ManetsBR Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 (edited) I've seen an above average praise of the last concert at Rio, which gives us some food for thought. This website, for example said that this was the best Guns N' Roses concert in Brazil since Axl took the name. I know the vast majority of us will agree that Rock in Rio III (2001) was better for some reasons, but perhaps those reasons are not that important to, let's say, 95% of the crowd. I'd say Rio '01 was better because of the whole hype, and myth, and because well, I do think Axl sounded better, there were a lot of new songs and overall the feeling onstage was of hope, and there was a good vibe overall. But nowadays the concert has, overall, a better setlist, a way better stage production and a band that, although I don't believe they can be artistically good as the original NuGNR - yes, that term exists now - they are just as fine, if not better, at playing the old material.95% of the audience and the vast majority of the media, really, would prefer to have a concert like what we have been having lately rather than a concert full of new songs and weirdos onstage. Or not...I'm not saying that I'm satisfied with the situation, I'm actually really disappointed. But I think that... Axl has been rebuilding his image? I mean, it's far easier to be the tribute act he has been than a real artist. Has Axl been rebuilding his image with the media and the casuals?Or he just doesn't care? He just doesn't care, right? who am I trying to fool? Edited March 22, 2014 by ManetsBR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PirateRadio Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 So Axl is rebuilding his image by doing what he used to do 25 years ago? That would be some concept. Wow, what progress as a person. I'm going rebuild my image by doing what I did 25 years ago. Look out Mrs. Richards, my 6th grade reading teacher who required 32 book reports for an A, 24 for a B, and so on. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManetsBR Posted March 22, 2014 Author Share Posted March 22, 2014 That's some pretty good logic here, buddy. Because I'm sure society expects you to make what you did 25 years ago, right? Let me tell you, if Axl did nowadays what he did 25 years ago he would be huge. And who's talking about progress as a person? The man is artistically dead. As a music entity his empty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PirateRadio Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 Axl has been rebuilding his image? I mean, it's far easier to be the tribute act he has been than a real artist. Has Axl been rebuilding his image with the media and the casuals?You are! You are saying that Axl is rebuilding his image to what he did 25 years cause that's what society wants. I'm I missing something here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wasted Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 I think maybe they've honed the setlist a bit, to point where every song is a hit. You can have 3 hour shows which drag on and on. They can basically play a show of hits and everyone goes home happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbhutto Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 I dunno, with the way his voice is now it seems like it would be tougher to do.Maybe people are sick of beating up on Axl because it's the cool thing to do or whatever but who knows. Maybe if the stars aligned and Axl brought the rasp back then yeah I could see the tide sort of changing for Axl and more peoplegetting back in his corner.I don't think the average joe even knows that 'GnR' are still together, I'd say a generous 2/10 people might know they're still a band. And that would simply be thanks to an article relating to something bad like RIR or the Bridge School thing, or something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvH Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 The vast majority of media rightfully thinks GNR broke somewhere during the mid 90s, that's all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towelie Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 Manets, I think you are giving Axl/Team Brazil too much credit. There is no long-term game plan for this band, other than to make money touring the back catalogue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magisme Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 I think the media and casuals have recreated Axl's image independent of Axl's machinations. Everyone has kind of come to terms with the fact that he's a nostalgia act. Everyone except us, of course. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RussTCB Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 Album + popular singles + press + strong shows = The Only Way For Axl To Repair His Image With Anyone. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Towelie Posted March 22, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted March 22, 2014 (edited) And how exactly would Axl be succeeding in rebuilding his public image by just endlessly touring the same show to the same group of fans year in, year out? The best and probably only way to redeem his public image would be to put out a new record which kicked ass and actually made some sort of commercial impact outside of the hardcore fanbase. The current public perception of Axl Rose is that he is an arrogant hasbeen. That's the truth, you only have to read the comments on sites like ultimate-guitar.com or other rock music websites whenever they report a news story about GNR. No-one has a kind word to say about Axl, most people think he's a complete prick for what he's done to this band. It's us fans who have been giving him the benefit of the doubt and second, third and fourth chances to prove himself as worthy of single-handedly leading Guns N Roses into a new era of greatness. But as time goes on, even the hardcores are starting to see where the fault really lies in the mess that is NuGNR 2001-2014. I think he lost heart when Robin quit and hasn't given a toss since. He knew the band that made the album he had been labouring over for a decade had all slowly turned their backs on him, tired of his endless procrastinating. That's when he hired DJ and thought "fuck it, lets just tour forever." Edited March 22, 2014 by Towelie 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young_Gun Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 And how exactly would Axl be succeeding in rebuilding his public image by just endlessly touring the same show to the same group of fans year in, year out? The best and probably only way to redeem his public image would be to put out a new record which kicked ass and actually made some sort of commercial impact outside of the hardcore fanbase.The current public perception of Axl Rose is that he is an arrogant hasbeen. That's the truth, you only have to read the comments on sites like ultimate-guitar.com or other rock music websites whenever they report a news story about GNR. No-one has a kind word to say about Axl, most people think he's a complete prick for what he's done to this band. It's us fans who have been giving him the benefit of the doubt and second, third and fourth chances to prove himself as worthy of single-handedly leading Guns N Roses into a new era of greatness. But as time goes on, even the hardcores are starting to see where the fault really lies in the mess that is NuGNR 2001-2014.I think he lost heart when Robin quit and hasn't given a toss since. He knew the band that made the album he had been labouring over for a decade had all slowly turned their backs on him, tired of his endless procrastinating.That's when he hired DJ and thought "fuck it, lets just tour forever."This.... Just... This... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordan Rose Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 Manets, what you're describing was the original plan back in 2001-2002. Axl stated it himself in that 2002 open letter before the Asian shows. He told Bucket that the first shows/tour would focus on the old material just to get the old fans on board and rebuild the brand/get the new band over etc before they moved forward with promoting a succession of new albums.What you're suggesting isn't impossible and, in fact, the past several years have unquestionably led to a more favourable view of Axl and GN'R by the media. But unlike before, there's zero evidence to suggest that it's being done consciously to ready the public for new music.The fact that Axl has just given a completely disinterested and disengaged performance sadly suggests that no progress has been made with regard to a new release.In 2009-2010, despite having had the worst year of his life with regard to trying to sort out issues with the label regarding promotion and being screwed by Azoff, he still came out with a fire under him and presumably was hopeful that something could be salvaged in terms of getting the record out there.His demeanor from 2011 up until yesterday suggests that he's been made very aware or accepted the reality that his babies that are locked away in the vault are never going to be given the care/attention/budget/promotion he feels they deserve as if they were a new record by a major contemporary artist. His response for 3 years now has been to be despondent and dejected and it couldn't be more obvious from his performances.And is it surprising that despite DJ's hype, there apparently haven't been any serious recording sessions focusing on brand new material when Axl has tens of songs in the vault in various states which the record company have no interest in?I guess I do feel really bad for the guy in this context. But although he'd never see it this way, I personally have to wonder if as he turns 53, 54, 56.....he wouldn't just be better off leaking the damn songs himself before he gets too old to sing them. Classic Rock voted the 2008 leaks 'album of the year' and back then the magazines couldn't get enough of it all. If the biz doesn't wanna play, I can't think of a better FU than leaking his stuff himself and touring it and still making buckets off playing live and having a potentially reinvigorated fan base and potentially some decent support from the press, assuming the music is well received. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bumble's Bridge Pickup Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 Record labels are not an excuse for keeping your music in a vault. Not in the world of today. Especially with an established name like GN'R. But of course it's ok that he's not releasing all the material, he has the right to not to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom2112 Posted March 22, 2014 Share Posted March 22, 2014 (edited) Manets, what you're describing was the original plan back in 2001-2002. Axl stated it himself in that 2002 open letter before the Asian shows. He told Bucket that the first shows/tour would focus on the old material just to get the old fans on board and rebuild the brand/get the new band over etc before they moved forward with promoting a succession of new albums.What you're suggesting isn't impossible and, in fact, the past several years have unquestionably led to a more favourable view of Axl and GN'R by the media. But unlike before, there's zero evidence to suggest that it's being done consciously to ready the public for new music.The fact that Axl has just given a completely disinterested and disengaged performance sadly suggests that no progress has been made with regard to a new release.In 2009-2010, despite having had the worst year of his life with regard to trying to sort out issues with the label regarding promotion and being screwed by Azoff, he still came out with a fire under him and presumably was hopeful that something could be salvaged in terms of getting the record out there.His demeanor from 2011 up until yesterday suggests that he's been made very aware or accepted the reality that his babies that are locked away in the vault are never going to be given the care/attention/budget/promotion he feels they deserve as if they were a new record by a major contemporary artist. His response for 3 years now has been to be despondent and dejected and it couldn't be more obvious from his performances.And is it surprising that despite DJ's hype, there apparently haven't been any serious recording sessions focusing on brand new material when Axl has tens of songs in the vault in various states which the record company have no interest in?I guess I do feel really bad for the guy in this context. But although he'd never see it this way, I personally have to wonder if as he turns 53, 54, 56.....he wouldn't just be better off leaking the damn songs himself before he gets too old to sing them. Classic Rock voted the 2008 leaks 'album of the year' and back then the magazines couldn't get enough of it all. If the biz doesn't wanna play, I can't think of a better FU than leaking his stuff himself and touring it and still making buckets off playing live and having a potentially reinvigorated fan base and potentially some decent support from the press, assuming the music is well received.This.Record labels are not an excuse for keeping your music in a vault. Not in the world of today. Especially with an established name like GN'R. But of course it's ok that he's not releasing all the material, he has the right to not to.When you are under contract with a record company and they pretty much own you, you are pretty much under their control and they decide what gets released. Axl owns the rights to the brand but Interscope likely own the other CD era tapes. Axl could do a Def leppard and re-record everything if Interscope won't release something but... we all know that's not a realistic goal given his track record.Music can be released in many ways everyone knows that, but Axl clearly likes the heft of a record company. Guns N Roses will sell the same amount of records with or without a label fact! but If he wants to do it the traditional way that's his choice and there's very little that can be said about it. It is his music to release and if he never releases another thing that is his choice, it would suck if he never released anything again and I'd prefer him to hang up his hat and go into retirement than to flog old material and tarnish his name further.Axl thinks that fans don't deserve their own special ending (or whatever the quote is) but in this case we do, we supported him through thick and thin, we've bought his records, defended him, supported his concerts, and now we ask for some new music in whatever form he chooses, live, small ep, full album whatever... every fan on this website would be over the f**cking moon if he gave us just one new song (even the ones thatdon't like nuGuns, at least it would show interest), It really is so very easy to please general fans and hardcore. Most bands hardcore fan bases want a full new record and rarities tour, we're asking that he play the hits and CD stuff as well as releasing or playing one new song... this is a no brainer (maybe that's the issue... lack of a brain). Edited March 23, 2014 by Tom2112 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-GenerationX Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 (edited) The current public perception of Axl Rose is that he is an arrogant hasbeen. That's the truth, you only have to read the comments on sites like ultimate-guitar.com or other rock music websites whenever they report a news story about GNR. No-one has a kind word to say about Axl, most people think he's a complete prick for what he's done to this band. It's us fans who have been giving him the benefit of the doubt and second, third and fourth chances to prove himself as worthy of single-handedly leading Guns N Roses into a new era of greatness. But as time goes on, even the hardcores are starting to see where the fault really lies in the mess that is NuGNR 2001-2014. Spot on. Most people, most "casuals" don't teven think about him or this band. As far as most are concerned, the band broke up 20 years ago. They know he is still out there doing something or other, but that's about it. Edited March 23, 2014 by D-GenerationX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalsh327 Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 I've seen an above average praise of the last concert at Rio, which gives us some food for thought. This website, for example said that this was the best Guns N' Roses concert in Brazil since Axl took the name. I know the vast majority of us will agree that Rock in Rio III (2001) was better for some reasons, but perhaps those reasons are not that important to, let's say, 95% of the crowd. I'd say Rio '01 was better because of the whole hype, and myth, and because well, I do think Axl sounded better, there were a lot of new songs and overall the feeling onstage was of hope, and there was a good vibe overall. But nowadays the concert has, overall, a better setlist, a way better stage production and a band that, although I don't believe they can be artistically good as the original NuGNR - yes, that term exists now - they are just as fine, if not better, at playing the old material.95% of the audience and the vast majority of the media, really, would prefer to have a concert like what we have been having lately rather than a concert full of new songs and weirdos onstage. Or not...I'm not saying that I'm satisfied with the situation, I'm actually really disappointed. But I think that... Axl has been rebuilding his image? I mean, it's far easier to be the tribute act he has been than a real artist. Has Axl been rebuilding his image with the media and the casuals?Or he just doesn't care? He just doesn't care, right? who am I trying to fool?Not a lot of people would tell their band members to bring their own songs into it to pad the setlist out. Rebuilding his image? No. He seems to like the image he currently has. Maintaining a presence in order to promote tours? Sure, I figure he's going to be making an appearance after the South America shows to promote it, esp. if they're not sold out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young_Gun Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 Rebuilding his image? He still shows up way late on stage lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Black Posted March 23, 2014 Share Posted March 23, 2014 The thing is: the people that read on the message boards are the most enlightened about all the info surrounding the band.The casual ticket buyer doesn't check up on what songs are played every night, and most probably don't even know it's only Axl as the original remaining band member.Almost nobody gives a damn about hearing "new songs", they are content with hearing the hits like Welcome to the jungle and Sweet child o' mine, and that's their only reason to purchase a ticket.I think Axl is very aware of that, and probably isn't planning on doing this for another ten years, so he's probably filling up the honey pot while he still can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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