Slash Speaks! - New Rolling Stone Interview

[sofine11]

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/slash-speaks-inside-the-guns-n-roses-reunion-and-his-new-album-710144/

All in all, a pretty great interview.  They ask a lot of questions we've been waiting for. Pretty cold/cagey response in regard to new music from Guns, seems like it might be a sore spot...

[D-GenerationX]

So are you in Guns N’ Roses, or are you just playing with Guns N’ Roses?

Oh, that’s an interesting question. From the moment we started playing together and embarking on this journey, I would consider it being in Guns N’ Roses, not just being hired to play Guns N’ Roses songs.

I like this answer.

[allwaystired]

I'm not sure what to make of this interview.

He seems a little cagey about GNR and their future.....

[AdZ]

IDK about cagey?

It seems more like he literally knows that everything that is said in the press is misconstrued and misinterpreted - and as the band is obviously having a great time and is hugely successful, why muddy the water? Take it for what it is.

Adding to the fact that the interview is obviously to promote his new album, rather than GN'R...

[johnreed3344]

Rolling Stone is such a politically charged garbage and nothing new from this interview 

[Ginger King]

IDK about cagey?

It seems more like he literally knows that everything that is said in the press is misconstrued and misinterpreted - and as the band is obviously having a great time and is hugely successful, why muddy the water? Take it for what it is.

Adding to the fact that the interview is obviously to promote his new album, rather than GN'R...

Yes, but the interview largely focuses on Guns (not his new album) because that's really all anyone cares about.  "if something happens, then it happens."  This does sound cagey, like he knows there are no plans for any new Guns material, but he can't say that, so he has to tip toe an answer that makes it sound like anything could happen...sometimes...maybe. 

[jarmo]

IDK about cagey?

It seems more like he literally knows that everything that is said in the press is misconstrued and misinterpreted - and as the band is obviously having a great time and is hugely successful, why muddy the water? Take it for what it is.

Adding to the fact that the interview is obviously to promote his new album, rather than GN'R...

Yes, but the interview largely focuses on Guns (not his new album) because that's really all anyone cares about.  "if something happens, then it happens."  This does sound cagey, like he knows there are no plans for any new Guns material, but he can't say that, so he has to tip toe an answer that makes it sound like anything could happen...sometimes...maybe. 

No, it sounds like he just doesn't want to give answers that will be taken as definite answers because he knows the results if he does.

Either people will go on about how he "promised a new GN'R album soon", or how they're "just a touring act".

So, by taking the middle road, he chose the best option at this moment.
 


/jarmo

[Ali]

So are you in Guns N’ Roses, or are you just playing with Guns N’ Roses?

Oh, that’s an interesting question. From the moment we started playing together and embarking on this journey, I would consider it being in Guns N’ Roses, not just being hired to play Guns N’ Roses songs.

I like this answer.

The single most important and revealing answer he has given about GN'R. That indirectly says everything about how he views GN'R and his role in it. It's very positive, IMO.

I liked his answer about Richard too.

Ali

[ITARocker]

IDK about cagey?

It seems more like he literally knows that everything that is said in the press is misconstrued and misinterpreted - and as the band is obviously having a great time and is hugely successful, why muddy the water? Take it for what it is.

Adding to the fact that the interview is obviously to promote his new album, rather than GN'R...

Yes, but the interview largely focuses on Guns (not his new album) because that's really all anyone cares about.  "if something happens, then it happens."  This does sound cagey, like he knows there are no plans for any new Guns material, but he can't say that, so he has to tip toe an answer that makes it sound like anything could happen...sometimes...maybe. 

No, it sounds like he just doesn't want to give answers that will be taken as definite answers because he knows the results if he does.

Either people will go on about how he "promised a new GN'R album soon", or how they're "just a touring act".

So, by taking the middle road, he chose the best option at this moment.
 


/jarmo

yep, he did the same when was asked about gnr  reunion by that swedish reporter. They are in their 50s they just do what they want to do when it’s the right time.

[allwaystired]

Rolling Stone is such a politically charged garbage and nothing new from this interview 

That's a bit unfair - it's actually a great interview, in terms of the questions asked. The interviewer doesn't just ask 'easy questions' and pushes him a bit on certain things.

[allwaystired]

IDK about cagey?

It seems more like he literally knows that everything that is said in the press is misconstrued and misinterpreted - and as the band is obviously having a great time and is hugely successful, why muddy the water? Take it for what it is.

Adding to the fact that the interview is obviously to promote his new album, rather than GN'R...

Two ways of reading it I suppose - maybe I was viewing it as him being cagey, when in fact there just isn't much to say.....

[D-GenerationX]

The worst thing Slash could have done was basically suggest that this was just a job, a nice payday, and while it was fun...not something is heart is really in.

So for him to say "I consider myself in Guns N' Roses", that (at least to me) suggest that he both seems them as a real band and is happy to be a part of it.

Now, the ball is in Axl's court.  If nothing happens with anything new, that won't be on Slash.

[allwaystired]

The worst thing Slash could have done was basically suggest that this was just a job, a nice payday, and while it was fun...not something is heart is really in.

So for him to say "I consider myself in Guns N' Roses", that (at least to me) suggest that he both seems them as a real band and is happy to be a part of it.

Now, the ball is in Axl's court.  If nothing happens with anything new, that won't be on Slash.

I just don't know what will happen without a renewed focus on something though, following the November dates. I honestly can't see them adding more now, as he mentions SMKC going out in January....so what does that leave? Another run-around for GNR late 2019? Surely too early to hit the same markets.....

[sofine11]

"If it happens, it happens." just sounds so grim to me, seeing how they're two and a half years into the tour. If plans for new music haven't at least been "outlined" at this point, I think it's safe to say that it's likely not in the cards.

[pilferk]

IDK about cagey?

It seems more like he literally knows that everything that is said in the press is misconstrued and misinterpreted - and as the band is obviously having a great time and is hugely successful, why muddy the water? Take it for what it is.

Adding to the fact that the interview is obviously to promote his new album, rather than GN'R...

Exactly.

For a guy who's gotten in trouble, to some extent, for things he's said in the press before...he's rightfully being a bit guarded.  Because if he's not, there will be some flashy headline touting some GnR/Axl "slight" to drive clicks and sell paper.

[Lord Stan]

The worst thing Slash could have done was basically suggest that this was just a job, a nice payday, and while it was fun...not something is heart is really in.

So for him to say "I consider myself in Guns N' Roses", that (at least to me) suggest that he both seems them as a real band and is happy to be a part of it.

Now, the ball is in Axl's court.  If nothing happens with anything new, that won't be on Slash.

I just don't know what will happen without a renewed focus on something though, following the November dates. I honestly can't see them adding more now, as he mentions SMKC going out in January....so what does that leave? Another run-around for GNR late 2019? Surely too early to hit the same markets.....

While the market is similar in a way, there are a lot of sports venues in Europe they haven't played yet. Those places can be filled because people will want to go when it hits their whereabouts.

I live next to a 40.000 stadium not done yet and I can think of a few other places around

[cineater]

Have to say the interviewer was trying really hard to dig up some kind of trash, start something, somewhere, with anybody.  Sorry folks there just ain't any.

[PermissionToLand]

Rolling Stone is such a politically charged garbage and nothing new from this interview 

LOL, I love how right wingers call liberals snowflakes, but get this worked up over the mere existence of... Rolling Stone? 

[russkwtx]

Great interview!

I am happy for Slash that he is in a happy place now.

I had no idea he was so unhappy in VR. I saw them 4 times and the unhappiness never showed except the last time which was two months before the band broke up. That show was obvious that tensions were high but they went on the stage and kicked ass as usual. But it is weird to read that he has no positive thoughts about that period.

New GNR music: I think the attitude is healthy. It  will be if it is meant to be.

Very diplomatic on Izzy situation and the how behind reunion with Axl. The man has grown up.

Thanks for posting!

[Dr. Blutarsky]

Rolling Stone is such a politically charged garbage and nothing new from this interview 

Their politics is extremely one sided and not at all enlightening on the side they present.

But I  thought it was a great interview with Slash. Some good stuff in there & It wasn't all a bunch of softball questions.   

[pilferk]

Rolling Stone is such a politically charged garbage and nothing new from this interview 

LOL, I love how right wingers call liberals snowflakes, but get this worked up over the mere existence of... Rolling Stone? 

Their need for safe spaces is amusing, ironic, and hypocritical all at once.

And RS does good media/entertainment coverage, usually. Not great, like in their heyday,  but good.

[D-GenerationX]

I just don't know what will happen without a renewed focus on something though, following the November dates. I honestly can't see them adding more now, as he mentions SMKC going out in January....so what does that leave? Another run-around for GNR late 2019? Surely too early to hit the same markets.....

Another summer tour in 3-4 years.  That's about the best we are going to do.

And if they have any doubts about ticket sales, that's solved by the inclusion of one word : FAREWELL.

[Lord Stan]

I just don't know what will happen without a renewed focus on something though, following the November dates. I honestly can't see them adding more now, as he mentions SMKC going out in January....so what does that leave? Another run-around for GNR late 2019? Surely too early to hit the same markets.....

Another summer tour in 3-4 years.  That's about the best we are going to do.

And if they have any doubts about ticket sales, that's solved by the inclusion of one word : FAREWELL.

Sadly, that word will exactly work. That has been done in the past by others and it simply works.

[allwaystired]

I just don't know what will happen without a renewed focus on something though, following the November dates. I honestly can't see them adding more now, as he mentions SMKC going out in January....so what does that leave? Another run-around for GNR late 2019? Surely too early to hit the same markets.....

Another summer tour in 3-4 years.  That's about the best we are going to do.

And if they have any doubts about ticket sales, that's solved by the inclusion of one word : FAREWELL.

Sadly, that word will exactly work. That has been done in the past by others and it simply works.

Works all the time...without bands even needing to say it. I constantly hear "might be the last chance to see..." from people. It's been said about every Rolling Stones tour since the 1980s!

[jarmo]

Works all the time...without bands even needing to say it. I constantly hear "might be the last chance to see..." from people. It's been said about every Rolling Stones tour since the 1980s!

Well I didn't go see GN'R in 1993 because I figured I'd catch them the next time....



/jarmo

[allwaystired]

Works all the time...without bands even needing to say it. I constantly hear "might be the last chance to see..." from people. It's been said about every Rolling Stones tour since the 1980s!

Well I didn't go see GN'R in 1993 because I figured I'd catch them the next time....



/jarmo

Haha! I missed that too.....parents weren't keen on the idea of letting me go at such an impressionable age! Had to wait until 2002. Not missed a chance since though....and I can't see me missing any in the future, no matter how things work out. 

I've enjoyed the hell out of the last couple of years, I have to say. But then I've enjoyed every single stage of being a fan of this band!

[johnreed3344]

Rolling Stone is such a politically charged garbage and nothing new from this interview 

LOL, I love how right wingers call liberals snowflakes, but get this worked up over the mere existence of... Rolling Stone? 

you're hilarious aren't you? 

[PermissionToLand]

Rolling Stone is such a politically charged garbage and nothing new from this interview 

LOL, I love how right wingers call liberals snowflakes, but get this worked up over the mere existence of... Rolling Stone? 

Their need for safe spaces is amusing, ironic, and hypocritical all at once.

And RS does good media/entertainment coverage, usually. Not great, like in their heyday,  but good.

Yeah, there's no Hunter Thompson anymore, but Matt Taibbi is fantastic and was very much inspired by Thompson. Other than that, I don't read it much but this was a good interview, and obviously the ones they did with Axl and Slash back in the '90s were fantastic.

Rolling Stone is such a politically charged garbage and nothing new from this interview 

LOL, I love how right wingers call liberals snowflakes, but get this worked up over the mere existence of... Rolling Stone? 

you're hilarious aren't you? 

Who's joking?