Our Interview with Doug Goldstein (Former GNR Manager)

[Georgina Arriaga]

1 hour ago, sidman69 said:

yup it's blowing up! It got posted on Ultimate Classic Rock, NME.com, a portugese, irish and some south american site, UpRoxx, Alt Nation and Consequence of Sound!

Congrats! Your podcast is famous! 

[sidman69]

25 minutes ago, double talkin jive mfkr said:

can u guys do an interview with Traci Lords by any chance I'd like to hear her side of the story of her somewhat tumultuous relationship with Slash 

yeah i've been wanting to get her on. Just haven't gotten around to it. I'll give it a shot. 

[Ratam]

2 hours ago, sidman69 said:

yup it's blowing up! It got posted on Ultimate Classic Rock, NME.com, a portugese, irish and some south american site, UpRoxx, Alt Nation and Consequence of Sound!

Yes,very deserve, i be happy for you and you great work👍

[RussTCB]

Just read a lot of Doug's poor recollection reported on CoC as fact. That aspect of this really bums me out. It's not even anything bad about GN'R, but it's still sad to see it being reported as fact.

[double talkin jive mfkr]

2 hours ago, sidman69 said:

yeah i've been wanting to get her on. Just haven't gotten around to it. I'll give it a shot. 

ya or even shaq or tommy hillfiger would be good

[AXL_N_DIZZY]

Good job with the interview.

Love or hate Doug Goldstein- fact of the matter is that I (and I am sure many others here) pretty much hung on his every word 1991-2002. A lot of times his occasional pronouncements were the only “windows” into the band whatsoever. Listening to him now was like having a piece of my “youth” back. Pretty cool. 😎 

[Tori72]

5 hours ago, AXL_N_DIZZY said:

Good job with the interview.

Love or hate Doug Goldstein- fact of the matter is that I (and I am sure many others here) pretty much hung on his every word 1991-2002. A lot of times his occasional pronouncements were the only “windows” into the band whatsoever. Listening to him now was like having a piece of my “youth” back. Pretty cool. 😎 

He gave interviews in the 90s? Never heard any. What did he talk about back then?

[Sydney Fan]

9 hours ago, double talkin jive mfkr said:

can u guys do an interview with Traci Lords by any chance I'd like to hear her side of the story of her somewhat tumultuous relationship with Slash 

Would be funny to hear her recollection of going to slashs place and seeing him and west arkeen smoking crack. Im hoping sidman your able to get an interview with matt sorum...granted he would talk about himself a lot but as he claims to remember more than duff he would give us an excellent insight into the band chemistry/musical output of the 94-96 period.

[Jw224]

On 29/03/2018 at 6:47 AM, The Holographic Universe said:

Does anyone believe this Michael Jackson story and the rift it caused? I seriously can’t see Axl making assumptions of guilt on MJ’s behalf. And the Dr. Feelsgiod story? Hmmmm. He says Duff and Slash were so high they never remembered much, but yet they can recall a rift was stolen. But, great interview. Thanks guys. Made world bearable today.

The Michael Jackson story is totally fabricated. The time line of events makes zero sense and it's clearly made up, just like a lot of the stuff this guy spouts. 

[Ratam]

2 hours ago, Jw224 said:

The Michael Jackson story is totally fabricated. The time line of events makes zero sense and it's clearly made up, just like a lot of the stuff this guy spouts. 

💯Michael Jackson story fabricated👍

[papashaun]

https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/motley_crue_ripped_off_dr_feelgood_from_gnr_but_gnr_did_nothing_about_it_because_drugs_manager_says.html

From this same podcast....So?? Nikki really ripped off the Dr. Feelgood riff from Slash/Duff?? I started a thread on this topic, but was referred to post this link in this thread.

[killuridols]

11 hours ago, Tori72 said:

He gave interviews in the 90s? Never heard any. What did he talk about back then?

I never read an interview of Goldstein back in the day.....

[RONIN]

23 hours ago, Blackstar said:

In my opinion it's possible that Axl had an issue with MJ back then - I can't think of another plausible explanation for his speech in the 1992 VMA. But I don't think it was that crucial to be the reason for the band breaking up, as Doug claims.

Is Axl saying random things in a public forum that much of a stretch?  

Doug is playing fast and loose with the facts since he alleged (and then slightly walked back) that Axl and Slash fractured their relationship in part because Slash played with an alleged child molester despite knowing Axl's past. Regardless of the dates not corroborating that theory - you also have Slash coming out and calling this theory BS along with Axl listing MJ as one of his favorite singers. Only other thing I can think of here would be that post-93 allegations, this becomes a sticking point for Axl which I suppose may be possible. But if the rumors about Axl's reaction to Kurt Cobain's death have any basis in reality, it's not a stretch to imagine he may have seen MJ as a kindred spirit. They were both high profile tortured artists who were getting hounded and torn apart by the press all throughout the early-mid 90's. Doug's theory just seems hard to believe.

If Axl had an issue with MJ, I'd guess he may have felt that associating GnR with the gloved one would have undermined their street cred. But playing with Elton John on a 10 minute ballad with background singers in the midst of grunge probably did way more damage on that front. Or it could have been that he resented Slash for giving away a riff to MJ - this seems a bit more plausible. Axl was not enthusiastic about Slash playing with artists outside of their little rock bubble - and he didn't like Slash doing solo projects since he felt that material belonged to GnR.

[RONIN]

23 hours ago, downzy said:

By 1992 and 1993, GNR was a huge financial operation.  Yet Doug doesn't seem to want to remind everyone of that fact nor how his own financial motivations might have led to some bad decisions on his part. 

And that's not to knock the guy.  Very few people out there are altruistic enough to truly put the welfare of others over their own wants and needs.  I can't say that I would do things differently if I were in his shoes at the time.

But come on, the guy who had every career and financial incentive to see Niven gone did his best to keep Niven from getting fired?  Really?  

And can we really assume that Doug's not interested in re-writing history in the hopes of being asked to come back on board?  He makes it clear several times in the interview that were he involved in the NITL tour that the band would be making more money.  Everyone has an agenda and I don't necessarily begrudge Doug for having his, but I think it's important to keep things in perspective as to why he's interested in promoting his side of the story.  As someone who is close to the band once told me, Doug is a master of trying to play both sides and it was that strategy that furthered the band's implosion way back when.   

So again, I'd advise taking the interview for what it's worth.  It's an interesting perspective for us on the outside looking in, but it's also one that serves Doug's interests.  

What's odd to me is that on one hand, he seems to be angling with the past few interviews to get back into the good graces of the GnR camp and potentially get his paws on that reunion cash - but on the other hand, he's reopening old wounds by dissecting all the drama of the band on a public forum. To make matters worse, he's also embellishing things to a laughable extent. How is the latter going to endear him in any way to Duff and Slash who loathe him? If Doug wanted to win them back, you'd think he'd just make his mea culpas and tell the truth to the best of his ability (and dodge the more incendiary topics). 

I'm not quite sure what his agenda is here but he's going about this like Matt Sorum now. Both of them seem to have that "I've got nothing to lose, I don't care about repercussions because there's no way back into the inner circle, so I'm telling everything" attitude. Maybe it's a negotiating ploy to force the big three to throw him a bone to shut him up.

Edited April 4, 2018 by RONIN

[Blackstar]

10 minutes ago, RONIN said:

Is Axl saying random things in a public forum that much of a stretch?  

Doug is playing fast and loose with the facts since he alleged (and then slightly walked back) that Axl and Slash fractured their relationship in part because Slash played with an alleged child molester despite knowing Axl's past. Regardless of the dates not corroborating that theory - you also have Slash coming out and calling this theory BS along with Axl listing MJ as one of his favorite singers. Only other thing I can think of here would be that post-93 allegations, this becomes a sticking point for Axl which I suppose may be possible. But if the rumors about Axl's reaction to Kurt Cobain's death have any basis in reality, it's not a stretch to imagine he may have seen MJ as a kindred spirit. They were both high profile tortured artists who were getting hounded and torn apart by the press all throughout the early-mid 90's. Doug's theory just seems hard to believe.

If Axl had an issue with MJ, I'd guess he may have felt that associating GnR with the gloved one would have undermined their street cred. But playing with Elton John on a 10 minute ballad with background singers in the midst of grunge probably did way more damage on that front. Or it could have been that he resented Slash for giving away a riff to MJ - this seems a bit more plausible. Axl was not enthusiastic about Slash playing with artists outside of their little rock bubble - and he didn't like Slash doing solo projects since he felt that material belonged to GnR.

Yeah, these theories are plausible.

I just find it weird - even for Axl's standards - to say with such emphasis "this doesn't have anything to do with MJ" in his VMA speech.

[Tori72]

3 minutes ago, Blackstar said:

Yeah, these theories are plausible.

I just find it weird - even for Axl's standards - to say with such emphasis "this doesn't have anything to do with MJ" in his VMA speech.

They were recieving an award for November Rain or Don’t cry, right? Of course it didn’t have anything to do with MJ. I don’t really understand the connection for that comment. Do you?

[PatrickS77]

13 minutes ago, Blackstar said:

Yeah, these theories are plausible.

I just find it weird - even for Axl's standards - to say with such emphasis "this doesn't have anything to do with MJ" in his VMA speech.

@Tori72

They were receiving the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. So it made sense. I thought Axl was an ass for saying that though. Michael is the king of videos.

Edited April 4, 2018 by PatrickS77

[Blackstar]

17 minutes ago, RONIN said:

What's odd to me is that on one hand, he seems to be angling with the past few interviews to get back into the good graces of the GnR camp and potentially get his paws on that reunion cash - but on the other hand, he's reopening old wounds by dissecting all the drama of the band on a public forum. To make matters worse, he's also embellishing things to a laughable extent. How is the latter going to endear him in any way to Duff and Slash who loathe him? If Doug wanted to win them back, you'd think he'd just make his mea culpas and tell the truth to the best of his ability (and dodge the more incendiary topics). 

I'm not quite sure what his agenda is here but he's going about this like Matt Sorum now. Both of them seem to have that "I've got nothing to lose, I don't care about repercussions because there's no way back into the inner circle, so I'm telling everything" attitude.

I think Doug tried a different strategy in Mick Wall's book, where he appeared apologetic about not letting Axl and Slash talk to each other, gave another version about the band name story, etc. When he saw that it didn't work and most likely made things worse with Axl's camp, he changed his strategy again for this podcast. Probably the "crying for Duff" thing is part of it. He knows he doesn't have a chance with Slash, so he focuses on Duff who is known to be more "forgiving"; and at the same time he tries to appease Axl.

9 minutes ago, Tori72 said:

They were recieving an award for November Rain or Don’t cry, right? Of course it didn’t have anything to do with MJ. I don’t really understand the connection for that comment. Do you?

It was for the November Rain video, yes. The award beared MJ's name, "The MJ achievement award" or something like that.

Edited April 4, 2018 by Blackstar

[sidman69]

our next interview is with a legendary rock n' roll frontman..................

[RONIN]

2 minutes ago, sidman69 said:

our next interview is with a legendary rock n' roll frontman..................

You're interviewing Fred Durst about his pivotal role in reuniting Axl and Slash? 

[RONIN]

9 minutes ago, Blackstar said:

I think Doug tried a different strategy in Mick Wall's book, where he appeared apologetic about not letting Axl and Slash talk to each other, gave another version about the band name story, etc. When he saw that it didn't work and most likely made things worse with Axl's camp, he changed his strategy again for this podcast. Probably the "crying for Duff" thing is part of it. He knows he doesn't have a chance with Slash, so he focuses on Duff who is known to be more "forgiving"; and at the same time he tries to appease Axl.

It was for the November Rain video, yes. The award beared MJ's name, "The MJ achievement award" or something like that.

He's a slippery one isn't he? 

I hope a forthcoming book talks a little about the relationship between Doug and Beta and how they both fell out. Iirc, Beta is alleged to be the one who suggested to Doug that he should write a letter to Axl to get his job back and then made that pathetic letter public knowing it would humiliate him. 

[sidman69]

12 minutes ago, RONIN said:

You're interviewing Fred Durst about his pivotal role in reuniting Axl and Slash? 

Rats! The secret is out!

[janrichmond]

5 minutes ago, tremolo said:

What is this all about?

Spoiler

Presumably dated from 2009, delivered in hands to Beta:

Axl,
I implore you to read this. First and foremost, I thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.
  I believe there are MANY misconceptions, false-truths, and resentmrent causing issues that continue to fester in Our relationship. I'd love the opportunity to clear these up.
  The sale of Big FD to Sanctuary......
  Ax, I swear on my kids lives, when I was first propositioned by Merck, I immeadiately called Sharon. She told me to fly to England and meet with Rod Smallwood, Merck, and Andy Taylor. Furthermore, and most importantly, she definitavely "ORDERED" me NOT to tlk to you about it. She wanted me to ascertain the strength of the company, which at the time was magnanimous.
  After my fact finding mission, I flew to Arizona to meet with Sharon and Elliot. They concluded that at this point in your career, you needed a powerhouse company with unlimited power and resources to help guide your career. Again, I was given the missive to "surprise " you with this information, as Sharon felt you would be PROUD that I was willing to give up Big FD to further enhance YOUR career. Ax, check with Elliot..if he denies this, he's flat out lying...I swear on my kids lives.
&nb sp; Merck...where do I start here....He flat out fucked me and was a vicious Cancer that intentionally created decietful lies to muddy the waters of our once inseperable brotherhood. I will accept culpability for the fact that for the first time in my life, I wasn't acting in a resposible manner, as far as my responsibilities in guiding your life's path. For this, I can only eternally apologize. I was SO fucked up in the head at that time. I was suicidal over mising my kids, and didn't know how to sufficiently handle the pain. Oh...the $10k a month that Sanctuary claims THEY were paying Sharon, was MY fucking money. They took HALF of my paycheck every month...and paid Sharon..that was a huge hit for me to take, but I was trying to hold onto yours,and mines relationhip!!!
  To that end, I am BACK!!!...my kids live inNewbury Park. Jake is almost 16..the most charming affable, loving guy. On his own accord he picked up the guitar about 5 years ago. He's amazing!! Eli is 10..and God has blessed me with the sweetest ittle guy in the world. I have found an AMAZING woman, named Bridget. She's loved me for 6 years. She has literally broght me back to life. She's supprtive of all my decisions, we never do anything without the other, and we're getting married in July. We own 2 art galleries in Hawaii, as well as opening a Fred Segal type store next December.
  Axl, I'm watching your career with great frustration. I know that the only reason Irving is working with you is to induce you in the future to do THE GREAT RE-UNION TOUR. Give me a fucking break....I KNOW that is never going to happen, and wish people wouldd just fucking leave you alone on this issue. Andy Gould...C'mon..the guys a buffoon. He's a semi-funtioning alcoholic, who doesn't put YOUR needs in first place.
  Ax, This is hard for me to write. I know you abhor this, but the fact is I LOVE YOU with all my Heart!!..I have watched others try and work with you, and whilst quoting an Eminem song, "They don't know you like I do Man".
Al of the so called industry types, which I have always had disdain for,
Clammoring around incompetently handling your carrer.
  The biggest difference, is that know one is taking the time to properly ascertain your vision, and allow you the support and guidance that you deserve. No one that I'm aware of has the bond and ability to correctly adapt your conceptualizations, and implement YOUR ideas, as opposed to pushing their own self-effacing needs and desires. Ax, you know that when my heads right, I'm the BEST at knowing how to protect, market, conceptualize, and most impotantly put my own personal needs or injecting "MY VISION"..give me a fucking break..You don't need someone to GUIDE you..You're the most intelligent, misunderstood individual, I've EVER had the pleasure of working with. You need a facilitator of your dreams. Someone who is humble, loyal, as has no hidden agendas. Guess what bro..THAT'S ME!!
I implore you to find the time to meet with me. You will see for yourself...Dougie is back bigger, better and stronger than EVER!!
  I will be in LA May 8th-the 10th. I implore you to meet with me..I will extend my trip as long as you need me to. I will sit and answer any and every question truthfully and completly. I can come in early, or stay later..You tell me when YOU are available...I'll be there.
  I have a brilliant plan to make you between 10-20 million dollars a year, wehter you tour or not. It's called the "ROSE FESTIVAL".  If you decide to tour with Van Halen, I could do the pre-production and the first show, but need to get back to Hawaii for my wedding. 
  The festival would start in Australia in January 2010. The site would be a massive field, holding 250-500 thousand people. It's a two day event, with 3 stages. We'd have a metal day the first day. We would approach Metallica to close the first night. We would have 60 bands including GNR over the course of 2 days. The beauty is you'd be doing 2 shows a wee k, and you OWN the festival in perpituity. You would have to do the initial tour, but after that, you stay home and tellme the bands you want, sit back and collect the money...no longer would you need Irving, or anyone else. I'm willing to move back to LA to be at CAA everyday to find the right sponsors, bands, and fly to EVERY location, ensuring a safe environment. The beauty is instead od the promoter making all the money, you OWN the event. You get paid on parking, all beverages, t-shirt sales from EVERY band on the bill, as well as a lion's share of the sponsorship money. Ax, you know me..if I set my mind on something..I am the BEST at allowing you your vision, and concurrently protecting you.
  I would like to set up a charitable foundation under YOUR NAME, where $2 from every ticket sold goes towards feeding the HUNGRY..imgine if we can get McDonalds to mach us happy-meal for happy meal. You'd personally be responsible for feeding 500,00-1 million people evertime we haVE A show.
The press would be HUGE!!!!
  I would need to be in LA while you are doing the Van Halen tour, as it's imperative to be at CAA everyday to ensure your vision is met.
  I have many other ideas tha I'd love to share with you, including a video idea for "If The World"..Using stock footage, build a montage wth FREE stock footage...Bernie Madoff, the founder of Countrywide..the global stock markets crahing..people jumpig off buidings after losing ther personal wealth, the war in Iraq, the homeless all over the world..etc..you wouldn't need to be in the video at all if you choose not to. I'd over see the production of the video in LA and send you a rough copy FED-EX everyday, so it is YOUR vision.
  Bottom line, please forgive me for not being ther...Bridget has given me aa new lease on life, and I've NEVER been this happy and strong. I weigh 158 pounds, wearing a size 30 jean, eomtionally and physically stronger than I've ever been. I'm up tothe task and KNOW without an hesitation that I can protect yo u and set you up financially for the rest of your life.
  Thank you SO much for taking the time to hear me out, and if you decide NOT to work with me, I respect that decision. I will ALWAYS be ther for you, and YOU decide what I deserve to make for my efforts. I hope you will at least give me an opportunity to sit with you, to allow us the opportuniy to put some resolve to our relationship. Either way, we both need to get on with our lives, and have closure one way or another.
Beta knows how to reach me..feel free to write or call me whenever you feel up to it.
Your Friend,
Doug Goldstein
p.s----sorry for all the typo's..I needed to get his to you asap 

Rumour has it Beta got Doug to write Axl a letter in an attempt to try and get him back into the fold.  Doug posted the pics on facebook so Axl found out Beta had been speaking with him. Allegedly, Axl kicked Beta out of the house afterwards, their relationship had a fallout and then got back again, and now she's the manager...

• 270 weeks ago

 

[TheGeneral]

55 minutes ago, sidman69 said:

Rats! The secret is out!

Fred Durst isn't legendary.

There's another guy...erm...what's his name? Something with Bach? Sebastian Bach? Still hoping for that interview...

[StrangerInThisTown]

If it's Bach, please ask him what he thinks why they didn't choose Steven or Matt as their drummer for the reunion. I'd like to hear his opinion