Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Source: http://gnrdaily.com/news_detail.asp?id=1289 (http://gnrdaily.com/news_detail.asp?id=1289)

Big Pat. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this. Answer what you
feel comfortable doing. I understand the GN'R situation.

Richard Fortus. No problem

BigPat.- I grew up not too far from St. Louis. Most of my early concert
memories were going to Kiel Auditorium or the Opera House and the old
Checkerdome. Do you have some memories of those places? Anything you
can share?

Richard Fortus - I have SOOOO many memories of Kiel and the Arena (Checkerdome). My father was in the wholesale end of musical instrument sales, so we used to get backstage to all the shows. I would go with guys from his company to see and meet bands like Kiss, Peter Frampton, ELO, Rush, Yes, Ted Nugent, UFO, The Who, The Stones, Aerosmith, man the list goes on and on. I got to sit under the stage one night when Yes came and they were performing in the round. Another night with Yes, they let me sit in and do soundcheck with them. Pretty major for a 12 year old, especially considering they were my favorite band at the time.

Big Pat - What led up to you performing the shows with X Japan?

Richard Fortus - I've known Yoshiki for years. I'd done sessions that he was producing and I'd done some work for some artists that were on his label. I went to Tokyo to play with one of his artists for the launch of his label. Then I ran in to him at his studio while i was working on a movie score. We spoke and he told me that he'd heard that Robin and I had played "Endless Rain" while GN'R was in Japan. A few weeks later he called and asked if i'd be interested in being a guest guitarist for the X Japan reunion shows.

Big Pat - You recently played together with the legendary Sami Yaffa from
Hanoi Rocks/The New York Dolls. Tell me a little bit more about that?

Richard Fortus - Sami and I have been trying to do something together for ages. A good friend of mine (Michael DeHoughton), was doing a fashion week party for his clothing line and put a band together to play with him. Frank and I have done a lot of shows with Michael and we also love his clothes, then he got Sami in to do the gig as well. Michael dresses most of the major rock stars today, so his parties are always a blast. Sami is an awesome bassist and i'm sure we'll be doing more stuff together.

Big Pat - Also hear you are doing some writing for a new Furs album. If true,
when will it be out?

Richard Fortus - I've been writing the new Furs record with Richard Butler (the singer). I think it's some of the best stuff we have written together. Don't know when it will be out. I will probably be doing shows with the Furs in June/July.

Big Pat - What's your most memorable moment to date as an artist?

Richard Fortus - There have been way too many amazing moments for me to pick one! I have been incredibly fortunate.

Big Pat - With all the collaborating you do with various artists, have you ever thought of recording a solo album?

Richard Fortus - I have no desire to do a solo record. I love composing for film. To me, that is the ultimate medium. As far as making records goes, i'd rather collaborate. I also don't believe that anyone would really care if i put out a solo record!

Big Pat - Will you be doing any touring this summer? If so,with who?

Richard Fortus - I don't really want to tour right now. I'm going to be doing some shows with the Furs and possibly some more shows with X Japan and also with a Danish band called the Storm. I played on their record and they are good friends. Other than that, i'd much rather be at home playing on different records and composing film/ads and video game scores, as well as writing with different artists.

Big Pat - Guitar Hero is a huge game right now. Do you have a guitar hero?

Richard Fortus - I don't really have a Guitar Hero. I think that Jeff Beck is probably my favorite living guitarist.

Big Pat - Stones or The Beatles?

Richard Fortus - Both are genius. However, I feel like I relate much more to the Stones!

Big Pat - Any new or up and coming bands that you think deserve a listen?

Richard Fortus - I've been listening to Warren Suicide, Tacks the Boy Disaster, the new Raconteurs record, Black Mountain, Sea Wolf.

Big Pat - The recording industry is changing, and most feel not for the better. What do
you feel are the biggest challenges in the industry today? And do you
see a light at the end of the tunnel?

Richard Fortus - I don't necessarily believe that it is a bad thing. The world of 'pop' music is dying. That's not such a bad thing, unless you are a pop artist that is used to making big $. The time of making crazy $ from music is just about over, unless you are already established and have a strong core fan base. Everything is becoming niche. The days of the major labels running everything and being the only game in town are over. It's a very exciting time in music. I think that new bands are going to be able to develop themselves and only the bands that are really good are the ones that will become known. Bands will not be force-fed to the public, we are now discovering bands via the internet, not through the hype of major labels.

Big Pat - You and Robin played X Japan's "Endless Rain" as part of your
guitar duet during some of GN'R's Japanese shows in July 2007. Why that
song? Who picked it?

Richard Fortus - No cComment on this question.

Big Pat - We know Robin has signed on to do NIN tour this summer. You guys
seem to have amazing chemistry on stage. Are you looking forward to
playing with him in the future? And speaking of chemistry, how
important is it?

Richard Fortus - No cComment on this question.

Big Pat - There's a lot of buzz right now regarding GN'R and the Dr. Pepper challenge. Do you think you might be drinking a free Dr Pepper soon?

Richard Fortus - No comment on this question.

Big Pat - Besides Frank, do you hang out with any other members of GN'R?

Richard Fortus - Frank and I don't get to hang out that much anymore since he lives in NJ and I live in LA most of the time now. Robin lives right up the street from me and we hang out pretty often. I also hang out with Tommy and Dizzy quite a bit. Axl lives out in Malibu, so i don't see him that often.

Big Pat - Thanks again man, I really appreciate your time!

Source: http://gnrdaily.com/news_detail.asp?id=1289 (http://gnrdaily.com/news_detail.asp?id=1289)

Big Pat - You and Robin played X Japan's "Endless Rain" as part of your
guitar duet during some of GN'R's Japanese shows in July 2007. Why that
song? Who picked it?

Richard Fortus - No cComment on this question.

Big Pat - We know Robin has signed on to do NIN tour this summer. You guys
seem to have amazing chemistry on stage. Are you looking forward to
playing with him in the future? And speaking of chemistry, how
important is it?

Richard Fortus - No cComment on this question.


I think that's a really bad sign, guys :(

how so, every gnr question bar 1, he couldnt comment on

obviously he has signed an agreement from gnr, where he cant speak out about the current bands situation...

stop reading so much into it.

What part of those questions had anything to do with GNR, or the bands current status, besides the solo played at a concert?
 
Try thinking about that and you'll have your answer. ::)

I think the most telling sign in that interview is that he avoided questions revolving around Robin. I'm not one to read much into that, but it did seem odd.

Cool interview. I'm a big Fortus fan. When I saw GnR last year he really stood out- huge presense, and fark he hits the strings hard!
I can understand him not commenting on the ChiDem/Dr Pepper thing, but it's weird how he didn't comment on the solo.

Richard didn't give us a single clue on GNR.  I understand he may be contractually bound not to say anything that might let us know anything crucial, but he couldn't even say who picked a particular solo that he played? Sheeesh!

Not odd at all really.

Richard's not the GN'R spokesperson and considering his e-mail replies have been used as GN'R news in the past, he's obviously not gonna say anything that can be twisted into meaning something else.

It's just common sense for a guy who's seen personal e-mails posted on the GN'R boards as news or confirmations of something.




/jarmo

I don't see where he was asked about anything GNR related. It was more about a personal relationship, but then he talked about who he does and doesn't hang out with ???

Big Pat - There's a lot of buzz right now regarding GN'R and the Dr. Pepper challenge. Do you think you might be drinking a free Dr Pepper soon?




/jarmo

That's not exactly what we were talking about either...

Big Pat - You and Robin played X Japan's "Endless Rain" as part of your
guitar duet during some of GN'R's Japanese shows in July 2007. Why that
song? Who picked it?

Richard Fortus - No cComment on this question.

That's really the part that seems a bit odd to me, and makes me a little nervous.  I'm not sure I understand what it is about this question that causes a "No Comment," other than it mentions Robin.  Yes, I'm completely speculating, and I know all the Guns guys have learned to watch what they say, but still.    Unless, of course, it's become habit to simply decline comment on ANYTHING GnR related, no matter how harmless or objective the question may seem...

Oh right.  ::)




/jarmo

Yeah Jarmo, if you go up a bit and read our posts, you'd understand : ok:

Shhhhh, no one speculate. You know how jarmo hates people speculating. Oh, and if you need him he's over in the Velvet Revolver section speculating.

People are doing the same in The Jungle and Bad Obsession.

See a pattern? Of course not.



You have no idea what you're talking about, why not just admit it?

You think that just because someone choses to not comment on an issue, it means he's not allowed to say anything.

Imagine if you were this "open minded" in regards to VR!





/jarmo

Yep, odd that he wouldn't comment on that, but nice interview, cool to hear him working with Yaffa

I gotcha  8)



Well, gee jarmo, I thought you held yourself to a higher standard.


About what exactly? That I find it strange that he couldn't speak about any future or professional things involving Robin? Uh... How is that not knowing what I'm talking about, exactly?


Well, that's what happens when you choose not to answer a very general and simple question. It's going to raise eyebrows.

I'm very open minded when it comes to VR. I even asked, since a few of you were quick to jump on that it might be Slash's fault that Scott is gone, if its all that hard to believe that it was Scott who was the problem... I mean, out of four other guys he's the only one who left... And he seems to have been a problem... I'm just saying... I mean, it smells a little like a double standard, Jarmo.

Definitely, anyone posting personal e-mails to a public forum has crossed the line, regardless of the situation. It's the 'Richard's not the GN'R spokesman' part thats a shame...in other words someone who has been in the band for 6 years or so isn't allowed to speak freely about his work, while we get our news from Del James, Sebastian Bach and others.

Its no wonder some fans think of this band as Axl + the other guys, when its members aren't even at liberty to discuss it.

Why is it weird exactly?

If he says something, it'll either be "Richard says Robin is in/out" depending on his answer.

Is it weird that he doesn't want to be the guy causing you and others speculating on what exactly he meant with his answer?




I happen to think it's both sides who are to blame.

You must be really open minded.... You think it the other guys aren't to blame....


Something you'd know if you read anything I've said on the subject in that section. : ok:





/jarmo

cool of richard to answer some questions!  : ok: And besides, it's very, very logical that he doesn't comment on some of the GN'R related questions. Indeed people twist things to make it fit their's agenda, so it's a wise decision to not comment.  Kinda the way jarmo put it. And on subject of matter: it's not done to post personal mails from a bandmember either. Not cool and disrespectfull towards bandmembers who take the time to answer your questions.

This part puzzles me too. Richard was able to tell us the origin of "Beautiful" in the solos but not this song?

the same thing puzzles me russtcb.  good point. 

Maybe it's just a matter of not wanting to answer follow up GN'R questions....




/jarmo

And that's a valid point.  Simply answering a seemingly harmless question can easily lead to less-comfortable follow ups.

Man, I can't imagine what it will be like when the album is released, and have *so* much more to talk about other than   reading too deeply into any of this stuff...

why is it a bad sign? richard also said: Robin lives right up the street from me and we hang out pretty often.

It just shows that Axl got richard so scared he can't answer anything GNR related even anything about his own solo.    Usually band members are all on the same page and most freely do interviews and talk about themselves in the band they are in.
Not this band...oh wait....this band is different right.    That answer is the stock answer for everything that is fucked up about GNR.    It's not that I am not a fan, they make it hard to be a fan, no matter how you slice it, this band is fucked up and has been for a long time.   One can only hope the new management will get some structure going and get them to act like a normal band does and then there wouldn't be so much animosity amongst fans.

Good read. there are so many interesting titbits. like his backstage experiences as a kid.

so true.
 It's almost comical that those people try to ignore what other GNR member he says he hangs out with!

It does?

Where did you hear about this?

Oh wait, it's just your opinion!






Management can't help people who feel the band owes them.

I think there might be other people who might be able to help with that.....



GN'R isn't a "normal band" in any sense. When will you get it?

It's what makes them stand out from the rest.



What's fucked up is the people who look for answers and twist words around complaining about Richard not wanting to comment on certain issues.







/jarmo

that made me laugh out loud. :hihi:
When we're finally told that Robin has left he'll chew his own words.

I find it amusing how all the signs are there and Jarmo is denying everything just because Axl hasn't written an official statement about Robin leaving  on his website.
My take is, he left and no one is saying anything because they want him back. that way if he ever gets back, GNR can say... "oh no, Robin never left, he was just playing with Trent for a bit"..
 :hihi:

What words would that be?


I'm not denying anything. Only a fool or somebody who can't read would think that.

I don't know his status so I'm not gonna get all upset over it.

That's the difference between you and me. You cried about it already, I'm looking forward.



/jarmo

I could careless about his no comment to te Dr Pepper question. Thats expected.


I think his no comment to the Finck question says it all. Finck has left the band. Its obivious. If he didnt Fortus or Axl would have already said something.

The only reason no statement has been made is because in my mind they just had some positive press. To throw yet another negative out to the public is something they dont wan to do. THey are just waiting it out. NExt press release will be about the album and will also have a paragraph or 2 about Finck. Theyll give you the big news and then slip in the negative.

I just hope we hear from Robin on why he bolted. It doesnt make sense to any of us. I think we are entitled to that from him. We have supported and welcomed him all of these years, All we want is an honest explanation......lets go robin

then why he's referring to robin as a GNR member he hangs out with?

the No cComent is just like BBF doesn't talk business or tommy's lips are sealed IMO.

You're not a fan if that's what you think. You're opinion on the way this band works means nothing, the only fucked up thing is the way you act in regards to the band.

Interesting how he cant answer a question about a song someone else wrote which happened 2 years ago. But I guess the fans will take it as 2 year old news and go into shock.

If Richard refrains to speak because people and media take his words as news then I would first of all start asking WHY they take it as news. Simple, media and fans alike take Richards words for news because GNR is having major problems being on the same level as their fans in communicating.

It's not easy to be on the same level with people who take all kinds of meaning out of what you say. When tentative means a promise or guarantee, then you really can't help but wonder what's wrong....


We've already seen some people wish Baz would shut up about GN'R while others are happy that he speaks about GN'R.

It works both ways.





/jarmo

Or he can andj ust doesn't want to answer?  How can you be so sure?
I'm a rose blooming in the desert.

jarmo, shut the hell up. you are so far up axl's ass. we all love GNR and just want some damn music. stop sticking up for all the side stepping that everyone involved with the band does. I know they don't need to tell us anything but come on how many years of bullshit do we have to go through.

So it's everyone else's fault how they interpret communication from Guns N Roses while Guns N Roses are right in how they communicate?

That may be so my friend, but who do you adjust to? The masses or your own approach? What makes the best result?

If the masses doesn't get what tentative is, then don't use it. Especially not when tentative was 2 years ago. Tentative are usually followed by the interpretation of "if not then, maybe soon".


If he doesn't want to then that's his choice, but people will react towards it because in their world it's not really logical to not wanting to reply to a very innocent question about a ditty him and a fellow band member did 2 years ago.

then, maybe soon.


You have to?  why ???

I have to because I'm a fan and I'm waiting for an album and I have been for the last fucking decade, just like pretty much everyone here.

ik its a matter of privacy but why didn't he answer the questions that actually mattered to everyone here instead of saying "No cComent on this question"?

Because that's how it is in GNR world. Ignore the elephant in the room.

perhaps he didn't want to comment on the only black eye or dissapiontment /let down/in his career ?


He is a member of Guns n roses , a band that , allegedly has been trying to secure a album release date for over 13 years

Did they have to remind camp that Richard is from St. Louis?   ;D  Not the best way to start off an interview in the GNR world.  Have often wondered how that first meeting between Axl and Richard went with that hiding out in the background. 

A band member says something and the usual suspects tear it apart to spout their anti-GnR propaganda, how refreshing  :peace:

And then they wonder why the band doesn't release much info, roflcopter.

tear it apart??? tear what apart. they didn't fucking say anything as usual!!!

You just did it again but you will never realise it  :peace:

are you slow or something?

Well that ends your posting career here.

Have a nice day.


/jarmo

"The opinions of crowds"...ever heard about that?

There's no doubt that GnR fans feel let down. Simple as that. The vast majority do!!! No arguement needed, it's a fact.

People can go on and on about how Axl are entitled to do WHAT THE FUCK he wants, and by principle, they're right.

But GnR isn't just about the members and the staff. It's also about the fans. Without the fans, GnR is nothing.

Then they can always say that "they'll all come back when we finally release this shit", and they're right. But that is taking advantage of the devoted hearts of thousands of people. The logic is right, but living by such standards and such logics, is living like cowards.

The genuine concern that many of us feel towards this band, MUST soon be adressed.

Maybe that's what they're doing?

Assuming native English speakers are too fucking stupid to read basic English.  :P

 :hihi:


I know for you it makes no sense when the band doesn't comment on every rumor there is.

But it does. You don't say something until you know for sure how things are or if those things are happening the way you planned.







To me it seems like the whole excuse for the interview was to try to get Richard to say something about GN'R.




What concern is that?

Who's in the band at this point? When the album is out?

What?

Are you losing sleep over these things?






/jarmo

To many a GREAT concern is that they fear another 2 year silence and standstill.

Because?


Are these the same people who fear a riot because GN'R isn't on stage at 9Pm sharp?

Or the ones who think GN'R will never be able to finish a tour ever again?




/jarmo

I love fortus.  He is my favorite member in GNR besides Axl.  I love the same bands he loves except for maybe Yes.  I too prefer Stones over Beatles. 

No it mustn't.... you make it sound like some political thing now, what are you going to do if they don't address it, protest on the streets?  :peace:

People who claim to support the band have no faith in them and are concerned that the worst will always happen.




/jarmo

Well said, that's what baffles me every time, eventhough they do it everyday, I should get used to it :peace:

Jarmo, don't take it personal.  Faith is a touchy thing.  We don't pray to GNR.  I don't have "conviction" or "beliefs" anymore.  I look at the facts.  The facts say at some point the album will come out.  The facts also say don't get your hopes up unless you want to be dissappointed.   

Atilla, yes, get used to it.  I have been here a very long time.  You will learn with time what it takes to be on the forum for a long ass time.  Many have left over the years waiting for the holy grail.  I haven't.  Jarmo hasn't.  Adz hasn't.  However, though we all have one common goal, some are much more positive than others.  Doesn't mean people aren't behind the band.  Just means some are realists than others.

People are different. It has nothing to do with support in my case. Only experience. And I'm not negative either. Have never posted negatively before.

My point is just that they should say something more than they have.

Jarmo, you earn money from all the delays, so why would you care?

Some people like to shag for hours. Some don't. I don't, and my GnR patience is soon shattered.

Well GnR is in negotiations right ??? that's probaly why he said " no comment " get off his back for not saying anything about Robin too.  It was nice of him to say that he lives up the street from him, also nice of him enough to sit down and do a interview damn people be a little more appreciative.

It's the same every single time.

People want updates/interviews, but the only thing they want to hear about is the release date. Which is kinda impossible to give when there's none set.




/jarmo

But Jarmo, that is the biggest thing on everyone's mind.  I think people are hoping they will just slip up and say it. 

About the high hopes of fans and all:

Axl has addressed this personally in open letters and interviews, hasn't he? So why do the "fans" still lose their cool everytime a band member burps (like Fortus now) or there is no immediate clarification for something (like Robin)?  Just dis-attach yourself from it a bit more, why follow it so obsessively. It doesn't mean you care much more than the others who don't.

And seriously, demanding that your fav band MUST do this and that is just  :rofl:

Good point. 

I think some GNR fans may be jealous of other famous big bands that deliver over and over some times with out this drawn out drama.  Like old Stones or Beatles fans got a new badass album almost every year.

The Rolling Stones:

1969: Let it Bleed, Get Yer Ya Ya's Out, Tour
1970: Tour
1971: Sticky Fingers, Hot Rocks
1972: Exile on Main Street, Tour
1973: Goats Head Soup, Tour
1974: Its Only Rock N Roll, Tour

Guns N Roses:

1994-2008:Oh My God Single, Leaked tracks, 3 tours.

1969-1974 seems a pretty short period. and the Beatles lasted how long? :P

PPBEBE, yes, that short period was an example, I could have gone through 2008 if you wanted.  Or started in 1963.   By the way, since GNR's last album, the Stones have released many albums.

Voodoo Lounge 1994
Bridges to Babylon 1998
Stripped 1995
40 Licks 2006
A bigger Bang 2007

I think the beatles were 1963-1970

Not looking too good concering Robin...I'm sure Fortus has no idea whats going on with the situation either.

I honestly don't think anyone is "hoping" someone in GNR will slip up and say the release date.

I was just wondering about the origin of that cover.

If that's what you think my opinions evolve around there are absolutely no point in having this discussion with you.


Subjects no points in commenting on:

Gossip/rumor about Axl's hairline, Izzy coming back, reality shows, CD track listing and any other normal average bullshit you get every month. Should be pretty easy to find them and sort them out. GNR have commented on a lot of stuff they shouldn't bother about.


Subjects worth commenting on:

Major companies doing free PR for GNR
Guitarists announcing to  play long tours for other big bands
CD release dates from major companies, organizations or people close to GNR (like Bach)
Trustworthy inside information about band members quitting (again, like Bach etc)

What GNR seems to be doing is commenting on the green plant in the window and ignoring the elephant in the room.  :hihi:

Well he didn't avoid mentioning Robin :smoking:

Maybe we can start a 76-page speculation thread that because Richard will be touring with the Furs in June/July he's out of the band now, too.

Well isn't that a suprise, an interview by a gnr fansite with a gnr member who can't answer any gnr related questions...  :hihi:


But anyway still nice to read some personal experiences from richard I guess.

Especially when the elephant isn't bothering anybody as far as we know.

Other than the "concerned people".


Maybe they'll say something about it once they need to acknowledge it?



It's such a big deal to people even though you can't say how it affects anything.





/jarmo

Possible scenarios it affects:

2008
2009?
2010?
Album
Tours
Band dynamics
Song writing
Releases
PR campaigns
Hype
Media
Fanbase

great idea!  :hihi:

side note: i dont get the people who are complaining.   how long have we known that these guys aren't supposed to be devulging GnR related info?  the last 4 questions were GnR related, and he actually threw us a bone by answering the last one..

Odd one out:

X Japan
Furs
Nine Inch Nails
Hookers n Blow
Village Gorilla Head.

 :hihi:

why is this about Robin?   theres already a 76 page thread about that.

what don't you understand about members of the band not being allowed to discuss band inner workings? 

had the question been phrased "are you looking forward to playing with Tommy Stinson in the future" or even "are you looking forward to playing with Axl Rose in the future", I'm quite confident the same answer would have been given.   

Sounds good to me : ok:

Yes nevermind. A ditty written by some woman played to thousands of spectators for over a year are inner workings.  :hihi:

If Richard would have answered any GnR related questions there would have been the same stuff here. People would complain about the answers, some would try to analyze the answers.
Now he has chosen not to answer (and that's something I can fully understand) and again people are complaining.

The only thing I would have made different than the great guys on gnrdaily is the following:
Knowing how the fanbase is sometimes, I would have dropped out those questions where he answered "No Comment" before posting the Q&A on the page.
That could have been the only way of avoiding these sometimes stupid reactions.
And that's why I understand that some of the GnR guys maybe feel uncomfortable with answering any fan-Q&A's at all.

I know others have pointed that out, but good call on that one.

I think it just goes to show you that it all depends on what you want to focus on.  You can look at the not answering the Robin question as a bad sign, or you can look at it as Richard being smart enough to know he's being baited into answering questions that he should not be answering.  You can overlook the portion of the last question saying "members of GN'R" and "Robin", or you can see it as that being an indirect way of saying Robin is a member of GN'R.

All depends on your mindset and what you want to see in his answers.

Ali

The Dr Pepper question was one, I thought.

Richard has been punk'd in the past wrt interviews, and I think he has done the right thing here. He has shown respect to the interviewer, but also to GN'R.

I know people rattle on about the 'no comment' attitude of the GN'R folk, but it is purely down to respect. Thankfully there is still some left in the world.

Nothin' like a "band" member going on a site called gnrdaily.com, and then choosing not to answer any questions about Gn'R.   ::)

Then again, nothing surprises me anymore.  Because, you know, before Richard Fortus played with Axl, there was so much interest in his career.  I'm really interested in the obscure bands he's playing with.  

Guys - you can just tell, these bandmembers are so tight.   :rofl:

Rationale and reason.  :peace:

I hope they pipe whatever you drink to everywhere else.  :hihi:

On the other hand a lot of GnR fans are interested in what the band members are doing. And this includes their time outside the band too, for example when they are supporting other bands on stage.

Thanks Mysteron.

In the absence of definitive knowledge, people tend to read into things as they choose to, based on whatever pre-existing opinion or feeling on a situation.  That doesn't make a person's interpretation correct, it just makes it their interpretation.

Ali

some people just choose to overanalyzie, come to the worst conclusion/assumption, and see only the negative.   i couldnt' be a fan of a band if that was my attitude.  it would be too depressing.

Am I overanalyzing when I notice that when asked about hanging out with members of GNR he doesn't mention Brain?

Is it safe to assume Brain will kind of be like Buckethead (material on the album but not a touring member)?

btw, I'm a huge fan of the band...but like others, when I don't know who's actually in the band at any given time, it makes it difficult to talk with folks outside of the GNR core fan base world without getting a good giggle.  I live and breathe GNR...it takes a unique person to do so...at least that's how I see things.  God I hope this is the year...even though I admit, I'm not going anywhere if it isn't 2008.   :peace:

btw 2, it's a nice interview.  Richard is not only a very skilled guitarist, he seems like a nice guy too.  :beer:

GNR is not a band its a collaboration of musicians hired by Axl. Stop confusing the name GNR with it meaning a band. Just cause you flip burgers at McDs. doesn't mean you are aware of the ins and outs of the corporate plans. Richard and everyone else ever associated with the project 'CD' are employees just flipping burgers.

Chinese Democracy starts now! GNR democracy starts...hmmm never! ::)

I'm trying to remember the last time we got any good info about their time inside the band.   Like someone said earlier - can we please stop ignoring the elephant in the room?  These discussions always happen on this board because no one gives us any information.  

And for those who are going to say "what info would you like to hear, if there isn't any?" - SAVE YOUR BREATH.   "No comment" is a hell of a lot different than "Well, we were in the studio for a long time, but things are looking better everyday."  I mean really - just a vague comment would be better than none at all.

he didn't mention Ron or Chris either.    So, probably.

to compare the guys in the band to guys flipping hamburgers is just ignorant.

@Axl4Prez2004: I think he didn't mention Chris either, but still he is a band member, let's not try to analyze every word.

@jmrgnr: Sorry to inform you the current line-up is Guns n' Roses. According to your analogy I could say the following:
Just because you are able to post on a forum doesn't mean that your posting makes sense.

Can you confidently name what the current line up is? There is no firm line up advertised. GNR is whatever it is at a time a particular song is completed. It may or may not include any one of several musicians. Is Frank the drummer of the band or is it Brian or is it Josh Freese? Who is the guitarists on anyone song...Is it Robin and Bucket and Paul TObias or is it Richard and Robin and Bucket or is it Robin, Richard and Bumble..Maybe Dave Navaro....or on and on it goes. We don't even know the status of Robin anymore. So what is the band? What is the solidified line up. In my mind it is whatever it is at anyone time Axl says a song is finished and he can use anyone group of people at the very time the song is completed.

OMG was a GNR released song yet the members in that song are very different than is right now....I suspect the album credits will be quite similiar. There maybe some constatnts in mosts songs but it will vary from song to song. So until you have a confirmed line up and can some how prove that it was a band experience putting the album together I believe my analogy makes total sense.

You said it: Possible

You worry about things you really know nothing about.

#1. We don't know if we left
#2. Why do you think only bad things would come from an eventual change?




Like I said before, been there, done that!

Izzy playing on the UYI albums and Gilby appearing on the tour and videos didn't stop GN'R from going from huge to ?berhuge!




/jarmo

Talk about Dead Horse material, right there. Get over it  :peace:

You Is Drink ?

 :rofl:

HBK *

Thanks for posting

People sometimes expect too much, and I can understand why Richard is hesitant to answer certain questions and it has nothing to do with him being afraid to answer.  It has to do with the scrutiny and speculation that any GnR related comment that anyone in the band makes.  Anything they say is immediately posted all over the net and often takes on a life of its own.  Look at the way unsubstantiated rumors that gain life on message boards have been reported by news sources.  And as people have said before, some fans have posted private e-mails from Richard, Ron and others on the boards as well.  They have probably figured that it's better not to comment on certain questions due to the way that things will be misconstrued, dissected, and overanalyzed

Makes no sense for him to comment on GNR things, I remember when he was kind enough to interview for me and gnrsource... and he was gracious to answer and every one jumped on him about a Pitman thing. Had I known that was goin to cause all the BS it did I would have omitted that from posting in hindsight..

Personally I like to know info about each members and there doings.. I leave it up to GNR management and Axl, to make the meaning full statements as far as the band itself and status of.

Because they're not telling us. Guitar players suddenly touring with big name bands for a year or so have an impact. Go around to any other bands forum and ask what would happen there if the guitar player announced playing with a top name band for the whole of 2008. And if the management didn't comment on it then what would the discussions be?

It's a natural development.

I know nothing about GNR inner workings and neither does 98% of the members here. That's why it's called a forum. If people had to shut up because they didn't know anything you would be looking at a dead forum.

Haha, I don't even think you bother to try an rationalize what comes out of your mouth anymore. What's the point?

Look, when you grant an interview people are going to react to your answers. Some positive, some negative. Sometimes, when you lay out a vague answer people will speculate. It's the same as being in court and pleading the fifth. People are going to wonder why you don't answer a question. It's a risk you take for a no comment. If you don't like that, don't give interviews.

I know you desperately want to control what people think and say about GNR, so I know its hard for you to swallow... That is a bit... Disturbing, though.

Again, these were not GNR related questions we're talking about. He admits that he hangs out with him, but he can't talk about him in a professional compacity. Like it or not, people ARE speculating if Robin is in or out of the band. And those no comments tie directly in to that discussion. And whether you like it or not, you can't control what people think. :-*



You are a walking contradiction, jarmo. Your open mindess is called blind devotion.

It's all in who you choose to believe. I don't like Scott... I don't trust a word he says, so yes, I trust the band over him.  You jump down peoples throats for assuming Axl is to blame on <insert subject here> but you have no problem placing blame on everyone else. Amazing.

I think your excuse was that you should only believe the positive in your favorite band? So, you're actually critisizing people for doing what you do?

For the record, I'm sure there was a lot more blame to go around than what people know.   
 

Exactly.

Speculating comes with the situation at hand. Either we speculate or they tell us what's going on. They choose to be silent for reasons only known to them. That's fine and it may be right to do, but it comes with a price. Speculation.

We don't know, so we speculate.

Speculating is one thing.... doomsdaying and woo woo-ing that it is the end is another  :peace:

Who was doing that?

Obviously you don't know the difference in tone  :peace:

Tone? Uh... Well, could you show me an example in this thread of someone "woo-wooing" the end of the band?

What an easy answer you got.

The same people who whine about not hearing anything from GN'R are now saying they shouldn't give interviews, because people who are whining in the first place, will speculate and twist every word around.



Wrong. I couldn't care less what you think or say about GN'R.

The only thing I give a damn about is that I won't let people like yourself ruin this site into something it was not meant to be.




So, are you closer to an answer yet?

Did you manage to solve the puzzle?




Truly objective....




Excuses are for those who feel they're wrong.

I don't think there's anything wrong in supporting your favorite band.

What you and others like yourself seem to be concerned about, is your "image".

You're not supposed to show that you like and believe in a band. Oh no! What a fanboy!

Everybody should find things to criticize. That way nobody will even think that you're not objective.

The most amazing part are the VR fans who claim they're objective. They'll post shit about GN'R on GN'R sites while they're wetting their pants because they saw Slash walk by after a concert.


I wonder if these people can ever have fun or if they're too busy looking for faults.





/jarmo

Here's what I don't get:

If some people find it strange that Richard didn't answer a simple question about the origin of a solo; why is that not ok?

Yes, it was easy, wasn't it?


No, if you actually read what I said you would know I said: If Richard has a problem with it, he shouldn't give interviews. If you have a problem with it, maybe you shouldn't read interviews. Because obviously you have a strange problem with people not interpreting the way you do.


Haha, how am I ruining it? By expressing an opinion? Could it be that you're just insecure with your own arguments and you can't handle someone showing how biased your opinions are?


Oh, I've known the answer jarmo. You're a voluntary puppet for GNR, structuring your opinions and actions on this board by trying to impress them.


Jarmo, I'm not a VR fan. I like a few songs. And blind devotion is not being a fan, its a mental disorder. I'm not looking for reasons to critisize GNR, the reasons I do are pretty obvious to everyone and arise themselves. You, and the like, decide to ignore it or make excuses.

Image? How am I worried about an image? :hihi: I love GNR but I'm not going to put aside rational, objective thinking because of it. I've always tried to give him benefit of the doubt, but I'm not kissing his ass or ignoring, or making excuses for things I don't agree with.

No, once again you're wrong about what I think.

It's becoming a theme.

People will always interpret even the easiest answers to fit their agenda.





Once again you're wrong about me...

You should get a prize.

Insecure? Are you serious?

Just because I don't want a bunch of whiners setting the mood here I'm insecure about my arguments?

Look who's talking.






Yes, yes. Finally the personal attacks / insults.

So typical.

And I'm the insecure one here. Riiiiiight!





Oh yeah, everybody must be truly disturbed and you're the only normal one....

And people still think I'm the one thinking I'm better than everybody else!  :rofl:






What exactly makes you think I am? Because things actually make sense to me?

You give the benefit of doubt? To me it seems like you take the easy "this sucks" road most of the time. That's the answer to everything.

You always take the other side and claim to give the band you say you support the benefit of doubt. Yet here you are whining about what Richard said instead of trying to see it from his point of view. Open minded indeed.

And because I actually try to see it from his point of view, I'm "kissing ass".

Things happen for a reason. You obviously have a problem with that concept. You see something happen and you're there with your "this sucks" attitude. What you don't seem to like to do is ask yourself "why did it happen?" and if you do, your answer to everything is "because GN'R sucks". Easy!



I never claimed to be objective and unbiased. That's the fucking difference.

You seem to think that the so called fans who are unbiased are the only ones able to think. Think again you wanna be music journalist.


We basically know nothing about anything and yet you make assumptions based on that. Then you pretend to be open minded and objective.
 
Looks more like being ignorant to me.



/jarmo

What's my agenda, jarmo?

Sounds like you were talking about yourself.



Well, you are always whining when people don't agree with you. Calling people names, saying they're not fans, threatening to ban them. That's pretty insecure.



Oh... my... God... How was that a personal attack or an insult? You resorted to being the victim... That's pretty insecure. Not even an attempt to deny it either.


Oh, I'm not the only one. There are several around here.


Admitting you're delusional is one step closer to being cured : ok:

Show me where I'm on this "This Sucks" path. Examples.


I do. I have always given the band the benefit of the doubt. I haven't stated anything negative in Richard's interview, just the possibility of it. And yes, it would be a huge loss if Robin is gone.

There was really no way to look at it from his point of view when his answer was no comment.


Wow... Again, you came up with this in your own mind. Disturbing.


Hahahahahaha

Yes. Only unbiased people can make rational, objective opinions. Glad you figured that out.

Wanna be music journailst. Okay... You wanna be GNR member. :hihi:


Isn't that what happens when you don't know what's going on? You assume? Don't you do that yourself? .... weren't you just doing that yesterday? Me ignorant? If we had an unbiased poll on who was ignorant between you and me, you'd win that in a landslide, bro.

I ain't pretending to be objective and open minded, man, I just am. 8)

-1 karma? :hihi:

Tell me what rule I broke to give me a negative karma?

Is it the open mindness that makes you always try to see a bad sign?
Is it objective to look at everything from a negative viewpoint?

Hahaha.

People get banned because they turn to insults just like you.

Referring to others as having mental disorders.

What's insecure is making things personal about me as soon as you notice you have nothing to say.


By the way, I don't need to welcome people who clearly only support the GN'R that only exist in their heads. It's not a crowd I want to surround myself with.





So if I saw that you're so far up Slash's ass that you haven't sen daylight since 1987, you wouldn't think it's an insult?

But when you call me a puppet, it's nothing like a personal attack.

What's there to deny? You're free to think what you want of me.... Oh wait, I should have a problem with that just because you said so.






Wonder what that's all based on....



Here's one: Maybe he doesn't like to be thought of as a spokesperson for the band.



 :'(




So explain this to me Mr rational and objective.

If you know only part of the story or one side of it, how can your opinion be objective?






Well are you denying the fact that your idea of a fan is very close that of being a music journalist who's paid to act objective?

Both seem to be obsesed with finding something to complain about and have to be careful not to act too happy because that's for "fan boys"!






You know why?

Because you seem to be the idea people have of a fan.

As I said, a fan isn't supposed to act like some of us. You're not supposed to be happy, excited or whatever. Always act unimpressed so that nobody will think of you as a mentally disturbed fan boy!

 ::)



You got your karma for calling people mentally disturbed. I don't like having people like yourself coming here telling us that those of us who have supported the band through all the shit are "mentally disturbed".






Apparently it's the same thing...






/jarmo

What the hell are you two yapping about now?  Mister ID and Jarmo both make good points.... Moving on.................

its a losing battle mr Id. Watch your p's and q's otherwise you will be a goner.

I dont get that mentality. Just because someone might have a different perception of the band than you doesnt mean they should be booted out of here.

Who is asking him to be one? Its very simple, is he or isnt he in the band? No comment means he is not. If he was he would say yea hes in the band or yea hes just on a break with NIN. WHat is so hard about that?


If the other side rarely speaks or never speaks then all you can do is speculate.

GNR has and always will be speculation. Even in the old days everything was speculation. Now with the internet it becomes even greater.

What if the question was:

"Richard, is Axl Rose still in GNR?"

would Richard say, "No Comment", or "Hell Yes, Axl is Guns N Roses", or, "Damn, right, Axl is our frontman." 

The question was clearly constructed in a way to get an answer out of him. Richard dodged it because he doesnt want to be the first to announce the bad news. Its very simple

The truth does hurt, doesn't it jarmo?

Since that post was the same verbal vomit you keep spewing, I'll make it simple.

I never state anything as fact, I make observations. That's it. I never attack people, I only respond. The truth? ... You can't handle the truth!  :hihi:

Your arguments are weak, forced and transparent. So you play the victim. That's what you do.

Second, and most important, you and this board since about 2003-2004 have been THE most damaging thing to happen to GNR. You have alienated countless numbers of fans. You have literally made fans bitter, and have turned them against Axl. Not the bashers but loyal GNR (new line up) fans. Your association with GNR, whatever it is, has turned a really cool site into a shell of what it once was. No real fan cares if Axl, beta, or fernando post here or read this board. It doesn't affect our lives in the slightest. We love the band and the music. That's all. But it remains that  it has brought out vultures who are only here to try and impress, or get the attention of Axl and his inner circle.

If you really did care for GNR your main goal should have been trying to bridge a gap between the fans and the band and try to find a middle ground, but you chose to alienate them for, to quote you jarmo, your own selfish reasons. Your actions have fractured this fanbase. And has directly lead to people boycotting shows and planning to download the album without paying for it and spreading it around the net. Right or wrong, that's a fact. These were people who were going to be memebers of the street team, to get people interested in GNR, and were going to buy multiple copies of CD. Try to deny it, but this all started with you and your treatment of fans.

This may not mean a thing to you, but it should to GNR. 

Hands down, the post of the yr! Right on the fukin head. Post of the Century.Seriously

Excellent posts MisterID. I have been telling Jarmo this for awhile now. Particularly your first paragraph

Jarmo I hope you take comments like that and the stuff Ive been telling you and use it to get back on track. Your probably going to come with your "its my house" mentality. Which as I have told you is fine, but its really not cool.

Yea we can leave but you did have something cool here. We want it back. We know GNR or this site isnt Burger King so we wont demand things to be our way or your way. We just simply want it the old way. Dont get Slash on us and get lazy and ruin something that was once great. Get back on track.

well in the real world it's not and I guess it's called a paranoid mentality.

Wow, that was 2 strong opinions.  Nice and well written regardless if I agree.  I am now waiting for Scott's, I mean Jarmo's, response to these diatribes.

So just because you don't "get it" it's not right?

It's easy, if your perception of the band is that you have to find faults in everything and they're constantly trying to find ways to fuck with their fans, you're not on the right site.






It does?

Maybe no comment means, that he's not going to comment on something that he's not sure about?






Sure, I understand that. But where does it say it should be always about assuming the worst?

I mean, if you dare to not take that path, then you're labeled a fan boy and zealot be people like this misterID....







Let me get this straight, the site that actually shoots down numerous rumors and worked on getting you ticket pre-sales in 2006 are the worst thing that ever happened to GN'R? Well that sounds objective....


I have nothing to do with the other web sites, yet they're filled with these bitter "fans". I guess all blame for that should be put on me for the fact that I don't want them here?

All this time you've all been telling me I'm not special in any way, I'm just this little insignificant person and now I've managed to do all this?


You don't think many of these fans are bitter because they have no control over GN'R and it pisses them off? Or the fact that they have no control over this site.




Like you and younggunner keep going on about, "we want it how it once was". Well guess what, things have changed!

You fail to see that.

You don't have to be the same bitter person you were in 2004 when there were no tours or no news.

So why should I have to be stuck in that time?




You go on about how I should try to use this as a bridge between the band and the fans. Yet you claim nobody cares if Fernando or Beta posts here.

If that's not a bridge between the band and the fans, then what is?

What do you want? You can't attack me for providing that bridge and then saying nobody gives a fuck!



Like the objective person you are, you chose to ignore everything I've actually done so you can just take a dig at me.



Regarding my so called selfish reasons, if you knew anything about me, you'd know how far from the truth that is.


I would love to hear what your definition of supporting a band is about.

I mean, we shoot down rumors and try to get the most accurate story as possible from people who know what's going on.

That must be really horrible right? Imagine if people actually choose to believe that the band isn't a bunch of guys who's idea is to lie to their fans and screw them over time after time.

No, you can't do that because if you do, you're turning fans against the band they claim to love!




There's always been people who hate what I do.

It's nothing new. Some of them claim they're speaking on behalf of what's "best for the site" when in fact it's just selfish reasons.

Some seem to confuse our policy of supporting the band as me trying to control what people think. That's like saying a metal festival is trying to turn people who like rap into Warrant fans.


Sometimes it's just based on jealousy and lies.

There have been people who were happy when it was announced that Merck was no longer involved with the band. Not that it matters to them who manages the band, they were just happy that this site and I lost our connection to the band. Is that only because they don't like the site or is that personal?

Certain people are constantly trying to discredit me and what I do. They discredit Mysteron and myself, but were quick to sign up for the 2006 pre-sales. You guys are full of shit and we hate you, but give us tickets!


People hate the fact that people in the GN'R camp post here. Why? Just because they wish they'd post on their site instead.





/jarmo

I'm grateful for what this site provides - the closest thing to accuracy and rumor control as one is likely to find regarding GnR these days, as well as other bonuses (such as the pre-ticket sales) for which many of us were - and continue to be - very appreciative.

That said, the change in tone has been noticeable over the past few years.  It is frustrating to suddenly have to take great care in what is said, and - more importantly - how it is said, and to have to essentially tip-toe around certain people, topics, etc. (I'm only speaking for myself when I'm reading and posting, as I have no interest in getting banned, negative karma, etc., when my sole reason for coming here is my continued love and support of all things GnR).   

All in all, is it a fair price to pay for what HTGTH has evolved into?  That's a question everyone has to answer individually, I suppose.   There are certainly plenty of other forums to frequent.  However, it's clear that HTGTH offers a unique place (and perspective) for fans of the band to communicate. 

To be honest, the most alienating thing about spending time here isn't any "unwritten code" of what can and cannot be posted in terms of individual opinions, it's the way most threads *constantly* degenerate into back-and-forth personal attacks. 

Like this one.  :)    So.  How about that Richard and his interview?  Good stuff!     : ok:

 

It's because as soon as I say "but what if..." it becomes "well you're a mentally disturbed ass kisser and fan boy".



Regarding the so called tip toeing. Just use common sense.

Do you think that link to a leak is a good idea to post? How about that bullshit story that's attacking the band?

Do you think fans like to read articles about how much the band they love sucks written by people who have no clue?



People seem to make broad generalizations here. Like criticism isn't allowed.

It's wrong.

The thing we object to is the pointless criticism that leads nowhere. I guess some people just have to whine to get it out there. But get a fucking diary or something.....




/jarmo

Um this , now has gone way off topic.. I am tired of the BS, and the attacking of fans. done by each other. Can I stop it? Probably not, but hence the name GUNS N ROSES. Ive been a long time fan, and been here for many yrs..there are otehr aves to use if you dont like something, and if so use them. Or do so cause you want to .

The point that alot of us are making is that no one expected Richard to comment on Robin's current status.

The thing alot of people don't understand is having no comment on a simple issue such as the origin of a cover.

alternatively who do you think picked the cover?

@ smoking I guess No cComent would be most appropriate for an absurd q.
And Richard wasn't asked if anyone was still in or not.

Ofcourse he was... in a roundabout way. The "do you think you'll continue to play with Robin in the future" question was an attempt at getting an answer about Robin's status from Richard.

As far as the cover goes, I have no idea. That's why I wish he'd have answered the question.

When i said "tip-toeing," I was solely referring to myself.  As I've said before, I spend way to much time around here, and I don't want either my support for the band or my appreciation of this place to ever be misconstrued.  You can only read so many pages of arguing and re-iterating why someone got negative karma, doesn't properly support the current band, etc., before you tend to get a little paranoid about making sure what you say comes across properly, or sometimes just not saying anything.  And I agree, it does come down to common sense.  It's unfortunate that everyone doesn't have it in equal amounts...

Exactly.  Although the theory of "better to say nothing rather than accidentally opening up doors" is feasible.  I was just glad to read Richard has put time in on the new Furs album...

Maybe for  forum fans 'of course' he was but  you can't be so sure if he thought he was.
not only the roundabout but it involved too many questions at once.

about the cover I think I saw some having ideas in japan show threads. 

jarmo -

I've given you credit for what you've done in the past, and so has younggunner. Whether you want to aknowledge that or not, perhaps you were ignoring it, is up to you.

That doesn't give you license to attack fans. You're the one who decided to define what a fan is. Not me. Don't you wonder why so many old schoolers here have left?

Maybe you don't care and you're happy with the "change" you've underwent, but it was a huge hit to this community.


All I know is what you put out. If there's a different side to you I'd love to see it.


That's the thing jarmo, there is no definition. I'm not bashing or being critical. I'm stating what I observe. I'd like to see the negative posts I've made regaurding the band that's made you put me in a basher category.

No one is ever going to agree on everything and people shouldn't be made to. That's why there are message boards, so we can discuss differing opinions. No one can say who's right or wrong on the inner workings of the band, but having that discussion isn't a bad thing.


jarmo, you do a good job for the band. No one is questioning that. Your treatment of the fans is a different story.

It's a lot easier to believe the band when you're not attacking people over trivial questions or comments, that you find negative.

If you don't understand how poorly you treat people here, then I don't know what to tell you.


You are. That's the sad thing. Not because of the work you do, but how you make everything personal. You reflect on the band. When you treat people like shit, it's like the band is treating them like shit. Because of your work with the band you are a represenation of GNR on this board.



I don't doubt you put up with a lot of shit. I'm not telling you how to run your site, only to take a look on how you're treating people here, and how that reflects on the band.

I don't hate you. I don't hate what you do.


I know there are some assholes. But do you honestly think that everyone here, ones that side with me, actually thinks that way?


I don't hate that they post here, I don't like the posts that are made that are entirely directed at getting the GNR camps attention.
 

At the end of the day, is it REALLY that big of a deal if Richard answers a question about why they chose to play an X-Japan song?

I honestly don't think that it is.

Ladies & gents - there's many more important things to worry about in the world these days than whether GN'R's guitarist reveals the origin of a cover song that they performed. Think about where it lands in the grand scheme of things. It's no skin off of my back. I find it cool that Richard was willing to do the interview in the first place.

As for how Jarmo runs the board - and I have no problem with the way he does business - why does THAT matter to you? If any of you folks run your own message board, you'll know that it's NOT an easy job. You can try to cater to the masses o

HTGTH has been around since 1996 and has over 20 million hits - that speaks volumes. Jarmo chooses to keep all of the other garbage that bogs other forums down on the way - and he's not the first, nor will he be the last admin to run their board that way.

Some people really think about these things WAY too much, when there's more important stuff in the world.

Just my two cents.

MisterID, do you feel like because you know the board is read by the GNR Camp, Jarmo feels that their feelings may get hurt, so he wants to present a more positive image of the site?  Do you feel if Beta, or Fernando didn't post here, Jarmo may be "more" honest about his thoughts in regarding GNR.  But since Mystereon, Beta, Fernando, maybe Axl post here some, we must limit negativity from fear of losing our contacts.

That is a tough question.  That is a great debate.  Do you sacrifice you integrity for the bigger prize of have inside info from the GNR Camp, or do you say, "Fuck it, this is how I feel, I will always support GNR, but if they don't like what I say about something GNR does, I can't worry about.  I will just be as honest as I can."  

I think Jarmo feels his angle he took is best for the site and for the fans.  The sacrifice is that we may not always get Jarmo's "genuine" thoughts.  As long as everyone else is 100% honest I don't care.  And I understand the position Jarmo is in.  Thanks Jarmo for all that you do.

i said "Fuck it, this is how I feel, I will always support GNR, but if they don't like what I say about something GNR does, I can't worry about.  I will just be as honest as I can." Axl & GnR, in my eyes, has always stood for sticking up for yourself and telling it like it is...

that being said, Jarmo can run the board how he wants, since its his baby :peace: and it sucks to see the lack of respect that some people give towards him cuz he has put up with alot of crap over the years, even so though i dont think its right to paint the fans that disagree with some things the band does, all with the same brush...seems to be the case sometimes...

definately not in my case....but i know that you (and alot of other peopel think its cool) so more power to you you've battled in the trenches a long time so my hat's off to you that you have been noticed by the inner circle of Axl's camp....but when those "people" in the gnr camp start attacking the fans and driving them from your board, i dunno it would make me wonder wtf is going on and what their angle is...and i'm not sure of the point in having people "in the know" if they dont really tell the fans anything...i dunno maybe you get told more than the rest of us...but most fans dont know shit we are constantly in the dark and all people want to know is whats happening and when we can finally be able to buy the album....i dont think its too much to ask to get a status update on the album since it was "tentatively" scheduled for release overa year ago and we still haven't heard shit ..... even when the lead guitarist fucked off to a new band

all that being said...i think people are over-reacting to this Fortus interview

Guys (Jarmo and MisterID),

I think you both need to light up big time... This is supposed to be fun!!

Give each other a call and solve your issues, don't pollute the greatest GN'R fan site with it!

Cheers,

N ! 3 |(

Well since I'm the "worst thing that has happened to the band", it sure as hell don't seem like it.






Is it ok for them to attack me?

You don't seem to realize what's going on.

You think I just attack people. That's a lie.

I challenge people to think. To try to understand that everything isn't just black or white.

None of us are in the band, we don't know how things work. Yet some like to think they know how things should be handled.

If you believed the posts, we have a board filled with managers, agents, booking agents, promoters, media people, advertising experts and musicians here!



People have been coming and going for as long as this site has been around.

I know for a fact that some have left because they don't like being challenged. It's a king of the hill thing for some.

Some leve because they got nothing positive to say and they don't feel welcome. Which is correct since we're here for one reason: We support GN'R today and tomorrow.





GN'R touring and playing for the excited fans is a huge hit?

As I said, I could understand you feeling upset in 2004 or 2005 when pretty much nothing was happening.

I don't understand the anger and frustration that some of you have since 2006....






I have my definition and I chose to run this site based on that.

What else do you think I should do?


I bet you have your morals and ethics and you try to live by them. Why do you think I'm different?


The discussion becomes bad when people who think they know start spreading their assumptions as facts.

How many times have you read the following: "There's a rumor that...."

When you ask that person where he heard the rumor, the answer is "nowhere". Then it turns out it's not a rumor at all, it's just this guy's own personal assumption!

One guy reads it and posts it somewhere else and then it's on Blabbermouth!







What a broad generalization!

Way to go.


I don't treat "people" poorly. I just don't have that much respect for people who stab the band in the back on a regular basis while yelling "we love GN'R!".





Once again, two different messages.


On one hand, I got people like you telling me I'm a nobody and now I'm made a spokesperson for the band?

I post what I think, unless I say it's from somebody else.


You and others like you, for example younggunner, seem to have this hole "you're not in the band" thing going.

You made it up, not me!


You're putting me down and then you're lifting me up so you can have another reason to put me down.




As I said, you are making some broad generalizations.


I have a lot of people who respect what this place is about.

Maybe they're not "people" because you already labeled them as "zealots" and having mental problems.





So you don't hate it, but you attack me for it.

Weird.





Are you serious?

I tell my opinion just like everybody else.



I just don't see the point in whining about stuff I have no control over especially when I know the band are trying their hardest to make things happen.

I'm gonna be really excited the day the album comes out, but it doesn't mean I have to post "give us a release date" day after day. It just seems like a waste of time to me.




For those of you who see me as the worst thing that has happened to GN'R, I feel sorry for you. Really.

Having that kind of jealous anger just seems like a total waste of energy. I hope it makes your days better.







/jarmo

If jarmo is... "THE most damaging thing to happen to GNR"... then why is this Board the most credible?  Seems to me the guy who's making the accusations can't handle the truth. 

this board is the most credible because it is almost run by the band in some shape or form.

on this board we talk about about what the band allow us to talk about. essentially we are censored by Jarmo, but it comes down from high.

there have been a lot of points made in this thread and i can see both sides, both pros and cons.

I Jarmo, we have a webmaster who is directly spoken to by GnR representatives, which is good. On other the otherhand the censorship issue's, posts being deleted and labelling of people as "bashers" because the dont tow the party line has driven a lot of people away. People dont like being told what the can and cant think/ say, and see the censorship as the band trying to stifle opinions/ free speech, ultimately it generated a lot of bad feeling by people who were real die hards.

And I thought Matt Sorum was the "worst thing that ever happened to the band"! Guess I was wrong...  :no:

Quite apart from contradicting yourself, I find it inconceivable that the protocol by which a fansite messageboard operates, and the actions of Jarmo in particular, would have that amount of influence over anyone.  I mean, really, anyone who can't distinguish between how Jarmo decides to run his site and the decisions made by Axl on behalf of GNR needs to think about things a little more carefully.

You say that the fanbase has been fractured; well, if by this you mean that certain elements of the fanbase have been made unwelcome on this messageboard, then I say more power to you, Jarmo.  And I say that having visited other boards and been appalled by the level of personal abuse directed towards band members and the extended GNR family.  I certainly wouldn't stick around here for very long if Jarmo allowed this board to descend to those depths.

I come here because I'm a fan of Guns N' Roses and wish to celebrate that fact with other like-minded people who support the band in all its endeavours.  I don't want to have to justify my belief in Axl and explain why I trust his judgement in matters relating to the future prosperity of GNR on a fansite.  I would respectfully suggest that if, as you observe, people have become bitter and no longer have faith in what Axl's trying to achieve, then they bugger off to a general music site (or one of the other so-called GNR fansites) and indulge their bile over there - and leave this board to those of us who do wish to support the band by buying the music and attending the shows.

Oh and I just want to add that I've met Jarmo, AdZ and many other board members at various shows and they've all been great people to hang out with and made the whole tour experience even more enjoyable than it was already.  So, thanks Jarmo for all your efforts in maintaining the standard of this site, it's greatly appreciated.   : ok:

You omitted one crucial detail.

Those opinions are often based on one part of the story.


As I said, the so called objective fans often make up their minds based on one side of the story and/or lies.

They don't like being told that they're wrong. No matter who says it.


Everybody who's ever pointed out that they're wrong has been attacked.




/jarmo

Jarmo, you don't really voice nearly as you strong like you do in other sections on this board.  You are more of a facilitator on the GNR section.  For example, the Robin situation.  Your typical response is vague to the effect of, "No point in specualating what happened", "the band would move on", "I would support the band", "why comment on what we don't know", "Axl will tell us something if we need to know it", etc...  But you never say, "I think it would suck if he did leave, I really like Robin's playing."  Or "Frankly, Robin never did it for me, if he left I won't care as long as the CD comes out."  I know you don't want to get caught up in the hoopla.  But I have no real clue how you truly feel about the situation, and as the moderator, I guess its not important.  But in other areas of this great forum, you aren't scared to call someone a hack, pussy, liar, selfish, junkie, or anything else.  I understand why you do what you do. 

Maybe that's because I'm a GN'R fan and not a VR fan?


I expect people who come here to support the band. People who don't have to defend themselves and being labeled "fan boys" because they choose to be positive.

Obviously it's too much to ask for if you believe a few people.


The funny thing is, I give these people a choice. I don't force them to come here, I don't force them to stay.

Yet, when I present that choice, I'm met with "that's a cop out".

Suddenly it's not fun because they have to take some responsibility for the whining they're doing. That's not fun at all! You want to have the cake and eat it too.


If you dislike me and this place that much, leave. Easy as that.

You know I'm not gonna change it for you. So why do you bother repeating the same old boring "change it back" shit?





You know why they won't leave? Why do these people come back week after week to tell me how much they hate me and this site?

Maybe they can tell us in their own words......





/jarmo

My guess? Because the band rarely ever tell the fans what's happening, and yourself and Mysteron have connections with them, ergo this is pretty much the only place to find out what's happening.

I've actually said this to more then a few people. If people seriously dislike the place (or you) that much, then just don't type in "www.heretodaygonetohell.com" into your browser.

No one forces you to come here.

Having said that, I still think it should be ok for people to have a difference of opinion and many people feel that cannot do that here.

For the most part, I just lay off the subjects that get people too touchy and that's how I keep myself out of trouble.

Jarmo, simple questions and yes or no will do for answers.

Do you like Robin as a guitar player?


If Robin chooses to move on, do you feel GNR loses a great contributor to the band?

Who brought VR up?  You don't have to be a non fan to say there are certain aspects of something you think could be improved on.  

Yes.




Too early to say since I know nothing about his input.





Like the weather in Sweden. But no matter how much I post that it sucks, it won't change.


The band often makes decisions that are made based on what they know. Often we have no clue.

Why isn't that good enough for you?





/jarmo

Jarmo!!!!!!!!  Wow, you answered them!  Thanks  : ok:.  I think we know enough about Robin about what he brings to a live show and the boots that we heard.  I guess over all until we get album we won't know for sure.  But the question was "do you feel" so it was more of a feeling.. but its okay, your answer was good enough for me.  You stated why you can't come to that conclusion.  Jarmo, good post!

FYI: The pussy way of doing it would be to cave in to handful of people and let them run the site.

That would be easy!

Not giving a fuck would be really easy.


But guess what, I'm not like that. I do care. I do give a fuck about what kind of site I want to run.

And since I'm not doing the pussy thing and letting you decide in order to be your online buddy, I get attacked and attacked.



That would be lazy, I wouldn't have to explain myself to your every other week because you just don't seem to get it.

But instead I keep going. I keep explaining and telling you. Week after week, month after month.


I don't know how you can see that as being lazy.

But I guess if you're in the mindset that I'm the most damaging thing that has happened to the band, it would seem lazy not to change the site around for your liking.



The funny thing about you Younggunner is that you have changed.

You went from being so supportive that you got attacked by people like mistedID. People who attacked you got banned. Now you want to change the site because you changed.

You just have to come to grips with the harsh reality that this site doesn't revolve around you. You're not the sun in the HTGTH universe.


The same could be said about some other people who went through similar changes. Won't mention any names.

They were attacked and ridiculed. People got banned and now they want me to change the site because they turned into the same kind of people who were attacking them a few years ago.....



It's like you go from being bullied to becoming the bully, so bullying should be allowed.




/jarmo

This is hilarious....Jarmo you take your place in life way to seriously. You hide in cyber space protecting the well being of GNR and Axl's ego. Do you really think he needs you that badly? That if it wasn't for you somehow the GNR experience and timetable would be tragically affected. Give your big moppy head a shake...you weren't around in '87 for Axl and he seemed to do just fine and I'm pretty sure he'll survive with or without this site in the future. I got a feeling Axl's ego can take both the negative comments and positive comments with out your deleteing finger being so trigger happy on the keyboard.

Time to roll with the ups and downs of GNR/Axl fans without taking it so personally. The debates on these boards is what makes it interesting and helps pass the time.

Richard Fortus talks....and says nothing the G N R fan would care about. Thanks!

Hello? I'm not the one saying I think I'm a band member or saying I'm the worst thing to have happened the band.


You guys all have these nice little theories in your heads about what I do and why. Too bad the gossipmongers that you are can't seem to realize that none of those ideas are based on reality.


Nowhere did I say I was doing this for GN'R. Once again, it's in your head.

I'm doing it for myself and fans like me who believe in the band. People who don't have the need to put GN'R down in order to feel good.




/jarmo

Actually it makes you seem even more of a 'fanatical' character when you put it in this context. Your behaviour would make more sense if you were some how involved with the band and you were getting some sort of direction from them. To me it seems you are way too personally and emotionally wrapped up with GNR that you can't moderate objectively...maybe you should take a step back and re-evaluate your life and just let people debate and discuss without having to feel so hurt everytime someone disagrees with an aspect of GNR/Axl. Its OK...they will survive and so will you and in the end the sun will rise again in the morning. Remeber your a moderator, you don't need to be a defensive medler.

Well hello there Freud!

There you go once again with the fucking objectivity and assumptions.


I can't run the site the way I want to, but you're allowed me to give lessons on how I should live my life?

What a fucking hypocrite.


Talk about taking yourself too seriously.  ::)



While we're on the subject of letting people discuss things, you need to understand that this site wasn't just created on the seventh day....

You all act like this site is your right. Like it just appeared out of the blue and now it's yours to ruin.





If you don't like this site or me, you can just leave. Go ahead. Who's holding you back?

If you're so miserable here that you think giving me lessons on how to live my life will change your life for the better, maybe you should just logout and go post somewhere else?



Maybe you go to McDonalds every day to tell them how much more you prefer Burger King.

I fucking hope you do. Because it makes as much sense as what you're doing here.







/jarmo

The difference here is you get your panties in a knot and tell everyone to leave if they don't like it....blah blah blah. Its like trying to reason with a five year old. All I do is post a comment or opinion based on what I see and read...Personally I'm neither upset or bothered by your tirades I'm actually totally indifferent by you or your input. The fact that you seem so paranoid and threatened by some post from someone about an entertainer and his band...that is funny to me. Reading all the anger from you has been a bizarre experience. This is a rock band for crying out loud ...get a grip.

Oh really?

So, you think I should change the way I run this site to comply to all your wishes?

I mean, even if we both know others actually appreciate it?


So since you and I both know that it's not gonna change, your #1 option can be crossed over. What's your other options?


What options do you, Younggunner and mistedID have? Since this place sucks so much.

Please tell me.


Once again I have to remind you that this place only exists because somebody started it.

There's no voting on who gets to run it and how.






Once again, your assumptions...

I'm not personally threatened by the posts. Just because I feel strongly about issues doesn't mean I take it personally.


I'm just not interested in providing a bunch of people an outlet for their bitching, moaning and backstabbing.

You don't seem to get the concept at all.


Maybe if you build a house and let a bunch of hobos take over it, then you could understand the concept. Remember to be nice to them!





/jarmo

Good to know what you think of us.

Talk about taking things out of context.

I also used another example of letting nazis run wild at your house party and that was turned into me saying VR fans are nazis....



Can you understand the concept of building something for years and then letting strangers who you disagree with take over the place?


/jarmo

Jarmo, if so many people misunderstand you, perhaps the problem isn't with them but with confusion from the way you express yourself.

I'm not into getting into internet arguments. But as far as I can see, site members were the 'hobos' in your unflattering analogy. I admire that you stick to your principles and defend the band, but you seem to frequently lash out at others to do so.

No they were not.

They are the unwelcome elements. Along with roaches and rats.


If you think I refer to all the cool people who visit this site as hobos, you really must have a really low opinion about me. But I guess, with all the shit I read today about myself, I shouldn't be surprised if people always assume I would say something like that.




Have you ever been to a party where everybody is having a great time until one or a few unwelcome trouble makers show up?

What do you do? Let them ruin the party for you and your friends, or tell them to leave?

Or maybe you should just invite them in, let them trash your apartment/house and scare away those guests you actually wanted to come?




/jarmo

You run things your way, thats fair enough. I think by now people have got the gist of the way this site is run, and that its different from a lot of other boards, and as you say, people can take it or leave it.

For whatever reason, obviously you didn't intend what I thought you meant in your earlier post.

I'd be interested to know what keeps you running this site though. As a tribute to the band? As a meeting point for fans who are 100% supportive of Axl? Or something else entirely. If you don't mind me saying, it seems like you find it pretty stressful and exasperating a lot of the time.

But I guess I'll ask those questions another time, since I'm so way off-topic here.

A place for like minded fans to "meet" without having to defend ourselves to people who don't share our views as well as have the most accurate info possible about the band with the least possible amount of bullshit.





/jarmo

That clears a lot up, and I bet not just for me. Thanks for the response.
Seriously, I bet if you put something like that on the front page you'd get a lot less of the objectionable people you mentioned.

Since I'm not American, I'm not used to having warning labels and disclaimers on everything.
 
;)


Edit: Actually, the posting guidelines / board rules kinda give a hint about what kind of people our "target audience" is.



/jarmo

I'm not American either...but still, better to put a warning label on your detergent than get sued when some jackass sprinkles it on their cornflakes. ;)

And it's not a American juristitical system either :hihi:

Thanks for the article, it's annoying he has to be so confidential about GunsN'Roses question, even with so small "media outlets".
I guess we'll see real info whenever it will be reason to promote GnR again :peace:

hobos are a proud industrious race of people with a rich, cultured heritage that spans for ages. don't be fooled by the media, as far as races go hobos are up ther with koreans and unicorns. and i for one am proud to count my self as a member of this flock of majestic unicorns

Since you went there: Power to the proletariat.

No, to be precise, Richard said nothing that you were interested in reading.

And whilst I'm on the subject - I'm astounded by the number of posters who presume to speak for me and all the other Guns N' Roses fans, as if this consent by numbers in some way adds weight to their own thoughts.  When you post on this board, the only opinions you can be sure of representing accurately are those in your own head.  I'd be most grateful if you could please try to remember that in future.

From my point of view, Richard was gracious enough to do this interview and I was more than happy to read about what he had to say.  Thank you, Richard.

I mean, even if we both know others actually appreciate it?

Once again I have to remind you that this place only exists because somebody started it.

There's no voting on who gets to run it and how.



- In a nutshell.

I am constantly AMAZED at the internet crazies that surface on message boards, wreck havoc and when they happen to drop in on a site that is actually MANAGED and MONITORED - and they're told to drop certain things, they're banned or they have posts deleted - they're actually.. shocked? Hilarious.

Jarmo has done an ace job from the very get go.

Because he chose to. This site is his and his only to run.

I mean, what are we even talking about here? Guns N' Roses? Well, if we do have to get specific, doesn't it make you wonder why the band and their management, friends and family 'trust' only one site on the whole damn internet regarding band stuff? Just one. Yeah, this one.

That should tell these people something. Jeez!

It's not a matter of Guns, Axl, the album, Robin Finck or whatnot. It's a matter of this being a site. A well-run site dedicated to a band and there are certain rules.

So things don't get outta hand.

And the people who come here to enjoy, discuss, laugh - AND bring constructive critisism maybe - can take, give and share info, views and trivia without annoying freaks crowding threads and spreading moronic lies.

People.. Grow up.

 :)

RF

^Amen.

Unfortunately, the HTGTH wet blanket brigade continues to march on.

Here we have a member of our favorite band agreeing to open up about himself but he gets criticized for not dishing the inside dirt on the band.  It never ends...

Haha, always the victim. My point was, seeing how long I've been here, it's just sad what's happened here.

I'll just say this, thanks to a certain someone ;) who enlightened me to a few things the other day, I don't think the Axl camp is as out of touch with their fans as I thought. 8)