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Axl Rose Chat #6 - mygnrforum - Dec. 14, 2008


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That was awesome. I just finally found and read this thing. I don't know of a time in my life that I have ever seen a musician do something like this for his fans. I've had questions for a long time, and that pretty much answered everything I've had up until now. It's kind of odd how relieving it is to finally see his side of things. And to be honest, because of the fact that he refused to touch on certain topics gave the topics he decided to touch on all that much more believable. I feel we can take this guy at his word with all of this, honestly. If you ever do decide to get back on here, the only question I have is whether or not you would ever do a jam session with my brother. He refuses to cover your songs, but has always loved your music. In a lot oways, the music he is making on his own reminds me a lot of yours. It would make his year, I'm sure of it.

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Hey Axel, I love that you stand behind what you believe and cherish...believe it or not that's rare these days. Most people say what they think you want to hear! I live in Fargo, ND and have seen you both times you played here and in the Northern Exposure bar! I hope that you come here again...not quite as exciting as the first time I saw you at the Whiskey in LA back in oh, 83 maybe! Gotta love a bad boy! I'd love to show you a good time if you cum here!!!

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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:

Axl-

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Hi Axl I know if u read this ure gna roll ure eyes but plz dont let me scare u off!.

I'm twenty and I missed seeing the old guns :( back in the day when music was actually good music! which I am soo gutted cos nowm days their isnt really anything like that anymore. I'm serious u guys r just pure Rock n roll and I looove it!!!!!!.

would u eva consider doing like a one off world tour with the old guns plz plz plz just for my generation who missed out on reeeaaalll fkn hard core rooooccck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! rock1 lol.

Also saw u play n New Zealand last yeah Fuuukkk yeaah wasssss awsum u still got it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Piece

Shakira :)

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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:

Axl-

Hey Axl its great hearing ure side to the story ! weldone on chinese democracy! also just wanted to say it was a while ago now but ure show n New Zealand last year waaasss aweeessooommee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

if ure ever n oz dont forget Little ol NZ :D

Edited by 666kira
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AXL: I always sort of loved the life of a rockstar and the impact you have on people and when I was younger I dreamed of becoming one.....imagine a life of traveling, concerts,fame, your name everywhere.......... Anyway don't know IF you'll ever see this question of mine ,let alone answer it, but I would like to know what in your opinion, someone needs in order to become a famous musician, as famous as you. Talent and a powerful voice like yours of course, but what else?

Luck, willpower, right coincidences.........?Being in the right place at the right time? Would like to know ur opinion.

Claire.

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This is a good read..no doubt. I personally think this is the best CD of 2008. The problem is with people forgetting about Rock n Roll...not the band or the music or the promotion of it. Oh yeah btw Axl, if you happen to read this! My understanding/take on this is that basically the old members (slash, duff, etc.) were lollygagging around and you were firing on all cylinders ready to start creating a new album. I'm sure they are great guys and had side projects but honestly if you were ready and they weren't I don't blame you one bit for moving on and finding some guys that wanted to make a great record...because in the end...that's exactly what you did. Naysayers run amuck these days and invention of the internet, not available during your last albums, makes it harder I'm sure. I'll say this..you just made a groundbreaking album in the face of every distraction and f@ck up possible. Hell even your biggest critics basically said, "Axl might be an a-hole BUT he made a great rock n roll record!"...I'm obviously not quoting anyone in particular. I applaud you and wanted to say that Catcher in the Rye is probably the most epic song I've ever heard in my life!!! That's a song I'll let my grandchildren listen to if they ever say, "Hey you old bag o bones...put on a song that will knock us off our feet." I'll also probably give them a werther's original, rub their heads and then hi low them for calling me an old bag o bones.

For every negative piece of feedback their is someone listening to your new (and old) album realizing that great music can still exist! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for this album!

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Hi Axl, Thank you for this but why the CD is not available yet in the Philippines nor in the Middle East? I'm from Philippines but have been working here in the Saudi Arabia. We are almost 90 million Filipinos and we love you but what happened to your album? AC/DC, Metallica, The Killers, etc are everywhere in the music stores but no Chinese Democracy. Are we forsaken? We also rock! During UYI, November Rain was the longest top 1 in various FM radio and it's been part in our music history.

Merry Christmas to you.

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Thanks Axl. For your words and for this great album Chinese Democracy. 17 years of waiting finally ended well ;-). Every song on ChiDem is a manifestation!!! Give yourself and your GNR pals a kick and come touring over Germany! And please don´t take so much time with the album after ChiDem.

Merry Christmas, Axl, and a Happy New Year.

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"What fat chance the television audience will see... what anyone will see... but we'll... we'll see tonight", ring a bell :)?

With GnR being around for a while and hopefully for a long-while after this post, it being my favorite band for over 20 years and Rose being my favorite member are the only two things I'll openly be subjective about, or will at least try to :D.

With that said, I'll start off by saying that the 'classic '85' Guns n' Roses line-up stopped being 'classic' as soon as Popcorn got kicked out. Anyone else stepping in for him or anything else the band did from that point on was simply... something else, which was not necessarily better/worse (if I were to be subjective further I'd say the '85 line-up was the only GnR that could cut it for me, however I got C.Democracy on repeat in my CD drive and lovin' it), but it certainly wasn't 'classic'. So in reference to 'keep the name' questions it is fortunate that you're the mofo that did it, it is something you should stick with and it is one of the many things you've done right when it comes to GnR. In fact, you're the only one from any of the line-ups that can actually pull it through. Let's face it, many top notch things (when it comes to music/performance) can be said about everyone in the 'classic' line-up but the band could've always continued on, enduring loss of any member except the singer which in GnR's case was the lizard dancing mofo meaning Mr.Rose.

But when it comes to a century long media war-saga between all of the 'classic' members, the only perspective people should have is that none of you is 'served' with sugar on top when it comes to any/every offscene activity in the past twenty+ years. And sure, anyone with half a brain can see it was not and still isn't a dictatorship of any kind from your part or anyone else's from the 'classic '85' line-up or later on. And sure, Popcorn was a mess that I'd personally kick out of my house if he was even my own kin. And sure, Slash had to 'save face' as you have put it, otherwise if he didn't care about it he could've said 'not gonna talk about it', or 'I don't care', or 'next question' or whatever else that would put a stop on any form of a GnR talk after he left the band. Even if he had to say 'skip the GnR questions' a million times, it sure would've been easier than talking about it over and over again if he didn't want/care to do it. But you would've done the same, perhaps in a different manner but you would've done it. Like already said, none of you is served with sugar on top.

The reason I'm actually writing this is: What are all/most of you from the 'classic'/current line-up willing to do different FOR REAL when it comes to your fans and the music? Should it be a more raw RnR or the current coated approach by the current line-up? Should it be more or less flashy onstage? Should it be with more/less temper offstage/onstage 24/7? It is clear what my preference is, but these are the questions you should be asking yourselves for the sake of your fans such as myself and millions of others. It doesn't matter who's taste for image/music you will please, cause as long as you all have an attitude set about these 'issues' the fans WILL notice it and WILL appreciate it much more than the hypocritical media-war that is lasting for a little over 15 years. Again I couldn't care less who sued who, or who lied about what, or w/e. It is more about 'get into the studio and rehears the crap you've written in the past year or two, gimme something good to listen to and get on the f'ing stage so I can see the Gods of RnR in the flesh from front row!'

Finally I'll throw in my Christmas wish which is a reunion of the 'classic' line-up, and not just for a World Tour. To me as an adult and your long-time fan, that would cut it and would show you've all grown when it comes to your profession that has 'compromise & tolerance' written on the bottom of each page.

Thank you very much for taking the time to go through the many questions that popped up and answer them with so much attention, it is something I personaly appreciate very much, tho few things were strange about the questions themselves :) Nonetheless it is good to see everyone's share of the story, reading/viewing such stories about GnR for over twenty years is what made up a magnificent puzzle that still misses lots of pieces, with each piece telling us about something that really/not really happened while also confirming that the air between you guys is so polluted not even a closed-10man-fan-million-dollar-gig-party-reunion is possible :D

So a fat chance an answer to this post is something I'll see... but we won't... we won't see tonight :D

Hope to see you live!

Wish you all a Rockin' New Year!

Best regards from Belgrade, Serbia

Vladimir

Edited by Kreinzer
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First of all, Axl Rose isn't frozen in a time warp and therefore, apart from his not needing to, he isn't going to fulfill your expectations of how he should be behaving. If you expect him to, it is you who are stuck in time.

Secondly, Axl's reply on a very sensitive and personal topic, that has been the subject of much previous debate and examination, was not just eloquent, but very candid. If it were any more prepared, it wouldn't have come off as fresh and authentic as it did. That is also why it evokes such intense responses from both those who appreciate what he did and from the naysayers ( typical of the man, I think). If in this effort, he fell short of your expectations on the matter of sticking to proper punctuation and grammar, while taking the effort to respond to hundreds of questions from fans and forum members (with most of those questions lacking perfect grammatical structure in any case), maybe you should clarify what kind of image of Axl the Rock Star and Guns N' Roses the band, you really have. Since when did being a rock star (you seem to know a lot about that) require having to write in perfect English in a fan forum? Raw intelligence has nothing to do with knowledge. Axl may not be a Phd. in English, or a classical author, but he possesses intelligence in abundance and that fact is fully evident in not just his post, but also in the amazing lyrics that he has given us over the years.

Thirdly. the fact that you feel sorry for Axl because he is aware of commonly used chat/text lingo while at the same time calling him a hermit is contradictory and shows a gap in your logic.

Fourthly, your sympathy for your 'fuck you' idol would be at odds with any such kind of an attitude; in addition to being unwanted, out of place and just plain manufactured scorn, you have not provided any real reason why W. Axl Rose would need anyone's sympathy, much less yours.

Fifthly, did you say, 'a totilatarian quest for finding himself within music' ? There is much to say when it comes to proper use of grammar. There is also much to say for the proper use of words and style.

Sixthly, if you had actually read Axl's material, you would understand that his intentions are a world away from your scenario of 'changing the ingredients of a brand and still expecting the same product'. This detracts from the credibility of your entire post.

Seventhly, your hypothetical situation of two tours per venue, is just that. Hypothetical. The fact is, most of the time, bands mix up old and new material and many times are faced with audiences where some people don't react to new material. There are plently of forum members who have seen this band tour in '06 and '07 and rocked out to the new songs.

Finally, the rest of your post, though not much else of it is left, is mostly your opinion and you are entitled to it.

Firstly, if you had read the first line of my post, then maybe it would make more sense. If you believe that Axl Rose sat at a computer and directly typed those words onto this forum, then I am happy it makes you feel warm inside and gives you belief. But even if it is him, I am suprised a man of such self proclaimed integrity would utilise an Internet Forum to openly criticise his former close friend, and person who collaborated in giving him his status today. And then have the gall to say 'I made the name Guns N' Roses, so its mine', when he knows full well that without the other members, there would never have been a Guns N' Roses that we all know and love today! I have no doubt Axl Rose is a talented artist, and I appreciate and enjoy his music. However I genuinely prefer the sound of the the original line up, thats what Guns N' Roses is to me. Not just the music, but the story behind how those guys met, their fight against drugs, society and all the other things I could relate to. GNR was way bigger than just the music to me. But I appreciate other people feel differently. I cant see how both versions can be called Guns N' Roses, when they seem so different. The soul of GNR was the controversy and the struggle in my opinion. And this was the fuel to create that music. Now it seems slightly more diluted in the sense Chinese Democracy only appears to have been influenced and shaped by one person. I can truly feel that when I listen to the record.

Nevertheless, if you want to just chat with me about my personality and writing style, I have no problem with that. However my post was in answer to the use of the Guns N' Roses brand on Chinese Democracy. I could pick a thousand holes in what you wrote in order to try and be 'clever', but I take no pleasure in openly criticising somebody or trying to destroy the credibility of somebody elses opinion.

If you really don't believe that Axl wrote that post, I should say that I sympathize. There really is no point criticizing (not primarily your writing style, mind you ) your views on Axl, the band or the album based on your reaction to Axl's post ans stated disbelief in it's authorship. However, that being the case, all your other points fall into perspective. If you would dare to believe that Dexter was indeed Axl, perhaps some of what he posted would make sense to you. On the album - Chinese Democracy has been sustained by Axl's determination, but it is so obvious that it bears the mark of stupendous contributions of more than one man. For those who refuse to move beyond the old line up, hats off to you. Thanks to Axl for keeping this dream alive for the rest of us.

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hi Axl!! thanks for writing this!! it's awesome... :D i read just a little and it was awesome :D now i don't have more questions XD i'm happy to know your side of the story (now i know =D)

well done on chinese democracy!!!!!!

I'm proud to be a fan of Guns N 'Roses, ur music still being amazing, i miss the old guns n' roses but i gotta tell you that the new guns n' roses are good too. GOOD JOB!!

and and!! please come to bolivia!!...try :'(

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Axl :xmasssanta:

Carla

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A HUGE thankyou to AXL!!! For the most amazing vocals and songwriting...that envelops, energises and is relative to lifes situations....be they hard, sad or indifferent.

The beauty is that it is timeless!!

After working in the industry for a few years, I was fotunate to work back-stage for their Auckland concert...and was blown away by the energy and unique voice that Axl delivered.

Been a rock fan for many years and GnR is top of the list.

Freddy Mercury = Queen.....Axl = Guns and Roses

Thankyou again for simply being who you are

Cathy :rofl-lol:

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Hi Axl,

You have reassured me that the admiration I've always had for you is not in vain! Regardless of what people in the media and the old band members had to say about you over the years, I've always supported you and will continue to do so! When people around me make a bad comment about you or things of that nature, I say to them that it's easy for them to say those things because they haven't lived in your shoes, I say try to be Axl for one day with so many people after you trying to get a piece of you, wishing that you would fail and trying to steal what is yours, then come back and tell me how it feels...

Your letter was more like a confirmation of the great person that I think you are, thanks for taking the time to do that! The new album is awesome and I look forward to seeing you and the band in concert in the near future...I saw GNR for the first time when I was 16 years old in Sao Paulo-Brazil back in 1992, since then I have seen you a couple of times here in the US, and every single time I think..."What A Great F...... Band!!!"

Thanks for keeping GNR alive! I know this means a lot to a lot of people including myself, but GNR is more than just a name (band or brand!), it's an attitude, a lifestyle, and the songs are open demonstrations of the 'freedom of expression' as well as real works of art that became the symbol of a generation.

Wishing you all the best!

Marcia

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Well I for one am glad that you are back Axl, I've followed you for years ever since I was in my early teens and you were one of my idols. I just want to say that Guns N Roses latest album is one of the best albums I've ever heard and goes beyond what the original Guns N Roses lineup was capable of. And despite what some people claimed in the past about Slash and other members, it was you who was ALWAYS the anchor of the original Guns N Roses. I could not care less about the former members and the whining they have been doing since the breakup (probably due to the fact that NONE of them have had great solo careers so they need someone to blame), its just great to have you back after so many years. You always was the most genuine of that original band, and I dont listen to the crap that ether of them has said about you since you were all together. Fact is what you and the new members of the band have done with this new album wont go down too well with some simply because they are jelous of the fact that their fav 'old' members are not in this great new album, so they will slate you all. My words are screw them! You dont need them and who are they anyway? Long live Guns N Roses, and long live the man who is one of the ikons of Rock music, Axl you are the man and thanks for coming back to the music scene. You have been missed.

Guns N Roses forever!

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Hi Axl,

Thanks for posting!!! I think I unfortunately missed the boat on asking you questions.I have Chinese Democracy playing in my car everyday, and it is the best album of 2008. Don't listen to the criticisms. I went to GNRs show at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC(Best Concert I ever been to in my life), and you were as good as ever. In 2002 I seen you in Hartford, CT and once again GNR rocked the building.

Anyway if your still answering questions, here is mine:

What really happend in the 2002 tour ?

Thanks!!

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