Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Many people seem to have a problem with the so called "lack of communication" from the band... to its fans...  i.e. not many official updates, studio reports, photographs, etc.

I just want to know if anyone else agrees with the following... If you're not interested in reading other people's thoughts/feelings, it's okay; just skip this thread... BUT...

It is a given that there is tons and tons of hype and myth surrounding this album... Why?  Because of the lack of true knowledge related to it... right?
Compare this sort of thing to other bands today.  Information is constantly given through their websites.  Songs and demos are posted on their myspaces... There is a constant feed of information made available to the public...  I guess the advent of the internet allows for this sort of thing- which is fine BUT (again)... When the album arrives (other bands' albums, not democracy), is it as fulfilling as you thought it would be? 

I get the feeling certain other bands are taking notes on this possibly unintentional promotional campaign GN'R uses... We all remember Trent Reznor publishing cryptic photographs for people to purposly see and question... leaving flash drives with songs on them in the bathrooms at their concerts... etc. etc. etc.  Someone else did this kind of thing recently... I can't remember... Who was it?

Furthermore, Judas Priest, on the creation of their forthcoming album has admitted that they will hold back from providing progress updates because it takes away from the mystery and magic of it all...

Finally, remember the early-to-mid 90s when we didn't have the internet?  All we could rely on for information were things like Hit Parader magazine or the occasional MTV interview... Albums, music, things were so much more special and magical back then...

My thought is that Axl wants to use that same sort of magic again today... And obviously, there is no reason why it cannot be done.  The answer is simple:  just don't tell anybody anything! (I could be wrong on this assumption... and if I am, Axl, I'm sorry)

Anyone else feel similarly?

I agree and disagree....The band may not think of it that way, but not saying anything about the album has caused a shitload of free publicity. It makes people wonder what it's all about. This album has gotten so much promotion already and the record company hasn't had to pay a dime for marketing. Love Gn'R or hate them, the majority of people with any interest in music whatsoever have at least heard the term "Chinese Democracy" in relation to Guns N' Roses, weather it be good or bad. And that alone is priceless.

no no no... i completely agree... i don't think the band has any sort of "pre-meditated" agenda at all... no intentional plotting of anything... i agree with you...

and also...


You raise an excellent point that counters popular belief... A majority of people (i think) are under the impression that geffen is like, mad at axl or something... mad that he won't agree to release it yet... i disagree.... i believe they are fine with him not releasing it yet because they know it WILL be out sometime soon... they're just enjoying not having to pay to market it, like you said.

I remember watching a 5 or 6 part interview with Slash and Duff a few weeks back and they talked about how the (old) band was misunderstood and lots of rumors were always floating around about them because of the lack of press they did.  I just think Axl's always been that way, he hasn't changed.  In this fast paced world with information at your fingertips, we as fans feel that we should be briefed on every single detail.  Some bands are open and forthcoming with such things, this one likes to keep to themselves.  Take it for what it is.