Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Slash was interviewed yesterday by Mike Jones @ Baltimore's DC 101.  Here's some of what he said...

DC 101: Let's talk Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame dude. Congratulations.

Slash: Thank you, thank you. Yeah, it's pretty cool. It was very flattering to get that initial phone call saying that we were nominated...that was like the biggest news right there...and then when we actually got inducted...for the first call cause I didn't know if we were going to get inducted right away. So yeah, I'm pretty stoked.

DC 101: Is there any truth to this - all five of you guys, are you going to be there?

Slash: I know that there's a lot of rumor about it, as always when it comes to GN'R., out there on the internet and stuff. But as it stands right this second, I have no idea what's going on.

Full audio interview: http://www.dc101.com/pages/MikeJones.html?article=9777537

I suppose that's one of the challenges with this...communication.

If they're just accepting the award that's one thing, but it any/all are performing it's another.  I guess manager talking to manager.

Duff needs to kind of step up and take the lead on this.

We know he is on speaking terms with Axl and Slash, and is level headed enough to have the conversation with both of them about what they want to do.

He has said he is going to be there (I am pretty sure) so he should maybe be a little pro-active in trying to cut out all the drama with middle men and just go right to the source and get this thing worked out.

Even if Slash and Axl had communicated, Slash isn't gonna let people know

He is playing Coy for a reason.

I think Duff opening those shows Def left plenty of time for this discussion. I think it was a way for Axl to send a feeler out about Slash's mindset. Subject had to come up.

As intriguing as this whole RNRHOF saga is the (over)analysis is getting a bit silly.

Put any personal shit aside for an evening and enjoy the moment for what it is, an honor for past accomplishments - not an advertisement for whatever whomever is doing now.

Get up, play a couple tunes with the 7 guys being inducted and move on from there.

No big deal if reunion speculation heightens, as long as the guys are still alive, it'll always be there - so what if the spotlight gets a little brighter for a night?

I mean seriously, does anyone in their right mind think think all involved (beyond Adler) would acquiesce to the others idiosyncrasies over any long term period?

Not a chance - they all seem to be very content in what each is doing professionally now on each of their own terms.

If it truly is "for the fans" - they'll do something special - if only for a song or 2.

You think Duff opening shows for GN'R was about Axl finding out about Slash's mindset for a reunion? Are you serious?

Ali

I didn't get the impression from the interview that Slash and Axl had communicated.  I think Slash is unclear what's going on at this point.

It's @3:48 on the podcast:

http://www.dc101.com/player/?station=WWDC-FM&program_name=podcast&program_id=mikejones.xml&mid=21830519

not the sole reason but Duff is the clear bridge between the two.. so to say the subject never came up for me is hard to believe

How sadly mistaken you are. If only you knew what someone like duff does backstage before a show.
What even makes you think duff is even interested in talking about slash to axl?
just because you heard an interview dont try to act like you can work out whats going on  behind the scenes, because you cant.

pretty sure D has read more than 1 interview and while you might have a point about 'behind the scenes' and never being really sure - in the past, many times, we on the boards have put together the pieces correctly and been vindicated - using combined knowledge of GnR history and the hundreds of sources each of us has read and working out whats going on behind the scenes. so no need to be a douche



I've thought about that D but to be honest, I'm sure its a very very awkward topic and I'm sure Duff is treading carefully. Also based on what Duff has said I don't think they've talked all that much, definitely not at length except that first night. I think the Slash issue is probably a massive elephant in the room, perhaps skirted around but not directly addressed. IDK if they've talked and if he's being coy - i defs got a bit of that vibe, although as Funky said he did sound fairly un-keen to talk about it and genuinely clueless in this interview. so idk.

He's never actually straight up said it, but I've always figured that part of the reason the band stopped being fun for Duff is that he'd just started to get his shit together, and suddenly he was the one expecting to be the middle-man between Axl and Slash. I don't think he has any intention of taking up that role again, which is why he's stated that he's going to be there, but he can't speak for anybody else, and it's not his responsibility to make sure everyone turns up.

I do remember Duff saying that in interviews...that he got put in the middle, by management if I remember.

And I agree, I don't think he wants to be in the middle of this. :)

Exactly.

I would hope to the two main characters in this drama would have the common fuckin' sense to work a mutually agreeable acceptance/performance scenario without having to resort to using Duff as some sort of go-between.

The band should just rehearse the songs and if Axl won't play them, let the band play them as instrumentals with no singer. By the 2nd verse the crowd will be singing the lyrics anyway!

I don't care about them playing honestly. If the "chemistry' isn't there, it just isn't there. All I would like to see is the original band on stage together to give a speech,each individually. I would love for the the new-GNR to be on the stage as well, but to be honest the guys in the band right now are so beyond humble that I could see them giving the stage to the guys from AFD/UYI, just out of respect. Imagine a picture of the entire GN'R with an award, I think that would be nice.

I actually think it would be silly if they played for the RNRHOF, especially considering the offers they have gotten to reunite.  No way they are giving it away for free like that! (I wouldn't.)

Amen to that.  Sad reality in life is that the one guy in a group that can relate to others in a rational way is the one that gets treated like a ping-pong ball.  If there's one thing Duff has learned, it's to stay out of that fire. 

SLASH Has 'No Idea' If Entire Original GUNS N' ROSES Lineup Will Be At ROCK HALL Induction - Feb. 21, 2012

During a February 17 interview with Mike Jones of the Washington D.C. radio station DC101, legendary guitarist Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) was asked if there was any truth to the reports that all all five original members of GUNS N' ROSES will be present when the group is inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland on April 14. "I know that there's a lot of rumor about it, as always when it comes to GN'R, out there on the Internet and stuff," he replied. "But as it stands right this second, I have no idea what's going on." (Listen to audio of Slash's response below.)

GUNS N' ROSES keyboardist Dizzy Reed told Billboard last week that the entire original band will be present at the Rock Hall induction. Reed revealed, "I know that all the original band is going to be there. I don't know exactly what's going to go down. It's one of those things I'm sure will all come together and be really cool. I'm just going to go in with a good attitude and a clear head and a grateful heart."

Although Rose has made his peace with various members of the group over the years, including McKagan, Stradlin and Adler, there doesn't seem to be any change in his non-friendly stance toward Slash.

Slash, McKagan, Sorum and Adler have all expressed uncertainty about the possibility of a reunion at the ceremony.

http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=170067

Point I am making is:

Axl brings up Slash unprovoked in interviews: LA Times, that story to the fan

so to say he and Duff didn't at least discuss it any whatsoever is hard for me to believe.

No one is gonna confirm what is possibly being talked about cause they aren't gonna blow it by opening their mouth

so maybe Slash has no idea.. maybe they are planning set list as we speak

either way, no one is gonna admit it to the public and risk fucking it all up.

well, since u are in the know. What does Duff do before a show?

U gotta remember, I post my "opinions" and speculation cause this IS a message forum. I never have, never will try to win any favor with the band or whoever by slanting my posts. I may be the only person on this forum who has no desire to meet GNR in person. so my posts aren't swayed to carry favor.

People can have their own opinions, but they cannot have their own facts.

That's a huuuuuuge stretch there.  Enormous.

Ali

How is that a huge stretch?

People tend to talk about things or people they have in common.

If they did talk about Slash, I doubt Duff would have been the one to bring him up. At least I wouldn't have in his position... it could have made things really uncomfortable.

Im sure when Axl and Duff met up they discussed the old GNR and their current projects etc.  In how much detail, only them 2 know. 

Its the same when meeting any old friend in any of our lives... you reminisce about things from the past, talk about how you are/what you have going on and what your currently doing, ask about old friends etc. 

I doubt they discussed reunions or things like that, but im sure they would have talked about old times, at least a little.

Judging from recent history, Axl really doesn't need Duff (or anyone else for that matter) to bring up Slash - he's done it himself without coaxing at the drop of a (top)hat.

Just to interject, I would imagine he drinks a few energy drinks and coffees!

telling some fart jokes as well.

Thank u

Exactly what i was trying to get through to them..

I'd love to see the original line-up hit the stage at the induction ceremony and to be completely honest, I think that 4 of the 5 original founding members would be up for it. Axl, however, is another story.

You never know though, he may surprise us all and get up with Slash, Duff, Izzy n' Stevey. They've not all been in the same room together at the same time since the early 90's and you never know, nostalgia may take effect. Axl has already played with Duff & Izzy in recent years and from what I remember, he's spoken to Steven. So it just leaves his rapport with Slash to be built on. And having watched hundreds of interviews with Slash over the years and having met the dude last year, something tells me that he'd be into it. For the fans sake if not for anything else.

However, I also get the feeling that Axl may decline to perform altogether if it's not with the current line-up. Axl is very pro 'current 'GN'R' and has often stated how the new guys have supported him and been there for the band when others walked away. I just suspect he may feel it disrespectful to Tommy, Fortus, Ron, Ashba et al if he were to get up and perform with the old guys. However having said that, I don't feel that the current line up would have a problem with it. Tommy was gracious enough to hand his bass over to Duff in the few shows he played with them in 2010 and 2011, so I can't see such a milestone event for the band and its' history such as this creating that type of tension. If anything, I can only envisage the new guys supporting the original format getting up on stage. After all, if it weren't for the '86 line up, none of them would be in the band today.

Remember what happened when old members of KISS shared the same stage as the current ones.........

no, not at all. i don't like KISS so... what happened with them?

Peter Criss and Ace Frehley joined then members Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick along with Kiss mainstays Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley for a few songs for MTV unplugged which spurred a full on reunion back in 1996.

Eric singer but close enough :P

EDITED for D's approval!

Ah! Cheers, Falcon!

M.

Yep and about eight years later Criss and Frehley weren't speaking with Stanley and Simmons and Singer was back behind the drums, while Frehley was replaced by Tommy Thayer. Singer and Thayer are now wearing Criss' and Frehley's makeup and costumes. What a farce.

HAHAHAHA thank you!

AP Interview: Slash mum on Guns N' Roses reunion

Mar 13, 2012

LONDON (AP) - Will Guns N' Roses reunite for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Behind his dark glasses, hat and big hair, the group's former guitarist Slash is staying noncommittal on the subject.

The million-selling hard rock group enters the Rock Hall in Cleveland on April 14, an event at which honored acts often perform as part of the celebration. But the group's original lineup fell apart in 1996, so fans hoping to see the band reunite may be disappointed.

"It's definitely an honor and I have no idea what's going to happen on that day," Slash told The Associated Press in an interview. "It's more like going into it with blinders on and just see what happens."

Guns N' Roses blazed onto the rock scene in 1987 with their official debut "Appetite for Destruction." Fronted by bandana-wearing singer Axl Rose, the band also featured Slash and Izzy Stradlin on guitars, plus bassist Duff McKagan and Steven Adler on drums.

Since leaving, Slash has had success with various solo projects, such as Slash's Snakepit and the group Velvet Revolver. He's also appeared alongside artists like Michael Jackson, Rihanna and Bob Dylan.

That's not to say the 46-year-old doesn't have some fond memories of his time in Guns N' Roses: his favorite time was when they formed and recorded their debut album.

"The first tour, all that stuff, was really a great experience. I was in my early twenties and it was just a great adventure," he said. "That was all a lot of fun, and then it got crazy in the '90s and obviously (I) left the band and parted ways."

Slash was amazed at how quickly the years have flown.

"It's been 25 years since the album came out, doesn't seem like a long time ago but at the same time ... so much has happened," he said.

Another reason Slash isn't thinking about the Rock and Roll Hall ceremony right now is that he's in the U.K. to promote his new solo album, "Apocalyptic Love," which comes out May 21.

Slash claims recording this new album is the happiest he's been since the early days of Guns N' Roses.

"I had a really good time, the whole process, from the inception of the record, you know the creating, the writing and so on all the way up through the recording," he said. "I'm really looking forward to the tour."

His U.S. tour starts May 3 in Baltimore and finishes up in Albuquerque on May 26, taking in Orlando, Minneapolis and Columbus on the way.

http://www.wnem.com/story/17147548/guns-n-roses-riff-threatens-rock-hall-reunion

They would all love to do it--excl Axl--If they didn't they would say it out loud.

The looming fear of Axl turning them down is enough to say "I don't care".

Here's the full video interview:

Guns N' Roses to Reunite at Roll Hall Induction?

Mar 14, 2012 by AssociatedPress

Legendary guitarist Slash talks about the upcoming induction of Guns N' Roses into the Rock Hall of Fame, which marks 25 years since the band's first album, 'Appetite For Destruction.' (March 14)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vzOzJKeWMs

if you claim you have no idea what's going on, you can't get blamed for shit. it is a pretty smart move.

SLASH 'Would Love To Play' With Classic GUNS N' ROSES Lineup At ROCK HALL Induction - Mar. 27, 2012

Former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash spoke to Loudwire about the band's upcoming induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Slash told Loudwire, "I would love to play. It's just, one of those things where I know that it's not going to happen, so? I just did an interview and said, 'I don't think we're playing.' [Laughs]. I mean I think it would be cool to play, but very early on when the whole thing came up, it became apparent that it wasn't going to happen ? and you know, that doesn't surprise me. We've been at odds for? well, not at odds, but we just haven't had any sort of communication in a long time so? that's basically it. That's all I can tell you."

http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=171854

And they should play. 

I wonder which one of them is bringing their respective instrument. What people tend to forget is that even if they wanted to "get up and play" it doesn't work like that. I wish Rock N' Roll could still be that spontaneous. But the fact is the people putting this event together would need to know. Each person would have to bring their rig ; at the very least soundcheck, etc. Not to mention I'm not even sure how the hell it would work as far as their agents/managers agreeing to it as well? Or if they have to?

everything from this point on is my own opinion, wishful as it is

It seems that Axl is far from the days of calling Slash a "cancer" and seems to be at a great point in his career. Him recounting that story means at least a bit, in my mind.

Slash has expressed interest in playing. When you're the main component of why people want a reunion saying things like "I'd love to play" will have people who want to make that happen calling each other.

Duff and Izzy have shared the stage with Axl already. Izzy is just a completely enigma, no one knows. Matt is ready to play, Steven is obviously as well.

If any type of activity ever happened between the original line-up I imagine Izzy to be the kinda guy who would rather do a one-off show at an event like this, than a show anywhere else.

So it comes down to if Axl wants to do it or not. I also think that the current members of GN'R realize that "Guns N' Roses 86-94" is getting inducted, and they respect that. If anything I think watching Axl play with them would make them happy for him!

I've been discussing the 2012 Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame since I was in 7th grade. To be honest, if they could just get on stage as a unit and thank everyone that would be enough for me. I don't care if Slash and Axl can't get along musically but it does somewhat bother me that two people that shared so much of their life and success with each other can be so at odds. So just to get up there and say to the fans, to everyone who helped us, to everyone who put us here, we thank you.

Of course then they could get on stage and do Jungle/Nightrain/Paradise.....  :hihi: :peace:

What a ridiculous soap-opera. I mean, go there and get ready to play "It's so Easy" and "Dust N'Bones". Steven plays the first and Matt the second one. If Axl shows up, great, if not, then Duff can sing It's so Easy, the song is his by the way.

The four guys not playing because of Axl is ridiculous!  :rant:

Question is do they jeopardize the billions of dollars they've been offered to do a full fledge reunion for 1 nite at the hall of fame and not 1 penny

Unfortunately GNR's induction has become a punch line, more of a devisive force than anything else.

It's just silly and unprofessional, embarrassing...

I know Axl and Slash have a hard time working "Creatively:

but this is just playing.. and Axl said a while back they never had a problem playing live cause band always let him play whatever he wanted.

It would be so awesome to see them play for one night....


-  A Sad Fan

For sure, although accepting the award in a dignified manner together may be a long shot at this point.

I've never bought the "Undermining of whatever whomever's doing now and moving forward" line of horseshit,
it's has nothing to do with that.

It seems most of those who use that line of thinking in hopes they don't take the stage in any form that night use that to fit their own agenda. 

As the Kinks so aptly put, "Paranoia will destroy ya".

What do you know about dignified?

We got a couple of former members who've been talking about the event nonstop since it was announced.

The same ones who've been talking about GN'R ever since they were out of the band. And may I add, not supportive things either.


What's so "dignified" about being "forced" to stand on a stage with people and put on a fake smile for the cameras?

We don't even know if all those inducted are interested in attending the event!



I don't know if this honor means so much to some fans because it's an achievement or if it's because they think GN'R will reunite because of it.

Dignified...  ::)




/jarmo

Yeah, Duff keeps saying he hopes for some "grace."  But that's not going to happen if Steven Adler goes off on one of his rants, or if Slash points out that Matt shouldn't be there.

Apparently quite a bit more than Popcorn flapping his gums, and yourself?

What do you Jarmo feel would be the best case scenario for the event to play out?


Uh, I realize that - and some of it is embarrassing.


See Popcorn blast above.


Who said anything about "forced"?

Who's holding a gun to anyone's involved head?


And hoping for those in attendance to not do anything stupid (Popcorn) is asking too much?


And I don't know if this honor threatens some fans because it poses the possibility of a reunion which anyone in their right mind knows isn't going to happen.


Ya, dignified. ::)

Well the way I see it. They got the honor and then people like you are making comments about how it should be dignified and so on. As well as others going on and on about a reunion.

So it's not like somebody woke up and thought a reunion would be a good idea. The idea came from the establishment, the RNRHOF.





Don't get your hopes up.  :hihi:




The possibility is always there. Not really a threat.


If certain member(s) decide not to attend. Is that dignified?

Personally I think the people involved can decide what they think is right.



/jarmo

More from Steven Adler.  Nothing really new, he just repeats his plea again -- "I just want to be able to have the five of us perform for the people...it's only a rock n roll band."

STEVEN ADLER Talks New Band, GN'R's ROCK HALL Induction In New Audio Interview - Apr. 1, 2012

In part 4: http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=172071

And let's not forget the people who view this honor and if it's played out a certain way as some sort of "disrespectful" act - those who would absolutely scream bloody murder if they did get up and play a song or 2.


They're not, anything that gives Adler the opportunity to be Adler is cringeworthy.


The possiblity will always be there as long as they're all still alive, this honor just amplifies the notion for those
who crave a reunion and those who are scared to death of it.


If anyone involved isn't comfortable attending that's their prerogative. 

I agree with falcon. Anyone not wanting a performance of the original band is probably somebody that strongly dislikes the idea of Slash being on stage with Axl for fear of the fall out. Izzy, Duff, Adler, the opposition is fine with that. It's all about Slash, and now, it's down to Axl, for Slash is all in. If Izzy doesn't show, put Matt on rhythm, or let Slash handle all the guitars.

Or just dislikes the idea of a reunion for the sake of some award? Or just dislikes the idea of somebody dictating who should do what with who and where?

There's many ways to see the other side.



Now you're talking about a reunion without all the members? WTF? If Izzy isn't there, it's not a reunion.
Sounds like somebody is desperate to see Axl and Slash on stage together. The rest doesn't seem to matter.

In case you forgot, seven people got inducted. And you can't have a reunion of the AFD 5 without one of them.



/jarmo

Jarmo, it's just a performance. Nothing more, nothing less. These guys are performers, it's what they do. I want this night to be a celebration for GNR and it's fans, not an evening filled with controversy and anger. That would be bad. The focus needs to be about Guns N' Roses and the music they created. Not, "Axl hates slash so he won't perform".

What are you talking about?

It's not a performance until somebody says so or they all stand on stage together.

Until then it's a event where they get inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame.


Don't make it into something it's not. Until it is that.


Sounds like you think about it too much.





/jarmo

This has become about a performance because typically the inducted artist does a song or two.  Slash, Matt, Duff, Adler, have all said they want to perform, and even DJ said they should perform. I would be fine with it if they just got along and didn't perform. That would be good just for them to get along for the evening. But a performance would be huge and the masses along with most of the band would love to see that.

Axl has worked pretty hard to distance himself from "old" GN'R and he finally has managed to get there. It's a double-edged sword, even if he does want to play, it's insane to force all the post-performance media hype on him. Can you imagine? Every questions from here on out for the next decade will be about that performance...

Non issue.
I think Axl's averaging an interview every 10 years or so, and half the time it's Del James asking the questions.
I think it's safe to say interviews are not his priority, and therefor the questions are a mute point.

Jarmo is right about this one.  If one doesn't show, then there can be no reunion. 

I think all I want to see at this point, like many others, is civility.  Hell, even if its faked civility, I don't care!  At least it shows that the band won't try to rip out each others' throats at the drop of a dime. 

When you think about it, its kind of like a divorced couple who went through an acrimonious divorce showing up for their child's graduation.  They have to remain civil for the sake of the child, but they want to tear each other apart at the same time. 

A new video interview with Slash.

Slash On The Rock Hall: : ?They?ve Got So Many Bands To Play Catch-Up With?

4/2/2012

While promoting his upcoming album, Apocalyptic Love, Slash has been fielding lots of questions about his approaching induction into the Rock and Roll Hall ofFame as part of his former band, Guns N? Roses. Sadly, he says he has no idea if the original members of the band will perform together (but he isn?t optimistic). He does, however, have an idea of who he thinks should be inducted into the Rock Hall over the next few years.

Even though Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath and Metallica have all been inducted, Slash feels that the Hall of Fame still needs to play catch up with a number of hard rock groups? and at least one other decidedly non-hard rock band should be inducted ASAP.

Video: http://1059sunnyfm.radio.com/2012/04/02/slash-on-the-rock-hall-theyve-got-so-many-bands-to-play-catch-up-with/

I personally have lost any hopes of a proper AFD reunion, but at least the four guys should go there and play one song, as I said before, it can be one originally not sung by Axl. The problem is that it seems Izzy also won't be attending...  :-\

So does this mean that Slash, Duff, Steven, Matt etc. perform at the event now?

Slash is still planning on attending.

The hall didn't immediately return requests for comment. A rep for Slash said he would still attend Saturday but had no further comment. Green Day is scheduled to induct the group.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/story/2012-04-11/axl-rose-rejects-rock-hall-induction/54184210/1

The original members should perform with Myles Kennedy. We already know he can sing GNR songs.

Guns N' Roses: Appetite for induction
Originally Published: April 11, 2012
By Duff McKagan | Special to ESPN Music


Some of you may know that my band Guns N' Roses will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this weekend in Cleveland. My editor has been hoping that somehow I could write about what this whole thing is like from the "inside."

Truthfully, it has been hard for me to find a good place from which to start and write such an article, head-space wise.

We are not a band anymore, and haven't been for some time. We are all still alive and well, but there has been some muddy water that has gone underneath the bridge. But water, muddy or otherwise, does indeed flow past and forever away, and I have nothing but the best of memories and highest level of love and admiration and feelings of brotherhood with all of those dudes. Seriously.

I was sent a sort of open letter addressed to us guys in GNR from a fella named Chris Gehert on behalf of "Worldwide Guns N' Roses Fans," and it sort of stopped me short. I will run it now in its entirety:


"Dear Guns N' Roses,

On Saturday April 14th 2012 you will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This gave a great hope to every GNR fan on the planet for a one time reunion show. Our one and only chance to see the original lineup on stage together again, if only for five minutes. Something we've been told for years would never happen. Rumors swirled, the band denied, and the fans prayed. It will always be okay because you never promised us anything.

With less than 2 weeks before the induction, the fans are watching as our reunion hopes start to disappear like Marty McFly's family in a polaroid picture. Each day it seems like there is some new story about how there has been no communication, nobody knows what is required of them, nobody's talking, and nobody really seems to care.

We care.

It would be easy for you to just show up, accept the induction, spend a few awkward minutes together at a podium and not talk again until somebody's funeral. But this time we need more.

We are not trying to be selfish, God knows you have given us plenty of legendary songs, spectacular shows, and classic rock moments. You are sincerely the best rock band in the history of the world. All of your solo efforts and reincarnations of the group are awesome too.

Your music has inspired billions of people. Each one of you is still a fan inside. You loved Elton John, Aerosmith, Queen, Kiss, The Misfits, ELO and more. Please remember how great it feels to see your favorite band play.

We beg you to pick up the phone, grab your instruments, drag Izzy to Cleveland and play together.

You can make music history. Please do it. Give us one more memory. We deserve it.

We will continue to support you no matter what, but at the end of each concert Axl tells the crowd to "Not take ... from anyone." And that means ANYONE!

Sincerely,

Worldwide Guns N' Roses Fans."


And to this point: The one reason that I am going to Cleveland this weekend is not to savor in some polite accolade or because an award show is that important to me. I am going because I have realized how important this is all to those many, many fans that supported us and believed in us, and showed up for us in droves.

Music is not like sports, and hence, a Hall of Fame in music is almost a false pedestal to sit upon. There are no statistics in music and art. No band or artist is "better" than another. Music comes from a primal place. Thin air. Dreams. And a lot of really hard damn work.

No one worked harder than us back then, and we were very fortunate to have met each other in those dirty back alleys of Hollywood sometime in 1984. We meshed and wrote, created thunder and beauty, and parlayed our real-life experience into an album that somehow related to a whole angsty world that felt just like us right then and there. It was a brilliant time.

I, too, now hope that we can just play a couple of songs there, and just sort of throw the microphone down on the stage and walk off. The rock-and-roll world would be set ablaze once again ... and we could make a bunch of fans happy and sated to some degree.

But alas, I am only responsible for me, and can only speak for me. I have forgiven and forgotten. I have grown up and manned up. Part of me growing has been to realize I am powerless over others.

This whole deal, I hope, goes off without a hitch. I do hope we can achieve some grace in our acceptance. And I hope this grace, is enough, in the end, for the best rock and roll fans in the world. The Guns N' (f---ing) Roses fans.

-- Duff

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/thelife/music/news/story?id=7799013

Slash & Steven Adler interview about Axl's letter regarding the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame - Golden Gods Awards

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu_ymCQAHk

Well, Steven's disgusted - Dee can say he's disgusted, but he can't.  I like Dee's reaction!  He's absolutely right! "It's crap...just put this stuff aside for an event like that, for the recognition like that, to do the cool thing, and respect for what you guys have done -  I think it's totally screwed up!"   

I'm not putting you down for posting it, don't get me wrong at all, because it's not meant to be like that, but what Snider said put it in a "nutshell".   

Well, that's that then...

Steven Adler asked if there will be fallout from his comments about the current band:

AXL ROSE ON WHY HE WON'T BE AT GUNS N' ROSES ROCK HALL, ADLER COMMENT FALLOUT?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYJEO_8j-II

If Izzy is not going then I would also like that to happen. But man, if Izzy went it would be great.  :-\

Now that is a sane letter. Duff has become the most sincere, honest and down to earth guy among all involved. So now we have Slash, Duff, Steven and Matt confirmed. Now if Gilby goes...

Ok this is the BEST THING - by FAR - I have read about the whole situation. I love Duff!  :love:

http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/reverb/2012/04/izzy_stradlin_rock_hall_of_fa.php

Duff McKagan
Izzy Stradlin Asked Me to Release This Statement Re: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
By Duff McKagan Fri., Apr. 13 2012 at 11:14 AM
Categories: Duff McKagan

Izzy asked me to do him a favor and sort of get this out for him. Izzy don't Tweet, etc.

Thanks.

Duff

Izzy's Statement:

I have waited up to this point to see what would become of the GNR induction into RRHOF. I would like to say THANK YOU and GRACIAS to RRHOF for the acknowledgement of our works over the years as a band. BIG THANKS to all my bandmates who helped get us to where we are today. And, of course, THANK YOU to all of the people on this planet (including, but not limited to, the entire universe and beyond, etc., etc., etc.) who have supported Guns N' Roses from day one. Adios, Amigos!

Izzy Stradlin

LONG LIVE ROCK N ROLL!

Very cool, and unexpected, to hear from Izzy. 8)

So it seems he was expecting how things would go with Axl, and then he probably would be there and play with the original line-up. So now it seems it will be only Slash, Duff, Steven and Matt.

Great letter and Duff response, though it's entirely negated by everything that Axl said.  We're not gonna get a one-off performance, no matter what.

Very cool!

Izzy why didn't you show?  It's not like there is a second time to do this...!

"I have grown up and manned up"

I beleive Duff has grown up the most.  He is the most mature, and centered of any past member.
Sadly the others are all in varying states of decay, and self pity.

Well I think because it costs you 3.000 per person to put them on a chair.

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-duff-on-hall-of-fame/

Really?  Izzy is living in decay and self-pity?

Slash is living in decay and self-pity?  He seems pretty productive to me, constantly touring and releasing albums.

I could understand that Steven is still struggling, but....

ok Now I dont feel alone anymore! LOL! goddamn it someone understands!!! LOL!  Hope Izzy bothered to write it himself and didnt phone Duff, saying you know something, just write something and post it for me, yeah?  :rofl:  Ok dont take this post seriously.

Is he being too harsh with the madness of it all or is it just me?

Last night was great, and Izzy seeing videos of the performance will deeply regret not being there. The guys had a blast and showed who GNR are!  :peace:

Izzy showing once again he's the coolest.


Stop post like you know him, You don't know shit.

He probably gave it a lot of thought, decided it was best for his interest not to be there.

I do wonder if he finds it humorous that gilby once again stepped in for him, he probably doesn't. But I do.

Its possible that Duff told him.  :peace:

And to this point: The one reason that I am going to Cleveland this weekend is not to savor in some polite accolade or because an award show is that important to me. I am going because I have realized how important this is all to those many, many fans that supported us and believed in us, and showed up for us in droves. Music is not like sports, and hence, a Hall of Fame in music is almost a false pedestal to sit upon. There are no statistics in music and art. No band or artist is "better" than another. Music comes from a primal place. Thin air. Dreams. And a lot of really hard damn work. No one worked harder than us back then, and we were very fortunate to have met each other in those dirty back alleys of Hollywood sometime in 1984. We meshed and wrote, created thunder and beauty, and parlayed our real-life experience into an album that somehow related to a whole angsty world that felt just like us right then and there. It was a brilliant time. I, too, now hope that we can just play a couple of songs there, and just sort of throw the microphone down on the stage and walk off. The rock-and-roll world would be set ablaze once again ... and we could make a bunch of fans happy and sated to some degree. But alas, I am only responsible for me, and can only speak for me. I have forgiven and forgotten. I have grown up and manned up. Part of me growing has been to realize I am powerless over others. This whole deal, I hope, goes off without a hitch. I do hope we can achieve some grace in our acceptance. And I hope this grace, is enough, in the end, for the best rock and roll fans in the world. The Guns N' (f---ing) Roses fans.
-- Duff


I wont forget watching an MTV special, and I had to wait few seconds and wait for a few seconds more, and then wait a little bit extra longer for Duff to find the next word and finish off what he had to say. I was quite young, so I wasnt critical on what I was watching as I would have been today, excessive drugs/alcohol are good only if you are a rockstar - sorry peeps, just my opinion - & thats only if you will get it through alive. So, I m happy for him that he got sober and progressed and have family and all that, its nice reading his positive feedback... - where is my tissue-  but goddamn it, he had to pull it off on his own, yeah? - you know what? fuck that! although it must have been quite heavy. ( I am now filing a divorce but in 10? 15? years from now, I might want us to be together. Yeah ok, but ........ work it out yourself!)

Thanks for letting it go so you can get manned up.....!   : ok:

It's not rocket science. Had Izzy been there to make it 4/5th's of the appetite lineup they would've further pissed Axl off. Hence the reason they didn't play together during the AFD 20th anniversary show

Oh yea, they definitely showed that  :-X

Hopefully we'll be seeing Izzy sometime during Guns N Roses upcoming tour

Matt Sorum:

From today forward I will not be commenting on Guns N Roses . Or making any remarks about the future . Thank you to all the fans. The legacy continues without my commentary. Matt Sorum Former member of GNR

Feel truly Blessed today beyond my wildest dreams. I was a kid that just loved Rock N Roll and never new I would see this. Honored and Emotional to the core.

Eternally grateful to Steven Adler For sharing the stage with me. Proud of how far he has come to get to get to the RNR Hall of Fame Congrats my friend. Your music is a piece of RNR History.

Of course in all the craziness I forgot to thank the one person I love the most in the world. @AceHarper She is my closest and dearest confidant. She deserves an award for staying with me. And the emotions of the last few weeks. This wasn't easy. Bless U my Love

He qualified that statement in reference to the press only, twitter is fair game as to any GNR mention.

http://m.tmi.me/oqG6L

"I said I wouldn't comment to the press I will do whatever I choose on my twitter. Have already been offered 25 press things today and have turned them all down. Matt"

That's going to be a virtually impossible statement to live up to, interviewers will be asking him GNR related questions till the day he dies.

Cheers to that, a very classy statement to make.   :beer:

Actually, it was SLASH who refused to play at the 20th Anniversary show for that reason, and it's also why he didn't have Izzy, Duff, and Steven play on the same song on his solo debut CD.

Since Axl no-showed both events, I doubt any of them really care at this point about pissing Axl off.  Axl is perpetually pissed off, so what difference would this make?

I agree.  When I read that, I thought, you're going to regret saying that.  I think he was just caught up in the moment -- they will be asking him GNR questions until the day he dies.

Duff McKagan:

Well THAT kicked ass!

11:26 PM - 14 Apr 12

http://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/matt-sorum-issues-statement-on-guns-n-roses-rock-hall-of-fame-induction-539873

Dear Friends and Fans of Guns N' Roses,

I am releasing this statement to bring closure to the night's events at the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame, and to all things Guns N' Roses. This will alleviate numerous press statements and interviews about the subject, which I have already addressed on my Twitter.

In these last few months since getting notice about being inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame, many emotions and feelings have gone through my head and heart, as well as the original five members of GN'R: Axl, Slash, Duff, Izzy and Steven. I was also chosen to be inducted, along with Dizzy Reed.

It was slightly awkward for me in some ways knowing some fans have the original five in their hearts for a reunion. I chose to say to Slash and Duff, 'Please have Steven play, and let me know what you would like me to do.'

Two days before the event. Axl made his statement known. And it was apparent he wouldn't be attending. In respect to him, that is his decision and should be honored. Also, Izzy declined. So I suggested Slash call Gilby, who was left out of the proceedings.

Gilby was a member of the band and contributing to the 'Use Your Illusions' World Tour, which took us around the globe for three years, as well as playing guitar on 'Spaghetti Incident' and 'The Live Era' albums. It felt like the right thing to do.

In fairness to the rest of the original line-up and myself, we decided to go ahead and attend. This is an honor that is once in a lifetime and couldn't be missed, especially for fans of the band. To us, it was honoring them as well. Regarding playing live, we agreed that we would share the stage together, joined by Myles Kennedy as guest singer, who did a fine job filling big shoes. Steven graciously offered 'Brownstone' and played two other 'Appetite' tracks, and I sang and joined him near the kit on 'Paradise City.'

It felt perfect for all involved.

In my speech, I made references to drugs and Steven being dismissed from the band, in which I referred to, "How could someone be fired from Guns N' Roses for doing too many drugs??"

It was meant to be light-hearted. But knowing the struggles Steven has endured all these years. I felt I needed to clarify that Steven was onstage, healthy, and ready to rock.

It is well known that the rest of the band has endured addiction and alcoholism and at this point in our lives, we are all healthy and sober. Not to make light of drugs and alcohol?we were all full-blown addicts when the band split. What started out as a party and what we believed was part of the makeup of the band turned on all of us in the end.

Many years of soul searching and reconnecting with our inner selves have brought glorious gifts: Velvet Revolver with millions of records sold and a Grammy, Steven with his new band, and more. We are now all playing music and making records on our own that is truly what we love, before any of the business of music came into play. The music has always been the passion, before anything else.

Stevens's passion for GN'R is something that no one can explain but him: it's a true love gone, but never forgotten. How many people have felt that in their lifetime?

I told Steven and the rest of the guys the night of the Induction that night was for them and what they created on the streets of Hollywood, and it can never be taken away. The music will live on. And that's what counts. Not about who was there at the Induction. That the music will always be theirs and no can ever take that away.

Also, I have much respect for my former band, The Cult. And all the musicians I have played with over the years. They have all taught me so much.

I also need to thank my dearest and closest confidante, Ace Harper, who is my fianc?e' and has made me a better man. She has walked beside in times of darkness, and has been there for me when all the stage lights and backstage parties were over.

This is where life is for all of us now survivors of a Rock & Roll era you will never see the likes of again: Married men Slash with two wonderful boys, Duff with two beautiful girls, Steven happy with a beautiful wife.

Life is good, my friends?we are alive! God Bless the fans of GN'R.

Long Live Rock N Roll,

Matt Sorum

(GN'R: "Use Your Illusion 1 and 2," "The Spaghetti Incident," "The Live Era)"

He also forgot to add Sympathy for the Devil  ;D

All in all I think its a great letter actually.  Very nice of him to say that.

How long until this is moved to the VR section?

Good heavens, as if his acceptance speech wasn't long-winded enough.   ::)

Classy. Good to see someone from the previous era comment in the festivity.

Viva La RockStardome!

Cool letter!

surprised more people didnt comment on this.  i was pretty floored by it.

Both Matt and Steven on the night seem to have exhibited unprecedented levels of maturity (for them). This is pretty cool. He should have probably waited until this came out before saying he wouldn't speak about GN'R again, though. ;D

Cool for sure, he seems to be truly honored by his inclusion and grateful for the experience.

I think his "no more GNR talk" was probably aimed more at future possibilities of playing together again than never discussing his time in the band again, that'll be virtually impossible - especially after they brought down the house
at the induction ceremony.

That's pretty awesome! : ok:

Great letter and classy. Thanks Matt for recognizing and appreciating your fans.

Matt has a good view on everything GN'R and how he fits in with respect to Steven.
I dont get why some people always like to talk crap about Matt. I met VR in Dublin in '08 and Matt was by far the coolest one there.

SLASH Says 'Rest Of The Guys' Suggested Singer MYLES KENNEDY For GN'R's ROCK HALL Performance - Apr. 19, 2012

Former GUNS N' ROSES members Slash, Duff McKagan, Steven Adler, Matt Sorum and Gilby Clarke performed three "Appetite For Destruction" songs with Myles Kennedy at the band's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony this past Saturday night (April 14) in Cleveland, Ohio. Kennedy, who handles lead vocals in Slash's solo band and ALTER BRIDGE, sang "Mr. Brownstone", "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "Paradise City", with "Use Your Illusion"-era member Sorum sitting behind the drum kit on "Brownstone" and the man he replaced in GN'R, Adler, pounding the skins for the other two songs.

"The rest of the guys/inductees suggested we get Myles to sing," says Slash, "and I thought it was a great idea."

GREEN DAY's Billie Joe Armstrong delivered the induction speech for GN'R, saying, "The first time I saw GUNS N' ROSES on MTV, I thought, 'One of these guys could end up dead or in jail,'" He raved about "Appetite For Destruction", calling it "the best debut album in the history of rock and roll."

"It turned out to be a very special evening," says Slash.

The 27th Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame will air on HBO Saturday, May 5 at 9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT.

http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=172822

GUNS N' ROSES: Video Footage Of Entire ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME Induction Performance - Apr. 23, 2012

Former GUNS N' ROSES members Slash, Duff McKagan, Steven Adler, Matt Sorum and Gilby Clarke performed three "Appetite For Destruction" songs with Myles Kennedy at the band's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony on April 14 in Cleveland, Ohio. Kennedy, who handles lead vocals in Slash's solo band and ALTER BRIDGE, sang "Mr. Brownstone", "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "Paradise City", with "Use Your Illusion"-era member Sorum sitting behind the drum kit on "Brownstone" and the man he replaced in GN'R, Adler, pounding the skins for the other two songs.

Fan-filmed video footage of the entire performance can be seen below.

http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=172948

Steven Adler on Axl Rose: 'I'm Done With Him'

'I have no desire to know him or work with him or do anything with him again,' says former Guns N' Roses drummer

APRIL 23, 2012

When we spoke to former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler in December he was still hoping that Axl Rose would come to his senses and agree to perform with the group at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. "I know there's love between all five of us," he said. "I know there is. Not just four of us, five of us. We owe it to the fans. The LEAST we can do is give them one great performance."

Adler also says this is the last interview he'll ever give about Axl. "He showed his true colors to the world," the drummer says. "I?m done with him, I?m never mentioning him or talking about him again."

How did the induction ceremony go for you?
It was the greatest way to end that chapter of my life. It couldn?t have gone better. It ended that chapter of my life great, and it?s starting this new chapter of my life, with my new band, even bigger and better. It?s very exciting. It?s fucking exciting. Life is exciting again.

You think the Guns N' Roses chapter is closed?
That?s done. That?s totally out of my system. I was hoping that the five of us would have been there to play and show our respect to the fans, but the three of us who really do care about what our fans think and how much they?ve done for us were there, and we showed our love and respect.  In my thank-you speech, I ended it with the words of the late, great Freddie Mercury. "I?ve taken my bows, my curtain calls, you?ve brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it, and I thank you all." I think that says it. It couldn?t have gone better. I showed my thanks and my love. Slash is really the main person from that band that is really super-duper?they?re all important, but Slash is the most important, because we grew up together, we started the whole thing together, so it was really great ending that chapter with him.

How did it feel playing those songs with Slash and Duff again?
It was great, and Myles Kennedy did a fabulous job?This is the only thing I?m going to say about Axl, and this is the last thing I?m ever going to say, ever, you?re getting it, is I feel blessed and thankful that he was a part of my life for that chapter of my life, but that?s it. That?s it. I have no desire to know him or work with him or do anything with him again. Letting go of that was like a huge weight was lifted off my body. I feel fucking free. Yay!

You and all the fans have wanted that reunion for years. That desire is gone on your part?
Yeah, it?s gone. If it was going to happen, that?s when it was going to happen, and in Axl?s letter, he showed his true colors to the world. After that, that?s it. Like I said, the main person I wanted to end that chapter with, and I?m going to start a new chapter with, was Slash.

What true colors did he show in that letter?
I think it?s disrespect. He's not for the fans, which is everybody in the world. Basically, he told everybody in the world, "Fuck you, I don?t give a shit what you think."

He mentioned you in his first letter. He said, "Steven was at our show at the Hard Rock, later in '06 in Las Vegas, where I invited him to our after-party and was rewarded with his subsequent interviews filled with reunion lies. Lesson learned."

That doesn?t even make any sense. That?s Axl, he doesn?t make any sense, and that?s it, I?m done with him, I?m never mentioning him or talking about him again. That?s it. One last thing ? god bless him.

How did the rest of the night go? Did you meet any cool people?
I have to say, the coolest person I ever met in my whole life is John Mellencamp. I never met a person who was more secure about himself and his person. It was just incredible, he?s the coolest person I?ve ever met in my life. Steven Tyler?s the greatest person I ever met in my life, one of the most wonderful people I ever met, but John Cougar, the coolest motherfucker on this planet. This guy is so secure about who he is and what he does, and I thought that was the coolest thing in the world.

You also got to see your old friends Flea and Anthony Kiedis.
Anthony?s wonderful, I?ve known him for decades, he?s great. Flea is the greatest, it was so great, the way he mentioned me, and he mentioned my grandmother. He used to practice his trumpet for my grandmother, we used to play football in the street, and he?d come home from school and have his trumpet and practice for my grandmother. He mentioned it, and that was so great. That and he sent me a text saying the coolest thing that a rhythm brother could say to another rhythm brother, he said, "Stevie, last night, you were so deep in the pocket, it was beautiful." So that was the coolest thing for Flea to say that, because he?s like the greatest bass player in the world.

The evening turned out pretty great ? especially considering Axl and Rod Stewart didn't show up.
Yeah, Myles Kennedy did a number on that other redhead. He did a phenomenal job, stepping into those big redheaded shoes. He?s got a powerful voice. Other than my new singer, if it wasn?t Myles Kennedy singing, I?d have wanted my singer to sing, because this guy?s amazing. I have the greatest new band, and it?s so great being part of a new band, being part of something that?s fun again and real. It?s real and it?s fun, and our new record we just finished, I recorded a whole record, I have 12 songs. In two weeks when Jeff Pilson gets back, he?s on tour with Foreigner, when he gets back, we?re going to do one more song. 13 songs. The new record will be done. I haven?t been finished with something in 22 years.

Do you see the Hall of Fame induction as the biggest moment of your career?
It?s the biggest moment of my career. Any musician who gets to be a part of that, it?s the biggest moment of their careers, of their life. It?s like winning the Super Bowl. I won the friggin? Super Bowl, it?s the coolest thing in the world. I have a ring and trophy and everything. I didn?t get a ring, but I got a trophy.

I watched it on video, my guitar player came over with his computer and showed it to me. I was nervous, I don?t know how I sounded or how I looked, because it was me, and I was doing it. I saw it and said, "Oh man?" I was proud of myself. If I didn?t know me, I?d have been proud of me, and I was proud of me.

You guys really proved the band is bigger than one person.
Yeah. I?m telling the truth, I never heard a boo like that in my life [when Axl's name was mentioned]. It was frightening. I was sitting there going, "Man, god forbid they were doing that at me." That would be soul-crushing, you would think. But that redheaded guy, I was standing onstage, I looked at Duff and said, "You know what the crazy thing is, Axl?s so back-ass backwards that he probably likes it." Instead of going, "Wow, that?s harsh," he?s going, "Yeah, fuck yeah, I love it."

Do you understand why that redhead seems so angry at everyone?
He?s got nothing in the world to be angry about. It?s so great to move on from that, to get that out of my life and out of my system. You ever have somebody that you know, but they?re not in your life, you don?t see them, you don?t talk to them, but you think about them, and it makes your stomach get all tight, and you go, "Son of a bitch," and you don?t even talk to the guy or see them ? that?s what that asshole would do to me. It?s just great to not have that feeling in my stomach anymore. It?s good to move on. It?s like getting off of heroin, "Oh, I feel so much better, my god, what a relief, I?m not sick anymore."

You're sober now, right?
Yeah. I smoke cigarettes, and I?m really tired of it, I?m going to go see this doctor about taking that Chantix. I tried it before, it gives you terrible dreams.

What's the secret to staying clean this time?
I got to a point of being sick and tired of being sick and tired, and it just got too much. I survived, and I think once you survive it and go through it, you grow up and you just start feeling different about things and about your life. When I was a teenager in my early twenties, I would get in a fight pretty easily, and I wouldn?t mind getting punched in the face. But I?m 47 years old now, I mind it now. So you just grow up and change how you feel about things.

It's gotta be nice to finally be in a functional band.
It?s so great being part of a group, a group of guys. We?re all on the same page. We all want the same thing, we all have the same goals, and we all respect one another.

Are you going to put any Guns N' Roses songs into your live set?
Out of the respect I have for what I did accomplish, my part of Guns N? Roses, I am so friggin? proud of ? my part. So I?m fucking proud of that, and the fans are proud of that, and I love that, so of course, I?m going to play one or two, but it?s all about the new band and the new songs. Obviously, it would only be Appetite for Destruction, and I?m proud of that, but that?s 25 years ago. Every 15, 20, 25 years, a new rock and roll record needs to come out and a new rock and roll band needs to come out. We?re just the guys to fucking do it, and we?re going to do it. The last great rock band that came out was the Foo Fighters, and they were like 15 years ago, right? It?s 15, 20 years, the world is due.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/steven-adler-on-axl-rose-he-showed-his-true-colors-to-the-world-im-done-with-him-20120423

Well, that was a long time without saying anything about him Steven.  :rofl:

My God... I want to beat him and I don't even know the guy...

He must be high to be this incoherent and all over the place ???

Thank you Axl for staying away from that.

SLASH: Being At The ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME Turned Out To Be A Really Great Experience - Apr. 23, 2012

During a press conference in Italy to promote his second solo album, "Apocalyptic Love" (see video below), legendary guitarist Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES) was asked what it felt like to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame without singer Axl Rose, who refused to attend the ceremony and be inducted with his former bandmates.

"I specifically don't talk about [Axl]," Slash replied. "But being at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, in and of itself, turned out to be a really great experience. It was a mixed feeling going into? in the months leading up to the induction. It was not necessarily positive, but once I sort of decided, 'OK, I'm gonna go, and Duff [McKagan, former GN'R bassist] decided he was gonna go and Gilby [Clarke, former GN'R guitarist] and Steven [Adler, former GN'R drummer], and all that. Actually being there, being inducted was a really positive and pleasant experience. We recruited Myles Kennedy [of ALTER BRIDGE and Slash's solo band] to sing [at the induction] at the very, very last minute ? like the morning of the flight [on our way to Cleveland]. It wasn't my idea this time [to get Myles involved]; it was Duff's idea."

http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=173001

Fantastic and humble letter from Matt.  Very cool how gracious and respectful he is to Steven.

While I don't agree with everything Steven said in his interview, I expected Steven to react the way he did, especially the way Axl addressed him in his letter.  Let's just hope that Steven sticks to his word and doesn't mention Axl or a reunion again.  As much as I love Steven, he did come off as really desperate.  He's got plenty of things going for him and he needs to focus on that.


You got right that Matt... it chills me to the bone to think about it, but it's so true that we'll never see a rock n roll era like GNR's heydey ever again.   :-\

Exclusive: Slash on 'Closing The Book on Guns N' Roses' at the Hall of Fame

'In my heart of hearts I wanted to have the whole original band get together and actually perform'

APRIL 25, 2012

Like most Guns N' Roses fans, Slash hoped that the original line-up of the band would have been able to put aside their differences earlier this month at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and perform one last time. Needless to say, that didn't happen. A few days after the event Slash jumped on the phone with Rolling Stone's Brian Hiatt while on a train between Holland and France to share his feelings about the evening.

Did you ever consider just not going to the induction ceremony?
My whole thing was that I really, in my heart of hearts, wanted to have the whole original band get together and actually perform, which I sort of knew was wishful thinking. When the whole thing first came up, that?s basically what I wanted to do. It became apparent that that wasn?t going to happen. I was like, "Oh fuck," and I was sort of disillusioned with the whole thing, but there was that commitment that was sort of made that I was going to go, and I thought Axl was still going to go, and it wasn?t until the last minute that I heard that he wasn?t coming, and that?s when we all decided we were just going to go ahead and play anyway. Early on, when it was probably more confusing than necessary, I have to admit, I was like, "Oh fuck, I don?t really want to go to this if we?re not going to play," though I never said, "No, I?m not going to go." But it was sort of a black cloud for a few months there. Before that I thought we were just going to show up and not play, which is what I was resigned to.

At what point did you decide to play?
It was literally two days before the actual ceremony. The day that the press release came out and Axl said he wasn?t coming, we had the Golden Gods awards, and it was in the dressing room there that Duff and I talked. We said, "OK, we?re just going to fucking get together and play," and Duff goes, "We should get Myles." I was talking to Duff about who was going to sing, I thought Duff would sing, him and Gilby, but Duff said, "What about Myles?" It hadn?t occurred to me, really. I talked to Myles about it, he was apprehensive about getting put in that position, so at first, he turned it down, but finally he said, "OK, I?ll do it." We got it all together and we put together a little rehearsal the night before and did our thing.

What was it like rehearsing? Watching it, it?s not that different from Velvet Revolver, but it felt super different.
I hadn?t played with Gilby in a long time, and I hadn?t played Guns N? Roses songs with Steven in fucking 18 years or something like that. It was all sort of a little bit foreign at first, the first five, 10 minutes of whatever the first songs were we were playing, it took a second, and after a couple of minutes, it started to fall into place. It was fun, I had a really fucking good time.

This had been weighing on Steven for a long time, and he said he feels like the chapter is closed and he can move on.
Yeah, I think it did that for all of us. I didn?t have any illusions or delusions of GNR getting back together for anything. I maybe tried to see it happen for this one particular event, I didn?t have high hopes for that, I didn?t feel confident it was going to happen, but having done this one gig, and for the event itself, when it was all said and done, it really felt like closing the book on the whole thing.

The other way of looking at is that with Myles, you sound good doing those songs. That could be a thing.
No, I don?t think it went that way. It?s way too complicated an idea at this point, but it was fun doing it. It was definitely a special moment for everybody involved, going up there and jamming those songs. I wasn?t totally sure, you?ve probably heard this a million times, the sort of whole concept of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction prior to doing it, it was like there?s so much bad blood that?s gone on over the last 25 years, it was hard to appreciate it. So it was hard to get excited about it, but once we were actually there, it was a really, really cool event, and there was a sense of accomplishment at that point, doing the actual acceptance and going out and playing.

Some people could say you played so well because it was a fuck you to someone who wasn?t there, but it sounds like it came from a more positive place.
Yeah, it had nothing to do with that. It might have come together because basically we felt a sense of loyalty to the enthusiasm from the fans.  We?re proud of this moment, and I?m talking about legions of Guns fans who are really excited about the prospects of something happening so we can accept this fucking acknowledgement or whatever. I think that was really the glue that held us all together to get past whatever the differences were and just go up and be there. So it was a really good feeling for all the right reasons. It wasn?t because we were trying to wag our finger at anybody or try to be vengeful in any way. It was an homage to the fans, and then standing there and individually accepting the honor, you really felt we?d arrived at a certain place, the band as a whole, the records that we?ve made and all that stuff. 

It?s what you were setting out to do from the beginning, you were aiming for that brass ring, you wanted to be one of the all time great bands. You weren?t trying to be a big hair metal band.
All things considered, yeah, we did sort of set out to be fucking the shit. We knew above all and any other bands around of our peers at the time that we were the baddest fucking rock & roll band around. I don?t know if we aspired to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, that was years later. One of the big issues about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and something that sort of gave me personally mixed feelings was how come Guns N? Roses gets nominated and consequently inducted when a whole slew of other bands haven?t? That was always a really big issue, I think that was the only personal bias I had, was how we could beat out a band like Deep Purple? What is the criteria for getting inducted?

There was something about the event itself where the thing that stuck out to me the most was when they had the Blue Caps and Crickets and the Fabulous Flames and Comets and all those guys get up there and get inducted. That was a heavy moment for me. I was like, "Wow," all these guys in their 80s and 90s, some in their wheelchairs, some not even there because they?re dead, all lined up getting this honor, this recognition. That really pulled at my heartstrings. That sort of erased for me all the questions that I have. I was like, "I guess everybody gets it in due time."

Between that and the fact that Rod Stewart and your guy wasn?t there, it felt like rock was bigger than lead singers that night.
All things considered, most of the groups that were there were incomplete, from the Beastie Boys to the Chili Peppers to the Faces, and for us, as well, so it?s very interesting, that this whole thing goes on regardless. That was one of the things that came to me. We?re inducted already, it?s happening regardless of whether we show up or don?t show up or who shows up. It?s bigger than all of us.

Myles is in your band, could he also be in Velvet Revolver, or is that too complicated?
Initially, Myles came up in Velvet Revolver a couple of times. Once in 2002 and another time in 2008. The first time around, we sent him a demo and we never heard from him again, and in 2008, he was in Alter Bridge, and it would just be sort of a betrayal of his band to entertain the idea of performing with Velvet Revolver, which is actually the first thing, even though I?d never met him before. I didn?t know him, but the thing I admired about him then was his loyalty. Working with me, it?s a little bit more flexible, we juggled the whole Alter Bridge thing, but with Velvet Revolver, it would have been one or the other.

Seeing you play those songs so well, there?s a sense that you?re reclaiming your rights to these songs, reminding people that you have as much right to these songs as the singer does.
Yeah, it was never a question in my mind, because I know how much I had to do with those songs, so I just do them. It was really gratifying to meet Myles when I did, when I was starting to put a band together to support my first solo record, the last record I put out, then he came out at the very tail end and I thought, "This guy?s amazing," we recorded a couple of songs on that record, then I asked him to do the tour, because I had a gut feeling he could handle the diversity of all the material I was going to do on the road, and that turned into a really successful tour, which turned was what prompted the record that we just completed that?s coming out next month.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-slash-on-closing-the-book-on-guns-n-roses-at-the-hall-of-fame-20120425

One thing I wanted to add, and this is just my opinion, but from the moment I read Axl's first letter declining the induction, I thought his comments about Steven's reunion lies were in reference to this interview:

http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=67085

Q: Did you see the show?

Steven: Yeah?three people in his band all look like Izzy! I told him it sucked. I was kidding. I said, "You know the five of us have to get back together! That's when it will really fucking take off again! Nothing will be bigger. It would be the biggest reunion ever in history."

Q: What did he say?

Steven: You know how he is. He just grinned and giggled a little bit. Everybody in his band came up to me, "You're the greatest fucking drummer! We tell Axl, 'You gotta get the band back together!'" That's what they said to HIM! It was wonderful!

I don't believe the above part for one second as to me it makes no sense that the GN'R guys would tell Axl to effectively put them out of a job.  I didn't believe it back in 2007 when this interview with Steven first came out, and I still don't.  It doesn't make any sense.

So, that's what I would guess Axl is referring to in the first letter in regards to Steven's "reunion lies".

Ali

Gosh Ali, don'tchaknow that the guys in Guns N' Roses don't like to eat or pay their bills?  :hihi:

Yeah, I forgot, they like being struggling musicians.

Ali

The guys probably just told Steven how they love the classic line-up, but in Steven's head he got it all wrong. Axl should know by now how Steven's rationality works... He doesn't say these things as lies, but as wishful thinking.

That's awfully generous. "I love the classic lineup sounds" sounds nothing like "I think the classic lineup should get back together". That sounds more like putting words in someone's mouth.

Ali

Arguing semantics with anything Adler related is futile guys, dude was never the sharpest tool in the shed and has dulled even more with the life he chose to lead.

Not sure how you got that out of that bit.  I see it as they are saying Steven should play again with them(maybe a one off like Duff did), or Axl should do something with Steven on the side(maybe guest vocal).  Maybe be on his record again.   The current members of G n R seem like they really respect the classic line up.  A lot more than some of the negative people here if the truth be told. 

What I got from that quote is that they wanted Axl to play with Steven again.  Not that Steven would replace the current band in any way.
Which is really what a lot of people wanted for the HOF.  Not a full on reunion to tour, and record again.  That obvious has run it's course. They wanted to see the classic line up on stage for one night to celebrate what they did together.  That could have also opened the doors to them coming, and performing with the current line up for one offs.  Like Izzy, and Duff have done already.  This would only help the legacy, and excitement around the current line up.  It would help them.  In no way shape or form was this what you thought it was.

Sorry, just don't see it like you did.

No, Steven said the guys told Axl to get the BAND back together, not play with JUST Steven again.  And, this was years before the HOF, so that's irrelevant.  It was also years before what happened with Duff in London, so that's irrelevant, too.

And even if this was just a one-off, it would be a distraction to the current band, and I think they're smart enough to know that.  Furthermore, if you read some of Tommy's quotes on the possibility of a GN'R classic lineup reunion, he knows how unlikely it is (http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2011/12/tommy_stinson.php?page=2).

You're reaching, and with all due respect, in no way, shape or form is this quote what you think it is.  : ok:

Ali

All other points aside, I think the HOF already has distracted from the current GN'R. As much as it can wether Axl showed up or not. Its also not like the press are so keen to even mention the current line-up unless its to have a dig at Axl so I don't think it would of done anything other than get Guns back into mainstream news for one day.

I think if Axl would have shown up he could have won over the media. The strange thing is that Axl always says or acts like does not care what the media or other people say but his actions are quite different. I also believed that he could have used the Hof opportunity to put some closure to the past, put the past behind him and in a way formally introduce Gnr to all the people who still believe Slash is in GnR.

 I mean think about Myles Kennedy, how many people know who this guy is. Say what you will but After his performance he got rave reviews and surprised a lot of people in singing the GnR classics. A lot of the media has talked a lot of shit about Axl and not being able to sing like before. His last performance at the MTV awards was terrible IMHO, and this could have shown everybody he is better than ever. What's done is done, but I think he could have capitalized on this opportunity by winning over the media and reintroduce GnR since he is back in great form.

IF, IF, IF...  ::)



Move on already.


Just because there was a happy ending in your dreams doesn't mean it was gonna happen that way.

Let it go already.




/jarmo