Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Maybe is a cool idea to make the questions in one single topic so Axl can quote and answer here.

I don't have a question right now (well, in fact I have a lot of questions) but I'll just say: Thanks for the music, the magic and for the greatest song you ever made: "This I Love" :peace:

To not scare Axl with a potential 500 pages topic, all the questions are:

Ulises : Who was your inspiration when you wrote "Sorry"?

victoriacanucker  asked : will you ever put out a autobiography or some sort of offical documentary on the album and get to hear your side of all that has gone on?

xBrownstonex  asked: Could you maybe tell us about the progress of writing "This I Love" and what this song means to you?


-Jack-  asked:

1)    Axl in your Rolling Stone 2000 interview there was a song title called "Oklahoma" mentioned. Did this song get renamed into something on Chinese Democracy or is it still being worked on for another disk?

2)   I know "Oh My God" didn't do too well commercially or even in reviews, but I really liked what I *got* from the song. Some of the layering and mixing came out weird (in my opinion) but under those complaints the song is really raw and brutal in a good way; I think it could be re-recorded into one of your most powerful songs. So question is: Is "Oh My God" ever going to get the spotlight it deserves? Will we see a new Oh My God on another record? Or have you moved past it musically/personally/in some other form?


TomFriend  asked:

1)   Is the commercial success of this album important to you, or are you content to simply have it be well received by your existing fanbase?

2)  What is the significance of 'Cool Hand Luke' to you? Is it's use in Madagascar a deliberate call back to Civil War, or just a case of it being appropriate in both cases?

3)  We keep hearing that several shows have been recorded. Are there any upcoming plans for a DVD?



ckgent asked: Axl, at hammersmith you passed the mic to me during heavens door, any chance there may be footage that can be forwarded through official sources?? (by the way thats a personal highlight for me).

Waldorf asked : Do you think you'll play This I Love live? If yes, would you do it with Patti Hood?



kuetastic:

1) Are you confident of a re-release/alternate release with personally preferred artwork/cover/etc? Perhaps the release of the album clears way by completing contracts to make this possible for example.

2) The last verse on Catcher In The Rye is obviously quite personal and specific to you, whilst being damn subjective and shrouded to the listener. Care to elaborate on where the lyrics came from? Or is that over reading it and its rather just your take on the literature?

3) Any more tracks from Chinese Democracy that inspire thoughts of a music video other then Better?

4) About the show in Adelaide, Australia: What are your memories from the show and was there a particular reason for the great vibe and incredible set for a relatively small venue?



TVC 15  asked:

1) The music on Chinese Democracy is diverse and well-crafted. I hear slight touches of many of the band's influences (Stones, Beatles/Lennon, Sabbath, Elton John, Zeppelin, Hendrix, others) on the album.

Does the music you are listening to at a particular moment affect the mood/tone of a song-in-progress or do you have a good idea where a song is headed once it reveals itself to you/the band?

2)  Many fans (including myself) are interested in the evolution of each track on the new album. Do you remember the year each track was conceived?

I dunno, isn't that taking a fun one time thing and pushing it a little far? I'd imagine it'll be pretty off-putting for Axl if the next time he logs in there's an 80-page thread of questions awaiting him.  :peace:

BTW, I have to say I found it pretty hilarious, just checking out the thread at MYGNR that the first thing the members there did was insult him. True to form as ever. :hihi:

I would love it if there was an agreement which resulted in Jarmo being able to dedicate part of the forum for questions for Axl to come back, consider and respond to in an irregular basis..

The thing about tonight's events was how spontaneous and informal it was which made it special though..

Any comments, Jarmo?

I can't believe no-one asked him about "I don't vant to do eet"! Talk about a missed opportunity!  ;)

hahahaha no shit!!  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Maybe we can make things more easy if I or Jarmo edit the first post and write all the question there...

Well I would just like to thank Axl for all the great music he has put out over the years and want to thank him and the band for the amazing show he put on in Everett in 06, best show I've ever seen.

Anyways, my question is, will you ever put out a autobiography or some sort of offical documentary on the album and get to hear your side of all that has gone on?

I missed my opportunity to give a shout out from Toronto (also said this on another board). I hope he comes back and sees this. It would make this sad year (for me,it's been brutal - lost mom to cancer,broke and having no Christmas) end on one hell of a high note.

 :peace:

(damn,didn't notice this was just my 1st post here.....what a noob I must be) :-[

hopefully he will post in this forum next time.

I did though

Actually, someone did ask about it.  8)

Ah, nice! Glad to hear I'm not the only one who has their priorities straight.  ;)

Axl in your Rolling Stone 2000 interview there was a song title called "Oklahoma" mentioned. Did this song get renamed into something on Chinese Democracy or is it still being worked on for another disk?




One more question: I know "Oh My God" didn't do too well commercially or even in reviews, but I really liked what I *got* from the song. Some of the layering and mixing came out weird (in my opinion) but under those complaints the song is really raw and brutal in a good way; I think it could be re-recorded into one of your most powerful songs. So question is: Is "Oh My God" ever going to get the spotlight it deserves? Will we see a new Oh My God on another record? Or have you moved past it musically/personally/in some other form?

Again, you're the man. Hope you can get around to answering these, but if you can't, it's ok! Thanks! You inspire so much.

Ok, I've got some:

Is the commercial success of this album important to you, or are you content to simply have it be well received by your existing fanbase?

What is the significance of 'Cool Hand Luke' to you? Is it's use in Madagascar a deliberate call back to Civil War, or just a case of it being appropriate in both cases?

We keep hearing that several shows have been recorded. Are there any upcoming plans for a DVD?

Thanks man.

Axl, at hammersmith you passed the mic to me during heavens door, any chance there may be footage that can be forwarded through official sources?? (by the way thats a personal highlight for me).

Do you think you'll play This I Love live? If yes, would you do it with Patti Hood?

- Axl, about the "Sorry" liric, I think is very defiant and controversial but a Great song. Whom goes the message?

- In case Robin cannot come back. Are you willing to look for a replacement? or you'd rather to keep the band with just two guitar players.

- Axl, you owe us a gig in Santiago and Buenos Aires.  :hihi: When do you think we'll be able to heard your killer vocal range live?

Congratulations dear Axl, despite Chinese it's not my fave Guns n' Rosos record, you (the band) did an excelent work.

Things I would ask Axl or ask Axl to expand on after this incredibly gracious interview.

Are you confident of a re-release/alternate release with personally preferred artwork/cover/etc? Perhaps the release of the album clears way by completing contracts to make this possible for example.

The last verse on Catcher In The Rye is obviously quite personal and specific to you, whilst being damn subjective and shrouded to the listener. Care to elaborate on where the lyrics came from? Or is that over reading it and its rather just your take on the literature?

Any more tracks from Chinese Democracy that inspire thoughts of a music video other then Better?

A personal one.

The band and yourself were really jovial in Adelaide, Australia. Both on stage, out on the town and in regard to how much media was allowed to cover your visit. What are your memories from the show and was there a particular reason for the great vibe and incredible set for a relatively small venue? I'd of figured it just seemed that way to me for being there until I flew home and read the many threads here indicating the same feelings from long time GNR' concert goers.

If you come back to Australia, make sure Bubbles tags along again. I love watching the faces in the audience when he stumbles out to sing the best song ever written bar Breakdown.  : ok:

My first question was like that

Sorry, didn't check it.

Why did you choose to install your braids?

You rule axl!!!

I'm not sure I want to know who Sorry was intended for. All great songs are subjective like that.
The songs is more about stance to me then a particular group or person and I doubt Axl would spill the beans anyway.
I'd leave it open ended so anybody that had crossed me could interpret it as a shot at them, keep people guessing.

Brilliant song, the most replay value on the album in my opinion. So much going on.

Do you have your own gym in your house (and if so, what type/brands) ?

( oddball question you're thinking.....I know this is not a question anyone else would ask! )

Hi Axl. Thank you for 20+ years of music (!). Thank you 14 excellent new songs (!).


1. The music on Chinese Deomocracy is diverse and well-crafted. I hear slight touches of many of the band's influences (Stones, Beatles/Lennon, Sabbath, Elton John, Zeppelin, Hendrix, others) on the album.

Does the music you are listening to at a particular moment affect the mood/tone of a song-in-progress or do you have a good idea where a song is headed once it reveals itself to you/the band?



2. Many fans (including myself) are interested in the evolution of each track on the new album. Do you remember the year each track was conceived?


The tracklist:

1. Chinese Democracy
2. Shackler's Revenge
3. Better
4. Street of Dreams
5. If the World
6. There Was a Time
7. Catcher in the Rye
8. Scraped
9. Riad N' the Bedouins
10. Sorry
11. I.R.S.
12. Madagascar
13. This I Love
14. Prostitute


Thank you...Happy Holidays...We hope to see you on tour in 2009 !

:peace:

Thanks for adding my questions Ulises. I'm sure dude don't have a lot of time for browsing the net to answer a zillion queries but its appreciated none the less.

Hi!
I assume the latest songs written for CD was written 2004 or maybe even earlier, and I assume that is the case for the next record too.

My question is how that, if it does, affects your current creative process in regards to songwriting, making music and lyrics. Is this an ongoing process in some form or the other for albums to be releasedd even further down the road?

Thank you.

The new record was worth the wait.

ps. This is the best thread...ever!!!

I don't have any questions, but I'd love to be able to tell Axl I love the new CD! As far as I'm concerned, you delivered in a big way!

Hi Axl (feels surreal even saying that) But I'm well used to greeting celebrities after meeting Tracy Chapman this week! What a woman, do you like her??

Anyway, how do you feel about us sharing demos and concert audio/video recordings of Guns N Roses?? Have you any discs lying around that you think would be of interest. Some early demos of This I Love perhaps?? Would you care to upload them in FLAC please ;)

 :rofl:

Hey Axl, I don't have a question, just wanted to say thank you for all the great music and awesome live shows over the years, can't wait to see the band again soon  8)

This isn't a serious question but it would be funny if he answered it.

Axl, when you sang Street of Dreams in the studio, did you think about adding the "ok nevermind" line from RIR 3?

Exceeded all expectations. Its a crime that it hasn't received the media fanfare it deserved but it has shut a whole lot of mouths in the general population and the news media will follow suit once they understand there is more music to come (previously recorded) and it isn't a once off novelty for the sake of profit or obligation alone. If there is more music released in the years to come then it will be considered the most successful return from a touring group ever and the music speaks for itself. All worthy of the name, all worthy of accolades that will come in due time.
There is no need for a regular structure, nor a sole outfit or time line when the material can sell sufficient enough to warrant release and secure funds to solidify the GNR' legacy and retire the name successfully and comfortably.

This has become a part of my every day jargon. People look at me like I've lost the plot.  :-\

A fantastic day for the fans.

Thank u Axl! Very, very appreciated.

My questions if you turn up here again  ;) :
1.What are your favourite songs from the old era?
2.what song are u most satisfied with lyrically (on C.D)
3. how was it performing with mr springsteen at the rock n roll hall of fame in 94?


Hope to see u again here, and for more great music and live shows from you. Remember Norway  ;) (much better than sweden :hihi: )

At what point of writing a song, such as in Madagascar or Street Of Dreams, do you think "fuck lyrics for this bit, i'm just going to scream my ass off"?

Bwhahahahaha.  :hihi:

Will he come back today? I feel like total shit for missing this event by a few minutes :(

Axl, we can hope to see someday as a leak hehe the re-recorded appetite for destruction?
      We can expect to see sometime soon some b-sides of  the album chinese democracy or uknow songs?
       There's a relation between the tracklisting of the albums and that in the album there are all the songs that were leaked?
       In chinese democracy we can not see so many recordings from Richard,we can expect to see the things taht Richard has been writing and playing in the next record?

Thanks Axl

Lluis

How difficult is vocal management-especially when on tour?

What did you think of Tommy's album Village Gorilla Head?

Is 'Checkmate' real as in Guns N' Roses. If so whats the actual title?

Also what were some working titles for songs that ended up on Chinese Democracy?
As we know already: The Blues - Street of Dreams

i would like to ask dexter if Marco Beltrami worked on the music for 'The Soul Monster'

cheers

Welcome to the board Dexter  8)

I have a few questions to ask, if you don't mind adding them in:

1. You mentioned that CD's release was a miracle in a way...with that in mind, did you ever find yourself thinking that you would never be able to push it out..?...that it would never happen, no matter what you did...?...

2. Which musician that you worked with since the new lineup started off would you consider to be the most valuable asset...?....the one you couldn't have done this without...?...in other words, who in the new line up is as important to the whole mix as you are...?

3. Other than Baz, who from the olden days do you still keep in regular touch with...(i mean musicians mainly)....Steven Tyler...?...Anyone else...?...and how supportive have these old "colleagues" have been of your project...?

4. Did the last 15 years of negative press and speculation drive you insane..?...what do you do to relax and get away from it all...?


that's me....thanks.

I have one question:

You Usually talk with Izzy Stradlin? Would be Izzy Stradlin on the next tour?

Thanks

Will Axl do any more tour will Izzy Stradlin?

There are a couple of questions I'd like to ask Axl.

As Woodstock is to America, The Isle of Wight festival is the UK's venue that all the major artists cite as one they'd love to do. At Donnington in 06, you said at the time of things not working right as "This is the Isle of Wrong" -did you at that moment wish you were (at the IW Festival - being played the same weekend) and do you have any ambitions to share the experience of Hendrix, the who, the stones et al, and play the Wight?

The second, being does the release of Chinese Democracy (superb BTW) mean that some of the previously unheard live songs will be played?

Hi, Axl

Sorry I missed you. I was up early for work, and I just misse you. If you stop back, here are a few questions:

1. Do you like old-school honky tonk/country? I always thought the bluesy/soul side of you was inspired by honky tonk as well, not this new pop/cuntry of today, I'm talking about the old stuff. Do you listen to it or have they influenced your singing/wriitng style in any way? People like Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams Sr., George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, David Allen Coe, Lynyrd Skynyrd, etc.? I always thought there was a similarity between you and the old school honky tonkers (especially in your cover of the Stones Honky Tonk Woman) Their high, lonesome twang was very soulful and "blues based." They poured their hearts out perfectly imperfect. They sang in the high and powerful way that they did to "over power" the noisy bars. A lot of these singer/songwrites are trubadour outlaws, non-sell outs, who wrote about their inner demons and pain, just like you. They were never concerned with selling records or being media hams. They were lost souls wandering through this world. They loved "the road" and making music, just like you.
My dad always thought you were like the "George  Jones" of rock n roll, the "NO SHOW Jones" of rock. He said, "that Axl Rose is kinda like a George Jones. He has distinct and unique voice that is instantly recognizable and people either love it or hate it, but they know it. He can sing very low/deep and go soaring very high, a lot of range. Like Jones, he's struggled with inner demons and is a misunderstood singing genius'. " Anyway, I always thought you could sing the hell out of a George Jones song, or do an amazing duet with him (Like Keith Richards did).
My question: Have you ever considered covering a George Jones' song? I think you would sound amazing covering "When the Grass Grows Over Me," "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "A Picture of Me without You," or "A Good Year for the Roses". Perhaps cover an old Hank song? You and Kid Rock could do it together. My dad also said you were kind of like Willie, the "Red Headed Stranger" of rock (bandana, long red hair, and similar vocals) He said that you would do an awesome cover of "Angel Flying to Close to the Ground"

I thought maybe the only reason you avoided doing anything kinda "country" in style is because it would appear to hardcore fans that you were jumping on the "country bandwagon." But I think you have that same mysterious, outlaw persona as the "Good Ol Boys" of country.

Question 2: I love your cover of "Sailing" by Rod Stewart. Will we ever see a studio release of this song?
Question 3: Are you good friends with Kid Rock? If so, can we expect to hear a duet soon? Perhaps an old school styel bluesy/honky tonk style song?

Although I'm a long time lurker, this is my first time actually posting on here.  I realize the Q & A appears to be over, but here are my questions in case another session ever starts up. 

Axl,

First off, thanks for being so cool and answering fan questions. 

Part I - Questions regarding the old band and Slash:

1.  Did you read Slash's biography, and what do you think of it?  Is it mostly truthful?  Or is a particular area or two that you feel is inaccurate?  I know you probably don't want to get into a deep discussion about that stuff, but I'm just curious as to your general thoughts on the book.   It looks like Slash went out of his way to say that your version of the events might be different than his, but he still gives his general thoughts. 

2.  While I don't expect a reunion anytime soon, it would be nice to see you on speaking terms with the old band again.  The old gunners seem to talk positively about CD, and while I'm sure there are plenty old grudges and problems that could come up, 10, 12, or 15 years of not speaking is a long time.  At this point, all of you have achieved success without each other.  Is there any chance that ya'll might speak again, or at least show up together at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame induction (which is what, a few years away)?   Even if you all never play together again, the era of not speaking and communicating through lawyers/managers/etc seems to have lasted forever. 

3.  Does Slash really send you a Christmas card every year?  (He said that he did on Letterman a few years ago.)


---------------


Questions about the current lineup and new music:

1.  You've worked with members or ex-members of Nine Inch Nails over the years.  And, it's known that you've been a NIN fan.  Have you ever had any contact with Trent Reznor over the years and are you still a fan of NIN? 

2.  In what ways does it look like Chinese Democracy II will differ from part one?  An equal mix of songs, or is it generally more heavy/soft/experimental etc than Chinese Democracy I is? 

3.  I think it's awesome that you're chatting with fans on here.  Even if you do zero press, it really shows the fans that you pay attention, and we appreciate that a lot.  No question, just wanted to say that again.

I heard Slash say that he does in an interview. I thought that was very cute :P I would like to know why Axl doesn't respond to the Xmas card though. I mean c'mon, it's christmas!  :hihi: :rofl:

Sucks that I missed it the way I did, but what's important is that he decided to give the fans the first interview. That's beyond cool. Hope he will be back.

i was at the newcastle show when something was thrown at you, and i remember shouting wanker when you walked off, i would just like to take this opertunity to appologies to you as i beleive it was before i was aware of something been thrown and if in the same circumstances i would of done the same. i was just woundering of what your opinions of the incident are? and will you be back to newcastle...or sunderland? :P

thanks!

Here's mine.. I had two questions I wanted to ask but I'll try my luck with this one..

***

Hello Axl,
Thanks for connecting with the fans here and giving us a opportunity to talk to you.
My great appreciation for "Chinese Democracy". It was all I expected and even more, looking forward to the rest.

My question was related to the "sound" of the album, and your intentions for the musical growth of GNR;

The 1999 MTV interview you did around the time of "Oh My God" release mentioned there could be some 'aggressive electronica with guitars' type of sound coming on a future album. The album that we have in our hands today is hard rock but with enough diverse elements to make it a more fascinating listen than the average hard rock album. I wonder if some of these elements, such as the experimental vocal layers opening "Scraped", the hip hop/funk vibe of "If The World", the programmed beats & orchestration of "Madagascar", could be a hint of a further diverse sound to come in future material? Whether its stuff you've already got lined up for release or new things you are working on?

My comments:

I can't imagine how it feels to finally have released this. I just wanted to say thank you, congrats and I think the album is a masterpiece.

My questions:

Would you consider smaller venues on the next tour with more shows in each city? Also, is there any way GNR would do an "Instant Live" sort of deal so we can buy recordings of shows?

-russtcb

lol i guess he's gonna be here for some hours! :o


Hope he will be back soon, like he himself hoped too.
But as a GN'R fan I'm exceptionally acustomed to waiting, so now that I have Chinese, I have something new to wait for... :drool: :hihi:

 :nervous: i just got online, and now i read that Axl himself was answering questions here? how this happened?

he contacted the websites? i have no idea  :hihi:, can someone fill me in on this?

He registered and just started posting answers to peoples questions.

A couple of questions for now.. this is just awesome!


What will happen to all the live footage from the 2006 tour, is there a dvd in the works?

Can you talk about the story behind songs like Riad, Catcher, This I Love, and Shackler's?


A few more I thought of:


How did you guys choose the tracklisting for Chinese?

When were the songs originally written?

How many completed songs remain?

What do you think was the most difficult part of releasing Chinese Democracy?

How would you say Buckethead shaped the sound of the band and how has his influence affected things from his time in Guns?

I know at some point there was talk of alternate versions of various songs;  will any of these become b-sides or see the light of day somehow?

What would you say some of the highlights of the past 8 years or so?

What were the main differences that allowed you to release the album this year as opposed to 2006?

I'll throw a few in for shits and giggles...might have been asked before.


Axl, what is your view on bootlegging of GN'R shows? We all know what has happened in the past, but I vaguely remember you saying something at a show in 2006 that you did not care, or something along those lines? (Believe the show was in Puerto Rico..?)

If you have one, what was your favorite gig you've ever played?

What was the oldest written song on CD?

Were there ever plans to release the House of Blues 2001 show on DVD? Rumors have been around for ages that it was set for release and it was sent to Japan for release or something...

Axl, is there anything you can say regarding why the 2002 tour was cancelled, or are there still legal issues to be dealt with?

if we can ask questions i'd like to know first of all if we can hear a song like Coma ever again? Coma is one of my favorite songs, it is loved by me and my friends, which is a real treat from the rap that they usually llisten to.

Second, is there a "lost industrial Album " out there?

thank you for your time,
Ethan

Ja godag! :peace:

Thanks for a great album, you sound very good.
I got _very_ intrested in you again after Oh My God and seeing the new band.

Sorry was a genious and cool consept lyricly.
For me personally I feel and relate to it (not meaning the song is about that) like the church-critics vs christians in Norway.

I absolutely love Shacklers Revenge and Rhiad. I doooooooooooon't belive it! :headbanger:

A lot have talked about how the CD are influenced by insert-a-lot-of-popular-British/American-bands.
Do you have any feelings towards music styles, and mood to use your voice on musical composition influenced by other genres such as Black Metal, European folkmusic, aggresive electronica for example?

Will we ever get to hear you sing that?

May the norns be kind to you and best regards from Norway. :)

PS/ I'm still waiting for my snowblower (you owe your fans but some are fine without explanations right? ;D ) and had to enjoy my CD with a cherrie-coke!! Eeeew! :rant:

 :hihi:

Next time, I'll be an observer only. He answered my Q's last time, so I am content as fuck! Looking forward to the next late night Q&A session with Axl Rose! Exciting times!

Hey Axl,

Had 2 questions


1. I was wondering what the concept of Riad N' The Bedouin's is about

2. Wear do you get all your cool clothes ?

My questions would be. since most other band related things have been covered. I'd like to ask questions slightly different from that of others.



Axl, are you a fan of the artist Prince, as when it comes to keeping your lives private you are similar artists in that respect?


Noel Gallagher recently commented on CD saying he was excited to hear it. Are you a fan of Oasis, if so, what is your favorite Oasis album?

Hi Axl! What's your favourite Queen song/album?

Some questions - some ChiDem related, some not

1. Would you consider a ChiDem demo disc as part of a boxset and/or a 'making of' package, similar to what Metallica did with the Death Magnetic box set
2. Do you still collect art? Where did you look for inspiration for ChiDem's artwork?
3. A lot of people consider Chinese to be Use Your Illusion 3 in terms of style and production. How do you feel about the comparison - how does the new record compare in terms of your mood, the sentiments you wanted to express therein and production?
4. What sports do you follow and which teams?
5. What is your feeling on Trent Reznor's move to make his material available to remix in ProTools and similar programs. Is that something you would consider?

Thanks for taking the time to answer questions here (to the real fans who've stuck with you)

Merry Christmas from south Wales in the UK.

Hi !!!!
don't know if these have been asked already.

1) Are you looking forward to a potential RNR Hall of Fame Induction in 2012?

2) Are there any other songs (like this I love I guess?) either on CD or on your next albums that dates back to pre-1996?

Thanks! :beer:

N.

PS: Saw 3 out 4 shows at the Hammerstein in NY in 2006 and they were amazing!

I'm locking this right now.

I bet many of these questions will get answered over at CD.com today.






/jarmo