BBA

I don't think Conan wants it to be the meat n' potatoes of the interview.

Really? I bet, like the rest of us, Conan would rather hear Slash talk about Axl instead of his upcoming horror flick.

Just like Jimmy Kimmel would have rather heard Axl talk about Slash as opposed to some Halloween tree.

What do you think BBA? Do you think Conan will be cleared to throw in an Axl question?

I think there is a distinct possibility. Yes.

Like you said, maybe jokey or a nostalgic type of comment, but I don't think it will be the meat n potatoes of the conversation, even if Conan would like it to be.

At 11pm EST tonight on TBS, Slash will be on Conan. Do you think Conan will ask him anything about Axl or was this on Slash's list of "no-no"s"?

I'm surprised he isn't photographed more in public between tours.

Really? Personally, I don't find it surprising at all. Keep in mind, there is very little interest in the man or what he does in the states outside of these forums. Twenty years ago, he created some great albums. No question. Aside from that, he's done next to nothing over the course of the past 2 decades except for tour one commercially unsuccessful album and front a nostalgia act. No hate meant. Just the facts.

Even if a paparazzi knew of his whereabouts while out, I doubt that many, if any, would go out of there way to find him. If they just so happen to be somewhere that he is, yeah, we might just happen to see a photo. Basically, exactly what has been the case in recent years.

I've seen Warrant about 5 times. Loved the show every time. Great band, good tunes. Although I've never heard Dog eat Dog, yet.

Do yourself a favor and give it a spin. Even though it was released in '92, it's really held up well over the years. Doesn't have the dated sound that you might expect considering their "hair-band" status.

Were any of those 5 shows that you saw the short-lived 2008 reunion tour? Despite Jani being pretty hammered for most of the shows, and considering his death just a few years later, I wish I could have caught at least one of them while they lasted.

It's a shame they couldn't have ended it together on a high note. Or maybe they did considering how you look at it.

Dog Eat Dog is one of the 2-3 most underrated rock albums of that genre.

I think people were so caught up in Cherry Pie and Jani Lane in the white jump suit and the ballad Heaven that they didn't give Dog Eat Dog a second look.

Machine Gun, Hole in My Wall, Bitter Pill, Sad Theresa, Hollywood, Bridges are Burning, Andy Warhol, April 2031......a great rock album that should have been the highlight of their career.

Yeah! Pretty much my sentiments exactly. I knew that the album existed for the longest time, but never expected it to be as good as it actually is. In '92, Warrant was no longer my cup of tea and I think that was the sentiment of most fans - hell, public in general - and that's why it was as largely ignored as it was.

I couldn't believe that the album was already 21 years old. Throw it in the changer on your way to work tomorrow morning and you'd be hard pressed to tell that the album is over 2 decades old.

I know one's initial thought is probably 'Cherry Pie'! Or Warrant LOL, but these guys really did have some solid songs throughout their career.

Growing up, I pretty much knew DRFSR and Cherry Pie, but recently, and for whatever reason, I started listening to their 3rd album, 'Dog-Eat-Dog', and you could really hear how they moved away from their signature hairband-glam-metal sound to a more straight hard rock type feel. This album was panned pretty quickly by the media and virtually went un-noticed due to its 1992 release and the grunge takeover.

I always thought that Jani Lane was a pretty good song-writer and it's a shame that he will mostly be remembered as the "Cherry Pie guy". I'm sure most are aware, but for those who might not be, he was found dead in a Los Angeles suburb hotel in mid 2011.

So, any other Warrant fans here?

The gig was at Staples and I didn't see Izzy because I didn't go backstage after the gig. We left just before the show ended. It would have been go to see Izzy and set a few things straight between us.

Can you elaborate as to what it is that you would have liked to have set straight? Is it pertaining to his lack of involvement with your book?

I'm genuinely surprised that Chinese Democracy didn't make the list.

Hey, just felt the time was right to post his. All she said was that he was asking about if nickel metal hydride batteries were made for his watch.

Too bad your aunt isn't Slash. Otherwise this might be interesting.

Considering the fact that Ron hasn't left yet, despite his years of bitching and moaning, leads me to think that he must not have that "hard of a time dealing with it".

This seems like attention-whoring more than anything else on Ron's part.

If I were a betting man, my guess would be that Axl could take the stage 2 hours late for the next 7 tours and Ron would still be there to cash-in on every opportunity.

Does anyone else feel like the "nice guy" charade is wearing a little thin? You really unhappy? Prove it and leave.

If I were a betting man, I'd say Axl will never reunite the original band and you'll still be here to bitch about it no matter what.

Good one, man! No, really. That was seriously cool, even if a reunion wasn't being discussed. Is it natural for you to blurt out off-topic comments when offended by the truth? Just curious ...

Considering the fact that Ron hasn't left yet, despite his years of bitching and moaning, leads me to think that he must not have that "hard of a time dealing with it".

This seems like attention-whoring more than anything else on Ron's part.

If I were a betting man, my guess would be that Axl could take the stage 2 hours late for the next 7 tours and Ron would still be there to cash-in on every opportunity.

Does anyone else feel like the "nice guy" charade is wearing a little thin? You really unhappy? Prove it and leave.

Wouldn't re-releasing an alt version of a 14 year old song, that already tanked once, just further prove how uncreative and desperate Axl actually is?

Personally, I'm more than perfectly content with Axl not releasing more music under the GNR name. No jabs, shit-stirring or anything of the kind. I'm a huge fan of Axl's, but this band isn't GNR, nor are they capable of creating GNR worthy material.

Instead of starting their careers with some of the greatest rock material of all time and ending it with numerous albums that fall, far, far-short of that same magic, I would prefer that they not release any future GNR material. Unless of course, "that GNR" consists of Axl, Slash, Izzy, Duff, and Steve.

Now, if Axl wants to go out and start something new under a completely different band name, I'd be more than willing to pick it up and give it a listen.

Feel free to join me in not responding to the resident lunatic (that's BBA if you can't determine that by yourself).

Let's be real, bro. You're not responding because you know everything that I said is true. Let's call a spade a spade. By all means, please continue though. Just FYI, I'd be careful who you label "lunatic" considering you and the other "mr gullible" are the ones thinking "TB" is a reputable source and that Axl actually givs a shit about you and 100 other people on a forum think.

So, here it is, you're not responding to the "resident lunatic" because a) you know what I say is true and b) you're not the brightest guy to form a well-thought rebuttal. "Resident lunatic" and "hey, let's ignore this guy" is about the level of what you are capable of. By all means, carry on with pouring your hearts into this, though. What you guys are doing is making a big difference. No.... Really it is.

How great would it be if Axl defied the minority's negativity and heeded to our invite? He has a great opportunity here to prove a lot of the sceptics wrong once and for all.

He sure does, NDOG. I can't wait to hear him tell us that the fanbase's assessment is completely wrong.

They aren't just a nostalgia act that has to rely on Axl's former band's success and back catalogue. Axl's skipping the RRHOF wasn't a kick in the balls to the fans who have supported him for 25+ years. He's not only playing 2 Chinese Democracy songs per show because the vast majority really don't care to hear them. He's not the one to blame for us only having one album of new material in the past 20 years. The reason he isn't recording new material has nothing to do with the fact that he has no muse remaining and any offerings he is getting from "the band" is material" not worthy of the GNR name. His voice hasn't deteriorated drastically in the past couple of years. He's not just going through the motions with all these festivals and Brazilian shows because that's the only real crowds that this band can still draw.

Man, if he were to come here and say all of that, he would definitely prove the skeptics wrong.

Hooray for moderation

Did BBA get banned?

No. It's just that I'm now a believer too. I can't wait until we get this Q&A answered that NDOG and Manets are bringing us! We're really lucky that they have the relationship with "Team Brazil" that they do. You never know, this Q&A could be the catalyst that gets us the first single to the forthcoming new album!! Exciting times !!!!

NDOG - Is it too late to ask Axl if he'd consider multiple Brazilian tours prior to dedicating too much of his time to the studio and completion of the upcoming album? *Fingers crossed*

Btw, I also wanted to say how thankful I am that we have a place like this to come to instead of somewhere like htgth where one's opinions are censored.

The questions have been chosen by the voting public:

1. Axl, when are we going to hear new music?

2. Axl, you mentioned an autobiography the last time we spoke to you, do you plan on releasing that?

3. Axl, do you still intend to release Chinese Democracy II... or have you shifted mentally towards a record capturing the talents of the current line-up?

4. Axl, will you ever debut new material live again or did Chinese Democracy sour that idea?

5. Axl, GNR has always released new music by way of albums, would you ever consider releasing new songs individually?

Step 2 in this process is to gauge how we should put this letter to Team Brazil. We approached different people to write a letter and a draft is currently in editing. Does anybody have any suggestions with regards themes/artwork/arguements that should be contained in the letter? Are you all satisfied with the questioning and its wording?

If you have anything you would like to say privately, contact me or Manets.

If this was a true and unbiased list of questions to choose from, 'reunion' and 'Slash' would be what the real majority want to know about the most. Let's be real here.

Also, I say this doesn't happen regardless of what Beta, Fernando, or whomever else may have alluded to. Manets - remember back in 2010 when Beta sent you some vague email response and you took it as gospel that an album was on the horizon and you were one of the few in the know? How'd that go again?

Every1 knows that a reunion will not happen

The questions are very good, new music, thats what we want, thanks manets & ngog!

It may very well be that you, manets, ndog, and hundreds of other crazed Brazilians want new music and these answers, but the reality is, the majority honestly couldn't give 2 fucks less about the questions that were asked, new music, or this band at all for that matter. If "the majority" cared about the answers to this shit, why is it that Axl is now relying on his previous band's hits during recent shows and no more than two songs from the epic Chinese Democracy? Is it because the majority care about new music from Axl, Tom, Dick, and Harry and what they're capable of doing in the studio?

Just to clarify, we are talking real world here and not the desires of 5 or 6 Brazilian fan-boys, right? I just want to make sure I'm on the same page. I did breeze through this thread relatively quickly. I may have over-looked something that stated that this thread requires pretend Brazilian make-believe.

The questions have been chosen by the voting public:

1. Axl, when are we going to hear new music?

2. Axl, you mentioned an autobiography the last time we spoke to you, do you plan on releasing that?

3. Axl, do you still intend to release Chinese Democracy II... or have you shifted mentally towards a record capturing the talents of the current line-up?

4. Axl, will you ever debut new material live again or did Chinese Democracy sour that idea?

5. Axl, GNR has always released new music by way of albums, would you ever consider releasing new songs individually?

Step 2 in this process is to gauge how we should put this letter to Team Brazil. We approached different people to write a letter and a draft is currently in editing. Does anybody have any suggestions with regards themes/artwork/arguements that should be contained in the letter? Are you all satisfied with the questioning and its wording?

If you have anything you would like to say privately, contact me or Manets.

If this was a true and unbiased list of questions to choose from, 'reunion' and 'Slash' would be what the real majority want to know about the most. Let's be real here.

Also, I say this doesn't happen regardless of what Beta, Fernando, or whomever else may have alluded to. Manets - remember back in 2010 when Beta sent you some vague email response and you took it as gospel that an album was on the horizon and you were one of the few in the know? How'd that go again?

Special thank you to A.M. Bahiana for getting this to us a little early ... much appreciated. Regards, BBA

Despite his intentions of it being a low-key holiday in Brazil’s San Paulo state, Guns N Roses long tenured keyboardist, Dizzy Reed, finds himself surrounded by some of his band’s most dedicated fans as they flock to his secluded cabana where he and members of his family try to enjoy the summer’s peace and tranquility. While some celebrities might find this star gazing, paparazzi type behavior bothersome , Dizzy has a separate philosophy on the issue. “It goes with the territory, says Reed. When you decide you want to play an instrument, sing, act, or have an entertainment type of career, you also sign up for all the responsibility that comes along with it. The very same people who rubber-neck, ask for autographs, and want your picture are the same individuals who support my being able to enjoy a beautiful Brazilian vacation with my family. I don’t know; that’s how I see it”.

And Dizzy Reed is by no means a stranger to Brazil. Both he and his legendary rock band, Guns N Roses, have played nearly a dozen shows here throughout the band’s quarter of a century career. “Brazil and its fans have been beyond wonderful to us throughout our career. They’re very passionate about the band and our material. It’s difficult to put into words what their dedication means to us. Their enthusiasm adds to our energy, and in turn, we become that much greater. We’re very grateful to all of Brazil for that”, Reed insists.

As recently as 2011, Guns N Roses headlined Rock in Rio in Brazil, one of the world’s most popular music festivals.

I really believe it was our shining moment as a band. For some, the weather may not have cooperated, but it really gave the show an added feel that I believe was truly memorable for most. Again, the fans energy was nothing short of amazing.” Another special moment for the fans that night was the return of one of Guns N Roses biggest songs of the 1990s, ‘Estranged’. “It had been like twenty years since we performed that song live. It was something that we had talked about and rehearsed for a long time. It was one of Axl’s masterpieces from the 90s, and a well known fan favorite. I think it was Ron who really pushed getting it back in the setlist. We hadn’t really gotten confirmation from Axl that it was going to happen for sure until that very night. Because our setlists are often unplanned, I still recall vividly when Axl began singing the “when you’re talking to yourself” intro. For a moment, I remember thinking, whoa! .. is this really going to happen? I was probably just as surprised and happy as the fans.”

In 2008, after a decade of speculation, the much-hyped ‘Chinese Democracy’ album finally saw the light of day. Despite receiving moderate success in certain countries, it was labeled as not being worth the wait in others. “It’s one of those albums that is truly like a fine wine. It gets better and better with age. I don’t think any of us ever expected an overnight success.” It’s grown and it’s still growing. During the ‘Up Close and Personal’ shows, I would see and hear fans yelling “play ‘Sorry’, play ‘TWAT [which stands for There Was A Time]. And that says a lot considering we have a pretty well known back catalogue of songs, many of which are now regarded as classics.” It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 5 years since that album’s release. As I’m sure you are aware, the big question amongst the hardcore fans is when they will see the next Guns N Roses album. “I’m hoping really soon. We’ve got songs left over from the Chinese Democracy sessions and we’ve recorded new songs within the past year. I think a lot of it really comes down to sorting out what’s what and what deserves the majority of our attention. There are a lot of really amazing songs that are either completed or near completion that have yet to be heard. I’ll say this, the fans would be surprised if they knew the full scope of our plans.” When asked if there was a favorite songs of his that has yet to be heard by the masses, he mentioned an older song that had been reworked in recent years titled ‘Parasitic Demon Mind’ [he was, however, quick to caution that] “it is only a working title and subject to change”.

During Guns N Roses 2012 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, you, Axl, and former Guns N Roses guitarist and co-founder Izzy Stradlin were noticeably absent. Was that a difficult decision and was there ever any intention on your part to attend the induction ceremony? [Reed paused for several seconds while gazing off in to the ocean before answering] “You know, the initial thoughts and feelings of such an accomplishment are those of utter joy. [Pause] Then you’re forced to come to terms with the actual reality of the situation. Like anything, Guns had its ups and downs throughout the years; the downs can be hard to forget. I know Axl worked really hard to please everybody, only to come to the conclusion that it wasn’t possible”. So, there was a point where you, Axl ,and maybe even Izzy had contemplated attending? "Believe it or not, it wasn’t something that Axl and I had even discussed until literally just a couple of weeks prior to the ceremony. He called me one afternoon, totally out of the blue, and explained his reasoning for choosing to decline the induction. He really did amazing expressing his decision, not to mention the potential consequences that were involved. I was sold immediately. When he said that “it’s time to move on”, I understood where he was coming from, agreed, and supported him. It IS time to move on from all that. When asked if he thought there was even the smallest possibility of Rose and Slash ever putting their rift aside, Reed opted not to even speculate on the matter.

[As far as Reed’s plans through the remainder of 2013 and into 2014] “I’m currently helping my daughter finish her debut album. To say how proud I am of her and what she’s been able to accomplish so early on would be an understatement. Other than that, to keep the utilities from being shut off, I’ll probably be resurrecting Hookers N Blow for some shows later this year. Obviously, Guns is the priority though. If I get the call saying “we’re ready”, I’ll be there with bells on".

Sorry for the derail, but does anyone know if he is out of rehab?

In-patient, yes. Out, no.

ok guys my buddy sent a message to the Chief editor of Rock Hard Magazine France. He replied today : There's no Fortus interview planned or published lately. End of the story.

Haha .. So, your "buddy" supposedly sent a message to the EIC, huh? Any chance this "buddy" has Santa's direct line too?

I hate to break it to all you naysayers, but you're going to feel pretty silly in the very near future, but regardless, I'll be professional and not bust your balls too bad. I assure you that BBA Inc has a very thorough background and reference check to ensure only the most accurate information is being reported.

Also, while I can't speak directly for Subs and HV, I believe that if they definitely thought that this interview was bogus, more than likely they would have either closed it or deleted it by now. Think about it.

I asked Richard about this on Facebook and here was his reply:

• Me

  Hey there Richard. I was on a fan forum for GNR today and read an interview that seemed a bit sketchy - the user who posted it claims that it's a non-released interview that you did with Hardrock Magazine - did you recently do one with them where you spoke about new guns in the RRHOF and a new record?
• 

  3:47am

  Richard Fortus

  new Guns in the RRHOF? Hardrock Magazine? Never heard of it. Sounds like some skullduggery to me

First and foremost, I have zero issue with anyone wanting to substantiate the interview, however; I do take issue with you citing things that I never claimed to be fact. 1) It was never stated that he spoke about Nu GNR being in the RRHOF. He was asked what he thought about the band's induction and whether there was ever any discussion of the current lineup showing up and/or playing. 2) Also, I never stated that he did this interview with Hard Rock Magazine. Another fallacy.

Again, I take no offense with you wanting to confirm this, but due to your misleading phrasing and outright misinformation, it's not surprising that Richard answered the way that he did.

I suggest waiting until August or whenever this is actually due for release and then you can determine whether or not that you were lied to or misled. Or, at the very least, provide Richard with accurate information in your question to him.

ROCKHARD: I certainly don’t mean to not respect your privacy or wishes Richard, but there are A LOT of fans (myself included) who would LOVE to know what’s going on with this album.

RF: I think most people tend think that when a band is ready, they go into a studio and begin recording their new material, but it’s not always that cut and dry. In our case, there’s a lot of outside interference that makes the jump from step b to step c longer than it would take most bands. I think mixing some of the tracks are also a part of the problem. Axl is fucking nuts.

I translated his answers into reality.

Personally, I found Richard's answer to this question to be the laziest of them all. If there are REALLY outside interferences holding up progress, just fucking lay them out. What are they and how are they preventing progress? The fans might not always have to jump to the conclusion that Axl is at fault if the actual interferences that they continuously speak of were actually spelled out. But then again, I'm sure them doing so would probably result in years of ugly, behind-the-scenes, legal aftermath (at least in Axl's mind).

Personally, and in all sincerity, I have always enjoyed Manets' imagination.