Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Loaded to Tour South America


via Blabbermouth
Duff McKagan's Loaded will tour South America in early November.

The band is scheduled to perform at Willie Dixon in Rosario, Argentina on November 5, with dates in Brazil (November 8) and Chile (Santiago on November 11) also in the works.

In other news, McKagan will guest on "The BJ Shea Morning Experience" this Wednesday (September 30) on the Seattle radio station KISW 99.9 FM

Duff will appear at approximately 8:20 AM PST

Drummer Geoff Reading recently quit Loaded and was replaced by Isaac Carpenter.


In other news, Blabbermouth is reporting that former Guns N' Roses / Velvet Revolver drummer Matt Sorum told Blistering.com that Velvet Revolver will eventually get back together. He said, "We have been e-mailing back and forth, in search of a singer, so we have high expectations. We want to make sure this singer will work and be a better thing. We looked a long time before we got Scott, and I don't know if we got Scott because it seemed like an easy way to fill the bill.

I know we want to take it up a notch and make it better. When we got Scott, we jumped into it pretty quick. Even though Me, Slash, Duff and Dave had been working together on the first record before Scott came on, then Scott jumped on and we went on the road and did the record pretty quick.

The second album, I think, we fell prey to more of what Scott wanted to do and we wanted to straight-up rock and roll. I think this time around we would like to make a real strong rock album and stick with more of our roots.

The first record he picked the songs. We had about fifty songs written. He just started to sing on them, that album happened real organically and really quickly.

When we went to write the second album it seemed to take different road, I always wanted to make a harder record, but I think we went a little lighter and the fans didn’t really care for that much. I think the second record is a good one but we did what we did. I think it was a weird chemistry between us."

You can read the full interview here.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Jungle Live Video Shoot 8/2/1987


This was shot live on the day Guns did the "Jungle" video shoot.



Check out the GN'R club days book Reckless Road: Guns N' Roses and the Making of Appetite for Destruction. It covers Guns N' Roses' first 50 gigs from the Sunset Strip 1981-1987.

RecklessRoad.com for more info

Marc Canter's YouTube Channel

Thursday, September 24, 2009

South Korea Show Announced


Sunday, December 13, 2009 - Guns N' Roses at the Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium in Seoul, South Korea.

Access Entertainment

Guns N' Roses Asian Tour 2009:

December 11 - Taipei
December 13 - Seoul
December 16 - Osaka
December 19 - Tokyo

Related Posts: GN'R Asian Tour: Japanese Dates Announced
Guns N' Roses to Rock Taiwan December 11

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Dizzy Fucking Reed


via Blabbermouth
DFR, the band featuring Dizzy Reed and Richard Fortus, Mike Duda and Mike Dupke (W.A.S.P.) and Todd Youth (Danzig, D-Generation, The Chelsea Smiles), will perform this Saturday, September 26 at The Knitting Factory in Hollywood, California.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ages are 15 and up. Tickets are $18.00 in advance. Tickets will be $22.00 at the door. Also appearing on the bill is Vains OF Jenna.

For more information, visit www.ClubVodka.com

For further discussion: DFR: Dizzy F!n' Reed & Richard Fortus @ Club Vodka

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Oh My God: 10 Years and 14 Songs Later ...


Today marks the 10th anniversary of the release of "Oh My God," the first single of the Chinese Democracy / New Guns era.

10 years later, and what have we got? A few short tours. One album. A whole lot of empty promises. Dozens of missed opportunities, and a handful of scapegoats: Slash, Jimmy Iovine, Buckethead, and Merck Mercuriadis (to name a few).

10 wasted years.

That's my opinion. What do you think? How would you rate Axl's performance as Captain of the Guns N' Roses ship?

You can leave a comment at the bottom of this page.

And now, without any further ado, here's my third favorite Axl rose press release:


September 22nd, 1999

So here's the story behind this music

The chorus: OH MY GOD etc. deals with the societal repression of deep and often agonizing emotions - some of which may be willingly accepted for one reason or another - the appropriate expression of which (one that promotes a healing, release and a positive resolve) is often discouraged and many times denied. Emotionally the song contemplates several abstract perspectives drawing from personal expression as well as from the film (End Of Days) and its metaphors. The appropriate expression and vehicle for such emotions and concepts is not something taken for granted.

Musically the song was primarily written by Paul Huge over two years ago, with Dizzy Reed writing the musical hook of the chorus.

Former member Duff McKagan as well as former employee Matt Sorum failed to see its potential and showed no interest in exploring, let alone recording the piece.

When the demos were played for the new band, Josh, Tommy and Robin were as they say 'all over it.'

Once the opportunity was presented, the song was given priority in our recording process. As the verse, performance and lyrics were decided on, for us (that especially includes Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine) the choice became obvious. We were more than pleased Mr. Roswell (the film's music supervisor) agreed! Our thanks to Arnold and all for the consideration - it is an association in which we have always felt honored.

Paul Huge, Gary Sunshine and Dave Navarro appear on the song as well as Robin Finck. Robin's part was written by Paul and extensively manipulated by our producer, Sean Beaven. Robin was not involved in the writing of the final recording though did participate in the arrangement. All lyrics were written by myself.

Additional programming (jack boots, screeching tires, etc.) was by Stuart White.

The fight of good vs. evil, positive vs. negative, man against a seemingly undefeatable, undeterrable, unrevealed destiny, along with the personal and universal struggle to attain, maintain and responsibly manage freewill can be and often is frustrating to say the least. In America our country's constitutional right to freedom of expression gives us a better chance to fight for that expression than many in other countries enjoy. It can be a big gig, like kickin' the crap outta the devil!

Power to the people, peace out and blame Canada,

Axl

Monday, September 21, 2009

Troy's Band: Lost Angels: Official Announcement


After months of negotiations, the lineup is intact and Lost Angels will officially be making their debut in India at the end of September.

Lost Angels features:

John Corabi (Motley Crue / The Scream / ESP / Ratt)
Troy Patrick Farrell (White Lion / Pretty Boy Floyd / Hookers & Blow)
Eric Dover (Sextus / Alice Cooper / Slash's Snakepit / Jellyfish / Imperial Drag) and
Muddy Stardust (Burning Tree / LA Guns / Gilby Clarke)

and will be performing songs from the bands they are affiliated with as well as a Rock Tribute to Michael Jackson.

The promoters Andrew Ropmay in alliance with the Event Factory (Dimapur) are also in negotiations for the appearance of a very special guest.

"They are still working out details to have a former original member of Guns N' Roses join the band for 2 shows in India" stated US Based Agent and drummer Troy Patrick Farrell.

The band will also be visiting the Zion Hospital as well as a Music School to discuss the ups and down of being a working touring musician.

The dates are as follows:

September 29 DDSC Stadium Dimapur, India
October 3 JN Stadium Shillong, India

The official website is: www.lostangelslive.com

Troy's Gig: Confirmed.


The Morung Express
On the evening of September 29, stars will rain on Dimapur’s wildlife that has been suffering a drought-like situation due to scanty big music shows. On that Tuesday, four names that ever found their way into the buzzing ears of millions of fans and rockers alike across the globe will sparkle – rather, rattlebang into your two eardrums good till they shrivel into smoked beef.

Guns N’ Roses / Heart guitarist Gilby Clarke, Alice Cooper / Slash’s Snakepit singer / guitarist Eric Dover, noise-pounder for White Lion / Hookers & Blow / Fastmaster Troy Patrick Farrell and another trusted Clarke accomplice, bassist Muddy Stardust.

Yes, them. Yeah. Them.

This unusual assembly of some of America’s biggest and long-devoted curators of the '80s hard rocking era will be performing Dimapur District Sports Complex as part of an aid drive meant for the city’s children suffering from cleft-lip and deformed palates. The noble vision of the four mostly-from LA rock stars, means that the proceeds of the more than one Lakh watt sound-output hard rock explosion would also go toward assuaging a little of the little ones’ suffering. It was informed today that the show would enable funding Zion Hospital to fund the welfare of the affected children.

Opening the evening for the group will be Lui Tzudir’s OFF and another horde of confirmed noise-mongers from Kohima, Eximious. The show is being organized by a well-known group of young entrepreneurs, The Event Factory. But The Event Factory’s members promise that the once-in-a-lifetime-show will not be confined to the concert. On the 28th, Clarke, Dover, Farrell and Stardust will be holding an interactive session with local musicians (come with your guitars, shirts and at least 20 pairs of good Marker pens) in Dimapur. The interaction is scheduled for Highway-39 Conference Hall (Padam Pukhuri). A similar foray is expected, before the September 29 evening, with children who are living under the scar of facial deformities.

Considering that the four rockers have been associated with one of the biggest hard rock bands the early angst-ridden, nasty-tempered '90s ever retched up, Guns N’ Roses, the song-list is expected to have you screaming along ‘knowingly,’ conveniently.

Also, hard-bitten music lovers would remember the unforgettable evening of December 16, last year when Nagaland finally opened her account on the Rock-Map-Of-The-World Register with White Lion inaugurating Nagaland’s entry into the international music scene.

What the September 29 evening promises is one of pure energy rock music, from noise-tested and time-proven rockers of thoroughbred rock stars. For a state that is only just starting to feel the tingle of international music experience, it would be unfortunate pettiness to miss out on the experience.

For those who came in late, here’s a refresher.


Guitarist Gilby Clarke was with Guns N’ Roses for three years as the rhythm guitarist, replacing Izzy Stradlin. He toured extensively with the band on the mega-big Use Your Illusion Tour between 1991 and 1993 and on the Guns N’ Roses all-covers album The Spaghetti Incident?, Live Era: ‘87-’93 and Greatest Hits. Here’s a thinker: Gilby’s first video with Guns N’ Roses was "November Rain."

Eric Dover is the dude with Jellyfish, Slash’s Snakepit, and Alice Cooper. He was on Alice Cooper’s Brutal Planet tour in 2001, 2001’s Dragontown, and Alice Cooper.

Troy Patrick Farrell is the quiet drummer who made the loudest noise when White Lion did Dimapur in December 2008. He is involved in several projects including Dizzy Reed’s band Hookers & Blow and most recently plated with CC Deville (original guitarist of Poison).

Muddy Stardust has been accumulating tour dusts with Gilby and is associated with a number of Indie projects. For someone who cites Bob Dylan, Neil Young and the Beatles as chief influences, Stardust is a mean bassist that has bulldozed LA’s hard rock scene with Clarke’s horde.

The Morung Express

Related posts: "Troy" Shoots Down India Rumors
The Asian Age: GN'R to Perform in India
Guns N' Roses in Dimapur

Friday, September 18, 2009

Scott Weiland Suffers Seizure


Scott Weiland Has Seizure on an Airplane

TMZ has learned Stone Temple Pilots front man Scott Weiland experienced a seizure during an American Airlines flight just hours ago.

Sources close to Scott tell us he suffered the seizure while flying from Los Angeles to Miami. The plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

TMZ has been told that Scott has a history of seizures - he was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures. Despite the seizure, we're told Scott plans on attending the launch of his clothing line "Weiland for English Laundry" on Saturday.

A rep traveling with Weiland tells Rolling Stone exclusively that the airplane staff called for medical assistance over the loud speaker and had to administer oxygen to Weiland. Shortly after, Weiland had come to and was “in good spirits” as was taken off the plane for the hospital.

Weiland was traveling with his Scott Weiland Band to Miami for a performance and the launch of his clothing line Weiland for English Laundry at the club Mansion. The rep said the singer has a history of seizures, but is now “doing great” and expects to leave for Miami tomorrow and appear at the club as scheduled.

Slash and Friends at the Mirage


Courtney Love, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee, Rob Zombie and drummer Jason Bonham are among the many musicians who will join Slash for his all-star concert in Las Vegas on October 2.

The concert, billed Slash & Friends, celebrates the 20th anniversary of Las Vegas hotel and casino the Mirage.

Other guests include Matt Sorum, Rick Neilsen of Cheap Trick, Rocco Deluca of the Burden and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. (Courtesy of Rolling Stone)


In other news, Slash is auctioning off an autographed top hat to benefit Hollywood Arts, a charity which uses performance, music and media-based education to help homeless, foster care and low-income, high-risk young people, 18 to 24, improve their sense of self-worth, develop thinking skills, master basic educational concepts and receive job-readiness training in a variety of creative disciplines.

Duff's Story (Part I)


Part one of Duff's life story, from his Seattle weekly blog.

I packed my bags and cut my ties with my hometown of Seattle in September 1984. The idea of driving to New York in my beat-up 1971 Ford Maverick became moot as soon as I realized that, on a budget of $360, the East Coast was just too far away. I decided Los Angeles was a safer place for me than the heroin-infested punk scene of the Pacific Northwest. I was badly mistaken.



There was really no discernible rock scene there in the fall of '84--only the palpable hangover of a once-thriving punk movement, mixed with "cow-punk" and really bad heavy metal (Metallica had just moved back to S.F.). I met Slash and Steven Adler shortly after my move, through a "musicians wanted" ad I saw in a newspaper. Izzy Stradlin moved into an apartment across the street from me. (We lived on one of the most drug-infested lanes in Hollywood, visited nightly by dealers, hookers, and cops. Stories of this street alone would make a GREAT book.) Axl, a childhood friend of Izzy's, soon moved in around the corner in our cheap-rent neighborhood. We formed our band shortly thereafter, a happy bunch of malcontents!

My new musical comrades and I shared an uncanny similarity in the "fuck-everyone-except-us" approach to writing, playing, and living our music. We sought to do this thing on our own terms and in our own way. This was simply a way of life. At that point in life, you've just got nothing to lose . . . a relatable point to anyone reading, I am sure.



The first gigs we got back then were with bands like Social Distortion, Tex and the Horseheads, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The "glam" scene across town seemed to be a private club that had some mysterious secret handshake. The Troubadour was always packed on weekends. At the time, I think that we were thought of as a little too dirty to get an opening slot on those most-coveted Friday and Saturday night bills. We would have to get there on our own.

Our social circle soon included a group of recently transplanted New Yorkers who moved out West to--I always suspected--escape legal problems. "Red" Ed, Petey, and Del melded nicely into our lifestyle, which included 24-hour alcohol consumption, scoring any available drugs, sundry debauchery, and plenty of Rolling Stones, Motorhead, Sly and the Family Stone, and Rose Tattoo (Sly lived in the apartment right above me, as it turned out, but that's another story). West Arkeen was another co-conspirator who became valuable not only for his friendship but for his songwriting. West co-wrote "It's So Easy," which became a dark anthem for a legion of disenfranchised youth. West died a few short years later from complications stemming from acute crack and heroin use.



In 1985-86, AIDS was definitely something to think about, but not a huge threat yet in the heterosexual psyche. The scene in Hollywood became an orgy of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. Perhaps there has been no other time in recent history when the doors were so wide open to EVERYTHING. Needles were shared as well as girlfriends and boyfriends. Everyone seemed to be living in and for the moment, and it seemed as if nothing was off-limits. A real feeling of camaraderie was felt within our band and small group of friends. "Live fast and die young" was our unspoken credo. Sounds corny now.

Our living and rehearsal arrangements became one and the same as we became closer-knit. We found a 10x14 foot bathroom-less space behind the Hollywood Guitar Center that became the center of our musical universe and HQ for all things hedonistic. We raided a nearby construction site for some two-by-fours and plywood that we used to install a ramshackle sleeping loft in our tiny new home. We rehearsed twice daily in this space. For $1.29 a bottle, we could supply ourselves with enough Night Train wine to get us by. Food was always optional in those days.



We slowly began to be a draw at local clubs, and our song craftsmanship really started to get a solid base. We were soon on weekend bills as opening slots gave way to headlining. A&R staff from major labels started to pop up at gigs, and our shows were now selling out. We settled on a record deal with Geffen Records that gave us free rein as far as artistic freedom went. At the end of the day, no one was going to tell us how to make our record. Our songs were by far the most important thing to us.

REVERB

Thanks to Emma [YouTube | deviantART] for the great artwork!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Japanese Dates Are Looking More Legit Now


Universal Music Japan has confirmed the 2 Guns N' Roses dates in Japan (December 16 at the Osaka Dome and December 18 at the Tokyo Dome).

These will be Guns' first shows since the release of Chinese Democracy last November.

The last time Guns N' Roses performed live was on July 21, 2007 in Osaka.



Hayashi International Promotions (HIP) has set-up an English-language website to promote the pair of shows.

Other rumored dates include December 11 in Taiwan, and a stop in South Korea.

Brooks Brothers Herald (BBH) lists the Taiwan date on its website, but only the Japanese dates have been confirmed by the band's record company.


A rumored date in India has been confirmed as false.

Discussion: Universal Confirms Guns N' Roses Japanese Shows

Monday, September 14, 2009

Jim Carroll Dead at 60


via RollingStone.com
Poet and punk rocker Jim Carroll, whose life story was famously documented in his autobiography The Basketball Diaries, died following a heart attack on Friday, September 11th in New York City. Carroll was 60, the New York Times reports.

The Basketball Diaries — which detailed Carroll’s struggles with drug use as a teenager in the 1960s — depicts his fall from prep school basketball star to heroin addict who turned to prostitution, all before Carroll was even 17 years old. Leonardo DiCaprio portrayed Carroll in the 1995 film version of the book. Besides Basketball, Carroll’s other notable works include 4 Ups and 1 Down and 1973’s Living at the Movies.

After establishing himself as a poet, Carroll next turned to music, coaxed in part by his friend Patti Smith. Carroll caught the eye of the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards, who helped the Jim Carroll Band secure a three-record deal. Their first album, 1980’s Catholic Boy, is considered a landmark of the New York punk scene. Carroll followed the debut with two more LPs, 1982’s Dry Dreams and 1983’s I Write Your Name, then released a fourth album, Pools of Mercury, in 1998.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

It's Cold Gin Time Again


Ace Frehley featuring Slash last night (Saturday, September 12) at the Viper Room in West Hollywood, as part of the Sunset Strip Music Festival.



Saturday, September 12, 2009

Duff McKagan's Loaded Drummer Quits


via Blabbermouth

Drummer Geoff Reading has left Duff McKagan's Loaded. He says in a statement, "The pressures of being in the 'Duff from Guns N' Roses' spotlight, while thrilling, have left me unable to get back to the performer I was pre-cancer, and unable properly provide for my family. This combination has plagued my mental recovery, and I need to take time now to focus on these things.

The fellas have hired the great Isaac Carpenter (Loudermilk, Gosling, Ours, The Exiles) to fill in for the UK tour, with a warm-up show at the Chop Suey in Seattle on October 3. I wouldn't miss this show for anything. Isaac is an AMAZING drummer and I, for one, will be right there in front of the stage, with all you Capitol Hill hipsters, arms folded, judging them.

Thank you all for the love and support you've shown me and Loaded."

For more information on the new Duff McKagan's Loaded drummer, visit his MySpace page.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

GN'R Asian Tour: Japanese Dates Announced


December 11 - Taipei
December 16 - Osaka
December 19 - Tokyo

There should also be a show or two in South Korea. More news as it trickles in.



Tickets go on sale Saturday, October 3.

H.I.P. @ Online

Related Posts: Guns N' Roses to Rock Taiwan December 11
Tour Rumors are Starting Up Again

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Guns N' Roses to Rock Taiwan December 11


Axl Rose will bring Guns N' Roses to the seat of Chinese democracy, namely Taipei, Taiwan, to kick off the Asian leg of their Chinese Democracy World Tour on December 11, 2009.

Guns N' Roses will take the stage of the Taipei County Stadium at 8PM.

The Asian leg of the GN'R tour will only consist of dates in Japan, South Korea,and Taiwan.

The Promoter, Brokers Brothers Herald has been trying to secure the band since 2006.

Axl Rose agreed the deal for a $750,000 USD show fee.

Tickets for Taipei Concert prices from NT$1500 to NT$5000, will be on sale this saturday with 10%-off special price, purchase at G-music(Rose/TCM Tickets )

http://ticket.g-music.com.tw/Index.aspx

Band members:

Axl Rose - Vocals
DJ Ashba - Guitar
Ron Thal - Guitar
Richard Fortus - Guitar
Dizzy Reed - Keyboards
Chris Pitman - Keyboards
Tommy Stinson -Bass
Frank Ferrer -Drums

Related: Tour Rumors Are Starting Up Again

"Troy" Shoots Down India Rumors


via Blabbermouth

White Lion drummer Troy Patrick Farrell has shot down reports that Guns N'Roses will perform in India in November. He says in a statement, "The dates in India were to be with Dizzy Reed, Eric Dover and myself as well as Gilby Clarke's bassist Muddy Stardust. Those dates moved to October (NOT NOVEMBER and not in the city of Bengaluru) and Dizzy Reed CANNOT and WILL NOT be in India for any event as far as I am aware of. At least not any event involving me. (Kids, don't try to read into that, but I simply don't speak for GN'R in any way, shape or form)."

He adds, "This rumor is the result of an overzealous promoter that mixed up information. I have spoken my direct contacts in India to confirm that they in no way shape or form alluded to the fact that Axl or any version of GN'R would perform in India.

Irving Azoff is their manager and all GN'R-related events go through him, not me.

I don't know who Rhapsody Inc. is, nor do I know or have ever been in contact directly with Chromosome Production Pvt. Ltd.

I love GN'R rumors as much as the next one, just not one that can somehow through a few degrees of separation involve me.

If all goes as planned, I will be in India on September 30 and October 3 and the lineup will be confirmed when it comes from my mouth, no one else's.

If Guns is playing in India at any time, I have nothing to do with it in any degree.

I will now go back to my life of 'who the fuck is Troy?'"

The Asian Age: GN'R to Perform in India


Guns N’ Roses are playing in India. Pinch yourself, because this isn’t a dream! After decades of speculation and rumours about coming to India, the American rock band will perform in Bengaluru on November 7 at the Palace Grounds.

Confirming this news, Raj Sinha, director of Rhapsody Inc, the company that is organising the concert said, "Yes, it is true that we are bringing Guns N’ Roses to India. As of now I can tell you that the Bengaluru concert has been confirmed. We’re still in talks with people in Mumbai and Delhi, so let’s hope that works out. However, there is a good chance we can take the band to Shillong as well.

The band was supposed to have played there on September 19, but for some reason it didn’t work out."

Dubbed as Axl and Friends, the band has seen major transformation over the years and the only founding member to be a part of the current lineup is vocalist Axl Rose.

While other famous members like Slash, Izzy Stradlin and Duff McKagan left the band citing various differences, Axl remained. The band finally released the album Chinese Democracy with newer members in 2008. The album was in the making for around 15 years and was much awaited, though it received a timid response.

"I can confirm that Axl Rose and Dizzy Reed will be there. DJ Ashba, their latest entrant, will be there. There will also be a person called Troy and two other members," said Sinha.

Rhapsody Inc. is a venture of Chromosome Production Pvt Ltd, a company that has organised concerts of musicians like AR Rahman and Jagjit Singh. This is the company’s first international venture. Let’s hope for all our sakes, this one really works out.

The Asian Age

Related: Guns N' Roses in Dimapur
Tour Rumors are Starting Up Again

Friday, September 4, 2009

Slash: "Why I Chose Not To Continue On With GN'R"


There isn't anything new here. The following comes from Slash's 2007 autobiography. For those of you who haven't read it, and for those of you who've forgotten, I've reproduced it here.


"I'd like to make one more thing pretty clear, because this is another question that haunts me almost every day, usually because it's asked by people who don't know me at all. I'd like to state, very simply once more why I chose not to continue on with Guns N' Roses so that no one feels the need to ask me this ever again when they see me on the street.

Here it goes:

1) the constant disrespect for all involved by going on late for no good reason night after night after night,

2) the legal manipulation that Axl forced on us, from demanding ownership of the name to downgrading us, contractually, to hired hands, and

3) losing Izzy and Steven, who were such an integral part of the band's sound and personality ... without them, the band no longer had its original chemistry.

My departure had nothing to do with artistic differences, as many people claim to know. It was not as simple as "Axl wanted synths and Slash was old-school." It had nothing to do with Axl wanting to go digital and Slash staying analog. To think that dissolving the kind of band and the kind of musical chemistry we had over something so trivial is just asinine.

It's true, I am old-school, and I do like keeping it simple — but I've never been close-minded. If anything, I was more than flexible and willing to try any kind of recording technique or explore any new sound, so long as I was doing so on an equal playing field with musicians that worked together toward a common goal. I would have hung in there with Axl through an industrial record or whatever else he wanted to try if the creative vibe between us was positive. My flexibility is the only thing that kept me in the band as long as it did — that's how a team works.

Unfortunately, we stopped being a team somewhere along the way.

As for the rest of how it all played out, I learned, looking back on it all, that the people Axl hired to "represent his interests" through all of the band's undoing could have been a bit smarter than they were. Maybe intelligence has nothing to do with it: had they cared enough about him and about Guns N' Roses as a band to have advised him to pursue any other path than the one he did this story may have had a different ending. Anyone could have foreseen the lack of positive outcome that lay ahead on the road Axl chose to go down. But then again, maybe that is how he wanted it."



Related: Axl Rose Sets the Record Straight

Bumble Puts His Foot In His Mouth

A message from Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal regarding his comments in the i heart guitar interview:


Regarding the end of the interview about GN'R touring, it came off in the printed transcription to sound like I was citing the economy like some lame excuse...

"It’s just that when it comes to battling the economy ... there are so many variables that could make it not work."

I wasn't saying the sole reason GN'R hadn't toured was due to the economy, or the economy only - folks gotta read the whole sentence, up to where it ends with a period.

You know, the period. As in "I'm complaining about Ron's interview because I have my period."

There are "many variables that could make it not work."

In other words, as I've been telling everyone for years, I don't give any specific info about GN'R's business in my own personal interviews.

Don't ask Azoff about my guitar parts, don't ask me about GN'R's business.

The BumbleForum


This whole charade is pretty sad, and I actually feel bad for Ron who is a nice guy and a talented musician.

For further discussion: Bumble Puts His Foot In His Mouth

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Slash Was Paid $1.65 Million For Quart Fest Appearance


via Blabbermouth
According to Dagbladet.no, Slash was paid 10 million Norwegian kroner (approximately $1.65 million) for his headlining appearance at this year's edition of the Quart festival on June 30, 2009 in Kristiansand, Norway.

Quart festival manager Arild Buli would not comment on the report when contacted by Dagbladet.no, calling it "an internal matter" and expressing his concern about "confidential information" being leaked to the public.

Related: Slash and Friends Rock Norway

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Guns N' Roses in Dimapur?


Hyperactive motormouths have been busy for some time now about some group of armed fauna called Guns N’ Roses making pasta out of big, bad, boisterous Dimapur.

For several weeks now, rousing conversations of Naga youths on the internet have been like totally happening about Axl Rose’s hairy horde doing Dimapur probably before November’s rain comes (no pun intended).

I’ve checked my media sources in Delhi and Bangalore, and just a few hours ago, Oregon new south and Los Angeles.

The group’s tour managers made no mention of an India date either, leave alone Dimapur but the scent is still strong.

But, wait, repeat, but wait, there are persuasive info that it’s actually a US supergroup with members drawn from Alice Cooper, Guns N’ Roses and White Lion for a Dimapur show. Phew.

The trail has led to a Dimapur-based events management group which is rigging up the this-and-thats for the rockers. Yes, plans are on and lots of super top-secret 10 PM meetings are on. Watch this space, man, watch this space.

The Morning Express
Thanks to: GNRCrazyNinjaFan

For Further Discussion: Guns N' Roses in Dimapur

Related: Tour Rumors Are Starting Up Again

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Marc Canter: Chinese Democracy Was Recorded in 3 Years


The author of Reckless Road opens up to Argentinian Guns site Daily Better.

Marc Canter on Izzy Stradlin's departure from Guns N' Roses:


"There was a lot going on with Izzy. He was paranoid of all the law suits that were coming in from the riots. He was sober and didn't want to hang out with Duff and Slash who were not. Plus it didn't help that they were getting drunk all night while they were waiting to go on late. Also Slash was still using heroin. Izzy was not happy about the late fees the band was paying for from the venues, he didn't want to spend a ton of money for the videos. He called me right before he quit to see if I would make him a video of all the times they played "Don't Cry" from the old days. I guess he thought that they could use the footage for the MTV one. It was just no longer his scene. There could be a few more reasons I never asked him about it. The things that I just said are things that I have put together myself."

On the breakup of Guns N' Roses:


"They wanted different things. I don't blame Axl or Slash for the split. I think they wanted different things at the time. I wished that Axl would have put out a solo record in 1996 like Slash did and then they may have been ready to work together again. The problem is if you ask them why they split both of them will give to a one word answer - each other's names."

On Chinese Democracy:


"I love the new stuff and it didn't take as long to make as people think. Some people think that it took too long to make. It took 2 years to put a band together. Most of the record was done in about 3 years but there were many things to work out with the record compnay and management and while that was going on [Axl] added some things to it."

You can read the full interview here.

You can purchase Reckless Road (Marc Canter's definitive book on Guns N' Roses) here.

© Daily Better Group 2009
Translated by Natalia Salaberry