classicrawker

Slash knows Axl is right for countersuing (who wouldnt?!?) OR Slash simply didnt read why Axl is countersuing. Sabotage for a reunion amoung other offenses.

Since Slash commented on Axl not paying commissions it sounds like he has an idea what Axl is up to and it does not sound like he thinks Axl is justified........he had to put up with Axl's BS for many years so I imagine he is amused by the whole situation......same shit different day with Axl.....another day another law suit..............

Axl's suit makes a lot of unsubstantiated accusations which will be difficult to prove in court.............my guess is this settles before it goes to trial most likely not in Axl's favour..........he will be lucky to get out of this battle with a draw............but looking on the bright side maybe it will inspire him to write some new music...............

I really think some people think that Axl and Slash get up every morning and go through the internet trying to find out what each other are doing. Slash made a comment he has as much freedom of speech as anybody else in this country so get over it and quit trying to pick his comments apart. I doubt Axl cares about what Slash thinks about the law suit.

I would think all of Axl's fans would be more interested in focusing positive energy toward him and his legal team. The guy Axl is suing is the most powerful person in the music business in the US and I for one hope Axl wins this one. But it will not be easy if even possible. This guy has the money and resourses to keep Axl in court for the next 10 or so years. And for those of you that think this asshole only has power in the US think again. Big business always takes care of itself it has no borders.

'Big business always takes care of itself it has no borders.'

That sounded kinda good. A bit like the universe. That BIG.

The down side to all this is, its more sh-t for Axl's mind to deal with. The sooner it's delt with, the better.

It might be the latest / another reason for Axl not to appear on stage for a while.

Then again, he might appear on stage, just prove he can, with or without Azoff. It'll also be something to bitch about while on stage.

Hell, it'll even fill a chapter in the Axl Rose book, when it appears, which it will do, some day.

Geez I would love for Axl to write an autobiography someday...do you really think he would open up and actually do it?????....and would he be as open about his life as Slash was??....now that would be a book to read!!!

Really, couldn't the guy just say "No comment" and not stir the pot?

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=140442&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blabbermouth+%28Blabbermouth.net%27s+Daily+Headlines%29

He always has to get his 2 cents in... then throw in a disclaimer, so he doesn't look bad - " Anyways, I don't keep up with that, I don't follow it."

Or maybe it was because he was doing an interview and the reporter asked him the question.

I agree with Orsys on this one.

I'm not a Slash hater and I don't necessarily disagree with him, but this pisses me off. I don't see why he has to stick his nose into this.

Even if he was just asked a question he can jus say that he "doesn't know anything and no comment"...

Yeah he should just keep his mouth shut. It has nothing to do with him. He doesnt know the in's and out's of the whole thing.

It has everything to do with him.

Why is Axl counter-suing? Because someone tried to force him to work with Slash and Co. again.

The more you think about this case - the more interesting it becomes; I mean let's say that a little of what Axl is claiming is true.

How would Azoff, know that Slash, Duff, Izzy - would be willing to reunite again with Axl? He would only know, if at some point he either talked to or sent feelers out to Slash, Duff and Co.

It wouldn't suprise me if Slash knows more about what happen than we think - He could be involved!!!!

Perhaps, he might even have to testify.

Interesting theory Sunny...I like the way you think!

"Come, Watson, come! The game is afoot!!!!"

I really think some people think that Axl and Slash get up every morning and go through the internet trying to find out what each other are doing. Slash made a comment he has as much freedom of speech as anybody else in this country so get over it and quit trying to pick his comments apart. I doubt Axl cares about what Slash thinks about the law suit.

I would think all of Axl's fans would be more interested in focusing positive energy toward him and his legal team. The guy Axl is suing is the most powerful person in the music business in the US and I for one hope Axl wins this one. But it will not be easy if even possible. This guy has the money and resourses to keep Axl in court for the next 10 or so years. And for those of you that think this asshole only has power in the US think again. Big business always takes care of itself it has no borders.

+1, ................quoted for truth.....................

Slash blew off the cancer comment, it doesnt get classier than that. He doesnt need to be mum on a lawsuit if he has an opinion on that doesnt exactly favor Axl at this time. Reading the countersuit, cant say I dont disagree with Slash either. Axl made alot of accusations, now hell have to prove them. Good luck.

Ahhhh..........someone who finally gets it!.............

Yeah Slash is trying to curry favour with Azoff by making a passing comment on the lawsuit...sure thats it.....that Slash is a scheming calculated bastard always trying to get over on Axl..................I mean really the man was asked a question and he offered his opinion.....he is in the business and knows more than we do so if anyone is in a position to comment it would be him Yes??. I am still trying to figure out why Slash can't comment on anything Axl in all your opinions...as someone said Axl probably does not care so why do you??? and even if Axl does care why do you?????.................very curious..................

So Axl's feelings are going to be hurt because Slash was asked his opinion on the Azoff lawsuit and he did not take Axl's side in the issue......he is being mean to poor Axl..........wah wah wah............ so Slash gave his opinion .................who the fuck cares..........get over it..................

Aren't you a little troublemaker

Who said anything about Axl's feelings? Maybe couple of sensitive forum member's feelings got hurt but I doubt Axl cares what slash said.

Especially when he said basically nothing.

So Axl's feelings are going to be hurt because Slash was asked his opinion on the Azoff lawsuit and he did not take Axl's side in the issue......he is being mean to poor Axl..........wah wah wah............ so Slash gave his opinion .................who the fuck cares..........get over it..................

Where apart from your ass, did you get that from?

gave me a giggle

Just expressing my opinion like everyone else...don't like it don't read it........................

So Axl's feelings are going to be hurt because Slash was asked his opinion on the Azoff lawsuit and he did not take Axl's side in the issue......he is being mean to poor Axl..........wah wah wah............ so Slash gave his opinion .................who the fuck cares..........get over it..................

Where apart from your ass, did you get that from?

wah wah wah.............

So Axl's feelings are going to be hurt because Slash was asked his opinion on the Azoff lawsuit and he did not take Axl's side in the issue......he is being mean to poor Axl..........wah wah wah............ so Slash gave his opinion .................who the fuck cares..........get over it..................

/so much time wasted on legal stuff, and they can't even update their offical website.

Not sure if this is what you're getting at but according to Fernando, I think, they can't do that because of legal issues.

Good old irony.

Can't update their website due to legal issues??!!..........such high drama....................

Azoff's not going to "blacklist" GNR on the Ticketmaster end. That's like shooting himself in the foot.

WTF? Maybe in South America but not here in the US.

Actually, yes here in the U.S.

Stop thinking about how many tickets GN'R can sell, and start considering that the DOJ is actively watching Azoff, Ticket Master, and Live Nation. It ok'd the merger but said outright they'd be watching. If Azoff tries to black list an artist under any shady circumstances, based on dealings with his management group, he risks bring down all sorts of fire and brimstone on his already-under-scrutiny ass. This is likely what Axl's lawyers are hoping will happen - there were already massive questions about this merger creating one giant fucking monopoly. It's in Microsoft territory - it's anti-competitive - and if Axl's lawyers can prove that Azoff is using his power with Live Nation/Ticket Master to bully artists, well...

This is a much bigger issue than the 2/5 million bucks the lawsuit is actually over, depending on what comes to light.

Somehow I think if Azoff was worried that suing Axl would open a can of worms for him and bring down "all sorts of fire and brimestone" from the DoJ I doubt he would have done it for a piddly $2 million he is asking for.....

I read Axl suit and the charges are pretty vague IMHO so it will be interesting to see if his lawyers can prove any of his claims.....I do find it difficult to believe he can prove that Azoff tried to sabotage NuGnR to force a reunion unless current or former employees of Azoff's testify and there are written documents which incriminate Azoff if this case ever reaches court....

Azoff may not blacklist NuGnR but has the power to fuck with him behind the scenes.................Ticketmaster/Live Nation control 95% of the ticketing in the U.S. and have exclusive deals with most of the major concert venues here....in addition they also now own or operate over 70 Major venues directly. In other words you have to deal with TM/LN if you want to tour the U.S and make any money..........

Take a look at the DoJ case against the merger and ask yourself how in hell did Azoff ever pull that off??? Political connections thats how..........

http://www.justice.gov/atr/cases/f254500/254544.htm

These guys have incredible contacts and power........... Azoff was able to pull off the TM/LN merger which is a blatant monopoly so do you think he is worried that Axl's suit is going to bring down the DoJ's rath? Axl's countersuit is nothing more than a mosquito bite for these guys, it itchs for a short time and then it goes away...........

I am not defending Azoff by any means, and Axl may have some valid claims for restitution, but I am trying to look at this logically...People with Azoff's power and connections don't lose many battles and even if they lose a few they almost always win the war.......Mark my words nothing good will come of this suit for Axl............

Azoff's not going to "blacklist" GNR on the Ticketmaster end. That's like shooting himself in the foot.

However, I think it would be consistent with Axl to never book a gig as long as one of the companies that Azoff stands to profit.

Then he will limit his options as far as venues are concerned since Ticketmaster controls the tickets for many here in the U.S...........It is going to be hard enough for Axl to sell tickets if he tours here without alienating Ticketmaster.........

It's like this. Azoff or anyone else, despite any grudge or feelings etc, isn't going to ignore money. Axl and new GNR can still put people in seats. Would Azoff or anyone else rather have an empty venue, or an venue with something going on, whether it's a sell out or not?

The bottom line is that Axl Rose has a lot of pull. If he decided tomorrow he wanted to do any promotional activity he wished, they would have him immediately. He's like Michael Jackson. He could be on Leno, Letterman, Conan, 60 Minutes, covers of magazines etc. He can do whatever promotion he pleases.

So if Azoff did try to screw him and GNR out of playing in the US, all Axl has to do is self promote, and get interest going, and then he fills venues.

If Azofff thought NuGnR was still going to make him big money they would not be going to court right now.....................

NuGnR may be able to sell out Stadiums and Arenas overseas but those days are over here in the U.S...I am not sure how the last U.S. tour sold but go read the Classic Rock Article I posted on the 2001/2002 U.S. tour. According to Pollstar the Buckethead version of NuGnR averaged 8,660 tickets for the 15 shows on that ill fated tour so they were only half filling the Arenas they were playing...Unless Axl takes less money no promoter is going to make money with half filled arenas..............

I do agree that if Axl wanted to talk people would be scambling to book him but not because he has"pull" it would be because he is such a recluse and they would want to be the first to talk to him. Axl fans will take this as me bashing but I am just pointing out the obvious ...Slash fans are always taking shit to stop living in the past but Axl fans have to face the fact that it is not 1991 and Axl is not that big a deal in the U.S. anymore...........other than too us fans on this forum of course........

Never said Azoff would sit around plotting against Axl but I can see him having one of his underlings fucking with Axl if the opportunity presented itself........somehow I doubt Azoff worries about the "credibility factor" at this point in his career...Look at it this way if Axl's claims are true Azoff did not worry about credibility sabotaging ChiDem and Axl's tours now did he?? ..and again if he really did fuck with the recent NuGNR tours did that make him look like an ass? No because if what Axl claims is true nobody would have even known about it if Axl had not filed a counter suit.........Considering Axl's claim that Azoff stopped supporting him not sure how you justify that Azoff needs Axl as it does not seem like a smart business move on Azoff 's part to fuck over Axl if NuGnR is such a hot property........All your arguments seem to imply that Axl's suit has no merit since, according to you, Azoff would never do these things in order to avoid damaging his "credibility" and "not looking like an ass"...so I can assume you think Axl's countersuit has not merit as Azoff would never do these things as it is bad business and bad for his image??.............................. .with all due repect you truly are nieve in this case Zint..................

I don't think he's being naive. People are making out like Azoff is some unstoppable force who's going to make it his life's mission to fuck Axl Rose over. Zint is pointing out that it's highly unlikely he'd devote the time or the energy to this. Sure, things will be more difficult in the sense that Axl probably won't be using his companies for touring, ticketing or promotion, but it's highly unlikely he'll go significantly out of his way to actually prevent Axl from touring the US. One man doesn't control an entire industry. He arguably has too much power within it, sure - but not exclusive control. That's not necessarily discrediting what Axl's claimed in his suit - go have a read about anti-trust laws....

See what you don't get is if a band wants to successfully tour the U.S they have to deal with Ticketmaster if they want to play large venues Axl wants to play............Pearl Jam tried to fight Ticketmaster in the 90's and found out it was useless...Read this article if you still don't believe in Ticketmasters power..They have exclusive deals with many of the big venues in the States...If you don't use their service you don't play those venues...........

If Axl does not use them to sell tickets NuGnR will be playing State Fairs or theaters...............

http://www.4shared.com/document/lcwxGf9t/ticketmaster.html?

String Cheese Incident also tried to sue Ticketmaster in 2004 and they were just as unsuccesful..........

Never said Azoff would sit around plotting against Axl but I can see him having one of his underlings fucking with Axl if the opportunity presented itself

Apples-oranges man...you did say this

Azoff can fuck with Axl in ways we can't imagine. Ticketmaster has their tentacles in every facet of the music business....He can pressure promoters and venues not to book GnR here in the States and, with his power and connections, there are a million ways he can invisibly make Axl's professional life a living hell.......In the music business Azoff is the equivallent to the US Govt.....unlimited power and resources.............. Axl can fight him and may win a settlement but in the end he losses either way...he may win a small battle against Azoff but ultimately he will lose the war...................

somehow I doubt Azoff worries about the "credibility factor" at this point in his career

Then you're the one being naive.

Look at it this way if Axl's claims are true Azoff did not worry about credibility sabotaging ChiDem and Axl's tours now did he?? ..and again if he really did fuck with the recent NuGNR tours did that make him look like an ass? No because if what Axl claims is true nobody would have even known about it if Axl had not filed a counter suit.........Considering Axl's claim that Azoff stopped supporting him not sure how you justify that Azoff needs Axl as it does not seem like a smart business move on Azoff 's part to fuck over Axl if NuGnR is such a hot property........All your arguments seem to imply that Axl's suit has no merit since, according to you, Azoff would never do these things in order to avoid damaging his "credibility" and "not looking like an ass"...so I can assume you think Axl's countersuit has not merit as Azoff would never do these things as it is bad business and bad for his image??.............................. .with all due repect you truly are nieve in this case Zint..................

You've swayed from the point I was commenting on when I addressed you.

If you honestly think Azoff is going to spend anymore time on Axl Rose outside of the courts than he has to,you're the one looking at this with blinders on.

He's taken his business disagreements with Axl Rose to the courts,that's what business men do.

Axl has countersued...that's what happens.That's the way it works.

If you honestly think Azoff is going to go to promoters and arenas to prevent Axl Rose from touring the U.S. because of a pending lawsuit,at the risk of making himself look a laughing stock for doing so (think about it for a minute...really) than you have a unique perspective on the situation that I do not share.

Go back and read Lefsetz letter the man makes a lot of sense.....in this case we agree to disagree............

From the The Lefsetz Letter

--

Nobody wanted the album.

This is not a story of oppressed rock star sticks it to the man, this is a tale about an insane performer who's alienated not only his entire band, but every producer and manager he's ever worked with. By arguing over less than two million dollars, a couple of nights on the road, does Axl end up looking like he's got balls or that he should be committed to an insane asylum?

Let's just say Irving did everything Axl alleges. It's possible. You hear these stories in rock and roll. Are people gonna side with the diminutive businessman or the corn-rowed performer who got plastic surgery to close the VMAs?

Guns N' Roses put out one of the best hard rock albums of all time. "Appetite For Destruction" sold and sold, was featured in videos and still gets airplay today. Sure, the hit was "Sweet Child O' Mine", but come on, wasn't that riff in "Paradise City" amazing? The track built to a frenzy, driving you nuts. And when you heard "Mr. Brownstone", you believed it. This was not twenty first century posturing, where a fake image is manufactured to sell product to the kiddies, these guys lived it.

But the band could never follow it up. And ended up imploding.

The drummer may have been an addict, maybe he needed to go. But Izzy? The guy who added melody and texture to the songs? And by time Axl got rid of Slash, it was over. Saul is iconic, he was truly the other face of the band. And maybe if they called it Axl and..., or Bailey's Roses, or something with the leader in the title, the act could have survived. But this concoction of players was GNR in name only.

Not that the concoction did anything. Played a few gigs. Cancelled more. And supposedly worked on a new album, "Chinese Democracy".

What album's got a title YEARS before release? Isn't the title usually the last thing?

Axl would have been better off saying he shelved that record, making it an unreleased legend like "Smile", and then cutting another (or releasing the same damn work under a different name). Because by time it was finally released, people expected something in the neighborhood of "Appetite", and that was impossible.

But it was impossible for any new work to have the momentum and impact of "Appetite". It was twenty years later. MTV, the centralizing force, was dead. Radio was calcified. And the audience...was in its forties and had jobs and kids and couldn't stay at home all afternoon getting high to new music.

Times changed, but W. Axl Rose did not change with them.

And being the crybaby he is, he kept working on his album, firing people until...he ends up being managed by Irving Azoff.

Who stunningly not only makes a deal with Best Buy, but gets the album in stores.

Where no one wants it.

Best Buy advertises to high heaven. There's even publicity about leaks, which drives sales. But only if the music is good.

And in this case, no one said "Chinese Democracy" was great, and few said it was good, and the shelf life of a project that does not gain legs is...very brief today. Watched that remake of "We Are The World" recently?

But Axl got paid. Or maybe the label got paid. Someone got paid, because Best Buy wrote a check up front. And ended up losing a ton of cash. Then again, they got some people in the store. But on a selling records basis, Best Buy got fleeced. Notice the Minnesota company hasn't done any high profile exclusives since? (And hell, maybe they have, and I just haven't heard about them, proving my point...the paradigm is DEAD!)

But it's the manager's fault. It's always the manager's fault.

So what does the manager do? What everybody in the world wants him to do. Lobbies for Axl to put the original band back together and rape and pillage financially around the world. Didn't Irving create this paradigm, with the Eagles back in '94? Play your hits live for TV, sell an album thereof and then charge a fortune on the endless tour?

Maybe Irving didn't propose this. Then again, he was always eager to get Steve Perry back with Journey, so the story sounds real.

Maybe Irving stopped taking Axl's phone calls when he wouldn't play ball. Maybe Irving sabotaged him. You get in bed with the devil and you live with the consequences. But unlike a Mike Curb deal, Axl wasn't bound to Irving, he could leave. And did!

And now won't pay commissions on a South American tour.

Why? Did Irving not earn the money? Were the gigs not set up under his aegis? Axl is trying to prove a point. Which is?

That he's truly mentally ill? He's mad at Irving for using his real name? Hell, Axl loves Elton, who eventually put out a new album entitled "Reg Strikes Back".

And Axl may not ever go back to being Bill Bailey, but everybody knows he'll eventually reform the original Guns N' Roses and go on the road. That's what bands do. The only reason the original Pink Floyd won't reform is because David Gilmour is so fucking rich, having toured stadiums without Roger Waters as Pink Floyd. Waters sued, but he lost. Waters is dying to reunite the band, everybody on the inside knows this, but Gilmour won't do it, won't give Waters the satisfaction, he's already got his fuck you money. But Slash, Izzy and Duff don't have fuck you money. They'll go on the road giving the lion's share of the money to Axl just like Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit take a back seat to Don Henley and Glenn Frey. Sure, Henley can work alone. But he can't make that much coin. And as time marches on, Axl's grosses will continue to decline. And everybody needs money. Then what?

Sure, Axl's got Henley beat, he can tour under the band's name. Still...

A public figure's got no upside in picking a fight with a business insider. People have got no idea who Irving Azoff is, and they don't really care. They like GaGa, not Iovine. The person out front is the attraction. And by picking a fight for a paltry sum, Axl actually hurts his career. People go to see the train-wreck once, but how many times will they com back around to see Axl and some nobodies?

Rock and roll is a business. Irving was doing his job. Which he wants to get paid for. He was looking out for Axl Rose's best interests. Isn't that what he's supposed to do?

Discuss

An industry insider who sees the whole situation for what it is............his letter pretty much sums it up.......................

Yeah right and based on Azoff filing his suit using Axl's birth name and some of his wiseass comments from him and his lawyer in the press there is no animosity there.

Oh hey...I didn't claim there wasn't animosity...are we really discussing whether there is animosity??

You are being nieve if you don't think Azoff can and would fuck with Axl if he pisses him off

Perhaps I'd be naive if I didn't believe he has the power to fuck with Axl Rose.

I simply stated I don't think he's going to spend his days trying crush the mighty Axl Rose-bug under his greedy,sweaty little palm with his voracious God-infused powers.

It wouldn't make good business sense from a credibility factor.

ChiDem did not sell here as expected and NuGnR is not a stadium, or even an Arena, filling act here in the States anymore.

So why would Azoff spend his days making himself look like an ass trying to prevent GnR from touring the U.S.?

It is not 1991 anymore and Axl needs Azoff a lot more than Azoff needs Axl these days

I terms of what apparantly went down,seems quite the contrary.

Never said Azoff would sit around plotting against Axl but I can see him having one of his underlings fucking with Axl if the opportunity presented itself........somehow I doubt Azoff worries about the "credibility factor" at this point in his career...Look at it this way if Axl's claims are true Azoff did not worry about credibility sabotaging ChiDem and Axl's tours now did he?? ..and again if he really did fuck with the recent NuGNR tours did that make him look like an ass? No because if what Axl claims is true nobody would have even known about it if Axl had not filed a counter suit.........Considering Axl's claim that Azoff stopped supporting him not sure how you justify that Azoff needs Axl as it does not seem like a smart business move on Azoff 's part to fuck over Axl if NuGnR is such a hot property........All your arguments seem to imply that Axl's suit has no merit since, according to you, Azoff would never do these things in order to avoid damaging his "credibility" and "not looking like an ass"...so I can assume you think Axl's countersuit has not merit as Azoff would never do these things as it is bad business and bad for his image??.............................. .with all due repect you truly are nieve in this case Zint..................

Azoff can fuck with Axl in ways we can't imagine.

He's dealing with him as he sees fit.

He's fully aware he's being observed as to how he handles this on a professional level.

He can pressure promoters and venues not to book GnR here in the States and, with his power and connections.

"Don't book Axl Rose/GnR or my acts will never work with you as a promoter,and I'll never book anything in your arena ever again!"

Look...he's dealing with Axl in the courts over legal matters as he sees fits.

That's how the business works.

I doubt he's going to engage in lowbrow tactics.It would be laughable at his expense on too many levels.

There are a million ways he can invisibly make Axl's professional life a living hell.......In the music business Azoff is the equivallent to the US Govt.....unlimited power and resources.............. Axl can fight him and may win a settlement but in the end he losses either way...he may win a small battle against Azoff but ultimately he will lose the war...................

Some of you need to relax..

The guy has a business to run...he's not spending his days holed up in his office wringing his evil claws devising delicously evil ways to thwart an American GnR tour.

As a business man,do you pull laughable stunts that will clearly make you look like an assclown,or do you deal with the business aspects of your claims in the court of law?

Yeah right and based on Azoff filing his suit using Axl's birth name and some of his wiseass comments from him and his lawyer in the press there is no animosity there...The entertainment business is run by big egos and people get fucked over all the time by pissing off the wrong person who has power........You are being nieve if you don't think Azoff can and would fuck with Axl if he pisses him off........

You are right Azoff is a busineess man and would probably be kissing Axl's ass if the he knew he could make big money off of NuGnR here in the U.S. but that is not the case anymore...ChiDem did not sell here as expected and NuGnR is not a stadium, or even an Arena, filling act here in the States anymore....It is not 1991 anymore and Axl needs Azoff a lot more than Azoff needs Axl these days..................

In regards to the U.S tour, look at this way.

Would Azoff really try and make things difficult for the band in terms of touring when that is the same exact thing he is being accused of in this lawsuit, do you really think he would be that stupid? Needless to say this case means people will be watching Azoff to see if he really is exploiting his power, all it will take is for Azoff to make one intentional move that will harm Guns for Axl to come out to the court and those involved saying "I told you so."

If anything this should mean Azoff will be a good boy and let things run as smoothly as possible.

For the sake of the American fans I hope Azoff wont give into any petty emotions.

Azoff can fuck with Axl in ways we can't imagine. Ticketmaster has their tentacles in every facet of the music business....He can pressure promoters and venues not to book GnR here in the States and, with his power and connections, there are a million ways he can invisibly make Axl's professional life a living hell.......In the music business Azoff is the equivallent to the US Govt.....unlimited power and resources.............. Axl can fight him and may win a settlement but in the end he losses either way...he may win a small battle against Azoff but ultimately he will lose the war...................

Karma is a bitch.

Yup. Hopefully for Slash fans, Azoff ruins Axl so badly he can never tour again

And how would this be a win for Slash fans?? You implying that all Slash fans hate Axl and want him to fail...Your assumption is incorrect...............

In regards to the U.S tour, look at this way.

Would Azoff really try and make things difficult for the band in terms of touring when that is the same exact thing he is being accused of in this lawsuit, do you really think he would be that stupid? Needless to say this case means people will be watching Azoff to see if he really is exploiting his power, all it will take is for Azoff to make one intentional move that will harm Guns for Axl to come out to the court and those involved saying "I told you so."

If anything this should mean Azoff will be a good boy and let things run as smoothly as possible.

For the sake of the American fans I hope Azoff wont give into any petty emotions.

Azoff can fuck with Axl in ways we can't imagine. Ticketmaster has their tentacles in every facet of the music business....He can pressure promoters and venues not to book GnR here in the States and, with his power and connections, there are a million ways he can invisibly make Axl's professional life a living hell.......In the music business Azoff is the equivallent to the US Govt.....unlimited power and resources.............. Axl can fight him and may win a settlement but in the end he losses either way...he may win a small battle against Azoff but ultimately he will lose the war...................

Axl WILL NOT win this lawsuit. His allegations are a reach as if they were jammed into the system with a crow bar. It's so subjective, how will he able to prove any of this?

This should go to Judge Judy.

Not that I know anymore then anyone else but it seems like a defensive reaction to Azoff's original lawsuit....I am not a lawyer but seems like a smart legal manuver on Axl's lawyer's part in the short term to get both sides talking...I would be very surprised if this sees much time in court...............

Old Classic Rock article uploaded about the touring problems back in 2000-2002

http://www.4shared.com/account/dir/2Rv8fW5a/sharing.html?rnd=94

You can also download the 5 other articles already uploaded......

More to follow as time allows

Azoff controls the U.S. tour market through Ticketmaster............Could be the reason GnR have not announced a tour here in the U.S.?............

I know some here think the band can thrive with out the U.S. market but this is where the money is.................Axl may have bitten off more than he can chew here going after Azoff.....

Well winning a $5 million lawsuit may well cover some of that lost money.....

Your assuming he will win the lawsuit which given Azoff's industry connections and power and virtually unlimited financial resources will be difficult....................Best case scenario for Axl is to get Azoff to settle...worst case is Azoff drags this through the courts for years bleeding Axl with legal fees and fucking with him when he tries to tour here... Behind the scenes Azoff could make it very difficult to tour here..........

I seem to remember when Pearl Jam tried to take on Ticketmaster back in the 90's?, I am doing this on memory so someone please correct me if I have this wrong, but I believe they were trying to find a different way to distribute tickets to cut out Ticketmaster and found out that TM had exclusive ticket distribution deals with many top venues here in the States so Pearl Jam could not book the venues if they didn't use Ticketmaster...I don't know if this is still true but if it is Axl may have a hard time touring here if Azoff wants to make things difficult for him..........I admire your support for Axl but don't underestimate the power and reach of Azoff................

Azoff controls the U.S. tour market through Ticketmaster............Could be the reason GnR have not announced a tour here in the U.S.?............

I know some here think the band can thrive with out the U.S. market but this is where the money is.................Axl may have bitten off more than he can chew here going after Azoff.....