Here Today... Gone To Hell!

SLASH Talks About DUFF MCKAGAN's Jam With GUNS N' ROSES - Oct. 30, 2010

Legendary guitarist Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES) was the featured guest on last night's (Friday, October 29) edition of Eddie Trunk's "Friday Night Rocks" radio show on New York's Q104.3 FM. A couple of excerpts from the interview follow below (transcribed and edited for clarity by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):

On AEROSMITH's Steven Tyler signing on as a judge on "American Idol"

Slash: "It's really sort of disappointing to me that he's gone and done that, for whatever reason ? a lot of it having to do with [that fact that] I just know the guy and the other guys in the band are bummed out and they've had a really rocky road for awhile. And then just because 'American Idol' is what it is, so it's hard for me to put the thing together."

On Duff McKagan joining GUNS N' ROSES on stage on October 21 at London, England's O2 arena:

Slash: "It was cool. I got an e-mail from Duff going, 'I'm checked into a hotel and Axl [Rose, GUNS N' ROSES singer] is in the room next to me.' And that's how it all started. And he just sort of kept me posted through the day and at one point he said he was going down to the venue with Axl. And I was, like, 'Wow!' 'Cause a lot of years have gone by. And so then the next one was that he was gonna be going on stage or something. And so he went and they did, like, I think it was five or six songs. So it was cool. And then the next day he told me it was great, everything was very cool, they went out and had dinner, and so they had that sort of, whatever, rekindling kind of thing. All things considered, the only thing I said about it was that... 'cause I know that they still ended up going on an hour late. And I was, like, 'Oooh.' That's the only part that would have left a bad taste in my mouth, supporting that."

On why he (Slash) seems to be the only member of the classic GUNS N' ROSES lineup that Axl is not "cool" with:

Slash: "I think there's some deep-seeded stuff there. And it really can only come down to what was going on at the time when I finally said, 'I've gotta go.' And I think there was a certain sense of abandonment there. So it probably stems from that. And then even though I try to keep a politically correct tongue in this situation, I have at times really spoken my mind about the situation, especially when VELVET REVOLVER's first record came out, I was inundated with all this press and that was all that they wanted to ask about, and my first gut reaction was venting. So there was a lot of negativity that was sort of expressed then and has since been perpetuated by the media on a regular basis. So there's a certain kind of tension that just hangs in there."

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=148573

Thing that leaves a bad taste in my mouth is how Slash had to bring up that GN'R went on about an hour late. Oh, and the hypocrisy about Steven Tyler and American Idol.  Shit, Slash has already done the Idol thing as a mentor and guest, so he's the last person that should be talking shit.

Agreed, I don't think it was necessary to take that "shot" at Axl for going on late.  It had nothing to do with the question, no need to bring that up.  And apparently being associated with American Idol is only good when it's to promote yourself.  Whenever someone else does it, it's not cool. 

oh $lash when will you get it, it really doesn`t matter that you`re open to a reunion cos it ain`t ever happening we all know you want the big pay day but some people have more integrity. Does he seriously think Axl`s worked this hard put up with all the rubbish for all these years to reunite with him no chance Axl might have chosen the hard road but it`s the right one for him isn`t his motto victory or death to $lash shut up and play  :rant:

There you have the hypocrisy that is Slash, when he does it it's cool, when it's others it's bad.

Slash would do a reunion as long as the world thinks it's on his terms.

So you think Axl would agree to that? I don't! And no that is not the way it is.

Slash would do a reunion no matter what. If Axl wanted to go on 12 hours late Slash would have no problem with it as long as he was allowed back in Guns.

I do sometimes feel abit sorry for Slash, because we all know that if Axl called. He would scrap Velvet Revolver and whatever solo project he has going, like a flash. It's obvious Slash wants nothing more, to be apart of Axls' life again.

The way he spoke about Duff seems like he's just acking to be there, then to keep his self worth he brought up the time issue to make himself feel better. He realises that all the shit he said in 2004/05 to promote Velvet, is doing himself no favours in relation to his true desire. So now in interviews, he always tries to admit that he was wrong for saying them things.

And now Duff has joined Axl onstage, I honestly feel that there will be some tension between the two (Slash,Duff). When Velvet first started it was like Slash, Duff and Matt was all united against Axl and was joined in unison. But now Matt has spoke favourably of Axl, and now Duff has even played with him. So I feel there will definitely be a different vibe around Velvet, if they do decide to start it up again.

Slash is like the only one left out of the original five who hasn't had any contact with Axl since 97 (even adler met Axl in Vegas in 2006).

So yes, I do feel sorry for Slash, but if you look at it, it really is his own doing.

Yeah and in this interview he freely admits to it, something I don't remember him doing before.  Not that he's taking all the blame, as I don't think he should, but at least he's admitting some form of guilt as to why the hatred from Axl exists.

It is remarkable that some people still don't get the whole "going on late" thing.  Even a guy that was part of the band doesn't get it.  GnR are KNOWN to go on late, it is common knowledge.  I expected it when I first saw them, and I'm sure most do also.  It is part of the GnR experience.

Slash is still looking for something bad to say and all  he could come up with is how GnR goes on late...  Old news Slash...

Is it just me or does Slash say nothing in that interview that suggests he's desperate to reunite with Axl?  ???

I mean, he even ends it by saying "It'd be cool. But we'd have to do things way differently than we did in '91, '92, '93 and whatever... And I don't think that's changeable. That whole production would have to tighten up and be like a real working band, and I don't think that's salvageable."

Doesn't really strike me like he's big hopes of ever reuniting with Axl. I'm pretty sure he's happy doing what he's doing now. Then again, none of us really know what's going on inside his head, so it's all just speculation isn't it? :-X

The steven tyler thing isn't cause he is appearing on the show.

that isn't what Slash is saying.

Slash is disappointed that he is "JUDGING" American Idol and putting his band on the backburner to do so. Steven is sacrificing his band and his relationship with his bandmates to do it.

that I can absolutely agree with Slash's point. Isn't being hypocritical at all cause he isn't slamming him for appearing on it.


Slash was asked a question he answered. He's been very consistent about the going on late thing. He just further reiterated it.

nowhere does he ask or beg for a reunion. says it would be cool for the fans but he wouldn't just do it to be doing it.

Hour Late??  I was at that show & was stunned how earyl GnR came on- Def. before 10:00pm- way eary for GnR- Then proceeded to the best fucking  nearly 3 hour show I've ever seen!!

Whereas- I was at A VR show here in Raleigh 2004- outside freezing cold & rainy, Yet VR came on way late at 10:15 & zipped thru the show 13 songs in about  65 minutes & got the hell outta there!-  What about that SLASH?? :rant:

No, it's definitely not just you that reads it that way.  D made a good point as well.   

Slash has put Velvet Revolver on the back burner for the last 2 years.  Isn't that leaving the fans, Matt, and Dave hanging?  I still view his comments on Steven an American Idol as hypocritical.

D, you make a goint point about how Steven Tyler putting his band on the back burner is worse than doing a mentor thing.  However, Slash is quoted as saying "And then just because 'American Idol' is what it is", meaning he's putting down Idol for being a pop show, not very rock n' roll.  That's hypocritical because if he really felt that way to his core, he never would have appeared on Idol.  I'm not a Slash hater, but I have to call it like it is, and Slash is a hypocrite.

Very good point.

Needs to be repeated for those who weren't even there and take these interview quotes as some kind of fact.


Predictable response...

Slash is so conscious of his image that he's trying to be the opposite of Steven Adler.

It's not cool to be desperate. Everybody knows all these guys would drop everything they're doing the second they were asked to take part...





/jarmo

It's like he runs his statements through a "PR filter" before giving them.

Every sentence is in line with press coverage on that particular topic, yet ignores inherent facts and past behaviour.

---

I'll never forget VR charging mega-bucks for meet-and-greets on their UK tour. Cringe-worthy.

Imagine looking that person in the eye, the guy/girl who'd paid a whole months wage to see their 'hero' for a few seconds.

How do we know that?

It's the ultimate promotion for the Slash brand....



/jarmo

I will admit, reading Slash's comment about the hour late thing did kinda irk me a bit. It gave me the feel of "Raining" on Duff's parade in a passive aggressive kind of way.

So,for the record, I wasn't a fan of that comment. Just be happy for Duff and move on from it.

Don't agree with your statement Faldor about Slash putting VR on the backburner for 2 years. that was a mutual decision once Scott left. He only decided to do his solo album once it was evident a singer wasn't in the cards. Plus Duff was out with Loaded, way before he did the solo thing.

With Aerosmith, What Slash is saying is, They've been on a rocky road these past couple of years. Aerosmith kinda waited patiently on Steven to get his shit together with rehab etc and then the falling off the stage thing.. so now he is healthy, he is putting the band last *who are in the process of not only recording a new album but were wanting to tour. so Steven put that in place of the band without even telling them.

I think that Slash goes through periods when he loses it regarding Axl and GN'R, much like at the start of VR. Where he had nothing positive to say towards Axl, and even helped promote a VH1 documentary which tried to discredit Axl in every sense.

And then he has periods where he really regrets what he has said, and tries his best to compliment Axl even if it makes him look desperate. If you really want to look closely at why the Axl - Slash situation is more complicated than the rest. Just look at how Duff has handled any GN'R reference over the last few years. He always gives short and positive answers, and also seems uncomfortable talking about it as if he just wants to make peace.

Where as Slash uses every comment to his advantage, and often tries to twist things slightly to get the upper hand. I also think that the Slash of 2010, would regret nothing more than doing that VH1 documentary. But back then he was in anti Axl mode, and hated everything about 'nu GN'R'. Even being so big headed, to dress up as Buckethead during a halloween VR show.

On a different note, I see no point in VR continuing if Scott isn't involved. Say what you want about Scott, but he has made his peace known to Axl, and also stated how he could see Axls' point of view on the Slash situation. VR getting a new singer, is just going to be like the Slash band at the moment. The odd GN'R cover and maybe some new tunes, and I honestly feel like Slash and Duff deserve better.

So I say leave VR, and keep doing what you are doing now. Duff seems more than happy doing Loaded and his Business stuff, why stop and go back to what was a horrible time during the last VR tour.

The "Slash Brand" would make the "GNR Brand" more "legit"... That is a fact. 

Well, in both cases each guy is putting themselves first, so I don't see how it's any different.  Slash is putting himself first and working on his solo stuff instead of focusing on trucking on with VR.  I have no problem with that, and yes Duff is doing the same thing with Loaded.  But Steven is free to do whatever he wants.  I'm sorry if Joe Perry doesn't want to continue on with the Joe Perry Project.  Do you think Matt prefers playing with the Darling Starlettos over VR? 

I know a lot of people agree with Slash and lord knows I hate the fact that Tyler is judging American Idol, but I see it as completely hypocritical for Slash to comment the way he did when he's been on the show before.

Only a Slash fan would try to turn it around.  ::)

GN'R is doing awesome without Slash. Multiple sold out shows all over the world....

He quit the band 14 years ago.

Still he gets asked when/if he would go back.....



Both Izzy and Duff have played with GN'R since leaving the band...

Slash's "approval" isn't needed.



/jarmo

In case you haven't noticed, they don't have a singer. What is the rest of the band supposed to do? Slash has said there are tracks he is writing for VR while on the road.
What you are saying would be true only if they had a singer and the rest of the band is waiting for Slash.

Yes, he took a pot shot at Axl. I don't see why everybody is getting their panties in a bunch considering both are opportune to using the media in this way. Not the first time is it?

Oh I've noticed, but thanks for bringing it to my attention.  I'm reminded every couple of months on how they're looking at singers, yet they never seem to find one.  If they were fully committed to VR they'd have a singer.  But Slash is out playing his ass off and enjoying himself solo.  Duff is doing the same with Loaded.  VR is on the back burner. WAYYYY on the back burner.  Hate to break it to you.

Name a few good singers they've turned down?

Whether you like it or not, a lot of people considered Slash to be an integral part of GN'R, which is why he gets asked it all the time, even though he has quashed reunion rumours in multiple interviews.
Hardly his problem.

Have they turned anyone down?  Trust me, if they REALLY wanted to find a singer they could.  They just don't want/need to at this point.  Let's not get fooled into thinking they're holding out for the next Robert Plant.

Plenty of people, even Corey Taylor of Slipknot being one of the rejects. All of what you're saying that "they could if they really wanted to" is just conjecture.

The comment Slash made is what it is. It's not a defining comment that has ruined any chances of a reunion that looked likely or anything.

I have to say, I would definitely agree Slash being in the band would have been a billion times more credible than the former choice of a guy wearing a bright yellow raincoat, halloween facemask and a KFC bucket on his head. Buckethead is an awesome guitarist, but line both of them up infront of anyone and tell me who you think would command more credibility. It's not even a question. Now Axl has smartened up and basically got a younger, more obedient version of Slash, who 90% of your casual fans at shows will probably think is Slash himself.

GNR is doing awesome all over the world, that has nothing to do with this new band. If CD was never released they would still sell out anywhere in the world simply because, they are GNR.

With all this being said, the current GNR lineup now is a good rock n roll band (excluding Frank imo). Slash probably could have handled it better but to be honest why would he? What does he owe Axl, or any of you?. Like I said previously, it's not like he's ruined any chances of a reunion. It has never been on the cards. He made one swipe at Axl and that's the end of it really.

Nothing changes.

You know, if someone I knew was the sole cause for breaking up my band which was the biggest rock n roll band of all time (and in their peak), I may be a little pissed at this person too.

Would you?

Its funny how everyone seems to love Duff again.  He was involved in many lawsuits against Axl and he also said that the current band wasn't really Guns n Roses.  But now that Axl has made peace he is a real cool dude again.

If Axl made peace with Slash tomorrow, you'd all quit hating.  Some of you need to use your brains to form your own opinions and stop reading what you want to see.

Slash has always being against going on stage late.
There is a difference between guesting on a show, and being a judge for a complete series.
Slash has always stated that a reunion would only work if the situation changed. 

All this nonsense about "Slash brand" is utterly ridiculous.  Everyone can see that Axl uses the "Guns n Roses brand" to achieve his personal goals.

If any of these guys wanted to be in Guns N' Roses, they wouldn't have left Guns N' Roses. They left of their own volition, because they didn't want to be in the band any more. To say that they all desperately want to be in Guns N' Roses is pretty fucking ridiculous.

That said, I also dislike Slash's "they still went on an hour late" comment. Especially considering they didn't come on late (and if they did, it was only about 20 minutes or so).

I think you can also argue Slash is doing awesome without GNR?

He's had a mega-successful tour that just came to an end, but is starting back up in January...

The 3 shows I went to on that tour (Atlantic City, NYC, Atlantic City) were all sold out, and I've heard that trend continued on many if not all of the other dates.

If Slash wasn't desperate to rejoin Guns why would he go to Axl's house in the middle of the night to beg for a reunion? There is also the fact that Marc Canter said Slash would "fuck a snake" to get back in Guns.

I look at it like this. How could you not miss being in a band as big and legendary as GNR?

I have two theories, forgive me Slash fans and forgive me Axl fans for posting this:

I have often felt, that when Slash left GNR, He thought Axl would fall to pieces without him and wouldn't be able to continue on and would beg him back.Axl took some time to get things in place, but so far ,Axl has done pretty well without Slash.


On the flip side: i think Axl thought Slash will leave, will fall on his face, turn into an afterthought and a has-been and come begging back...Slash has done pretty well on his own without Axl


so basically its an ego thing. Slash can't beg Axl to come back because it would make him appear to be "wrong" and weak and couldn't succeed without Axl.

Axl can't ask Slash back because then it would appear Axl was wrong and couldn't do it without Slash.


So around and around we go.

In the end, both will be fine without the other. I do want to see a mini reunion at the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame for the fans. Then after that, continue on with present business.

Can you be sure that that's what he went to Axl's house for? There was an ongoing lawsuit at the time... it couldn't have just been an attempt to sort that out out of court? (It was a very misguided and stupid move, to be honest... but I don't think his head was on this planet at the time).

No, I think if any of those guys wanted back in the band, they'd be making more of an attempt to do so than they have been. I'm sure they do miss those days, but not enough to deal with everything that goes along with it. A fact I'm glad of, as I like things as they are now.

 :hihi:

I don't like liars, no matter who they are.

I also don't like people who try to focus on something negative to score some simple point in order to promote themselves.


As I said, all these guys would be in GN'R if they had the chance to take part in your dream (we all know most of you posting in this section have that dream). Some of them are just acting cool and you buy into that. Fair enough.

In the same way as becoming what you were so against, is apparently also cool (a cartoon character who will do anything to promote himself).





Simple as that.


Then some of you like to point out how GN'R is only successful because of their past. Way to discredit the band by the way. You know, the band this site is about?

But you don't even want to admit that it's because people still want to hear Axl sing. The reason why people can actually go see GN'R today is Axl. Not because of Slash. Slash didn't want there to be a GN'R anymore. He walked away hoping Axl couldn't carry on. Remember?

I guess in your mind, people pack clubs to hear Slash perform his latest Fergie single?

It's amusing how you discredit the current band while totally ignoring that whatever you say is also true for everything Slash has done in the past 14 years. You all seem to think VR was so awesome and whatnot. The reality is that the band was promoted as a "mini GN'R reunion". You all seem to have forgotten that in your eagerness to discredit Axl and GN'R.

He didn't get to be in Guitar Hero because of all those amazing VR songs either. No, he used his past, in that other band that he keeps talking shit about, to promote himself....



Some of you are obviously on the wrong fan site....

I don't know how you can make that mistake to think this is a Slash fan site and then get upset when somebody tells you that you got things all wrong?




/jarmo

I know this is nitpicking simply a portion of your statement but:
If I'm not mistaken, the song Slash was playing in the GH commercials was "Slither"...?

That's using a song from VR to promote himself?

I think his image is what he truly plays on, hasn't changed that in years. People know him greatly because of his hat and hair and shades.

Well he couldn't really use a GN'R song in the advert could he?, what have been really desperate.  :hihi:

The fact is, he wouldn't have been in no game, if it hadn't have been for his past. And people like to bash the current members for purely being there for the benefits of the GN'R brand name.  :P

Tobias, Robin, and Josh have not once used the GN'R name to get them sponsership deals, or to get them benefits of any kind. While Slash looks like a caricature of himself from 92, and still plays GN'R classics at any opportunity, even if it means getting someone who butchers the vocals.

Some of you clinch at straws to find a comeback answer, but you can't dispute facts.

Marc Canter said "Slash would have fucked a snake to get Perla off of his back".

Most people do not know that Tobias, Robin, and Josh were ever members if GNR. So why would they use the name. Slash helped make the GNR name and has every right to play the songs he help create and make famous. 

Yeah, whatever you say are facts.  ::)

I agree.

I'll never forget when I went to Vegas in 2006, I had to tell about 10 people in line that Slash was no longer with the band...which they called bullshit on cause they were "die-hards" that followed them since the 80's and they KNEW Slash would be there that night. :hihi:

They were obviously lying/drunk/whatever but it just goes to show that people (about four years ago) still thought Slash was in GNR!

Exactly.

He likes to use GN'R to promote himself while talking shit at every opportunity he gets.

Like in this case.

History repeats....



/jarmo

They are actually, have you seen Robin or Josh promote themselves or play songs from GN'R in their current projects.  ::)

And to say that they are not known for being in GN'R is all the more reason why they should remind everyone right?. It is to their credit actually, they maybe aren't the most known members of GN'R publicly but they still keep their integrety and keep true to themselves. I'm sure Robin could have done a ton of guitar sponsership deals while he was in GN'R, if he saw fit to splash the GN'R name around as much as $lash. :D


No need to worry though, I guess you enjoy listening to Fergie butcher Paradise City and Sweet Child.  :rofl:

I think in those songs, no matter who is singing, the guitar playing by Slash completely overshadows anything else.

Seeing the originator of it play it live blew me away. Now don't get me wrong, loved them when I saw GNR live in 2006 and was amazed - but seeing Slash play it was just a whole different animal.

Sometimes I wonder if you really believe the crock that you post. Are you saying that sasquatch in your avatar has integrity? Like running off to NIN every two years?

I think bands like The Vandals, A Perfect Circle and Nine Inch Nails are big enough in their own right that Josh and Robin have no need to promote themselves with the name of a band no one knows they were ever in. If they became famous whilst in GN'R it'd be another matter, but they both have other bands that they made their name in.

Haha, every two years, now that's funny.

Some of you Slash fans are really angry that Axl is still on good terms with Robin. Because Axl knows why Robin did what he did. You just said yourself that Robin is not as well known as Slash because he chooses not to whore himself out under the GN'R brand.

So guess what, Robin needed to do something to make a living, it's normal. And this is not about Robin, but don't be angry because Axl still compliments Robin, and not your boy Slash.

jarmo is right, why do some of you come here if you crave a reunion. This board supports the current line-up, so why would you find joy, in visiting this pro GN'R site everyday.  :hihi:

I'm sure there's a Slash forum somewhere, that you can call home. :rofl:

Actually what I enjoy listening to is none of your business. But to satisfy you I am on my four copy of CD. And like listenening to anything Slash does also. All of your so called facts are nothing more than your opionin.

This is so fucking stupid.

What is a "Slash fan?"  If you are a Guns N Roses fan, you are also a Slash fan,.  Period. Unless the only GNR record you own is "Chinese Democracy", or you don't enjoy any of his playing on AFD or the Illusions and we all know that is not the case.

I just listen to the music man, and if I dig it I dig it.  Some of you get so wrapped up in why Slash went to Axl's house, what Slash said about Axl, what Axl thinks about Slash..etc... all this girly gossip nonsense.  This isn't Perez Hilton's site is it?

I love how some people call Slash desperate.  Desperate for what exactly?  He has co-written and played on all of Guns N Roses most successful albums, including one of the most iconic hard rock records of all time.  His guitar work in  GNR will always be regarded as legendary as you see year in and year out as "Sweet Child" and "November Rain" continue to dominate guitar" best of" lists.  He went platinum with 2 other bands besides GNR, and just released one of the highest charting and critically acclaimed solo albums of the year.  Not to mention that anyone who is anyone in the music business want him to play on their records.  The guy has just made more money in the time it took me to type this than any of us will ever make in our lives.  What a desperate pathetic loser, you're right.  Oh and lets not forget that he cant leave the house without people asking him about Guns N Roses, more than 14 years after he quit.  Seems as though he is not really forgotten is he?  

Now I know what I just said is going to be wildly unpopular on this board, but it is all true.  I am not ripping on anyone in GNR or who used to be in GNR.  Those who think Slash is on the same level as Steven Adler when it comes to desperation are sorely mistaken.  Slash does not NEED Guns N Roses and Guns N Roses do not NEED Slash.  

Guns N Roses are great the way they are, and Slash is doing some really cool things lately too.   I don't understand why anyone would want to discredit the other.  It is a pet peeve of mine when someone completely discredits the huge amount that Slash contributed to the GNR legacy.  You just come off as an ungrateful prick.  I guess I am one of the very few lucky ones who is able to enjoy everything Guns N Roses are doing today without having to piss on 1985-1996.  Lucky me.

Why would anyone give a flying fuck what Axl thinks of Robin? It's his business. And stop injecting that has-been into your every post. This thread has nothing to do with Robin.

I never brought Robin into this, you did Genesis. You attacked the Finckster for no reason, and yes he does have more integrety than the guy who went on American Idol.  :o

You Slash fans are too funny.  :rofl:

Look back at the thread you quoted, amigo. : ok:

I think this might actually be the most intelligent post on this subject.
I'm hardly a Slash fanboy, but for fuck's sake, some people are just pathetic.

At least we go some good discussion going here.


Slash did get voted 2nd best riff of the 21st century with Slither and another top 20 for By The Sword in a very big guitar magazine recently. so he has done very well.

Contraband sold great, won grammys. so he really doesn't need GNR.

and I don't agree that he "wants" to be in GNR. I Think he has made it very clear cause if he wanted to be, 1. he never would've left 2.he would've went back after he left when he had chances pre 2000.

I find it quite the conundrum for people who hate Slash, but yet, get fired up and head bang to his guitar parts everynight.

I appreciate them both and have never or will never pick sides. I support them both regardless.

I'm glad you're so easily amused. Do you always edit your posts after other people reply, like a 12yr old?

On topic:

There's no need to backup Slash's achievements. That's just ridiculous. As far as talking in the press goes, I think every ex-member has the right to speak their mind about any other. They worked together for a long time and know more about each other than any fan. Why fans take it so personally is beyond me.

Also... this is from Axl's mouth regarding why a reunion won't happen... "What's clear is that one of the two of us will die before a reunion and however sad, ugly or unfortunate anyone views it, it is how it is. Those decisions were made a long time ago and reiterated year after year by one man."

Now, call me an idiot, but it sounds a hell of a lot to me like it was Slash who didn't want a reunion.

Attention. To be seen. To have the right image. To be accepted.



I wouldn't call myself a Slash fan. I'm a GN'R fan. All eras of the band.

I don't exclude any releases based on who plays on it.

Unlike some who call themselves GN'R fans and piss on GN'R every chance they get because "their" guy chose to quit and hoped that the band would end.


To me it sounds more like one guy made decisions in his life, and those decisions pretty much put an end to any chance of a reunion.





/jarmo

That's what I understood as well.

You are correct!, since 93' , he is selling his past..his image.. cos his "new" music is not good at all.. it's the same over and over again.

To me Slash post GNR is Slash Playing with Marta Sanchez and Paulina Rubio.

And to me Guns N Roses post Slash is Chinese Democracy.

I agree that Slash likes to be seen, but I don't think he is "desperate" for it.  Desperate could be used to describe Steven Adler, getting every ounce of what he can out of a 23 year old record talking to anyone who will pretend to listen.  Slash is still considered an A-list musician working with all the top selling artists in the world.  He is very much in demand by all media outlets.  I think he loves the attention yes, but he is not begging for it.  They are coming to him.

When you say your are not a Slash fan, does that include his playing in GN'R or just him as an individual?  

I agree with what you said about "fans" who rip the current line up.  That makes as much sense to me as discrediting anything former members have done.  Makes no sense.

You know what Genesis, apart from jarmo and maybe a few others I have seen GN'R the most times on this board. I support the current line up and to see people come on here day after day, and praise a guy who has had nothing good to say about GN'R for the past 13 years, it really makes me puzzled.

I mentioned Josh, Tobias as well as Robin and you chose to attack him, thus you bringing the attention on Robin.

I am not a Slash fan, but a GN'R fan. You guys seem to forget it wasn't just Slash who made Appetite, but 4 other talented guys, and Izzy had a big part in the music, just as much as Slash.

Axl has said on many accasions that there won't be a reunion, so why do people keep on trying to promote such a thing. Axl must have felt strongly enough about that statement, to say it in the online chats.

I have travelled to France, Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, Las Vegas, Toronto as well as cities in England to see GN'R. Some of you like to shout opinions out behind a computer, to people who have followed the band all around the globe. What I do know is, is that Axl proved to the world when he released Chinese Democracy. That he was the sole artistical influence during the early days, and that the idea of Guns N' Roses will always live through him and no one else.

How can anyone dispute that, when all that Slash had to offer Axl in 95, was Snakepit kind of material. The fact of the matter is, is that Axl and Slash are two different people today than they was in 87.

Some of the reunionists think that what happened in 1987 can be just as cool today, than it was back then. But it's not, which is what Bumble said on Eddie trunk in 2008. All the factors that created Appetite have beamed off in different directions, and if anything a reunion would ruin the 'Illusion' alot of you have.

There we go. The "I have seen GN'R X number of times and own X amount of GN'R memorabilia, so I'm a bigger fan and my opinion is better" talk. Heard it before, thanks.
Check back in this thread and see who starts the reunion talk. It's certainly not any of the people who post in this section. Of course, the moment something negative pops up, Slash and all his fans want a reunion.
It's getting old. Really.

The fact is some of us don't care about the politics. That may be incomprehensible to you.

It wasn't Slash who bought the reunion thing up, either. It was the interviewer. You don't think he gets fed up with answering the same damn questions over and over again? ;)

He didn't have to answer those questions, you know...

It's quite simple. I'm sure the interviewer could have asked about his personal life and issues with Perla, but I imagine Slash would rather not discuss it (or at least not in a deep level).

If he got fed up, he would say so.

But the guy doesn't want to annoy the media. He needs them on his side.

This is why some get positive reviews and praise, and others don't.

It's not always about quality. It's about ass kissing.....




There's obviously different levels of desperation, or need to be seen/noticed.



As I said, I like everything GN'R has done. I don't care who plays what note.

I like it all.

For example, I don't praise a drum track because I think one guy plays it only to realize somebody else does and then suddenly not like it as much...


I have enjoyed Snakepit and VR in the past. But when I went back to those albums after a while of not listening to them, they just didn't do anything to me.

Similar things have happened with many other albums. But never with GN'R.....




/jarmo

Ah, but I think it's true that he is very image conscious. And refusing to answer questions would hurt his image, so no matter how annoyed he gets at being asked it, he will answer if only to not come across as a jerk. Because let's be honest... how many journalists think it's fair when an artist doesn't want to talk about a certain subject? Most of them just right about them being evasive, etc.

See previous reply... I think that is exactly the reason why he won't say that he's fed up with certain questions.

I'm a journalist (I write about tech) and when I ask about financial prospects, lots of people refuse to answer. And I'm cool with that, because it's my job to ask - they answer whatever they feel like. If an interview could do so much damage, he just don't have to give an interview at all.

Also, there's other ways to avoid some questions and still being polite. He could have said lots of things, like "yeah, that was cool". He didn't need to elaborate on the matter also.

Be honest, though... if he refused to answer all questions about GN'R, there probably wouldn't be enough questions left to make up an interview. It's all they want to ask about. :rofl:

I just had the opportunity to work with Slash last week, he was great.  In helping to come up with interview questions for him I tried to stick to VR and solo record stuff as that is what he is promoting.  I wanted to show him the proper respect and I also stayed away from any type of Axl related stuff that could have gone negative, out of respect to him and Axl.   We stayed away from the Duff/Axl questions. although Eddie Trunk went right after it later that day.  You would be surprised but we could have done a 3 hour interview with him without bringing up any type of Guns stuff.  He really does have an insane amount of projects going on.  There were a couple fan questions regarding GNR and he definitely took the high road, even though a few of the questions left the low road option wide open.

Oh and you are right, Guns N Roses reunion questions made up 99% of the fan submitted questions.  It is all that a lot of people want to ask about.  Its not just Slash though, its the first thing any of the former members of GNR get asked about.

You are also a fan. You knew what there was to talk about and actually prepared those questions. Whereas other people you can just tell that the Guns questions is pretty much all they've prepared... it's like "So, you've got a new album out.", "Yeah, it's really cool, I'm so proud of...", "That's enough of that, tell me about Axl!" (not literally of course, but haven't you seen more than your fair share of interviews with either Slash or Duff where you're just screaming, "They've just put a new record out, they're on tour, and they've got tons of interesting things to talk about... and all you want to ask about is a band they haven't been in for years!?!"

You can pretty much tell when the interviewer is an actual fan, as those are the ones that are interested in more than just what they think of Chinese Democracy.

yeah definitely.  It was way easier for someone like me to put together questions cause I know what the diehards want to know, and I know what questions he would answer and which ones he wouldnt.  You are right I have seen a huge amount of interviews that could have taken place anywhere between 1997 and 2010, you would never know because they are all the same GNR related questions.  I also think that the interviewer always wants to be the "one" to get him to say something ridiculous. 

Urgh. These topics always end up being too complicated to keep a track of. It always turns into the evil 'Slash fans' (who are apparently some virus-like cult that exist on this board) trying to 'discredit' the current band. Who here is trying to discredit the current band? Why does the fact that Slash went to Axl's house drunk in like, 2005, get brought up? How do any of us know what Slash really wants? Why do some people seem obsessed with the idea that there's some sort of divide between people who support Slash and fans of the current GNR? Supporting Slash doth not equal being a GNR hater. Some people need to cool down and realise that.

Maybe Slash does like media and fan attention (I don't know because I'm not a mind-reader). So what? Good for him. Why shouldn't he? Because of someone else's ideas of how he should behave?

Whatever, I doubt anyone's opinions are going to change from looking at this thread......

Hey Jarmo. What if Axl left GNR and got replaced with someone? Would you still not care?  :hihi:

basically it was for avoiding this situation that he kept the name...

imagine : 1995, Slash & co won, they kept the name, and continued Guns N'Roses on their own terms with...who knows as a singer...
and you'll have slither on chinese democracy  :crying:

 :hihi:

Actually what he said what Slash would have fucked a snake to get back in Guns if for no other reason than to get Perla off his back. The fact remains he was still trying to get back in Guns at that time period.

Wow, probably the most honest statement-question I've seen on this board. Personally, I like the work of both musicians, with no solid preference since both Axl AND Slash (along with the other 3 members) were critical to the creation and success of Appetite for destruction. I really think people should just get their panties out of a bunch here and just enjoy the music. If you don't like, don't listen. Oh, I might add that I like both Chinese Democracy and Slash's solo album. They're different, but they both have some great tunes to offer.

"The last time Slash went there was because his wife made him. Just before he did that he called me for Axl's phone number
and when I said that I couldn't do that he said I know I know and then I herd Perla saying things to him. He said that he was
sorry for asking and I could tell in his voice that he was being pushed into it. Also at that time Perla hated Duff, and Slash was
not getting along with Scott and Duff that well and was doing heavy drugs and lots of them that should have killed him. He
was living in hell. He also started a big law suit about not getting paid for things from GNR and was drunk at the time of the visit.
He could have easily said bad things about some of the guys in VR to Beta. At that point he would have fucked a snake to talk
with Axl and if nothing else just to get Perla off his back. She was the one who wanted the reunion at that time. But then the
whole thing backfired on Slash when Axl called the press. It could have cost him loosing VR and then he would have nothing."

apparantly you misquoted Canter who said"At that point he would have fucked a snake to talk with Axl and if nothing else just to get Perla off his back."

not that it fucking matter bexause as far as I'm concerned, it's between those 2 and no one else

So let me get this straight. A famous celebrity likes attention? HOLY SHIT!  are u people serious? Famous people are famous mostly cause they like getting attention.

something else people completely over look is the fact that Slash is a guitar player. In music, Vocalist are bigger stars than guitar players. So guitar players have to work hard to keep themselves out there.


Also, Slash had to build his brand from scratch. He didn't have the world famous already iconic Guns N Roses brand to fall back on. so sure, he has to do some hustling and some things he'd probably rather not, but thats doing business and trying to stay relevant.

what do people want him to do? Just disappear and not do anything?

also, whats the bullshit about how he should avoid GNR questions? Why? We've went around and around on this for years on this very forum. Avoiding the questions, just throws more gasoline on it and makes people want to ask more.

also, i guess Axl could've said no comment when asked the reunion questions or could've said no comment instead of the "Cancer" tirade he went on.

its easy for people to judge Slash when its a whole nother set of circumstances.

Interviewing is a give and take process. We will talk about your shit, but first you got to answer this.

i guess people didnt see the interview where Slash told the reporter that if they keep down this road of questioning the interview would be over?

People are curious, they want to know so they will ask. U can be an asshole about it and avoid it, or you can give them an honest answer.

Funniest thing I've read in ages. Considering who we're talking about!

Thanks for the laugh man. Really.  :rofl:




/jarmo

Because there is. While there are people out there that like both, a good number of people take a side. They feel like saying anything positive about the other one in some way hurts their guy. I think the fans actually care more about this feud than Axl or Slash at this point.

I tried to move this into "DEAD HORSE" a few posts in knowing full well which direction it would go in, the same fucking mindless back and forth that's been going on for years...

All I have to say is that I like and respect Axl, Slash, Duff,  Izzy and Steven. I'm not choosing sides on this since I was heavily influenced by this band. GNR helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges of being physically disabled. With that being said, I support each member in their own endeavors whether it's the current version of GNR, VR, Adler's Appetite, Izzy's solo work or a reunion.  I support it all.

It is, isn't it?  Fucking mindless back and forth.  All Slash has to do is say something about Axl and it causes an explosion around here.   ::)

yep, I really dont understand what people get out of hating someone most of you have never met, nevermind actually know on a personal level. Like what does that add to the music?  It just brings a lot of negative vibes,  to the current band and to the old band.  It really ruins it for me sometimes when something cool happens in the GNR world and I come to this board immediately and someone with some point of view is spewing negative bullshit one way or the other.  I have never seen a fan base of a band fight so much.  The internet has given everyone a voice, and sometimes thats not the best thing, especially when you are dealing with some people who have no idea what they are talking about.  I mean the way some self professed experts talk about Slash's visit to Axl's house, you would think they were the ones who drove him there and rang the doorbell.

A lot of good points on topic. What always gets me is that everyone here is a GNR fan first and foremost. I never understand the hate for Slash and want to dismiss his contributions. I really hated the cancer comment by axl but that does not mean I am going to bash his musical talents and contributions to GNR. Whatever Axl does he is still Axl and I will always think he is the best lead singer ever until someone else takes his thrown.
Although I do prefer the original and illusion line ups I still support and appreciate the new members. CD is a great album but DJ, BF, Frank, and even Richard did not write a lick of that album. Additionally I do not understand why the supporters of the new band are so against a reunion and even worse against Axl and Slash mending their relationship.  At this stage I don't even care that much about the reunion but would rather see them mend their friendship. How can anyone not want to see them play together ever again. That is like saying I don't want to see the Beatles with Paul, John, Ringo and and George I am good seeing Paul and his band playing Beatles songs... It is way better then the people who actually wrote the music together. I mean come on really? Like someone else said if Axl ever becomes friends with Slash again all the Slash haters will suddenly praise him again.  At the end of the day both moved on in their own way to make their music and I am glad they both continue to make music we can all enjoy. But never forget the reason we are all here is because of the music they both made together. As GnR fans how can u truthfully say if given the option that you would prefer that they never made music together again or even perform together again. That is not a GnR fan that is plain ignorance.   

oh C'mon now guys. no need to Dead Horse this.


Message forums are for discussion and debate. the hotter the topic, the better the debate and the better the board is.

What is cool about this thread is, almost all of the discussion/arguing is civilized,intelligent and great. There is no flaming,trolling or nonsense really. everyone is making valid points both ways and its interesting to read.

So i think it is different than past threads that deteriorate.

on topic:

i know alot of people don't believe me when i say that I just react to what i see. I am the same level of fan for Axl and Slash. I don't lean one way or the other. That being said, Slash does come off a little jealous and like a killjoy/buzzkill.

We all have friends like that or at least most of have where no matter how great something is, that happens to you, someone always has to point the one minor thing out to ruin the mood. When I saw Duff onstage... who gives a shit what time they took the stage?

I will say this. Not for a reunion or whatever, but I do wonder how much of the conflict back then was due to the drug abuse/alcoholism? Just makes me wonder if Axl had a conversation with present day sober Slash, if things would be better? Being clean and sober, hanging around hardcore druggies is nearly impossible. So in that respect I blame Slash and Co. for the breakup because I can see Axl's side of the coin big time.

So maybe Axl wasn't as "hard" to work with afterall. Maybe Slash was so drug fueled he almost became like Steven Adler was during the UYI sessions and no longer was committed to excellence?


Over the years i have went from it being Axl's fault to now honestly thinking it was more of the old band's fault. not that Axl didn't have some flaws of his own, but drug addicts are a nightmare to try and work with/be around and in the music business, right or wrong, the blame usually lies with the frontman. If the band releases a terrible album, its the frontman's fault, if the show sucks, its the frontman's fault. So Axl had a ton of pressure to deal with that the other guys didn't understand.

I know u guys hate my Jon Bon Jovi shit, but on their documentary he says it best. The other members are out going to concerts,sporting events,dinners whatever and he is stuck in the room on the phone with managers,agents etc. Talked about how when something happens, people don't blame the manager,the promoter or the attorneys etc but they blame him. everything is his fault.

I think that applies well to this situation.

The funny thing is, Slash has even stated a bunch of times..that he hates doing promotion like interviews etc.  Its just a part of his job.  Its very useful if you want your record to do well though.

He has said all this for years.  Some people just want to hear different things though.

Its also funny when people say that Slash is in it for the money.  If that was the case, he would of never left Guns no matter how much him and Axl disagreed.

One more funny thing...half the people that bash Slash have no problem rocking out to the music he wrote at GNR gigs.

By the same token, its been 15 years. The guys were only really friends in their 20s, they've spent most of their lies barely as friends. They both will have changed so much in the years, I don't think they will have very much in common at all. Infact, I doubt they even really connected that much in the first place; being part of a 5 person band you wouldn't become all that tight with individual members. I bet it was super awkward and generic and fake with Duff. Still, I'm with everything you say D.

I'm for a reunion and all, and to people who want us to forget and move on; get over the gossip and the personal lives remember why you're here in the first place. Being a fan is all about the cult of personality of the band. If you only cared about the music, you'd sit in your room and listen to it and forget who played it. We're all just as sad as those brainless whores who read tabloids; it comes from the same place.

The new band is awesome, and I am a fan of Guns N' Roses - so I belong here. But the new band, I don't forget, have half a set of GnR classics. And as a fan of the new band, I am legitemately a fan of the songs they play - old songs. And when you say forget about who wrote them, you forget the whole thing that made GnR good in the first place. They're authentic, their music is real and was an outlet of their emotions. It's different now; hell it's cleaner and tighter now, and probably more enjoyable, but they are merely representing the feelings of the old band. Only Axl sings it like he means it; even with Chi Dem.

But you have to agree when in certains gigs,the band shows after 1 or 2 hours after the supporting band has finished.I was at Madrid 2006 and the started at 00:15,and in a recent video i just realized that axl wasnt in the show,maybe was at the hotel.That is sad.I love the band,and right now the are one of the best bands to see alive,and axl is in a top form,but sometimes,that weird behavior happens and make people angry


BTW Slash the only bad thing that he can say is the 1h delay and he didnt miss the oportunity of saying it,so who is the guy that is angry?.Slash wants a reunion for sure,but its hard to see that you cant do it anymore because what you have done in the past.

Guitar Hero, Microsoft, Volkswagen, American Idol, Monster Energy Drink and the list goes on. Very sorry, but he is very clearly in it for the money, otherwise he wouldn't have done those things.

He was apparently unhappy in Guns for many years before he eventually left... maybe it just got to the point with him that no amount of money was worth it.

i hate the money argument though. as if people are allergic to money. Who isn't in it for the money? please

Money's good as long as you don't sell your soul to get it.

yeah dude.. its not mutually exclusive. hes just a dude who likes his job! obviously he likes getting paid heaps, and will probably go to any lengths to get more money because it = better life.

doesn't mean he can't still enjoy the music he plays

Sure there is, it's degenerated into the usual "this guy did that the other guy said this" reunion dream chasers or reunion dissenters.


A topic can still be hot and discussed/debated in a different section and all the above has been discussed/debated ad nauseum.

I mean how many fucking times can we discuss Slash going to Axl's house and lying about it and Axl selling him out to the press afterwards??  One action done in drunken stupidity and the other done it spiteful vengeance and both equally fucking stupid.

Haven't this been done to fucking death?

Yeah, this thread should be locked. It's the same old fucking arguments and counter arguments that are posted every time Slash says something.

lets not forget that for Axl keeping the GN'R name was also highly financial motivated (Axl: "After the monies invested by old Geffen (...) dropping the name became suicide.")!

Everyone has gotten off the topic of the thread, but what a great question for a lot of people.

Yeah but I don't consider anything Slash has done to be "selling his soul"

I think he had a great year, with an album going #3-not bad at all.

That's music business-related. As a musician, that's part of his job.
What Axl hasn't done is release a product he didn't have full belief in in order to make a quick buck (everyone in VR has said they weren't happy with Libertad). Nor has he charged upwards of $100 for the privelege of meeting him (again, something all of VR were guilty of). Nor has he taken money to advertise non-music related products like Monster Energy Drink, or Volkswagen, etc. (I'm aware that GN'R music did appear in a Harley Davidson ad, and yes, I was disappointed). Nor has he endorsed a TV show that is doing more to destroy decent music than practically anything else at the moment.

Some people would include things like Slash performing or recording with people like Fergie as further evidence of his being in it for the money. But as far as I'm concerned, he's a musician, and anything he does as part of being a musician is his business, and fair game. It's the non-music related business decisions he's made that I don't like.

Axl has stated he was talked into touring in 2002 (Eddie Trunk interview) and has stated he was not happy with many parts of the Use Your Illusion records.

Yeah but once again. Slash was starting over. He didn't have the GNR brand or the major label's resources anymore. So u gotta do stuff sometimes to keep yourself out there.

should he not have and become a has been or do what he did and further elevate his profile and stock to Iconic status?

I can't fault anybody for making money and furthering their career. he did what he had to do to stay in the public eye.


Slash:
Guitar Hero
Axl:
Grand Theft Auto

Slash Volkswagon

Axl: Harley Davidson

Do i need to bring up the tons of movies that feature GNR songs on the soundtrack? 

Axl did allow Chinese Democracy to be sold to the highest bidder "Best Buy" which made it very difficult for a lot of people in rural towns to acquire it. Axl,being from one himself where the only place to buy music was K mart *I'm from one also* should've known that a lot of people wouldn't easily be able to get a copy.

I seriously doubt they "hated" LIbertad. they said that cause it flopped so thats the same cop out as a Pro Fighter saying they were injured or overtrained or what not.
Axl isn't a sell out but lets don't pretend he is allergic to money either.

I don't think there's anything wrong with songs being licensed for movie or game soundtracks, by the way. Both of these things need music, and the song selection can in many cases really add to the end product. It's a win-win situation. Songs for commercials, though? A big no-no, for me. When the song becomes associated with a specific car or mobile phone, it really devalues it as a piece of art (which at the end of the day a song is, and should be respected as such, no matter how arty it isn't).

Also... songs in Guitar Hero = fine. But being the poster boy for the game = not fine. It may be confusing to some, but hey. (I hold these standards to everybody, by the way, not just musicians... it's just easier to tell with musicians when something is purely financially-motivated and whether it's for the good of their music).

Also... not pretending Axl is allergic to money. But at the end of the day, you can't say money is his main motivation for anything either. If it was, he'd have released 'Chinese Democracy' when Geffen refused to continue funding it, instead of just paying millions out of his own pocket (that he must have known there was a fair chance he'd never see again) to complete it. And I'm sure he's had a lot of offers from company's to be a poster boy for their product... as far as I can tell, Harley Davidson was the only one he'd said yes to.

Yes I hate the song in a commercial deal also

Slash didn't put a song in Volkswagon, he just jammed a bit

Harley Davidson had "Better" correct?

so everytime u hear Better do u think of a Harley now?

The Axl-Grand Theft Auto comparison is a poor one at best, D.  That was essentially a cameo role in the game, nothing more.  Slash's role with Guitar Hero was prominent, featured and heavily hyped.  The Harley Davidson one is a poor comparison as well as the "Better" video never get off the ground with them, did it?  Didn't it end up being a commercial featuring "Paradise City"?  That serves to promote the old band, Slash included, more than the new band.

Ali

Yeah, it had "Better" for about two minutes before it was pulled, and "Paradise City" was used instead. Thankfully, the commercial never aired in this country... but if I'd seen it every time I watched Lost or something, then that probably would be what I associated it with, yes.

I don't understand what all the fuss is about. How does any of this have any relevance to the music Slash or Axl make? Why do fans want their 'heroes' to be saints, living a model life, not telling lies, helping children in Burma or whatever? People should stop imposing their opinion on how these guys should behave or live their lives, be it with regards to making money however they see fit or in any other matter. Frankly it's none of your business. The fact is they do / have done drugs, gotten arrested numerous times and are hardly role models of any sort. We are their fans because of only one reason and that is because they do what they do best - make  the kind of rock n' roll music that we like. What Slash does in his spare time or what he says in the press has no bearing on my like or dislike of his music and that's the same with Axl.

Perhaps we forget that they are human beings too? These come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and behaviours.

It doesn't affect their music at all. Of which I will still continue to listen to no matter what choices they make that I disagree with. Doesn't mean I'm going to pretend that I don't have a problem with it.

I personally don't think I attacked Slash personally nor his music with my comments. Just told it as I saw it.

That's exactly my point. Why do you have a problem with it? Simply because he doesn't behave the way you want him to behave.

I'm not about to tell anyone how to behave. But if someone doesn't behave in a way I like, whether they're Slash or a work colleague, then I'm not going to pretend I approve of them. It's as simple as that. Within reason, everyone's free to do as they like... and everyone's free to disagree with other people's actions. Also, within reason, of course. I've seen some vile and vitriolic things said about people in the last few weeks which is totally uncalled for.

Disapproving of someone you know is one thing, hating a rock star you've never met based on what you read is another. I feel people take these things too personally, which is why this thread is this long.

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! God ....I gotta say one thing. As someone in a band...I wish my fans were this passionate. Not that I don't love my fans but geez. That being said. I feel like people act in absolutes. Your allowed to have your favorites. Some people like black some people like white. There is no right answer. Im sure you've all heard the analogy that being in a band is like being in a marriage. It is. It starts out as a brotherhood and ends up like a marriage. Nobody knows the issues between Slash and Axl or Axl and Slash to not offend the fan boys of either. People here act like they know what occurred between them. Seriously...enjoy the music. Be a fan. Enjoy the contributions both have made to one of the greatest bands of all time. I love when people try to piss on one or the other. Whether you like it or not Slash is partly responsible for putting this band on the map. As is Axl. People act like Slash was just a guitar player who could be replaced by anyone. He wasn't. Chemistry in a band is everything. They had it. That's why there albums worked. So to deny him his credit is lame.

Excellent post, pretty much exactly how I feel.

And yes, this does belong in the Dead Horse section, I wish this poor horse would just be allowed to RIP....

Everyone in the world does things for money.  Fact.

Slash made an album with his own money though.  Kinda cool for someone who only cares about money.

Actually, he makes more money that way, since if the album is successful, he doesn't have to pay record labels and all the middle men.
Damn me! Whose side am I on? ;D

 :hihi:

Maybe Perla refused to purchase his star on the walk of fame when he filed for divorce.  he can use that money to pay for that  :hihi:

Excellent comments that actually convey some common sense around here.  I wish this same old argument would just rest in peace! I thought someone actually deleted this whole thread, but then I saw that it was only moved. 

They are both in it for the money and that is fine with me. The music industry is a business and that is their business. The are 40 year old millionaires with very expensive lifestyles.

 I don't think the projects and business decisions either one has made account to selling out. When I think of bands that sold out I think of bands like Greenday not GnR. I think Axl and Slash have put their music and themselves out there but could have exploited themselves a lot more if they really wanted to.

I agree that Slash had push his brand harder than Axl when he left GnR. It is easier to rely on the GnR name to make money. as one of the posters said before how many people go to GnR concerts today and still think that Slash is the guitarists. I think Steven is really the only one out there trying to cling on to his GnR roots trying to exploit himself to make some money and I still don't blame him because it is way better than getting a 9-5 job if he does not have too. 

once again keeping the GN'R name was highly financial motivated to an extreme (Axl: "After the monies invested by old Geffen (...) dropping the name became suicide.")! he kept the GN'R name because of money!! thats clearly a main motivation.
by the way when old Geffen stopped to continue supporting CD Axl did sell his publishing rights (the 20-year deal valued by Industry experts at about $19 million).....isnt it more like he had to sell them to survive? even his attorney said that Axl basically needs money (a few years back). Axl had to give up some of his rights cause of money, something you'd normally not expect from him, huh? there seems to be an expensive unrealistic life-style for a lot of years, thats a main part why we're having this scenario. its surely not all about his "vision" alone.

What it comes down to, is that everyone has a different opinion.

The first 5 posters after the OP, agreed with my point of view. I understand there are people on this site who love Slash, and would love nothing more than a reunion, and that's fine.

But what you got to understand, just as jarmo has stated many times. This is a Guns N' Roses fan site, which actively supports GN'R in 2010. Alot of new fans come here, as they like to be able to read info about the current band, without old band issues always coming up.

Some people need to understand that alot of people will feel the same as me and jarmo. I understand that people like all incarnations and love the current band new and old, which is also cool. But alot of people have made their own judgement on the ' Slash ' issue, through years and years of observing the relationship between him, the media and GN'R.

I love all eras of GN'R, but I will admit that I feel more at home with the ' new era ' if you like (2001-present). Because this is the version of the band who I became a fan of, and this is the version of the band who I have seen live. And when people talk of reunions, I would prefer a reunion of the 2002 lineup, more than the 1987 one.

I think people need to look at what site they are on. And if they can't handle a few people on a GN'R pro site, saying their feelings on Slash. Go to another board, you can praise him and bash the current line-up and wish for a reunion. There are alot of them out there, believe me, that's why this site is so unique and special.  :D

Jarmo can you please give your thoughts to my question? What if Axl left gnr and got replaced? What would your opinion be of gnr then?

Or is Axl the only irreplacable member is your eyes?

I'm not Jarmo, but I'll answer your question.

Axl would never 'leave' GN'R.

He realises that all the shit he said in 2004/05 to promote Velvet, is doing himself no favours in relation to his true desire. So now in interviews, he always tries to admit that he was wrong for saying them things.

And now Duff has joined Axl onstage, I honestly feel that there will be some tension between the two (Slash,Duff). When Velvet first started it was like Slash, Duff and Matt was all united against Axl and was joined in unison. But now Matt has spoke favourably of Axl, and now Duff has even played with him. So I feel there will definitely be a different vibe around Velvet, if they do decide to start it up again.

Slash is like the only one left out of the original five who hasn't had any contact with Axl since 97 (even adler met Axl in Vegas in 2006).

So yes, I do feel sorry for Slash, but if you look at it, it really is his own doing.
[/quote]well i dont know what happened during 94-94 but the current situation is pretty much what axl could want for him
i dont know mayby its karma  i like slash very much but i have always preferred axl
and the fact is that guns n?roses isint the ??classic lineup?? its every thing that is  now and i love it that way


i would like to see axl and matt playing together but not spesially in guns

What a stupid analogy.  :P

Axl is GN'R and as the above poster said, he would never leave as he is the vision and creative catalist of Guns N' Roses, and always has been.

Seems like someone is pulling an imaginary situation out of their ass, to try to justify their agenda.  :o

so the current line-up is not a band you say?  ;)

Axl is GNR!  But not because of any creative catalyst BS.  The musicians helped write all the great music.  (and back then were still in the band to play it). Axl is GNR  Because contracts going back to 1995 state so.

Slash + Duff were the first members of Nu Guns.  They just didn't like the idea of being hired hands.  (so they quit)

With all due respect, I believe that story is complete bollocks.

Of course it is a band, what my point is, is that since 1986 Axl has been the most prominent creative force behind the band. And that is true to this day, Axl guides the band to what works and what don't.

A good example was when Slash wanted the lyrics to Paradise to go, 'Where the girls are fat, and got big titties'. Axl had none of it, and saved the song from being a 'Poison' like party song.

eh, maybe since end of 90s with his 1-boss+hired-musicians line-up. during AFD days it surely was much more of a band/gang who all had their creative inputs on a similar level and what made them THAT big in the first place, even former friends like Marc Canter and Alan Niven said so   : ok:

What I am saying is that even since the early days, Axl was always the one who had to approve any decisions. Doesn't mean that it's not a band, it just shows that there is a figure head to the entitiy which was always Axl.

You are lying to yourself if you think that the rest of the band made as much decisions as Axl did in regard to GN'R in the 80s. In my opinion Axl was always the driving force behind Guns N' Roses, and that remains true to this day.

once again i disagree when it comes to the AFD era. management played a much much more significant role there aswell, f.e. the band had to play shows in Canada even Axl wasnt up for it (compare to some Niven interview). today it hardly would work that way, Dougstein tried in summer 2001 with european tour....fired. Merck tried and partly succeed late summer 2006 which in the end was one of the reasons costing his job. you're trying to point a wrong picture like Axl was always THE one to drive the band van. today yes, back then: no. remember there was a GN'R partnership even in illusion times where Duff, Slash, Axl all had about similar rights in it. thats surely not the case today, there aint a pitman/Axl/Dizzy/Huge/whoever partnership like the original members had.

You are talking about the business aspect more than anything. This conversation came about, by a poster suggesting what would jarmo do if Axl left GN'R. I suggested that would never happen as Axl was always the creative catalyst behind the band from the start. This was always the case and still is in 2010, the business aspect doesn't come into it.


In leading the GN'R entity, Axl was always the strongest link since the bands formation, and he still is today.

And we are not just on about GN'R here. 9 times out of 10, in any band the singer is always the face of the band, and carries alot more responsibilities.

Don't expect any of these guys to admit that.

Since day one, one guy had a vision. Looked ahead instead of being content and standing still.


They can talk about managers all they want. They seem to think bands work for the managers instead of the other way around.



/jarmo

^^thats more likely the way with frontmen in general (though i disagree on the "it always have been his vision"-thing) but far not to the content that people generate bullshit like

"Axl is GN'R..."

"Slash + Duff were the first members of Nu Guns.  They just didn't like the idea of being hired hands.  (so they quit)"

as to be seen in this topic and thats why we have this discussion. the manager-thing was just an example for the "he had to approve any decisions" not being the case back then.

To be fair to jacdaniel, that is the story how Slash tells it (maybe Duff, too). I just don't believe it's how it went down. (Not that what any of us believe means shit, to be honest).

Hate to bump an old thread but I'm new to this site, and catching up on what I missed. Just blown away by all the GNR fans so eager to harp on the very people responsible for creating the music you're fans of!
As for Axl being the end all be all of Guns N' Roses, not sure who told you that, but they lied to you. I think a band is only going to be as great as it's lead singer, and luckily, Axl is up there with the very best. He's my personal favorite, and I can't think of any better frontman as far as live performances go. But to say he IS GNR is so far off it's laughable. He didn't write the music on Appetite for Destruction. The fact that that album sounds as raw as it does is a credit to all members involved for their contributions. Some of those songs were half/whole written by members before they were even in GNR. Axl can't write a riff like Izzy, a solo like Slash, just like Duff couldn't sing with the range of or write the lyrics Axl can. None of us have a time machine, so I guess if you want to get technical about it, it's debatable, but I'm pretty confident that Axl doesn't make the greatest hard rock record of all time without the help of Izzy, Slash, Duff and Steven, and likewise. Not sure why anyone would want to downplay someone else's accomplishments anyway. One thing is for certain, Guns N' Roses were a hell of a lot more successful and popular when those guys were in the band.

As for Slash's opinion of American Idol, I think we can all agree AI is garbage. Slash made an appearance, and I didn't catch it, or lose any sleep over missing it, but if I had to guess it was probably more entertaining than the majority of the episodes(not saying much, I know). If young kids are gonna be force fed the BS that AI is, I don't think it's a crime that they see someone who actually has talent like Slash every once in a blue moon. Let's face it, AI ain't going anywhere. Tyler judging on it is another deal altogether. Totally different situations, as it's not a 1 show deal, and he's not showcasing his talent.

As for Duff's appearance and his opinion on Axl going on late? I can see why people find it odd timing that he brought it up, but not sure he should get the chair for it. He has said in interviews before that it's something that would need to change if classic Guns reformed. I've read that it was essentially the reason Izzy left in the first place. I personally don't have a problem with them going on late, I'm just happy to see them, but there are clearly a lot of people who have a big problem with it, so it's not like it's just bitching to bitch. Just because we don't mind they go on late doesn't mean it's not a big deal.

I love how everyone knows whats going on in his head, and if given a chance he would eat his children to rejoin Guns. I personally don't get the impression he wants back in, he seems to be doing just fine with his solo album and other projects. I wouldn't be surprised either way. Seems all the ex members are on speaking terms besides Slash and Axl, with Axl being the only one openly dead set against a reunion. If everyone got along, why wouldn't a legendary band be excited about giving the fans what they want? I can't think of an act that would be as big a draw. But he states things would have to change for it to work, so doesn't sound like he's desperate to make it happen, or would put up with bullshit at this stage of his career just for $ when he already has more than he can spend. Plus I don't think it's a stretch to assume that both Axl and Slash probably enjoy the fact that they are enjoying success apart.

As for the shit talking through the media, these guys are all human. They get asked the same questions over and over and over again. It was obviously a messy ending, they were tired of each other, a once great thing came to an end. It must sting for all involved, they have all slipped at one point in taking shots at each other through the media. Axl is clearly no exception, he doesn't play the media game, hardly ever grants interviews yet he has talked some serious trash on the rare occasion he does open his mouth. I would think they'd all like to be civil about it and not air dirty laundry to the public, but people are getting paid to get this information out of them, because they know it's gonna sell a lot more magazines, or make more headlines than Slash's solo album, or VR's or GNR's new record etc. People slip, who cares, it's personal between them as people, has nothing to do with the music.

As far as selling out, which I'm not sure it's necessary or even possible for someone to "sell out" when they are as big as Slash is, but I see Robin and Tobias's names being brought up. Now don't get me wrong, I appreciate their abilities and was impressed not so much with his playing, but very much with Robin's energy when I saw him live. I can appreciate what all the new members bring to the current band, but don't kid yourselves, no one is knocking their doors down to promote their video game, or energy drink etc. If they had tried to promote Robin as GNR's axeman, people just would have been confused. To this day, and probably forever, if you ask anyone not on this site who the guitarist for GNR is, it's gonna be Slash. American Idol doesn't know or care who Robin is, and putting him on the cover of Guitar Hero isn't gonna help move units. Simply put, Robin couldn't "sell out" if he wanted to. Slash has played on albums of people I'm not a fan of. That bothers some people. Me? I just don't listen to em. Then again maybe I should, because I hate Kid Rock with a passion. but like the song on Slash's solo album. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say Michael Jackson probably didn't call Finch to guest on his album. If Slash put out a rap album or started a boy band, then that would be selling out. Seems to me a lot of people are confused by the term.

Anyways, that's my rant. I try to leave the personal stuff between the people it concerns and just enjoy the music. I find the dirt mildly fascinating, but would never let it determine who I will/won't listen to.

I was going to read all of that, but I gave up after you said Axl didn't write a note of music on AFD. Axl in fact co-wrote the music to Welcome To The Jungle, Nightrain, Out Ta Get Me, Paradise City, My Michelle, Sweet Child O' Mine, You're Crazy, Anything Goes and Rocket Queen. By my count, that's three quarters of the album that Axl "wrote a note of music" on. In fact, Izzy has said in interviews that the main riff in My Michelle was entirely Axl's idea (he had it in his head, sung it to Izzy down the phone, and Izzy played it on guitar). So I figured that if you're that drastically wrong about that, you will be about most everything else, too.

In any event though, this was never about whether Axl is or isn't Guns N' Roses (it was never one person, and never will be... there's a difference between one person being the band, and one person being the only constant in a band), but rather about Slash's comments. What Slash said wouldn't have been so bad if it was true... but it wasn't. Out of all of the people I know who saw both shows at the O2 Arena, they all said that the band came out on time and only played later than billed because they played an hour longer than usual. So for Slash to say, "oh yeah, but they still came out an hour late" is really just trying to stir shit, and tar what was a special time for all involved.

Haha, yeah apologies for the novel. And if that's true about Axl co-writing the music(fixed it), I stand corrected. I've read different takes on it, no idea which is true. I tend to believe that Axl was involved, but my point was that AFD wasn't the Axl Rose album a lot of people seemed to be alluding to. Very much a band effort.

I'm not trying to pass anything off as facts. The rest is just my opinion, and I'm not gonna try to convince you it's a great read, haha. Killed some downtime yesterday though.

I understand what you are saying about the Duff appearance. I agree he probably should have kept his comments positive, or not comment at all.

you know as much as i'd like to keep what little respect i have left for this guy because of his past contributions to gnr it gets harder and harder every time he opens his mouth.  in a way tho i'm kinda glad that he's whoring himself out and giving these interviews left and right so everyone can see for themselves what a fucking egomaniac he is instead of blaming axl for him not being with the band anymore... and i hate to state the obvious, but his super bowl performance of sweet child o' mine was just dog shit awful

Most if not all celebrities are egomaniacs. Axl may be the biggest one there is. I don't think they could do what they do for a living if they weren't egomaniacs. Slash said what he felt. You might not like his answers, but a lot of fans want to hear what he has to say. Some people think Slash talks too much, some people think Axl talks too little. If you're letting it influence what you think about their music, you're probably reading way too far into it.

The SB performance in general sucked, but Slash played his part just fine. You can say he whored himself out, it seems to be a real popular argument. It could easily be seen as the opposite, that he doesn't give a fuck about your or my approval, and will play where and with whom he feels like playing. His collaborations are very seldom praised, and I don't believe you get paid to play the SB halftime, so in my opinion, you'd have a hard time forming a valid argument suggesting he "sold out".

this is more than just you're a slash fan and i'm an axl fan

i wish they could get along, but i understand why that will never happen

slash was off on that super bowl performance, maybe dj should give him some pointers

I'm a big fan of both Slash and Axl.

The bedazzled hat was awkward, but Slash's playing was fine. It could have been a good show if they turned off Fergie's mic, locked Usher and the BEP's out of the stadium and didn't play BEP/Usher songs/tragedies.

Slash has done quite well w/o DJs help so far.
DJ has too, w/a little help from Slash.
Wouldn't hold your breath on either asking ones advice.

maybe you don't get paid, but that's a nice way to promote some new shoes you designed, isn't it...

Sure it is. I have a hard time believing that was his only motivation though. In the end, everyone that plays the SB halftime, or any show anywhere is getting something out of it. Doesn't concern me what their motivations are. Is Ashba selling out when he wears his own clothing line on stage?

Look, if Slash had disappeared in '93 and just popped up for little spots like this, maybe it would bother me more, but the man is on a mission of late. He did a score for an upcoming movie, he's got a new album that he's touring the shit out of. Another album with Myles is supposedly in the works, and possibly a future with VR. As a fan of Slash's music, I have nothing to complain about. I can't think of many musicians today earning their $ more than him. He's certainly putting the work in, so I think he's the furthest thing from a sell out, which is a played out term altogether in my opinion.