Here Today... Gone To Hell!

http://www.sp1at.com/item.php?id=134

Tommy gave an interview to the LA Times recently:

Despite recording a track recently with Paul Westerberg, Tommy Stinson has told the LA Times that he would reject a Replacements reunion tour. He told the LA Times, "If they were throwing the kind of money at us like they were throwing at the Pixies, I would have to look into it because I'm in this to obviously sell records and make a living....but would it be fun even if they did throw that kind of money around? I don't know. It doesn't really entice me. Do I really want to go out and play 'Alex Chilton' again? I've done that. I don't know if I want to play with Paul live again because I've done that."

Speaking about new Guns n'roses album, Stinson told the LA Times, "There are so many different musical textures and different things going on, you can't pinpoint it as just another drugs, sex and rock 'n' roll record, which is kind of what they celebrated back in the heyday. There's elements of that sort of a musical vibe in a way, but it's a lot more diverse..". When asked about a release date for Chinese Democracy, he told the LA Times, "The record's really close to being completed and put out"....but he declined to guess when exactly that would be. He then went on to quip "It's been scheduled every month for the last 10 years" and added that once the record's out "there will be a flurry of chaos that I'll be thrown into."

Nice to hear a little honesty from Mr. Stinson with regards to the release date.

Whole article here...

http://www.calendarlive.com/services/site/premium/access-premium-1.intercept
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Or...
http://www.sp1at.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=549
Registration required... (I think!)

Nowhere else to go but forward
March 3, 2005
By Susan Carpenter / Times Staff Writer
When Tommy Stinson released his first solo album, his goals were modest. The former bass player for legendary '80s rockers the Replacements wanted to begin making his own records, to find a label, to build an audience. The results, unfortunately, were...


http://www.calendarlive.com/music/cl-wk-pop3mar03,2,1632363.story

You need a subscription to read the whole thing..... :(



/jarmo

I like the "flurry of chaos" line.   Probably wishful thinking, but that feels to me like there are at least some plans in the offing.

/Mike

The way Tommy describes all the different musical styles and textures is exactly the way I figured it would end up being.

After all this time, how could we expect anything less from Axl?

I think the dude is sitting on a real musical monstrosity and I think he knows it and I'm sure the record company has heard it and they know it's going to a massive success.

That's why they're letting Axl release it on his terms. :nervous: :confused:

Money in the fucking bank baby. :yes: : ok: :beer: :smoking:

I do not understand quotes like these.  You cannot know that something is going to be a success especially in the entertainment industry.  This happens in film all the time.  Movies like Braveheart win awards out the ass, and they were box office flops.  The record company obviously has confidence in regards to the potential the album has because if they didn't I really doubt they would be so behind it like they have been. 

Same old news from Tommy

Dave, if it is the same old news from Tommy then DON'T POST! :rant: It is not the same old news because now he essentially says he doesn't know when it is going to come out! He usually give a specific timeframe.  ::)

I don't care if you don't understand my post. :o

That's the way I feel about the situation so, I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't knock my opinion. :beer:

Yep, me too.

Very unfortunate.

Why is that unfortunate?

I think it's cool.  I also think that it makes sense if you look at the UYI albums in comparison to AFD.  I think the UYI records were more stylistically diverse than AFD.  Personally, that's what I loved about those records.

I think the new album will show some different musical influences, but still be pulled through the filter of GN'R's brand of melodic, guitar-driven hard rock.

Ali

The problem is it does not make for a cohesive record...just like the Illusions. Some masterpieces...some pieces of shit. Hopefully with all this time and effort, Axl will make this album a lot more focused. I think it will be from a lyrical standpoint, but musically????

We will see it, but I don't know if soon is the word... Tommy's words "The record's really close to being completed and put out"....but he declined to guess when exactly that would be. He then went on to quip "It's been scheduled every month for the last 10 years" and added that once the record's out "there will be a flurry of chaos that I'll be thrown into." are a bit strange. He's surely frustrated, but proud of the product. I wonder when was the last time that the musicians had anything to do with the record  :-\

I believe Madison from MyGnR spoke to Merck about rumours of Brain leaving the band in August and he replied saying something along the lines of "he hasn't left, he is laying percussion as we speak" (or something similar). I could be wrong though.

Fortus also said in September that the album wasn't finished yet, but in December he said "it's done"... So maybe he had some input in that time.

Tommy said he heard some songs "recently" in November.

Dizzy probably sees Axl on a regular-ish basis as they go way back.

Pittman and Finck live in Axl's basement so they probably hear Axl singing and playing his piano late at night.  :rofl:

Well, I see a difference between being stylistically cohesive and cohesive in terms of song quality.  I agree that the UYI records were not cohesive in terms of song quality.  That was largely due to the fact that they released two records instead of condensing the material into one.

I think this record will be stylistically diverse but qualitatively cohesive.

Ali

  Thats a very intresting question as:
it's been said that legal issues holdning up the release, which means not the musicians no more?

If you track the numerous Tommy interviews since early 2003, you will see that the band has been done-as a band-since early 2003. Tommy recorded his solo album in Mar-April 03-I believe. Tommy also clearly said they were mixing as we speak in July 2003. My best educated guess is that the band went their separate ways in late Feb early Mar 2003. Axl has taken 2 years to wrap up the baby! Ali, I hope you are right. Ok Computer, one of my favorite albums of all time, is exactly like your description. :hihi:

I wonder if tommy will ever change his tune and actually tell it like it is instead of pussy footing around?

We will all be reading the same shit next year, and the year after untill  axl dies or music gets put on the net!

Hey Tommy....

Until CD comes out and whoops all of our collective asses, you'll always be known as the bass player from The Mats.
Even then, depending on how CD does to the average GNR fanatic (forget the mainstream person), you'll still have the title as being the 'ex-Replacements bassist'. Like it or not, The Mats left a HUGE mark on us. So, don't be so afraid to look back once in a while. You'll never be primarily known as the bassist from GNR.

I just saw Danzig @ Spirit in NYC this week on Tuesday. The special guest during his set was Doyle. Now, this wasn't billed as a Misfits reunion. And Danzig said himself, this is as close as you'll get to a reunion. Okay, so Doyle probably didn't have any better gig to do. And Danzig was probably feeling nostalgic. Hey, all the better for me and the rest of the overaged FIENDS there (standing far away from the pit). It was sure freakin' amazing to scream myself hoarse on a few Misfits songs.

Trust me, if the Mats decided to tour again, you would get equal to the Pixies if not more.

Waiting sucks all around, don't it?

Yes, madagas.  That is an excellent example.  OK Computer is a classic album in my estimation.  If the album is on par with OK Computer quality-wise, I would consider it an exceptional achievement.

Ali

Been scheduled for release every month for ten years, interesting?

That's new isn't it? Thanks god some one is sober here.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Most great records capture a moment in time, it's hard to do that when the moment in time in question is anyhwere from 5-14 years depending on who's timetable you're using.

WTF!! Illusions were not cohesive and there were "pieces of shit" tunes??!! ?Sure maybe My World but other than that the Illusions were the most cohesive solid records ever put out!! i'd love to see CD be a cross between Illusion and Appetite!!

They were not cohesive.  But you can't say there's some pieces of shit.
You might hate My World but it's my fav tune.

I think they were meant to be incoherent.

Disagree totally.

Those records were all over the place, absolutely the antithesis of cohesive or focused. ?

Like a 3 hour movie with a thin plot and too many characters.

yes, agree, and i can say that it's clearly evidence of a band at work,
but the swing an momentum goes with the singer imo
agree 2 that article

and mods can bash me 4 this, but why so much x-members in the gunsnroses threads? and sections
can't people deal with reality?

And i hope they're plans about a release and finsihed soons, happens for them this time,
and that we can finally hear studio albums of the band!!! ?:peace:

By Susan Carpenter, Times Staff Writer

When Tommy Stinson released his first solo album, his goals were modest. The former bass player for legendary '80s rockers the Replacements wanted to begin making his own records, to find a label, to build an audience.

The results, unfortunately, were equally modest. Since Sanctuary Records released "Village Gorilla Head" last August, it has sold just 15,000 copies and received almost no radio airplay

"There's always an excuse for why. All you can really do is say, 'OK. Cool. I made another record, put it out, toured, and I'm going to keep doing it because that's what I do,' " said Stinson, who's scheduled to play a solo show at the Hotel Cafe on Friday.

Now 38, Stinson was just 12 when he and older brother Bob formed the Replacements in their Minneapolis basement. He was 13 when they fleshed out the lineup with drummer Chris Mars and singer Paul Westerberg, 14 when the band made its recording debut with "Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash," 15 when the group started getting a lot of attention and 18 when they reached their creative peak, releasing the seminal punk album "Let It Be." When the band split up, the Replacements had eight records to their credit. Stinson was only 24.

He now lives in Los Angeles. In the 12 years he's been here, Stinson has never had a car; he gets around via bicycle and public transit. He still "gets his drink on," he said, but not to the point of stumbling around onstage, as the Replacements were known to do.

His thin frame and face topped with tousled two-tone hair, his wrist carrying a cluster of jewelry, Stinson is still very much the rocker. In the mid-'90s, he formed the short-lived groups Bash & Pop and then Perfect. Since 1998, he's been the bass player for Guns N' Roses.

Musicians from each contributed to "Village Gorilla Head," including Perfect drummer Gersh and Guns N' Roses' keyboardist and guitarist, Dizzy Reed and Richard Fortus. For his part, Stinson not only plays bass on the record but six-string guitar, keyboards and, on one track, drums. He also sings -- both lead and backing vocals.

"I wanted to switch it all up," Stinson said, "not just say, 'Here's the one good song and eight others that sound like a crappier version.' "

As a whole, he has succeeded. His first solo record is a multifaceted life snapshot of lessons learned the hard way. The record is rock with a spit shine -- its guitar-driven melodies steeped in disappointment, its lyrics ping-ponging between pessimism and hope. Vocally, it's clear Stinson's picked up some tricks from Westerberg. His delivery has the same energy, sneer and sarcasm of his former bandmate, but there's an endearing, wounded-puppy sensitivity beneath it all, belying a life that's had a lot of downs along with its ups.

Stinson credits the Replacements with saving him from a life of delinquency. Before forming the band, he'd been arrested twice for stealing. Later, the band caused a family rift when Stinson sided with his bandmates to throw his own brother out of the group. Bob later died from alcohol abuse at age 35, in February 1995.

Fourteen years since the group's disintegration into alt-rock also-rans, Westerberg in particular remains a source of bitterness and disillusionment. Stinson and Westerberg saw each other for the first time in eight years in January, when the two collaborated on music for Sony's upcoming animated feature "Open Season."

Ask Stinson about future collaborations with Westerberg, however, and his mood quickly darkens.

Will there be a reunion tour?

"No," he said, directing his full attention to the meatless burrito he was eating at the 101 Cafe in Hollywood.

"No," he repeated without further prompting.

It wouldn't be fun?

"No."

After a long pause, Stinson explained. "If they were throwing the kind of money at us like they were throwing at the Pixies, I would have to look into it because I'm in this to obviously sell records and make a living, but they're not," Stinson said. "And would it be fun even if they did throw that kind of money around? I don't know. It doesn't really entice me. Do I really want to go out and play 'Alex Chilton' again? I've done that. I don't know if I want to play with Paul live again because I've done that."

At Westerberg's initiative, a Replacements box set is in the works, but Stinson is getting involved only because "otherwise I'll get screwed," he said.

Stinson seemed much happier on the subject of Guns N' Roses and his work on one of the most talked about unreleased records in history, "Chinese Democracy." He and the other seven members of the group worked tirelessly on the album from 1998 to 2002.

"There are so many different musical textures and different things going on, you can't pinpoint it as just another drugs, sex and rock 'n' roll record, which is kind of what they celebrated back in the heyday. There's elements of that sort of a musical vibe in a way, but it's a lot more diverse," Stinson said.

"That record's really close to being completed and put out," he added, but declined to guess when exactly that will be.

"It's been scheduled every month for the last 10 years," he deadpanned, adding that once the record's out "there will be a flurry of chaos that I'll be thrown into."

Until then, he's focusing on his own music, which has been getting a slight boost from local station Indie 103.1, which added Stinson's "Moment Too Soon" last fall.

"It's Tommy Stinson," Indie 103.1 music director Mark Sovel said of his rationale for adding the song. "I grew up on the Replacements, and even if the record wasn't getting widespread play, it was still good songwriting and a good record. If he doesn't deserve a shot, who does?"

Same old, same old. ::)

that is so kinky S&M, dude.  do ya think he's got a dungeon bed down there, whips, handcuffs, candlewax, the whole shebang.

Why is that "very unfortunate"? Do you ever have anything positive to say about anything?

"antithesis of cohesive or focused" Well--aren't we the little armchair Intellectual.   

But anyway, I'd say that they were a great mix of styles and there wasn't really any filler at all.

I believe I echoed madagas' sentiments on the reasoning behind it being "unfortunate".

And yes, I do have positive input from time to time. ?I'm virtually positive you did not read my post history before asking such a question.

We aren't....

So much for the "they've been working on it for ten years" posts.


Thanks chindem!



/jarmo

Thanks to Chindem for posting the full article, since after all it was the original subject  ;D

yes, they have not, but the collabration with paul tobias and the music reportedly started early on, hm?
Thanks 4 postin this whole article, i like readin tommy stuff and stuff  :)

So is the record still comming out in April Tommy!!!!!

I have to question that timeline...unless the albums been completely finished for 3 years, and I doubt thats the case.  As far as I know, theyre still "working on it." 

The fact of the matter is that Axl has been working on a follow-up since before 1998...Most of the material from those days has probably been scrapped.  Maybe some of it will be used.  So it comes down to what youre referring to as "it": Chinese Democracy or the new GNR album.  Again, the material on CD may be 7 or so years in the making (certainly not the 4 suggested by the article), but the new GNR album has been worked on since, what, '94?

Nothing new on the horizon but...

I didn't really like Tommy's comments about a reunion with the Replacements though. The only complain I have about this band is its lack of unity ( apperantly). A Band has to stick together, it's ok to put out solo albums if the band is not ready, but as far ar re-uniting with your former band while you are still in GNR is another story. I would have rather hear him say "A Replacements reunion is not going to happen cause I'm in GNR" or something along those lines.

Regarding the diversity of the album, a record could be diverse and still be cohesive. I'm in no way expecting a UYI or AFD clon. Axl's matured musically and lyrically and I expect to see that on the new record. SG Peppers is very fucking diverse yet still solid and cohesive.

Yeah, by that logic work on the Use Your Illusion albums started in the early to mid-80s. Before GN'R even existed.

Would you say it took GN'R six or seven years to finish UYI? Some of the material is that old.....


I'm sure they have worked on songs before 1998, but Tommy wasn't even in the band before 1998. I think once they got a band together, after all the members leaving, things got a bit more serious.




/jarmo

That's exactly what I was thinking. It's a bit weird.... I would expect an answer like "No man, I'm with Axl now....we have a great a band and a great album and I can't wait to go out and promote that album"

He would consider a reunion if it pays really well, what the fuck is that about, Tommy? Are you only in GNR for the Benjamins?

Yeah, because no band members left after 1998!   ;D

If he said that, I'm sure some people (especially Mats fans) would make sneering remarks about how "GN'R's not doing anything right now, so he could just as well tour with Paul".

I don't know about being in music "for the benjamins", but if he considered doing that reunion tour for a large amount of money, it would suggest that the cheques he gets from GN'R are not as hefty as everyone seems to assume. Which, turning it around, would mean he doesn't stay in the band "for the benjamins". If he was that financially secure, he wouldn't even need to consider doing something for the money.

I really do hope you are smart enough to figure that being in GNR and writing songs in GNR will make anyone filthy rich after the release of the album. When the album drops they will at least sell a few million just to hardcore fans. If he has co-written only half of the songs it would make him an instant millionair. Tommy knows that. Why do you think Dizzy is still hangin in there?

Axl surely had some songs he wrote between 1994 and 1998. According to Slash, in the last months of GN'R, they had been working on new stuff 'mostly Axl material'. So Axl has been working on this album since 1994, but with an everchanging line-up. He had to rid of some ideas because Slash, Duff and Matt worked on it, but his own songs had to stay unless he did find them bad/mediocre. And since 1997 he runs the business alone, he chooses the bandmembers. OMG, Tommy's on the board since 1998... Nothing can explain why it's been taking this long.  :no:

I sometimes catch a glimpse of that.
I do hope everybody gets rewarded for their hard work and their hard time.
And I hope someday somewhere you'll realise there are fucking idiots who are not really into the benjamins.
I mean, do you get any money for posting here? Pandra? Jarmo?  No way!!!!!

Just becuase there were songs around 94-98 doesnt mean Axl has been working on the album since that time. There were songs prior to AFD that appeared on UYI. That doesnt mean they were 100% focused on workin gon those songs prior to AFD. ALl bands have songs that are in the vault to be worked on at a later point.

The band started putting down music for the new lineup around 98. I personally believe the better part of the material will be from the 2000 till whenever released.

Yes, I think I'm smart enough, thank you.
As you said, that's when the album drops. Cynics would say "that's if it drops". And there's always a chance that it might bomb. A few millions just to hardcore fans? That's not a given at all. I don't think there are millions of hardcore fans left out there. Anyway.
Supposing he's not on a high payroll, he could have gone on the reunion tour Westerberg was hell-bent on setting up 3-4 years ago, and made some easy cash. The fact that he didn't do it seems to indicate that he's not so into it "for the benjamins". Sure he would like to sell records, but there is some middle ground between making a living off your music and compromising your integrity (the benjamins reference).


I asked Jarmo to grant me a salary, but that bastard won't do it. Shit, I wanna see the benjamins too  >:(  :hihi:

GN'R started to work on their UYI follow-up album in 1994. They haven't released new material since then, so yes, the album is on works for 11 years. Since not every song made AFD, they used songs some old songs later - it doesn't mean that they had been working on UYI since 1983, because they released 2 albums before AFD. Had Axl released two albums in the last 10 years, nobody would have said that it took 11 years for him to finish CD. Everybody can understand it. But since he's been working on an album since 1994 nobody cares why he dropped the songs in 1995, 1999 or 2004. He dropped what he didn't like, that's it. He wants to use the best moments of his band (hopefully). I don't think that Axl would have worked on songs in 1994-1998 he did want to bury and not release  :no:

And last time Tommy said that songs appeared on the scene he hadn't heard for years, so I wouldn't bet that we'll hear the fruits of only the last 3-4 years - if we ever hear this album.

Not releasing something in "x" amount of years and working on something in "x" amount of years are 2 completely different things. From 94- till the old members left did work on SOME material. Between lawsuits, burnouts from the monster long tour, egos, etc I doubt they put down anything serious for an actual album. Axl said in the 2002 press release that if GNR were to release an album it would have been in the late 90's anyways.

Fast foward to the old band members leaving. Around 97/98. Axl begins search for new lineup. They lay down material during that period from 98 -lets says 2000. Band begins to take a definate form when Bucket arrives. Even more material is added. That material is attempted to be "perfected" during 2001-till now. Yea Im sure songs and ideas from 94-98 might be used but again that doesnt mean it was finished or totally worked on.
I bet most of the material that we hear will come from 2000 till the present.


No he hasnt been working on the album since 94.
I could care less what any1 thinks. Thats the reality of the project. If some1 wants to ignore them fine. No biggie. If some1 isnt as interested in knowing the reality of the situation, fine too. But for a fan, or some1 who cares and wants to know the foundation and origins of this project they will know it began in 98 and seriously took shape in the 2000's.


No1 is saying that there wont be songs from the 94-98 period. Im sure there will be. But again that doesnt mean the shovels were in the ground for a revamped lineup and album and for CD to start now....

Alright, it seem like we don't understand each other.  :no:  (One note: GN'R's reality is not known for you or me, we can only guess, so it's not valid to say 'It's the reality I don't care what anyone thinks.) BTW you have too much time for each GN'R action: Dream Theater who write a much more complicated music than GN'R write their records in 3 weeks and record it in another 3 weeks. A band doesn't need years to get together, there is no nedd for years to add a new guitarist parts or a new drummers'. And after Slash's departure Axl said (late 1996) that the new record will be out in 1997...

It doesnt take too long to figure out the history of gNR.

WHo???

This isnt any ordinary band. This band has big shoes to fill. And in order to do it right and represent Axl made sure he got the right group. Unfortunately that along with the music aspect takes a lil bit of time.

So please stop implying it should take x amount of time for a band to form or release something. Just fuck off if you cant handle it.

He also said 2000

I don't think Falcon will be saying it's an unfortunate thing when he finally hears the new shit. :no:

I firmly believe and have all along, that a ton of people here and everywhere, will be changing there tune when that day eventually arrives. :yes:

This 'it's not an ordinary band' shit is boring. GN'R's legacy and greatness has NO connection with this. The music made GN'R big and not the 'not making music'. One year (or let's say: 3 years) is/are enough for every band to write and record and put out at least one album. There is only one exception, and it's - unfortunately - Axl's band.


Try to behave. If you don't have any argument then don't post.

Is it an ordinary band?

Nope, it doesnt. But it does with Axl. If it bombs Axl will come down in terms of stature. If its a huge hit he will raise his already legendary level. Axl has all his chips on the line.

This band will detrmine the overall legacy of gnr. WIll gnr be just about the greatness of the old lineup or will it also include a newer version as well? That is teh question. WIll this band and Axl be able to pick up on the musical monstrosity that the old left off. Big shoes to fill. Just waiting for the bell to ring.


Just like the music will make or break this band? ;) : ok:

send me a copy of that rock n roll rule book when u get a chance...

Yep, it is Axls band. Just like when it was Axls band when Gnr were a "tight, badass" band in the good ol days.


You must have stumped me with your informative posting...my bad

There's more than one band who hasn't made an album per year.

Stop trying to act like GN'R is the only band who takes time between albums. Sure, GN'R hasn't put out any album with original material since 1991, but you're implying the rest of the bands are putting out albums every three years.

How many of those bands have gone through the same things that GN'R have? Why do you feel the need to compare different bands to each other? Who decides what the rules for rock bands are? Is it you?



/jarmo

1-3 years are enough for write, record and put out an album. I haven't said that every band releases an album in every 3 years, cause they often go to tour for a year or more and then have a year break. And then they go to write and record (sometimes bands write songs during the tour, you know).

I still can't see the drama what happened in the 1998-2005 era that made Axl unable to release at least one album. Don't say BH left da da da cause the lack of activity made him leave the band. And as I see everyone can put together a new band and make a record in like 2 years, but Axl only did the first one... Even Tommy said that the album is scheduled for a next month release in every months of the last 10 years. so it seem like I'm not the only one who can't imagine what's holding back CD.

No matter what time frame people choose to believe CD was/is/will continue to be created in, I think we'd all agree that 1 new tune in 14 years released for public consumption by Axl Rose is just not enough.

Speakiing selfishly, is that fair to say?

Yeah, selfishly speaking it's sad that we only got one song. But as so many times before, I keep saying, he doesn't owe us anything.....



/jarmo

Agree with Jarmo!
It is rather we that owe`s Axl, and GNR!!

I'd like to pay for him some money but he has to release CD to get my donation  ;)

No.

When Axl was working on "Dont Cry," "November Rain," and "Back Off Bitch," it wasnt for the Appetite For Destruction follow-up.? Any material written after UYI was written for a follow-up to that album.? Thats the difference.? Do you really question that any material worked on after 1993 wasnt meant for the next GNR record?

And do you believe that work on the album ceased in 2002?


I think youve missed my point.

Im not going by how old a song is, Im going by how much time material has been worked on for an album, between abums.? Therefore, Use Your Illusions would have been worked on for about 3 years.


Probably...that doesnt mean the album wasnt being worked on prior to that.

So you think if they wrote "dozens of tracks" that those are all for the follow up album?

I believe artists can write songs just because they have something to say. Not because they have to write songs for a follow-up album. Then maybe after completing a bunch of songs he/she can decided that "ok, these 15 could be on the new album".

To me it seems like Axl would write songs, and then later decide which ones would be worked on further for a possible inclusion on an album.



/jarmo