Blackstar

And psychology and human nature

Going by the narrow definition of what consists creation (making something original), AI doesn't create art (or anything else) nor is it a tool for creating art. AI is something new, so the debate about whether it can be used as a creative tool is new as well. But the debate, in general, about what can be considered a product of creativity and, by extension, art goes way back and it applies to a lot of other stuff, including modern visual art. Does someone who relies on the use of existing original works/concepts to make something new create art? Or is it just derivative? For example: Does a collage consist art? Did Andy Warhol make art? And how about the Kostabi painting that became the artwork of UYI? Or the GN'R lithographs that use classic paintings, movie posters etc. as basis replacing some key elements in the originals with GN'R themed stuff (skeletons, skulls, roses etc). I suppose it depends on whether there is an artistic purpose and process. A collage made of family photos is not the same as a collage made by a visual artist. And I think it's not much different with AI.

(Educating myself)

It has been discussed before. Sounds fake to me.

Could be. Like I said, I don't know...

I don't know, maybe it's supposed to symbolize something, like, for example, that everyone has a "monster" and a child inside them.

Are we sure that all this is just random AI generated stuff and not part of a concept (even if it's a bad one) realized with the help of AI?

That era (like any given era) was not a monoculture. November Rain, both the song and the music video were successful because they were crossover hits that reached audiences beyond the rock contingent. But that doesn't necessarily mean that they gelled well with the more rock oriented crowd (which, even then, was not the larger portion of the general modern music audience). Speaking for myself, an Elton John inspired ballad and a music video about a rockstar's wedding were the last things I was looking for at that time. Over the years I got to appreciate the song a lot more - it's a great song - but I still consider the video cringy, although I understand why it was successful and is still loved by so many people.

I get what you're saying. But other than being a more "proper" music video (than what GN'R are doing), this Stones video is not what I'd like GN'R to do. I'm not saying, of course, that what GN'R are doing is better, but I wouldn't use the Stones video as an example of what they could/should do. Moreover, The General is a song with a heavy subject matter, not an upbeat, "party" song, and a cliche'd rock 'n' roll music video with people rocking out to the music wouldn't fit. I think that an animated kind of storyline is actually a good idea for a music video for this song, the use of AI to make it not so much. However, the problem for me (if the full version of the video is bad, that is) lies more in the quality and aesthetic of the work of this company (Creative Works) in general, regardless of whether it's made with the help of AI or not, judging from the visuals they have made for the live shows. They have this video game aesthetic that is not to my liking. The hyping up is just a common promotion trick that PR companies use. I'm not suggesting that everyone should be excited and over the moon about this - I'm not super excited myself. But I see no reason to be so negative about something the band releases either, either, especially since it hasn't even been released yet.

Generally yes, but he probably had heard something about a video in December when the song was released (that's when the screenshot is from).

Yeah, he said that in the Eddie Trunk interview in 2006.

Also this article: https://www.a-4-d.com/t2899-1988-12-dd-musician-if-guns-n-roses-are-outlawed-only-outlaws-will-have-guns-n-roses

Yeah, I suppose the "whiteness" was meant to symbolize some kind of spiritual state, but that whole scene was pretty ridiculous.

Yeah, the trilogy videos are loved and have become kind of iconic now to a lot of people, but at the time I thought they were cringy, too (especially November Rain). And all the rockstar stuff with Axl getting out of his mansion and heading to his limo followed by a bunch of "servants" dressed in white was not the coolest thing then.

You "sound" even younger than this demographic.

My guess is it will be about 50-50 live footage and AI stuff. I'm sure it's just the video. It wouldn't make sense to release a music video for a song that came out a while ago and also release a new single without a video (but of course it's GN'R etc.).

Well, the reaction to The Ritz 91 wasn't all positive when it was announced and the YCBM video was released. I remember a few people being certain (or considering it a serious possibility) that the whole blu-ray would be edited like the video (which they also thought was compiled from different shows)

The fact that the video has been made with AI is indeed off-putting,. But other than that, yeah, many of the comments are as exaggerated and over-dramatic as usual, considering it's only a teaser they're reacting to. And I'm not even sure I get what the overly negative reaction has been about (besides the AI). That they don't make music videos that are on par with the trilogy videos? That they don't spend enough money on it? And the problem with the kid's changing hat is the concept itself or that it's poorly made?

I think Slash didn't like Great White. Axl didn't have a problem with the Great White guys, but didn't like the fact that Niven managed them and the way that interfered with his managing GN'R. At one point in the video Axl and Jack Russell make a toast to Niven and wish him merry Christmas. Someone should send it to him

09. AUGUST-DECEMBER 1988: LIES AND THE SPOTLIGHT - SEPTEMBER 17, 1988: TEXAS STADIUM (a-4-d.com)

Recently shared on fb. I don't think it has been shared before. Apparently from a Christmas party at Gazzarri's. Axl improvises Santa Claus Is Coming To Town with Jack Russell of Great White, Bill Gazzarri (owner of the club), a band called Belgium (I think) and a bunch of others. From 15 min. mark: https://www.facebook.com/1042294180/videos/1024843291918061/ For those who don't have facebook

I'll wait to see the full thing before I pass judgement.

I didn't know about past tension between Beta and Sasha either. It seems they're on good terms now though. I remember Sasha posting on Beta's IG at the time of the release of Absurd and arguing with fans who were saying that it wasn't a new song.

Doug Goldstein was talking about Alan Niven casting black magic spells. He wasn't around for what happened with the Brazilian girl (that was in 2012).