation for quality from some other producers, I pray it is the end of the level wars.http://www.gatewaymastering.com/gateway_LoudnessWars.asp
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Let him soothe your soul, just take his hand/ Some people call him an evil man/ Let him introduce himself real good/ He's the only one they call Feelgood (Mötley Crüe, 1989) Metal Hammer Hair Metal Company www.rocktimes.deFettes Word:horns:. Aber den meisten hier kann man ja den größten Soundmüll hinwerfen mit bis zur Beschädigung komprimierten Sounddateien, siehe Death Magnetic, weil „hey, so muss Metal doch klingen“.
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Das Intro des Albums haut mich einfach jedes mal aus den Socken! genial!!!!
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SEX, DRUGS and ROCK 'n' ROLLGuns N‘ Roses out of ammo?
Sat Dec 6, 2008 3:19am EST
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[url href=“javascript:sizeDown();“]- Text [url href=“javascript:sizeUp();“]+[IMG]http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20081206&t=2&i=7122285&w=192&r=2008-12-06T081944Z_01_BTRE4B50N5800_RTROPTP_0_HUNGARY 1 of 1Full Size
By Keith Caulfield
LOS ANGELES (Billboard) – Guns N‘ Roses returned to the U.S. pop charts this week with their first studio album in 17 years … but had to settle for a disappointing No. 3 slot.
“Chinese Democracy“ sold a modest 261,000 copies. The tally paled against those of the band’s last studio efforts, „Use Your Illusion I“ and „Use Your Illusion II,“ which debuted at Nos. 2 and 1, respectively, with sales of 685,000 and 770,000 after being released on the same day in 1991.
Best Buy Senior Entertainment Officer Gary Arnold had predicted „Chinese Democracy“ would be the week’s top seller, but it ended up being bested by Kanye West’s new release „808s & Heartbreak“ with 450,000 copies and country star Taylor Swift’s former champ „Fearless“ with 267,000.
What happened? Wasn’t „Chinese Democracy“ one of the most-anticipated and talked-about albums of all time? Wasn’t it so steeped in myth and lore that a massive debut week was all but assured? Maybe not.
The October release of AC/DC’s „Black Ice,“ while not a perfect comparison, comes to mind. Like Guns N‘ Roses, AC/DC was a band that had been off the radar for a while and opted to partner with one retailer — Wal-Mart — for the release of its own long-awaited new album. „Ice“ ultimately chilled with 784,000 copies in its debut week — the veteran group’s best sales frame since tracking firm Nielsen SoundScan started in 1991.
And now we have GNR’s album, in an exclusive deal with Best Buy (and iTunes). And it starts with much less.
So, why didn’t GNR’s number even get close to AC/DC’s?
Wal-Mart gave AC/DC the red-carpet treatment. The retail giant made sure the album had the appearance of an event record — something every Wal-Mart shopper needed to own. If that didn’t convince consumers, maybe their famed store-within-a-store display did.
But at Best Buy, based on reports from Billboard staffers on the ground during release week, the promotion was on a smaller scale.
Beyond the retail promotion of „Chinese Democracy,“ what about the intangibles?
Maybe the public got tired of waiting for an album that was probably never going to live up to their expectations? Maybe fans were turned off by the ever-shifting lineup of band members? Maybe it would have sold more had reclusive frontman Axl Rose and his bandmates made a promotional appearance in support of the release? Perhaps it would have started stronger had it been available to all retailers?
Or, maybe pundits should just take a step back, breathe and see where the album goes from here. There very well may be quite a long, healthy road ahead for „Chinese Democracy.“
West may have also been disappointed with the 450,000 start for „808s & Heartbreak.“ Many pundits, including some at his Universal Music Group label, had expected his fourth album to have a better week.
His last album, „Graduation,“ started at No. 1 with 957,000 last year. Before that, „Late Registration,“ chalked up an 860,000-unit entry at No. 1 in 2005. His freshman effort, „The College Dropout,“ started at No. 2 with 441,000 in 2004.
Reuters/Billboard© Thomson Reuters 2008 All rights reserved
http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE4B50QC20081206
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Let him soothe your soul, just take his hand/ Some people call him an evil man/ Let him introduce himself real good/ He's the only one they call Feelgood (Mötley Crüe, 1989) Metal Hammer Hair Metal Company www.rocktimes.deAXL ROSE Breaks Silence On ‚Chinese Democracy‘, Original GN’R Reunion, DR PEPPER And BRIAN MAY – Dec. 12, 2008 Reclusive GUNS N‘ ROSES singer Axl Rose broke his silence last night (Thursday, December 11) by answering fan questions on the message boards of two of the most popular GUNS N‘ ROSES fan sites on the Web — MyGNR.com and Here Today… Gone To Hell!
BLABBERMOUTH.NET has collected some of the more interesting bits from the question-and-answer session and is re-posting them here for your reading enjoyment. (Note: Some of Axl’s responses were slightly edited for clarity.)
Q: How come you always come on stage so late at gigs?
Axl: „I’ve been an after-midnight type since I was sneakin‘ out of my house in junior high [school]. With [the] old GUNS [lineup], we preferred [to take the stage at] 12:00 a.m. or so. When we moved to theaters etc., obviously that changes but it’s never changed inside me. Doesn’t matter what I do, so generally that’s when I’m more myself. This isn’t to mess with anyone that has an early schedule to keep, it’s just personal preference. And in regard to the size [of] venues, I’m on record as preferring whatever venues allow for our schedule, but management and promoters can do a lot in their own interests behind the scenes that can rarely be avoided and their greed or whatever leads to a lot of double talk and ugly behind nonsense that generally eventually ruins things for everyone. Translated: once a tour is scheduled, however, it’s like parting the seas to change. As far as being late, I’ve been that way my whole life. It drove Izzy [B]Stradlin crazy but he would check himself and freely admit I was generally actually doing something that had to get done rather than watching basketball, etc.“
On a video for the new GUNS N‘ ROSES song „Better“:
Axl: „The ‚Better‘ music video will be out in a week or so. Monumental promotion will start very soon!“
Q: Who do you listen to for hardcore blues? I’m a blues singer and I can tell from your work that you have at least got way into a couple of blues records.
Axl: „BESSIE SMITH, ZEP 1, ROBERT JOHNSON, TUMBLEWEED CONNECTION, JANICE [presumably referring to JANIS JOPLIN — Ed.].“
Q: Axl, do you really have two or three other albums of material?
Axl: „For now, we’ll concentrate and keep our focus on this album, but I will say I’ve always thought of it as a double. And no offense, but no one’s trying to talk in parables. The issues are a bit more complex than anyone would like.“
Q: Hey, Axl, is the [unreleased GUNS N‘ ROSES] song „Atlas Shrugged“ as epic as the book? Who is your favorite character from the book?
Axl: „Song doesn’t have all that much to do with the book other than trying to do what you believe in and a line about shoulders not being wide enough.“
Q: Axl, was there ever a cover B and cover C for „Chinese Democracy“?
Axl: „Yes, there are. There are two more covers/back-cover combos and the real booklet that is all artwork that will be out shortly in some form. It’s been an ugly battle that hasn’t made any sense to anyone and whether anyone cares about such things the booklet or artwork has always been something I’ve been passionate about and to release the album with unapproved and unseen final artwork with a first work-only error-filled draft when others more recent were readily available still has not been explained but is finally getting cleared up. My fave is the ‚How Are You‘ grenade cover.“
Q: Axl, how do you feel about KANYE [WEST’s new album] outselling „Chinese Democracy“? Do you like KANYE’s music?
Axl: „I met Kanye at the Versace awards. He was very gracious. I love ‚Gold Digger‘ and told him so. I’m a big fan of his stage performance as he seems to go for it physically which I relate more to. Before our release, I sent him a message that any nonsense from the media had nothing to do with us and wished him the best. I’m humbled we’ve done as well as we have considering.“
Q: Just wanted to ask if you had any fond memories from the U.K. leg of the tour from 2006, particularly the concert in Glasgow in July?
Axl: „Glasgow was great. I think that’s where I got to do a lot of slides on the stage. Was like a race track or something, right?“
Q: Axl, thanks for „Chinese Democracy“, which I personally think is your best work. What’s your pick for album of the year? And have you heard the new METALLICA album [B]„Death Magnetic“?
Axl: „Ours, of course!! Yes, METALLICA]. I like it.“
Q: Axl will you tour Australia next year, and when are you looking at doing so? If you could work with [former GUNS N‘ ROSES guitarist] Buckethead again, would you have him just in studio, or also would you welcome him in the touring lineup?
Axl: „Austrailia’s great and the crowds are really alive. No plans [to tour there] yet but I’m sure there will be.
„I have no issues with Bucket. It’s hard to tell what was real or not in things we were told by Merck [former GUNS N‘ ROSES manager Merck Mercuriadis, who was fired by Axl Rose in December 2006 — Ed.]. He’s more than welcome to tour with us in some form or other provided we’re both interested at the time and come to some type of reasonable terms. Personally, I have a blast with Bucket on tour and get a big kick out of the guy. A lot of feelings were hurt on this side of the fence in how things went down, and unfortunately, others used our silence and the public’s not knowing for their own purposes at both Bucket’s and our expense.“
Q: Now that you said that, please tell us if Robin’s [Finck, GUNS N‘ ROSES guitarist who is currently on the road with NINE INCH NAILS] out or not… because, otherwise, we’ll be reading several „Axl wants Bucket back and Robin/Bumble/Richard out“-type of threads for the entire ’09 year and these threads annoy us, the new lineup fans.
Axl: „It really is what it is. No decisions have been made by either him, I or us that I’m aware of. When we’re touring or working in the studio, or there’s social things like a friend’s dinner or party, whatever, we would hang. But as people get older, they have their own lives. The STONES aren’t going bowling every Tuesday, etc.
„Robin leads one of the most different lives I know of, starting with the trapeze in his backyard to the TV in his closet.
„Robin’s work on the next is done so there’s not lots for him to do here except the elusive promo and he’d rather be on stage. It’s more about seeing where things are when GUNS decides it’s right for a tour and if we’re able to make agreements we both are comfortable and can live with at that time.“
Q: As a native Colombian, I must ask: In 1992, while performing „November Rain“ in Bogota (in November), it rained. Wait no….it poured. How weird was that, eh?
Axl: „Very surreal and religious feeling. So was being chased by the military in our plane down the runway gettin‘ outta Dodge there!!“
Q: Just wondering what stops you from playing more guitar live?
Axl: „Skill.“
Q: Axl, I’m fixing to pack everyhting I own into my car and drive out to L.A. from Arkansas to give a career in music a shot. Any advice? Or should I just shit in my pants, dive in and swim?
Axl: „Follow your heart, don’t sell out, and read every book on the bix [music business] you can find.“
Q: „Catcher N‘ The Rye“ is one of the best songs on the [B]„Chinese Democracy“ album. Why no Brian? [QUEEN guitarist Brian May recorded a guest appearance on the track back in 1999, but his contributions were removed from the final album version of the song.]
Axl: „There’s a few reasons, and none of them all that big and definitely not in spite or to slight anyone.
„First off, obviously I knew people liked the song, but the Brian appreciation really only showed up in force publicly after we had moved on in GUNS. In fact, not many seemed to care and most comments were aimed at why Slash, in their opinions, should be here.
„Brian’s solo itself is a personal fave of mine and I really couldn’t understand, as he’s such a rock legend, why it wasn’t openly appreciated more at the time.
„In actuality, all that feel and emotion referred to now had a lot to do with Sean [Beavan, one of the producers who worked on ‚Chinese Democracy‘] and I and the parts I chose out of Brian’s different runs, versions, practice runs, etc., to make sure we had those elements in one version. It’s entirely constructed from edits based around one specific note Brian hit in a throwaway take. And though Brian seems to have warmed a bit to it, at least publicly, he was unfortunately none too pleased at the time with our handiwork. I remember looking at Brian standing to my left and him staring at the big studio speakers a bit aghast saying, ‚But that’s not what I played.‘
„Sean Beavan and I were not in any way tring to mess with Brian, we just did what we do and then try and do our best to stand up for our decisions.“
Q: Axl, are you still thinking of suing Dr Pepper’s ass?
Axl: „Sure, but the actions taken so far had nothing to do with me and I was taken off guard as I had specifically told our team, ‚Who fucking cares?! Right now we have a record to deal with.‘ My feelings are after their public response. It was cute. Maybe the guy who got it rolling originally meant well, but it turned out sour and maybe it’s just me, but he seems like maybe he wants a bit too much attention so…“
Q: When [is] the [B]GUNS N‘ ROSES online shop opening?
Axl: „I haven’t been involved much in any of our merch and the reasons are it’s been a mess legally for years. Unbeknownst to most of you, I was recently sued again by [former GUNS N‘ ROSES members] Duff [B]McKagan and Slash for some murky Merckiness that I was unaware and not involved in. Fortunately that was resolved but it got ugly and took a while going into arbitration. Merck shifted our merch from some of our newer styles to incorporating more of the old with some scam that actually and surprisingly lost sales in comparison but that’s old news. What I look forward to is incorporating the new artwork into our merch and getting some for myself. I think you’ll like a lot of it. My vote’s for the ‚How Are You‘ grenade and the ‚Sorry‘ automatic rifle artwork on shirts, etc.“
Q: How do you feel about artists covering your songs ?
Axl: „Depends, but in general it’s great.“
Q: I know this is jumping the gun big time, but any tentative idea when you would like to see the next CD come out?
Axl: „No, maybe same bat time, same bat channel next year but we’ll have to see.“
Q: Is there anything in the past that you have now looked back on and thought, „Maybe I could have handled that differently?“ Also, what are your ongoing hopes for GUNS N‘ ROSES in the future? I have cyclothemia and sometimes get this feeling that I can’t be around people and need my own space and area. How do you find the bipolar affect you, if you don’t mind me asking, that is?
Axl: „Of course, but in the world of sports and litigation….
„I’ve not been diagnosed as being bipolar though many misconstrue statements I made earlier as alluding to such and unfortunately there’s been an abundance of misguided or unqualified speculation of various events but I definitely can relate to needing my own space.
„In my world, all bipolar means (and not to offend or make light of those suffering from a genuine condition or involved with those who are) is that someone can try to take cheap uneducated shots or try to claim I’m bipolar thus justifying why they should get paid a financial settlement for whatever nonsense they’re up to. Fortunately that hasn’t proved successful.“
Q: What is your honest opinion on why the old lineup disintegrated? What is your honest opinion on why it took so long for „Chinese Democracy“ to come out? I think that’s what most people want to know but dare not ask.
Axl: „Two great but complicated questions, and I agree that people would like to know at least my take on things. Not avoiding them here, but they deserve more than I can give, as we’ve been at this a little while. But I’m attempting to speak out on several issues, these being a major focus over the coming weeks and months. What I can say now is you’ve been told a lot of things in order for others to promote themselves that factually they cannot back up in regard to either. They are complicated legally, financially and have devoured a good portion of my life.
„The record ‚Chinese Democracy‘ you may have is nothing short of a miracle in almost each and every way that either it or I exist, in my opinion, under the bizarre and ugly conditions of the last over 15 years.“
Q: I am curious as to your relationship with Mickey Rourke. He’s one of my favourite actors, and I saw an interview with him recently where he said you were kind enough to give him songs for „The Wrestler“. My question is: how long do you and Mickey go back, and do you have any interesting stories from „back in the day?“ You guys strike me as being pretty similar in a lot of ways (I mean, as far as personalities and what you’ve been through in your lives) and it’s cool for me to see two of my pop culture „heroes,“ for lack of better description, being friends, and also making similarly timed „comebacks.“ (Or whatever you want to call it.)
Axl: „Mickey and I haven’t really hung much but have a lot of mutual friends over the years. He’s always been massively supportive. I’ve always been a big fan of his as well. It’s probably better for both of us we didn’t hang directly back in the day!!“
Q: Hey, Axl, is Mickey going to pay you back for letting them use „Sweet Child O‘ Mine“ in „The Wrestler“ by starring in a new GUNS video?
Axl: „Actually, Mickey agreed to play The Shackler if we were to make a vid for [the song ‚Shackler’s Revenge‘].“
Q: Axl, have you been in contact with [original GUNS N‘ ROSES drummer] Steven Adler at all? Not as far as playing with him or anything, just to, like, lend him support? [Adler appeared this year on the reality television show „Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew“ during an attempt to get off drugs. He was subsequently arrested in Los Angeles on July 18, after someone called police to report he was causing a disturbance.]
Axl: „I do wish Steven the best and in my heart hope that he finds some peace and security. As far as direct contact, no. It, unfortunately, gets too messy too quick. In Steven’s mind, I’m the one who holds the keys and power over his happiness, so I’m the bad guy pretty quickly.“
Q: Axl, why did you change [the title of the „Chinese Democracy“ track] „The Blues“ to „Street Of Dreams“?
Axl: „‚The Blues‘ was my first working title and I was never comfortable with it in the sense that I felt that should be used with a bluesier-based song. And here in Hollywood, with the Walk Of Fame, etc., I had always seen that imagery in my head when I think of it. I also like the idea of the song having, in effect, two titles.“
Q: Axl, I would like to know why you avoid the press so much. I think it’s definitely hurting album sales, I mean, you haven’t even done one interview. I know for sure you’d be able to get a few magazine covers. So why don’t you? Why be such a hermit/recluse?
Axl: „That’s your opinion and it very well could be true. What I have to say a lot of people have no desire to hear.“
Q: Thanks for playing „Rocket Queen“ in Melbourne. The red bike was awesome.
Axl: „I think it’s in the ‚Better‘ vid. Not sure if we cut it.“
Q: I have one question for you, Axl. What is stopping the fans from seeing you Slash, Duff and Izzy back on stage together?
Axl: „You’ve been lied to and misled for such a long time that sorting through all that here is virtually impossible. A lot will come out over time, but the truth has been out there for a long time as well but that doesn’t give you what you want, so this dance just goes on and on.“
Final message for fans:
„Thanks everyone and thanks for all the support and the positive comments both tonight and over the years. I hope to do this again soon, maybe sooner than you’d think! And you didn’t scare me off — I’m just burnt and would rather not mispeak on issues that may mean a lot to some. Thanks again.“
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=110709
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Let him soothe your soul, just take his hand/ Some people call him an evil man/ Let him introduce himself real good/ He's the only one they call Feelgood (Mötley Crüe, 1989) Metal Hammer Hair Metal Company www.rocktimes.deAXL ROSE Takes Part In Another Online Chat, Says There Are ‚No Plans‘ For GN’R Tour Right Now – Dec. 14, 2008 Reclusive GUNS N‘ ROSES singer Axl Rose took part in yet another online chat Friday night (December 12), this time via the GUNS N‘ ROSES fan community ChineseDemocracy.com.
BLABBERMOUTH.NET has compiled the most interesting bits from the question-and-answer session and is re-posting them here for your reading enjoyment. (Note: Some of Axl’s responses were slightly edited for clarity.)
Q: If you tour the UK again, will you be going back to Newcastle? Despite the last time one prick there throwing pound coins about. I was there that night in 2006 and it would be a shame for the next tour not to stop there because of one idiot out of thousands (although I’m sure it’s a lot more complicated then that and down to promoters).
Axl: That wouldn’t stop us from playing there again. And the whole throwing-shit [thing] sucks and is pretty cowardly, but the leaving [threatening to walk off stage when people throw objects at you while you are performing] I got at Donington from Lemmy. When we first played Donington, I was so happy I had knocked a bottle of piss out of the air when Lemmy gave me a lecture how if another band got hurt because I allowed people to throw things at our shows I’d be responsible for other bands getting hurt. Whether real or there’s an argument against that, I’ve never been able to have anything override that in my head, not even a riot, and I don’t know why. If you’re working hard and some cunt throws something so he can tell his buddies, I don’t see where it’s worth it.
Q: Is „Silkworms“ on the next record? It’s a masterpiece.
Axl: [It] has a lot of guitars, lots of different drum [patterns] and the chorus is gone.
Q: Just wondering if there truly was a rap song with Shaq [American professional basketball player, rapper and actor Shaquille O’Neal] on it that you recorded? This is one of the many rumors flying around since this album’s conception and I think we all wanna know.
Axl: In my opinion, that was just cheap shots from media jerkoffs knowing that Shaq wasn’t the most popular or respected rapper publicly. I’ve never met the man. He goofed around with Paul [Tobias, a.k.a. Paul Huge; GUNS N‘ ROSES guitarist 1996-2002] and Diz [GN’R keyboardist Dizzy Reed] and it went from there.
Q: I was wondering about new tour dates….
Axl: No plans. We’re talking.
Q: What is Brain’s [GN’R drummer Bryan „Brain“ Mantia] status?
Axl: I think he’s doing alright. Maybe I should check.
Q: Can you bring back „Breakdown“ or „Dead Horse“ to the set?
Axl: Maybe. more interested in [performing] the newer [material] now.
Q: Your music means more to me than I could ever express.
Axl: Thank you. [It] means a lot.
Q: What’s your opinion on the [B]„Chinese Democracy“ album, GunsNRoses.com and ChineseDemocracy.com being banned in China?
Axl: China’s a tough place. A lot of us have no idea how good we have it and think less of those less fortunate. The Chinese people have been kept in the dark through literally the fear of incarceration or death, which, to most, is either unimaginable or only able to be contemplated with stories or movies and such where there is an all-encompassing environment and they’re growing larger everyday.
Q: How does an average GN’R rehearsal go? Like, do you jam on any covers, go over songs until they are extremely tight, etc.? Also, how frequent are GUNS N‘ ROSES rehearsals?
Axl: Frequency depends on the reason, say a tour or particular gig, and how we feel about where we’re at with whatever the material is and not so much on the covers but lots of jams. Generally, there’s a lot of fun but a lot of work and these guys take it very seriously, which is great.
Q: How do you feel about meeting your fans? What is the best way for a fan to meet you if they happen to be a dude (since the stereotype is that rockers only wanna meet hot chicks)?
Axl: I like meeting all kinds of fans, but after a show (I realize that’s the only time some may feel they have an opportunity, but with the exception of close friends around…), not to be offensive, but I’m generally not looking forward to walking off stage to hang with guys, whether they’re fans or not. I deal with GUNS all day every day, so coming off stage to talk about the band is just like more of the same. Unless there’s pressing business, I wanna forget that ‚till it’s time to go at it again the next day. And people may enjoy meet-and-greets and have their reasons why it meant a lot for them, which I respect, but overall, charging fans for it, I think, [is] disgusting of bands. Now if they did it for free to winners of a contest, etc., that would be different. Charging is lame. How to meet bands? Maybe try to hang out places you might hear they do sometimes.
Q: How much does [J.D. Salinger’s 1951 novel] „Catcher in the Rye“ [have to do with] the [B]GUNS N‘ ROSES song [B]„Catcher N‘ The Rye“, or is [the title] solely referring to Chapman [John Lennon’s murderer Mark David Chapman was carrying a copy of the book when he shot the ex-THE BEATLES member]?
Axl: For me, the song is inspired by what’s referred to sometimes as Holden Caulfield Syndrome. I feel there’s a possibility that how the writing is structured with the thinking of the main character could somehow re-program, for lack of a better word, some who may be a bit more vulnerable, with a skewed way of thinking, and tried to allow myself to go what may be there or somewhat close during the verses. I’d think for most those lines are enjoyed as just venting, blowing off steam, humor or some type of entertainment where it may be how others seriously live in their minds. The bridge before the solo is an artistic interpretation of an institutionalized mind. The outro is a tribute to Lennon and an indictment of the author for writing what I feel is utter garbage and I agree wholeheartedly that it should be discontinued as required reading in schools. That’s my take, I could be completely wrong. I do realize that the song and title could have the next poor soul reading the book and feeling inspired to make an unfortunate statement. So there’s the catch, I guess. When I came up with the focus, I got a call from the director of „Imagine“ wanting a bunch of money to make a documentary, had a guy sending me strange packages about Lennon and serial killers, etc., and the web started calling me Salinger, with no one knowing what I was writing. I figured I was on the right track, at least for a song.
Q: Axl, when are you coming down to South America? You have forgotten this place in the last years.
Axl: Haven’t forgotten. Looking forward to it.
Q: Just wanted to ask this: out of all of the music you have written, what song are you most proud of?
Axl: Right now, a lot on this album „Chinese Democracy“. For me, musically, it would have to be the orchestral arrangement in the bridge of „This I Love“.
Q: How does it feel to see your face everywhere? Especially these very old pictures…
Axl: Fine.
Q: When GUNS played the surprise acoustic show in London, can you remember what the request was that you denied before playing „Nightrain“, and if so, what was that request?
Axl: No idea.
Q: Axl, what do you think of Duff’s [McKagan, ex-GUNS N‘ ROSES bassist] comments about „Chinese Democracy“? [Duff told the Seattle radio station KISW 99.9 FM on Friday, December 12] that Axl „sounds amazing“ on „Chinese Democracy“, before adding, „You know, I’m glad he [B]Axl put out the record he wanted to put out and I think it’s gonna be successful, him going out and touring. People have been talking how the record’s doing. I think it’s a longevity thing; it will do fine for him. And I wish him the best of luck.“]
Axl: And?
Q: Do ya Internet with a 56K modem, Axl?
Axl: Do you?
Q: „Chinese Democracy“ is awesome, but it’s a pretty ballady album compared to previous GN’R albums. Is this the new direction of GN’R or will some of the future GN’R albums be more focused on hard-rocking songs again?
Axl: What I know is it’s the record that was able to get through the red tape and get itself out there while helping friends, loved ones and myself along the way. The whole ballad or rocker thing has never been something I’ve ever cared too much about. There’s some meaner sections ahead, but a particular focus once there were a few of the newer guys together was to bring a bit more beauty into our efforts.
Q: Is the band still in contact with [former GN’R guitarist] Paul Huge [a.k.a. Paul Tobias]? Any more future plans with him? Guest apperance on tour maybe?
Axl: Paul helps out all the time and is on a lot more material. Paul helped get a lot of the base credits, etc., together which were extensive. He’s always had a good memory on that stuff and it’s generally important to him to be as ethical as he’s capable, which is invaluable.
Q: If you’re composing music (piano), are you using some computer software to write the notes down or are you using a sheet of paper and a pen for this?
If I want to capture it, I either use Logic or Pro Tools in the studio. I’ve tried recording myself otherwise for years, but for some reason, no matter what’s there, it doesn’t seem to be where my real focus should ultimately be.
Q: A lot of the GN’R fans always say how good the House of Blues 01/01/01 show is. Are you thinking about releasing that for the fans n DVD or download soon?
Axl: No plans for any live shows as DVDs currently.
Q: From interviews, tours, riots, and information you revealed yesterday morning, this project has obviously had its ups and downs. If you could do this whole process over again, with the making of CD, would you?
Axl: Only for the same reason I have, other than that… not in a billion years.
Q: Also, would you consider GN’R to perform for a charity cause, and if yes, what that cause would be?
Axl: All depends on the cause and if it feels right for us at the time. There could be a disaster that we felt strongly about being involved with helping in some way but often these turn into ways for bands to just promote themselves — not really caring, but looking so publicly. Or the money doesn’t reach the victims or those in need while the celebrities are promoted for their efforts. Efforts at what? Not into that so much. Medical situations are always important. If you’re really helping, then I’m for it. Which ones, I couldn’t really say. It’s not like I would draw a line or argue the importance of one over another in most cases.
Q: When did you start the recording of your voice for CD and when did it end and which was the last song recorded? Are you here to promote the album, or do you really care about your fan base?
Axl: I’ll have to think about the first bit. With the second [question], I’m not sure how much this is promoting the album as it’s in our own backyard, so to speak, but it is talking with fans about some of the realities of GUNS or myself which whether I’ve wanted to or not didn’t feel right until now. So I’d say it’s about us!!
Q: Has anything Disney ever inspired you musically? Like „The Little Mermaid“ score or something? Are you a fan of „The Little Mermaid“? What’s your favorite Disney animated film?
Axl: I don’t know about musically, but I’m pro Disney. Go about once a year or so. Went with Bucket [former GN’R guitarist Buckethead] a lot. It’s nice to go somewhere where people allow themselves to be more in touch with a more innocent side of themselves at least for what seems like the most part.
Q: Did you do a song with Eazy-E [late American rapper, producer, and record executive] in the early ’90s. I read it somewhere. I think it would be pretty cool. Did you hang out with Eazy-E ever? What was a cool moment hanging out with N.W.A.?
Axl: He recorded with Slash and Duff. He really wanted to attack the media over attacking me for „One in a Million“. There wasn’t really any Easy on it. I wasn’t there. He gave me the tape to consider. Sounded a bit like the other guys doing BODY COUNT. The idea was OK but the track wasn’t really there and I felt it would get more heat than the track could stand up to. Only hung a couple times after a show with any of them. Was glad I got to meet Eazy.
Q: Which of your songs ever is the most meaningful for you? And why?
Axl: I probably won’t answer this for a while. It’s a good question, but one I’ll have to think about.
Q: Which song on „Chinese Democracy“ do you feel was your best work vocally?
Axl: End section of „There Was A Time“, backgrounds in „Catcher N‘ The Rye“.
Q: What do you do in your spare time for a hobby? What else do you love except music?
Axl: Cars, checking out art, F1 [Formula 1].
Q: If you don’t mind, would you tell me what are your favorite 10 albums of 2008 and all-time favorites? I would like to know more about your music taste.
Axl: I’m more into film scores.
Q: „Chinese Democracy“ was a brilliant album, but do you miss the old GUNS from time to time?
Axl: I miss the illusion we shared for only a few months, if that, of thinking we were in this together. It wasn’t real, or if so, only ever so briefly while deeper currents of ambitions were temporarily put aside, but I didn’t know that then.
Q: I love „Oh My God“, but it really sounds like a demo. Why? I’m sure we all would love a new version.
Axl: Because that’s all it was, only at the time having just got it together only Jimmy Iovine [music producer, entrepreneur and chairman of Interscope–Geffen–A&M] knew that who wanted it to sell their soundtrack [„End of Days“, released in 1999]. I saw segments of the movie which were good. As a whole later not so much, but it wasn’t ready yet then. I did write an experimental piece inspired by the bits I’d seen called „Daddy Can the Devil do Mommy and Me?“
Q: I guess the only question I really have is when do you think we will see you boys on the road again? And is there ever a chance of you playing Philadelphia again?
Axl: Not sure. Looking at options. And I would love to play Philly, as I would have loved to play back in ’02.
Q: Sebastian Bach mentioned you were writing an autobiography. How is that progressing?
Axl: It’s not exactly an autobiography as much as legal record of every last detail of what went down with the breakup. I have about 40,000 words on it (don’t know where [the previously reported number of words] 12,000 came from) but it’s generally really depressing so I don’t go back to it so much.
Q: Could you tell us more about [the unreleased GUNS N‘ ROSES song] „The General“?
Axl: You may have heard parts of it somewhere.
Q: How many other new songs are fully complete and ready to go?
Axl: Haven’t checked.
Q: It’s Saturday morning here in sunny old England and it’s pissing it down. However, looking forward to the summer festivals. What are the chances of an appearance?
Axl: They’re being considered. Was great in ’06.
Q: I find the verses on „Shackler’s Revenge“ to remind me of „The Sopranos“ theme tune in certain ways. Should they do? Furthermore, any chance of getting the complete album on Rock Band? That would be swell.
Axl: Never thought of that with „The Sopranos“, but a big fan of that song. And I think that’s a yes on Rock Band.
Q: Which is the most emotional song for you too sing on „Chinese Democracy“?
Axl: „This I Love“.
Q: Outta the whole [B]„Chinese Democracy“ record, what is your favorite part of music on it? Like a breakdown at some point, strings, anything.
Axl: Bucket’s blues fill at the beginning of the last verse in „Prostitute“ and his „eventide“ bits in the outro, the guitars in the bridge of „Better“, Robin’s [B]Finck solo in „There Was A Time“, for a few of them.
Q: On the 2006 tour when you were in the good old UK, did you use Michael Owen’s helicopter? Huh? I heard rumors.
Axl: Not sure, but leaving Silverstone, and [due to] no fault of our pilots, I saw another helicopter coming towards us blades first out of the corner of my eye, yelled „watch out“ and our pilot jerked us out of the way of an idiot who was unauthorized to be where he was and came out of nowhere. Without our pilot’s skill and quick reflexes, it would’ve been over right then for real. It was also great to read how „Merck [former GUNS N‘ ROSES manager Merck Mercuriadis, who was fired by Axl Rose in December 2006 — Ed.] took the keys to the ‚copter so Axl couldn’t leave“ Donington like I’m James Bond or something. I did make him drive back to London though!!
Q: Do you think „This I Love“ is still the heaviest thing you’ve written, or has another song popped up that now holds that title?
Axl: That’s still it and ultimately a great healing experience to compose something you have no real idea you’re capable of such as the bridge. It’s a lot more intricate than I think most realize yet as the guitar and vocals are placed as they should be so dominant. The main string melody in that section I had originally written to a hip-hop loop as well.
Q: Could you please talk at all about what inspired the lyrics to „Shackler’s Revenge“ and/or „Catcher N‘ The Rye“? Or the meaning behind „Riad N‘ The Bedouins“?
Axl: „Shackler’s“ was inspired by the insanity of senseless school shootings and also the media trying desperately to make more out of one shooter’s preference for the GUNS song „Mr. Brownstone“ to no avail. That said, listening for my own enjoyment or if we were to make a video or performing it, I lean more to the entertainment of a horror flick or something like „Dexter“, something with an interesting menacing character as opposed to real life.
On song inspirations:
Axl: I tried sending this ages ago but apparently it never went through. It was a direct response but now fits others questions on the same subject.
The whole „who’s it about?“ bit with songs doesn’t work for me that much as in whether a line or whatever was inspired by a particular person or situation doesn’t mean that in the end that’s what or who the song’s about. I could be working with clay and think of someone or something and somehow that could inspire me to take the work in a different direction at the moment but in the end it could just be a nice vase. I often wonder where the people who inspired so many songs are now and why it’s only important with some songs such as „Layla“ as opposed to others. I’m guessin‘ a fair number of beautiful love songs or otherwise were inspired by some that the artists and public might consider now or in hindsight to be the opposite of how they are depicted or allegedly represented. With „Sorry“, like a lot of the material is drawn from a lot of different situations. The main focus on the boards with the track seems to be either Slash or „the fans“ (and the collective of „the fans“ is another thing that doesn’t work for me) and is much too restrictive or narrow and limits what I feel I intended. For me it’s for anyone talking nonsense at mine and the public’s expense and that many of those as well as the public don’t know who to believe. Also where possible I’d like to give people the opportunity to get what they can from the material for a while before clouding that with my inspirations. Of course that’s not always avoidable.
Q: What effect do leaks REALLY have on the band/the album? There’s a lot of speculation but no clear answer.
Axl: Basically, for us it’s devastating across the board. And when you have such a majority openly justifying their actions and throwing out nonsense, such as it’s not actually stealing as the original is still with whomever, it’s unbelievably insane. It exists because of the greed of the record industry, the greed of large-scale pirating, the ease and common nature now of the act itself and personal motivations such as popularity among certain groups, possible momentary media recognition etc. And it’s too rampant and widespread. It’s simply too huge a mess for the courts to deal with and in that with those numbers and the expense and manpower involved necessary at this time to curtail it… obviously there are more serious crimes for society to focus on. Besides, fuck musicians, right? If they didn’t make enough already, then they probably suck anyway, right? „I ain’t cryin‘ for no rich dude.“ Whatever. And who knows? What are our numbers on the torrent sites for this album? I don’t know. So I don’t know how or if it’s affected us in terms of sales this time around. Maybe not, but with the economy and the core of our market, I’d think there’s a possibility it has had a negative effect. Anyone?
Q: Axl, I’d just like to say I feel that you have captured the mood and feel of J.D Sallinger’s „Catcher in the Rye“ perfectly. Why did you chose this book to reference as regards to „Chinese Democracy“?
Axl: OK, I’ve never actually tried to put this into words this way before, and this’ll probably get me in trouble with someone, but here goes…
The piano started while watching a documentary or A&E type show on Chapman and wanting to write something for Lennon and his family.
With the book, it started as fascination and curiosity with Holden Caufield Syndrome and what was or could possibly be in the book that obviously certain vulnerable people have seemed to become so passionate about and resort to outrageous public attempts or acts of violence. That and the question most have in regard to Lennon’s death… Why?
Can’t say I have those answers, but I feel our song pays the emotional tribute to John Lennon in the end that I’d wanted to write since the night he was killed and also since first listening to Elton and Bernie’s „Empty Garden“.
I read the book. I fell into a deep dark sleep. Went to the studio and sang as a joke what I refer to as the Holden parts off the top of my head and felt at the time, at least in my opinion, I had stumbled on a way of thinking that had a pattern and a flow but was broken up like a television station going out and coming back slightly off course intermittently and not making sense with its earlier portion.
Where this unease helped to justify or even demand taking action and feeling the power of taking that action against whoever your mind felt was somehow involved or the root of this unease and alienation. Accompanied by a calming surreal almost religious (but totally insane) vibe I think that if some were to experience having limited capabilities, insecurities or are mentally and emotionally challenged in some way could find a false sense of solace and take comfort in like being on some type of drugs or meds but with an added completely false sense of an imagined calling or purpose. It certainly could and very well often would feel better than some individuals real world or having to experience or live with a clearer perspective of their true reality… All of which, of course, could be imagined and hooked together by events like Lennon’s murder, reading the book, wanting to write a song about someone being insane, John Lennon, Chapman, people shooting people and watching Mel Gibson’s „Conspiracy“! And when I got home, not in any dramatic way, but more like cleaning off the dinner table, I threw my book away.
Don’t know if any of that’s really what any of that’s about but that’s how it hit me and just like an instant cake we got the basis for a song.
Q: What are your five favorite books?
Axl: „The Stand“, „A Scanner Darkly“, „The Mutant King“, „The Zodiac“, „Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein“.
Q: Will there ever be decent promo and interviews, etc. concerning this album, or is this it?
Axl: There were, in my opinion, well-thought-out plans and strategies that unfortunately were ignored once we were pressing CDs. There will be proper interviews and some are already scheduled for much later intentionally. Good idea, bad… we’ll see. I’m happy the record’s out; the rest… one nightmare at a time.
Q: What part of guitar work for „There Was A Time“ is yours?
Axl: I wrote Robin’s bit in the second verse. There’s microscopic bits throughout usually woven down in the other guitars. The bits throughout the end, the basic power chord bit was originally mine. There’s a ghost-like bit that formed the basis for the end vocal melody right before Robin’s riff in one side in the outro before Bucket’s solo and as it gets to the very end there’s lots of little overdubbed bits woven in and out — very small, but structured bits.
Q: Which women influenced the writing of the new ballads.
Axl: Ha! We’ll get to these a bit later as they’re a bit more complicated than a simple answer of a few names, but most are composites and became much more about the song than particular individuals. Also, again, I’d like people to have a chance to develop their own relationship with the material a bit. Not dodging, as most of these answers will come out over time.
Q: Any plans on updating the website to make it more… fan-friendly? And what ever happened to the fan club thing?
Axl: I’ve started (again) recently to make an attempt to try and get something going there. It’s been extremely frustrating. I’ve had ideas but former management went with theirs. Previous to what we have now, I’ve consistently had others attempt to pressure and railroad me into working with others that I chose not to as it was more about managerial control than a good website and not in my best interest, so the ideas get shelved and it generally just sits there. Plus, as frustrating as it was for everyone, it was not time to talk publicly. So it gets consistently shelved.
Q: What are your views on [VELVET REVOLVER’s] „Contraband“ and „Libertad“?
Axl: I’ll save this one. These are obviously highly charged areas and I’d rather take things one step at a time.
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=110812
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Let him soothe your soul, just take his hand/ Some people call him an evil man/ Let him introduce himself real good/ He's the only one they call Feelgood (Mötley Crüe, 1989) Metal Hammer Hair Metal Company www.rocktimes.deÄhm, nein? Unter Flop verstehe ich etwas anderes….
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Ich will da gar nicht drüber reden, von mir aus können die alle sofort andere Jobs anfangen oder sterben. Das interessiert mich Null, das macht mich aggressiv und ich will's auch nicht hören. Michael Weikath über Nu MetalMachine Head-BastiInteressiert doch keinen!
Album is gefloppt. Ende.Ich find schon interessant, was Axl Rose so zu sagen hat. Immerhin lässt er sich nicht alle Tage zu solchen Äußerungen herab.
Wenn es dich nicht interessiert, kannst du es ja überlesen.
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Let him soothe your soul, just take his hand/ Some people call him an evil man/ Let him introduce himself real good/ He's the only one they call Feelgood (Mötley Crüe, 1989) Metal Hammer Hair Metal Company www.rocktimes.deein flop ist was anderes.das genesis album nach dem austieg von phil collins war ein flop chinese democrazy nicht.aber metallica und acdc werden schon viele mehr absetzten.
das liegt aber daran das es ja null promo gegegeben hat--
John Wayne"Ich traue keinem Mann, der keinen Alkohol trinkt"
ebay kaufen! amon amarth,kreator,atrocity,slayer,anthrax,dimmu borgir [COLOR=#ff0000]über land und unter wasser habe ich mein glück gesucht[/COLOR]AXL ROSE: Why I Am Continung To Use Name GUNS N‘ ROSES – Dec. 14, 2008 GUNS N‘ ROSES singer Axl Rose has made a lengthy posting to the MyGNRForum.com web site where he answered a number of fan-submitted questions related to such topics as why he is continuing to use the GUNS name and the circumstances that led to the breakup of the classic GN’R lineup. His posting follows below in its entirety. (Note that the questions Axl is responding to were not included in his original post.)
„OK, then!! The questions aren’t here but the answers, as it moves along, I think point pretty clearly to what was asked in pretty much order or close of the seven pages. If I didn’t answer, it was either already answered, off topic or I mistakenly overlooked the question. My apologies for the inconvenience. It’s not as light-hearted as some of the other sessions but that’s the subject matter. Whew!!“
Q: We learnt in the press, that you asked the former members to sign a paper giving up the rights to the GUNS N‘ ROSES name and threatening not to go on stage unless they co-operated. Bullshit?
Axl: „So let’s start here… the whole ‚Axl wouldn’t go on stage‘ yada yada… is complete and utter crap. Never happened, all made up, fallacy and fantasy. Not one single solitary thread of truth to it. Had that been the case, I would’ve have been cremated years ago legally, could’ve cleaned me out for the name and damages. It’s called under duress with extenuating circumstances. In fact, the time that was mentioned, the attorneys were all in Europe with us dealing with Adler [original GUNS N‘ ROSES drummer Steven Adler] depositions.
„Couldn’t talk sooner as it could have jeopardized whatever nonsense was going on.
„When GUNS renegotiated our contract with Geffen, I had the bit about the name added in as protection for myself as I had come up with the name and then originally started the band with it. It had more to do with management than the band, as our then-manager was always tryin‘ to convince someone they should fire me. As I had stopped speaking with him, he sensed his days were numbered and was bending any ear he could along with attempting to sell our renegotiation out for a personal payday from Geffen.
„It was added to the contract and everyone signed off on it. It wasn’t hidden in fine print, etc., as you had to initial the section verifying you had acknowledged it.
„Now, at that time I didn’t know or think about brand names or corporate value etc. All I knew is that I came in with the name and from day one everyone had agreed to it being mine should we break up and now it was in writing.
„I still didn’t grasp any other issues until long after I’d left and formed a new partnership which was only an effort to salvage GUNS, not steal it.“
„In my opinion, the reality of the shift and the public embarrassment and ridicule by others (which included a lot of not-so-on-the-level business types he was associating with at the time) for not contesting the rights to the brand name, were more than Slash [former GUNS N‘ ROSES guitarist] could openly face. Also, we aren’t lawyers or formally business educated, so it was just a matter of all of us being naïve and doing what we thought was right at the time. Slash was, in my opinion, being on the up and up in agreeing I had the rights, and I wasn’t trying to be some snake in the grass pulling a fast one. The others could’ve cared less.
„But when the reality of the breakup hit and the strategy to have me crawl back was put into play, Slash had to save face and get business team and public support. Painting me as the one who held a crowd hostage forcing the others to sign over the name worked out pretty well in that regard. I’m the bad guy, and Duff [McKagan, ex-GUNS bassist], the fans and most importantly himself were the victims. Oh, and they had actually made the sacrifice for the crowd, the people, the fans at the show. But again… IT NEVER HAPPENED.
„Media and others ignorantly, wrongly and falsely harped on about it at mine and the fans‘ expense for years, and Slash has hoped to use all that to continually sue and have some sort of legal nonsense going on behind the scenes in an effort to reverse things. He wouldn’t have been able to get the support and action on the part of his various team members over the years to do so if the truth were out there especially when the statute of limitations had run out years ago.“
Q: Why did you choose to keep the GUNS N‘ ROSES name rather than create a new name?
Axl: „Why keep the name? I’m literally the last man standing. Not bragging, not proud. It’s been a fucking nightmare but I didn’t leave GUNS and I didn’t drive others out. With Slash, it’s been nothing more than pure strategy and saving face while manipulating the public like he used to me. I earned the right to protect my efforts and to be able to take advantage of our contract I’d worked hard for where Slash’s exact words were that he didn’t care. I get that some like a different version or lineup the same way some like a specific team line up or a particular year of a specific car but because you and I are getting played I’m supposed to throw the baby out with the bath water?“
Q: What do you think about people that say „Chinese Democracy“ should have been a solo album instead of using the name GUNS N‘ ROSES?
Axl: „I didn’t make a solo record. A solo record would be completely different than this and probably much more instrumental. I made a GUNS record with the right people who were the only people who really wanted to help me try, were qualified and capable while enduring the public abuse for years . The songs were chosen by everyone involved. I didn’t want to do ‚This I Love‘ in any way shape or form, and Robin [Finck, current GUNS guitarist] and Caram [Costanzo; co-producer] insisted gaining Tommy’s [Stinson, bass] and the others‘ support. There’s been a lot of pressure to go with using my name (all external) but that never felt right to me for this band and the parameters in regard to this music have lots more to do with the mindset of GUNS than something else. The instrumental I wrote for ‚End of Days‘ that’s more a solo effort, at least presently.
„As far as a new name… this is who I am, not whatever else someone else thinks of. I don’t see myself as solely GUNS, but I do see myself as the only one from the past making the effort to take it forward, whether anyone approves or not, and giving beyond what many would or fight for to do so. The name helped the music more than you could ever know, and I’m not talking in regards to studios or budgets, I mean it as in being pushed by something and having to get the music to a place where I can find my peace regardless of what anyone says. And that wasn’t fully achieved until the last round of mastering and swapping out a version of a track at the pressing plant that had gotten inadvertently changed at the last minute. Also, the name was what the industry wanted as well and the burden of keeping it was something to endure in order to make the record. After the monies invested by old Geffen (that were decisions made that have worked out for me but I’m on record as having opposed) dropping the name became suicide.“
Q: How much has been spent on legal battles over the name/how much do you value the name at?
Axl: „The cost of legal battles has been astronomical but I felt the deal made with Universal was fair for where it is and most things balanced out for both sides.“
Q: How do you feel when you read posts that say „this isn’t really GUNS N‘ ROSES?“ Surely it isn’t their place to say?
Axl: „David Bowie likes Floyd with Barret, many with Waters and those without. And there are those who like all the different lineups. In my opinion, what makes our situation a bit more unique, at least in how it’s played out, is the ugliness of what really took place. If I’d done what was said then, I’d say fuck me too. I also realize this is just one issue in something with upteen however many more so conclusions can’t be formulated off this little bit alone by most which is more than understandable.
„That said, because someone leaves the shop I started in which I still legally have the rights to the name I started it with… makes up a bunch of nonsense to win public and legal support in an effort to get whatever it is they want at mine and the public’s expense… I don’t feel any reason whatsoever I should have to throw what I’ve not only worked for but fought and suffered for away because some hurt, angry, betrayed, misguided and lied to people with a lynch-mob mentality, joined by others who could care less (especially in the media), enjoying the controversy and hate, choose one over the other regardless of what’s right because they want what they want. And you can still prefer then as opposed to now and no one’s arguing your right to do so.
„In regard to nuGUNS, I get that sometimes it helps to be able to clarify. Personally I call this GUNS and the ‚Illusions‘ or previous lineups ‚old GUNS.'“
Q: Are you guys allowed to play any song from the GN’R catalogue? Because in the past I heard that legal matters hinders you to play some of the „Use Your Illusion“ stuff.
Axl: „We can play what we want, as far as I’m aware.“
Q: I would ask what the catalyst was to originally motivate you to seek ownership of the name? Looking back, do you still feel it was a good course of action to have taken?
Axl: „It wasn’t so much that it was a good course or that, if looking back, I could do something differently; it’s that, for better or worse, it was the only course, and had I not done this, Slash would have succeeded in destroying me publicly much more than he, others or myself have so far and I would have gone bankrupt.“
Q: Where would you be now, had you not obtained the rights to the name? What would you have called the current line-up of GN’R?
Axl: „I don’t know where I’d be, but there’s clearly no happy ending there and with everything else that had gone on in every other area of my life the devastation isn’t something I feel I would have overcome at least to any real degree publicly. Hopefully I would’ve been able to pick myself up enough to get a job or sing somewhere else but I doubt anything that significant.“
Q: Would you ever consider sharing the name with the current band members?
Axl: „The sharing thing is interesting, but even with all this time, the complications of the red tape and trying to get something out fall on my world to sort and not theirs. They are amazingly supportive and do their best to keep me in up spirits and focused which I had less and less of in GUNS way before ‚Sweet Child‘ caught on. If that were to change, then that may be something to look at. I hope for us to grow more together as we continue so who knows.
„If I hadn’t secured the rights, I don’t know where I’d be and I’d probably call what would then be the current lineup ‚THOSE MOTHER FUCKERS!!‘
„The name is something I take great pride in as I feel anyone who’s been a part of it should, the same as other bands or teams etc. The burden when it is such is a nightmare but not as much or as hopeless as I’d imagine without it could have been.“
Q: What is the difference between former members forwarding their careers through their association with you, and a band benefiting from touring/releasing under a name originally associated with a group of musicians who are no longer there?
Axl: „On the what’s the difference… I think I get what you’re asking… I feel it depends on how and in what ways either the former members are using the association and what the true circumstances regarding why they moved on from both the band and the name that would or could affect the decision to continue on with the name by in this case this lineup and or myself.“
Q: Did you use the GN’R name to sell more records??
Axl: „As for selling more records, it’d be nice to be in a position to possibly do so at some point but that’s never been my base reasoning. I would think it fits into not feeling I shouldn’t be forced to throw away possible opportunities in a hostile attempted takeover. I believe I should fight for GUNS in a patriotic sense or sense of loyalty or honor. Not just my vision or direction for GUNS as those things can evolve and you can make forward moving positive compromises by what others bring to the table but I mean more as in what principles I feel were important to GUNS in regard to an overall commitment to the music.“
Q: Obviously the name GUNS N‘ ROSES means a lot to you historically. Do you think it would have been easier (less criticism from being the only „original“ remaining member) or harder (the name obviously carries a lot of weight) to have pursued the „Chinese Democracy“ project under a different name.
Axl: „It helped us get here but most of that was with Universal and the positives of that wore off years ago until recently and after the initial run it’ll be about the music and us. Then it’s about touring and there’s not a question the name’s helped at most everywhere but not so much the states. With that it comes down to the strength or quality of the performance. Having the name kicks your ass every night as it’s not some side project or something you can fuck off in. You don’t deliver, you get your ass handed to you. So it makes us work much harder than I feel we would outside of it and it hasn’t been too ugly yet.“
Q: Did you already have a new lineup or a lineup change in mind at that time?
Axl: „I didn’t see lineup changes, etc., back then — I saw it more as a crash and burn, goin‘ down with the ship. On one hand, I knew the band was over before we started touring ‚Illusions‘ but you have hope… but I saw it more like the Titanic sinking than moving on or surviving. And in reality, I went the distance with each and every one in GUNS to where they felt for whatever reasons they either couldn’t or wouldn’t give what GUNS required. And I’m not talking change of styles or sounds etc. A lot of people bought that crap and me having gone in other directions seems to many to have verified that. Then you have the mind twisting equally as true horseshit in Slash’s book, but I have the rehearsal tapes. There’s nothing but Slash-based blues rock and he stopped it to both go solo and try to completely take over GUNS. I read all this ‚if Axl would’ve put words and melodies on it could’ve…‘ That was denied and I didn’t walk ‚till several months after having 3-to-4-hour phone conversations nearly every day with Slash trying to reach a compromise. I was specifically told no lyrics, no melodies, no changes to anything and to sing what I was told or fuck off.“
Q: What (except for legal reasons) would make you change the name of the band you’re playing in?
Axl: „As to what would possibly make me change the name, [it] would be some form of evolving that I don’t feel we’ve reached yet and not in any way consciously trying to at this time. It’s really hard to say. I’d have to feel it was right for me and those involved and whatever we’re doing at that time.“
Q: With regard to ownership of the name, how will this affect GUNS‚ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? The new band can’t exactly go and accept the award. Would they have to requalify in 25 years‘ time for „Chinese“?
Axl: „Never thought about that, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The whole ‚mature enough‘ bit was cute. Not to offend anyone, but personally I don’t have an interest and other than inducting Elton don’t quite get what it is exactly and who decides what. It seems to mean more to some than others and more so amongst fans. It’s nice to get recognition and have some form of acceptance, but in regards to joining others, the price is too high and just not worth it. It’s a ways away and seems a bit presumptuous to be contemplating being inducted now.“
Q: Do you think you have to follow some kind of music style cause of your musical past, or you feel free to experiment some kind of innovative stuff or melting few styles wich goes „against“ the musical heritage of GN’R?!?!
Axl: „About following particular styles, yes I do feel there are parameters with GUNS as opposed to not being or in GUNS. ‚Chinese Democracy‘ is, in my opinion, an evolution not necessarily how each from the past would but how the music and intent could and did. GUNS did not have specific lifelong criteria to follow and many of the influences on ‚Appetite‘ were abandoned by the others long before me. In fact, Slash hated a good portion of those on ‚Appetite‘ and wasn’t all that into the involvement or association but knew it worked at the time and realized it was the cusp of a wave that was growing. It’s a trip for me to witness as so many of the people he performs with etc he hated then, them, their bands and their music where the others or I were the fans.
„I like touring with these guys a lot more than the old band. The beginning was fun but it started going bad our first gig opening for THE CULT in Halifax between Slash and I. That’s when the ‚OK I put up with all Axl’s and Izzy’s crap, now I’m gonna be the man‘ trip started with him runnin‘ right out front on the ego ramp for the whole show. It was pretty funny.“
Q: How did the new lineup respond when initially asked to join GUNS N‘ ROSES? Did they ever suggest using a different name?
Axl: „No one ever talked about or suggested using another name. The guys are really respectful in regard to the old band and I’m not sure if they’ve said a paragraph apiece in all the years towards or about the old band whether I’m talking about whatever or not. But from being with me for so long they know a lot of it’s shit so they get bummed at the endless interviews and nonsense. Personally, I’m so proud of them I wouldn’t know how to express it. I can’t see me handing something like this as they have with so much class and maturity especially being shit on publicly to such a degree. ‚Hey join my band, bring an umbrella!!‘
„If I were to leave GUNS, I could consider giving, selling, shelving or opening a GNR Burger chain with the name!! Ha!! Just kidding. I’m not so different than the alumni in that there’s generally something going on that makes things suck and when that reaches overflow I want out too but if you didn’t when it’s ugly I think that’d be less normal.
„If I went solo — which I haven’t — I wouldn’t call it GUNS.“
Q: According to some people, the name should’ve been changed once there was no Tracii Guns in GUNS N‘ ROSES. Seriously if it wasnt changed then for that reason, then why should it ever be changed for any other reason?
Axl: „The name does come from mine and Tracii’s [Guns, current L.A. GUNS guitarist] as the original inspiration but was something I played with, not Tracii, and GUNS was GUNS before Tracii joined. It was GUNS before I knocked on Izzy’s window. Earlier I had gotten Tracii to use the name GUNS (as he had mentioned a girl had called him Mr. Guns sometime) so he’d stop calling his band PERSIAN ROSE. So I guess we have the girl to thank.“
Q: Axl, Why do you feel that the others (Slash, Duff) believe that they were entitled to the name since GUNS N‘ ROSES existed before they were in the band?
Axl: „The others having a sense of entitlement to the name isn’t completely off but has more to do with how Slash dealt with things and his particular strategy and I say strategy because that’s what it’s been. But since I managed to hold out that didn’t play out so well for him in regard to the name.
„It’s a band name more than a brand name. As Tommy said regarding our struggles to make this happen, ‚We’re not lettin‘ what took so much blood and heart get turned to shit and dust.‘ And I guess you could apply that to current former or whatever.“
Q: What were Slash’s arguments for keeping GN’R name?
Axl: „Slash never had ANY arguments for keeping the name until long after and again I feel that had a lot to do with seedy biz types and him feeling he had to save face.“
Q: Do you regret keeping the name?
Axl: „Keeping the band name alive was very important. Not out of ego and I don’t know exactly why in the sense of putting into words, but I think it has something to do with the global effect it has and how GUNS surviving in some way is sometimes inspiring to others around the world and in that there’s a sense of obligation.
„I don’t regret keeping the name though I wish more were supportive or at least not as aggressively opposed.“
Q: Can you detail any of the legal battles, if any, surrounding the name GUNS N‘ ROSES following the break up of the original band?
Axl: „The details are that my attorney shit when I made the move. He was very against it fearing long litigation but even then no one talked about brand names or individual interests in a brand name. I look back and have no idea why. Not my people, not his people, no one. No one pressured me, everyone was afraid and no one including myself wanted to break up GUNS or the relationship.
„We can ‚chat‘ about the contract and the reasoning another time.
„The battles were during the breakup. Our people and my individual legal basically forced me to go through the motions with everything I had to make things work for over two years in the sense that if they felt I wasn’t making every effort 110% and with all the sincerity and all above board I wouldn’t have their support which I wanted, couldn’t afford to lose or risk losing. Which led to the trial period where Slash played the key bits of ‚Fall to Pieces‘ but once I showed some interest that was over.“
Q: Making Duff and Slash sign the name GUNS N‘ ROSES over to you had very little to do with musical differences/ preferences. Anyone who reads Slash’s book carefully can understand the kind of reckless lives they had been leading and that they were too fucked up and on the verge of an O.D. on daily basis to be entitled to make and kind of decision and there was no use in trying to fight against it and forcing them to clean up because you ended up being the bad guy real quick „not allowing them to have a bit of fun.“ In other words, only drunk/drugged people can put up with drunk/drugged people and the way things were, they were going to ruin it for everbody and now that they are finally sober they feel they were ripped off even though many people warned them their actions would have serious consequences and they chose not to listen at the time.
Axl: „I get the part about reckless but it was more about strategy and underestimating how long I would stick with it.“
Q: Axl, you don’t need to use that name to be recognized. You’re Axl Rose! People know who you are.
Axl: „As far as people knowing me, this is a statement that in light of others decisions that I chose to pursue as GUNS N‘ ROSES and what some may feel is a different this or that may seem as if the arguments or disagreements are about the band or the style of music such as blues or influences on earlier GUNS has some relevance but, in my opinion, points more to deeper base elements I wanted to put forth for people in general. Such as a more positive intent and instead of as self-destructive, more of healing. There’s all kinds of things to help you die or be more negative. I wanted to try and make as powerful a hard rock album as we could while incorporating beauty and an openness to other forms both traditional and more recent without going religious etc. I didn’t attempt to make a party record or dance record, both elements consciously in ‚Appetite‘. I wasn’t trying to purposefully appeal to the heartland or middle America in those ways (not that I was trying to avoid them or have an issue). But for example, ‚Sweet Child‘ wasn’t in any way trying to write a ‚hit‘ mainstream song it was trying to write the best GUNS N‘ ROSES LYNYRD SKYNYRD-influenced song we could as tribute and recognition in the tradition of ‚Tuesdays Gone With the Wind‘ or ‚Simple Man‘, etc,, and at a time when nothing could have seemed more unpopular.“
Q: You stated in several interviews in the past that you couldn’t see yourself playing with other people and still see it as GUNS N‘ ROSES. What made you change your mind and do you think you would have kept the name if you and the former members broke up on better terms with each other?
Axl: „One man forced me to work with others. One man forced me to work with others to survive. And I can’t say what would have happened on different terms. I say yes because it was agreed from day one. You have to realize we were on the street. It wasn’t the first band. Whoever thought of the name kept the name unless he gave it up or moved on. Everyone was always having a new version of whatever their band name was. I wouldn’t have thought of using L.A. GUNS or any of Slash’s band names. We all knew that we could break up the next week. You had to have that stuff somewhat sorted between each other going in. It was a deal that we made. The issue becomes the value or perceived value now and the fans attachment and or acceptance. Really weren’t things we consciously considered even during the breakup.“
Q: Axl, what in your mind does GUNS N‘ ROSES represent? Do you feel that it is a vision?
Axl: „I don’t exactly know what GUNS N‘ ROSES is, but I know it’s my job in the sense of an obligation and I’m good with that.“
Q: Do you feel that if you hadn’t have insisted on having full rights to the name would the band still be in its original lineup today?
Axl: „The name and rights have nothing to do with the breakup. That’s all a created façade a decoy and a smoke screen. Now had what Slash said actually transpired then I’d say of course but in reality, no.“
Q: GUNS ‚N ROSES… best name ever with a double meaning to me. What was #2 on the list when choosing the band’s name?
Axl: „Going into GUNS, there wasn’t a #2. At that time I was going to make it in a band that started as GUNS N‘ ROSES and could evolve but that was the starting point and it was all the way or bust. I knew what I wanted when I knocked on Izzy’s window. I also knew I wanted Slash but we still had differences and Izzy wasn’t down with it.“
Q: Were you in, any way, legally obligated to carry on with the name GUNS N‘ ROSES? To keep your (current, at the time) record contract etc.
Axl: „I wasn’t legally obligated but we probably would have gotten dropped and I would have been driven into bankruptcy.“
Q: GUNS N‘ ROSES — the name contains symbols of aggression/defense and selfless submission/tribute. Does the name mean anything symbolically to you outside its literal, namesake derivation? Have the name’s deeper synonyms, eg. the most dangerous band in the world, had any impact on your decision to keep it, or have you just retained it for its legendary status and ease of identification?
Axl: „I don’t think about the dangerous bit or status or identification. I’ve always thought of the symbolism since thinking of the two words together. And in that I absolutely feel this is a GUNS N‘ ROSES record.“
Q: Do what people (some of the fans, ex-members of the band, etc.) think about the ownership of the band name really matter? I think my question also is, will you please tell us why this is the most important/first question you are approaching? Is it because you think that this is what most riles the fans or this is the most pressing issue?
Axl: „It’s an issue that gets brought up a lot, especially in the media at all levels, and it gets really ugly. It’s ugly right now with DJs across the country who feel they’re sticking up for something that they bought into unaware. So I wanted to start going at it a bit.“
Q: Axl, some critics have argued that „Chinese Democracy“ would have sold better and had better reviews if you had released it as a solo project. What is your take on this?
Axl: „Most critics have higher opinions of theirs than is merited. I haven’t read much from outside sources in the media regarding my world that know much of anything let alone what would be in my best interest other than looking at events in hindsight and playing armchair music mogul. Which most times means nothing and though could seem logical is usually just as far off base as anything else they’ve said.“
Q: Do you think that it is right to continue a band’s name despite having little-to-no connection with previous incarnations of the band, both in the music written and with the musicians in the band?
Axl: „The heart and commitment these guys play the material with is much more than the others were prepared to give pursuing their own interests for a very long time. The music changed after Slash and I parted so the direction was where I took GUNS not where I had intended or tried to go previously. It had a lot to do with not finding or knowing a more blues based player that I found inspiring and I was really knocked down and beat up. Slash, Duff and Matt’s [B]Sorum decisions had as much to do with kicking a guy when he’s down or abandoning ship at the time as anything else. Other things were going on with music as well, we were basically dead at Geffen. I liked other things as well so I wanted to explore, be legitimate and survive. I wasn’t doing what was written so often about chasing fads etc. Jesus, I wouldn’t have agreed for Zakk [B]Wylde to come down if any of Slash’s or the media’s nonsense were real. And that could’ve worked on some level but like GUNS it would’ve been up to those two and their relationship. They talk nice but it wasn’t pretty… but it was pretty awesome!!“
Q: For further releases will you stick with the name GUNS N‘ ROSES?
Axl: „No plans not to be GUNS for the future.“
Q: If this is a GUNS N‘ ROSES album, what kind of music would be on an Axl Rose solo album?
Axl: „Solo efforts… Much more experimental and instrumental.“
Q: Since you own the name, does it bother you at all when you see or hear things like „Slash of GUNS N‘ ROSES“ and that he’s still well recognized as one of the faces of the band?
Axl: „It doesn’t bother me unless it’s being done at my expense and or to keep him associated as in Guitar Hero. Him being [in] Guitar Hero’s fine but not when Activison is using ‚Jungle‘, having Yahoo! use ‚Sweet Child‘ unauthorized, claims no involvement with Slash, his or anyone’s image or VR or anyone or anyone’s music in either camp in promotion or commercials etc. I wasn’t broadsided. I read about it as it moved along but Activision continually denied it right up to the release. That’s some lowlife chicanery on all their parts.
„Yes, Slash was in GUNS and on ‚Jungle‘ (and the whole ‚I came to him for his riff‘ is as much crap as him saying he brought ‚Locomotive‘ and ‚Coma‘ in as complete songs) and he has rights to perform it but not to be represented in this context in association with GUNS. And since they weren’t granted the license, it’ll take some sorting.“
Q: Does Geffen or Universal have any rights over the name, or is it soley yours? For example they released the „Greatest Hits“ under the GN’R name, so I was a bit confused over exactly how much the name belongs to the label, if at all.
Axl: „Universal has GUNS under contract but I own the name.“
Q: How do/did you feel about VELVET REVOLVER playing GN’R songs live? Did you worry about them mucking up the songs or decreasing their value by playing them? Are you glad the former members still play those songs so regularly on stage? I seen SLASH’S SNAKEPIT live in July 1995 and they started playing instrumental „Paradise City“ for the first two minutes before Slash stopped it by jokingly saying something like, „We better stop so we don’t get sued!“
Axl: „I don’t have problems with whoever doing the songs but film or video gets into sync rights and I don’t have an interest in anyone new, old or whatever trying to sell themselves as GN’R under another name that way.“
Q: Do you think they keep suing you over it time and again because as well as Steven they think you and the name GN’R hold the keys to their happiness or is it just about money?
Axl: „It’s my understanding the lawyers were scammed like the everyone else so for them to continually try and find a way to reverse things is normal and would seem appropriate but again it NEVER happened.
„Thanks everyone. Hope to get back soon. I’ll take a look at that list. As long as we don’t get to personal or offensive, I’m good with things. Thanks for all the questions, my apologies for not answering specifically to each, this was just a bit easier for this subject. Hope no one took wanting to stay on topic to personal. Thanks again to everyone who participated. Thanks to everyone for the great comments and appreciation.“
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=110830
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