2004.06.DD - Spin - Axl Kicks the Bucket

by **Blackstar** Tue Sep 08, 2020 2:18 pm

Axl Kicks the Bucket

Guns N' Roses frontman attacks Buckethead, lacks self-awareness

Full-time recluse and part-time musician Axl Rose recently added another hat to his bandana-clad dome: band publicist. In a terse press release, the 42-year-old Rose wrote that Guns N' Roses would be canceling their May 30th headlining slot at the Rock in Rio festival. And he blamed his KFC-loving, hockey mask-wearing former guitarist, Buckethead.

"During his tenure with the band, Buckethead has been inconsistent and erratic in both his behavior and commitment," wrote Rose, "making it virtually impossible to move forward with recording, rehearsals, and live plans."

Guns N' Roses were set to take the stage for the first time since 2002's North American tour ended in chaos, with Rose reportedly needing a psychiatrist to coax him onstage. He also ditched several confirmed dates (leading to a riot in Vancouver) and offered incoherent tirades in New York City, where the tour ended prematurely. But according to Rose, the group's real problem was that one of their key players in their revamped lineup has been wasting time and plotting ways to boost his solo career. "It appears [Buckethead's] plans were to secure a contract with Sanctuary Records... quit GN'R, and... mmediately promote his individual efforts. Nice guy!"

Those who know Rose remain mum on the matter (former guitarist Slash and current bassist Tommy Stinson refused comment). But Buckethead's manager, David Lefkowitz, defended his famously silent client. "Bucket doesn't speak to the press," Lefkowitz says. "But needless to say, Rose's accusations are false - and wrong. And with all the drama surrounding this matter, I'd better leave it at that."

Rose concluded with a mention of GN'R's Chinese Democracy album, which has been delayed for seven years. "Guns will be moving forward," he promised. "We hope to announce a release date within the next few months." In other words, we'll need a little (more) patience.

JAMES MONTGOMERY

Image caption: Pot, meet kettle: Rose and Buckethead work out a special version of "You're crazy"