In the past 30 years of this band, roster has undergone some serious changes. There is one common denominator. And he calls the shots.
Amongst all those folks that have been in this band in some capacity over those 30 years...they all seem to be able to release things once they get away from his control. That can't be an accident.
I don't claim to know what goes through the man's head. I know I would not want to get into a discussion armed with the last 3 decades of his career and argue with a straight face the man is a creative workaholic.
But you can't compare them.
For example, no one expects a Keith Richards solo project to be like the Stones. And that's ok. He probably has certain freedoms because he doesn't have to take into account that it's for the Rolling Stones audience etc. Same goes for any solo or side project.
Did you listen to Max Creeps? Duff didn't use his own name to put that out. Because it doesn't necessarily fit with what he does as a solo artist. He does his solo records and doesn't have to think about whether or not all GN'R fans will like it.
A GN'R song/album will have certain expectations tied to it. That's just how it is. Does this mean it's a reason why they can't release new music? No. But it means comparing a GN'R release to solo projects isn't exactly a fair comparison.
/jarmo