Axl Rose - The Extended Interview (Aussie)

[Un42nutzly]

LEGENDARY Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose fires up his keyboard to reveal why the original lineup will never reform and to drop hints about when their follow up to Chinese Democracy will land.

He claims Slash wanted touring to get the better of him back in the day and admits he's not "a punctual type" of person. Hit's Cameron Adams conducted this exclusive interview via email.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/axl-rose-the-extended-interview-ipad/story-fnejr8jh-1226591752718

CA: A lot of fans were hoping for a 25th anniversary re-issue of Appetite - was that ever on the cards?

AR: I wouldn't mind re-mastering it sometime.

CA: Is there anything left in the vaults from the Appetite sessions that could see the light of day?

AR: Not that I'm aware of but it's worth a look. There aren't any new or different songs but maybe a couple versions of things that we felt didn't quite make the grade, although most of that made it out as bootlegs back in the day.

CA: Can we expect new music from GN'R in 2013 by chance?

AR: I can give you a definite maybe.

[The Glow Inc.]

I don't like to whine and I always appreciate when the man has something to say but it kinda frustrates me that the best he can come up with regarding new music is "a definite maybe" while he has no problem going into these long rants and explanations about what did or did not happen in 91, Slash, the late starts and all that stuff.

I mean : where is the ambition ? Where is the fierceness ?

Edited March 6, 2013 by The Glow Inc.

[Bulldog]

He says a whole lotta nothing about anything current. Still a cool interview though

[Black Sabbath]

His favorite movie of 2012 was The Dark Knight Rises. Interesting.

[Axl_morris]

Great interview, and I applaud Axl for doing more of this stuff in recent times.

Some questions were shit though, like provoking slash questions. These are not the issues at hand.

[Nick85]

"Definite maybe." Bleh.

[Ali]

I don't like to whine and I always appreciate when the man has something to say but it kinda frustrates me that the best he can come up with regarding new music is "a definite maybe" while he has no problem going into these long rants and explanations about what did or did not happen in 91, Slash, the late starts and all that stuff.

I mean : where is the ambition ? Where is the fierceness ?

After all the times that a band member like Tommy Stinson or Dizzy Reed would give an answer to the question as to when Chinese Democracy was coming out, only for that time period to come and go with no album, I can't help but wonder if the philosophy now is to not say anything until everything is set to go and official.

Ali

[Black Sabbath]

At least it's a "definite" maybe.

[Amir]

Q. What was your favourite movie of 2012?
A. The Dark Knight Rises.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

[AxlIsGod.]

All the definite maybe really shows is that its going to be the CD leftovers that we'll see as the next album, whenever it arrives.

[Silent Jay]

#1 Great Interview

#2 No Comment

#3 he likes black keys...

[sweetness]

CA: The books do cover you being late on stage, with your former bandmates being unsure what the delay was. Any hints?

AR: Ok this is a multiple choice answer.

Answer #1: Do we really have to go there?

Answer #2: No comment

Or...

Answer #3: In answering I would like to say that I have no intention or desire to take "shots" at either the old band or anyone from any of our lineups. That said, to answer some questions factually and honestly it may appear that way to some. Unfortunately, in my opinion, that's just the nature of the beast.

I could choose to say nothing or no comment but I feel 1.) These particular questions in this interview don't exactly deserve that response and 2.) I have a right to have my side, perspective and what I not only believe, but know to be the truth regarding several issues with old Guns and our time together out there.

The Illusions' lineups comments that I've read in media or Slash's book were, in my opinion, predominantly public gamesmanship, strategy and politics on their part. Pretending to be unaware or innocent to the public has been a common deceptive tactic often used in regard to what was happening with the band and our relationship with each other. As I've said before, I shouldn't have been on tour when we started in '91.

That had a lot to do with Alan Niven, our then manager, and Slash. In my opinion Alan wanted money and Slash wanted the touring to get the better of me given my circumstances at the time. My safety and well-being were not their concern.

After the first few months things got a little better and primarily for not wanting the crew to be injured for not having enough rest but the damage, especially with media, had been done. Those who wanted to throw stones have had ammo they've used for years whether it's real, hyped, a non-issue, reasons beyond our control, justifiable reasons such as injuries or technical difficulties or just life, doesn't seem, and hasn't seemed, to make a difference. (And all of these issues have been addressed previously elsewhere.)

Another issue has been that each time I have agreed to a tour, I've also had agreements on our show times and start times. Often in dealing with former managers and agents, these weren't reality. It's not something said or explained, it's a show day thing they do for their own reasons which we'll get into a bit similarly with your next question.

And often tours or dates are booked without my having formally given my consent or having authorized them. That's pretty much how this business works.

All of that said I'm not a "punctual" type of person, never have been. I apologize to anyone I've inconvenienced or put out in any way. And for those who've felt they've lost money with any cancellations in the past perhaps you'll find some comfort in that I'm sure I've lost tens of thousands, if not millions, more - especially in the long run. In general I usually don't really go by or live my life by a clock and outside of touring I don't really ask anyone else to. It's not out of lack of respect for anyone or intentional.

I can say I haven't been late because I was watching a sporting event or something equally as ridiculous. The reasons have all been in one way or another show-related or having to do with those involved with the show in some fashion. It's just my reality and I try and work on it. It's been getting better with our tours, especially over the last three years.

In the last three years we've done three Asian runs including Taiwan, Jakarta and a hugely successful record breaking, sold out India run, three European runs including four sold out nights at London's 02 Arena, five shows in Russia, headlined several sold-out festivals such as Reading and Leeds, Rock In Rio, two record breaking, sold out South American tours, an Australian tour (this will be our 2nd), a sold out tour in Central America, a Canadian tour, a sold out US arena tour, a sold out US club tour (that included The Ritz/Webster Hall in NY, The Electric Company in Philadelphia, The Fillmore in Detroit and The Palladium in Los Angeles), New Year's and a sold out month residency at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, the Middle East, Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit, NY Fashion week gigs w/Varvatos, The Rose Bar and the Hiro Ballroom and a few one off club and private party shows such as at L'Arc in Paris, The Zep in Tokyo and recently for Tommy Hilfiger at LA's The Soho House.

In a concerted effort to make things up to our fans, friends and associates we've gone back to various cities where things have in the past gotten... ahem... "complicated" such as Vancouver, Montreal, Atlanta (twice), Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Dublin and had extremely successful shows without incident.

We've been fortunate to be able to play everything from the smallest clubs to giant stadiums and huge outdoor audiences for a total of 185 shows in 48 countries, in 147 cities with approximately over 500 hours of stage time with an average full show time around three plus hours, performed for over 2,000,000 fans with our current lineup of DJ Ashba, Ron Bumblefoot Thal and Richard Fortus on guitars, Tommy Stinson on bass, Frank Ferrer on Drums and Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman on keyboards, worked with over 200 bands and artists from Motorhead to Black Label Society, shared bills with Elton John, Aerosmith, Rhianna, Queens Of The Stone Age and Metallica with minimal promotion, minimal to zero label support, minimal nonsense and often with serious management challenges.

And in our defense addressing the nonsense, the relatively small majority of which percentage wise being in general what we feel are at least somewhat reasonable or justifiable such as technical difficulties, crowd control issues, health or injuries, managerial/agent nonsense or simply beyond our control and often as the case may be more hype than reality which again (and definitely not taken for granted) with all things considered, eventually has seemed to work out fairly well.

CA: Do you get informed if there are venues or cities with strict curfews?

AR: More multiple choice!

Answer #1: We still goin' there?

Answer #2: No comment

Answer #3: Sometimes

Or...

Answer#4: This is another one that's a bit of a long answer and kind of a continuation of the last question (and I'm not aware of this being an issue currently) but, in my opinion, the question opens up a lot of issues. I feel it's an important subject I don't want to be vague or appear too cavalier.

It depends, generally no. If I get told in advance rather than the show day it's extremely rare, and always has been. I agree to shows under various agreed upon conditions. Those conditions often change as if they never existed or are changed by others without notice or warning prior to show day or show time. There's not a lot you can do on show day about that and being forced into what you feel is an uncomfortable situation. A situation you hadn't agreed to nor would have approved in advance, sucks. It makes something that was supposed to be fun into something else.

Unfortunately it happens a lot (though it has been getting a bit better) and there is generally a lot of finger pointing. Getting to the bottom of things takes longer than it's worth and you still have a show to do. It could be anyone's fault. None of that really matters publicly as it'll ultimately end up at my door whether we had a successful show or not. It's what happens and you try to avoid it (the lack of communication, show day surprises) as much as possible. When you're not getting the facts it could be because of one of any number of reasons or any number of people from all sides. Often it's simple misunderstandings and unintentional human error.

With curfews and transportation etc law enforcement in the various countries and cities at the venues usually have their orders dictated by city councils and city ordinances. Public transportation has their schedules and the times they stop service and they all have their budgets and various regulations.

Getting new information on show day usually means getting it close to, if not right before, going on stage. The reason can vary: no one knowing about the curfew or public transportation issue in advance, new rules, new laws, new schedules, people not knowing I wasn't informed or negligence. In some cases people don't want to inform me for fear if I'd known about the restrictions I may not have agreed (when booking the tour, not on show day) to do the show... and someone somewhere felt it was in our, or whoever's, best interest for us to do that particular show.

I don't have any issues with a venue wanting things to be done in a way they know, that makes sense and works for them, it's their venue. I get that workers, traffic and transportation, law enforcement for a large audience and overtime for a large venue are real issues. There are real safety concerns, expenses and public transportation for a significant number of fans is important to take into consideration. That said, I ask about transportation etc. but 1.) I don't personally know the various cities public transportation timetables (though we have been better at getting some of that info in advance) and 2.) It still doesn't mean I'll get real info until show day and 3.) Unfortunately often when we are in that type of situation and there's suddenly a previously unknown curfew or a public transportation issue we're already short on time which is extremely frustrating.

If I find out on show day, or even right before a show, and I feel we need to play longer to appease the audience, we begin negotiating with the promoters, building managers, law enforcement etc. with my involvement through either my stage assistants, tour manager or manager. This negotiation continues during the course of the show often all the way through to the last couple songs. Before a show there's a lot of stress and tension for everyone involved. Venues and officials may not know what to expect so there is a bit of hardball and wanting to see how things go. Usually as long as the crowd is happy and things are going well, people aren't too out of control or bored off their ass and we're doing our job, it's worked out fairly well for all sides.

Alright, I love Axl as much as the next GNR fan, but how in the fuck can anybody take this guy seriously?

Edited March 6, 2013 by sweetness

[Silent Jay]

Next step Africa.

[moreblack]

I don't like to whine and I always appreciate when the man has something to say but it kinda frustrates me that the best he can come up with regarding new music is "a definite maybe" while he has no problem going into these long rants and explanations about what did or did not happen in 91, Slash, the late starts and all that stuff.

I mean : where is the ambition ? Where is the fierceness ?

Well, I remember he said in the 02 tour they'd be back next year with new songs, or we'll see if Uncle Axl is an asshole...

I don't think he wants to make that kind of comittment again without being sure if he can deliver.

[powerwave]

Burgers, chicken and beer mmmmm sounds good!

Lots of nutty stuff in there, like "Slash wanted the touring to get the better of me given my circumstances at the time." Wrong Axl. Slash wanted to tour to promote the UYI albums and capitalize on GNR's popularity at the time. The tour was incredibly successful. Axl didn't want to tour in 91, didn't want to tour in 96, played very little in 2001, failed to tour in 2002. The man has no concept of time and he doesn't realize that fame is fleeting, and he has wasted all the years of his peak fame and physical ability.

Edited March 6, 2013 by powerwave

[saber_]

I wish the interviewers would ask better questions. Or have a well-versed, knowledgeable fan interview him. Jesus Christ, how many times does he need to be asked about Slash, lateness, etc?

Someone needs to press him on the Chinese Democracy vault songs, which ones might be released, does he intend to record with the new band, etc. Enough of these bullshit questions like "did you watch the HoF show?" What a waste of an opportunity.

Still, good to read an interview. Always interesting.

[The Archer]

Alright, I love Axl as much as the next GNR fan, but how in the fuck can anybody take this guy seriously?

Look man, it might not be obvious to you, but it's pretty clear that the man has his own way of thinking , behavior and probably, issues to deal with - it is so obvious that his brain really works differently and for many on the outside, it probably looks like he is crazy or not worth taking seriously. But, that's just not true - the more I see of Axl, the more certain I am that he is different in a way that probably accounts for his creativity and talent as well as out of the norm behavior. He may be bipolar or he may have ADHD - either or both of those would account for the inability to stick to schedules/mood swings/insane amounts of creatiity/verbosity etc. Of course, this is just speculation. Whether or not this hypothesis is true however, it is both tragic and appalling to see that Axl's 'fans' just don't appreciate that he IS different and that much of his behavior is not intentional or designed to upset them or anyone else - its just the way he is.

[tr420]

That was an enjoyable interview to read. As far as celebrity interviews go, I always find his to be the most interesting.

So definitely maybe is the new word(s).

Definitely probably not is probably more accurate.

[ZoSoRose]

very good read and a typical axl interview. some of the stuff he says really makes you just go, "what the hell?" agree that someone needs to ask more hard hitting questions though

my favorite part was when he was talking about the shows, it really does seem he is proud of the band and the past 3 years and even though there isnt a new album, we make it seem worse than it is. the shows are overall great and they have added songs like TWAT, estranged, civil war, etc.

and bullshit that he didnt watch the hall of fame lol

Edited March 6, 2013 by ZoSoRose

[The Archer]

I wish the interviewers would ask better questions. Or have a well-versed, knowledgeable fan interview him. Jesus Christ, how many times does he need to be asked about Slash, lateness, etc?

Yeah, give the man a break already. Honestly, I feel sorry for both Slash and Axl in this regard - interviewers just won't let them have any peace or avoid mentioning the other to each.

[AndreCC]

Off all the interviews this was the best one since the chats in the forums. I really liked to hear Axl's side.

The only thing i found unfunny and crazy was the multiple choice parts. That was totally out there lol

[tr420]

Burgers, chicken and beer mmmmm sounds good!

Lots of nutty stuff in there, like "Slash wanted the touring to get the better of me given my circumstances at the time." Wrong Axl. Slash wanted to tour to promote the UYI albums and capitalize on GNR's popularity at the time. The tour was incredibly successful. Axl didn't want to tour in 91, didn't want to tour in 96, played very little in 2001, failed to tour in 2002. The man has no concept of time and he doesn't realize that fame is fleeting, and he has wasted all the years of his peak fame and physical ability.

If he had a concept of time and really cared about his peak fame he probably would lack the aspects of his personality that made him the creative genius that he is. He can have a huge burst of fame any time he wants. Just has to have a reunion. Obviously he doesnt care. The people who care are in bands like Poison and going on reality shows.

[silverarrow]

My sentiments exactly, unless sweet was referring to the interviewer, not the interviewi...

Alright, I love Axl as much as the next GNR fan, but how in the fuck can anybody take this guy seriously?

Look man, it might not be obvious to you, but it's pretty clear that the man has his own way of thinking , behavior and probably, issues to deal with - it is so obvious that his brain really works differently and for many on the outside, it probably looks like he is crazy or not worth taking seriously. But, that's just not true - the more I see of Axl, the more certain I am that he is different in a way that probably accounts for his creativity and talent as well as out of the norm behavior. He may be bipolar or he may have ADHD - either or both of those would account for the inability to stick to schedules/mood swings/insane amounts of creatiity/verbosity etc. Of course, this is just speculation. Whether or not this hypothesis is true however, it is both tragic and appalling to see that Axl's 'fans' just don't appreciate that he IS different and that much of his behavior is not intentional or designed to upset them or anyone else - its just the way he is.

[alfierose]

I thought that was a good interview, better than any he's done in a while, maybe email interviews are the way forward. It gives a good idea what his autobiography would sound like if he ever felt there was a point to it.

Strange that he hasn't read Duff's book. He should, it's better than Slash's.

The interviewer should have asked him why BBF is always complaining rather than reunion questions.

He seemed to be suggesting that Slash was trying to push him into some kind of mental breakdown by pushing him into the illusions tour. I struggle to imagine that was his intention even if it felt like that to Axl. Maybe this is where the devil/cancer stuff comes from.

[magisme]

Axl is looney tunes.