2008.12.XX - Axl's chat with his fans on varius fan fora

The first chat took place at mygnrforum.com at December 12. Axl chose the nick "Dexter" for his chats

yourolympichero: Imagine you post on the Britney Spears fan forum.
Now imagine the son of Britney's maid posting on the forum and  everyone gushing over him because of his association to Britney. Nevermind that he never posts anything notable and is generally annoying. That's Fernando.
Dexter: Might as well start here... You're a little cunt and since you've been posting you've pretty much always been a little cunt. Blind  accusations and insults by an anonymous coward and whiny shit  stirrer aren't impressive or needed by anyone. Everyone else...talk  with your administrator. Who wants to chat?!!

Spuffy78: Pot meet kettle.
Dexter: Not real bright are ya?

Spuffy78: No, not really. Then again I'm not the one who needs a house keeper to wipe my  ass.
Dexter: Ah... another cunt! So shocking!

Dexter: Aw c'mon, nobody wants to play? U go on forever about where am I  and I'm right here.

Spuffy87: Yeah, I'm a miserable cunt who's not a fan of the band and Axl doesn't  need fans like me. Reality check here. The only one's who's a apparently a miserable cunt is somebody who  alienates and hides himself from the world and blames fans who pays  his bills so he eat his duck roast dinner's. Axl instead of coming here and calling me a cunt get off your ass and  stick your head out of the fucking window. "All I've got in the press is  shit after shit" which is exactly what we have gotten. Instead of being  so butt sore over what some dude on the Internet says do what you do  best put on a helluva of a show and make good music.
Dexter: I don't work for you. Just cuz u think so don't make it true.

Dexter: Blame the fans?

Spuffy78: I never said you worked for me.. Is it that hard to talk to your fan base? Fuck you're apparently doing it  now. I don't know what Beta and Del have told you but us the fans have put  up with your shit were the reason CD sold as much as it did along with  every Gn"R record. After all the years of telling people to suck your dick you'd think you'd  grow a fucking pair to actually speak or say something after the  release other than hiding in the batcave under your desk while WASP  plays with strippers going up and down.
Dexter: Why would anyone have to tell me anything? What would you know of  anything actually going on in my world. Nice fantasy though, wish I had  the time.

Spuffy78: I'm not acting tough against a computer screen I'm trying to figure out  why the thing's in the GN'R camp is such a mindfuck and get Axl out of  this little world of comfort he's apparently built for himself.
Dexter: Your misconceptions and fantasies along with your misguided sense of entitlement don't dictate my actions.

gnrfan20: a fight between a forum user and axl rose oh how classic is this
Dexter: Nah. Friendly banter by those with opposing views.

da_illest_in_402: If this is true. I have one question for you Axl. What is stopping the  fans from seeing you Slash, Duff, and Izzy back on stage together?
Dexter: U've been lied to and misled for such a long time that sorting through  all that here is virtually impossible. A lot will come out over time but  the truth has been out there for a long time as well but that doesn't  give you what you want so this dance just goes on and on.

ThinkAboutYou: thanks for playing Rocket Queen in Melbourne The red bike was awesome
Dexter: I think it's in the Better vid. Not sure if we cut it.

Blue Phoenix: just a quick question Axl, how come you always come on stage so late at gigs? ps I LOVE YOU MAN !!!!!!!
Dexter: I've been an after midnight type since I was sneakin' out of my house  in Jr. High. With old Guns we preferred 12am or so. When we moved to  theaters etc obviously that changes but it's never changed inside me.  Doesn't matter what I do so generally that's when I'm more myself.  This isn't to mess with anyone that has an early schedule to keep it's  just personal preference. And in regard to the size venues I'm on record as preferring what ever  venues allow for our schedule but management and promoters can do  a lot in their own interests behind the scenes that can rarely be  avoided and their greed or whatever leads to a lot of double talk and  ugly behind nonsense that generally eventually ruins things for  everyone. Translated once a tour is scheduled however it's like  parting the seas to change. As far as being late, I've been that way my whole life. It drove Izzy  crazy but he would check himself and freely admit I was generally  actually doing something that had to get done rather than watching  basketball etc.

chester: Hey Dexter, Just wanted to say I really appreciate the song ‘Scraped’…Awesome  work….Also, while I was interning for President-Elect Obama, we all  found ‘Madagascar’ to be very inspirational on certain days….Also,  seen you in Iowa in ’06 and you certainly didn’t look tardy…and in Ill in  02…I think you and the guys gave top performances…I can’t believe you entered this particular jungle tonight…haha
Dexter: Obama! That's a big gig! I need some presidential press advisors  and speech writers!! I'd like to thank everyone for their positive comments. They're very  appreciated.

ThinkAboutYou: Axl do you really have 2 or 3 other albums of material?
Dexter: For now we'll concentrate and keep our focus on this album but I will  say I've always thought of it as a double. And no offence but no one's trying to talk in parables. The issues are  a bit more complex than anyone would like.

desolationrow: IS THIS REALLY YOU?? [picture from boxing game]
Dexter: Ha! No.

GNRs00ks: Axl I would like to know why you avoid the press so much. I think it's  definitely hurting album sales, I mean, you haven't even done one  interview. I know for sure you'd be able to get a few magazine covers.  So why don't you? Why be such a hermit/recluse?
Dexter: That's ur opinion and it very well could be true. What I have to say a lot of people have no desire to hear. With our team we were able to negotiate thru a mountain of issues to  be able to release the album. Within' those negotiations I believed I  had secured agreements, commitments and assurances that would  have allowed a promotional strategy to be implemented that  obviously I've had a fair amount of time to consider. Unfortunately  those things never happened and once the record was closer to  release the biz went about things in their standard business as usual  mode.

superloconoriega: axl, why did you change "the bues" to "street of dreams"??
Dexter: The Blues was my first working title and I was never comfortable with it  in the sense that I felt that should be used with a bluesier based song.  And here in Hollywood with the walk of fame etc I had always seen  that imagery in my head when I think of it. I also like the idea of the  song having in affect two titles.

Midnight Rambler: Axl, have you been in contact with steven adler at all? Not as far as  playing with him or anything, just to like lend him support?
Dexter: I do wish Steven the best and in my heart hope that he finds some  peace and security. As far as direct contact no. It unfortunately gets  too messy too quick. In Steven's mind I'm the one who holds the keys  and power over his happiness so I'm the bad guy pretty quickly.

evader: A video for "Better" was mentioned. Any ideas for a date of release,  and/or in what capacities it will be released? What style of video is  planned - live footage, some more dramatic theme? Great song. Can't  wait to see what you guys have created for a visual.
Dexter: Soon is the word as in a week or so.

4thafans: Axl, cherry or original flavor Nyquil?
Dexter: prefer cherry night time for breakfast around 11pm

Randy Lahey: Hey Axl, Is Mickey going to pay you back for letting them use SCOM in the  Wrestler by starring in a new Guns video?
Dexter: Actually Mickey agreed to play The Shackler if we were to make a vid  for it.

Estranged Reality: I keep asking questions (like everybody else, I suppose) and feel  stupid for asking so many, but I am also curious as to your  relationship with Mickey Rourke. He's one of my favourite actors, and  I saw an interview with him recently where he said you were kind  enough to give him songs for The Wrestler. My question is: how long  do you and Mickey go back, and do you have any interesting stories  from "back in the day"? You guys strike me as being pretty similar in a  lot of ways (I mean as far as personalities and what you've been  through in your lives) and it's cool for me to see two of my pop culture  "heroes," for lack of better description, being friends, and also making  similarly timed "comebacks." (Or whatever you want to call it.)
Dexter: Mickey and I haven't really hung much but have a lot of mutual friends  over the years. He's always been massively supportive. I've always  been a big fan of his as well. It's probably better for both of us we  didn't hang directly back in the day!!

AgainstAllOdds: Who do you listen to for hardcore blues? I'm a blues singer and I can  tell from your work that you have at least got way into a couple of  blues records.
Dexter: Bessie Smith, Zep 1, Robert Johnson, Tumbleweed Connection,  Janice.

Mom: Axl what do you think about Portuguese girls?
Dexter: Lots!!

Dexter: Havin' a bit of trouble posting replies. Interrupted connection and all  that.

Dexter: Here's some answers.

Prenticem: Axl, What's your fav song on the new album?.
Dexter: Into Sorry musically most rt now.

Kill YourIdols: lol i know it must be hard to keep up with all the questions but i was wondering if any of these songs could be included in future set lists?civil war, estranged, coma. again thx you so much for cd it's really the best cd to come out in a loooooooooooong time
Dexter: Estranged and Civil War probably somewhere.

Freddie Mercury...: Since 2001, I've noticed you've been singing a line in "November Rain" wrong. The lyric in the second chorus is "Sometimes I need sometime on my own, sometimes I need sometime all alone." But you've been singing the first chorus in its place: "Do you need sometime on your own? Do you need sometime all alone?" Is that intentional?
Dexter: I probably just fucked the song up, wish it had deeper meaning.

GNRs00ks: Axl what type of computer are you posting from? PC or Mac?
Dexter: PC but I use both.

Randy Lahey: Hey Axl, is the song Atlas Shrugged as epic as the book? Who is your favorite character from the book?
Dexter: Song doesn't have all that much to do with the book other than trying  to do what you believe in and a line about shoulders not being wide enough.

ThinkAboutYou: Yeah the internets going slow because so many users are online
Axl was their ever a cover B and cover C for chinese democracy?
Dexter: Yes there are. There are 2 more covers/bk cover combos and the real  booklet that is all artwork that will be out shortly in some form. It's  been an ugly battle that hasn't made any sense to anyone and  whether anyone cares about such things the booklet or artwork has  always been something I've been passionate about and to release  the album with unapproved and unseen final artwork with a !st work  only error filled draft when others more recent were readily available  still has not been explained but is finally getting cleared up. My fave  is the How Are You Grenade cover.

GNRs00ks: Axl how do you feel about Kanye outselling Chinese Democracy? Do  you like Kanye's music?
Dexter: I met Kanye at the Versace awards. He was very gracious. I love Gold  Digger and told him so. I'm a big fan of his stage performance as he  seems to go for it physically which I relate more to. B4 r release I sent  him a msg that any nonsense from the media had nothing to do with us  and wished him the best. I'm humbled we've done as well as we have  considering.

(t): Dexter, do you listen to any underground metal?
Dexter: Sometimes but not underground!

The second chat took place at htgth.com at December 12:

Republican Jesus: Axl do you control the weather or is that solely Oprah? Thanks in advance.
Dexter: Oprah

Alfie Bones: Jarmo, do you know the reason behind the name Dexter? Is he a fan of the show (on Showtime)? Just curious...No need to reply if the reason is deemed private/personal.
Pine Barrens: Could be because of the guy from The Offspring, too... but I'd rather it be the TV show.
Dexter: The show and my cat named after the show, she's a methodical killer.

Evolution: Hi Axl, how's it going? Just wanted to ask if you had any fond memories from the UK leg of the tour from 2006, particularly the concert in Glasgow in July?
Dexter: Glasgow was great. I think that's where I got to do a lot of slides on the stage. Was like a race track or something rt?

Richard Fortus' Next Tattoo: Is your cat a Fancy Feast cat?
Dexter: She's a classic stereotypical cat so it changes when least convenient.

Evolution: I think the racetrack you're referring to was the Download 2006 gig at Donnington? Could be wrong. Glasgow was the SECC in Scotland! You have the history with kilts and having Scottish blood, right? Haha!
Dexter: My bad, was it outdoors or in? I was thinking of an out door afternoon gig not Donnington though. thought it might have been a horse track with the layout. Probably what u mistakenly refer to as football!! The sites a little bogged down so having trouble answering much of anything.

LaneSax: Axl, thanks for Chinese Democracy which i personally think is your best work. what's your pick for album of the year? and have you heard the new MetallicA album?
Dexter: Ours of course!! Yes, I like it.

gunns1: Axl will you tour Australia next year, and when are you looking at doing so? If you could work with buckethead again, would you have him just in studio, or also would you welcome him in the touring lineup?
Dexter: Austrailia's great and the crowds are really alive. No plans yet but I'm sure there will be. I have no issues with Bucket. It's hard to tell what was real or not in things we were told by Merck. He's more than welcome to tour with us in some form or other provided we're both interested at the time and come to some type of reasonable terms. Personally I have a blast w/Bucket on tour and get a big kick out of the guy. A lot of feelings were hurt on this side of the fence in how things went down and unfortunately others used our silence and the public's not knowing for their own purposes at both Bucket's and our expense.

IndiannaRose: As a native Colombian I must ask: In 1992, while performing November Rain in Bogota (in November), it rained. Wait no....it poured. How weird was that, eh?
Dexter: Very surreal and religious feeling. So was being chased by the military in our plane down the runway gettin' outta Dodge there!!

Bruno Poeys: Now that you said that please tell us if Robin's out or not... because, otherwise, we'll be reading several 'Axl wants Bucket back and Robin/Bumble/Richard out' type of threads for the entire '09 year and these threads annoy us, the new lineup fans.
Dexter: It really is what it is. No decisions have been made by either him, I or us that I'm aware of. When we're touring or working in the studio or there's social things like a friend's dinner or party whatever we would hang. But as people get older they have their own lives. The Stones aren't going bowling every Tuesday etc. Robin leads one of the most different lives I know of starting with the trapeze in his backyard to the tv in his closet. Robin's work on the next is done so there's not lots for him to do here except the elusive promo and he'd rather be on stage. It's more about seeing where things are when Guns decides it's right for a tour and if we're able to make agreements we both are comfortable and can live with at that time.

Sharky-dude: Hi axl! just wondering what stops you from playing more guitar live?
Dexter: skill

daredeviljane: Hey Axl, Are you checking your PM's???
Dexter: Not rt now. It's a bit slow getting around on here rt now. Let's talk about Catcher!! Who's 1st?

Pine Barrens: Axl/Dexter, I'm fixing to pack everyhting I own into my car and drive out to L.A. from Arkansas to give a career in music a shot. Any advice? Or should I just shit in my pants, dive in and swim?
Dexter: Follow your heart, don't sell out and read every book on the biz u can find.

eggers: Catcher is one of the best songs on the album, why no Brian?
Dexter: There's a few reasons and none of them all that big and definitely not in spite or to slight anyone. 1st off obviously I knew people liked the song but the Brian appreciation really only showed up in force publicly after we had moved on in Guns. In fact Not many seemed to care and most comments were aimed at why Slash in their opinions should be here. Brians solo itself is a personal fave of mine and I really couldn't understand as he's such a rock legend why it wasn't openly appreciated more at the time. In actuality all that feel and emotion referred to now had a lot to do with Sean and I and the parts I chose out of Brian's different runs, versions, practice runs etc to make sure we had those elements in one version. It's entirely constructed from edits based around one specific note Brian hit in a throw away take. And though Brian seems to have warmed a bit to it at least publicly he was unfortunately none to pleased at the time with our handiwork. I remember looking at Brian standing to my left and him staring at the big studio speakers a bit aghast saying "But that's not what I played." Sean Beavan and I were not in any way tring to mess with Brian we just did what we do and then try and do our best to stand up for our decisions.

gnronanightrain: Axl are you still thinking of suing Dr Peppers ass?
Dexter: Sure but the actions taken so far had nothing to do with me and I was taken off guard as I had specifically told our team who fucking cares rt now we have a record to deal with. My feelings are after their public response. It was cute. Maybe the guy who got it rolling originally meant well but it turned out sour and maybe it's just me but he seems like maybe he wants a bit too much attention so...

Ron Jones: I'm sorry for posting this again! It's just..I don't get this chance everyday! Ever still think about working with Jeff Lynne I think you two would be fuckin awesome together. Would you ever give an unkown band a chance to open for you guys? How do you feel about Double Fantasy? I could see u covering watching the wheels Have you seen the movie The Aviator any thoughts it is my favorite of all time.
Dexter: Not presently but he's a true hero of mine. Absolutely. I think we have or at least relatively but I could be mistaken Big Lennon fan.I piss in jars all the time only I throw them at people!! j/k

axlrose06: when are the online shop opening?
Dexter: I haven't been involved much in any of our merch and the reasons are it's been a mess legally for years. Unbeknownst to most of you I was recently sued again by Duff and Slash for some murky Merckiness that I was unaware and not involved in. Fortunately that was resolved but it got ugly and took a while going into arbitration. Merck shifted our merch from some of our newer styles to incorporating more of the old with some scam that actually and surprisingly lost sales in comparison but that's old news. What I look forward to is incorporating the new artwork into our merch and getting some for myself. I think u'll like a lot of it. My vote's for the How Are You grenade and the Sorry automatic rifle artwork on shirts etc.

GunsNHalen: C'mon! Really? People are spamming the board like crazy and being rude to our guest of honor, and my post gets deleted. I would just like to say that this is a very amazing song! I mean....it's a classic! Axl, don't you agree? [Adding a link to YouTube rickroll].
uzisuicide2002: lmao STOP trying to rick roll him
Dexter: That's my brother. It's not letting me answer anyone. I do like the lyrics. I wrote a paragraph or so on the new booklet and more on the story of what's out now but it got lost in the traffic jam.

dimitri: a duo possible on the next album
Dexter: He doesn't like to go out much. Strange guy!

ecwfan: DEXTER/AXL, How do you feel about artists covering your songs ?
Dexter: Depends but in general it's great.

gunns1: Hey Axl , whats your favourite song from either Chinese Democracy, or from an unreleased album?
Dexter: The bridge in "Elvis Presley and the Monster of Soul aka The Soul Monster (working title Leave Me Alone)" which will no doubt end up "Soul Monster". I think it's r most Black Sabbath moment. Sang it on a Christmas eve. Imo the meanest section of anything I've sung to date. Which having said that I'm sure when it's heard others may disagree but we felt it was a Christmas card of unadulterated venom so to speak. I felt a lot better afterward.

dead_flowers: Axl, how is your relationship with the former members/friends of GNR???
Dexter: Not sure I understand the question.

BabyGorilla: Axl, do you know of any steak house in the Los Angeles area better than The Cut?
Dexter: Haven't been but I hear it's great. Maestros T.O. is pretty good.

Dexter: Someone give me a list of all the alleged song titles at once and I'll tell what's real or not. Most from the past like cockroach soup or eulogy aren't.

D: I know this is jumping the gun big time, but any tentative idea when you would like to see the next CD come out?
Dexter: No, maybe same bat time, same bat channel next year but we'll have to see.

ecwfan: Atlas Shrugged, No Love Remains, Take That When Love Collides (I believe that was the name), Thats the ones I remember....
Dexter: only Atlas

hebbesy: Hey Axl, Is there anything in the past that you have now looked back on and thought maybe I culd have handled that differently, also what are your ongoing hopes for GnR in the future? I have cyclothemia and sometimes get this feeling that I cant be around people and need my own space and area, how do you find the bipolar effect you, if you dont mind me asking that is? thanks again for doing this. Alex
Dexter: Of course but in the world of sports and litigation....I've not been diagnosed as being bipolar though many misconstrue statements I made earlier as alluding to such and unfortunately there's been an abundance of misguided or unqualified speculation of various events but I definitely can relate to needing my own space. In my world all bi polar means (and not to offend or make light of those suffering from a genuine condition or involved with those who are) is that someone can try to take cheap uneducated shots or try to claim I'm bipolar thus justifying why they should get paid a financial settlement for whatever nonsense they're up to. Fortunately that hasn't proved successful.

Nikki_Sixx: Axl, - What is your honest opinion on why the old lineup disintegrated ? - What is your honest opinion on why it took so long for CD to come out ?I think that's what most people want to know but dare not ask ...
Dexter: 2 great but complicated questions and I agree that people would like to know at least my take on things. Not avoiding them here but they deserve more than I can give as we've been at this a little while. But I'm attempting to speak out on several issues these being a major focus over the coming weeks and months. What I can say now is u've been told a lot of things in order for others to promote themselves that factually they cannot backup in regard to either. They are complicated legally, financially and have devoured a good portion of my life. The record Chinese u may have is nothing short of a miracle in almost each and every way that either it or I exist imo under the bizarre and ugly conditions of the last over 15yrs. Thanks everyone and thanks for all the support and the positive comments both 2nite and over the years. I hope to do this again soon, maybe sooner than u'd think! And u didn't scare me off I'm just burnt and would rather not misspeak on issues that may mean a lot to some. Thanks again. Peace, Axl- And Checkmate is a bogus title. The working title is Jackie Chan.

The third chat too place on chinesedemocracy.com at December 13

Dexter: Who wants to chat?

Deadxsouth: What happened to soon being the word???
Dexter: In regard to?

Appetite: Axl if under assumption you tour the UK again will you be going back to Newcastle? despite the last time one prick there throwing pound coins about. I was there that night in 2006 and it would be a shame for the next tour not to stop there because of one idiot out of thousands (althouh I'm sure it's a lot more complicated then that and down to promotors).
Dexter: That wouldn't stop us from playing there again. And the whole throwing shit sucks and is pretty cowardly but the leaving I got at Donnington from Lemmy. When we 1st played Donnington I was so happy I had knocked a bottle of piss out of the air when Lemmy gave me a lecture how if another band got hurt because I allowed people to throw things at our shows I'd be responsible for other bands getting hurt. Whether real or there's an argument against that, I've never been able to have anything override that in my head, not even a riot and I don't know why. If you're working hard and some cunt throws something so he can tell his buddies I don't see where it's worth it.

Dudecqd: Hi Axl, is Silkworms on the next record? It's a masterpiece.
Dexter: has a lot of guitars, lots of different drum the chorus is gone.

anythinggoes78: Hey axl glad you could make it shame i cant stay for long as im going to to see bumblefoot in an hour but welcome to the board. Any message for Ron while im there?
Dexter: Say hi! He's got a lot more experience at this than I do.

danhuhn85: just wondering if there truly was a rap song with shaq on it that you recorded? this is one of the many rumours flying aroudn since this albums conception and i think we all wanna know..and its its real i want to hear it now...please send it to me in a PM ..NOW..haha
Dexter: Imo that was just cheap shots from media jerkoffs knowing that Shaq wasn't the most popular or respected rapper publicly. I've never met the man. He goofed around with Paul and Diz and it went from there.

Rosie: I was wondering about new tour dates....
Dexter: No plans. We're talking.

BringBackBrain: Is this for real? Axl. What is Brains status? Can you bring back Breakdown or Dead Horse to the set? Thanks. Your music means more to me than I could ever express.
Dexter: I think he's doing alright. Maybe I should check. On the songs maybe, more interested in the newer now. And thank you, means a lot.

Blueheart: Hello and welcome to our board. I wanted to let our members ask their questions first but as my battery will go dead soon I have to ask...What's your opinion on the CD album, gunsnroses.com and chinesedemocracy.com being banned in China
Dexter: China's a tough place. A lot of us have no idea how good we have it and think less of those less fortunate. The Chinese people have been kept in the dark thru literally the fear of incarceration or death which to most is either unimaginable or only able to be contemplated w/stories or movies and such where there it's an all encompassing environment and they're growing larger everyday.

aussie_GNR92: How does an average GNR rehearsal go? like, do you jam on any covers, go over songs until they are extremely tight? etc. Also, how frequent are Guns N' Roses rehearsals? Thanks.
Dexter: Frequency depends on the reason say a tour or particular gig and how we feel about where we're at with whatever the material is and not so much on the covers but lots of jams. Generally there's a lot of fun but a lot of work and these guys take it very seriously which is great.

BringBackBrain: How do you feel about meeting your fans?What is the best way for a fan to meet you, if they happen to be a dude (since the stereotype is that rockers only wanna meet hot chicks). What do you think of fans who get GNR related tattoos?
Dexter: I like meeting all kinds of fans but after a show (I realize that's the only time some may feel they have an opportunity but w/the exception of close friends around...) not to be offensive but I'm generally not looking forward to walking off stage to hang with guys whether they're fans or not. I deal with Guns all day every day so coming off stage to talk about the band is just like more of the same. Unless there's pressing business I wanna forget that till it's time to go at it again the next day. And people may enjoy meet and greets and have their reasons why it meant a lot for them which I respect but overall charging fans for it I thinks disgusting of bands. Now if they did it for free to winners of a contest etc that would be different. Charging is lame. How to meet bands? Maybe try to hang out places u might hear they do sometimes.

Bane: Hi Axl, this is so great of you to do this for us all\Well my question on the other thread, which I will ask again here is:How much does the book 'Catcher in the Rye' inform the song, or is is soley referring to Chapman?And are there any plans of touring South Africa? Thanks so much
Axl: For me the song is inspired by what's referred to sometimes as Holden Caulfield syndrome. I feel there's a possibility that how the writing is structured with the thinking of the main character could somehow reprogram for lack of a better word some who may be a bit more vulnerable, with a skewed way of thinking and tried to allow myself to go what may be there or somewhat close during the verses. I'd think for most those lines are enjoyed as just venting, blowing off steam, humor or some type of entertainment where it may be how others seriously live in their minds. The bridge b4 the solo is an artistic interpretation of a institutionalized mind. The outro is a tribute to Lennon and an indictment of the author for writing what i feel is utter garbage and I agree whole heartedly that it should be discontinued as required reading in schools. That's my take, I could be completely wrong, I do realize that the song and title could have the next poor soul reading the book and feeling inspired to make an unfortunate statement. So there's the catch I guess. When I came up with the focus, I got a call from the director of Imagine wanting a bunch of money to make a documentary, had a guy sending me strange packages about Lennon and serial killers etc and the web started calling me Salinger w/no one knowing what I was writing. I figured I was on the right track at least for a song.

eduardo_gnr: Axl when are you coming down to South America, you have forgotten this place in the last years
Axl: Haven't forgot, looking forward to it.

Gavgnr: Hi Axl,Just wanted to ask this: out of all of the music you have written, what song are you most proud of. BTW Prostitute is fuckin amazing.....thank you
Axl: Right now a lot on this album. For me musically it would have to be the orchestral arrangement in the bridge of TIL.

sakuL: this is the first time I feel ashamed for my avatar ... how does it feel [Axl] to see your face everywhere? Especially these very old pictures ...
Axl: fine

aussie_GNR92: Axl, When Guns played the surprise acoustic show in London, can you remember what the request was that you denied before playing Nightrain, and if so, what was that request?
Axl: no idea

BringBackBrain: Axl, what do you think of Duff's comments about ChiDem?
DUFF MCKAGAN Says AXL ROSE 'Sounds Amazing' On 'Chinese Democracy' - Dec. 12, 2008
Bassist Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, LOADED, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) was interviewed this morning (Friday, December 12) by "The BJ Shea Morning Experience" on the Seattle station KISW 99.9 FM. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below. On whether he's heard the new GUNS N' ROSES album, "Chinese Democracy". Duff: "I have, yeah. I think Axl sounds amazing. You know, I'm glad he put out the record he wanted to put out and I think it's gonna be successful, him going out and touring. People have been talking how the record's doing. I think it's a longevity thing; it will do fine for him. And I wish him the best of luck." On whether there is any truth to the rumors that Axl Rose tried to reunite the original GUNS N' ROSES lineup before the release of "Chinese Democracy". Duff: "I think all of it's rumors. It makes for good, you know, talk around the water cooler, but I don't think much of it is based on any fact." On whether there's been any communication between him and Axl and on the possibility of a future reunion of the original GUNS N' ROSES lineup:
Duff: "No, there has been no communication. I've grown up. There are so many other things that made me realize, in my life, that made me realize, 'Oh, you're an adult now,' you know? Petty things just go by the wayside. I don't really have time for any of that stuff anymore. As an adult, I see what you guys see. Like, OK, well, everybody is alive and perhaps one day. And if we did it, it would be a blast. It's not anything, by any means, that I sit around and wait for or hope for. If it happens, it happens, and if not, that's fine too."
Axl: And?

bushkarocks!: do ya internet with a 56 k modem axl?
Axl: Do you?

Lies They Tell: Hi Axl! Chinese Democracy awesome, but it's a pretty ballady album compared to previous GNR albums. Is this the new direction of GNR or will some of the future GNR albums be more focused on hard rocking songs again?
Axl: []i]What I know is it's the record that was able to get through the red tape and get itself out there while helping friends, loved ones and myself along the way. The whole ballad or rocker thing has never been something I've ever cared too much about. There's some meaner sections ahead but a particular focus once there were a few of the newer guys together was to bring a bit more beauty into our efforts.[/i]

BringBackBrain: Axl, you have the best fans in the world! Up at 5 am to talk to you. We love you. Thanks for all the music. How did you get involved with the WWE? I am going to the Pay per View on Sunday. What is a good sign to bring with your name on it?
Axl: Management. Can't remember the name of Bubbles wrestling character.

sakuL: alright than ... nevermind anything I've sent…this is my question:
- is the band still in contact with Paul Huge? Any more future plans with him? Guest apperance on tour maybe?
Axl: Paul helps out all the time and is on a lot more material. Paul helped get a lot of the base credits etc together which were extensive. He's always had a good memory on that stuff and it's generally important to him to be as ethical as he's capable which is invaluable.

Workaholic: I would like to know...If you're composing music (piano) are you using some computer software to write the notes down or are you using a sheet of paper and a pen for this?
Axl: If I want to capture it I either use Logic or Protools in the studio. I've tried recording myself otherwise for years but for some reason no matter what's there it doesn't seem to be where my real focus should ultimately be.

Gunns: Hey Axl, alot of the gnr fans always say how good the House of Blues 01/01/01 show is, are you thinking about releasing that for the fans in dvd or download soon?
Axl: No plans for any live shows as DVD's currently.

vince41090: Axl - From interviews, tours, riots, and information you revealed yesterday morning, this project has obviously had it's ups and downs. If you could do this whole process over again, with the making of CD, would you?
Axl: Only for the same reason I have, other than that... not in a billion years.

Blueheart: Also, would u consider GNR to perform for a charity cause, and if yes what that cause would be?
Axl: All depends on the cause and if it feels right for us at the time. There could be a disaster that we felt strongly about being involved with helping in some way but often these turn into ways for bands to just promote themselves not really caring but looking so publicly. Or the money doesn't reach the victims or those in need while the celebrities are promoted for thier efforts. Efforts at what? Not into that so much. Medical situations are always important. If you're really helping then I'm for it. Which one's I couldn't really say it's not like I would draw a line or argue the importance of one over another in most cases.

yorch: Hey Axl, thanks for bringing us so many special moments, like this...
Now I'll start with 2 easy questions:
-When did you start the recording of your voice for CD and when did it end and which was the last song recorded?
-Are you here to promote the album, or do you really care about your fan base?
About me, your music has given me the best of my life. That's something great, thank you. Oh and, When you think about you, do you know you're one of the greatest geniuses of our time? How does it feel? Not only me, WE love you, thanks.
Axl: I'll have to think about the 1st bit. W/the second I'm not sure how much this is promoting the album as it's in our own backyard so to speak but it is talking with fans about some of the realities of Guns or myself which whether I've wanted to or not didn't feel right until now. So I'd say it's about us!!

BringBackBrain: Axl, here's a list of rumored song titles. Can you tell us which ones are bogus and which ones are real?
Ides Of March ('98), Oklahoma ('98), Atlas Shrugged ('99), Closing In On You ('99), Cock-A-Roach Soup ('99), Friend Or Foe ('99), Hearts Get Killed ('99), No Love Remains ('99), Oh My God ('99), Something Always ('99), Suckerpunched ('99), Zip It ('99), Silkworms ('00), Down By The Ocean ('01), Leave Me Alone ('02), Seven ('02), The General ('02), Thyme ('02), Quick Song ('05), Zodiac ('05), Motormouth ('06), We Were Lying ('06)
What do you think of fans who bring signs to shows?
Remember GIMME SOME TWAT @ Hammerstein? That was me! Can you tell us if you will play new (non chi dem ) material on tour in 09? Axl gets up around 7, Gets on the Net around 9, Answering the same fucking questions 200 times, Typing away and feeling fine, We've been chatting with Mr. Brownstone, He's be typing, He needs a faster internet connection at HOOOOMMMMEEEEE!
Axl: Ides Of March, Oklahoma, Atlas Shrugged, Oh My God, Silkworms , Down By The Ocean (Izzy), Leave Me Alone, Seven , The General , Thyme , Quick Song , Zodiac Most all titles subject to change w/out warning and r considered working titles. No plans on tour setlist as of now.

Mickey Mouse: axl i have two questions for you -has anything disney ever inspired you musically? like the little mermaid score or somthing? are you a fan of the little mermaid? whats your favorite disney animated film?
-did you do a song with eazy-e in the early 90's i read it somewhere, i think it would be pretty cool did you hang out with eazy-e ever? what was a cool moment hanging out with n.w.a.? i guess thats more than one question sorry
Axl: don't know about musically but I'm pro Disney. Go about once a year or so. Went w/Bucket a lot. It's nice to go somewhere where people allow themselves to be more in touch with a more innocent side of themselves at least for what seems like the most part. He recorded w/Slash and Duff. He really wanted to attack the media over attacking me for One in a Million. There wasn't really any Easy on it. I wasn't there. He gave me the tape to consider. Sounded a bit like the other guys doing Bodycount. The idea was ok but the track wasn't really there and I felt it would get more heat than the track could stand up to. Only hung a couple times after a show with any of them. Was glad I got to meet Easy.

Totalost: hi Axl!which of your songs ever is the most meaningful for you? and why?
thanx for chatting
Axl:I probably won't answer this for a while. It's a good question but one I'll have to think about.

JLR: Hi Axl , Which song on Chi Dem do you feel was your best work vocally?
also, are you coming back to Sheffield anytime soon?
Axl: End section of TWAT, Backgrounds in Catcher. And hopefully when we tour again.

Vesosexa: Hi Axl and welcome , it's a dream come true to even have a chance to ask one of my favorite musicians a question . I want to ask you two questions that don't have anything to do with G N' R they're more about Axl Rose as an individual. Questions :
Q1 What do you do in your spare time for a hobby what else do you love except music?
Q2 If you don't mind would you tell me what are your favorite 10 albums of 2008 and all time favorites i would like to know more about your music taste.
Q3 The Bonus Question hahah. Chinese Democracy was a brilliant album ,but to you miss the old Guns from time to time and when can we expect more from the musical guineas you're?
Thank You
P.S You Rock
Axl: Cars, checking out art, F1. I'm more into film scores. I miss the illusion we shared for only a few months if that of thinking we were in this together. It wasn't real or if so only ever so briefly while deeper currents of ambitions were temporarily put aside but I didn't know that then.

Yorch: I love Oh my God, but it really sounds like a demo, why? I'm sure we all would love a new version.
Axl: Because that's all it was, only at the time having just got it together only Jimmy Iovine knew that who wanted it to sell their soundtrack. I saw segments of the movie which were good. As a whole later not so much but it wasn't ready yet then. I did write an experimental piece inspired by the bits I'd seen called "Daddy Can the Devil do Mommy and me?"

Jaxlmorrison: I guess the only question I really have is when do you think we will see you boys on the road again? And is there ever a chance of you playing Philadelphia again?
Axl]: Not sure, looking at options and I would love to play Philly as I would have loved to play bk in 02.

ThinkAboutYou: Axl sebastian bach mentioned you were writing an autobiography how is that progressing?
Axl: It's not exactly an autobiography as much as legal record of every last detail of what went down with the breakup. I have about 40k words on it (don't know where 1200 came from) but it's generally really depressing so I don't go back to it so much.

Pestilence: what are your current thoughts about Kurt Cobain
Axl: I said I'm going on ChiDem now and he said whatever and walked away other than that I've been busy.

Dudecqd: Axl, coudl you tells us more about "The General"?
Axl: You may have heard parts of it somewhere.

Gavgnr: How many other new songs are fully complete and ready to go?
Axl: Haven't checked.

MR ROLLS: Alright Axl mate, it's saturday morning here in sunny old England and it's pissing it down, however looking forward to the summer festivals, what are the chances of an appearance? Better is the dogs bollox too geezer!
Axl: Their being considered. Was great in '06.

jackrory: Hey AXL, that race track gig you refared too was the RDS gig in Dublin Ireland June 2006...Amazing..saw you at the Slane gig in 1992 also..thanks alot great times...hope you're doing well..
Axl: That's right, sorry bout that.

MYWIFEMYLIFE: Axl, Thanks for evrything you've done for us. You've always made my life brighter,happier,you saved my life,made my day,helped me find my wife,build my career...Thanks for that time and smile on my face when I first hold the Chinese Democracy cd. IT DESERVED EVRY SECOND I WAITED IN THE LAST 17 YRS. I love you. Please come back to Istanbul next tour. (I was the one who gave you "mom dont worry i'm with axl again 93-06 banner,got your microphone from that gig,and cried just in front of you in the first 3 songs ) Did you like Istanbul? Plz come again.
Axl: Istanbul was great and the venue with the river, the bridge, the boats and the moon, the outdoor clubs and getting chased by the cops, and almost being kidnapped...

TWT (free at last...): And the Dexter TV show, hopefully. Maybe Six Feet Under as well. Oh, wait! Axl, I find the verses on Shackler's Revenge to remind me of The Sopranos theme tune in certain ways. Should they do? Furthermore, any chance of getting the complete album on Rockband? That would be swell. I've done SR on expert, so if you're looking for a guitarist, PM me. Edit: Shit, I just saw the above post in red. We'll have to find out the answer to that one another day
Axl: Never thought of that w/the Sopranos but a big fan of that song. And I think that's a yes on Rockband.

steffi115: Which is the most emotional song for you too sing on Chinese Democracy?
Axl: TIL

Matiaszabala: Hi, I am Matias from Argentina. do you have any plans to come to argentina soon ? Thanks, We love you so much.
[b]Axl: I really like Argentina and wish I could go more often. I look forward to play there again.

slashwusty889: Axl, man (this is incredible), two questions dont worry if you got LOADS many more to answer. Democracy is a compelling/brilliant album every song has such an extreme feeling and vibe which drags you back for more, id just like to know....
1) outta the whole record what is your favourite part of music on it? like a break down at some point,strings, anything!, it would jus be cool to know!
2) in the 2006 tour when you was in the good old UK did you use michael owen's helicopter????? i heard rumours hahahaha top man if you did! thanks for this, made my day!!
Axl: Bucket's Blues fill at the beginning of the last verse in Prostitute and his Eventide bits in the outro, the guitars in the bridge of Better, Robin's solo in Twat for a few of them. Not sure but leaving Silverstone and no fault of our pilots, I saw another helicopter coming towards us blades 1st out of the corner of my eye, yelled watchout and our pilot jerked us out of the way of an idiot who was unauthorized to be where he was and came out of nowhere. W/out our pilots skill and quick reflexes it would've been over rt then for real. It was also great to read how "Merck took the keys to the copter so Axl couldn't leave" Donnington like I'm James Bond or something. I did make him drive bk to London though!! ;D

Axlgreece: Christos from Greece here...First of all, thank you Axl for answering all these questions. Both of my questions are about Catcher and they're a bit strange and may sound stupid to some but what the fuck...
1) Many people consider number 7 to be a lucky number (including me). Is this a good reason why Catcher is on number 7, or was it just random placement?
2) "How a body took a body and gave that boy a gun". Sorry for my english, but if you could explain to me what this means, I would be gratefull...
3) Don't care about May's solos (even though I love the guy), the song is pure magic, just like This I Love.
GN'R = Sometimes the only thing we counted on when noone else was there...
Axl: The # was random but the sequence is intentional. It's a line from the book used to infer it may have helped to inspire a senseless killing.

Rex: Axl, do you think This I Love is still the heaviest thing you've written, or has another song popped up that now holds that title?
Axl: That's still it and ultimately a great healing experience to compose something you have no real idea you're capable of such as the bridge. It's a lot more intricate than I think most realize yet as the guitar and vocals are placed as they should be so dominant. The main string melody in that section I had originally written to a hip-hop loop as well.

markus89: The chance of you actually reading this is pretty slim, but here goes...
Axl ! Mind telling us what we have coming? Wondering if we have some sort of concert fottage coming anytime soon, remember from the 2 shows I was at in Norway that it got filmed. Are you able to tell us anything about a future tour at this time? Next time I'll be folowing the band, in a non stalking way, through Scandinavia. Oh, and, if you were to talk to Bumble anytime soon, ask if he still has the cross I gave him during Paradise in Norway July 8th
Axl: Think I've already answered the 1st 2 and I'll ask Bbf.

Monkeychow: Axl - could you pklease talk at all about what inspired the lyrics to Shackler's Revenge and/or Catcher? Or the meaning behind Riad? thanks.
Axl: Shackler's was inspired by the insanity of senseless school shootings and also the media trying desperately to make more out of one shooter's preference for the Guns song Brownstone to no avail. That said, listening for my own enjoyment or if we were to make a video or performing it I lean more to the entertainment of a horror flick or something like Dexter, something with an interesting menacing character as opposed to real life.

UseYourIllusion1991: Hey Axl,I just want to apologise on behalf of everyone in Brisbane, Australia, for that douchebag who threw that cup of water at you after you went on stage. Thanks for the great performance, it was a night full of memories for me.
Axl: Ha! Thanks...mate!!

Vesosexa: lol I knew my questions weren't going to be answered I'm not very lucky am i lol. anyway before i go to work i'll ask it again : Axl please tell us a bit more about your self
Axl: Cheer up and have a great day!! : ok:

andy Rosita: 1) Hi Axl, I’m from Argentina and I must say that I’m ashamed of the way our government treated GNR the last time you came. Unfortunately for you, that current administration was up to really dirty business and they used GNR as scapegoat, you know, to distract people from what was really going on. Accept my apologies on behalf of my country, Argentina is really fond of GNR, we fucking love you . My question is: when will you start touring? I hope you don’t exclude us from your destination list!!!
Axl: Thank you! It actually worked out good for us w/the press conference and all

Axl: I tried sending this ages ago but apparently it never went through. It was a direct response but now fits others questions on the same subject. The whole whose it about bit w/songs doesn't work for me that much as in whether a line or whatever was inspired by a particular person or situation doesn't mean that in the end that's what or who the song's about. I could be working with clay and think of someone or something and somehow that could inspire me to take the work in a different direction at the moment but in the end it could just be a nice vase. I often wonder where the people who inspired so many songs are now and why it's only important with some songs such as Layla as opposed to others. I'm guessin' a fair # of beautiful love songs or otherwise were inspired by some that the artists and public might consider now or in hindsight to be the opposite of how they are depicted or allegedly represented. With Sorry.. like a lot of the material is drawn from a lot of different situations. The main focus on the boards w/the track seems to be either Slash or "the fans" (and the collective of "the fans" is another thing that doesn't work for me) and is much too restrictive or narrow and limits what I feel I intended.
For me it's for anyone talking nonsense at mine and the public's expense and that many of those as well as the public don't know who to believe. Also where possible I'd like to give people the opportunity to get what they can from the material for a while before clouding that with my inspirations. Of course that's not always avoidable.

GNRNZ: Hey axl what effect do leaks REALLY have on the band/the album? Theres a lot of speculation but no clear answer. Thanks for your time
Axl: Basically for us it's devastating across the board. And when u have such a majority openly justifying their actions and throwing out nonsense such as it's not actually stealing as the original is still with whomever it's unbelievably insane. It exists because of the greed of the record industry, the greed of large scale pirating, the ease and common nature now of the act itself and personal motivations such as popularity among certain groups, possible momentary media recognition etc. And it's too rampant and widespread. It's simply too huge a mess for the courts to deal with and in that with those #'s and the expense and manpower involved necessary at this time to curtail it... obviously there are more serious crimes for society to focus on. Besides, fuck musicians right? If they didn't make enough already then they probably suck anyway rt? "I ain't cryin' for no rich dude." Whatever. And who knows? What are our #'s on the torrent sites for this album? I don't know. So I don't know how or if it's affected us in terms of sales this time around. Maybe not but w/the economy and the core of our market I'd think there's a possibility it has had a negative effect. Anyone?

Steveysham: Axl, I'd just like to say I feel that you have captured the mood and feel of J.D Sallinger's 'The Catcher In The Rye' perfectly. Why did you chose this book to reference as regards to Chinese Democracy. On a related note, What are your five favourite books?
Axl: Ok, I've never actually tried to put this into words this way before and this'll probably get me in trouble with someone but here goes... The piano started while watching a documentary or A&E type show on Chapman and wanting to write something for Lennon and his family. W/the book it started as fascination and curiosity with Holden Caufield Syndrome and what was or could possibly be in the book that obviously certain vulnerable people have seemed to become so passionate about and resort to outrageous public attempts or acts of violence. That and the question most have in regard to Lennon's death...why? Can't say I have those answers but I feel our song pays the emotional tribute to John Lennon in the end that I'd wanted to write since the night he was killed and also since first listening to Elton and Bernie's Empty Garden. I read the book. I fell into a deep dark sleep. Went to the studio and sang as a joke what I refer to as the Holden parts off the top of my head and felt at the time at least imo I had stumbled on a way of thinking that had a pattern and a flow but was broken up like a television station going out and coming back slightly off course intermittently and not making sense with it's earlier portion. Where this unease helped to justify or even demand taking action and feeling the power of taking that action against whoever your mind felt was somehow involved or the root of this unease and alienation. Accompanied by a calming surreal almost religious (but totally insane) vibe I think that if some were to experience having limited capabilities, insecurities or are mentally and emotionally challenged in some way could find a false sense of solace and take comfort in like being on some type of drugs or meds but with an added completely false sense of an imagined calling or purpose. It certainly could and very well often would feel better than some individuals real world or having to experience or live with a clearer perspective of their true reality... All of which of course could be imagined and hooked together by events like Lennon's murder, reading the book, wanting to write a song about someone being insane, John Lennon, Chapman, people shooting people and watching Mel Gibson's Conspiracy! And when I got home not in any dramatic way but more like cleaning off the dinner table I threw my book away. Don't know if any of that's really what any of that's about but that's how it hit me and just like an instant cake we got the basis for a song.

The Stand, A Scanner Darkly, The Mutant King, The Zodiac, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Axl: And with that I'm out. I'll try and get to more later. It's been fun. That bum rush killed me at the start and I never recovered! Thanks for the appreciation and props, have a good one.Thanks Sean!![/b]

The fourth chat took place on mygnrforum December 14, 2008:

Axl: Let's
try something. I'll give a topic and lets try and get a few or more of
your questions on the subject. I've either read or heard all types of
opinions on these and that's not what I'm trying to get at here. What
I'd like to try are the questions as straightforward and concise as you
can try and make 'em. I'll read them and if possible answer them
collectively. I'll do my best to give you what I can and we'll see how
it goes. :xmasssanta: So here goes...The ownership of the name Guns N'
Roses.

Assasin's Creed: The legal
issue's of a band are more tabloid and angry slash fan's thing..im
really into chinese democracy right now!! Id like to know how you get
the effect on the chorus of shackler's revenge that give's that reverb'd
presence if u get what i mean? , also the string's in this i love , the
electronica and synth's in all the song's floating in the background ,
what keyboard's and equip do u use ? , there really really intresting
sound's. p.s Kudo's on catcher , love the shameless metal riffing in the
verse's , its like the beatle's enlisted kirk hammet! , ausum lol. see
ya on tour aroun 2011.
Axl: Not what this is for. I'm glad you decided what I'm doing for me. Thanks! What would I do without you!!

Slash2baz: Hi
AXL, Could you tell us more about "there was a time", this is the best
song on the album for me, i like the epic atmosphere and your voice is
totally awesome at the end of the song. I hope you will play it on the
next Tour. Thanx for your time, Greetings from Paris, France. (if you
need a guide to visit Paris, Eiffel Tower & stuff, tell me ! lol)
Dexter: Not here or I would've said something like "Hey ask me anything other than what I've originally posted here."

[Lots of questions regarding anything but what Axl asked for]

Dexter: Is there a bit of a comprehension thing going on here?

Dexter: Gettin'
the vibe that of those here it's biz as usual meaning u want what u
want when u want it. I posted a topic if that's not what u want to
respond to fine but then don't respond. Peace? Or no?

Axl then moved back to chinesedemocracy.com, December 14, 2008.

Q:Will you go back into the studio again to record, or are you done with all the things have recorded currently?
Axl: Probably and that’s a joke right? lol

Q: Will there ever be decent promo and interviews etc concerning this album or is this it?
Axl: There
were imo well thought out plans and strategies that unfortunately were
ignored once we were pressing CD’s. There will be proper interviews and
some are already scheduled for much later intentionally. God idea,
bad…we’ll see. I’m happy the record’s out the rest… one nightmare at a
time.

Q: What is your favourite band atm/ what was the last concert you went to?
Axl:
[i]Don’t really have a fave at the moment. I’d rather not comment so
much on what I listen to or what bands etc. That hasn’t turned out well
so much and seems especially if I’ve been positive so I’d rather focus
on this band. Can’t remember. Actually perhaps surprisingly I’m not so
big on live shows personally, never have been. That’s not to say I can’t
go to an event and have a good or a great time and really enjoy it.

Q: Why did you decide to sing that line, "But I don't want to do it" in that voice?
Axl: Because I like it, feel it absolutely fits the song, is a bit reggae etc and is lots of fun personally.

Q: COME BACK TO AUSTRALIA SOON...
Axl: When we can!!

Q: how do you take very deep emotional things to extract words, notes, songs ?
Axl: Always
different, most times much harder than I’d prefer and of course if it’s
about something unpleasant that brings other difficulties into play.

Q: This I Love is incredible, what's the next song in the trilogy?
Axl: Not sure, we have an acoustic piece I feel I can really work with and can hear the rest of the ideas for in my head so maybe…

Q: Hows the autobiography going?
Axl: Answered.

Q: What does the future hold for 'OMG'?
Axl: There’s a remix w/lots of new vocals and a wilder guitar intro but it’s not taken all that seriously.

Q: Will Brian May appear on Atlas Shrugged?
Axl: Perhaps on an alternate or bits, on that track it has more to do with recording issues and getting the mix to a good level.

Q: What had happened to the 01 and 06 supposed DVDs.
Axl: What DVD’s?

Q: Thanks for appearing on MJ Fox parkinson disease event.
Axl: My thanks to Michael, Mohammed and Martin Scorcese for having me.

Q: Are you gonna come to Croatia
Axl: I’d like that. Your part of the world has been through so much.

Q: What part of guitar work for TWAT is yours?
Axl: I
wrote Robin’s bit in the second verse. There’s microscopic bits
throughout usually woven down in the other guitars. There bits
throughout the end, the basic power chord bit was originally mine,
there’s a ghost like bit that formed the basis for the end vocal melody
right before Robin’s riff’s in one side in the outro before Bucket’s
solo and as it gets to the very end there’s lot’s of little over dubbed
bits woven in and out very small but structured bits.

Q: And which women influenced the writing of the new ballades.
Axl: Ha!
We’ll get to these a bit later as they’re a bit more complicated than a
simple answer of a few names but most are composites and became much
more about the song than particular individuals. Also again I’d like
people to have a chance to develop their own relationship with the
material a bit. Not dodging as most of these answers will come out over
time.

Q: Axl, will you release the HOB 01/01/01 on dvd, or have it available for download for fans through the gnr site?
Axl: Asked and answered.

Q: Do you plan on being on the forums sometimes or is this a one time thing?
Axl: We’ll see how it goes.

Q: Any plans on updating the website to make it more...fan friendly? And what ever happened to the fan club thing?
Axl: I’ve
started (again) recently to make an attempt to try and get something
going there. It’s been extremely frustrating. I’ve had ideas but former
management went with theirs. Previous to what we have now I’ve
consistently had others attempt to pressure and railroad me into working
with others that I chose not to as it was more about managerial control
than a good website and not in my best interest so the ideas get
shelved and it generally just sits there. Plus as frustrating as it was
for everyone it was not time to talk publicly. So it gets consistently
shelved.

Q: What are your views on Contraband and Libertad?
Axl: I’ll save this one. These are obviously highly charged areas and I’d rather take things one step at a time.

Q: IF Robin is gone, who would you want to replace him?
Axl: Good question…! [i]

Q: [i]What's goin on with this biography of yours
Axl: Asked and answered.

Q: Who's Shackler and why does he want revenge?
Axl: He
lives deep within each and every soul stirring only when the moon is
right… or to the smell of KFC…. Or as Brain says “Once upon a time there
was a Shackler…” ninja

Q: How'd you get those weird sounds in the beginning of the song that sound sorta like elephants?
Axl: That’s
Bucket’s guitar. Which knowing that, it’s how I hear them and I could
understand others having a different impression. And on another note… I
don’t really get the “industrial” rap it gets considering these are
guitars with very minimal keys. Some of what may be mistaken for keys
are Bucket’s different guitar bits and my underlying background vocals.
Imo as it’s not clear to the average listener exactly what’s happening
and it’s not something most are used to it tends to get lumped in to a
category and by some it’s not so innocent as it’s being cute which again
imo does a disservice to the song and the band kinda like how I felt
when Sweet Child won a Moonman as heavy metal. I’ve never been fond of
that type of labeling as it tends to try and pigeon hole the material
and the band especially in the mainstream media. Though there are others
who legitimately enjoy the track and see it that way for their own
reasons as well so then maybe it’s not all that important. Also though
Bumble is playing several parts the basis is Bucket and the main verse
riff is his and his performance. Bumble’s correct in what he said
publicly it’s just that there’s a lot more going on there as well.

Q: What's a Riad/Bedouin and can you clarify for the last time if the song is Oklahoma or not?
Axl: Another one step at a time question! It’s not Oklahoma which later became Berlin and subject to change.

Q: When's the next album coming? Are you still planning the multiyear thing?
Axl: No idea and that was someone else’s thoughts.

Q: Why did you only play There Was a Time twice in 2006 and not at all in 2007?
Axl: Not sure I just go with how things feel at the time.

Q: I'm
glad you dusted off Don't Cry in 2007. Anything else (aside Perfect
Crime which was on the setlist) that may be brought back from the dead
in the future?
Axl: I’d like to do Estranged
at some point but there’s no plans. I know the guys pick a couple every
so often on their own to get down but I don’t know what those are.

Q: i was wondering if there wil be a dvd release of the tours ya did in 06/07 ?
Axl: It’d be nice but rt now no plans.

Q: What's the story behind Crash Diet and why was it never put on to a GNR album?
Axl: Somethin’ done with Wes and his friend and more about their guitars than Guns.

Q: What the hell was My World? lol (I've always been curious)
Axl: Great
question and here goes for all your inquisitive minds with a bit you
aren’t aware of but is the real story…Unfinished 1st run 1st
dabbling/experimenting all in fun demo that became Duff’s favorite song
at the time telling me how he loved to blast it at his house with Ice T
and the Bodycount guys before Illusions came out and before it was
decided to be on the record. I wanted to try and develop it and wanted
guitars of some kind but Slash felt and his words at the Record Plant in
all seriousness were “It’s perfect” and Slash and Duff were the
deciding factor to have it on the album. [...] Personally I feel Duff
legitimately liked it but I can’t say Slash did in the same way. In fact
I feel he was keenly aware some would take issue with the track and
against me so for him in that sense it was “perfect”. Imo Duff wasn’t
aware or part of that and was “used” unwittingly for support in talking
me out of developing it or not including it which at the time I had no
real intention of using as is.

Q: axl did you do a song with eazy-e in the early 90's i would like to hear it if you did eazy-e was tight
Axl: Answered but it’s nothing like Easy.

Q: whats your favorite disney animated film and score
Axl: Hmm…
Snow White and “Apple core nothing more…” more a skit than a score.
Probably Cinderella but I haven’t listened consciously since I was a
kid. If that forever a day line’s from there that was pulled out of my
ass or my subconscious which some are certain are fairly close together.


Q: do you have any fond memories of hanging out with n.w.a.
Axl: Not that I can share!slywink

Q: do you like the little mermaid
Axl: We text. The whole breathing under water and no vagina make things a bit awkward but…

Q: when would be the earliest we could hope expect a tour/tour announcement.?
Axl: When
we decide on one! Seriously I don’t know I’m focused more on other
areas but we are talking seriously. We have a great relationship with
our Euro and other areas promoter as well as the promoters in Austraila
and Japan and Irving has lots of ideas we just started tossing around.

Q: Is the song "Sorry", directed at anyone in particular?
Axl: Answered.

Q: Have You Watched the fan-made videos online, do you like some of them? any in particular?
A: Only seen bits and pieces.

Q: Will the rerecorded appetite ever see the light of day?
Axl: It’s really just a dat and maybe but it was just for learning purposes, more like rehearsal’s.

Q: Will we ever get a documentary of some sort about the rebuilding of Guns and the making of CD?
Axl: We’ll be talking about the reality of making the record a bit for a while beyond that I can’t say.

Q: Who is in the band?
Axl: Answered somewhere. It’s more about who’s on the album right now.

Q: Did you hear the arcapella version of sweet child of mine in step brothers? what did you think??
Axl: Haven’t heard yet. Heard it was funny.

Q: the "next" album ,does it look like that one ? so different style ?
Axl: Not
clear on the question exactly but I’ll take a shot… it’s a lot more
different styles than on this one. As I’ve said it seems more like a
double album to me meaning Chinese and the followup.

Q: Can
you take a picture of yourself with CD in your hand and add it to the
"Do you Have CHinese Democracy" flickr group here
http://www.flickr.co...inesedemocracy/
Axl: Don’t have one yet!!

Q: Could you name a few books that you've read lately?
Axl: Haven’t lately. Bought a book on Blackwater.

Q: Is music the meaning of your life, if not, what is?
Axl: My family and Guns seems to be in a lot of ways.

Q: is the band still in contact with Paul Huge? Any more future plans with him? Guest apperance on tour maybe?
Axl: Yes, I’m sure there are and maybe.

Q: has anything disney influenced you musically?
Axl: More
the atmosphere there and Walt Disney’s original intent along with
Bucket and others who enjoy Disney and the films than directly music
related..

Q: is it just me or do i hear you say lennon when i play catcher backwards
Axl: Haven’t noticed. It’s not intentional from me but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Q: bumblefoot
told me in the eddie trunk chat dizzy reed plays pokemon do you play
pokemon whos on your pokemon team? and , axl , wii ps3 or xbox360?
Axl: Haven’t played.

Q: will there be any cover songs on future albums?
Axl: Maybe. Haven’t planned.

Q: are
you friends with bill warde? i talk to him alot, can you tell me
somthing i can tell him that will freak him out? so i can be like hey
bill axl told me you ...bla bla bla etc. whatever
A: Sabbath? :thumbsup:Never met, say hi and all the best!!

p.s. please dawn the white underwear again onstage it looks amazing
Axl: Ha!!
I’m wearin’ ‘em now and skateboarding in my crib filled with blue jello
while on acid for I am The Shackler in the Rye with Diamonds!!

[This chat took place on mygnrforum.com, December 14, 2008]

Axl: Ok then!! The questions aren’t here but the answers as it moves along I
think point pretty clearly to what was asked in pretty much order or
close of the 7 pages. If I didn't answer it was either already answered,
off topic or I mistakenly overlooked the question, my apologies for the
inconvenience. It’s not as light hearted as some of the other sessions
but that’s the subject matter. Whew!! :shocked:

So let’s start here… the whole Axl wouldn’t go on stage yada yada… is complete and utter crap.

Never happened, all made up, fallacy and fantasy. Not one single solitary
thread of truth to it. Had that been the case I would’ve have been
cremated years ago legally, could’ve cleaned me out for the name and
damages. It's called under duress with extenuating circumstances. In
fact the time that was mentioned the attorneys were all in Europe with
us dealing with Adler depositions.

Couldn't talk sooner as it could have jeopardized whatever nonsense was going on.

When Guns renegotiated our contract with Geffen I had the bit about the name added in as protection for myself as I had come up with the name and then originally started the band with it. It had more to do with management than the band as our then manager was always tryin’ to convince someone they should fire me. As I had stopped speaking with him he sensed his days were numbered and was bending any ear he could along with attempting to sell our renegotiation out for a personal payday from Geffen.

It was added to the contract and everyone signed off on it. It wasn’t hidden in fine print etc as you had to initial the section verifying you had acknowledged it.

Now at that time I didn’t know or think about brand names or corporate value etc. All I knew is that I came in with the name and from day one everyone had agreed to it being mine should we break up and now it was in writing.

I still didn’t grasp any other issues until long after I’d left and formed a new partnership which was only an effort to salvage Guns not steal it.

In my opinion the reality of the shift and the public embarrassment and ridicule by others (which included a lot of not so on the level business types he was associating with at the time) for not contesting the rights to the brand name, were more than Slash could openly face. Also we aren’t lawyers or formally business educated so it was just a matter of all of us being naïve and doing what we thought was right at the time. Slash was imo being on the up and up in agreeing I had the rights and I wasn’t trying to be some snake in the grass pulling a fast one. The others could’ve cared less.

But when the reality of the breakup hit and the strategy to have me crawl back was put into play Slash had to save face and get business team and public support. Painting me as the one who held a crowd hostage forcing the others to sign over the name worked out pretty well in that regard. I’m the bad guy and Duff, the fans and most importantly himself were the victims. Oh and they had actually made the sacrifice for the crowd, the people, the fans at the show. But again…. IT NEVER HAPPENED.

Media and others ignorantly, wrongly and falsely harped on about it at mine and the fans expense for years and Slash has hoped to use all that to continually sue and have some sort of legal nonsense going on behind the scenes in an effort to reverse things. He wouldn’t have been able to get the support and action on the part of his various team members over the years to do so if the truth were out there especially when the statute of limitations had run out years ago.

Why keep the name? I’m literally the last man standing. Not bragging, not proud. It’s been a fucking nightmare but I didn’t leave Guns and I didn’t drive others out. With Slash it’s been nothing more than pure strategy and saving face while manipulating the public like he used to me. I earned the right to protect my efforts and to be able to take advantage of our contract I’d worked hard for where Slash’s exact words were that he didn’t care. I get that some like a different version or lineup the same way some like a specific team line up or a particular year of a specific car but because you and I are getting played I’m supposed to throw the baby out with the bath water?

I didn’t make a solo record. A solo record would be completely different than this and probably much more instrumental. I made a Guns record with the right people who were the only people who really wanted to help me try, were qualified and capable while enduring the public abuse for years. The songs were chosen by everyone involved. I didn’t want to do This I love in anyway shape or form and Robin and Caram insisted gaining Tommy’s and the others support. There’s been a lot of pressure to go with using my name (all external) but that never felt right to me for this band and the parameters in regard to this music have lots more to do with the mindset of Guns than something else. The instrumental I wrote for End of Days that’s more a solo effort at least presently.

As far as a new name…this is who I am not whatever else someone else thinks of. I don’t see myself as solely Guns but I do see myself as the only one from the past making the effort to take it forward whether anyone approves or not and giving beyond what many would or fight for to do so. The name helped the music more than you could ever know and I’m not talking in regards to studios or budgets I mean it as in being pushed by something and having to get the music to a place where I can find my peace regardless of what anyone says. And that wasn’t fully achieved until the last round of mastering and swapping out a version of a track at the pressing plant that had gotten inadvertently changed at the last minute.

Also the name was what the industry wanted as well and the burden of keeping it was something to endure in order to make the record. After the monies invested by old Geffen (that were decisions made that have worked out for me but I'm on record as having opposed) dropping the name became suicide.

The cost of legal battles has been astronomical but I felt the deal made with Universal was fair for where it is and most things balanced out for both sides.

David Bowie likes Floyd with Barret, many with Waters and those without. And there are those who like all the different lineups. Imo what makes our situation a bit more unique at least in how it’s played out is the ugliness of what really took place. If I’d done what was said then I’d say fuck me too. I also realize this is just one issue in something with upteen however many more so conclusions can’t be formulated off this little bit alone by most which is more than understandable.

That said because someone leaves the shop I started in which I still legally have the rights to the name I started it with… makes up a bunch of nonsense to win public and legal support in an effort to get whatever it is they want at mine and the public’s expense… I don’t feel any reason whatsoever I should have to throw what I’ve not only worked for but fought and suffered for away because some hurt, angry, betrayed, misguided and lied to people with a lynch mob mentality, joined by others who could care less (especially in the media), enjoying the controversy and hate, choose one over the other regardless of what’s right because they want what they want. And you can still prefer then as opposed to now and no one’s arguing your right to do so.

In regard to nuGuns, I get that sometimes it helps to be able to clarify. Personally I call this Guns and the Illusions or previous lineups old Guns.

We can play what we want as far as I’m aware.

It wasn’t so much that it was a good course or that if looking back I could do something differently it’s that for better or worse it was the only course and had I not done this Slash would have succeeded in destroying me publicly much more than he, others or myself have so far and I would have gone bankrupt.

I don’t know where I’d be but there’s clearly no happy ending there and with everything else that had gone on in every other area of my life the devastation isn’t something I feel I would have overcome at least to any real degree publicly. Hopefully I would’ve been able to pick myself up enough to get a job or sing somewhere else but I doubt anything that significant.

The sharing thing is interesting but even with all this time the complications of the red tape and trying to get something out fall on my world to sort and not theirs. They are amazingly supportive and do their best to keep me in up spirits and focused which I had less and less of in Guns way before Sweet Child caught on. If that were to change then that may be something to look at. I hope for us to grow more together as we continue so who knows.

If I hadn’t secured the rights I don’t know where I’d be and I’d probably call what would then be the current lineup “Those mother fuckers!!” :rofl-lol:

The name is something I take great pride in as I feel anyone who’s been a part of it should, the same as other bands or teams etc. The burden when it is such is a nightmare but not as much or as hopeless as I’d imagine without it could have been.

On the what’s the difference… I think I get what you’re asking… I feel it depends on how and in what ways either the formers members are using the association and what the true circumstances regarding why they moved on from both the band and the name that would or could affect the decision to continue on with the name by in this case this lineup and or myself.

As for selling more records it’d be nice to be in a position to possibly do so at some point but that’s never been my base reasoning. I would think it fits into not feeling I shouldn’t be forced to throw away possible opportunities in a hostile attempted takeover. I believe I should fight for Guns in a patriotic sense or sense of loyalty or honor. Not just my vision or direction for Guns as those things can evolve and you can make forward moving positive compromises by what others bring to the table but I mean more as in what principles I feel were important to Guns in regard to an overall commitment to the music.

It helped us get here but most of that was with Universal and the positives of that wore off years ago until recently and after the initial run it’ll be about the music and us. Then it’s about touring and there’s not a question the name’s helped at most everywhere but not so much the states. With that it comes down to the strength or quality of the performance. Having the name kicks your ass every night as it’s not some side project or something u can fuck off in. You don’t deliver u get your ass handed to u. So it makes us work much harder than I feel we would outside of it and it hasn’t been too ugly yet.

I didn’t see lineup changes etc back then I saw it more as a crash and burn, goin’ down with the ship. On one hand I knew the band was over before we started touring Illusions but you have hope… but I saw it more like the Titanic sinking than moving on or surviving. And in reality I went the distance with each and every one in Guns to where they felt for whatever reasons they either couldn’t or wouldn’t give what Guns required.

And I’m not talking change of styles or sounds etc. A lot of people bought that crap and me having gone in other directions seems to many to have verified that. Then you have the mind twisting equally as true horseshit in Slash’s book but I have the rehearsal tapes. There’s nothing but Slash based blues rock and he stopped it to both go solo and try to completely take over Guns. I read all this if Axl would’ve put words and melodies on it could’ve… That was denied and I didn’t walk till several months after having 3 to 4 hour phone conversations nearly every day with Slash trying to reach a compromise. I was specifically told no lyrics, no melodies, no changes to anything and to sing what I was told or fuck off.

As to what would possibly make me change the name would be some form of evolving that I don’t feel we’ve reached yet and not in any way consciously trying to at this time. It’s really hard to say. I’d have to feel it was right for me and those involved and whatever we’re doing at that time.

Never thought about that , with the RRHOF. The whole “mature enough” bit was cute. Not to offend anyone but personally I don’t have an interest and other than inducting Elton don’t quite get what it is exactly and who decides what. It seems to mean more to some than others and more so amongst fans. It’s nice to get recognition and have some form of acceptance but in regards to joining others the price is too high and just not worth it. It’s a ways away and seems a bit presumptuous to be contemplating being inducted now.

About following particular styles yes I do feel there are parameters with Guns as opposed to not being or in Guns. Chinese is imo an evolution not necessarily how each from the past would but how the music and intent could and did. Guns did not have specific lifelong criteria to follow and many of the influences on Appetite were abandoned by the others long before me. In fact Slash hated a good portion of those on Appetite and wasn’t all that into the involvement or association but knew it worked at the time and realized it was the cusp of a wave that was growing. It’s a trip for me to witness as so many of the people he performs with etc he hated then, them, their bands and their music where the others or I were the fans.

I like touring with these guys a lot more than the old band. The beginning was fun but it started going bad our first gig opening for the Cult in Halifax between Slash and I. That’s when the ok I put up with all Axl’s and Izzy’s crap now I’m gonna be the man trip started with him runnin’ right out front on the ego ramp for the whole show. It was pretty funny. :rolleyes:

No one ever talked about or suggested using another name. The guys are really respectful in regard to the old band and I’m not sure if they’ve said a paragraph apiece in all the years towards or about the old band whether I’m talking about whatever or not. But from being with me for so long they know a lot of it’s shit so they get bummed at the endless interviews and nonsense. Personally I’m so proud of them I wouldn’t know how to express it. I can’t see me handing something like this as they have with so much class and maturity especially being shit on publicly to such a degree. “Hey join my band, bring an umbrella!!”

If I were to leave Guns I could consider giving, selling, shelving or opening a GNR Burger chain with the name!! Ha!! j/k. I’m not so different than the alumni in that there’s generally something going on that makes things suck and when that reaches overflow I want out too but if you didn’t when it’s ugly I think that’d be less normal.

If I went solo which I haven’t I wouldn’t call it Guns.

The name does come from mine and Traci’s as the original inspiration but was something I played with not Traci and Guns was Guns before Traci joined. It was Guns Before I knocked on Izzy’s window. Earlier I had gotten Tracii to use the name Guns (as he had mentioned a girl had called him Mr. Guns sometime) so he’d stop calling his band Persian Rose. So I guess we have the girl to thank.

The other’s having a sense of entitlement to the name isn’t completely off but has more to do with how Slash dealt with things and his particular strategy and I say strategy because that’s what it’s been. But since I managed to hold out that didn’t play out so well for him in regard to the name.

It’s a band name more than a brand name. As Tommy said regarding our struggles to make this happen “We’re not lettin’ what took so much blood and heart get turned to shit and dust.” And I guess you could apply that to current former or whatever.

Slash never had ANY arguments for keeping the name until long after and again I feel that had a lot to do with seedy biz types and him feeling he had to save face.

Keeping the band name alive was very important. Not out of ego and I don’t know exactly why in the sense of putting into words but I think it has something to do with the global effect it has and how Guns surviving in some way is sometimes inspiring to others around the world and in that there’s a sense of obligation.

I don’t regret keeping the name though I wish more were supportive or at least not as aggressively opposed.

The details are that my attorney shit when I made the move. He was very against it fearing long litigation but even then no one talked about brand names or individual interests in a brand name. I look back and have no idea why. Not my people, not his people, no one. No one pressured me, everyone was afraid and no one including myself wanted to break up Guns or the relationship. And Bubbles and I talk all the time!

We can “chat” about the contract and the reasoning another time

The battles were during the breakup. Our people and my individual legal basically forced me to go thru the motions with everything I had to make things work for over 2 years in the sense that if they felt I wasn’t making every effort 110% and with all the sincerity and all above board I wouldn’t have their support which I wanted, couldn’t afford to lose or risk losing. Which led to the trial period where Slash played the key bits of Fall to Pieces but once I showed some interest that was over.

I get the part about reckless but it was more about strategy and underestimating how long I would stick with it.

As far as people knowing me, this is a statement that in light of others decisions that I chose to pursue as Guns N’ Roses and what some may feel is a different this or that may seem as if the arguments or disagreements are about the band or the style of music such as blues or influences on earlier Guns has some relevance but imo points more to deeper base elements I wanted to put forth for people in general.

Such as a more positive intent and instead of as self destructive more of healing. There’s all kinds of things to help you die or be more negative. I wanted to try and make as powerful a hard rock album as we could while incorporating beauty and an openness to other forms both traditional and more recent without going religious etc. I didn’t attempt to make a party record or dance record both elements consciously in Appetite. I wasn’t trying to purposefully appeal to the heartland or middle America in those ways (not that I was trying to avoid them or have an issue). But for example Sweet Child wasn’t in any way trying to write a “hit” mainstream song it was trying to write the best Guns N’ Roses Lynard Skynard influenced song we could as tribute and recognition in the tradition of Tuesdays Gone With the Wind or Simple Man etc and at a time when nothing could have seemed more unpopular.

One man forced me to work with others. One man forced me to work with others to survive. And I can’t say what would have happened on different terms. I say yes because it was agreed from day one. U have to realize we were on the street. It wasn’t the first band. Whoever thought of the name kept the name unless he gave it up or moved on. Everyone was always having a new version of whatever their band name was. I wouldn’t have thought of using LA Gunns or any of Slash’s band names. We all knew that we could break up the next week. You had to have that stuff somewhat sorted between each other going in. It was a deal that we made. The issue becomes the value or perceived value now and the fans attachment and or acceptance. Really weren’t things we consciously considered even during the breakup.

I don’t exactly know what Guns N’ Roses is but I know it’s my job in the sense of an obligation and I’m good with that. The name and rights have nothing to do with the breakup. That’s all a created façade a decoy and a smoke screen. Now had what Slash said actually transpired then I’d say of course but in reality, No.

Going into Guns there wasn’t a #2. At that time I was going to make it in a band that started as Guns N’ Roses and could evolve but that was the starting point and it was all the way or bust. I knew what I wanted when I knocked on Izzy’s window. I also knew I wanted Slash but we still had differences and Izzy wasn’t down with it.

I wasn’t legally obligated but we probably would have gotten dropped and I would have been driven into bankruptcy.

I think it varies and happy Christmas to u and everyone.

I don’t think about the dangerous bit or status or identification. I’ve always thought of the symbolism since thinking of the 2 words together. And in that I absolutely feel this is a Guns N’ Roses record.

It’s an issue that gets brought up a lot especially in the media at all levels and it gets really ugly. It’s ugly right now with dj’s across the country who feel their sticking up for something that they bought into unaware. So I wanted to start going at it a bit.

Most critics have higher opinions of theirs than is merited. I haven’t read much from outside sources in the media regarding my world that know much of anything let alone what would be in my best interest other than looking at events in hindsight and playing armchair music mogul. Which most times means nothing and though could seem logical is usually just as far off base as anything else they’ve said.

The heart and commitment these guys play the material with is much more than the others were prepared to give pursuing their own interests for a very long time. The music changed after Slash and I parted so the direction was where I took Guns not where I had intended or tried to go previously. It had a lot to do with not finding or knowing a more blues based player that I found inspiring and I was really knocked down and beat up. Slash, Duff and Matt’s decisions had as much to do with kicking a guy when he’s down or abandoning ship at the time as anything else. Other things were going on with music as well, we were basically dead at Geffen. I liked other things as well so I wanted to explore, be legitimate and survive. I wasn’t doing what was written so often about chasing fads etc. Jesus, I wouldn’t have agreed for Zakk to come down if any of Slash’s or the media’s nonsense were real. And that could’ve worked on some level but like Guns it would’ve been up to those two and their relationship. They talk nice but it wasn’t pretty… but it was pretty awesome!!

No plans not to be Guns for the future.

Solo efforts… Much more experimental and instrumental.

It doesn’t bother me unless it’s being done at my expense and or to keep him associated as in Guitar Hero. Him being Guitar Hero’s fine but not when Activison in using Jungle, having Yahoo use Sweet Child unauthorized, claims no involvement with Slash, his or anyone’s image or VR or anyone or anyone’s music in either camp in promotion or commercials etc. I wasn’t broadsided. I read about it as it moved along but Activision continually denied it right up to the release. That’s some low life chicanery on all their parts.

Yes Slash was in Guns and on Jungle (and the whole I came to him for his riff is as much crap as him saying he brought Locomotive and Coma in as complete songs) and he has rights to perform it but not to be represented in this context in association with Guns. And since they weren’t granted the license it’ll take some sorting.

Universal has Guns under contract but I own the name.

I don’t have problems with whoever doing the songs but film or video gets into sync rights and I don’t have an interest in anyone new, old or whatever trying to sell themselves as GNR under another name that way.

It’s my understanding the lawyers were scammed like the everyone else so for them to continually try and find a way to reverse things is normal and would seem appropriate but again it NEVER Happened.

Thanks everyone. Hope to get back soon. I’ll take a look at that list. As long as we don’t get to personal or offensive I’m good with things. Thanks for all the questions, my apologies for not answering specifically to each, this was just a bit easier for this subject. Hope no one took wanting to stay on topic to personal. Thanks again to everyone who
participated. Thanks to everyone for the great comments and appreciation. Happy Holidays. :xmassrudolph:

OTHAFA: No offense, but Axl sounds bitter as fuck. Especially about Slash. We're
supposed to believe that everything that has happened is someone else's fault and EVERYTHING we've been told about him are all lies. I think the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.
Axl: People love sayin' that middle trip. Easy to say but not so easy to prove.
Unfortunately it's not in the middle and I can back up every last line in my bit or I wouldn't be here. You love his work and whatever else. More power to you! And no, I'm not bitter at least in the sense of how you used it conveys. Felt good gettin' some of that off my chest and as I said that's just the tip. If that's your honest impression it's definitely not rose colored lenses you're wearing. And I looked up the definition of bitter once in a pocket dictionary and got "having anger at something unjust or evil". I'm not angry but when I am with this particular someone who I thought was once my friend... the definition
fits.

How refreshing to recall what pompous & immature cunt Axl is. Thanks, Soulmonster

DanyYo wrote:How refreshing to recall what pompous & immature cunt Axl is. Thanks, Soulmonster

Pompous and immature? Those answers were great and very mature

By calling ppl cunts & attacking them for expressing their opinions don't seem very mature to me. And he's always been pompous for me. I have to admit he gave some good answers, too.

DanyYo wrote:By calling ppl cunts & attacking them for expressing their opinions don't seem very mature to me. And he's always been pompous for me.

I agree.

He comes across as a dick.

DanyYo wrote:By calling ppl cunts & attacking them for expressing their opinions don't seem very mature to me. And he's always been pompous for me. I have to admit he gave some good answers, too.

The way I see it he only defended himself. I have absolutely no problem with people defending themselves. He does seem a bit bitter about the Slash issue, though

I agree on the pompous issue, or at least I understand how he may seem to come across as pompous.

You're right that ppl doesn't always defend themselves in the best way. But he does have a PR who can do that professionally. On the other hand the direct contact with fans is definitely a plus.