Question about OMG being only a demo

[Voodoochild]

I saw a lot of people on gnr boards saying Axl said once that OMG was just a demo rushed to release by Interscope and so... But I never read/heard Axl saying something about this in any article or interview (not only I'm a member of HTGTH since at least 2001 but also I searched many times for this particular article).

Does someone knows when Axl said that of have a link to the article (please, do not post a link to Axl's statement about the song in that press release, this is not what I'm talkin' about)?

[jameslofton29]

I think the demo thing was just an excuse considering the negative reaction from the media and fans. Had the song been considered a GNR classic, the word demo would have never been mentioned.

[Voodoochild]

I think the demo thing was just an excuse considering the negative reaction from the media and fans. Had the song been considered a GNR classic, the word demo would have never been mentioned.

Well, the question is: I never saw anyone saying it was a demo. And I just want to know about this quote in particular. Please don't hijack this thread to turn in something to bash the song (wich, despite the awful mix, I love).

[jameslofton29]

I wasn't trying to hijack your thread. I was just telling you the reason you heard the word demo mentioned in concern to this song. Bands dont release demos for soundtracks. Most bands usually try to give their best to whatever project they're contributing to. I remember how this song was hyped for awhile leading up to its release. After the release, and to this very day, we keep hearing the word demo mentioned in the same breath as this song. But you mostly hear that excuse from fans. If you're looking for some quote from Axl, ask Izzy. He always comes through on this kind of stuff.

[makane]

I think OMG is quite underrated song, with few listenings it's actually OK.
 
Ooh, if it opens your eyes
This is better than a strong compromise
I was willing to be lost in the shuffle
If only you had let me know

Best part. though sometimes the song sounds like Aces High which i dont like so much.

[WARose]

well it`s definitely not a demo. in one article about the producing of oh my god (don`t ask me for a source) it`s written that the mixing alone took a night ( well, the mixing is the only bad thing in the song imo....) and that they did their best on the whole song. and axl never said, that it was a demo, nor that he`s not content with the song.

i`m sure i read the producing stuff, but i can`t remember where....

[Izzy]

If you're looking for some quote from Axl, ask Izzy. He always comes through on this kind of stuff.

Well i had a look, seem's Axl didn't think it was a demo but he does say he was under pressure to conform:

So here's the story behind this music
The chorus: OH MY GOD etc. deals with the societal repression of deep and often agonizing emotions - some of which may be willingly accepted for one reason or another - the appropriate expression of which (one that promotes a healing, release and a positive resolve) is often discouraged and many times denied. Emotionally the song contemplates several abstract perspectives drawing from personal expression as well as from the film (End Of Days) and its metaphors. The appropriate expression and vehicle for such emotions and concepts is not something taken for granted.

Musically the song was primarily written by Paul Huge over two years ago, with Dizzy Reed writing the musical hook of the chorus. Former member Duff McKagan as well as former employee Matt Sorum failed to see its potential and showed no interest in exploring, let alone recording the piece. When the demos were played for the new band, Josh, Tommy and Robin were as they say 'all over it.'

Once the opportunity was presented, the song was given priority in our recording process. As the verse, performance and lyrics were decided on, for us (that especially includes Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine) the choice became obvious. We were more than pleased Mr. Roswell (the film's music supervisor) agreed! Our thanks to Arnold and all for the consideration - it is an association in which we have always felt honored.

Paul Huge, Gary Sunshine and Dave Navarro appear on the song as well as Robin Finck. Robin's part was written by Paul and extensively manipulated by our producer, Sean Beaven. Robin was not involved in the writing of the final recording though did participate in the arrangement. All lyrics were written by myself. Additional programming (jack boots, screeching tires, etc.) was by Stuart White.

The fight of good vs. evil, positive vs. negative, man against a seemingly undefeatable, undeterrable, unrevealed destiny, along with the personal and universal struggle to attain, maintain and responsibly manage freewill can be and often is frustrating to say the least. In America our country's constitutional right to freedom of expression gives us a better chance to fight for that expression than many in other countries enjoy. It can be a big gig, like kickin' the crap outta the devil!

Power to the people, peace out and blame Canada,

Axl


and....

''Oh My God" is a perfect example. When we finally got "Oh My God" where it needed to be, then I got the right words to it. With "Appetite," I wrote a lot of the words first, but in, like, "Oh My God," I wrote the words second, but the music was written like "Appetite." We kept developing it until it we got it right. [With] "Appetite," everything had been worked on, and worked on, and worked on. That was not the case with "Use Your Illusion. - Axl"

No mention of it being a demo, Axl certainly infers he released a song he felt was complete at the time, though mentions unwanted pressures effecting the song.

[alternativemonkey]

I saw a lot of people on gnr boards saying Axl said once that OMG was just a demo rushed to release by Interscope and so... But I never read/heard Axl saying something about this in any article or interview (not only I'm a member of HTGTH since at least 2001 but also I searched many times for this particular article).

Does someone knows when Axl said that of have a link to the article (please, do not post a link to Axl's statement about the song in that press release, this is not what I'm talkin' about)?

Axl said as much at the December 29, 2001 Hard Rock Hotel concert. I was there.

He might not have used the word "demo". I wasn't there taking notes; I was there to hear the music. But, he definitely said it was taken from it because it was the closest thing to completion.

[Voodoochild]

I saw a lot of people on gnr boards saying Axl said once that OMG was just a demo rushed to release by Interscope and so... But I never read/heard Axl saying something about this in any article or interview (not only I'm a member of HTGTH since at least 2001 but also I searched many times for this particular article).

Does someone knows when Axl said that of have a link to the article (please, do not post a link to Axl's statement about the song in that press release, this is not what I'm talkin' about)?

Axl said as much at the December 29, 2001 Hard Rock Hotel concert. I was there.

He might not have used the word "demo". I wasn't there taking notes; I was there to hear the music. But, he definitely said it was taken from it because it was the closest thing to completion.

Thanks dude. That's why I never found anything about that.. There's no real article/interview or bootleg avaliable. I found a review from the December 29th 2001 gig, though:

Axl further talked about ?Oh My God? and how that was just in a demo tape which the management insisted be put on the Arnie soundtrack which Axl said ok to hesitantly.


Source: http://www.gnrontour.com/sets2001/20011229reviews.html

[Dust N Rose]

Oh my god in the 2001 shows seemed to have some enhancements that made it more sympathetic but I doubt if it's gonna be on chinese democracy. The public didn't show any interest and I think they may have abandonded it after all.
The quality of the studio version seems to be very low and it could be easily mistaken as a demo (if it's not one), but the underground atmosphere is just a part of the song's vein.
It could be possibly an easy excuse for Axl so he could make it nice.

[Rockin' Rose]

well it`s definitely not a demo. in one article about the producing of oh my god (don`t ask me for a source) it`s written that the mixing alone took a night ( well, the mixing is the only bad thing in the song imo....) and that they did their best on the whole song. and axl never said, that it was a demo, nor that he`s not content with the song.

i`m sure i read the producing stuff, but i can`t remember where....

I think it was the article of NY Times

[william]

IMO the version on the "End of Days" soundtrack could be considered a demo, and i do recall reading somewhere Axl said same. Look, Gary Sunshine (Axl's guitar teacher) plays on the track along w/Paul Tobias, no Robin, Chris, Bucket, Dave Navarro gets a call to see if he would be interested in laying down the solo for the song (1 song), come's to the studio one night and wings it (may not be the right way to put it--winged it). My point is, I get the impression Dave wasnt holed up in the studio for weeks/months working/recording the solo. Although it is uncharacteristic for Axl to give his ok to release something he would later describe as a demo or considered sub par to his high standards. It's possible he was receiving alot of pressure from the record company, management, or maybe he was doing a favor for an old friend (Arnold). It's entirely possible he had other reasons (personal) for his actions. Personally, i like the version but i'm chomping at the bit to one day hear the re-recorded track. I have a feeling after the record drops, Axl will let the music do the talking first, then answer alot of ?'s regarding issues/?'s along these lines, give his side of the story, his versions of events. I very much look forward to this.

[Smoking Guns]

It is amazing that he was pressured to release a song, yet 6 years later, that same pressure can't be recreated to force a release of CD.? But if it is as bad as OMG, I can see why.

[PJ]

It is amazing that he was pressured to release a song, yet 6 years later, that same pressure can't be recreated to force a release of CD.? But if it is as bad as OMG, I can see why.

omg is not bad is a killer unrated song and im sure cd will be the best rock cd in a decade

[ppbebe]

But if it is as bad as OMG,

It's more amazing that after some people have said they like the song, yet in the very thread someone comes and makes a remark as above as if it was common knowledge.

Demo or not I love the song.
On Live it quite differs from the soundtrack, which I also like.
There must be other versions of this song.

[DunkinDave]

IMO the version on the "End of Days" soundtrack could be considered a demo

Question - was the CD single of "Oh My God" different than the soundtrack version in quality?

[Pandora]

IMO the version on the "End of Days" soundtrack could be considered a demo

Question - was the CD single of "Oh My God" different than the soundtrack version in quality?

There is no CD single of OMG. The song has never been released in that format. There are promotional 5" CDs though, and they are exactly the same as on the soundtrack.

[Falcon]

There are promotional 5" CDs though, and they are exactly the same as on the soundtrack.

Wasn't that the format released to radio as the lead promo single for the soundtrack?

[Pandora]

There are promotional 5" CDs though, and they are exactly the same as on the soundtrack.

Wasn't that the format released to radio as the lead promo single for the soundtrack?

Yeah, that's what they're for. What I mean is there wasn't a CD single in the sense of commercially available.

[Falcon]

There are promotional 5" CDs though, and they are exactly the same as on the soundtrack.

Wasn't that the format released to radio as the lead promo single for the soundtrack?

Yeah, that's what they're for. What I mean is there wasn't a CD single in the sense of commercially available.

That's what I thought, thanks for the clarification.

[younggunner]

OMG is def an underated song but imo it shouldnt have been used because its not the most radio friendly of songs, and peopel werent ready to hear that kind of sound from gnr at that time. I know it was a good oppurtunity in terms of helping on a soundtrack but Axl should have held out on it....

[Christos AG]

Musically the song was primarily written by Paul Huge over two years ago, with Dizzy Reed writing the musical hook of the chorus. Former member Duff McKagan as well as former employee Matt Sorum failed to see its potential and showed no interest in exploring, let alone recording the piece. When the demos were played for the new band, Josh, Tommy and Robin were as they say 'all over it.'

What I don't understand is if Robin claims that he never played in that song, why does Axl involve him here?

There is no CD single of OMG. The song has never been released in that format. There are promotional 5" CDs though, and they are exactly the same as on the soundtrack.

Yeah, but it's something cool to own... 

[mikegiuliana]

OMG is def an underated song but imo it shouldnt have been used because its not the most radio friendly of songs, and peopel werent ready to hear that kind of sound from gnr at that time. I know it was a good oppurtunity in terms of helping on a soundtrack but Axl should have held out on it....

i think at that time a song like omg should had done good.. Industrial was just really popular and bands like korn, limp, kid rock, manson nin etc were showing a twist on rock was in... I mean if that song bawitdabaw could get big then omg could fit in imo.. I just think people viewed gnr in a different way kind of like the tail end of grunge.. if he was into the song he can always include it on something later

[younggunner]

I just think people viewed gnr in a different way

Greta point and I agree. Thats what I was trying to say. Although that style of mucis might have been in at that time, peopel werent expecting that from GNr. Especially being that it was still fresh bout Slash not being in the band. I think this time around people will not know what to expect with the band and the music will be able to win or lose ears on its own merit. I also think that being GNBr have been dormant all this time...peopel dont care and people know the situation a little better in terms of musical styles, diff band..etc...

I also dont think an OMG type song will be released as the 1st single.

[Eva GnRAxlRosette]

IMO Axl saying OMG was a demo just means is that he did not feel the song was finished. ?If he had the time/opportunity/choice he would have worked on it more.

A demo doesn't have to be a a rough first or second or third or hundredth run-through... ?how many times the song has been run-through or recorded is not what defines whether a recording is a demo... ?a demo can be something thats been worked on extensively with production and other technological methods etc. blah, blah, blah. ? A song can be "finished" after one 'take'! ?Or not finished even afther a hundred takes! ?

Until the song is finished, its a demo! ?

Who is the judge of whether a recording is "finished"? ?or "finished enough" for release?

Apparently in the case of OMG time and circumstance dictated that it was "finished" / "finished enough" for release.
Axl 'allowed' it to be released even though he didn't feel it was "fiished" to his full satisfaction... ? that it hadn't reached its full potential or the sound he was really going for.

 I love the EOD version AND the live version of OMG..  I'd love to hear the version that Axl is completely satisfied with.   

[mikegiuliana]

IMO Axl saying OMG was a demo just means is that he did not feel the song was finished.  If he had the time/opportunity/choice he would have worked on it more.

honestly though isn't eevrything done by axl in some way a song that could have been worked on longer?/ he re did many songs that he will one day release on cd, he would have did the illusions different, and so on.. if in some way he was rushed on omg I think it was a good thing.. Only so many changes one can make.. if he wasn't pushed along you may have heard nothing since lies

[mikegiuliana]

I just think people viewed gnr in a different way

Greta point and I agree. Thats what I was trying to say. Although that style of mucis might have been in at that time, peopel werent expecting that from GNr. Especially being that it was still fresh bout Slash not being in the band. I think this time around people will not know what to expect with the band and the music will be able to win or lose ears on its own merit. I also think that being GNBr have been dormant all this time...peopel dont care and people know the situation a little better in terms of musical styles, diff band..etc...

I also dont think an OMG type song will be released as the 1st single.

What I was trying to say is this.. I don't know if everyone felt they didn't expect something like this from gnr.. I personally felt that many people viewed gnr as a band that was from the 80's and they weren't over that it's not cool to like gnr anymore type stigma.. in the 90's people still viewed gnr as some hair band from the 80s that grunge killed.. Not how I feel just saying is all.. Today or even in 2002 I feel people look at gnr past band & name) as rock icons.. very trendy with rock memrobilia and t shirt.. the retro feel is in and classic rock has made a comeback.. I just feel the grunge industrial feel towards gnr is over and they view them as a great band regardless of the people in the band.. The name gnr itself stands all alone now.

[Mikkamakka]

Musically the song was primarily written by Paul Huge over two years ago, with Dizzy Reed writing the musical hook of the chorus. Former member Duff McKagan as well as former employee Matt Sorum failed to see its potential and showed no interest in exploring, let alone recording the piece. When the demos were played for the new band, Josh, Tommy and Robin were as they say 'all over it.'

What I don't understand is if Robin claims that he never played in that song, why does Axl involve him here?

An interesting thing:

Oh My God (Huge/Reed/Rose)
Appears in the End Of Days movie as well as the soundtrack.
Guitar parts by: Paul Huge, Gary Sunshine, Dave Navarro and Robin Finck (according to Axl, he plays on it. According to Robin himself, he doesn't).
Additional programming: Stuart White

And as Mike mentioned, Axl hasn't ever been satisfied with the product he released (I mean months, years later). His favourite thing is to bash UYI cause he (and the band) didn't have enough time to work on it. As I remember the only song he's always satisfied is November Rain, and as he mentioned every CD track will get the same amount of work as NR. Since ha started to write it in the early 80s and released it a decade later, no wonder why we haven't got CD. Chines Democracy starts... in 2157. (BTW NR is the only GN'R song I often find boring.)

[-Jack-]

As I remember the only song he's always satisfied is November Rain, and as he mentioned every CD track will get the same amount of work as NR.

Where did Axl say that!? Holy crap. Chinese Democracy starts in '08!

Crazyyyyy. lol.

I've always liked NR. Good song

[ppbebe]

Me too ovbiously must have missed the articles where he said

1) the only song he's always satisfied is November Rain, 
2) every CD track will get the same amount of work as NR.

Where are they?

I really can't see 1) as true. 

[Voodoochild]

All I can remember is how he said he liked the AFD and only would change a little bit of bass and the drums (the sound of it, I guess) here and there.

[Mikkamakka]

Me too ovbiously must have missed the articles where he said

1) the only song he's always satisfied is November Rain,?

I don't remember he's ever said that, but I came to this conclusion since he often criticizes his past work, but mentions NR as a standard.

2) every CD track will get the same amount of work as NR.

Where are they?

I really can't see 1) as true.?

I can't find the article right now, only that one in which he mentioned that 'CD's all songs will be as good as NR'.

[Eva GnRAxlRosette]

only quote i can recall would be when he spoke about giving into a lot of pressures on the illusions album release, something which he wasn't going to do with CD.

ah, here it is:

"Regarding the work in progress Axl commented as follows:

?I gave into a lot of pressure on Illusions both internally in Guns and externally in the press, those albums suffered as a consequence, it's not something I'm too excited to have to live with again."

http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=82

[mikegiuliana]

only quote i can recall would be when he spoke about giving into a lot of pressures on the illusions album release, something which he wasn't going to do with CD.

ah, here it is:

"Regarding the work in progress Axl commented as follows:

?I gave into a lot of pressure on Illusions both internally in Guns and externally in the press, those albums suffered as a consequence, it's not something I'm too excited to have to live with again."

http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=82

he should have been glad otherwise gnr might had been over without ever seeing the illusions albums.. He needs to be pushed or he'll never be satisfied... Why he wasn't happy is beside me.. Albums weren't as good as afd because there was some filler but they were still amazing from riockers to epics... If he felt this way he should have pushed for one amazing album rather then two.. I mean fuck the illusions went platinum in no time, fans lined up at midnight and they both went many times platinum... Axl belonged to a group so his opinion is only 1 piece of the total work.. if it was up to axl nothing would ever get released

[Eva GnRAxlRosette]

if it was were up to axl nothing would ever get released

We'll see about that, won't we?

[ppbebe]

He needs to be pushed or he'll never be satisfied... Why he wasn't happy is beside me..

Albums weren't as good as afd because there was some filler 
If he felt this way he should have pushed for one amazing album rather then two..

Aren't you contradicting yourself there again?

Anyways, here he doesn't say he was unhappy with all the songs off UYI except NR.

"Regarding the work in progress Axl commented as follows:

?I gave into a lot of pressure on Illusions both internally in Guns and externally in the press, those albums suffered as a consequence, it's not something I'm too excited to have to live with again."

[*Izzy*]

"Basically, he blamed the delays on everyone who had anything to do with the band, except the band members themselves. He also seemed angry that 'Oh My God' was released by the record company years ago because it was only a "demo tape" and did not represent what the band has been trying to put together. Finally, he mentioned that the old GNR members only appreciated the celebrity aspect of being in the band and couldn't be bothered with the rest of what was involved. This comment was possibly referring to the rumour that Slash, Izzy, and Duff are working on a GNR tribute album, against Axl's wishes."


http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Arcade/9459/gnr/vegas/day2.html