Here Today... Gone To Hell!

My night actually started kind'a crappy. I was at Houlihan's in Penn Station having a beer as I was waiting for the credentials to be brought down by management, and on the way to the bathroom I hit my head on a tv monitor that was sticking out into the walk way. Really dangerous. So I had what I thought was a big lump on the right side of my forehead near the hair line. I was planning on buying a hat later at the merch counter to cover it up, but a couple of hours later I was talking to someone backstage and they said they didn't even notice the bump. Funny how a bump on the head always FEELS bigger than it actually is.

I was at the show doing a personal photography project for one of the band members. "Personal" as in FOR the band member, and never to be sold or made available to the public. It was not only a once in a life time opportunity, but also an honor. Unfortunately for the info thirsty fans, there's nothing juicy in this review. No exact times when so-in-so showed up at the after party, no info on who drank what and how much was consumed, no pictures of any famous people, and no info on the album release date. However, I did include a few pics that I don't think are a big deal, and Frank told me an album tid bit that he said wasn't a secret. And fwiw; if anyone was close enough to the stage, I was the one wearing the red flanel shirt... and my hair is buzzed. (crew cut)


The backstage VIP area was cool. They had complimentary beer, wine, soda, cheese, fruit platters, raw vegetable platters and colored nacho chips n' dip. After having only one beer before the project I had to work on that night, I found the band member who I was there for. We chatted for a few, I filmed a "Walking up the ramp" shot, and then he had to go back into the band room to warm up before the show.

As usual, I spend most of my time in this capacity at these kinds of events talking to the road crew, arena employees and people in the VIP area. On this night, it was very special for some of the band members. More than one of them was playing at this venue for the first time in their life. As a result, and also because the event took place in New York City, there were alot of close friends and family members of the band present in the VIP area.

Also present?! JARMO! In fact, I chatted alot with him that night. Funny thing is, I didn't know who he was until the next day when some a-hole at another bb posted a picture of him with rude text transposed onto it. I was like, "Who is this guy? I met him at MSG!"

Anyway, he was really cool. I babbled mostly about Europe, and I also told him about the "American Tobacco" conspiracy. (I lost my cigarette cravings while spending some time in England over the summer... smoking Dunhill & Mayfair)

Sebastian's band was great, as usual. It's funny, sometimes he cracks this joke when fans ask him to sign an old Skid Row album. He says, "Oh that's when I was still good looking." But he really looks the same and his voice is still great for his age. And of course, the same with Axl. Which is ironic that Baz is opening for Guns on the tour. It's like, two 80's front-men who still look and sound great.


Guns N' Roses sounded great too, although I was right up front with my teeth near the stage for the first three songs. So I really only heard the monitor mixes. Sometimes I would move to a position and hear Axl clear as hell, then move near another monitor and hear Ron clear as hell. But later on, I went out into the crowd for a few songs and they DID sound good. If you'd like a better sound review, there are others at this forum.

After the show I was hanging out in the VIP area, and one by one, all of the band members strolled in to greet their fans, friends and family members. Then at some point when Axl still hadn't arrived in the VIP area, I needed to go pee. After I got back, a security guard near the entrance of the VIP area said, "Axl's in there... no pictures," as I walked back in. (I wouldn't have taken any to begin with)

So I walked over to the "huddle" that was around him, and he was shaking hands of fans. He turned around, I extended my hand with a smile, and said, "Great performance tonight" as he shook it. He said, "Thank you very much," while smiling. Then he turned to the left to continue meeting and greeting, as I politely bowed out of the huddle and went to get another beer... or maybe I went back to Jarmo's couch and cracked a "Wanna touch my hand?" joke. I'm not sure who I cracked that joke too, but it really was cool just to meet Axl. I'm not big on autographs and pictures, so the hand shake was cool.

A few minutes later I walked over and greeted Frank. I told him how I think he's a great drummer... especially for Live shows, and then I asked him the best question I could think up. Of course I DIDN'T want to ask the 64,000 dollar question, for obvious reasons, so I asked, "Is it like, TOTALLY top secret how many tracks you recorded on the new album?" And he answered, "No it's not a big secret. Five...."

Then he said something else, but I forgot what it was. I guess I was just trying to remember "Five" because I already had a few to drink.

At some point later, the party moved to a bar about 20 blocks away. On the way in I grabbed a fortune cookie out of a bowl. For some reason there were bowls of fortune cookies and Red Hots everywhere. After opening my fortune cookie, I put the fortune in my flannel pocket because I was already too buzzed to read small writing in a dimly lit club. But to my surprise, when I woke up at 4pm the day after and found the fortune in my shirt, it said "Why I'm here I can't quite remember," which was funny, because by 5 in the morning I was almost to blitzed to remember why I was there that night.


I can't say how crowded the place was because of, ironically enough, Fire Marshal issues, except to say that it wasn't uncomfortably full, and people weren't splashing drinks on each other. When I first went to the bar to get a drink though, I was shocked to find out that this was ALSO an "Open Bar." (Free) I can understand an open bar at the venue, but it surprised me at this after-party. And I can't IMAGINE the tab that Gn'R management must have had to pick up after the sun came up.

So there was nothing really juicy to report at the after party even if I WAS to do so. The band members arrived similarly to the way they did in VIP after the show. Axl was there too, and had a huddle around him most of the time. But as I said, there were alot of personal friends and family members there. So there wasn't really anyone asking for autographs and pictures. I spent most of the time at the after party talking to the band member who I did the project for, talking to Jarmo and his friends, and also talking to fans. I didn't attempt to talk to Axl because of the personal aspect of this after party mentioned above. (friends and family) And I also didn't really have anything to say, other than I'm a fan of his music and he did a great job that night.

I also can't stress enough, and I know it sounds cliche, that Axl seems like such a personable and nice guy. In fact, for being a supposed "Asshole," he sure does smile alot. In fact, he was never NOT smiling every time he walked by me or I saw him accross the way. EVERYONE in the band is nice, and I'm not just saying that.

My night ended when I took a taxi to the Staten Island Ferry terminal as the Sun was coming up. Then I fell asleep on the Staten Island train and ended up going back and forth one full trip to get to my stop, which was near my brother's house. He put me up in Staten Island last weekend until I came back to England yesterday. (Monday) For what it's worth, I'm from The U.S. but I live in England now.

I want to thank Axl for picking up the bar tab at the after party, as well as the band member I worked for that night. Also thank you to Merck for making the project I worked on possible.

Hey, thanks for posting this here, I read it on the other forum.  A great story about a great night! Oh, and welcome to the board! :beer:

wow, excellent review!  thanks : ok:

Frank is on 5 songs on the album?  Damn wonder what Brain thinks about that.....

Awesome, a really great story! And that is very cool about 5 tracks for Frank. I assume that means Ron will be on around that many, give or take of course. Anyway, thanks a lot!!  :beer:

Your welcome. I added the Jarmo parts because I didn't know it was him when I first posted. I also added the Frank tid-bit because he DID say it's not a secret.

I hope this was a good contribution to the Gn'R community. I tried my best not to say things that can be exxagerated or confused. Which is really hard to do.

Who cares what Brain thinks about it.

Amazing story!! Thank you for sharing it with us.

You didnt say anything too much. Dont be surprised if people start sending you messages asking what band member you were filming/taking pictures for. Stick around!  :beer:

I spot some Black Label Society colors in that third pic.

Cool story.. thanks for posting that up bro.

Thanks a lot for posting, that was a great read!!!!

Asking me Q's is futile :) I did forget to mention that Sebastian is a fun and funny guy. But I think alot of fans know that already.

And yes, I'll stick around!

So who's the bandmember?  :)

Thanks for replying.  I care - that's why I took the time to post.  Anyway, its amazing that they can turn around and re-record (the drum parts at least) and re-mix and re-master 5 tracks and still get this album out in the "fall to late-fall."  Axl is serious about making these guys (Frank and Bumblefoot) a part of the "Guns N' Roses family."

OK, well you care. Personally I'd get Frank in alone. (Unless there are a lor of weird songs Brain were to be more suited for). In that case, and it appears to be what's gonna happen, it will be interesting hearing different drummers on different tracks on the album.

Sweet!

The process is alot faster than people think. I'm not saying because of ChinDem knowledge, but because I've been in the biz for a long time. Things are so advanced now.

Frank and Ron are very devoted to the band. And that's probably why Axl gave them that opportunity. Again, not because I know. Just my oppinion.

Good read, the board needs more content like this ...

Five tracks is interesting, I wonder if that is just songs for Chinese Democracy, or songs for all three albums?

Well, I personally think it's great that they will be on the album.  They are out on the road performing the songs nightly and kicking ass and deserve to be there!   :peace:

Great story!

So were the fortune cookies specially made for GN'R or did it just happen to be Guns lyrics?

PC :rofl:

Honestly, I think the only reason the board might lack some content like this is because it's very difficult for people to share this kind of experience without posting something complicated. As an example, If I had guessed the number of people at the after-party, and then it turned out that the maximum patron # in the club was lower than my incorrect guess, it would be a Fire Marshal problem.

But I've had a keen ability to see liability since I was a kid. Maybe I'm 1/16th lawyer or something :)

Anyway, rather than pick posts apart, the moderators are in the unfortunate position of just having to delete a post here and there.

Duh! Fuckin brain farts! hate em!

Exactly, so was that just a coincidence?

I would guess that they were custom. But I only opened one and put the fortune in my pocket. Otherwise I would have grabbed a few others. So there may have been other lyric quotes in other cookies.

cool story!! ?;D lucky you!

so, no groupies that night? ?:hihi:

Ok, thanks for answering :beer:

It seems as though careful planning goes into who is invited to the after-parties. I'm not saying women weren't there, and I'm not saying people weren't having fun. It just seemed really classy. The people AND the club. It wasn't like a Def Lep party :)

good thing you didnt get the fortune cookie that said "you think your so cool, why dont you just fuck off" :hihi: :rofl:

Yes! I might have gotten paranoid! :)

And if it weren't for the fact that a certain someone was also wearing jeans and a chain wallet like me, I might have felt under-dressed and left :)

Yeah, you make a good point ... it's just nice to have something interesting rather than something for people to argue incessantly over.   : ok:

That's so awesome it's not even funny.
 

It's completely sick.......


          you lucky human being!!!!!

Or a cookie with the fortune 'You can use you illusion, Let it take you where it may' I think that would've suited you a lil' bit better ER.

(PS - it's AF)

Or how about "Keep pushin' for the fortune and fame"

What's up?! Who's the guy in the avitar mug shot?

Jarmo has access to the band and VIP area?

I guess this is the official board now.

I woudln't say "Has access." He was just at that one show... which was a special night for EVERYONE. Maybe he was just invited to that show because he was in the country for other reasons. We didn't talk about it either way.

He hasn't put the entire board on lock-down without getting at least something out of it. What exactly it is we will never know, but there was certainly something in it for him to change course with the board the way it has the past few months as opposed to the previous 9+ years. I don't blame him though, I would do the same thing most likely to get the perks I would suspect he is getting.

According to Jarmo's interview on that TalkingMetal show he's been to a few US shows. He either has some serious cash, or you know........

Well I can tell you ONE thing. I was literally "chased" here from another bb, where little terrorists are allowed to roam free. (Shit I gotta write some lyrics yo!)

Quite nice to have a "Sanctuary" of sorts... if you can pardon the pun :)

Edward, how did the band felt the show went? What was their vibe afterward?

Frank is on FIVE cd songs? WTF

That and Bumble having recorded some for the album were also printed in one of the many articles we aren't allowed to read around here. It seems as if this line-up went into the studio at some point during the past 6 months.

Maybe Frank and Brain are on some of the same tracks... and one is playing the bongos and/or cowbell.   :hihi:

Cowbell!

Ok, Jarmo didn't exchange a thing.

In case you refuse to remember, he was the only person of the online community mentioned by Axl in a positive way back in 2002, not 2006.

"Here today, gone to Belgium for Jarmo"...

And he never took advantage of that.

And he didn't have to exchange a damn thing.

So, he was backstage at a gig. The guy travelled half the world. And he has enough money to do that. You don't have to be a billionaire to travel to the US.

Axl obviously likes him, I believe we're sure about that after Merck's/Axl's letter.

So what?

So how does this jarmo dude dare being liked and respected by the GNR camp? He obviously sold his soul to them!

(sorry for the useless post, i'm bored)

Exactly...

He should have a t-shirt made...

"I sold my soul to GN'R and all I got was this lousy t-shirt and a backstage pass"...

Is this even an issue? Re-reading this thread, I don't see any controversy.

Jarmo is a good guy, no worries.

Well, yeah, I read some things I didn't like.

And I know how shit evolves and becomes bigger and bigger on other forums.

Frank is on 5 songs......"five".... too many beers........  as I read this it made me check the calendar........just maybe...... :hihi:

Brain said he is going to shoot him.

It must be so awesome to be backstage

Nice story.

Cool read , glad you got there jarmo!, was fun seeing you again, at the preparty and others, personally I think ots an excellent, story. And very cool to read. ROCK ON! :beer:

Just shows how far a bit of respect and dignity can get you in life, nice one Jarmo.  :beer:

nice read, thx for sharing.

Awesome and thanks for taking the time to post all of that!

I am shocked that Frank may be on 5 songs!!!

Thankx for this amazing story !

Can't wait to hear Brain's drumming VS Frank's drumming on the album.

How cool Eduard Rose.Glad you met the whole band : ok:

it was a great party indeed  ;)

That is an awesome story, Eddie.

I wonder if it's possible that the fortune cookies had something to do with the album being called Chinese Democracy.  ;)

Just another sign to show that Frank Ferrer is the new drummer for Guns N' Roses. Not a fill-in.

yikes -- this doesn't bode well for Buckethead's parts . . . .

I don't blame Jarmo for all the censoring and stuff now, if I could hang backstage with Axl and the band I wouldn't give a rats ass what some geeks with an internet connection thought of me.  :hihi:

Bucket's stuff is hasta la vista baby.

With two years since his departure. I'm sure either Robin and/or Richard recorded another guitar line, or Ron was brought in earlier than what we thought, and re-recorded it.

I think Frank will be permanent too... :P not sure if it is a good thing or not from a musicianship standpoint.

Don't be so negative. Bucketheads parts are still on CD? : ok:

It wouldn't make sense if BH were on the record. Nobody cares anymore, so come on, let's be serious... who cares? :P

have you heard his work on Cd?

the 2001-2002 erea was way enough for me. I dont want him to be related anymore with the band I love.? ?
He is good as a solo artist. But not in GN'R.

I care.

I care and you come back with the same lame arguments over and over again... Did you read Del James censored thing? He said the band tried and hoped BH would be back. Few weeks before NY they called in BBF. BBF is great and amazing, so are Finck and Fortus. GNR has 3 guitarists and it will stay like that. And BH will stay on CD. Along with BBF.

plus BH has written songs for ChineseDemocracy so it would be fair to hear him on the album. But I wouldn't worry if bumblefoot was playing some parts too  :peace:

yeah even if BH doesnt play in the album, we know for sure that he wrote a lot of things..

kool as fuckin hell.i loved it reading that.

ok im going to quote one thing here

"with buckethead you never got the same solo twice so we had a variety of different recordings and then chose from that, with Ron he is able to play the same solo over and over"

thats how i remember it ?;)

I heard you got a sneak preview of the album...................  :rofl:

Have you?

Glad you guys on post-pages 3 and 4 enjoyed the article. (over-night reads) Funny, I didn't think about the Chinese Democracy / Fortune Cookie thing. Maybe, but could be a common thing in private parties.  I recall custom furtune cookies at a wedding party too.

One thing to clarify, Del did confirm in his article that the band went back into the studio during that 33 days of down-time right before the Sunrise, FL. show, and that Frank and Ron recorded some ChinDem tracks.

This would NOT delay the release of the album in my oppinion. So please don't worry or post a response, "OH NO! NO 2006 RELEASE!"

Frank being on "5" songs hasn't been reported prior to him telling me. Ron Thal is a different story. Don't know. But I would guess that his number of songs is different because of any number of reasons.

And it really WAS ironic that I talked to Jarmo all night and didn't know who he was. And he really WAS cool guy. I'm not just saying that because this is his forum. M'kay? :)

Hey man,

thanks for all the info. Glad you had a great time.

And yeah, some of us who have met Jarmo in real life, we know he's a cool mofo.

Unfortunately some people who never get out of their houses refuse to stop posting bullshit about him.

Anyway, hope to meet you one day on tour. I'll be coming to England when they'll be there...  :beer:

About Bucketheads work on CD demos... The only thing really standing out is the TWAT-solo, but Ron has proved he's more than capable of playing it... So who knows  :hihi:

Cool. I recommend going to The Download Festival @ Donington next year. I don't have any headline act info, it's just based on a hunch. Regardless, the 3 day festival is still a great time and good excuse to visit England. (This message brought to you by The Queen :) )

Didn't Jarmo ban you?

Axl circa 1982.

Full size (as everyone else says, I look like a very young Axl)
(http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/4130/mugshotji5.jpg)

Fawkin A right................

Axlander,

I was gonna say that because that avitar mug looks like a pic of you at your myspace.

By the way... cool myspace page. Not too fancy but original. I hate when you can't even find shit at people's MS pages.

Hey did you notice the month and day on that mug shot? Creepy. Who'da thought.... 19 years and 1 day later  :-[

I dunno if you're talkin' about the post I made on other thread, but I didn't mean to sound like "oh, jarmo was on backstage so he's Axl's best friend and he's gonna release the album here first!!!!!!!". I'm sorry if it made any confusion because of what I said.

Anyways, the thing about Frank being in 5 tracks... I really wish he re-recorded IRS like Josh Freese played on the '99 demo. I love Brain (specially in Rhiad, he kicks serious ass there), but I prefer the old version of IRS anytime... And Frank played a bit like it in the Birmingham gig, wich was awesome. :)

To answer a Q posted in another thread about this article, both. Film and still. The pictures in this article are actually freeze-frames from film, except the fortune cookie. That's a still pic.

I won't be posting ANY other pictures, and the film is for something that is being done personally for the band member for him to show his friends and family. Kind of boring for the public probably.

so he worked for either Ron or Frank



I am a junior detective and he said the bandmember was making their first appearance at MSG


2002 the other members were at msg so the only ones not in the band were Frank or Ron


Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo


Great read though, thanks for posting that

If you were a good detective, you would know who it was by now.  :hihi:  :-X :-X

 :smoking:

Thats why I said JR Detective


My money is on Frank hence the reason he seemed to talk to Frank the most.

It's actually not so important to be secret. It's just that so many idiots on the net have nasty things to say since the video is personal for the band member... just for his friends and family.

Like at this other bb, where they figured it out, some a-hole (you might know his silkworm ass) said, "Who is so-in-so to be having his own private video like Prince or something?!"

Fuck. It's like, who is Jim Carrey to have his own private wedding video... the whole WORLD should get to see it?

Anyway, then it makes the band member feel shitty when he sees people writing that online. Which goes back to the thing I said earlier in the thread about why it's so difficult to share an experience like this. But so far I think it went pretty well. I'm even trying to spend as much time as possible to keep up with this trhead so nothing gets misunderstood.

Couldn't agree more... otherwise they're just "stand ins" for Buckethead and Brain... and that somehow doesn't seem fair at this point.

Great story! Thanks for posting! Hope we can see your project some day! :beer: