andy-robertson

Hell yeah, put me down for the London O2!!!

I'm sure Axl and Slash could give a shit what you guys think.

Please please please watch this, learn and spread the word to your friends.

;-)

there's a veritable smorgasbord of the snacks n refreshments back there.

However, in the 21st century GN'R tours, the cup of cubed ham, pepperoni pizza (for throwing around) and rib-eye steak dinner in the backstage area are noticeable by their absence...

Is that you need, bitches?

GREAT QUALITY here!

Haha, imagine being the guy who walks past the camera at about 0:20.... Pops to grab a couple of beers after the previous song and then while they're being poured he just hears "What we've got here..." (If indeed they actually had the Cool Hand Luke intro - did they?) *SHIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTT!!!!!*

This has just totally rocked an otherwise cold, boring Monday morning at work... Loving this tour so far, just hope they come back to the UK soon enough! Maybe Hyde Park in July for the Hard Rock Calling? Hopeful, but I think given the lateness of their appearances and the fact it's an outdoor event (with stricter curfew regulations) might deter the promoters... Still, fingers crossed!

To be fair, and with no disrespect to the other members, I think DJ has been a huge influence on the way this band has interacted with fans. He's constantly updating with pictures and tweets/posts from the road, and seems to be loving what he's doing. He obviously knows how to play the social media game, given his Facebook and Twitter followings, and let's not forget about Ashba Media, the company that he founded in 2003. I don't think it's too much of a stretch to assume that if there is a new site on the way, then Ashba Media will be involved in some way shape or form.

I can't believe Pearl Jam isn't on that list

Could not agree more. If you're talking sheer atmosphere and connection to the band, they're the best I've seen. Even being quite far back at the O2 Arena a couple of years ago it felt like it was a small intimate show. Lot of love at those concerts.

lol Jo$h Free$e

Why the hell not? He's a session drummer, which means you go where the work is. If your skill is valued at a certain market price that fluctuates, you sell your skill or service at the best price you can at the time. People seem to forget that whilst people are musicians, they still have to earn a living and provide for a family. And who is to say that hard rock is his favourite genre of music anyway? Just because he's very good at it, it doesn't neccesarily make it the one he likes the most - for all any of us know, he might be a big fan of pop-punky music that Paramore make.

And anyway, shouldn't this thread be in the 'Old Gunners' section?

No mention for Eddie Vedder either :-(

None of us know his financial status and really, who cares, he's in a position to still play (and make) music, that's what I care about.

I don't believe he dislikes the new guys. They are hired guns, if he didn't like them he could replace them and they seem to have a great time together. Again, who knows what's gone on behind closed doors but I just don't think this is likely.

Frank being fired.....well, people being fired and re-hired seems to be a trend on the rumor mill but again, who knows.

I have no trouble believing that Pearla was an issue with VR or that Slash's wife was an issue with Guns for that matter. Still just speculation but...believable.

Who knows really. I guess if Axl sells his house and reunites with the old band we will know this gossip was right on but I wouldn't hold my breath. Just be happy they are active in touring, looks like North American dates are on the way and talks of new recording have happened. That's a lot of good news.

I understand what you mean, a lot of it doesn't add up to what we've seen on stage, DJ's recent comments about a new album etc, but I'm literally the messenger, and I'm passing on what my friend who has been involved with GNR recently told me.

To be honest, I was just as interested to hear what everyone on here thought of what I'd heard, and if any of that matched up with any other 'inside' info that people may have. I think I've been pretty open about the whole situation, stating that whilst I trust my source, I don't know how valid the information he's been fed is. I also understand that, like a lot of people have said, the rumour-mill probably spins round a lot faster amongst the touring crew, as they'll be privvy to a lot more incidents and snippets of information than we are, but they can easily be taken out of context and/or misinterpreted and then the whole thing snow-balls.

Either way, I thought I'd share my findings with all of you, and I guess I also wanted everyone's opinion on it as truthfully, I wasn't sure what to make of it myself.

Anyway, thanks for not completely flaming me!

Whilst I haven't got 10,000 posts like some people, I have been on these forums fo a good 8 years now, and those that can be arsed to look through my previous posts will see that in general (apart from the odd drunken outburst every now and then!), I'm a pretty level headed guy, and above all, a FAN of the band. I don't go around spreading rumours, I'm just passing on what I heard.

See, I don't want to shit on you, because of what I quoted, but to me all this seems highly unlikely. Posting that kind of stuff is not a good thing to, especially that Axl hates the band. Looking at their interaction on stage, reading what the guys say about the life backstage and inbetween gigs, it just doesn't add up. Maybe Axl had some outbursts where he claimed he hates them or whatever, as he isn't really known to be a levelheaded guy, but after all this story by your friend just doesn't make sense to me.

Still this is not a dig at you, man.

Spoon, my bit about '10,000 posts' wasn't aimed at anyone in particular, I was just making the point about myself being someone who generally only posts when I think I have something relevant and thoughtful to say.

I don't see why I shouldn't post these things, as they have come from, in my mind, a credible source (althought I admit, he is a second hand source), and let's be honest, it's more interesting and relevant than the moustache thread!

And no worries pal, I'm not taking any of this personally, I was rather shocked myself when he told me those things on Saturday night. And besides, I could never get angry with a man who has an Eddie Vedder avatar! B)

Some things are plausible, but a few gaping holes.

So he's doing it for the money, he's broke, and he hates the band.

Then why not play with the other band you hate and make a half billion?

Yeah, you make a very good point. But maybe it's an ego thing? I suppose it's a bit of a stand-off situation, and if Axl were to concede if you will, it'd be a big knock to the man's ego, and we all know he's not one to back down or be coerced into doing something not to his liking. I don't know, that's purely conjecture on my part.

Re: the half billion - my friend just said that that's what he heard is on the table for a reunion. I don't know if that's the projected net takings from a tour/album package, or if that's the band fee for reuniting - either way I don't think he meant that that is how much Axl would make personally. So realisitically it would still be somewhere in the region on $100,000,000+/- for each band member... Again, I don't really know how these things work when a band is offered a figure for a tour or a record deal, I'd imagine there are a fair few people that will have to be paid along the way. But still, a large sum of money indeed.

i wonder if andy-robertson even believe that shit himself

Well if you read the last part of my post again, I said that I highly doubt that my friend is knowingly lying to me (he's not like that), but I did question the validity of HIS sources. He was just passing on the things he's heard from people much more knowledgable than any of us on these matters. A lot of the guys on the crew have been with GNR for many years (ie, during the UYI tours etc), and whilst it may look on the face of it that there is every chance of a reunion, he did say afterwards that "it all depends on the Ginger One, and I personally can't see it happening".

So like I say, I believe that my friend DID hear/see all of the things that I mentioned above, it just remains to be seen if HIS sources/friends are accurate. Either way, I thought it was an interesting perspective from an 'insider' of sorts, and something that people on here might want to hear about.

I don't want to come on here and get called a bull$h1tter, hence why I was quite clear on using words/phrases like 'apparently', and 'from what HE's heard' and 'I trust him, but don't know HIS sources'. Whilst I haven't got 10,000 posts like some people, I have been on these forums fo a good 8 years now, and those that can be arsed to look through my previous posts will see that in general (apart from the odd drunken outburst every now and then!), I'm a pretty level headed guy, and above all, a FAN of the band. I don't go around spreading rumours, I'm just passing on what I heard.

Personally, I'm undecided. As much as I'd love to see an Axl/Slash reunion (was too young first time around), I'd still be perferctly happy with the current band touring and releasing material, and seeing Slash/VR on their own.

It's a nice idea, but I doubt it would ever happen. Doesn't mean that what my friend told me is untrue.

Now, I heard some veeeeeeeeeerryy interesting things at the weekend. A friend of mine works for GNR - I can't say any more than that - and was on the tour. Well I saw him on Saturday, and told him how much fun I had at Birmingham etc, and he said sorry for not meeting up then, but he's got me some cool stuff from the tour (Ashba guitar picks etc). Anyway, so I ask him for all of the dirt and any interesting stories.

Apparently...

Frank was fired after the first night of the tour, then reinstated the next day. (My friend also says that he's a really nice guy, same goes for DJ).

Axl (or 'The Ginger One' as all the crew refer to him) absolutely hates the band and doesn't care for them.

Axl is competely broke and is going to have to sell his house, and this tour was a way of making back money lost on the last one - at this point I asked him if they were actually making any money after all of the late fees and he just rolled his eyes.

Axl also 'fired' 5 guys on the production crew after some sort of mishap, but they were then immediately reinstated as only the Production Manager can make that decision.

Now here is where it gets really interesting...

Duff appearing at the O2 was in fact planned, and basically a way of testing the water for a reunion, or at least for getting Slash and Duff back in the band. I mentioned how I'd seen Izzy play with them at Download, but apparently when Izzy came off stage he said "This'll never fucking work" or words to that effect.

The 'public' perception, or the stories that are all in the media about the Slash/Axl rift, are apparently 'murky' at best. Apparently the main problem wasn't actually between Axl and Slash, but between Axl and SLASH'S WIFE. My friend said that when the news broke about Slash and Perla getting divorced, all of the crew were dancing around like they'd won the lottery, as that pretty much opened the door for a possible return to GNR by Slash = megabucks tour, and lots of work for them.

Oh, and the amount of money on the table for a reunion is staggering.... HALF A BILLION apparently.

So, take from that what you will. I've known this source for many many years, and is a good family friend, although I obviously can't vouch for where he gets all of his info from. So I believe that he is telling me the truth in terms of what he has seen/heard, but whether or not his sources are 100% reliable is not to my knowledge.

Whether or not any of this comes about is anyone's guess, but I thought I'd share this with everyone.

Well, I'm by no means an established critic or reviewer, but it's something I've been trying to get into (journalism/music journalism), and I have had my first piece published. And as luck would have it, it's a GNR concert review!

I've tried to be as objective as possible, and it is after all a critique of the event, not just a report saying that each song was great and the band sounded hot, because the lateness does have a detrimental effect on the evening if you have to rely on public transport. And whilst someone above mentioned that he's bored of hearing reviewers start off with the time issues, here's a thought - the paying concert-goers are bored of having to wait every time they want to see this band. And mentioning it does have it's place in a review. If you were leaving feedback about a restaurant for example, and the service was slower than reasonably acceptable, you'd put that in your review - "the food was delicious and well presented when it arrived, but it took an age for it to appear from the kitchen." If you were planning an evening out, a first date perhaps, and were looking for somewhere to take her, you'd be appreciative of that sort of information when looking at where to go for dinner.

Anyway... I've starting ranting again!! Back to my point - here's my review from Birmingham. It's a positive review because it was a brilliant concert. However it's also a critical evaluation of the evening and performance, which is why I had to mention the lateness, as it WILL be a factor for people to consider when thinking of going to see them.

Anyway, let me know what you think of the review in terms of linguistic craft and balance of arguement etc.

http://www.hitthefloor.co.uk/genres/rock/review-guns-n-roses-birmingham-lg-arena-171010/

Good evening Gunners...

Well, at the very last minute I decided to go up to Birmingham to see the show, and after what amounted to be a 330 mile round trip and about 6 hours of driving in total, I couldn't have been happier with myself! I also offered to write a review for this online entertainments magazine; something I heard about after meeting a couple of it's staff in the Guest Area at Reading Festival this year, and partying with them for the whole weekend.

Anyway... It's finally been published, so please check it out and give me your honest feedback about the writing style etc, as I'm trying to forge a career in media/journalism/PR etc, so any constructive is greatly appreciated!!

Enjoy:

My Birmingham Review

rock1

I thought Tool were about to start work on a new album? But then I also saw that A Perfect Circle are doing some tour dates in the US in the next couple of months...?

Would be very excited to hear a new Tool record, haven't seen them live for about 3 years. But a project with Chris and Danny sounds mega... Maybe they'll do this while Maynard is off with APC, and when GNR take a rest after finishing a lengthy tour.

Come to think of it, an album featuring members of Tool and GNR would be insane. Adam Jones in one of my favourite guitarists, and I think Axl would appreciate the lengths that band go to in terms of songwriting and composition.

We can but dream!

Axl - x5 GNR

Dizzy - x5 GNR

Tommy - x5 GNR +1 solo show

Richard - x5 GNR

Chris - x5 GNR

Robin - x3 GNR + 1 NIN show

Bumblefoot - x4 GNR

Brain - x3 GNR

Frank - x2 GNR

DJ Ashba - x2 GNR

Buckethead - x1 GNR

Izzy - x1 GNR

Josh Freese - x1 (w/Weezer)

---------

Slash - x3 VR, +1 solo show (and also guesting for Lemmy, but it was the same day... does that count?!)

Duff - x3 VR (also met him prior to a VR show)

Matt - x3 VR

Thanks Stevo!

For those that are interested, this is the final draft that I submitted - hopefully it should be online within 24 hours or so, and I'll post a link when it is up.

Anyway, my condensed review of Sunday night for publication:

Guns N’ Roses – Birmingham LG Arena, 17th October 2010

By Andrew Robertson

In Axl Rose, we have a front man who is both incredible and infuriating in equal measures. If the man changed the batteries in his watch as often as he changed his guitarists, he would be unparalleled. As it happens, Guns N’ Roses didn’t take to the stage until 9:56pm, but once on, they delivered.

As the band thrashed out the opening riffs of Chinese Democracy, a silver-jacketed Axl Rose stormed to the front of the stage, belting out the lyrics with all the venom and vigour of his 20-something year old former-self, accompanied by a salvo of pyrotechnic blasts. Following on swiftly from this, Welcome To The Jungle had the whole house dancing to Axl’s beat, and when he belted out the line “I wanna hear you scream!” the audience happily obliged. Close your eyes and it was the late 80s. But it is not the late 80s, and neither Slash nor Duff are in the band anymore.

However, this was far from a bunch of session musicians getting on stage and giving a run of the mill performance of their inherited back catalogue littered with some self-composed tunes. There was a real swagger from the band, as if to say, “we’re not the original guys, but we’re here, and we’re going to give you one hell of a show”. And do that they did. The next two hours saw a set filled with classics, mixed with new cuts from Chinese Democracy. Several tracks in, and it was time for one of the ‘big guns’. As the melody of Sweet Child O’ Mine swirled around the LG Arena, Axl re-emerged in fresh attire to serenade the thousands before him – much to their delight. The band was in full swing, and making a great fist of the songs. Given the flow of heavy-weight rock tunes such as Mr. Brownstone, Live And Let Die, You Could Be Mine et al, it is easy to forget that Axl Rose has a softer side. Taking to the piano, the grandiose of 1991’s Use Your Illusion albums was supremely replicated, with an epic performance of GNR’s greatest power ballad - November Rain. Axl poured his heart out through some spine-tingling vocals as the band’s three guitarists each capably took the reins on a solo, with Ron Thal shredding out the incendiary outro, flanked by some sizzling pyrotechnics.

Latter highlights included a rendition of Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door much more akin to the Bob Dylan original, albeit with a subtly crafted Hendrixian intro from Richard Fortus. There was even room for audience participation, with Rose and the crowd taking turns in singing the refrain, and as the band ripped through Nightrain, the main set reached a frenetic climax.

As an encore, we were served a blistering cover of AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie, which moved into a finale that was both musically and visually stunning. Just after midnight Guns N’ Roses kicked into overdrive for the double-time outro of Paradise City, as a mixture of pyrotechnics and confetti canons filled the air of the LG Arena to the joyous rapture of (what was left of) the enthralled audience.

What started years ago as essentially a collection of cherry-picked session musicians to record one man’s vision, and replicate it live, has evolved into an actual band, who are technically just as capable as their predecessors, and are now carrying the Guns N’ Roses name with the respect and dignity it deserves. Just somebody please, for the love of God, buy that man a watch. Or put his clock forward two hours, whichever is easier.

Hi everyone...

After feeling somewhat unfulfilled by their Reading performance (to be fair, I was hammered and can't really remember it!!), I decided on Friday night that I would drive up to Birmingham and get my GN'R fill. In short - awesome!! I also offered to review the concert for this online magazine that a friend of mine works for, so I finally got round to dumping my thoughts into a MS Word Document this afternoon. This is the first draft, and most in-depth version of my review, where I basically got all of the words out of my system (ca. 1,700), but the final article I had to whittle down to around 600 words, and that should hopefully go online tomorrow. I'll post a link to that as and when it is published.

Anyway, whilst this is faaaaaaaaar too long for an actual gig review, this is my first attempt at proper music journalism, so please, any constructive criticism it greatfully received. I've tried to be as objective as possible, so my comments at the bottom re: timings etc are aimed at the general masses, not die-hard GNR fans.

Take it as you will, and all feedback is received with thanks.... Please read and give me your comments!!

Guns N’ Roses – LG Arena Birmingham

17.10.2010

By Andrew Robertson

Setlist:

Chinese Democracy

Welcome To The Jungle

It’s So Easy

Mr. Brownstone

Sorry

Shackler’s Revenge

Richard Fortus guitar solo (James Bond theme)

Live And Let Die

This I Love

Rocket Queen

Dizzy Reed piano solo (Ziggy Stardust)

Street Of Dreams

You Could Be Mine

DJ Ashba guitar solo (Ballad Of Death)

Sweet Child O’ Mine

Band jam (Pink Floyd), Axl Rose piano solo (Elton John)

November Rain

Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal guitar solo (Pink Panther Theme)

Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door

Nightrain

------

Madagascar

Whole Lotta Rosie (AC/DC cover)

Paradise City

Review:

Guns N’ Roses. A name synonymous with controversy, both in terms of their music and their behaviour. After their frankly tardy, and albeit too brief appearance at this year’s Reading Festival, Axl Rose & Co had some making up to do in the eyes of this reviewer. The slated start time for the headline band’s set at Birmingham’s LG Arena was 20:45. In a rather fitting twist of irony, my accomplice and I were still battling with the M40 at this time, nervously joking with each other about how this is the one time that it would be convenient for the reclusive rock legend to have one of his trademark ‘I’ll go on stage when I damn well feel like it’ moments.

It would appear that luck was on our side that evening, as we found ourselves plenty of time to park the car, get in and grab a rather conveniently sized two-pint cup of cider [other venues take note – these are a revelation], and find our plush, leather seats situated to the right hand side of the stage. The standing area was packed out, as was most of the seated section with the exception of a few unoccupied pockets towards the back. Not bad for a Sunday evening, and the fact that there was every chance that the concert wouldn’t have even started before the last train had pulled out of Birmingham Central. After each classic rock track being blasted over the arena’s PA system reached its end, there would be an optimistic crescendo of cheering from the assembled masses, thinking that show time was nigh, only for another track to start up and dash those hopes for another four or five minutes.

But then, at 21:56pm, the house lights went down and the crowd roared itself up to eleven. The low-lit stage was steadily filled by the band and as the opening chords of Chinese Democracy rang out, with the newest axe-man DJ Ashba silhouetted atop a riser behind the drum kit by a huge central screen bearing the GN’R moniker, teasing the audience with an extended intro to the 2008 album’s title track. As the intro reached its climax, a silver-jacketed W Axl Rose stomped to the front of the stage, belting out the first verse with all the venom and vigour of his 20-something year old former self, accompanied by a salvo of pyrotechnic blasts in synch to the hard hitting drum beats of Frank Ferrer. The band was tight and loud, Axl at his eardrum piercing best, and the crowd full of life. So far so good. Next up was the first single that Guns N’ Roses released, way back in 1986. Welcome To The Jungle. Sounding as fresh and relevant as it did those 24 years ago, this got the whole house jumping to Axl’s tune, and when he sang “I want to hear you scream!”, the audience response was inevitable. Even in the ‘civilised’ seats, there was beer being thrown around left right and centre. From the younger fans, right back to the slightly balding and pot-bellied veterans who witnessed the first incarnation of the band, everyone was having a blast. The hits kept coming, as two more classics from Appetite For Destruction – It’s So Easy and Mr. Brownstone – were reeled off in style. Things then slowed down with ballad-come-rocker ‘Sorry’ from Chinese Democracy, but it was only the calm before the storm, as the band then launched into ‘Shackler’s Revenge’, an industrial tinged song with the sort of bridge that leads to involuntary head nodding and arm flailing... Well at least for some people!!

Now it was time for one of the guitarists to have a solo spot and show those in doubt that, duh, he is not Slash, but still a formidable guitarist in his own right. Richard Fortus, a session player who has worked with artists as diverse as Faster Pussycat to Rihanna, treated the audience to a hard rock rendition of the James Bond theme tune, before segueing into GNR’s cover of a Bond classic; Live And Let Die. After a couple of newer songs and a solo spot that might have alienated the casual fan, this Wings cover from Use Your Illusion I brought everyone back onto the same page, with added chutzpah courtesy of some heavy duty pyro, the heat from which could be felt back in our seats in Row S. The next offering was another Chinese Democracy track, This I Love, that wouldn’t seem totally out of place on Broadway, with its piano and synth orchestra backing, and high pitched vocals. Following this was a sledgehammer version of Rocket Queen, a staple back in the day, with an outro of harmonised guitar solos and audience clapping. After another couple of songs it was time for one of the ‘big guns’ of the GN’R repertoire... DJ Ashba played a soulful solo piece entitled the ‘Ballad Of Death’, and then let rip with Slash’s signature guitar riff that has been topping polls and filling dance floors since 1987. As the single note melody of Sweet Child O’ Mine swirled around the LG Arena, Axl re-emerged donning a white cowboy hat, aviator sunglasses and a chequered red shirt – much reminiscent of his 1990s attire – and began to serenade the thousands before him. Being asked to play lead guitar in Guns N’ Roses is somewhat of a poisoned chalice, such is the affection the rock fraternity feels for the man who’s shoes (or top –hat) you’d be filling. Yet the guys who have taken up the challenge do so with much aplomb, and what is more, they seem to be having the time of their lives. The sad truth is, as much as we want Slash to be in Guns N’ Roses, Slash doesn’t want to be in Guns N’ Roses. Watching this band play, you can see how much they enjoy playing these songs, and playing with each other, so who are we to deny them that? So whilst we may never again see Axl and Slash sharing the stage, this is a very, very satisfying alternative. After a brief band jam which incorporated a nod in the direction of Pink Floyd, and an Elton John influenced piano solo from Rose, it was time to get the lighters out.

The grandiose of 1991’s Use Your Illusion I was finely replicated by the band, to deliver an epic performance of GN’R’s greatest power ballad; November Rain. Each of the band’s three guitarists took the reins on a different solo, with Ron Thal shredding out the incendiary outro, flanked by some sizzling pyrotechnics.

After this, it was the turn of Bumblefoot to entertain the crowd with a slightly obscure piece for a hard rock concert. However, his interpretation of the Pink Panther theme tune, interwoven with a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ guitar line from Estranged, was well received. Crowd interaction was next on the agenda, as the band cranked out a version of Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door much more akin to the Bob Dylan original, with a subtly crafted Hendrixian intro from Richard Fortus. The closing choruses of this number saw Rose do his trademark microphone pointed to the audience manoeuvre where he and the crowd would take turns in singing the refrain. It could be argued that there had been a loss of momentum at this point, with a couple of slower songs and a guitar solo occupying the last 20 minutes, but there was no time to dwell on this fact, as things raced back to business, Appetite For Destruction style. The juggernaut riffs of Nightrain and the blistering solos commendably played by all three guitarists brought the main section of the show to a close, but Guns N’ Roses were far from done.

They re-took the stage to play another offering from Chinese Democracy – Madagascar. This tune leans more towards the experimental side of the Use Your Illusions albums, with its synth-heavy backing, and reflective lyrics. The next song would have been a bit of a surprise to those not savvy of the current GN’R set list, but a stonking cover of AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie brought the house down. Just after midnight the finale came, and it was both musically and visually impressive. As Guns N’ Roses kicked into overdrive for the double-time outro of Paradise City, a mixture of pyrotechnics and confetti canons filled the air of the LG Arena. The guitarists put the security teams through their paces as they ran up and down the length of the front row of the audience, throwing high-fives and guitar picks to the lucky few, leaving everyone in no doubt that whilst this incarnation of the band will never be viewed in the same light as their 1980s counterparts, they are probably the most energetic and musically accomplished act around.

In Axl Rose, we have a front man who is both charismatic and infuriating in equal measures. If the man changed the batteries in his watch as often as his stage outfits, he would be unparalleled, but for those of us that stayed the course, we were treated to a lengthy set filled with classics from Appetite For Destruction and the Use Your Illusion albums, cut with some choice offerings from the current band’s creative effort, Chinese Democracy. The more shows this line-up play, the more they mature and gel as a unit. What started as essentially a collection of hand-picked session musicians to record one man’s vision, and replicate it live, has evolved into an actual band, who are every bit as capable as their predecessors, and are now carrying the Guns N’ Roses name with the respect and dignity it deserves.

I seriously doubt duff has now joined the guns n roses tour and is traveling with them to Birmingham of all places lol

Let's just be happy that it happened and feeling let down when it doesn't happen tomorrow

Guns play an awesome set and just enjoy that moment in time. You will never get it back :-)

A friend of mine works on the GNR stage/visual crew (does all the screens and whatnot). Anyway, my Dad saw him in the pub last night and he said that Duff WON'T be at Birmingham, and he only played at O2 as he just happened to be in London that night.

Sorry to burst the bubble, but at least people know not to get their hopes up now.

Anyway, I'm going to be making the long drive up to Birmingham tomorrow as I couldn't be arsed with driving into central London during the week, and I've managed to score a couple of dirt cheap tickets for myself and a very lucky lady! Hope we all get a great show!!

Lol Axl!

All I can think of is James Hetfield reading Axl's rules. lol

Haha!! One cup of cubed ham... Errr pepperoni pizza... I think that's just for y'know, throwin' around or something!

The bad thing with lists is that most people can't put their own personal bias aside. I can't stand bob dylan or paul mccartney. Hell, I don't really even like the Stones that much. But I still recognize their importance to the music world.

.

Great to see GnR listed - especially with only six albums in 23 years.

Well said. I'm not a fan of Bon Dylan in the slightest either, but I'm not so blind to see that he clearly means a lot to a lot of people, and like it or not, has managed to stay the course for decades and decades.

As someone else said, these lists are always contentious, and everyone had their opinions on who should (or shouldn't) be placed where...but having said that, Pearl Jam and Fleetwood Mac are criminally low on that list when you look at some of the parp that's higher up... without mentioning any names... *COUGH* Coldplay *COUGH*

Exactly my point--he hasn't been late to these shows--Reading and Leeds, they were on within 50 minutes of the prior band, but the press wrote 100's of articles with complete and utter bullshit saying "how late" they were, which is now being floated as the "truth".

Oh really? At Reading were you? Because I can assure you pal, that they were NOT on within 50 minutes of the previous band. QOTSA were done by 2050 at the LATEST, and Guns N' Roses were on at 2230 at the EARLIEST... So that's a minimum of 100 minutes between them. Get your facts straight before trying to defend the indefensible.

And I suppose for each of the "100s of articles" telling the truth about the start time, there will still be some sad little person who thinks it's some libellous conspiracy against Axl and will go spouting all sorts of half baked truths and assumptions on an internet forum, and feel like they're making a difference to how the public and audience members interpret the laws of time.

It's quite simple - YOU ARE JUST DELUDING YOURSELF if you think what Axl is doing is not worthy to be reported upon the way it is. Take off your Rose tinted glasses (see what I did there?!) and look at things objectively.

** I will say that I agree with the fact that the band have been getting some undue criticism re: their actual performances - they were spectacular musically.

Whenever a friend gets mad at someone for doing something to them I always ask "Are you surprised" If the answer is "no" well then how the heck can you be mad? If you are not surprised by someone's actions, then the only one you can be mad at is yourself for expecting otherwise!

So yeah, I suppose all The Allies could do in WWII would be to blame themselves...

I can just see Churchill and Roosevelt sat in the war room saying:

"Guys, Hitler has now invaded Russia... I'm a little bit pissed about this, but to be fair to him, he did previously march into Poland, and then across the majority of Western Europe, so it's not like it's the first time he's 'acted out'. I guess it's just 'his thing', so we're really the ones in the wrong here."

"Yeah, he's gone and done it again. But... he has done it before, so you can't say fairer than that..."

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Before gnfnr2006 jumps down my throat defending the indefensible with accusations that I'm comparing Axl Rose to a deranged dictator.... well, now I come to think of it...

NO, I'm not likening him to Hitler, just reiterating the point that The Glow Inc. made, re: if someone is perpetually being an arse, it doesn't somehow make it right.