Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Axl Rose: the extended interview

March 06, 2013

LEGENDARY Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose fires up his keyboard to reveal why the original lineup will never reform and to drop hints about when their follow up to Chinese Democracy will land.

He claims Slash wanted touring to get the better of him back in the day and admits he's not "a punctual type" of person. Hit's Cameron Adams conducted this exclusive interview via email.

CA: Happy New Year! You played India for the first time late last year. There must not be too many places Guns N' Roses haven't played yet - did you get a chance to see the sights?

AR: Happy New Year!

We always look forward to playing new places. Africa has always been a goal.

I definitely didn't get to see the sights as much as I'd hoped but I had a great time and loved it there. We hope to get back there for more shows as soon as we can.

CA: Will these Australian shows be an extension of the Appetite For Democracy tour? Or something different?

AR: We'll let ya know!

CA: That tour marked 25 years since Appetite was released - which is something to be proud of... you must notice how that record is discovered by new ears each year?

AR: Happy New Ears! Yes we've been very fortunate in that regard. Also surprising and equally rewarding has been how many fans around the world enjoy and sing along with our newer material live.

CA: A lot of fans were hoping for a 25th anniversary re-issue of Appetite - was that ever on the cards?

AR: I wouldn't mind re-mastering it sometime.

CA: Is there anything left in the vaults from the Appetite sessions that could see the light of day?

AR: Not that I'm aware of but it's worth a look. There aren't any new or different songs but maybe a couple versions of things that we felt didn't quite make the grade, although most of that made it out as bootlegs back in the day.

CA: Can we expect new music from GN'R in 2013 by chance?

AR: I can give you a definite maybe.

CA: Your live set is a good mix of classics, covers and CD material. You seem to be a band who, while still playing new songs, don't deprive people of the hits.

AR: We try. We enjoy playing pretty much all the material so that helps. It's not like anyone in the band goes "God I hate that song!"

CA: Your brilliant open letter declining your induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame predicted fallout from your decision - was there much of that?

AR: Surprisingly no, there wasn't, and thank you.

CA: You don't seem like someone who trawls Facebook or Twitter or You Tube. Do any of the fan or media comments filter through to you? What are your thoughts on social media?

AR: I'm not that directly involved with social media, though we do use it with GNR. I'll make a post here and there. I get shown or told about things people think I'll have an interest in, updates. I like that our fans can keep up to date and connect with each other.

Regarding social media, I really don't understand what appears to be the general population's lack of concern over privacy issues in publicizing their entire lives on the internet for others to see to such an extent... but hey it's them, not me, so whatever.

However, when so many seem to be making similar choices regarding their privacy to where it seems to become the norm, and in turn businesses use someone's lack of involvement with social media to marginalize or stereotype and stigmatize them, or use it as grounds not to hire someone, I feel it's extremely unfair and seems a bit Orwellian.

CA: A lot of people appreciated the fact you stuck to your beliefs and didn't do something to please other people. You must have noticed a precedent for members of other bands reuniting for the right amount of cash or prestige - not the best motivation.

AR: The surprising amount of public support has felt good and, as I've said, is a relief.

In regard to other bands what another person or band does is just that, meaning it is what someone else chooses to do for whatever reasons. I, like anyone, can have an opinion about those choices but ultimately it's not my life or my band and how it affects my life is negligible. As for money and prestige, if one has an opportunity to make money and/or advance their position or place in life there can be a lot to weigh and consider, such as responsibilities, goals and objectives etc. We all make choices, deal with our sense of priorities, principles, ethics, morals, balancing, juggling, making compromises... or not! Ha!

CA: One interesting issue it raised was the question of the romantic idea of an original line-up reforming, no matter the reason behind them no longer working together. Billy Corgan has talked about a "porn fantasy" some fans have of the original Pumpkins line-up touring again, which he continually has to say will never happen - what are your thoughts on this?

AR: I understand the "romantic" thing, the desire, the fantasy. Personally I haven't wanted other bands to reunite, or really enjoyed it when they have. For me generally something always seemed missing.

But Guns is my life, not someone else's. For me there hasn't been a way to make any type of reunion work regardless of money (either talk or legitimate) without jeopardizing what I feel is the well-being and best interests of nearly everyone I'm involved with in the GNR camp (including myself). People here have big investments of their lives in what we're doing. We've worked hard for what we have here now and continue to do so. I know what I went thru then. I know what I and all of us have gone thru since. People enjoyed the product and the entertainment our lives gave them back in the day, but they weren't the ones actually living those lives together. It's not somewhere I'd go back to or would want to go again. Life's too short.

CA: Did you end up watching the Hall of Fame show out of curiosity?

AR: No

CA: Your blogs show you have a great way with the written word - any desire to pen an autobiography? Presumably there have been offers?

AR: Thanks. I've written a few things down and there have been offers but it's not something I'm that interested in right now.

CA: You are about the only original GN'R member not to have written down your memories - did you read any of them or were you consulted about them writing about events that involved you?

AR: I read Slash's to have an idea what I might be facing then, but haven't read anyone else's. And no I haven't been consulted about anything with anyone.

CA: There are plenty of interesting anecdotes in those books, but what were your memories of Paul Stanley auditioning to produce Appetite?

AR: Paul was unfortunately being led on and used (by, and according to, Slash) at the time (as was I) for fun, with no real intention of working with him, so Steven could meet him.

CA: The books do cover you being late on stage, with your former bandmates being unsure what the delay was. Any hints?

AR: Ok this is a multiple choice answer.

Answer #1: Do we really have to go there?

Answer #2: No comment

Or...

Answer #3: In answering I would like to say that I have no intention or desire to take "shots" at either the old band or anyone from any of our lineups. That said, to answer some questions factually and honestly it may appear that way to some. Unfortunately, in my opinion, that's just the nature of the beast.

I could choose to say nothing or no comment but I feel 1.) These particular questions in this interview don't exactly deserve that response and 2.) I have a right to have my side, perspective and what I not only believe, but know to be the truth regarding several issues with old Guns and our time together out there.

The Illusions' lineups comments that I've read in media or Slash's book were, in my opinion, predominantly public gamesmanship, strategy and politics on their part. Pretending to be unaware or innocent to the public has been a common deceptive tactic often used in regard to what was happening with the band and our relationship with each other. As I've said before, I shouldn't have been on tour when we started in '91.

That had a lot to do with Alan Niven, our then manager, and Slash. In my opinion Alan wanted money and Slash wanted the touring to get the better of me given my circumstances at the time. My safety and well-being were not their concern.

After the first few months things got a little better and primarily for not wanting the crew to be injured for not having enough rest but the damage, especially with media, had been done. Those who wanted to throw stones have had ammo they've used for years whether it's real, hyped, a non-issue, reasons beyond our control, justifiable reasons such as injuries or technical difficulties or just life, doesn't seem, and hasn't seemed, to make a difference. (And all of these issues have been addressed previously elsewhere.)

Another issue has been that each time I have agreed to a tour, I've also had agreements on our show times and start times. Often in dealing with former managers and agents, these weren't reality. It's not something said or explained, it's a show day thing they do for their own reasons which we'll get into a bit similarly with your next question.

And often tours or dates are booked without my having formally given my consent or having authorized them. That's pretty much how this business works.

All of that said I'm not a "punctual" type of person, never have been. I apologize to anyone I've inconvenienced or put out in any way. And for those who've felt they've lost money with any cancellations in the past perhaps you'll find some comfort in that I'm sure I've lost tens of thousands, if not millions, more - especially in the long run. In general I usually don't really go by or live my life by a clock and outside of touring I don't really ask anyone else to. It's not out of lack of respect for anyone or intentional.

I can say I haven't been late because I was watching a sporting event or something equally as ridiculous. The reasons have all been in one way or another show-related or having to do with those involved with the show in some fashion. It's just my reality and I try and work on it. It's been getting better with our tours, especially over the last three years.

In the last three years we've done three Asian runs including Taiwan, Jakarta and a hugely successful record breaking, sold out India run, three European runs including four sold out nights at London's 02 Arena, five shows in Russia, headlined several sold-out festivals such as Reading and Leeds, Rock In Rio, two record breaking, sold out South American tours, an Australian tour (this will be our 2nd), a sold out tour in Central America, a Canadian tour, a sold out US arena tour, a sold out US club tour (that included The Ritz/Webster Hall in NY, The Electric Company in Philadelphia, The Fillmore in Detroit and The Palladium in Los Angeles), New Year's and a sold out month residency at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, the Middle East, Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit, NY Fashion week gigs w/Varvatos, The Rose Bar and the Hiro Ballroom and a few one off club and private party shows such as at L'Arc in Paris, The Zep in Tokyo and recently for Tommy Hilfiger at LA's The Soho House.

In a concerted effort to make things up to our fans, friends and associates we've gone back to various cities where things have in the past gotten... ahem... "complicated" such as Vancouver, Montreal, Atlanta (twice), Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Dublin and had extremely successful shows without incident.

We've been fortunate to be able to play everything from the smallest clubs to giant stadiums and huge outdoor audiences for a total of 185 shows in 48 countries, in 147 cities with approximately over 500 hours of stage time with an average full show time around three plus hours, performed for over 2,000,000 fans with our current lineup of DJ Ashba, Ron Bumblefoot Thal and Richard Fortus on guitars, Tommy Stinson on bass, Frank Ferrer on Drums and Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman on keyboards, worked with over 200 bands and artists from Motorhead to Black Label Society, shared bills with Elton John, Aerosmith, Rhianna, Queens Of The Stone Age and Metallica with minimal promotion, minimal to zero label support, minimal nonsense and often with serious management challenges.

And in our defense addressing the nonsense, the relatively small majority of which percentage wise being in general what we feel are at least somewhat reasonable or justifiable such as technical difficulties, crowd control issues, health or injuries, managerial/agent nonsense or simply beyond our control and often as the case may be more hype than reality which again (and definitely not taken for granted) with all things considered, eventually has seemed to work out fairly well.

CA: Do you get informed if there are venues or cities with strict curfews?

AR: More multiple choice!

Answer #1: We still goin' there?

Answer #2: No comment

Answer #3: Sometimes

Or...

Answer#4: This is another one that's a bit of a long answer and kind of a continuation of the last question (and I'm not aware of this being an issue currently) but, in my opinion, the question opens up a lot of issues. I feel it's an important subject I don't want to be vague or appear too cavalier.

It depends, generally no. If I get told in advance rather than the show day it's extremely rare, and always has been. I agree to shows under various agreed upon conditions. Those conditions often change as if they never existed or are changed by others without notice or warning prior to show day or show time. There's not a lot you can do on show day about that and being forced into what you feel is an uncomfortable situation. A situation you hadn't agreed to nor would have approved in advance, sucks. It makes something that was supposed to be fun into something else.

Unfortunately it happens a lot (though it has been getting a bit better) and there is generally a lot of finger pointing. Getting to the bottom of things takes longer than it's worth and you still have a show to do. It could be anyone's fault. None of that really matters publicly as it'll ultimately end up at my door whether we had a successful show or not. It's what happens and you try to avoid it (the lack of communication, show day surprises) as much as possible. When you're not getting the facts it could be because of one of any number of reasons or any number of people from all sides. Often it's simple misunderstandings and unintentional human error.

With curfews and transportation etc law enforcement in the various countries and cities at the venues usually have their orders dictated by city councils and city ordinances. Public transportation has their schedules and the times they stop service and they all have their budgets and various regulations.

Getting new information on show day usually means getting it close to, if not right before, going on stage. The reason can vary: no one knowing about the curfew or public transportation issue in advance, new rules, new laws, new schedules, people not knowing I wasn't informed or negligence. In some cases people don't want to inform me for fear if I'd known about the restrictions I may not have agreed (when booking the tour, not on show day) to do the show... and someone somewhere felt it was in our, or whoever's, best interest for us to do that particular show.

I don't have any issues with a venue wanting things to be done in a way they know, that makes sense and works for them, it's their venue. I get that workers, traffic and transportation, law enforcement for a large audience and overtime for a large venue are real issues. There are real safety concerns, expenses and public transportation for a significant number of fans is important to take into consideration. That said, I ask about transportation etc. but 1.) I don't personally know the various cities public transportation timetables (though we have been better at getting some of that info in advance) and 2.) It still doesn't mean I'll get real info until show day and 3.) Unfortunately often when we are in that type of situation and there's suddenly a previously unknown curfew or a public transportation issue we're already short on time which is extremely frustrating.

If I find out on show day, or even right before a show, and I feel we need to play longer to appease the audience, we begin negotiating with the promoters, building managers, law enforcement etc. with my involvement through either my stage assistants, tour manager or manager. This negotiation continues during the course of the show often all the way through to the last couple songs. Before a show there's a lot of stress and tension for everyone involved. Venues and officials may not know what to expect so there is a bit of hardball and wanting to see how things go. Usually as long as the crowd is happy and things are going well, people aren't too out of control or bored off their ass and we're doing our job, it's worked out fairly well for all sides.

CA: You've been covering Pink Floyd - is that still in the show? Did you see the Roger Waters Wall tour in the past few years?

AR: So far yes. And no, unfortunately I haven't seen it. Everyone I know who went said it was amazing!

CA: What's the most crucial element of your rider these days?

AR: Besides water probably a good cold beer (and beers for everyone else after the show!)

Most of my rider, the food and what drinks are left after we leave as with old Guns, usually goes to the crew. The alcohol is shared with guests, the band etc. I can't and don't eat much before the show. There are usually meals brought in afterwards like burgers, chicken etc. but they mostly go to the crew as well. DJ loves the burgers and our security lives for the chicken.

CA: Lastly, because you're a man of mystery when not on stage, what was your favorite album, movie and TV show of 2012?

AR: The Black Keys El Camino, The Dark Knight Rises, Luck and Dexter.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/axl-rose-the-extended-interview-ipad/story-fnejr8jh-1226591752718

 :o :o  thanks!!

That's awesome!



Thanks. :)




/jarmo

Cheers mate!

Woah, great find and some interesting stuff. I just wish they'd let it go with the slash type questions.

However, a 'definite maybe' for a new album. Suppose it's better than the word 'soon'.  :hihi:

Very cool interview, thanks for posting!  There are some really in depth answers there.

Pretty funny about Stanley!

I love Axl's interviews, he really goes out his way to give long and in depth answers. Great interview...  :)

Great to see him comment on all these myths about him and the band.





/jarmo

That was a good interview.  I am not sure why he always gets asked about being late that really isn't much of an issue at all anymore. 

Same reason people bring up canceled shows and riots. They think it happens on every tour.




/jarmo

Made me laugh out loud when I was reading that.

Don't know why interviewers have to keep going over distant past.  I would prefer more forward focused questions.

Rad interview.

So this making up to some markets, does that mean a St Louis is a definite maybe?   :yes:

"Definitely maybe" still is better than no or "were working out things with the label."

 

Good interview, but I wish Axl would change his tune on some things.  "Definite maybe" doesn't sound too good considering Bumblefoot's recent talk.

Axl has a blog?

So we came from "Soon" through "13 Tuesdays left" to "Definitely maybe"?
(http://i1.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/005/600/its-something.jpg)

But seriously, i thought it was a nice interview! I like to read what Axl has to say and the way he says it. The multiple choices parts made me laugh out loud as well! But I was at the gym reading it on my smartphone, so people must have thought I was nuts! :hihi:


I think he said blog as axl's posts on twitter, press releases etc...

Cool interview (other than some lame tired questions, but Axl's responses even made them cool).  Always love it when Axl breaks the silence.

I'd love to hear the "the songs in the can"..might be some real gems in that treasure chest or should I say fortune cookie.after all TIL was added as a last minute or was it continuos pleas from Robin Fink..

definite maybe would be a good name for the new album  :hihi:

Wonder when that interview was done since they are saying happy new year.

Definite maybe, nice.

Cool interview, Axl should have been a lawyer the way he handles some of the questions thrown at him  : ok:

Great shit. On a personal level two things are a bummer. 1) I wish Axl was Vegan. Someone as thought provoking and displays a spiritual understanding and writes about compassion yet contributes to the absolute tragic and heartbreaking practices of factory farming is disappointing to say the least.

And 2) as a big time Batman fan The Dark Knight Rises was terrible. A superhero who really only was a superhero for maybe 2 years yet has all this damage done to his body from a fight with Ras, Joker and then some dogs. Then retires. Fights were shit and fuck me was there some terrible plot holes and fight choreography. Superhero retiring after only being a hero for a couple years. This was no Batman I have ever seen before and hope to never see again.

Very nice too hear from you Axl! hope these next few shows go on without a problem in the world. hugs

Black Keys's 'El Camino' was great  :beer:

Oasis beat them to it!

really nice to hear from axl like this 8)

When I first read that, I did actually think I wonder if Axl's been listening to some Oasis recently...  :hihi:

Awesome interview! I wish Axl had said that his favorite movie was TED!!! :hihi: :beer: :smoking:

Really cool interview ..awesome to hear him speak !

a few thoughts i had

1. sold out arena show in the USA? ha that cant be true...

2. he goes off on these rants... and i admit..  he loses me.. ha he uses big words ! and the way he describes how Slash wanted to go this 3 year tour to take advantage of him and destroy him at that time... he may feel that way.. but i just dont buy that....maybe Slash just wanted to tour to tour and make money and play music ? and waht about the other guys.. what was their reasons for wanting to tour?


3. his constant lateness.. i agree with a prior post that said i wish they wouldnt ask him about this anymore, but if they are going to ask , and hes going to answer it.. i wish he would ju
st say it is waht it is... the long answer he gives... dude you are never going to be on time, and thats ok !

and 4. i do think he comes off as a real genuine guy tho.. while i or somebody mgiht think hes a little spacey... i can sense that he truly believes what hes doing, whether people agree with him or not, he doesnt care...and thats cool.. and why we all think hes the best frontman ever

Great interview !
I only wish he picked the "No Comment" choise to the loooong asnwers and answered a few more questions !  :) It looks like that the nowdays lineup actually is the true Guns N' Roses.If Axl is so devoted so are we.

I wish fans, media , band members everybody would stop saying anything about this being the Real guns N roses....

legally... yes of course it is... but its......who cares anymore, whoever plays music (and the list is long) with Axl Rose will be called Gun N Roses

Haha!

Here in spanish

LINK
http://www.gnrla.com/foro/showthread.php?tid=1819&pid=144960#pid144960

I understand Ron spoke about no album as regards the current band getting into the studio. I guess both Axl n' Dizzy are talking about songs already done such as Atlas Shrugged, The General, etc.
I hope they do release more material from the Bucket/Robin/Paul/Brain era just like CD before doing something completely new with the current line up (anyway I guess they would be all around the record with a rerecording here n' there just like CD).

And... where's the remixes from CD! I wish it's released someday !! And the original booklet too.

It's important to translate interviews like this to as many languages as possible because many fans can't read in english. Besides, we're not talkng about an exclusive interview for MTV or the cover of Rolling Stone magazine so many people won't even know about this which is a shame because the truth is out there, just like many other interviews Axl gave at the last years, not to mention the chats with the fans. I wish this material was more spread around the general worldwide media.

Exactly brother .. you're right.  : ok:

Well, the only important question came before and he chose not to elaborate on it.

Very interesting.  His answer here gives some real insight into the way he thinks/feels about the subject.

Since Axl mentions it in every interview he did in the last 5 years,i see nothing wrong when a fan at the other side of the globe saying it too.  :peace:

I'm still trying to figure out why Slash wanted to tour in 91 to "break Axl."

Like touring isn't what bands do or something after they release music.

And I don't get the excuses for being late. Almost every other band is time 90 percent of the time, but Axl is late 90 percent of the time. What gives? What's the problem?

You said after they release music.

The tour in 1991 started before.



Just because you don't understand something, doesn't mean it's wrong. He just explained how he is.

What's the point in comparing people with different characteristics?


/jarmo

great Axl interview. i wish he did this more, i know the media have given him a shit rep but if he was this open and reasonable and articulate all the time in interview, it really would improve his reputation in 3-4 years, and ultimately help the new band re-invent themselves.

(...apart from the one probably revisionist comment about Slash)


dude, are you kidding? Axl just gave the worlds most clear explanation of how it is, possibly for the first time ever. To sum up he basically says: "it's fucking complicated to put on a GnR show, and i'm a bit of a late guy = constant lateness". There's your explanation. give the dude a break, as a constantly late dude myself i totally understand everything he's saying

http://www.legendaryrockinterviews.com/2012/04/06/new-legendary-rock-interview-with-jack-and-heather-ann-russell/

This is worth a read, because Jack Russell from Great White was responding back to an interview Niven did about Great White and Guns N' Roses. This should give everyone a pretty good idea of why he was kicked out of managing GNR on top of trying to push for the '91 tour when he did (bad timing, Axl's divorce, incomplete album, Izzy MIA, etc etc etc).

This caught my attention -
I?d heard that Axl flipped out when Niv tried to change his lyrics  - Had anyone ever heard about this before?

Side note: Axl's probably talking about the Rapidfire demo.

It's as if Axl takes a very self serving view of everything and doesn't quite get that people might have personal feelings and desires that are not directly tied to wanting to hurt him.  Slash probably just wanted to tour  because they were in demand at that time and wanted to make the most of that yet to Axl he was the devil who wanted to ruin him by going on tour...  I really dont think Slash is that clever

and again.. why is it only Slash.... the other members in the band... the record company..whoever... what was their motivation to go on this epic world tour... only Slash wanted to use it to destroy him ?

we are all entitled to our opinions i guess...... ha... especially when ur a rock star!

and before anybody attacks my post for pitting axl vs slash... axl brought him up in this interview.. not me lol


btw.. whoever said "definitely maybe" should be the name of the next record... that really made me laugh ! and its perfect !

Nice reading Axl's answers, but mainly useless questions  :no:

i feel sorry for axl that he thinks slash's main goal was to break him. i don't know the actual answer, but i'm guessing slash's desire to tour had something to do with the millions of dollars he would make and the ability to cement their reputation as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. they were on top of the world. to not tour would have been odd.

none of them would enjoy the success they have today without that tour. it is a legendary tour in rock history. so rather than create theories about Slash's motives, he should thank everyone that got him to tour when he didn't want to. because that tour helped put him in the position he is in today.

 

 ;)wow and i was gonna surf for porn tonite ! glad i didn't awesome int axl is opening up alot lately what was the aerosmith deal ? missed that great int i hated dark knight though oh well

Dark Knight Rises, fuck yeah!

Good to hear from Axl. New album? Hmmm ...

I feel sorry for Axl that every stupid effing journalist asks the same boring arse questions all the time! What about a reunion? Why are you always late? When do you think you'll work with Slash again?

How about a new effing question? Axl's done about 5 interviews in total since Chinese Democracy came out and every bloody one of them is filled with the same crap! People are blaming Axl for the convoluted answers to the usual questions. Well what DO you want? The same old answers he's already given, in a new interview? Why don't you b*tch about the journo not asking him something NEW?

If you want a scoop journos and you want something interesting from Axl, how about spending the MAJORITY of your limited interview time asking him about things that he hasn't been asked 10000 times before?

 

Cool interview for sure, thanks for finding/posting. I wonder if the answers were written or spoken.

I disagree, I think a lot of what Axl is saying is the truth.  You have to remember Slash was an addict at the time, if he meant it intentionally or not we don't know.  Axl was the only one with a clear head, and probably has every reason to believe Slash intended to break him.  Axl has stated he shouldn't have been on tour.  I'm guessing due to personal reasons and Slash being close to Axl at the time, probably knew what was going on.  Great interview.

I'm just glad Axl's becoming more comfortable doing interviews again, even if it's stuff he doesn't want to go into, but has to because other sides had their say over the years. We might not agree with it, but he's doing it because he's the frontman, the head honcho, and wants people coming out to see the band and get a great show, because he could just decide one day to just call it a day and not tour anymore.

When it comes to GNR:

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGUmGXIiocY/TVpG72zZM1I/AAAAAAAABmE/RfgbE8v4C4U/s1600/BuyTheTicketTakeTheRide_trn.png)

And we all know how much Axl loathes touring without a record out.  :hihi:

when did axl answer the question about finding out about venue curfews and transportation schedules? it's not that i don't believe you, i would just like to hear what his prior response was to that question. because his response here is kinda strange....

"Getting new information on show day usually means getting it close to, if not right before, going on stage. The reason can vary: no one knowing about the curfew or public transportation issue in advance, new rules, new laws, new schedules, people not knowing I wasn't informed or negligence. In some cases people don't want to inform me for fear if I'd known about the restrictions I may not have agreed (when booking the tour, not on show day) to do the show... and someone somewhere felt it was in our, or whoever's, best interest for us to do that particular show."

most people on these threads do a quick internet search and make a quick phone call and find out that information within 5 minutes (because we all know it is a potential issue with this band). so it's a bit of a head scratcher when he says he can't find this information out. maybe he should just check the threads in here for each show because that information is usually clearly spelled out.

but these questions are asked because THAT is the story related to gnr. these interviews aren't just done for the die hard fans that have read every piece of information provided over the years. this is for non and casual fans that are not aware he may have been asked these questions in the past. most rock fans did not see the Trunk interview, but they may read THIS story. so those people are probably curious why Axl refuses to follow a more normal schedule that would make things easier on his fans (instead of the take or leave it attitude). THAT's the story with this band.

read an interview with metallica and they still get asked about napster. it's been 15 years but that's what they are known for.

in response to the being late question, Axl himself says:
"I could choose to say nothing or no comment but I feel 1.) These particular questions in this interview don't exactly deserve that response" 

so even HE believes the questions deserve a response.

one of the important questions i was curious about is new music. it was asked and Axl gave a vague answer.

we got about 20 paragraphs from him regarding going on late, but only 7 words when asked about new music.

I wasn't having a go at you (unless you're the journo who asked these questions...) but as to lateness, reunion and Slash questions repeated ad nauseum? Er, Jimmy Kimmell and Eddie Trunk interviews of (relatively) recent times spring to mind...

I'd just like to see an in-depth interview with Axl for once that DOESN'T focus on those questions. We know the answers already - 1. Because Axl struggles to get to everything on time and always has, plus there are a multitude of other concerns he has to deal with, given the beast that GNR is. 2. No there won't be any reunion in Axl's lifetime. 3. No he definitely won't be having a nice dinner and a good chat with Slash any time soon.

See not hard? I could do 75% of most of Axl's interviews for him, just with those answers right there. I don't think it too much to ask that they ask him something ELSE given the extremely limited opportunities they and the rest of their profession have to interview Axl Rose...

 

Some of Axl's constant attempts to cast blame on Slash remind me of the absurdity found in the 2008 Q&A when Axl blamed Slash for "My World" being incomplete; claiming that Slash deliberately didn't work on it because he wanted the public to cast a negative light on Axl.  I thought to myself, "okay Axl, so THAT is why GNR broke up... not the drugs, not the tardiness.... just the infamous MY WORLD SCANDAL!"  :hihi:  Like anyone ever cared about "My World" sounding whatever way it sounded, but in Axl's very single-minded brain, it was an offensive weapon Slash was using against him.


Just because Axl wasn't on drugs doesn't mean he had a clear head.  I think that's an absurd statement to make.  Axl was facing the huge pressure of fame, money, and attention, and it's been documented that he had psychiatrists on tour with him during that time, so I strongly dispute any notion that Axl had his head straight.

I agree with others that it's outlandish for Axl to continuously suggest Slash was out to destroy him and the band, and that Slash's only motivation to tour in 1991 was to harm Axl.  Yeah, Slash was an addict and not clear-headed himself, but his track record of putting the work in each and every night on stage in front of tens of thousands of people, and doing whatever it took to get up there speaks for itself.



Axl makes some sense about tardiness, but he also downplays the frequency that it occurred and what cost to others (and when I say others, I don't mean just the band).  GNR was paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in curfew violation fees in the 1990s; Axl's excuses don't quite extend to all of that.

There's a difference between struggling with stress and the scars of past emotional traumas and being high on drugs and alcohol.  There is nothing to suggest the former affects memory, while the latter does.

I don't see any suggestion in this interview that Slash was out to "destroy" Axl.  I see it as more of a potential power play, not an intent to harm physically or emotionally.

Ali

This is what I was responding to...


Note the wording... Axl was the only one with a clear head.  Axl's memory is irrelevant when 1991 is the period being discussed as the present day.  Maybe Axl's memory is fine, but his interpretative capabilities at that time are what I would question.  He's only "remembering" what he could've misinterpreted to begin with.



Really?


By this, I'd say Axl is very openly suggesting that Slash had an intent to harm him, and/or was acting with foreknowledge that his desire to tour might cause harm to Axl.



It's a shame nobody addressed this earlier, because this statement shows you how "honest" Axl Rose really is.

Axl is completely misrepresenting what Slash said by leaving a lot out of the equation.  The part that Axl fails to mention is that Paul Stanley bullied his way onto a GNR soundboard one night at a show (without the band's knowledge or permission), then was extremely persistent in pursuing the band, even after they blew him off.  Slash did say that the FIRST meeting with Paul went ahead without any resistance simply because the band (not just Slash himself) realized that Steven wanted to meet Paul.  That doesn't change the fact that Paul Stanley -- both before and after that meeting -- pursued GNR because he wanted to produce the record, rewrite their songs, etc.

For Axl to say that Slash used and led on Paul Stanley is a blatant distortion of what Slash said (despite the fact that Axl claims to be repeating Slash's very words), and serves only as another attempt to disparage Slash  -- and also illustrates how Axl isn't as truthful as some people try to convince us that he is.

As far at the whole Paul Stanley thing, Axl was there and has more insight into the situation than you or I. What he may be referring to as Slash's words may in fact be what Slash said in private back then. Not necessarily his recounting of the situation after the fact.

Axl never used the word "destroy", nor did he ever say Slash meant to do him harm, directly, with forethought and malice. Just that there was a disregard for his well-being, the collateral damage, by pushing a tour. Sometimes people can be hasty and careless in not thinking through or putting enough regard or thought for the potential consequences of a course of action. It's not the same as directly and maliciously intending harm. I think "getting the better" was more in regards to control of the band.

Ali

Interesting you say you wish Axl was a Vegan, is he vegetarian? Does anyone know for sure as you never see him with food but always with a drink in hand, plus this article which I read indicates he is. I also know you don't believe everything you read on the internet so someone close to him would have to answer whether this is right or not.

 


?W. Axl Rose is an American musician, and the lead vocalist of hard rock band Guns N' Roses.
?Axl Rose has been the frontman in a number of bands before forming Guns N Roses including Rapidfire, L.A. Guns, and Hollywood Rose.
?Born as William Bruce Rose, Jr. in Lafayette, Indiana, as the only child to Sharon E. Lintner, then 16 years old, and William Bruce Rose, then 20 years old.
?Rose is friends with Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder.
?He was ranked #11 in the Hit Parader's Top Metal Vocalists of All Time and #64 in Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time and also #4 in Roadrunner's 50 Best Frontmen in Metal History.
?Axl Rose is a Los Angeles Dodgers fan.
?Rose stated in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine in April 1992, that during his childhood, he was made to believe that women and sexuality were evil.
?Due to the violent treatment of his mother by his stepfather he witnessed as an impressionable child, he was led to think that domestic violence was normal in families.
?Rose is a strict vegetarian.  ???
?Axl Rose has stated that he has always been a big fan of Queen.
?Axl Rose is known for wearing skin-tight jeans, bandanas, and for his high screaming voice during his songs.
?Axl Rose paid tribute to one of his biggest influences, Freddie Mercury, at the 'Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert' in 1992.
?Axl sang in church from the age of five, and also performed at services with his brother and sister in the "Bailey Trio".
?Axl Rose challenged Kurt Cobain, former lead singer of Nirvana to a fist fight at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards.
?Axl Rose was labeled a racist homophobe for the lyrics that he wrote for his song 'One in a Million'.
?At age 16, he was kicked out of his house for not cutting his hair.

Pretty sure in the India interview (or an interview as recent) Axl said he likes to eat ribs or burgers after the show..

Maybe so, but it stills begs the question of why a seen-it-all industry professional like Paul Stanley would be duped by the 21 year old novice kids that Slash and Steven were at the time.  Axl makes it sound like Slash was this cagey manipulator at the time and that a veteran like Stanley was a clueless pawn, which I don't believe.  I would imagine Paul Stanley had seen more than his share of duplicitous types and kids trying to use him for one thing or another, and would easily be able to discern the difference.

Stanley (along with Gene Simmons) is one of rock n roll's most notorious capitalists, so it doesn't seem unlikely that he would've aggressively pursued GNR, because how else would he if he saw something in them?  I doubt an established pro like Stanley would waste time monkeying around with an untested band unless he really felt they were worth something -- and in which case, he wasn't really being led on even if Slash did say "hey, let's get Paul in just to please Steven".


You're right, Axl didn't use "destroy", but my thinking was that Axl did seem to suggest rather surely that Slash was aware of his "circumstances" at the time, which Axl alludes was ill-health of some sort.  Intuitively, if Slash were aware of Axl's ills, but pushed him onto the road anyway for the sake of a power play or however you rationalize it, could easily constitute that Slash was aware that some form of harm may come to Axl if he pushed a tour.  Maybe not total destruction and maybe not according-to-Hoyle malice, but some forethought seems to have been implied. 

I know this isn't going to be a popular post but here goes. I don't feel like Axl comes looking good off of this interview. Especially his lateness answers or non answers. Im in a band. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to do this for a living. Nowadays its extemely rare for a band to be to do this for a living full time without having some sort of side gig. For this I am and will always be eternally grateful to the people who shelve out there hard earned pay to purchase any of our material or attend our live shows. I would never willingly disrespect them by coming out hours late. I am fully aware that people work for a living. People have children they have to go home to. Maybe this was cool in the past when the average GNR fan was in there 20s. But now they are anywhere from teens to 50s. Aside from the fans who come see the show, what about the people who work at the venue. They are forced to work later hours because the band comes on a couple of hours late? Never got why they do this. Maybe it was cool once upon a time. Not anymore. Thats my opinion though.

I'm pretty sure people working at the venue get paid overtime if they work past a certain hour. But I agree with what you're saying, the going on so late thing is a very tired act at this point.  And it wasn't all that popular in 1991.

He answered a question, and you don't agree with his answer? Because the answer doesn't fit your daily agenda?
Like I've said many times in the past. Axl can't win with some of you.

You don't like when he doesn't talk, but as soon as he does, you're there to point out the "problems" with what he says. Unbelievable.


Yes, there's been shows when the band had to wait to go on stage because of issues. There's been shows when many bands would've canceled because of issues, but GN'R didn't. But people are quick to point out that the show started "late"....  ::)


By the way, the GN'R shows that have happened since last December have all started between 7 and 9PM. I know that's "too late" for some who wish the opening acts would start at 4PM and play for an empty venue... But that's not how GN'R operates.





/jarmo

He answered the question by giving excuses for lateness. This is the only band that has been consistently late since the early 90's. Where did i say that i didnt like his answer? I called the lateness disrespectful. I should also point out that in the interview after he gives excuses he admits to not being the most punctual person. I dont believe many bands would cancel shows because of said issues? At least the majority wouldnt. It would cost too much money. Somebody made the point about the people who work there getting paid overtime. Thats all good but what about the people who want to go home to there families? I applaud them for being better at showing up on time lately. I was just critiquing his answer. Like I said though Jarmo...its my opinion. No need to get bent out of shape.

personally i like late starts, i get the feeling that the whole band plays better when they start late. it adds something to it, compared to a performance which starts at 8 o'clock sharp. its less mechanic, more human.  even the audience gets better when more excitiment, cause we dont know when it starts and when it ends.
i think live music needs that nowdays.

Where did you say you didn't like the answer? You're here commenting on it aren't you?
Making generic comments based on your biased opinion.

Excuses?

He answered the question and gave a reason.

As I said, you don't like the answer because it's not "good enough" for you.




You don't even know the issues I was talking about, but you claim other bands wouldn't cancel...




This whole "what about people and their families/work" excuse.

See? You didn't like Axl's answer, not all of us have to buy the "poor ticket buyers won't get home to their families" line either.

People spend hours daily stuck in traffic on their way to/from work/school, away form their families. But oh the horror if they "lose" a few hours every other year at a rock concert!

It's all relative.







Why would you be criticizing something you like?







/jarmo

How can you possibly compare being stuck in traffic ( which is something you cant control) to an artist coming on late continually ( which can be controlled)? You claim that my opinion is biased. No shit. I respect my fan base. And I respect the fact that once GNR goes on stage they give it there all. Apparently you made it clear that you really dont care about the poor ticket buyers getting home to there families. Its all good if you dont care...but when bands dont care then I have a problem. They afford me a chance to do what I love for a living. Of course im going to treat them with the respect that I would expect from them too. I can stay out all night and see a GNR show. I dont have to go to work the next day. I've always been a huge fan of this band but this has always been an issue for me. Show some humility.

I didn't. I said people "lose" time every single day. So you expect to be late because of traffic, planes being delayed etc. and it's fine. But not if a rock concert doesn't finish by 11pm?
Sometimes you're not in control. Deal with it. Have another beer.  It's not the end of the world. Probably just one night of the year you can't control everything in your life!

By the way, as I said, the band hasn't been late recently. So, there you go.




Good!





No, not what I said.

I said I don't buy that excuse! The excuse that people's need to be home before 11PM is the most important thing when putting on a rock concert....

I'd put the art first. Then bed time. ;)


And sometimes I don't know what's going on with people. For example, if you're in Las Vegas and you're upset that a show didn't start at 9PM.  :rofl:



And I think it's all relative.

I'm sure you, and those who's main concern about going out to a rock concert is the time they'll be back home, would be thrilled if GN'R were on stage at 9PM and played for 90 minutes so you'd be out of the venue well before 11PM.

But then again, some would rather stay until midnight and get a three hour show....

See, it's all relative and about what's important to you.

For most fans, the show is important. They look forward to it for months. Their main concern isn't what time they'll be back home....  : ok:

Just like their main concern isn't the setlist. It's only very important to the special people of the Internet who read setlists and compare without attending the shows.



/jarmo

I've never understood why there are so many people all around the world only worrying how to get home from somewhere. What's the point of going if you only want to get back home?

Surely, you sort of need to have a plan how to get home but if it fails take a cab. If you don't have that much of emergency cash available then maybe you really shouldn't go at all with your last money. And I'm not only talking about rock concerts.

People won't go away for a weekend break because "what time we'll be back on Sunday?" even when going by car. If your flight is cancelled or the car breaks down and you can't get to work on Monday you call your boss and explain.

Nice post...

I personally make sure I never have any plans the day after a GN'R show, and if I was scheduled to work I book it off, simple. I have never left a GN'R show early, and would never do so, the entire concept seems alien to me, how could you do that???... :o

People need to stop whining and enjoy themselves...

I don't get that either. You're going to a Guns N Roses show...so you shouldn't even care how or when you get home....I mean, have you never heard of Axl Rose? If I go to a Guns show, I don't care about the next day....go to a Bon Jovi show if you want to be safe and sure....wtf....

I know how notorious they've been getting on stage "on time" and holding up audiences for hours at times. These days seem to have slowly passed as the time they hit the stage after the previous act seems to get shorter and shorter.

We were caught out at the Melbourne show still in our seats when suddenly the lights went out & people came from nowhere. I was pulled to the barrier before my mind even registered that the band were about to come on - I expected a delay & some sort of "announcement" they were about to start but no. It was a pleasant if not surprising start to the show - just wish they'd played longer like 4hrs  :hihi:
This band are like an addiction, they just leave you wanting more.  :yes: