2008.11.19 - CMJ - Guns N’ Roses Chinese Democracy Listening Party (Bumblefoot)

by **Blackstar** Mon Aug 02, 2021 5:21 pm

Guns N’ Roses Chinese Democracy Listening Party, Presented By Best Buy, The Studio @ Webster Hall, November 17, 2008

On Monday night the folks over at Best Buy brought New York City something it hasn’t heard in 13 years: a new album from Guns N’ Roses. The Studio at Webster Hall was the place to be to hear the long, long, long awaited new album Chinese Democracy. One of Guns’ new guitarist Bumblefoot came out to greet the crowd and to express his excitement as well. “It’s been way too long, are you guys ready, I know I am,” he said before giving Axl’s signature opening line, “Do you know where the fuck you are?” The crowd, although super pumped up, was a little taken back by some of the music as it differs from anything the original lineup would have produced, but seemed to really get excited when they heard the familiar tracks that had already been leaked via the web. By the time the industrial-laden album came to a close, the crowd was completely converted. When Bumblefoot came out to thank the listeners, there wasn’t even one “Where’s Slash” chant.

Bumblefoot answered a couple of questions on how he feels about Chinese Democracy and it finally seeing the light of day.

How do you feel now that the album is finally being released?

I’m just really happy for Guns fans that they are getting the new material that they waited for so patiently. I’m glad they are getting what they want, I can honestly say that I am extremely happy and honored to be a part of this band and this album.

Are you worried or concerned at all with the comparisons that will be made between the new stuff and what the original GNR lineup did?

I’m sure people will have their thoughts on the subject, and that is their right, everyone can have their own opinion. I just know that when I go out there I want to make sure I give it my all and the people are just having fun. The music has evolved. Musically, technically, there is so much growth, it’s like going from A Hard Day’s Night to Revolver [to Let It Be], the growth is really seen on those Beatles albums, every band has to evolve and mature in their sound.

-Tom Duffy

http://www.bumblefoot.com/press/20081119-cmj/20081119-cmj.htm