Here Today... Gone To Hell!

So... I know this has been tried in the past (years ago) with no result - a message board comes together to compile a list of questions to send to Axl. Maybe the night in 2008 when Axl went on the message boards to chat was his appreciation of the interest shown in the past. It's been a little over six years since that, so I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask now.

Jarmo, would you be comfortable to make an enquiry to management if this is something Axl would be interested in? We know that the press sends these sorts of requests all the time, and sometimes (not often) Axl says yes to answer some questions sent his way.

Maybe, with all of us being hardcore fans, we stand a slightly better chance than the press world if we are one of the many on his list.



The questions would be respectful and seen from a fan's eyes. It would have been an awesome day for us if Axl chose to open up a bit for us about the future. Knowing a little bit more about how he views the next direction of Guns N' Roses and maybe the sound of the new material would be something we can live on for a long time - make the waiting time for a new album even more intriguing.

Again, I'm just putting this out there to see if there's a general interest for this among the members of the board, but first of all Jarmo. It could also be a boost for the board as every time Axl choose to say something in public, it gets picked up by the whole world.

I promise not to ask any questions, if it will help.

Oh, I'm sure you'll have a lot of good ideas for questions without a confrontational nature.  :)



Maybe this can be a positive thing for the board. To have something everyone gathers around, instead of much of the "conflict" we've seen in the past.

I have a few, yes.

Maybe someone could reword them for me.

Haha

Spirit.. Great idea. Would love to see it come to fruition. You would think if any GNR site could get this done...it would be right here.

 

Good idea. I'm sure the fans would have come up with lots of relevant and good questions if this were to go through somehow. Even without it happening, it would have been interesting to read what kinda angle and form of questions the board members here would raise.

-Eirik

I almost wonder if you'd have to submit them ahead of time.

So many dumb questions got asked the night he came to MYGNR.  We needed an editor, badly.

That was my thought yes. A pre-compiled list of questions.

Not like the forum chats.

I've always wondered if Axl ever considered playing sports or participating in endurance events. 
Just based on the physical nature of his stage performance.

Does he have a bucket list?
He doesn't have to divulge it, just curious if he's got one or a loose version of one.

Has he ever considered writing an advice column?
I'd pay to read it if he did.

Has he ever considered making a guest appearance on ABC's The Bachelor? 
I can just picture Chris Harrison letting the ladies know, "There's only one Rose remaining..."  and in walks Axl Rose.   :hihi:
Why not?   ;D

The timing has to be right for the band.

What can Axl offer at this point in time that he has not already answered.

That is what I was thinking.....unless he plans on giving us a release date and tracklisting for the next album!  :hihi:

Perhaps the 4 questions I posted less than an hour ago?
Enquiring minds want to know.   :yes:

If this was to happen, unlikely, but if it did

We would have to have follow up questions

When someone asks Axl a question sometimes the answer is very, how you say, axlish

There would have to be follow up questions asking.   What does that mean?  Etc...

If it was to happen, Jarmo would be on the button  : ok:

These endeavours are forever about timing.

Well, some information about the new music is probably what the fans want to know about the most. We really don't know much specifics about what their plans are.

• Will the next release be all new music written by the current line-up or does he want to release the material that Bucket, Brain, Tobias and Finck has worked on?
• How big is the body of material they have at this time?
• Where are they in the process of writing, recording, mixing etc.
• How has the writing process been for the next album? For the last album he has said that they were using lots of different ideas and riffs recorded by different people, and then putting things together afterwards. Have they written any songs with a different approach for the next album?
• What will the sound be like on the next album? Will there be a lot of aggressive rockers, many ballads, acoustic pieces, guest performers, industrial elements, classic hard rock sound...?
• He has given us song names in the past. Would he be willing to drop a couple more, with a little description of how they sound?
• Has he been working on the ideas that Dj sent him?
• Will Richard have any writing credits for the next album? It has been said in the past that he was brought in partially for his writing capabilities.
• Is the remix album something they are looking to release?
• Richard commented on the re-recorded Appetite from 1999, and he thought it wasn't intended for release. Axl wasn't dismissive of the idea when asked about it many years ago. Could it still be that they might release any of those tracks, maybe as b-sides to singles?
• How does he view the music industry today? Does he think that it's hard to find motivation to create new music when the financial reward isn't what it used to be?
• How would he preferably go about releasing an album? Is he still in favor of physical copies, or does he think digital is the way to go?
• He seems to be very passionate about the album art. How much thought does he give it? Is it something he wants to do by himself, or does he seek help from the band mates or others?
• Can he say anything about what happened with the alternative covers of Chinese? Does he hope to officially release them at one point?
• We know that he put a lot of work into previous videos. Is music videos something that he still wants to do, or is it something that doesn't interest him anymore?
• Could Duff or Izzy be considered as guest musicians on the next record? Has he written anything with either of them in the latest years?
• Would he consider doing any guest vocals himself with any artist in the future?
• As he himself took the producer chair (along with Caram) on Chinese, is it the same case for future releases?
• Talking about producing, how did he go about learning the art of production? Learning by doing or has he been schooled in it?
• Has he laid down any guitar tracks himself on any of the new material?
• Is Paul Tobias still writing/recording with the band? Same goes for Brain.

I think there are lots of options to what he can share with us without giving away anything that will diminish any pleasure of actually listening to the album when it arrives.

I remember the Rolling Stone interview with Axl back in early 2000 where he shared quite a bit about what was to come. It was an awesome read for any fan of the band.

 just one question from me.

Any plans/hopes to join the list of legends to play the Isle of Wight?  :smoking:

if he's in the studio he could take some time between two mixes, good idea

I'm not against the idea itself. But then when it turns into this kinda "forced" way of getting updates regarding the album... It just loses some of its fun I guess.

It's like people who send you messages asking when you're gonna go to country X but what they really wanna know is, when is GN'R going to country X....


Just something to consider.



/jarmo

We could have more variety in the questions of course (not all about the album). But personally, I think it's only natural at this point in time that, as a fan, it's the number one thing that intrigues us.

I don't see that as a bad thing, we are hardcore fans of the music after all.

But, as I said... there's of course a lot of other things we could ask him about at the same time.

I know that much.

I'm just saying that the whole idea of the interview seems to be to get an update on the album.
And if the one being interviewed isn't interested in talking about that at that specific point in time, then there goes the whole idea.

Just saying.

It's like when somebody tells you "Hey! Nice to see you!" and then immediately asks for something. You get a feeling there was an ulterior motive all along.  :hihi:



/jarmo

Jarmo has a point here. And if there is nothing really firm to discuss about a new album, then no one will be satisfied with the answers anyway.

How is asking about an album a bad thing?
Axl is all about the music anyways.

But I'd imagine the album news will come when they announce Ron's replacement if there will be any.

I can see that.

But,
Axl is first and foremost a musician, so new music will naturally be a big part of any interview. Especially if the rumors say that he is working on it. I have no problem seeing your point, and I won't hide the fact that new information about the music would be the main goal of the interview. But I don't see that as a bad thing really, we're interested in his work.

If this were to happen (the enquiry) and Axl isn't interested in talking about anything regarding the music, he won't do the interview, easy as that. No hard feelings either, just have to respect that.


To be totally honest, I don't find it that interesting reading about a persons favorite movie, meal or car, unless that person is an actor, chef or race car driver...

Being passionate about music, it will naturally be most rewarding to read about a musicians views on his/hers own material. That said, for me at least, it's always interesting to read a new Axl interview regardless of what the content is. The guy speaks so seldom in public so it's an event every time that happens.


To be clear, I didn't come up with the idea with the purpose of getting a release date, track listing or anything like that. It was mostly about his views on the material/process itself.

 :peace:

There's a time and place for everything.

But you should be honest. Is it an interview you want or an update on the album?  Saying you want an interview and then actually wanting the other thing isn't honest.




/jarmo

My questions would be:

1) What albums/artists do you enjoy most nowadays?
2) What direction do you see the next record going in- same sound as CD? Heavier? Lighter?
3) Would you consider opening up "The Vaults" for the fans and working on say getting more Chinese D AND UYI era shows released? Consider the example of The Rolling Stones, who have released at least two concerts from each era of the band on DVD.
4) What's the most mindfucking novel or movie you've read or seen?
5) If you could go back and do things differently, would you still have pursued the "rock star" path?
6) When you talk about GN'R records, I have noticed you really only mention AFD and Chinese Democracy in great detail. Looking back, how do you feel about the Use Your Illusion albums?
7) Would you ever consider having a "heavy hitter" such as Zakk Wylde or Jimmy Page or someone of that nature join the band?
8) You're a very talented pianist...The piano solo pieces you played before November Rain for example on the UYI tour were beautiful...Have you ever or would you ever consider doing a project that is just you, a piano and nothing else?
9) Favorite Zeppelin record?
10) Would you ever consider playing Sympathy for the Devil live? Despite the controversy surrounding the old band's recording of it, its honestly IMO the best cover Guns has done to date.
11) What is your favorite Elton album? Do you like the song 'Amoreena' from Tumbleweed Connection?

I'd be happy with an interview that didn't include much music at all, anything general about likes, dislikes, update on tv shows he likes, what fascinating places he's enjoyed going to see etc.

Depends on what you mean by "update". I can totally understand if he doesn't want to go into specifics about where in the release-process they are, and I wouldn't mind if there were no questions about those specifics either.

I would be way happy if we could get an interview were he talks about his views on music in general and a lot of the stuff on my list (previous page) isn't seeking any update on the album of sorts. Questions about approach to song-writing, the music industry, album art, music videos, him doing guest vocals and producing is all merely music related questions.


If we could get some framework conditions from the management, it would maybe be easier to create questions that he's more likely to answer.

Jarmo is hardly wrong.

We are after an update.  Let's be honest.

I won't deny that I would be excited if Axl was interested in talking about the new album.

But, as I also said, I'm happy with a set of questions that won't divulge into the subject of the new album. Axl's views on all things music would be interesting to know about. A heads up from management with general subjects he would be interested to cover could maybe be the way to go.

You want a preliminary on the type of questions you would be allowed to ask? The subjunctive mood has just reached a new echelon.

In a broad sense yes. I'm in no way suggesting they should write the questions for us. A heads up on what Axl might be interested in talking about could strengthen the chances of him wanting to do it. Or even a list of subjects he most likely don't want to talk about, might be easier.

I see now that having a list of questions essentially pencing in on new music could be seen as a way of "tricking" him into giving an update. Honestly, that was never my intention. I'm interested to know what he thinks about all aspects of music, not only his own even. More questions about Chinese Democracy would be really interesting.

I have never seen much interest in musician-fan relations from this Team Brazil set up personally. I think it is a complete waste of time.

I really have no interest in knowing about axls personal life.  So questions about his likes or dislikes don't do it for me. 

Out of respect for him I wouldn't ask him questions about the line up from early 90s. Including getting back together with them.  However, I would be very interested in this

I would ask him about the current plans for music.  What the status of the next album is.  Future plans for touring.   Questions also about the experience of recording CD. 

I would also not be happy wth vague answers to these questions.   With no follow up questions ask by the person doing the interview

I don't think that's asking to much

Q: What do you think about the animosity all over GNR forums?
Q: What do you make of the endless criticism that comes your way from the forums? And the fact that some of it comes from the same people over and over again just about every day, almost obsessively?
Q: Anything we can do to get you to come around a little more often? We'd love to hear from you more if that was possible.
Q: Do you do lip trills? How do you train your voice? Been trying to imitate it forever. I understand if it's a secret though.
Q: Do you meditate or do any kind of spiritual work? I've noticed that you have a very strong presence and clarity about you. Understand if that's too personal though.

If the conditions of the interview are that we can't ask about new music then I'm sure will all still have a million questions we'd like to ask. On the making of Chinese and dealing with buckethead.
What kind of music does he listen to besides the black keys etc?
How does he feel about the state of the music industry these days?
What does he eat for breakfast, what shows does he like besides Dexter and Sopranos?

Is GnR going to remaster the back catalog for digital download and release a HD 24 bit lossless?

What did he think of Pono when Neil Young showed it off to him at the Bridge School benefit, or did he have a preference for another player (like the FiiO)?

The making of Chinese Democracy and a rundown on what the songs are about, now that we're all familiar with them and have our own interpretations on what they're about. It would be good to hear him do a play by play on what he was going through at the time he wrote those songs and how they came together.

Does he regret Chinese Democracy being streamed on MySpace before it was on sale in stores, and does he wish the album had been available as downloads at the time?

With GnR's music on Spotify, what's his opinion on the service?

Would he ever host a podcast where you got to play the songs he loved and talked about them?

If he retired from singing, what could he see himself doing?

Does he still regret not making a public appearance in 2008, and was it because they were still seeking a guitarist at the time that he didn't, or was he not doing well at the time it came out? It made no sense that he didn't come out and make any kind of appearance, but appreciated that he chose to talk (write) directly to the fans.

His relationship with Paul Huge (Tobias) because he seems to be a big part of the album and band coming together - was he good friends with Izzy and what did Izzy think of Paul being in GNR? How come Mank Rage never put an album out, and was Axl going to produce their album?  What did Paul contribute to Chinese Democracy?

With this being award season, and the Grammys just passed, does he have a place where he displays his awards? Some people use their Grammys as bookends and doorstops, others have a custom made cabinet with security to display them. 

All the notebooks he's written in over the years, does he still go back and look through them to use for potential songs, even if they're from 30 years ago? How often do song ideas come into his head?

When he hears a GnR song covered by someone, how does he feel about it, and does he have a favorite?

What was the weirdest cover of a GnR song he's heard?

Is he involved in animal rescue?

And.... will he ever do Locomotive in concert?

When will you be coming to the South East US?

I heard you go through a lot to go onstage. Would you be willing to go into that at all? As someone that has practiced singing myself, I feel like a big part of the job is getting into a state where there is less cognitive dissonance. If half of me is critical of myself or not into what I'm doing and the other half is trying to sing, it doesn't work out so well. Does it perhaps have something to do with this?

Haha!

After after!



/jarmo

Axl, who is your favorite character from the Star Wars prequels?

I doubt Axl would ever chat with fans again.
I wish it happen but like in 2008,the whole thing started like a discussion,then became a mountain of questions which he later answered.
I'd ask however if he considers to drop vocally demanding songs like You could be mine in the future.
Like Ian Gillan not being able to sing child in time since 95.
And if in his mind he has acheived his artistic magnum opus in the form of which song.

You guys realize Jarmo's first post in this thread was a big fat NO .. right?  ;D

I think Jarmo was ultimately right.  We would just be looking for updates we can't seem to get otherwise.

Not that those other questions aren't valid, but they would pretty much be window dressing to get to what's up currently.

I think it would be cool as long as we kept in mind that the questions shouldn't pertain to new album stuff. A chance to ask Axl questions? Even if they are only certain kinds of questions, it would still be awesome. Imagine if Axl answered one of your questions. You would remember it forever. That's something you could share with every GNR fan.

People thought David Bowie was on his deathbed when he was working on his latest album, but he wound up having the album ready and videos made (funny coincidence that Gary Oldman was in one of the videos - playing a priest! In Since I Don't Have You, he was the devil).

More questions -any truth to the rumor of a GnR themed restaurant at the Hard Rock Vegas?

That would be so awesome. I probably couldn't afford it now, but if I could get the money together I would love to try some of that rattlesnake flavored sausage with some fried eggs.

It Axl is not comfortable with those kind of questions i guess we could leave them out? Easy as that. I don't know why he should be uncomfortable with it, and i don't see the reason in why we should pretend that he is.

My question would be:  "Captain fantastic and the brown dirt cowboy" is one of my favorite rock n roll albums ever. Since its common knowledge that your an fan of Elton and Bernie`s music, do you have a favorite album, song or lyrics?

When you guys say we should steer clear of new album talk, how far do you take that?

Because if you don't think "when are you guys coming back to <my town>?" is getting asked, several times, I think you're crazy.

You know you are.  Bring it down.

The thought was that we agree on a list of questions that we send to Axl. Not him doing a "live chat" here on the forum.

Right, duh.

Nevermind.  As you were.

I might be in the minority on this but I could think of 100 things off the top of my head I would love to ask Axl, all of which have nothing to do with any future albums.  I think it would be awesome if we could all submit questions and he could answer whichever ones he wants.  A live chat could be awesome, however it also could be complete pandemonium and not a lot of fun to be a part of. The main problem as was discussed already in this thread is that some people would bitch and moan about certain subjects not being discussed.  I think having him answer any kind of questions would be fun. 

Yeah, we could just submit a bunch of questions and anything we get is gravy.

I think that's how it would have to go.  A live chat is a suicide mission.

I think taking the format of a pre-submitted (or moderated submission) AMA (Ask Me Anything), like sometimes gets done on Reddit, would be the most likely.

I'd take whatever we could get, quite frankly.

Edit: Oddly, I'd be completely OK with a "fireside chat" where GnR, in general and specific, was off limits.  General music, lifestyle and that kinda stuff only.  But I know that would, likely, go over like a ton of lead baloons, or a fart in church, amongst most of the forum members. :)

I still think it would be awesome if they had their own channel on Sirius (like Pearl Jam).  That way, in addition to live songs, B-side tracks, etc., you get interviews from the band members playing songs from bands they like, explaining their approach to music, life, etc.  I'd listen to that shit all day.

and if Axl chooses, let's say, 5 or 6 thematics he would like to be interviewed about?

I would also love them to have there own channel of sat radio

Everything you said would be great

But

Does guns actually have enough of a song cataloge to support another channel?

Interviews and stories from the band would be great.  But we barley get interviews now from any current member, so something would really have to change in that regard.  Hearing what past members have to say would also be great.  But I am sure hell would freeze over before we got the chance to hear from a few of the old guys

They have a GNR channel on Dash Radio called Paradise City. They play Guns music and influences of theirs. I downloaded it to my phone and listen to it every once in awhile. I don't listen to music on my phone a whole lot though. I'd listen to a GNR channel on Sirius way more. But the content is there. Especially if they included VR and ex members projecs, but I guess that could get a little sticky.

Yes if they play influenced bands and side bands that current and past members have.  It would be great and would work

I am not to sure how the ownership of these channels work... 

Would Axl have to give the radio permission to have a dedicated channel?  Or can any radio provider do this and just pay out royalty cheques to the band members on each song that is played

If they can, then a dedicated channel would be great with velvet revolver being featured as well. Plus Izzys solo work etc...

If Axl has to give permission, well I can't see it working out with most of the past members being featured....   

So, is this dead in the water even if we steer clear of 'new album questions'?

I didn't make any inquiries yet because I don't know what the aim of this interview would be.




/jarmo

General questions I guess. For me personally, I would love to hear about his take on the music industry of today, does he still prefer vinyl or is digital just as good, his passion for artwork both with his music releases and while on tour, how they go about selecting songs for a tour, if he has any plans on doing any solo stuff, writing a book, how he has felt the reception of Chinese Democracy have been now 6 years later, maybe some more insight to the making of CD, his views on making music videos nowadays (since he was quite passionate about it during the Illusions), does he still play guitar... stuff like that.

It really just would have been great for us to hear from the man. If new music is something he doesn't want to dive into and answer about at the moment, I'm cool with that.

From a personal point of view, wouldn't it be better to have the poster enter their name and question and the next poster cut n paste the question(s) above (like the album track voting thread( and just let  Axl pick and choose the questions he wants to answer?

The bottom line is, nobody knows really what questions he'd answer or not, and for reasons that may surprise all of us, and the basis for these questions, why not just leave it as "ask Axl"

On the assumption this is agreed I will start and everybody can follow and create a structured list for submission.


Wight Gunner - Hi Axl, do you have any plans (or hopes for an invitation) to play the Isle of Wight Festival? And have there been any events in the 21st century that have inspired you to write a song about? if so what?

Has a decision on this already been reached?  Until it is a certainty isn't it a bit to soon to be establishing rules?

Would love to see this happen but I seriously question the honest motive behind it.

Maybe predefining a "good" set of questions would help matters.  Show there is interest.  Demonstrate not all questions are "so you owe us an album, when can we expect it".

Yeah, thanks....  ::)

What's dishonest?

I personally think many people simply wish to obtain information and details about the next release at any cost, even misdirection and subterfuge, that is a dishonest and disingenuous motive imo.

Well I may be one of these people wanting to hear about new music

I couldn't care less what Axl watches on tv.   I couldn't care less what current bands he likes.  Or what his favorite type of pizza is. 

I want to ask and read questions about guns n roses.  Past current and future.   Questions that would include things about the music and band memebers

Wouldn't anyone else want to hear this?

When did it become a negative thing to ask a musician about the music they record?

Who says axl doesnt want to talk about his plans for releasing a album of new music?   

For all we know Axl might want to talk about releasing new music.   He might like those questions.  He might hate talking about his favorite color. Hahaha

I am of the mindset   Where if you can't ask the questions u really want.  Don't ask any at all.  Seems some people would just be happy with asking any question.  Just for the sake of asking a question

You know u would love to hear Axl talk about the future plans of gun n roses

Yes, I was the one starting the thread, and I have already said that I'm cool with an interview without any questions about new music - even though that was my original pitch. That doesn't mean I would want something without substance (favorite food, movies, sports etc.). His views on all things music would be highly interesting. More of his views on the Chinese Democracy process is always great to hear about, maybe some in-depth questions about certain songs (like Axl himself wanted to talk about Catcher in 2008).

My motive is really to get to hear from uncle Axl. He has always something interesting to say.

Yes, future plans with GNR would of course be interesting to hear about, but I don't think that's exclusively the only thing we as fans are interested in, not to me personally anyways. I agree that favorite color, movie etc. is just fluff that is of little interest really. For me it has to be questions that relate to his profession, music. Questions that can give us some insight to how he views many aspects of the music world, both his own work and generally. Questions with a certain amount of substance.

I have mentioned things before but here's a list of things I would find interesting:

• More insight to the story of Chinese Democracy
• Insight to specific songs on Chinese Democracy
• His views on making music videos nowadays
• Where he finds inspiration to write new lyrics
• Does he compose music exclusively on piano, or does he use computers or other instruments
• How does he feel the music industry stands today (is independent something he will ever consider)
• Is a physical copy of a music release still important to him
• How does he go about creating artwork for his music and on tour. Is he heavily involved in that process
• How does the producing relationship work between him and Caram
• How did he go about learning music production to the point of being a producer
• How does the band go about picking a body of songs for a tour
• Are Paul Tobias and Brain still involved with Guns N Roses behind the scenes
• What were the main qualities of the members of the current line-up that made him decide on them
• Are there any plans on doing anything solo, if not is it something he would like to do
• Would he consider doing a movie score. Members of GNR have done it before and he certainly have shown a great ability to compose orchestration on GNR songs. This I Love instrumental could easily have been a movie score
• Does he prefer to play large or small venues
• Any particular tour stories that stand out
• Would he consider making any more guest appearances with other artist, if so, any preferences

I like those questions

I?m just putting this out there.. This is an interview with Axl that would interest me, and I think Axl would find the questions to be inspiring.  ;)

Now, I realize that if we were ever to do this it should be a collaboration between all members here. This is just an example of how I thought it could be.


Axl Rose ? The "Here Today... Gone To Hell!" Interview

• Hi Axl, how are you?

.

• First off, it?s been a little over six years since you logged on to the message boards and surprised a lot of fans ? thank you for doing that. Was that a fun experience for you getting such an overwhelming amount of feedback and questions at an instant?

.

• Last year, after nearly five years of touring ? how has that experience been for you and the band?

.

• Any particular moments during those years on the road that comes to mind as funny/emotional/exhilarating?

.

• Talking about touring, how does the band go about selecting the body of songs that shall be rehearsed before the tour?

.

• The recent tours have shifted focus a couple of times. You did the ?Up Close And Personal? tour, then a couple of residencies. What are your thoughts on playing small venues vs. big arenas/stadiums ? any preference?

.

• Chinese Democracy was the main focus of the first years (since 2009) of touring. How do you feel the songs have been received in a live setting?

.

• Six years later, how do you feel that the record itself has been received? Do you think it?s been given a fair shake given the expectations beforehand?

.

• The record itself has a pretty long and mythical history, much not known to even the most hardcore fans. Are there things from that process you feel could be interesting for us to know about?

.

• If you have the time, do you have any stories about the different songs on the record ? like when they were written, inspiration for the lyrics and how the songs came together?

.

• Going back to the earliest stage of the re-build of the band, did you have a clear idea of what type of musicians you wanted to work with or did that happen more organically?

.

• Was it difficult to start the process of writing and recording when you had gathered a new line-up given they all came in with quite different musical backgrounds?

.

• Fast forward to the current line-up. What are their main strengths which made you decide on taking them in?

.

• In your opinion, what is the state of the music business today?

.

• Going independent with GN'R. Is that something you have or will ever consider ? or do you feel a record company is easier when having a band of such a magnitude?

.

• Do you think there?s a future for physical music releases?

.

• On the subject of music releases, how involved are you in designing the album cover and booklet?

.

• The same type of question when it comes to the main design of a new tour. Is it important to you having a hand in the stage design (both the stage itself and backdrops, video screen layout and the merchandise) or do you leave it completely to professional companies?

.

• Music production. You and Caram are listed as the main producers of Chinese Democracy ? how is that working relationship? Do you both have separate areas you would work on, or is it all a collaboration?

.

• Is being a producer something you have learned just by being in the business for many years, or have you also taken specific lessons?

.

• Where do you find the inspiration to write new lyrics these days?

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• Have you ever considered doing anything solo ? record or shows?

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• This ties in with the previous question. Several of your band mates have done movie scores, have you ever entertained the idea of doing that?

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• You appeared with Baz on the Angel Down record. Would you consider doing any more guest appearances with other artists or is your focus on the band and yourself?

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• You had a good deal of influence on previous GN?R music videos, specially on many of the Illusions videos. They seemed to be an important part of the music. Do you think music videos have played their role nowadays, or are you open to doing more of them in the future?

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• Finally, we just want to say thank you very much for the time. It?s enormously appreciated! If you have any other messages for your fans, feel free.

I think everyone would agree that I should probably do this interview myself.  Live on a Friday night.   Via Skype    Hahahaha     I don't know if Axl could keep up

Axl Skypes?  :o

I have no idea how facetime or Skype work, same with video chat.

I whole be like a few posters on here and say.....

Yes Axl skypesnand loves FaceTime       Fact!!!

Lol. I don't have a clue if he does.  And fact....   Either do I really.    I travel all the time and have two little minions at home that I would love to see via these methods.   But all they end up seeing is my thumb.   Well I hope it's just my thumb.  Hahaha

Haha, I think I am glad I don't use those programs  :hihi:

Maybe you are The Tommy Stinson of Skype, posting pictures of Mr. Thumby.

Are you hoping he comes by, sees this, and decides to answer all your questions?

I'm confused why you typed all this out here.

An Inquiry and an interview would be wonderful though, under certain conditions  :love:

Lol I might just be.   Or tommy is the skypes version of TheBaconman.  Haha.    I only met the dude once and he was very nice

There is a reason I don't have the Facebook or use the Twitter.   I did at a time.  And it's. Called divorce haha.  

Now I stick to the old fashioned method of talking to people.  Sitting at a bar and talking.    Weird I know

No... As I said: It's an example of how it could be. The questions used are things that intrigues me, but other people most likely have different angles. I'm not saying these are the questions, it's just my suggestions.

Since it was unclear what the aim of the interview would be, and the subject of new music was most likely off the table, I've tried to come up with a list of questions that I feel touches other interesting areas.

The "interview format" was more because people shouldn't mistake the idea with doing a forum chat like in 2008, but rather a proper interview. So it's more to show how I thought we could present it to Axl.


Btw, what conditions do you think needs to be layed down?

It was a little chaotic in 2008 for the chats, people were bombarding him with nonstop questions, some were asanine.

Also, there are some toxic and unhealthy "fans" around that would undoubtedly use any interview as an opportunity to further their agenda.

Yes, this is the point with the "interview" that I posted... Some people are mistaking this idea with Axl coming here to the forum, logging in and people starts firing away questions. This is not my idea. I was trying to show how the whole list of questions will simply be sent to Axl, in a proper interview format.

Axl won't be logging in here at all. We gather questions through suggestions and discussion. Obviously, Jarmo would have to be the one sending the questions to management. He will never allow any questions from people with an agenda to be included, so that problem is nonexistent.  ;)

I see my funny joke has gone missing.. that's too bad.

Spirit .. Your'e intentions are pure.. and I loved the list you came up with. Don't think it's gonna happen tho.

When MYGNR put together a list of questions... it had no prayer.. but they will at least present it to the powers at be. I don't think Jarmo will, I don't think he sees it as his place to present something like this to them. (TB)

I'm not trying to speak for anybody, just my opinion of the situation.

Your funny joke is insulting to others.



Regarding what you think, whatever.
I'm not gonna ask until I'm sure what the aim is of this whole project.




/jarmo

I'm not quite sure what sort of answer you seek. Can you give me an example of an aim?

The best answer I can give is that it'll be a fan interview with Axl were we get to know both him, his work and his views a bit better. It could be about recent touring, Chinese Democracy and music in general (but that's just my suggestion).

The aim of any other media interview is most often to promote a product. Even if there was a product to promote at this time, such an interview request coming from us would only lead to Axl preaching to the choir. So, a fan interview would have a bit different dynamic, with no super-clear subject. It would be other subjects that interests us, in my case the above mentioned subjects.

Well, like I said, would it be a problem if there's no update on new music? How about an update on who's in the band?

Is it supposed to be serious or fun/lighthearted?




/jarmo

Not for me. On the last page I posted what would be my questions within the framework of not digging into new music/next album and current band members.

If we were to do this, I think we first should decide on topics to cover, and then suggest questions. To take my "mock up interview" on the last page as an example, there's a lot of questions covering the topics of touring, Chinese Democracy and music in general (him as a producer, solo efforts, artwork and the music industry).




A bit of both I guess. I think the interview should have some substance with genuine questions related to the topics we decide on, sprinkled with some fun ones.

For me personally I would want certain questions asked.   If they are not.  I understand   

I am like a starving kid that is asking for a nice thick steak.  But if I was just offered a ham and cheese sandwich   I wouldn't complain, as either would be good.   Any communication from Axl would be great

Hahahaha

Same here.  I would phrase it the same way.

Of course we would rather have actual relevant information about the band.  If we could get that, awesome.

But if all we can get are what TV shows he's watching, well, we ain't gonna turn it down.  It just won't be as interesting.

Jarmo is right. If we are to do a Q&A with Axl, there has to be something there for both parties.

If Axl is not in a position to offer anything new or positive, then let's wait, and make the process matter when it does eventually happen.

It is a fairly innocuous and inoffensive campaign really.

So, basically you're saying that an interview with Axl would only be interesting if we can talk about something that lies ahead, like new music? If so, I disagree.


We don't know what position Axl is in, Jarmo hasn't made any contact about this. I wouldn't rule out that Axl could be interested in talking about the subject suggestions I mentioned earlier. It's been his life for the past 15 years, so I would think there're things he might want to share with the fans.

Did you look at my suggestions? Is there anything there that doesn't open up to both new and positive answers. These are genuine questions about the stuff he's been doing for the past 15 years.

As for "there has to be something there for both parties". I think, whatever subject the interview were to be about, be it new album, animal rights or the making of Appetite... you know, any subject. The reason Axl would do it will always be the same: reaching out to the fans. He's not promoting anything for us, it would be useless. We're buying everything he sells anyways. It would be about the artist/fan relationship for Axl.

For us, it will be the appreciation of new knowledge about the artist we care about. The excitement of direct communication with an artist we've loved for years.

Not sure why this has to be an interview, can't this just be a fun chat instead?

let's say it will be whatever he wants. he picks the subjects, we ask questions, he answers if he wants.

Utimately this is Jarmo's forum and Jarmo's call, if he doesn't feel right about it , some need to respect that decision.

I don't think anyone has said otherwise.

This is a great thread.