Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Let me start off by saying this is not intended to be a negative post/topic.  So anyone looking for an outlet for negativity, you're in the wrong thread.  Personally, I have my tickets and hotel for Vegas locked and loaded, and CANNOT WAIT for the bounty GNR fans are about to receive, very soon.

...So anyway...


Does anyone else find it odd that Axl, Slash, & Duff have yet to comment on any level on the reunion regrouping?  This is likely the biggest event in rock since the Van Halen reunion with Roth in 2007, and the three main players continue to be mums the word on their feelings, excitement, etc. regarding the upcoming shows, save for sharing the images likely sent by management on their social media pages.


Axl has been known for his exclusivity when it comes to interviews, but Slash & Duff typically are fairly vocal individuals on their social media and otherwise.  I don't imagine that they would be this quiet on the matter, unless otherwise instructed. Could they perhaps be readying a big all encompassing exclusive interview that includes all three of them?  For example, I would imagine the "big three" appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone with a huge article in tow would explain the lack of commenting thus far.

Could it be that we may not here anything until April 8? 

This has long been my guess.  That's glass half full.

Glass half empty?  This is more about business than any genuine excitement about getting back together, and they aren't going to go through the motions of interviews.

I lean more towards the former than the latter, however.

I think so.  With the VH reunion, there was so much press and interviews before they played that it sort of took the luster off when they actually did.

With Guns, it's like this powder keg that, instead of leaking a little out here and there, they keep packing it full of powder, and keeping everyone guessing and wondering.  Then, when they hit Vegas they blow the roof off the place.  Once the tour (assuming there is a full tour) gets rolling, I think we'll see some interviews.  But until then, IMO they are intentionally keeping silent and letting the intrigue build...and I dig the shit out of that.

I would think that given all the money involved, they will have to do some promotion once a full slate of dates are announced.  

If that's the plan, its an awesome one.  Just takes something of a leap of faith from the rest of us.

you know just enough to NEED?WANT a $500 ticket.....there's no need to let the rest out of the bag yet


and probably some of it is still being worked out....

And I would agree that it takes a huge leap of faith to believe that there is some "monumental promotion" on the horizon...But I really think this is just too big for Promoters to ignore, too much money at stake to *not* market this right.

I'm choosing to believe that we're going to see something along the lines of a RS/Billboard exclusive unveiling. EVERYONE wants to know how this happened and how they all feel about it.  Someone's gonna get that exclusive.  I would imagine the band/Axl/management would prefer it to be somewhat controlled I.E. a RS cover with the big three.

I've been impressed enough with how they've handled things thus far to take that leap of faith.

That may not seem like much.  But if you told me to take a similar leap of faith on TB and TB alone over the past few years, I'd have laughed right in your face.

Whatever the problems may have been in the past, things seem far more together now.  I'm encouraged.

I don't think we are going to get a detailed breakdown about how they kissed and made up.

But I do hope the gag order doesn't go on all spring and summer.

Part of me wants to hear and see them right now 24/7... but at the same time it will make April 8th all that more exhilarating if there is NOTHING and then boom... the 3 of them are standing on that stage doing Jungle or Nightrain 5 feet in front of me.

A quick snippet on the website of the 3 of them at a rehearsal would be magnificent.

Not even playing, because I could see wanting to save that moment for paying customers.

But what about just 90 seconds to 2 minutes of something filmed from across the room of them talking and laughing?

We'd all go apeshit.

100 percent.....

Yeah, but why do that when you can remain silent and still keep everyone on the edge of their seats, ready to leap at any second?

Nothing like the ability to keep people hanging on your every word.... when you haven't even said anything!   :yes:

The announced shows sold out and they didn't say a word.

Maybe there'll be more talk when/if there's more shows announced?




/jarmo

Yeah, announcing these shows under the Axl, Slash & Duff banner certainly seems to be all the marketing they need, especially right out the gates. I guess it's more on a journalistic level that I'm surprised more outlets aren't beating down their doors right now (maybe they are?) to get the exclusive.

Out of all the possible reunions, this was the one that seemed least likely....And it's happening! There's a mountain of a story there, especially on Axl's end. Hopefully we get to hear it soon.

I bet all the media outlets would love to be the ones getting the first interview.
And the band knows it.

It'll be interesting to see how and where it happens....



/jarmo

I would imagine that internally it's a delicate topic.  A lot of feelings were hurt, likely on both ends, over a lot of years.  I wonder just how much they would want to broadcast how that reconciliation went down. Probably some very personal, long talks between Axl & Slash.

A lot of talk backers are saying that this was strictly business and is about big money and little else.  While I'm sure the money in not an unattractive perk, it's not the first offer to land on Axl's lap.  There's been seven figure offers from promoters dating back to 2005 for them to reunite, and it still didn't happen. Something more had to have happened between Axl & Slash to make this possible.

Axl still had a band in 2005.  Still had designs on making this all work.

Come 10 years later, very different situation, all around.

True.  So you think this was done out of desperation? Or do you think it was perhaps the catalyst for giving a reunion regrouping deeper thought? 

We know Axl and Slash were on better terms before DJ quit.  I'm of the mind that because things were on the up and up with Axl and Slash, when DJ punched out Axl probably thought "Well....Why the fuck not?"  And I don't think that makes him desperate.  It makes him smart and shows a fair amount of balls and maturity to take that leap.

I think for the first interview the 3 of them should do it with Del James and post it in Nightrain. Then fans forums and the media can pick it up from there

That'd be somewhat pointless, seeing how wherever it gets posted it will be on Nightrain within moments. Better to do it on a grander scale.  Go big or go home and all that...

I think releasing one photo of them rehearsing would be epic...

i always think back to that photo that was taken of them rehearsing for SCOM, the footage was used in the video... something like that would make me go apeshit. lol

BECAUSE THEY ARE CURRENTLY MAKING THE NEXT GREATEST ALBUM IN ROCK HISTORY!! DUH!!!

 ;D

If GNR didn't have an album with finished vocals, I'd call b.s. on that notion. But they do, so I can't.  Stranger things have happened.  :hihi:

Pointless giving something first to those fans who paid to be members? I don?t think so. But anyway they can do it with Eddie Trunk first, no big deal

Doing an interview at a fanclub behind a paid firewall makes about as much sense as dropping your decade in the making album and "promoting it" via a few random unfocused chats on fan message boards.

Gotta do it where the most people can see it.

Other then a presser with all 3 involved... (which i dont see happening), i think the most likely is a RS cover.. or nothing at all between now and the first show.

I have no complaints with how theyve handled this so far...

would i go ape for an interview or some promotion.. of course... but so far its been pretty exciting and the intrigue levels are through the roof....

VH actually did ZERO press for their 2007 reunion other than the initial press conference. So that's a pretty off-base comparison - unless Guns don't do any either.

Silence is golden right now!

Rolling Stone would be their best bet at national exposure, I would think.  I walk by lotsa news stands on the way to work, and that magazine is still everywhere.

And have always treated Axl very, very well.

Face it, that matters.

Yeah, we've seen that Axl has a long memory for stuff like that.  Hopefully it pays off on the heals of the reunion.

It seems to me that they are taking a really prudent approach.  I think they all feel that the media has pushed their agenda on the band both during and after their time together.  Those comments taken out of context and shit being stirred up really lead to a lot of the animosity between them.  So I feel like they are purposefully keeping the circle super tight so they can do them.   All  takes is one bad quote or whatever to put things in jeopardy.  As Jarmo pointed out, they sold out 2 nights in vegas at ridiculous prices with nothing more than some generic crowd footage over welcome and some artwork.  

With regards to the VH reunion, you may remember that the first time they were back was the 96 vmas.  Then, during interviews, DLR and Eddie started arguing about answers to the press and they had ANOTHER falling out.  So yeah, i'll wait till 4/8.  Last time i saw them on stage together was 3/17/1993.  I can wait another 10 weeks.

This is exactly why I don't share the fire some have for getting chapter and verse about how it all went to hell.

We finally have our miracle, against all odds.  You really want to pick that scab?  The risk of that torpedoing this is worth it to you?

Not me.

They fought.  They made up.  Here we are.  Yay!

All I need.

Perhaps they just don't view the whole 'reunion' as very important? Maybe it's a cash grab to them- they'll play if interested, if not, move on?

Maybe they could release a double album? Why not? It would go platinum so fast.

I don?t think Axl will be very happy doing  interviews with Kerrang and other magazines

I have yet to see 1 single piece of information, ever, that says any of these guys are motivated by money as it pertains to their music businesses.  All of them have turned down opportunities, partnerships, etc. So why would that be the case now?  If it was a "cash grab" it would be the opposite.  They'd be plastered on everything trying to milk what they could out of it.  Seems quite the opposite.  If you want to see "cash grab" go check out how kiss promotes tours. 

How about the ticket price for the Vegas shows?

And have we seen any evidence at all that they care? At no point has any member of the band said they are into it, or excited by this. It's weird.

(I'm playing devil's advocate a bit here by the way, as i am excited, and love the band!)

It's a legit point.  I just don't think we can say yet. 

Right now, yeah, seems weird.  Could be part of the plan.  And once they all talk, it won't seem odd.

If that NEVER comes?  Yeah, that's weird.

For sure. The jury is out as far as I'm concerned at the moment. Initially I thought it wasn't a cash grab, it couldn't be, they wouldn't do it that way etc etc. Recent events (and lack of) have swung me the other way.

Time will tell now.

Amen ....Think about that scenario for a second...they speak nothing...let the media build all of this up (As they clearly have)..meanwhile they've been in the studio since the fall / late summer...and drop a single a month before the 1st  Vegas show.....BOOM

(A guy can hope)
 :beer:

Dr. Dre did that exact thing in August, right before 'Straight Outta Compton' came out.  No one had a clue.

It was awesome too.

that would be the best case scenario. i do remember jarmo saying to appreciate what we have instead of getting our hopes up over new music though, or something to that effect. that was probably some good advice. not saying it couldnt happen, but im kind of done getting my hopes up about it, i think. the idea that we will get some shows is pretty rad in itself though. pretty exciting compared to last year.

I think they are going large...new music, the whole nine yards.  :o

After Coachella Talk Duff & Slash

When was the last time they interviewed him for an article? 1999?

I think Axl prefers to do TV interviews nowadays. Maybe because there's no way they can misuse his words on TV unless with deliberate (and uncommon) edit.

Agree with you I do, Master Yoda.

J/k  :peace:

That is what shows in vegas cost, everything entertainment wise in vegas is expensive. Look at the cost of the major anchor shows at the different properties. They raise the prices so that the comps look better and more 'exclusive'. The recent big name boxing matches in Vegas wouldn't even sell you tickets via primary market unless you had a tens of thousands of dollar line of credit on the gambling floor at the MGM Grand.

A whole lotta speculation following:

I don't think Axl is excited about it at all, to be honest. I think a few factors came into play toward making this thing happen, and tell me if you agree with my assessment:

I believe the label rejected CD II and he was told something along the lines of in essence that no record would be accepted unless Slash and Duff were on it. Hence Richard's talk of some new songs having "seeds from Slash" before this regrouping happened.

I think the Azoff lawsuit settlement forced the touring we saw in 2011-2014 and by the end of it Axl was exhausted. Combine this with Duff coming back into the picture - they probably had many talks about past stuff which might have cleared a lot of misunderstandings, which led to Axl's feelings softening on Slash very slightly - perhaps from utter hatred to a level of tolerance.
 
Then, Bumblefoot gave notice in South America. Fine - Axl probably spent the better part of the year trying to get him back. It's been reported by many insiders that DJ Ashba's departure was totally unexpected by Axl. With Tommy not being able to tour due to personal commitments, and prioritizing the Replacements over GN'R, and then Ashba's sudden departure, I think Axl sort of broke. Caved. "Fuck it", he thought, "I might as well call Slash and Duff at this point." Not due to a lack of options or available replacements, but probably due to exhaustion.

How many times was he going to rebuild Guns with a brand new cast of players and go through that exhausting whole process all over again? Bumblefoot's departure was probably foreseen, but Ashba and Tommy bowing out left him with only a partial rhythm section and keyboardists. I don't think Axl, at his age, at this juncture, wanted to rebuild the core of the band all over again; he's not the 36 year old he was in 1998 who had the youth and energy for that, and at this point, his anger towards Slash had dissipated enough to make the idea of being on stage with him tolerable. And on top of that, that sense of exhaustion came a sense of peacefulness; he's getting older and might have genuinely wanted to mend fences with certain people before it was too late.
 
But, I think Axl probably feels forced into this. Not by managers or Slash or anything else, but by circumstance. I don't think regrouping with Slash and Duff is what he really wants; I think if he had had his way, BBF and Ashba would still be in the band (or more especially, Bucket and Finck) and he'd have released CD II.

I don't think he's excited at all by this, or even invigorated by the money. I think the Axl we're going to see is a guy whose attitude is probably "Fuck it, why not?" more than anything else. Axl said the last 5 years or so were the worst of his life...I think all the fire that was in him is extinguished. Hence the lack of press, hence the lack of any real YEAH WE'RE BACK excitement or media frenzy.
 
I think on Slash's end, this is a side job; an opportunity to make a ton of dough - but he's not rejoined the band in any real or emotional sense. I don't think he considers himself "the lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses" again - I think for him this is a job, a way to rejuvenate his bank account after the divorce, and really a fragile side project that could go belly up at any minute. I don't think he's into it mentally, it probably is to him what GN'R was to all the nu gunners - just a job. Duff is probably doing this because he's a nice guy, to help out Axl, and he's probably a bit excited about the idea of his two friends actually getting along. I think the idea of what the reunion could turn into excited him.
 
But, compare this regrouping to other major regroupings - Mick & Keith in 1989, Steven Tyler & Joe Perry in 1985 - both were huge media events. Even though Mick & Keith got back together purely for the money, they were excited by the prospect of conquering the stadium market. There was a media blitz for it. GN'R's regrouping is just being treated - by the band - as another day at the office; another turnover of members who just happen to be old members rejoining. There's no jubiliation or even emotional catharsis.
 
This could all change once Axl and Slash are on the same stage in front of a full house for the first time since 1993 - that is going to be, I think, both a very weird, surreal and very emotional moment for the both of them and could cement this regrouping as being a real thing, really bring back a genuine bond, just that euphoria of conquering a filled Arena again together, basking in the cheers of the crowds - or, it could go belly up that very night depending on how it all feels to Axl. But, I don't think anyone in the band is particularly excited for this. It's kind of the way Pink Floyd's reunion was, internally; "This is a short term thing, collect our checks, then go our separate ways; blah"

If your premise is correct, how does that explain why my VIPs at The Joint were almost free by comparison?

Or..a little simpler

2 old friends finally got in the same room and just hashed it out like brothers need to do sometimes

Don't need all of the details, don't need a documentary on how this happened

Just bring it now - we've been waiting for this day

I get that this is all your opinion, and you're more then entitled to it.. i pesonally dont think we have anywhere near enough details to draw ANY conclusion at this point on any of the above.

I have seen nothing to indicate that Axl is either super buzzed about this or super non excited about it either... the same goes for any other member of the band.

I think whatever the current marketing strategy is, has worked to create a fair portion of buzz, and it will be very interesting to see what happens between now and the first show kicking off.

My point is, dont jump to too many conclusions mate. This is all still very much in its infancy, and personally, so far, i see nothing to suggest such negativity on the whole project so far as being warranted.

I agree. I was just about to write the same thing. The Las Vegas and Coachella shows sold itself. No interviews are needed right now. When the tour is announced, I'm sure they'll be plenty of interviews.

A few things...

Off Strip vs. On Strip
2 shows vs. weeks worth of shows
And to be honest, 2016 GnR is bigger to the general public than any lineup since 1993

GnR show sold out 2 nights in an ~18K arena in an hour... I haven't seen specifics but looking at the GnR tour index they didn't sell out one night at the Joint (4k seats). It's all about the market for tickets.

Yep.

I know it's not a popular opinion, but I really do have a strong feeling new music is brewing.  The label has to have a hard on for it, following the reunion news. Axl would have all the support in the world, and I DARE THEM not to 110% get behind a GNR release featuring Axl, Slash & Duff, the first original album from them since the fucking Illusions.   

Axl puts these guys on a good handful of tracks, lead single included, and bam. Platinum album. Everybody wins, from my view.

I 100% agree with this. I really believe there will be an album at some point in the next 18 months.

:coffee:

I thought they did the circuit after it was announced.  In any event, they had an initial press conference, which is not what we got here.  I'm content if they choose to do nothing and let the momentum and intrigue continue to build.  Then, the week of the Vegas shows, drop a RS exclusive.  Maybe a photo or two.  I still think it would be pretty bad ass if the first time we see them all together will be on stage. 

stating the obvious, but our best shot at that is if theyve been working on it under wraps since last year. that whole, "richards quote about the songs with the slash seeds" thing meaning a lot more than anyone could have possibly known at the time dream scenario.

I get your point, but think about this:

it took 20 years to put the guys togheter and now and they should go out saying "we're best friend again lalala when after their first gig media will start to break their balls anyway?

We've been waiting for  20 years, we can wait for 1 more month before the thing explodes everywhere...

I think that's maybe a very accurate summary of what a lot of us suspect has happened. It would seem to make a lot of sense- and I think more and more as the days go by that your opinions above could be accurate.

I can't see any excitement about this from the band at all, on any level. We're all hoping it turns out well of course.

yes, that is also my point of view. of course we can still be positively surprised - hopefully! :peace:

It would be different if they had been doing interviews and then seemed very unenthusiastic about this.

? "We don't see any excitement from the band", but have we seen anything at all really?

I wouldn't draw conclusions based on the fact that we've heard nothing from the band yet, that doesn't really mean anything either way.

May The Force Be With You

 8)

Totally agree here. Noone knows a shit. I see the point that everyone wants to know everything but this is Guns N' Roses and the last time when we were on standby they blew us away. It was a month ago, remember?  ;D

Very Interesting

 : ok:

There is absolutely no way any of us could know Axl's reasoning for wanting this.

Sure it's fun to create scenarios...

It sure will be interesting the first time Axl speaks on the matter.

I'd say 'if' he does. I can see them playing these shows, leaving the stage, without saying much at all personally. That would be weird if they did the shows and we still had no idea what was going on!

No there isn't. I was wondering if Axl and Slash have even met yet? There are lawyers to handle all that if you're not too interested in seeing someone. I don't think it's negative wondering why so silent while true we don't know.

Well then basically he is never going to make another public comment again... because whether its next month or ten years from now... the first and only question is how did you make amends with Slash.

Wouldn't shock me in the least to find out they have spent zero time in each others presence yet...

It?s all perfectly plausible, but, IMO, Axl doesn?t exactly strike me as the kind of person who will be forced into doing something.  I think if his heart wasn?t really into a reunion, he wouldn?t do it.  Like the Rock n Roll HOF induction. 

I also don?t think that his decision to want to do a reunion was based on Bumble, DJ and Tommy leaving.  I actually think it was the other way around.  I think these guys caught wind that Axl was leaning towards reunion, and that?s why they decided to leave.  When/if the story ever comes out as to how it all started, I wouldn?t be surprised if Axl and Slash started talking (or at lease communicating through their people) years ago. 

Couldn't agree more... yes it would have been difficult to build a completely new lineup...AGAIN. But he 100 percent wouldn't do this unless he wanted to.

But much of it made a lot of sense, I think.

Here is the only thing I will add to your post, which I thought was very well reasoned and well communicated.

I don't think we are ever getting another album.  From any line-up.  I think Axl knows that it will just be touring from here on out.  And if that is going to be how its going to be, you might as well maximize your profits. 

Playing to a not even full 4,000 seat spot in Las Vegas versus 2 sold out nights at a venue 4 times the size is not much of a brain teaser.  Its fairly academic.

Whether the stadium tour happens or not, there will likely be some sort of large scale nationwide tour.  In more cities and bigger venues than he has played in some time.

I think this is largely a business move.  And a smart one. 

Looking that way isn't it? Business wise, it makes sense for them all. I'd be stunned if we heard any new material at any point- unless it's archive stuff from the Chinese sessions.

I think it might be something of a fork in the road for the fanbase here in terms of whether you want the complete fairytale 'Behind The Music' ending where everyone is best buds again and glad to be together...

...or if you don't really care about any of that shit, and seeing them onstage together is what's important to you above all.

I'm in the latter group.  The former example would be nice, but if this was a strict business arrangement that didn't go much past time time they share occupying the stage, I'd be good with it.

Axl has said he was forced into the 1991 UYI tour, and that he was pressured into doing the 2002 tour even though both times he felt he wasn't ready or didn't want to do it. It wouldn't be the first time Axl did something his heart wasn't truly in.

And his worst ever on stage behavior is that summer of 1991.

I don't even just mean St. Louis.  Check the bootlegs.  Not only very rarely in a good mood, but vey often in a flat out antagonistic and standoffish mood from the first song onwards.

I always figured that was due to the face he was there against his will, somewhat.

I think there's a third group - those that want a band moving forwards. I've never been interested in nostalgia for the sake of it, and would love a move towards new material, and new ideas.

But would this be fair to say? 

Would you not really start feeling that way until they did a second tour?

Here is what I mean.  Could you table that for at least a year or so and let this tour run its course?  And then only really be disappointed if they cranked it back up again in 2018, only without any new material?

I just think this is such a miracle, we should just be happy with whatever we get, at least the first time around.

And consider 2002. No-show the very first night of the tour, making bizarre statements about how it was a 'reunion tour' because he had reunited the pieces of his mind. Philly.

Touring in general must be a drag when you think about it. You're booked on someone else's schedule, playing the same general songs night after night. Your first tour, where you see the world for the first time and have groupies offering you their bodies and dealers offering you everything - that must be really fun. But say you're GN'R in 1993. You're not touring for the love of touring. You're touring to push a product - yourself. How many times can you play Jungle night after night without starting to hate the song? How long can you fake being excited to see faceless crowd #10,000. I imagine touring is what helps bands hate each other's guts. I mean, imagine if your family went on a tour year road trip. Even if it wasn't their fault, you'd start to even resent them a little by the end of it. This doesn't just go for GNR but bands in general. Touring makes being a musician a job rather than a passion. The passion and real art comes out on the records. The only guys who seem to love touring are those with addictive personalities like Slash and Duff, who need to be active or else they might relapse, or guys who really love money, like Mick Jagger, or guys who are intoxicated by the love from the crowd. All doesn't really fall into any of those categories.

After a while, the same old songs get old. The groupies aren't as exciting. They're boring. You've already had every single kind of wild, hedonistic sexual experience you can have. You've tried every drug. You've been to almost every country. You've worn your uniform daily for two years. I firmly believe that Axl's poor vocal performances and his forgetting of lyrics were because the 2011-onward tours were a result of the Azoff lawsuit. The suit was settled in June 2011, and not long after GN'R announced the dates in South Anerica. Look at the energy, the passion in the 2009-2010 performances, the vocal power. Compare it to just a year later. I think Axl's burned out by it all and figures why not reunite, get the big payday, Beta and her family and Axl will be set for life. He can retire with a better legacy and a bigger wallet.

So, you think Axl has let circumstance pressurise him into reforming GN'R? That doesn't really make sense. The easiest thing to do would be to walk away

Yeah, that is probably right actually. If it was a few shows, then a regrouping to start bits of recording, moving forwards- I agree totally.

It is sort of similar to The Stone Roses- they fell out massively, said it would never ever happen. It did, it was nostalgia really, but it carried through because the band were visibly so happy to be playing again. They were out there from the start with a press conference, saying what they were doing- a tour, then possibly some new material, see how it goes. I think their fans loved the shows, and have real hopes of new material coming soon.

yes, very good post. You summarized perfectly what I would've liked to say. Especially the Axl being exhausted part. The man never really had his way. Eventually got tired of swimming against the current. The stress seemed to have got to him physically even.
Let's hope he can relax, possibly even let go of the reins when it comes to everything, let other people take care of business, and not spend a million hours recording, just sing for fun ,not for perfection.

Unless he:

-is either hurting for cash. Given his lifestyle, the Azoff lawsuit, it is possible.
-really wants to get CDII out there somehow. If the label said in 2010 that they weren't going to accept any album without Slash and/or Duff on it...leaves him with little choice.
-wants to continue GNR in some way for a while and retire with grace

This Semi-Reunion Is Only:

- Label
- Bussines
- Full $$$$$

 ;)

I think by circumstance, he means destiny. Not someone or something putting pressure on him right now. Here we are in 2016, do you really think that is how 2001 Axl wanted things to happen the way they did ? I don't.

Money ? maybe, Label ? I don't think so.

Don't become a hater now  ;)

They could hold a press conference about the shows , possible tour, new album . blah blah blah, But it came to GNR is almost impossible to expect it  :-X

I don't see them all sitting at a dais and taking questions.  Even if they did, it would only be Slash and Duff.

But, since that would look awkward as hell, its why I think it won't happen.  Axl will never do it.

Yeah



I see some examples of some classic bands that make a DVD or CD and shows, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and other bands do it.

Thing is, a press conference would be a bad idea. You'd have journalists (who love drama) asking awkward questions and trying to pry, which could potentially open up old wounds and derail things.

Whole lotta negative spin in this thread.  I'm not buying a whole lot of it.  Yeah, Axl was between a rock and a hard place when DJ & Tommy split...So he did the right thing and called up Slash & Duff.  Great decision for the band and definitely the fans, I would think. Jesus, what would you guys be saying if he brought back Robin & Bucket? What would the negative spin be there?

The truth is that we have NO IDEA WHATSOEVER what Slash & Axl's current relationship is, or what really led to the reconciliation that ultimately led to the impending reunion.  We have no idea how things are going in Axl's rehearsal space that Slash tweeted the pic of his Les Paul from.  I know we've been through some hard times as fans, but c'mon, buck up already.  

This picture of a desperate and broken Axl some are painting saying "fuck it all, bring back Slash & Duff" is an utterly simplistic outlook to have, and doesn't make a whole lot of sense going by, well, everything he's said and done over the past 20 years.

I don?t think Axl just woke up one day and he said "Hey I feel like doing a reunion now" Tommy said in his last interview that in his opinion Axl found himself with 3 members gone. Sure Axl could walk away. But maybe he just doesn?t want to do yet.

I think destiny/circumstance has determined the timing of the reunion, I can see that. But I think human nature has determined why it has happened.

What these three guys did together was dig a niche in rock n' roll the size of the grand canyon.  Deep inside they all knew they brought out the best in each other...Which is probably one of that factors that fueled their feud for so long. The fact that they're not denying in anymore is such a great thing.

Does it surprise you at all?

The so called happy times are now focusing on how things could be wrong. All hypothetically speaking.
I guess the happiness of the regrouping got old already?  :hihi:


Personally, I think it's pretty exciting times. I refuse to buy all the negative coming from certain corners of the so called fan base. More of the usual.
I never was one of those people hoping there weren't any shows because in my mind it automatically meant something else would replace that activity. I'm more about enjoying the moment.

Which is why I don't also don't go for the "Oh, they'll never....." routines. Axl said he never wants to release a new album? I must've missed that tweet!

How many times can a person be wrong about GN'R before they stop thinking they know what's going on or what's gonna happen?  :hihi:



/jarmo

That would be my concern.

Some dude reading Axl's past quotes about Slash right back to him, and asking him to speak on them.  With Slash sitting right next to him.

Awkward as hell.  I see no upside there.

AJajJAjajA,,, Not, Only Opinion, I LIKE This Line Up

 : ok:

'Axl, what did you mean when you called Slash a 'cancer and better removed?' -smug journalist chuckle-, am I to assume you're fine with being 'cancer ridden' as it were?'

'Slash, back in 1995, you said Axl thinks GNR is his solo project, and you've said he never had any respect for you. What's changed?'

Cue awkward silence followed by quiet cancellation of all tour dates.

I could see an Eddie Trunk which is friendly with all the guys doing an interview. A free-for-all press conference is too risky I agree.

Yeah, it's just bizarre to see these long, rolling hypothesis putting a negative spin on the on the reunion. Almost seems like some are going out of their way to take the wind out of their own sails.  I don't understand it.  I see nothing but great times ahead, and in my opinion there's nothing to worry about until there's something to worry about.

Exactly.




/jarmo

What I don't see is any of them doing it for the money alone. That part I don't agree.
They can offer me 3 million dollars, I wouldnt play with someone I hate. Both Slash and Axl appear to be men of integrity.
They must've made up, most likely thanks to Duff (NO way DIce and Tyler) , and once they made peace, then they started talking about money.

IDEM

 ;)

Different levels of making up though, no?

In between "I'd rather set myself on fire than be in his presence" and "I want things to back to the way they were" there is a middle ground.

That middle ground is "We can at least be civil and put any differences aside for the sake of the work."

Could that be what's going on?  Maybe.  Who knows?

Me, personally, if that's the deal, I'm fine with it.  I was never part of the camp that treated any of these guys as personal acquaintances and concerned myself with their personal thoughts and feelings.  I simply love the music they made together and would love to once again enjoy them to continue performing it together.

If they are blood brothers again, great.  If this is simply a marriage of financial convenience, so what?  We got a great outcome, either way.

IMO it wouldn't make any difference if they did a press release or press conference or tv show or magazine interview.

Whatever the questions are, whatever 'they' decide to tell us, does anyone really expect it to be the god's honest truth?

Just like all the stories from all the people who somehow had a hand in getting the parties talking again, we're probably going to get just as many DIFFERENT stories from all those actually involved, including the players, especially because of all the 'awkward' things that have been said over the years.

IMO, I think they're all going to have 'fun' with any stories/answers that they give.... truth be damned!  ;D

Watching David Bowie's Five Years documentary something struck me as a similar  scenario with Guns.  That being that he could have but refused to pander to demands of fans or the media, choosing instead to leave 'em wanting more, as a life style choice.  It isn't inconceivable that in being quiet, they (GnR) are letting the hype drive the demand, it doesn't cost anything and yet the world will  watching (some might say it the same ways as why some watch motor sport.. to crash and burn) to see what happens. Perhaps up to a couple of weeks before (if that even) first 4 shows I predict that no significant news occurs but that certainly after that a high yield tour programme will emerge, through announcements rather than interviews, and definitely not live ones.
 

'
ah, but both things are related.
Art is never work. Maybe touring when you don't feel like it and press conferences and photoshoots (although Jim morrison took photoshoots as art as well)
Maybe some of those things they view as work. But I don't believe creating music is ever work for a real artist.

If they see a song as a work project to be delivered on a deadline, to be sold to a market, most likely that song will suck.

So even if they get together to ''work'' as you say for the sake money ,I believe even the live experience can suffer from it.

Slash and Axl are not two executives putting their differences aside for the sake of stock value, the company's worth and delivery.

However, as unlikely as I think that is, if they ever do think of GNR as a corporation, they will fail in everything they do.

I think we probably will get a pretty substantial interview with Axl, Slash and Duff at some point in the near-ish future - likely enough around about Coachella.  I don't think it'll be a press conference with them at a table and a bunch of hacks in a hall; but rather something like a lengthy podcast with someone like but not necessarily Eddie Trunk, or a feature piece in a rock journal like Rolling Stone.  It'll be with someone they trust.  I'm sure that the band want as much control over all the variables as possible, and while of course people want to know what happened, there's a difference between, "So, Axl, what about that 'cancer' stuff, eh?" on the one hand, and "So, how did this come about" on the other. 
As long as they have the freedom/ control to present it how they want to, they will.