When did the Slash + Duff hate start?

[jacdaniel]

Is it just me that is noticing a large amount of Slash and Duff hate spilling out into almost every topic on this forum?  Rewind back to 2016 for a minute.  Slash and Duff returning allowed Guns N Roses to return to stadiums.  Lots of people were saying that Slash was a beast and the star of the show.  Axl was doing a fairly top notch job as well back then.  

As Axl started to struggle vocally, Slash stepped up even more and carried the shows at times.

It didn't take long for the forum to turn though did it?  Now apparently he is just there to collect a pay check, has no passion, just noodles.  Lots of negative comments on his guitar playing.

Duff probably gets it even worse.  There is often a real hatred towards him on here for no real reason at all as far as I can tell.  People mocking him over the punk thing and so on.

I'll be the first to admit that Slash's style is a little different these days.  He obviously plays a bit faster at times.  I think its blown completely out of proportion on here though.  Almost every solo sticks close to the original structure.  (Apart from maybe TIL) 

 

Is it just me that is noticing this?

When and why do you think this started?  

[baje]

As someone who joined after the reunion, I noticed that a lot of Axl's fans outright hate Slash or downplay his skills. But there are other members who are not so biased but just aren't that into his style of playing nowadays. 

I don't think many have super strong opinions about Duff. I saw criticism against both from the beginning with regards to just cashing in so I wouldn't say that any of this is new tbh. 

[MaskingApathy]

With Duff it began more after that Yahoo interview where he pretty much lied about their past behavior. And the whole punk thing is so laughable now because he's so far from where he used to be back in the day. I also really didn't like that he got his daughter (who is incredibly untalented imo) as the opener for some of the shows when there are way more deserving artists out there.

[El Guapo]

A lot of fans where hoping that Slash and Duff would bring changes to the way GnR operates. As time went by we all had to realise that they just replaced their replacements. 

It seems like they don't really care about anything except the money. The reunion feels heartless and soulless. 

[MaskingApathy]

2 minutes ago, El Guapo said:

A lot of fans where hoping that Slash and Duff would bring changes to the way GnR operates. As time went by we all had to realise that they just replaced their replacements. 

It seems like they don't really care about anything except the money. The reunion feels heartless and soulless. 

This also, especially now that we know how things went down regarding Izzy and Matt.

[Towelie]

I think there's a certain disappointment in Slash going against everything he once stood for in pursuit of the money. He once said he'd only reunite if it would be the AFD5. He used to mock NuGNR and would call Axl out on his bullshit, both when he was still in the original band and in the years after. Now he is in a band with Melissa fucking Reese. It's so not Slash and so far removed from what he claimed GNR was all about. Selling out is a term which is often bandied about on here, but as trite as it may sound, Slash definitely has, to King Axl of all people. 

If Matt's book is to be believed, Slash said himself it's "just a gig" and it shows. It is sad to see him being an employee of Axl Rose and Team Brazil. Axl doesn't deserve to be in a band with Slash. But I guess Slash has gotta pay for that divorce somehow....

As for Duff, I don't think anyone really cares enough to hate him. He's only elevated to the status of "important original member" because the guy who was actually the third most important (Izzy) isn't around. If Izzy had stuck about for the UYI tour and joined the reunion, Duff would be regarded around the same level as importance as Adler; ie, part of a great rhythm section which defined the AFD sound, but not exactly the brains, heart and soul of the whole operation (which Izzy, Axl and Slash share equally imo).

Edited June 12, 2020 by Towelie

[KeyserSoze]

I think the bigger problem is and lately has turned into: “whats the point anymore?” 

you mention 2016 compared to now. In 2016, we never would have thought this would have happened the way it did. Duff joined Axl’s last Nu-Guns era band in 2014, and then the GNR entity ceased to exist for a little more than 2 years.

it seems like during that time, 2014-16, somewhere along the lines, one of those 3: Axl, Duff, and surprisingly (but maybe not unsurprisingly) Slash saw the money signs, saw that big retirement check floating on the horizon and essentially figured 2016 was the best time to secure that money.

heres the thing: in 2016 I would have never said that. I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to think that Axl Rose, the man who had literally spent a decade and a half trying to show the world he was better without that top-hatted guitarist everyone knows and loves, that he didn’t need those guys. Now all of a sudden, a little more than 4 years after snubbing a R&RHOF reunion, its peaches and cream in GNR land and Axl now wants to share the stage with Slash? Right. It all happened so fast, along with AXL/DC and stadium tours and Slash playing CD songs... it was all alot to handle and it was easy to get lost in the chaos.

a chaos that GNR so rightly earned and deserved with their history.

but now, its come to 4 straight years of touring, playing essentially the same structured setlist they have been playing since the UYI era, with Chinese Democracy spread throughout, and with no end in sight. You have to look at that, mixed with the fact that BOTH Duff and Slash have put out albums, ALBUMS, and not only promoted the fuck out of them, but TOURED them in the same time GNR has been touring the same “Not In This Lifetime” that should have ended late 2017-early 2018. This whole time period has seen no music but a re-release of an album Axl once compared to ‘jerking off’ only 4 years after creating most of the songs on it with a song on it thats 30 years old..

i don’t ‘hate’ any of the big 3. I think they all have become in some way ‘savy’ business men in the 30+ years they’ve been in the industry. I think its more all a situation of cirumcstance:

-duff rejoined the band and Axl saw how different a persons life could be when you have 15+ years away from the circus.

-duff was probably in Axl’s ear during those nu-gnr’s years telling Axl that slash has ‘changed’ ect, etc. probably anything to get the 2 in a room together.

-Axl and Slash get in a room together and talk and figure it out once and for all. This is the moment we as fans always wanted, and sadly we may never get to hear unless Axl writes that ‘tell all’ book we’ve always hoped for.

-Slash, fresh off the fruits of 3 Slash albums and a slew of live albums and tours, as well as a shit ton of alimony from a divorce (lets be real here.. it happened, and he lost a LOT of money, we shouldn’t deny it) as well as establishing his brand and image over the whole music industry was probably ready to bring his image back to Guns N’ Roses. Why? Money. It was probably great to fix things with Axl, but come on? Whats the next conversation after that? “when are we going to tour this thing?” That had to be the first thing SLASH asked.

- they did it, and have been doing it since 2016. Its almost like you can tell now they don’t know what to do. Even if they WERE going to play Hardschool, that song is 20 fucking years old already! 

the argument with the big 3 is simple: you’re telling me the big 3 who created Appetite, Lies, and both UYI have been up each others asses for 4 years, FOUR years don’t have a single piece of music written? Anything else, the looks, noodling etc is all bitching for the sake of bitching or bias to these arguments.

of course, we all know it goes way deeper than the big 3. GNR could be a well oiled machine, even if they don’t have a new album to promote, but of course as we know the management lacks the simple capability to communicate in any sort of capacity... 

[jacdaniel]

23 minutes ago, El Guapo said:

A lot of fans where hoping that Slash and Duff would bring changes to the way GnR operates. As time went by we all had to realise that they just replaced their replacements. 

It seems like they don't really care about anything except the money. The reunion feels heartless and soulless. 

I think the heartless and soulness thing is mainly because the band never talk really.  They never do band interviews.  Axl barely ever speaks about Guns.  He barely even speaks onstage apart from maybe the odd joke.  And clearly individuals are encouraged not to give anything away to the media when they are talking.

If they really didn't care at all though, they'd be out there playing a 90 minute greatest hits set.  

[-W.A.R-]

After the sheen of the reunion wore off people became bored of the same setlist and no new music then add in the mistreatment of Izzy, Steven, and turning the band into KISS with the merch.

Edited June 12, 2020 by -W.A.R-

[megaguns1982]

My personal opinion of slash and duff has dived in the last 2 years as I gradually realised that this is just new gnr plus slash and duff.   A total cash grab of a tour with no intention of releasing new music. 
they’ve become yes men. 
keep your mouth shut and earn millions....

I guess I can’t blame them.

[jacdaniel]

2 minutes ago, Creed said:

The hate started when Izzy made his reunion loot statement. 

The slash hate began in the early 2002s, where people here on mygnt said that Slash is actually a very sloppy player and overrated, while Buckethead is technically superior to him, bla bla bla

The irony of that is that Izzy wanted the money!  And openly admitted he wanted equal loot.  

 

[JimiRose]

Why do people keep mentioning slash's divorce as a reason for him having to play for GnR? Didn't he put his earnings at $5m per year pre GnR, he divorced perla pre GnR reunion, he must have earned 50-60m in the 4 years of touring easy. If SMKC is bringing him in 5 mill a year, then GnR must be quadruple minimum.  How expensive is this divorce!?? a few mill and a monthly allowance? The way people are talking it's as if she took his entire estimated worth and 90% of everything he earns post divorce. In reality, Slash is clearly a savvy guy when it comes to money and he wants as much of it as possible, hence he's happy to turn his back on the fans and become a footsoilder in the GnR machine.

Duff hasn't been punk for 25 years. he runs a money management firm and invests in starbucks. No one is knocking him for that, they're knocking him for basically living like a greedy wall street banker, then telling everyone he is Punk as fuck. Now he's not doing interviews and being a yes man to earn as much as possible from GnR. Again, that's fine, but it's not very punk is it?! and that hypocrisy is why people are pissed at him.

[jacdaniel]

28 minutes ago, megaguns1982 said:

My personal opinion of slash and duff has dived in the last 2 years as I gradually realised that this is just new gnr plus slash and duff.   A total cash grab of a tour with no intention of releasing new music. 
they’ve become yes men. 
keep your mouth shut and earn millions....

I guess I can’t blame them.

I'm not going to come on a Guns forum and defend the band in terms of new music.  1 album in almost 30 years is pathetic.  

However, it is confirmed that Slash recorded at Axl's house.  They've also confirmed in a few interviews that they have stuff.

I actually do think its possible they were gearing up to do something this year.  

But of course I do understand the frustration when we're into year 5 of the reunion and nothing has been released.

[circusboy666]

For me the day they sold out and left the band. A loooooooong time ago.

[JY2016]

Reading this thread gives me the feeling that I am in the minority, but I still think it’s awesome that they are back in GNR. Before the reunion, I always said to friends that I have seen every band that I wanted to see in my life multiple times except GNR with Slash and Duff, but that that would never happen. How grateful I was when the reunion was announced. As they did not go to Europe in 2016, I crossed the Atlantic to see two shows in Chicago that year. Every time they go to Europe I try to see as many shows as possible and I enjoy it every time as much is I can. The NuGNR era does not do anything for me, although I visited three shows back then (more like a “it’s better than nothing”). CD does not do much for me, as Slash and Duff are not on the record. I like hearing them playing some of these tunes live though (CD, Better).

 

I enjoy it while I can and while they are around. It’s the soundtrack of my life. The glass is half full!

[PopcornAdler]

You all make this sound like fucking Kardashians, they are a rock band that has done so many drugs they don't even know who they are.  Its not hate its insanity at its best!.  Keep Rawking is all I say.

[Nick85]

Who gives a fuck, this band blows.

[DTV88]

5 hours ago, jacdaniel said:

The irony of that is that Izzy wanted the money!  And openly admitted he wanted equal loot.  

 

And he deserved to be compensated. He was one of the main writers of the music that made them all famous. 

[Voodoochild]

25 minutes ago, DTV88 said:

And he deserved to be compensated. He was one of the main writers of the music that made them all famous. 

Though he's being payed for the royalties as usual. The commitment to play right and for a big tour is a different thing, and I truly understand the lack of confidence from Axl/Slash/Duff on him. 

I do think Izzy should come up to the stage at least for a couple of songs. But that would mean a not so fat paycheck.

[Gordon Comstock]

I don't think many (if any) people on here hate Slash or Duff, but they've definitely brought some criticism on themselves.

Duff comes across as foolish when he tries to re-write certain aspects of the bands history, while also trying to maintain his 'Punk As Fuck' image (lol).

The biggest disappointment is that Slash just seems to be along for the ride, cashing paychecks while playing 30 year old hits. He didn't light a fire under Axl in the way that most fans were hoping he would. He basically just joined NuGNR, and it's yet another example of this bands wasted potential.

[Gibsonfender2323]

As soon as Adler was not invited.

[Legendador]

I think people gave too much credit for Matt Sorum's book, the guy is envious about all that and now has been badmouthing Duff and Slash, which is insane!

People think he's telling the truth, but compared to all the books writen by all GNR members, Sorum's book is the wrost, he comes out as ungratefull, douchy, egomaniac that wanted power and fame, childish, immature.

Yeah, he can play "better" than Steven, Frank, Brain, but he lacks charisma. He forces it too much. All macho and stuff, but sounds fake.

I'm team Steven as one of the best, most gracious, talented, charismatic, groovy hard rock drummers out there.

IMO if there wasn't for the drugs, Steven could achieve maybe Slash's status as one of the best of the best out there.

[jacdaniel]

3 hours ago, JY2016 said:

Reading this thread gives me the feeling that I am in the minority, but I still think it’s awesome that they are back in GNR. Before the reunion, I always said to friends that I have seen every band that I wanted to see in my life multiple times except GNR with Slash and Duff, but that that would never happen. How grateful I was when the reunion was announced. As they did not go to Europe in 2016, I crossed the Atlantic to see two shows in Chicago that year. Every time they go to Europe I try to see as many shows as possible and I enjoy it every time as much is I can. The NuGNR era does not do anything for me, although I visited three shows back then (more like a “it’s better than nothing”). CD does not do much for me, as Slash and Duff are not on the record. I like hearing them playing some of these tunes live though (CD, Better).

 

I enjoy it while I can and while they are around. It’s the soundtrack of my life. The glass is half full!

You’re certainly not alone! I created this thread because I was frustrated seeing  a lot of criticism and negativity lately.

I was supposed to be going to the Dublin show about 2 weeks from now. Hope they reschedule for next year and I get a few more chances to see these guys on the same stage. 
 

I even had a great time at Berlin 18! And it certainly wasn’t their strongest show.

[ckgent]

It just being an addition to nu-gnr is bullshit. If you go back to 91 onwards it was 3 of what is now considered the classic line up. It is yet again 3 of what was the classic line up. 

The band regardless of the line up have never been that productive over time in terms of output. Even if you go back to the start they kept songs for later releases. It took 5 years between AFD - Illusions. Lies was makeshift at best. Illusions featured stuff written before AFD. 

We can moan and hate all we like, but all I care about is that the 3 that ran it at its peak are together again and touring as successfully as they can. If we get new music, great. If not, fuck it, I'm seeing them when I can. 

I think hatred towards any member past or present is stupid, as they keep it all going. 

 

[Legendador]

Also, and just to make a point here, Izzy would never ever ever agree to do a 4 year NITL tour.

He doesn't want to commit, he was never in GNR to just cash a check anyway, he actually though it would never work and that they would kill each other before the 10th show and know he may painfully regret it. But that ship has sailed.

Remember, Izzy wanted to play at max Arenas and with the audience as the size of Ramones' concerts.

I think the tour is too long, the setlist is pretty much the same, but then again this has been GNR since 2001. A copy of a copy of a copy.

That's way they feel Slash's heart is not there anymore, imagine doing the exactly same thing everyday for four years! Wouldn't you get bored! But imagine doing that for at least 5 figures each night? I'd just do it.

Edited June 12, 2020 by Legendador