If your hypothesis is accurate, it was probably a smart decision. Axl doesn’t have the best track record in things he says coming to fruition, especially within a normal timeframe.
Nah not batshit, think it’s relatively plausible. The fact it leaked literally the night before release, once the delay was confirmed, I think adds credibility to what you’re saying.
They were just part of the Rock Band stems right? The best one for me was the isolated Baz vocals from Sorry. Pretty horrified when it turned out they were auto tuned!
Honestly I actually loved the mix of The General into Monsters as one big epic two-part song. Honestly thematically and stylistically they are so similar and I just love the idea of them being one combined song although I'm sure I'd be in the minority with this take.
Actually think his contract was up after the ANZ tour in early 07 so believe he was no longer an employee. Of course I imagine he was first choice but don’t think he was under legal obligation by the time CD actually came out.