downzy
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Posts posted by downzy
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Dude,
You expected GNR to ever show up in Philly again? You can add that list to St. Louis, Montreal and Vancouver. Don't expect GNR to be pulling up their tour buses in any of those cities.
You forgot Toronto [with Metallica], Axl has a LONG, LONG way to go before regaining my trust. I know it sucks for the fans, but what do you expect the local managers to do? I wouldn't ever book them before I see how they do in other places - maybe that is why they are beginning their tour now in Europe.
I was speaking strictly on the places where a GNR no-show or walkoff resulted in a riot of some sort. Plus, I think you're confusing Toronto with Montreal. It was Montreal where fans rioted after Axl walked off the stage because of audio and vocal problems. But I am having a difficult time remembering what happened in Toronto when GNR toured with Metallica... I thought they played, or should I say, left the Montreal show, and played a gig in Toronto with Metallica a few nights later in Toronto. That was partly why my parents didn't let me go see the Toronto show at the time (was only 13). Said I could go see GNR the next time they came around (10 years later it turns out).
Cheers,
Andrew
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great. Now Guns N' Roses are gonna be banned from Philadelphia or some shit and I'll have to drive for at least an hour and a half to see them...no real problem i guess, just a little bit of inconvenience. It's all right though
Dude,
You expected GNR to ever show up in Philly again? You can add that list to St. Louis, Montreal and Vancouver. Don't expect GNR to be pulling up their tour buses in any of those cities.
Cheers,
Andrew
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I always thought that the reason for not playing Don't Cry in 2002 was because GNR was sued in 98 or 99 over that song. I never heard what the outcome was (some Spanish dude claims they ripped off the chord progression, supposedly the songs sound very similar, but Don't Cry was the very first song GNR ever wrote so I doubt it's likely that GNR living in a one bedroom apartment together was listening to South American music, anyway). Perhaps there's legal/royalty reasons as to why they didn't play Don't Cry because yes, Don't Cry was around way before Shannon Hoon.
It was very strange that Axl didn't play "Yesterdays" in the last tour seeing how the lyrics seem to resonate well with where the band sits now ("Cause yesterday's got nothing for me, old pictures that I've always seen" and so on). Seemed to fit with what the band was saying, but hey, that's just me....
BTW, Yesterdays isn't that difficult to sing when you think of some of the songs that were performed in the last tour. As a vocalist, I think I could sing Yesterdays four or five times for every time I sang You Could Be Mine. In Yesterdays, the range spikes here and there and there's several vocal breaks to recoup, but You Could Be Mine never lets go, especially when you factor in the second bridge that requires some titanium vocal chords. There's a reason why Coma was only played once or twice; it's damn near impossible to pull off this song without wrecking your vocal chords. The outro melody is sustained for what feels like forever. (I think at one stop on the Illusion tours Slash and Duff started to play the into Coma and Axl shut it down saying, "If you want to play that, you're singin' it." With the exception of the last chorus to Yesterdays, it's not that taxing on the vocal chords.
As for setlists for this time around, I just finished posting in a different thread that we'll see tour very similar to the 2002 tour. I think this really is a warm-up to the albums release later this year. Remember, with exception to a few dates, European fans never got the 2002 tour that was heavy with AFD numbers.
Also, the 2002 was never suppose to be about showing off the material like previously posted. Axl mentioned at RIR3 that he wanted a tour to play a lot of those songs one last time. As he mentioned, he didn't want to deny the fans of something he thought they wanted to hear. Whether he was correct or not, who's to say (I think a lot of people showed up for the SCOM and WTTJs anyway).
With this new tour, I expect another AFD heavy setlist, with some of the fat removed. I'd be surprised if we heard both Live and Let Die AND Knockin' On Heaven's Door. Also, I'd be very surprised to hear songs like Think About You, Out Ta Get Me, Rocket Queen and so on. Expect those songs to be replaced by songs like Better, TWAT, IRS, CITR.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Seriously guys, time to learn from history.
GNR did tour before the release of the Illusion albums in '91. It's most likely this will be the case. If Chinese Democracy was to be released before the European tour, expect to hear the new single no later than the beginning of April. Albums are almost always released six to eight weeks after the first single drops. So if nothing new is heard over the airwaves in the next two weeks, don't expect Chinese Democracy anytime soon. What I expect is a tour very similar to the North American tour of 2002. Remember that Europe never got the Appetite for Destruction heavy tour that half of NA received four years ago. There was a couple of dates here and there, but I'm betting that Axl thinks his European fans still want to hear the kind of product that was put out four years ago in North America. But I've got to figure that you'll be hearing way more new material in this tour, while cutting out some of the fat (fewer covers, fewer AFD songs; Anything Goes, I Think About You, Rocket Queen)... Very similar to 1991, play a heavy rotation of known songs while mixing in some new stuff. Especially now that some songs have leaked, I wouldn't be surprised to hear Better, TWAT and CITR on top of the Blues and Madagascar. I'm betting that's it for new material; but then again, who knows until it happens.
Cheers,
Andrew
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It's my belief that Axl looks at things very differently than other bands (ie. Metallica). He's been very critical of other's need to self-promote and seek the public eye (ie. Slash and Duff). There is a sense of irony in the man, as his behaviour suggests his indifference to fans, yet rants and complains about any negative feedback from critics and the like. He's definitely someone I think few will ever understand; and it's a safe bet that even Axl himself has a hard time understanding his own motivations (as do many of us).
All that being said, I think it's a safer bet that this is the year everything breaks out. There's no question that the new album is close to being complete. The man seems to enjoy running around playing a selection of songs to whoever he meets (whether this is the finished product remains to be seen). Plus, you've got to think that the reason for the tour is in part to promote the new material. Moreover, I don't think Axl can afford to continue with the delay of the album. Remember that millions of dollars have already been advanced to him from the record company that requires compensation one way or another (whether it be album sales or Axl coughing up the money himself). He might be in search of artistic perfection, but there comes a time when economics becomes the determining factor.
I think the main reason as to why we the fans have been left in the dark is mainly because not everything has been finalized. I'll bet that come closer to RIR4 (or is it RIR5 - wasn't RIR4 the one GNR pulled out of because of Bucketheads departure?) you'll hear something official from GNR/Axl. He did the same with RIR3; having an over the phone interview with Kurt Loder of MTV mid to late November I believe. Furthermore, it makes sense to have a better idea of your tour itinerary before you release anything official. This tour seems to be scrapped together piece-by-piece, show by show which is a little odd (but this is GNR we're talking about). Also, there's questions about who's actually going to be in the band when the tour starts. Perhaps that hasn't been resolved yet (remember Fortus was a rather late addition pre-2002 tour). Finally, maybe we're hearing little from the band because they want to get the album done and have a time-table for its release. Who knows, but if most of these issues haven't been resolved by management/GNR then there's little point to release anything official. What's the press statement going to say: "Everything still up in the air a little, but we'll get back to you. Oh, we promise to show up this time."
We'll get something, but probably not until middle of April to beginning of May. Otherwise, if all is silent on the GNR front on eve of RIR5, looks like we'll all be playing GNR Roulette. Who feels lucky?
Cheers,
Andrew
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I have a question about buying tickets to this show. I'm currently planning on spending three weeks in Europe (I'm from Toronto, Canada) and thought I'd meet up with a friend who's already over there and watch GNR rock Paris. My question is what is the proper process to buying tickets. I see they're on sale March 20th, checked out the ticketnet.fr site, but am a little confused as my french is not what it use to be (and it never was tres bien). Is there anyone else from North America planning on buying tickets and attending the event?
Thoughts?
Andrew
P.S. Any idea of what the price range for tickets will be?
The price range will probably be around 50/60 US $. If you visit the site ticket.fr, click on the red hot chili peppers concerts or on the Korn one. You'll see a plan of Bercy : there are two tickets categories, one a bit more expensive than the other. The expensive one gives you a numbered seat. The cheaper one allows you to be in front of the scene or on a seat without number (farer from the scene).
The arena's site : bercy.fr
This site will also sell the tickets : fnacspectacles.fr
If you have a doubt about some French words, just ask.
When you say scene, do you mean stage? As in, if I buy the cheaper tickets, does that mean they're general admission tickets that allows me to go right up to the front of the stage (assuming I get there early enough)?
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The opening acts for GN'R's show in Paris on June 20th have now been announced. They are Avenged Sevenfold and Bullet For My Valentine.
Tickets for the show will go on sale on March 20th.
I have a question about buying tickets to this show. I'm currently planning on spending three weeks in Europe (I'm from Toronto, Canada) and thought I'd meet up with a friend who's already over there and watch GNR rock Paris. My question is what is the proper process to buying tickets. I see they're on sale March 20th, checked out the ticketnet.fr site, but am a little confused as my french is not what it use to be (and it never was tres bien). Is there anyone else from North America planning on buying tickets and attending the event?
Thoughts?
Andrew
P.S. Any idea of what the price range for tickets will be?
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But he does bring up a good question. Just because (assuming) that the new album kicks ass, does that make it a GNR album? It would be easy if the new material was weak for us to then say, "well, that's 'cause it's not the original GNR." But if the new stuff rocks (and from what we've heard so far, this is a safe bet), does that make it a GNR album? And this isn't questioned just because it's only Axl left. I mean, how much can you change something before it becomes something else. Axl's very different (vocally and musically), the band is completely different, and just the overall texture is different. I'm not saying one way or another, but it's a question that isn't unreasonable to ask.
Cheers,
Andrew
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You're all forgetting the legal question. It's possible that GNR can't tour the US until all legal disputes over the 2002 tour are resolved. Judging from Dizzy's interview a month or two ago, it sounds as though this isn't the case. As mentioned in a previous post, it's very difficult - if not impossible - to tour in North America (or anywhere for that matter) without the support of a tour operator. If there are legal issues left to be resolved, it may not be feasible for GNR to tour in North America just yet.
My belief is that GNR's Europe tour is the run-up to Chinese Democracy's August/September release. Even if CD is released in May/June, it's smart to be touring in major venues at large festivals for exposure to the new material. If the new album drops in late summer/early fall with a single in mid summer, the greater exposure from the European tour will vastly promote album sales and ticket sales for any future N.A. dates.
I think this was done with the Illusion albums; GNR toured N.A in the summer as a warm up to their release. We'll see if history repeats itself.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Axl Rose and Conan O'Brien are actually both from the same town in Indiana.
So... also the same town that Izzy and Shannon Hoon are from.
here's the clip of Slash on Conan O'Brien.
http://s38.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2V27TD0...MT0U1ABBAKFCXL2
I'm pretty sure that Conan is from Boston... Not 100% on this, but Conan mentions this almost every show.
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1. Teens have much less of an impact on the rock world than you give them credit for. I want to know what college students are going to think.
2. Your reasoning is exactly why GnR saved rock. They were lumped in with Warrant and Poison, but they didn't sound or look like them. They transitioned the rock world to the bands that would eventually destroy the category that GnR got pigeonholed into. Not that I think GnR belongs in the same category as those other bands... UYI proved that and AFD should have been enough to prove it. Those other bands were generally style over substance, which GnR most definitely was not. The bands that came after were LOTS of substance, with little to no style. GnR allowed for that to become en vougue. So, yes, they did save rock for a time in my mind.
You completely missed my point. If rock was indeed in need of being saved in the late 1980s, it wasn't completely because of GNR's rescue. You still had U2, Metallica, Aerosmith and others making great music at the time. And I sorely doubt that you could find much GNR "influence" in grunge bands, especially Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Nirvana was in essence, a harder version of the Pixies, while Pearl Jam lifted a lot of their sound from the grunge scene and with a foundation supported by Neil Young. GNR might have saved rock for you, and I'm not trying to downplay their pressence in the hardrock/pop landscape. But to suggest that everything was imploding and that GNR was the only band around keep shit togethers is a little ludacris.
Cheers,
Andrew
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It was both actually. Slash was on Jimmy Kimmels for an entire week co-hosting. It was the second or third week that Kimmel was on the air. But he also did a stint on Conan as well.
Cheers,
Andrew
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That's the sad part. If Axl called this new band by a new name, there's a chance that people would give it a fair judgement. But when you call Chinese Democracy a Guns N' Roses record, it's no fault of the casual listener that comparisons are made to AFD and Illusions. In that sense, it's unlikely to succeed as a groundbreaking force in pop culture. Again, I've said this before, but I hope Axl proves me wrong, because I'd really like him see shake some shit up. That said, I'm realistically looking forward to an awesome record that Axl fans will enjoy that will provide a reprieve to all those who've waited for so long (15 years now).
Cheers,
Andrew
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The idea that GNR "saved" rock n' roll in the 1980s is also up to debate. While I love the line in Blender's article on the top 50 Rawk bands (too lazy to look it up, went like: "Nirvana and grunge didn't kill the hair bands, Guns N' Roses did"), I still think that it was Nirvana and Pearl Jam that really brought on a shift in pop culture. GNR was seen far above their peers (Warrant, Poison, Motley Crue) and rightfully so; but did they do anything musically that had never been done before? Not really... They were just able to write some bad ass blues-based hard rock songs that had melodies as addictive as what Steven Adler's been using to kill "the pain." That doesn't mean they're not my favourite band (they are), but I think it's a little naive to reference GNR as the saviours of Rock N' Roll. Don't forget that at the time there were still other bands making huge waves in pop/rock at the time. U2 had released "Joshua Tree," Aerosmith was back on tour, Metallica was at the top of its game all in the late 80s.
That said, GNR brought an attitude and some danger that had been missed since the late 70s. They were real, raw and completely unforgettable as soon as you heard the openning riff of Welcome to the Jungle. They made a definite impact and helped keep rock's legacy alive. And I think that's where Axl and current company have their best chance of making another impact. What's needed in music today is catchy songs that people can get into. You can dislike the bands, but Coldplay, the Killers, and even James Blunt have done extremely well writing simple but catchy songs. I'm not suggesting that this is where GNR needs to go, but if they can recapture what they once did with songs like Sweet Child and Paradise City, they'll do very well. Will they save rock n' roll; I personally don't think it needs saving. There's plenty of other bands who are doing amazing stuff out there. It's not like it's the bottom of the 9th, two outs, bases loaded and Axl's up to the plate needing a grand slam to bring back some lost glory of what rock once was. There will always be great rock bands out there, it's just whether the music industry wants to promote them.
And to those who think that Axl's going to be the force that he once was back in the late 80s/early 90s, it's time to be realistic. Back then Axl was a young 26-30 hellraiser, he gave something to the kids (myself at the time) to listen to and tell their parents to fuck off. You're not going to have the same 13-18 year olds listening to a man who's as old as their parents wanting to rebel alongside their parents. But hey, that's just my take. I hope Axl proves me wrong 'cause it would be awesome to see.
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http://calsun.canoe.ca/Showbiz/2006/03/05/1473450-sun.html
Talks about PR
This guy is not an Axl fan by the way.
you should do a search before you post.....this was posted last week!
In fairness to the original poster, the date attached to the article is from yesterday.
Anyway, I decided to write the author of this article back. Let me know what you think:
Hey Mike,
Just read your article concerning Axl Rose's return to the limelight. I've got to ask you though, I'm having a difficult time finding your point. Was it your intention to write a diatribe that does nothing more than illustrate your biased distain for a band loved by many, or was it just to ridicule the many of GNR/Axl's fans. 'Cause I have to tell you, if you're looking for an easy target, you've found it. Being a GNR fan, I can tell you, is not easy. So I ask you, is it really necessary to write a puff piece that clearly has little to do with factual evidence when all it does is make an already beaten fan feel less proud. Sure I could point out the fact that GNR has been acclaimed in every magazine you wish you wrote for (Spin, Rolling Stone, Blender) as being one of the best (if not the best) Hard Rock bands to come along in the last 30 years. That they were once the biggest band in the world and have never showed a creative laps. If you can't understand something, I would suggest you do some investigation first (you do work for a newspaper correct) and then proceed with your hateful comments. (The songs were leaks, they're demos - something you've made no mention of, and they were never meant to be played - hence the cease and desist requests). But if you'd like to boils down to taste, then that's fine with me. I would really like to know what bands you hold up to a shinning light with reverence and esteem. So good for you, I hope you can hold your head up high knowing that you're very proficient at kicking a group when they're down. You must feel good about yourself. Might I suggest the cancer ward at your local hospital as your next target; I'm sure they could use a similar "pep talk."
Cheers,
Andrew
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I think the omitted paragraph is clearly a fake by an Axlite.
Anywho, whether it was real or not, I find the whole report ironic. I find it ironic because, in releasing this, Axl is doing everything he accuses Slash of doing.
The only problem with this assertion is that there would have been some sort of correction or recant by Axl by now if this wasn't meant to be included. It's been reported by mainstream media (MTV, BW), so if someone was somehow able to intercept the transmission and modify it in any way, the proper "authorities" would have made the necessary corrections.
It's my belief that Axl asked his lawyer to write up a statement that addressed both suits (DS vs Axl; Axl vs DS) and added his own remarks concerning Slash's visit to his home in October. I can't see any professional lawyer including such remarks as they're dripping with slander; lawyers have a way of phrasing their words carefully to protect themselves from further litigation. Axl, on the otherhand, seems to be at wits end and either wanted the truth to be known, or is just stiring the pot. *ON A SIDE NOTE: If Axl's frustrated with Slash and Duff, it's a shame he can't grasp his fans frustration with the inactivity of GNR.
Is it just me, but this all doesn't sit well at all. After a decade of not speaking to each other, do you think it's likely that Slash would show up unnannounced and proclaim that he's lost some war; that Axl's won. From the way Axl has things go down, it's as though he openned his door and there was Slash on his knees, well, I'll let you finish that thought. I don't know, it sounds very much like "me vs. them" paranoia. And you've got to ask yourself: does that sound more like Axl or Slash?
Cheers,
Andrew
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Ten and Vs were probably two of the best ever albums. Probably on par with GNR's.
But everything since then, including the new single has been utterly forgettable.
It's very difficult to define as to who is the better band. If you were to rate it on album sales, awards, and number of people performed in front of, I think the nod goes to Pearl Jam. But those categories do not necessarily make you "better." Just look at Mariah Carey.
As for treating their fans with respect, obviously the nod goes to Pearl Jam. They have an amazing fan club, treat their fans with first dibbs to amazing seats (anyone remember the 2002 tour where we got first cracks to nosebleeds - thanks Axl), and they actually show up to their concerts.
As for comparing the music itself; that's a tough call. I'm not a fan of putting one bands music over another as it's a little selfcentred to think that your tastes are better than anyone elses. Both bands are/were unbelieveable at cranking out amazing songs - and for the record, I think Riot Act, Pearl Jam's last studio album, was its second best album after Ten. That said, I suppose one could predict that in 50-100 years people are more likely to be listening to Welcome to the Jungle, November Rain and Sweet Child O' Mine more than they were to listen to Even Flow, Daughter, Jeremy. But I like both bands for different reasons; hence why I think this topic is rather useless anyway.
But in terms of evaluating each band as a band, I would have to give the nods to Pearl Jam, simply because they treat their fans with respect, continue to put out albums (some better than others - but at least PJ fans still get new material, and as I said, they're last album was a return to form), show up when they say they're going to, and most importantly, have stayed together as a band instead of acting like little children.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Apparently not too many of you are familiar with the show...
Any talks of Axl sitting with Elton John and John Legend concerns Elton's after party. Sounds like a party I'd want to be at, as often times whenever Elton performs he'll have other musicians join him onstage. If you're looking for shots of Axl my bet would be on ET or Extra tomorrow.
Anyway,
Hope this clear things up.
Cheers,
Andrew.
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Okay,
Seriously guys, do some homework.
Axl, just like the rest, was a heavy drug user in the late 80s. Anyone familiar with the song Coma? Any guesses as to why it's called Coma? Granted, I give Axl respect for kicking the habit and being clean since (hence why he threantened to quit the band in 89 for Slash/Duff/Steven's overuse on stage in LA). The doctor's voices in Coma are the real doctors that were on the scene when Axl overdosed in 87-88 (can't remember of what drug). It was after that overdose that he quit for good.
It is very ignorant for Robin of the Howard Stern show to label the man as a drug user especially since he's given up the habit for almost 20 years, but it's a reputation that's stuck for good reason. She's never been known to speak from any certain knowledge; she's too busy with her tongue up Stern's ass. I can certainly understand why there's so much resentment towards her; she's just awful. But Stern does speak his mind, I think he was impressed by the demo, just misinformed. And in fairness to Stern, Axl was once the coolest person on the face of the earth, but that was 16 years ago. To take a band that could have been the next Rolling Stones into whatever they are now is warrant for the douche comment. It's up to Axl to proove otherwise.
Cheers,
Andrew
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of course they should , well at least a few like estranged, november rain, paradise city
i mean if im gonna see axl live i better hear those songs coming out of his mouth
Dude,
Estranged? Get ready to feel let down. I think Estranged was only played a handful of times during the Illusion tours. You might as well expect GNR to play Coma or Locamotion while you're at it. Expect WTTJ, SCOM, Patience, Paradise City, NR, and perhaps either LALD and/or KOHD. Other than that, it should be all new (though I always thought "Yesterdays" would make perfect sense considering the history of Axl and current/former members).
Cheers,
Andrew
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Will there even be a North American leg?
Seeing how Axl was sporting the leafs jersey, might I suggest Toronto??? I think Toronto was the first large-venue sell-out of the 2002 tour. I know Axl likes Canadian women, so who knows...
Cheers,
Andrew
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Cool picture...
Axl walking around with the unreleased album(s) reminds me a lot of the pre-UYI days. I remember hearing stories of him driving around in his new BMW blasting songs from the upcomming UYI albums to parties and whatnot. I suppose the end really is near.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Catchy tune, but anyone else think the vocals need to be redone. I'd like Axl's voice sounding like does in Better/TWAT than CITR/IRS/2002 tour. I prefer the old growl; gives songs more of an edge IMHO.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Zeppelin didn't have any albums full of Stairway to Heavens....You had 4 Sticks, Black Dog, Levee etc...
Or Immigrant song, Livin Lovin Maid..Friends BYA-Stomp...just brilliant music..
The Beatles were just a Backstreet Boys of the 60s..I don't see why everyone likes them so much..they all were better when they went solo...esp. Lennon and Harrison.
The other half of the album contains The Blues, Madagascar and This I love...which are balladic or pop
Not that this is the place for this discussion, but that's the most ludicrous statement I've ever heard. So I guess by your logic the Backstreet Boys are the Beatles of the 90s...
Anyway, GNR has always had a pop element to its music. To me, pop music is melody driven which has always been GNR's strong suit in hard rock. Even in GNR's harder songs there's a strong pop element; which I always attributed to Axl. So if Axl is driving the creative reigns on this sucker, get ready for some poppy songs (as evident by The Blues, Madagasacar, TWAT, IRS).
Cheers,
Andrew
CD will it be done before European tour? (or not?)
in 2006
Posted
Guess you weren't at any of the North American dates four years ago (I went to six). Most of what Axl ranted concerned either critics who were bashing the tour or his old bandmates. I remember in New York Axl told the audience a story about Izzy in '91. The guy seriously has a problem of letting stuff go. My point is that it seems Axl is still somewhat caught up with what happened 15 years ago. Internet, mp3s, album sales, while I'm sure they're not ignored, are not issues Axl himself is too concerned about.
Also remember that if you were a diehard GNR fan back in 1990/91, there were ways to get a lot of the new material. Axl often boasted back in the day that many people had bootlegged or demo verions of November Rain before it was officially released. Granted the rate of exchange and the transient nature of shared material has increased exponentially, yet a lot of GNR diehards (myself included) had access to a lot of the tunes that ended up on the Illusion Albums. Did that affect sales? Considering the albums broke several records at the time, doesn't seem like it.
Your argument that more leaked material will affect sales is debateable as well. Most if not all of my friends could care less about GNR, especially in its sans-Slash carnation. Yet having played some of the new songs to them, they're actually pretty excited now to hear the new album. In fact, I have one friend who is now attending the Paris France show with me who never was a huge GNR fan, but loves the song TWAT. Furthermore, its more than likely that the people who are actively searching for new GNR material made available through leaks and/or bootlegs are going to buy the album anyway. Joe Public who has forgot about Axl Rose and GNR since '93 is not actively scouting new material in the hopes of saving $12 when the album is actually released. So when you say, "everybody will have the new songs from the tour," I say you're everybody means no more than 10 to 20 thousand people; those Axl can count on their $12 album purchase regardless of leaks or bootlegs.
Cheers,
Andrew