Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Eddie Trunk Podcast - Todd Kerns

Feb. 18, 2016

Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators? bassist Todd Kerns joins Eddie Trunk on this episode to discuss his forthcoming record for his latest project, TKO. The bassist also discusses his thoughts on the Guns N' Roses reunion.

Todd says the Conspirators still plan to record their next album this year and talks about how and what he's heard about the news.  Eddie Trunk gives his take on the reunion, I've transcribed some of it below:


Eddie Trunk: It's a big question mark how far it goes, and nobody wants to say too much because they just don't know. And I think that what's most telling about all this and is almost stunning, is there is, fans can't be made blamed for speculating because there's zero information or interviews being done. Nobody is talking at all about anything on an official level. And I asked Slash's manager today will there be a press conference.  As much as I am friends of Slash and can text him whatever, I'm not going to put him in that position, I wouldn't do that. But at the same token the professional side of me, my audience wants to know, hear from these guys now that we know at least three of them are playing, how did it happen, what's the future, they want things answered and none of those answers are forth coming. And Slash's manager told me today there isn't going to be any interviews. That there isn't going to be press. There just like, they're just like in blackout mode right now. 

This whole thing is clearly being marketed and focused on Axl Slash and Duff. That's what it's all being sold on. But I think it's a really interesting thing, to figure out why you would think something of this magnitude -- because I said to Slash a while ago when he was denying it when I knew it was happening, I said to him, dude, deny it all you want but it happens I want to host the press conference. Cause I'm like, there's gotta be a press conference. There's gotta be a big bells and whistles launch. And there isn't.  There isn't going to be one, and I even know the people in Axl's camp and I mentioned it to them -- maybe it's because they don't know, they don't want to say anything. 

I still believe in the bigger picture it really comes down to the fact -- I don't think they know. I honestly don't think they know. I think they know that they want to hopefully do more shows, and they hope to do a tour, they're feeling that out. But I don't think they have the answers right now, which is probably why Axl pulled out of Kimmel, they don't have answers to give people. Take baby steps see what happens, if it goes well then there's more. If it doesn't we're going to shut it down and you'll be getting a call to go do Conspirator dates. I think it could go either way.

Audio here: http://www.earpeeler.com/2016/02/18/eddie-trunk-podcast-et-todd-kerns/

And the award for the person who knows the least goes to:
Eddie Trunk. :hihi:

And there's the essence of all this talk....




/jarmo

Funny how Eddie Trunk wants to be the one who holds the press conference when he is the same guy who thought Guns N' Roses weren't good enough to go into the Hall of Fame first ballot.  It wasn't a one off comment either, he has complained about GN'R getting into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot for the last 4 years every time some band he had on his lunchbox in the early 80's doesn't get in.  What a clown.  Also I could just imagine his press conference.  "So Axl, Slash and Duff, you guys are playing together for the first time since 1993, so what's your favorite Kiss song recorded since then?"

I am a fan of the no press thing.  Keep all the noise and nonsense out of this for now.  These days in the click bait world we live in any sentence that comes out of the bands mouth will be manipulated to create stories that don't even exist.   Bands mostly do press to sell something, GNR need no help selling these shows. 

Yeah Gn'R had every right to get in on the first ballot. The impact of AFD was massive when it hit.

It was the "White Album" of the 80s, in the feel that it was very different to what was going on at the time.

In theory they have just 3 studio albums really, but whatever they did had a huge impact.

I understand why they're not doing any press and I know it's probably for the best, given all their drama in the media for the last hundred years and the effect a misplaced comma could possibly do to their brand new restored relationship.
But I REALLY want to know how this all happened. Does it make any sense? No.

I also think that they probably don't want to talk about what they've said/happened in the past, like "So, Axl, you said Slash was a cancer, how do you feel about that now?" Of course I'm exaggerating, but you get it, some really uncomfortable situations and questions, especially if they did interviews together.

The absolute best thing they can do is say NADA! Sorry fellas but mystique does actually mean something.....don't say one word just show up in Vegas and kick ass. What do they have to promote right now? Tickets are sold.

I don't need to know why Axl and Slash went sideways. IT DOESN'T MATTER! They are back and are going to give it a go. 

Ain't that the truth.

I agree. It keeps people talking because they have to keep guessing.




/jarmo

I agree with the timing, but I would think if they kick ass over these first 6 shows some kind of sit down with the right person for the right media outlet makes sense. Even if it is Del sitting down with the 'Big 3' and releasing a transcript on gunsnroses.com to the fan club, then releasing it as a press release would be better than nothing.

There is definitely an aura around the silence that adds to the anticipation...but for guys n gals like us who have been breaking down everything they said about each other the past two decades it would be cool to get some insight.

Fans on Eddie Trunk "It's A Big Question Mark Why Anyone Gives A Shit What You Think"

I'm all good them not doing media at this point.  But there's nothing I'd like to see more, besides them playing at MetLife, (oh and CD II material), than a big 3 long form interview. 

I don't think they *need* to say anything either.  Not yet, anyway.  But I do see why the music world, media and fans are utterly curious about what led to this, and ultimately, what the future holds for GNR. 

However, it appears that Trunk is foaming at the mouth for the wrong reasons here.

I don't necessarily disagree, but I'm not so sure.

I mean other than the message boards, who is really guessing? I think this works in the 1990s but with 24-7 news coverage, the internet, the "give-me-more" attitude of society, etc. I wonder if it all gets lost.

I mean, they got a big burst right at the beginning - with the cochella announcement. Mainstream sites and news outlets picked up the tory. But since then there hasn't been a lot or anything really. At least not mainstream.

There comes a time when you have to/should do interviews, no matter how small. I think sometimes you have to do something to keep people guessing or there's really nothing to guess about. At this point even the message boards are speculated-out.

I personally don't care. I'll go see them. But, for example, I don't know if my co-worker, who still thinks it's "Axl and his hired guns", would go until I told her that it's going to be the original core.

Even the Stones did a lot of media interviews on last summer's tour and even during the build up (Hey, this could happen with GNR as well, it's still early).

Anyway, just my two cents. We're still a ways out from the first show. I suspect there will be another announcement. And, obviously, they'll be reviews of the shows. If they're great shows, then perhaps the band can let that speak for themselves. We'll see.

http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/board/index.php?topic=67045.0
http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/board/index.php?topic=66775.0


Obviously there's more than those examples...


/jarmo

I'm not sure what they need to promote, with the exception of the 2nd Mexico show, all their shows are sold out.  They seem to have plenty of media coverage keeping their name in the news.

For me it's not a matter of promotion. Clearly this reunion didn't happen because some fairy godmother made it happening. So at some point I'd like to have a few details about it.

This promotional "strategy" is weird.

Now some people get all hot and bothered and start with the impassioned defenses.  I'm not saying its bad, just that its odd.

But, just to throw some red meat to the folks that live for the perceived slight, do you think there is any correlation between not doing any promotion whatsoever and the fact this is far more business than something they are gung ho about?  Like...is this more just a job than fun?

I disagree with Trunks conclusion:

They won't talk to me (and some sour grapes about not being asked to host the presser) doesn't, to me, instantly mean "Details aren't final and they don't know what's going on".

We KNOW they have dates set up around the US on reserve.  Witness Chicago, etc. 

We KNOW they plan to tour the US.

We KNOW Slash, Duff, and Axl are going to share the stage.

What we don't know is "the story"...and we don't really NEED to, at this stage. We just want to.

I think they know exactly what's going on, for the most part. I think the major details are decided on and set.  I think there are probably some final i's to dot and t's to cross with the venue, the logistics, etc before they can officially announce what those plans are.

I think their silence isn't an indication that it's business, more than fun, or creative drive (FYI, I think it's d) all of the above, in generally equal parts).  I think its a) an overabundance of caution and b) an overwhelming desire to control the message as much as possible.

That means it goes out on their terms, at the time of their choosing.  If they prefer to maintain the mystique until they are, literally, on stage the first time together (or just before...say with a presser on the eve of, or the day of, the first Vegas show?)...I'm totally OK with that.

I honestly don't feel the need to "read into" anything in this case.  Right up through the reunion and Coachella announcement, people (including some now sort of critiquing) were praising the run up, the PR, and the management of the whole thing.

Now....a bit of silence from the principal members instantly means "something" because idle minds feel the need to speculate.  And Trunk needs to drive traffic to his blog, social media, and web page (esp now that his show is cancelled).

IMHO, it's bunk.  Trunk is jumping to the conclusion that "they don't want to talk to me" means "they can't talk to me because they don't know how far it's going to go".  I think that's a much bigger leap than you can safely make, given what we know.

So..there you go.

As much as I'd like to hear these guys spell out the "whys" behind the reunion, I do get that the media hasn't exactly been kind as far as fanning the flames of the feud between these guys over the many years it's taken to get here.  I get that there would be concerns about words being twisted and under the belt questions being thrown their way, potentially derailing what may be a fragile truce.  

At this point, I'd rather they concentrate on rehearsals and putting together the best GNR show ever.  And maybe, just maybe, readying some new music.  I could see why doing any sort of media would be a risk and a distraction before these shows are under way, as much as I want to hear them blab for selfish reasons.

And, lets face it, they've been burned before when stuff they've (esp Axl) said hasn't gone exactly, 100%, as described as it's planned at that exact moment in time.

So I can understand, as GnR, how you might wait a little longer to talk about details than, say, Beyonce or Aerosmith or whatever.  You want to make sure that, when you go out there and say your piece, it's going to go EXACTLY as described, so you can't get raked over the coals over any niggling detail differences.

And for those that say that wouldn't happen: Bullshit.  Because it has happened, and continues to happen.

I think the major details are in place, including dates and venue reservations, by and large.  They're just getting everything together.  And I suspect that after the US tour is announced, or maybe just before the first show, we'll get more details and explanation and press.

But, for now....lets be honest: What does the press get them? They've sold out practically every show announced so far, and SUPER fast.  So.....the extra press gets them..what at this exact moment?

While coinciding it with the actual announcment of a US stadium tour raises awareness and might get more ticket buys. Right?  Or maybe just after that announcement?

Yeah, agreed.

If they just released a the full slate of dates, I think that's enough.  That's more important to me than some blow by blow of the past 20 years.

Probably a bit of a stretch to say they "sold out" Coachella.  Was encouraging how quickly the Las Vegas tickets went though.

As soon as they release dates, that's picked up by every outlet.  We'll all start to get ads and such on our FB pages and so forth.

Tickets went on sale after the announcment, yes? They sold out, yes?

If you want to quibble and say that they were not the entire reason for that...fair enough.  But in this case it's purely a semantic argument in nature.

Because, the point remains: The tickets sold out like gangbusters, essentially in minutes for all but one show (and that show really only has limited tickets left), in every show that they are on the bill for.

What would additional press have gotten them in that scenario, for Coachella?  In Vegas? In Mexico?

Answer: Nothing, really. At most, maybe they sell out the 2nd show in Mexico's crappy/solo seats.

So why does it not make sense to hold that stuff back until it garners you an advantage or tangible benefit?

Just a small batch I believe.

I think the majority of tickets were sold last summer.

If past years are any indication..the majority of weekend one tickets are sold at the presale, and the majority of weekend 2 are held for the general onsale.

It's been pretty close to 50/50...maybe 60/40..in years past.

Was this year advertised as different?

Has Coachella ever not sold out?

Don't know.  Just asking.

Yes. Though it's sold out the past few years, as it's notoriety has increased.

Which, actually, only substantiates the point I'm making.

Edit: Specifically, it did not sell out in 2008....I don't think it sold out in 2009, though it may have sold out JUST prior to the event.

Does it though?

If that's true, would it not still be sold out, Guns N' Roses or no Guns N' Roses?

Is this like saying you are taking full credit for selling out the Super Bowl?

I don't think it was advertised with any numbers like that.

Going by the wording used in articles/info about the January sale, it leads me to believe that the January release was smaller than the June 4th one.

"... make sure you?re one of the lucky few who manage to snag a ticket to the festival."

"Anything we have left will go on sale when the line up comes out next year."

"... but some more general admission passes will go on sale Wednesday January 6, 2016 at 11am PST?while supples last, which won't be long."

You're not reading the actual point, you're fixating on a semantic detail. So, yes, it does

What would press gain them?

Regardless of why you think Coachella sold out...what benefit does extra press get them.

In fact, if it sells out regardless, that furthers the point: There's no benefit because it's going to sell out anyway.

And Vegas/Mexico did likewise, absent press.

So.....now...wanna tackle the question/point?

I can only tell you, based on wrap up reports, how it's worked in previous years.  The don't release concrete numbers, but they have said the above (from my post) in their wrap ups the past 4 years.

We'll have to wait until late may/early june when the 2016 info gets released to know for sure.

They used similar wording, above, for the advance sale, along with "your only chance to use the payment plan". It's marketing speak to drive urgency (which is warrented, all things considered).

For Coachella?  None.  The event sells itself.

For a supposed nationwide stadium tour where you are selling yourself?  I think some widespread mainstream press is perhaps a better strategy than hearing from a guy that knows a guy that may or may not be Eddie Money on a fan message board.

But perhaps you need to enter a conversation not starting from the base point that whatever they happen to be doing is obviously brilliant.  Don't know.

This position the band is in is very sensitive.  I don't think anyone wants to spoil it. 

The fact is there are no real answers (imo) for the bad things that were said. They arent
ready to deal with any of it.  Get some shows under their belt, and things might change.

For now everyone just wants to make it through the first leg/round.

Everyone is walking on egg shells to make this work.

We are still talking about a rock band's summer tour, right?  Not a nuclear arms treaty??

I get that point you are making, but its getting a little overdone, no?

With all due respect how do you know what is going on in the inner circles of GNR? I think they are holding back because so much of the media in the music world has a twisted agenda. Duff spoke about this in his book. I don't think anybody is walking on eggshells. I like the anticipation.
I also think the only interviews Trunk will get will be with Stevie saying how he should be the full time drummer after his little high wears off from guest appearances.

You're making my point, for me.  That's EXACTLY what I'm saying.

No benefit for Coachella, or Vegas, or Mexico.

Has there been a nationwide stadium tour announced yet?  No.  So why do the press, yet?  You're saying, above, that as soon as it's rumored they should comment? Because Eddy Money is? You think the average ticket buyers attention span is THAT long, if the announcement is still a bit down the line? I mean, Coachella was announced almost 8 weeks ago.  Or that, if they comment, and some niggling details turn out to be wrong, they won't take flak for it?  You're arguing they should do press WHEN THERE IS NO EARTHLY BENEFIT OR REASON TO DO IT AT THIS POINT. Is that clearer? It makes little sense to do press without benefit.

If you wait until JUST prior to the announcement of that tour, or just AFTER the announcement of the tour...you garner the most benefit of that press.  Because it, in itself, is news, and drives eyeballs to the onsale.  It makes the interest in you "fresh", while tickets are on sale (or about to be on sale) in an endeavor that you might actually derive some benefit from the press.

I'd offer the opposite is also true, and probably MORE true: Assuming they are fuck ups, and everything they do is wrong, is likely not a great jumping off point.  And we're not really at a point where what is being suggested is strictly necessary. So saying "Lets wait and see what they do at the point it would ACTUALLY make sense to be doing press" isn't such a crazy notion.

I'm certainly not arguing what they're doing is brilliant. I'm telling you that, in the world of PR, what they're currently doing actually makes sense.  Now...if they announce a tour, tickets go on sale across the country, and that isn't shortly followed by some press...then, yeah, we can scratch our heads and pozit why that is, and maybe play some monday morning QB.

Now?  Too early in the game.

Unless you're Trunk, and trying to drive traffic to your site, and you're butthurt that you weren't the first phone call after the guys got back together.

You're not, are you?

Another great post from Pilferk  : ok:

Agree 100%

pilferk -

What would you say if we actually get all the way to that first gig in April, and we still hear nothing about a full tour?

As I, and a few others have said, our FB pages are filled with news of other bands playing summer gigs.  Some with dates well in advance, as late as late August.

I guess my question to you really is that will there ever be a point you are willing to say "OK, now its finally a bit odd we still know nothing".  Is that even in the cards for you?

Thanks.

I get we all WANT to know what's going on, and the True Hollywood story of how it all came about.

But...Trunk speculating that the silence means anything other than "We don't want to talk about it right now. We'll comment when we see fit", and the rabble rousing it's doing is mind blowingly stupid.

He has an agenda (a financial one!), and it's pretty obvious he's a little ticked his buddies have cut him out of the conversation.

So he dreams something up that will, in one fell swoop, drive traffic and "egg on" his friends to comment to him.

I generally like Trunk. I've spent time with him, personally. But he is a SHAMELESS self promoter.  He always has been, and, to be honest, it's served him very well.

But you have to look at everything he says, about ever subject, publicly, through that lens.

GnR are silent, at this point, because they are, and reading any more into that, without direct input from "them" is sorta stupid, IMHO.  Especially when there is actually logical (and historical) basis for them to be silent, right now.

Are we not capable of just waiting to see what happens? Oh, wait...of course we aren't.

1) I'll let you know in late April "how I feel".  Why do I have to predict my reaction to something "now", that's potentially 8 weeks away? Is that the way you live your life? Perpetually looking for (relatively inconsequential) potholes months away and predicting how you will react?  I don't generally live my life playing a big game of "what if"

I'd say that, if we hit May 1, with no tour announcement a) I'd be shocked and b)I'd say chances for a summer stadium tour are low, especially considering there are July dates that are quasi-booked, and 8 weeks prior to some of those dates might be a stretch for an on sale.  Not out of the realm of possibility, but....a stretch. 

Having said that, early late February is a LONG way from May 1.  If you took that same time period (between now and May 1 is, what...68 days?) and went BACKWARDS...we don't even have shows announced, or a confirmation of the reunion.

But none of that has anything to do with press....

2) I think I outlined, in my post above, when I would feel that way. So, yeah....it is.

But that times isn't now. Not even close.

So now my question:

Is it ever in the cards for you to not jump at the first inkling of an inklng of a possibility that things aren't going exactly as you would like, jump on it, assume the worst possible outcome, and run, screaming with it like the place is on fire?  Is that in the cards for you?

I'm being glib, but honestly....it's a thing for you.  Your level of patience, in general, is TERRIBLE.  I'm not asking you to be all kittens and rainbows, but jeesh...the sky is constantly falling with you.  Sit back, take a deep breath, and maybe enjoy the ride a little?  See how things play out a bit.  It's the 1st quarter. Lebron only has 8....doesn't mean he won't have 45 by the end of the game (or half time). 

We have a reunion.

We have shows booked.

There are RUMORS of new music and a larger tour.

And you want to jump on why...when there's no real tangible benefit to doing it TODAY, right now...GnR isn't out talking to everyone who will listen (or maybe just Kimmel).

We can do that later. I promise.  If they haven't done press by shortly after (a week or two) a larger tour goes on sale, I'll even agree with you and buy more rounds of patron.

That's what this is about, huh?  I haven't bought rounds in a couple days.....

Keep fighting the good fight, pilferk...




/jarmo

I look at each situation independently and judge it on its own merits.

Examples :

- Thought the Coachella rollout was well done.  Said so.
- Thought the way the fan club has taken care of fans for tickets was well done.  Said so.
- Thought the early talk about how quickly the band got into rehearsals was encouraging.  Said so.

- Thought the Kimmel thing was sloppily handled and fed into the stereotype this band is the gang that can't shoot straight.  Said so.
- Think the fact they can't even so much as announce a line-up is a bit odd.  Said so.
- A bit concerned how much people seem to embrace that this is the most fragile situation in music history and all this silence is needed, lest it all goes to hell.  Said so.

In a nutshell, I never start from the point that whatever course of action the band takes is obviously the right one.  And then set out to browbeat anyone that doesn't feel that is their duty as a "good fan" to view everything through that prism.  I find that that to be faulty logic, and a mindset only embraced by people with that same approach to everything.

I will never accept simply saying "does <insert subject here> seem odd to anyone else?" should always, always be met with "you got some fucking set of balls on you, ingrate."

Never have, never will.

Trunk may have added motivation for some self promotion as well, did anyone read the statement following TMS being dropped?

Here it is:

VH1 Classic has decided against producing any more episodes of "That Metal Show", the hard rock/heavy metal talk show hosted by Eddie Trunk, Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine.

Trunk, Jamieson and Florentine said in a statement: "It has been an incredible run of eight years, roughly 125 episodes and some really cool specials.


"The global response to 'That Metal Show' has been simply amazing, and we will be eternally grateful for the support from the rock and metal fans that have showed us so much love. We truly would have never made it as long as we did without you! A huge thanks also to the great crews we had over the years both in New York City and Los Angeles, to our producer Jeff Baumgardner, and to all the executives at VH1. And finally, thanks to the hundreds of artists that joined us on our set, had fun with us, shared their stories and many, many laughs. From the biggest names in rock history, to the up-and-comers: we thank you all for being a part of it.

"Of course we very much want to keep 'That Metal Show' alive, and with the blessing of VH1 Classic, we've got the keys to the show and are currently searching for a new home. We're not sure where we'll land, but we hope to be back in our studio and your living rooms as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep an eye out for us on the road and come say, 'Hello.'

"Thank you for watching all these years, and we'll keep you posted as soon as we have news to share."


Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/vh1-classic-will-no-longer-produce-that-metal-show/#ZUHqXZZOsfB4PYL4.99

Honestly, the episode Axl was on was the only one I ever saw.

I know you think that...or at least purport to. I'd offer up your view is as askew as Kevin Smiths and, since you're so close to the "situation", your assessment might be off.

Because I will tell you, categorically, thats not the case. You bring your bias to every discussion. We all do.....yours is just different than others bias.

You jump from the other side of the pool, and have to be dragged to the shallow end.  


Let me translate:

When its a no brainer, and no reasonable person on mother earth could think otherwise, I will grudgingly...VERY grudgingly and in as few words as possible...give credit where it's due.

And in ANY situation where I can be the contrarian, and point out the foibles, I will. At great length.

Because honestly, thats the way it looks.

To be clear: I'm generally OK with that.  We'll do our back and forths, but I don't take you to task for being who you are, and "doing you".  Honestly, it forces me to examine and work through the logic behind my own opinions, which is always good (and sometimes challenging..though this isn't one of those times).

BUT, there is a difference between THAT, and the jumping off point HERE (and in other spots). This is flat out reactionary.  It's jumping to judgement, and defending the position, when there's no real reason to get there, yet.  It's taking the first inkling of anything negative and, like a dog with a bone, just not letting go. You're rabble allowing yourself to be roused (and I do blame Trunk, at least a bit, in this instance).

It's not about kittens and rainbows, here. It's about patience.


So...that's what I just said.  You don't give anyone the benefit of the doubt. It's guilty until proven innocent. And, in this case, it's THE FIRST SIGN OF "guilt", because they're not doing exactly what you think they should, when they should, for no good reason, really.


Great, but...you're having the discussion with me.  And that's not what I'm doing.

I've laid out a well though out, logical reason why they might be doing what they're doing.  And I'm saying you're being impatient to rush to judgement. That you often are.

Show me where I said you weren't a good fan, in this discussion, and I'll buy you a BOTTLE of patron.


And it wasn't, here.

It was met with "Here's why its not odd"...and "you're being a little hasty, here, all things considered" as the post script.

To which you're decending into a tirade about how you're being persecuted.

Which..honestly...demonstrates the strength of part 1, above, and the truth behind part 2.

Me too. Great find Emily.  : ok: I understand his anger and desperation more now. He still annoys me and Karma has come to collect her due from him.

Yeah, I think I mentioned that his show had been dropped earlier in the thread.

Thats been one of my points, in all this. Trunk is engaging in self-promotion, to raise his own profile, and relate himself to a topic thats big news right now.

I give it when its earned.  This band has long extinguished any reasonable expectation of the concept, in my opinion.

Like what I've seen in 2016, for the most part.  Already seen more cohesion and general competence in the past 2-3 months than I saw in 10 years.  In many ways, in my opinion, its a new day and a better day for GNR fans.  For the most part, they should be commended.

But are we really saying that the band doesn't know who is taking the stage on 4/8/16?  Is that what we're saying?  That doesn't strike me true.  5 weeks out and its still anybody's guess who will be there striking the opening chords?  Really?  Seems hard to believe.

And I struggle to see all the supposed risk in a release saying "here is who will be playing".  If for no other reason than to get people to stop asking the question.

Also tend to think segments of this fanbase, you very much included here, will bend over backwards and work overtime to come up with reasons its all part of the plan.

Sometimes, you just have to say, "that's kind of weird" and not have it be found nefarious.

Regarding an announcement of the tour..

If they are consciously marketing the return of Axl/Slash/Duff to sell the most tickets that they can, then the announcement of a full tour would have to come before the first show.

Was talking just yesterday to one of my buddies who wants to go.

He was saying that he didn't think they would announce dates until they see how Coachella goes.

I countered with the possibility that the full list drops the weekend they play Vegas, and the band can tell people to check them out when they get home.

I'm just thinking of reasons to keep the line-up of the band a secret.

Marketing purposes seems like a good reason.

Once that first show starts, everyone knows the line-up.

If the secrecy of the line-up is indeed done for marketing, it would make more sense to have tickets go on sale before April 8.

So, short term (and we are definitely in the short term)...that doesn't buy them the benefit of the doubt?


You might be saying that.

I'm saying there's no benefit, at this point, to making the announcement as to who is going to be on stage, when.

I think they do know.  And they're not saying.  For reasons.

I don't demand the right to know those reasons, or their logic.  I can see a few logical paths to why that might be..and that's good enough for me.  And, generally, I'd be OK with "Because we don't wanna", too.  Because, as you cite above, history tells me they have good reason to not talk about it.

What if the answer is: Izzy and Stephen for 7 songs, Frank and Richard for 12 songs, and everyone for the encore. And Chris and Dizzy on keyboards at various points throughout the show.

Can you see how talking about that might breed confusion over just letting it actually happen, organically, on stage? Or how it might work out if Izzy flaked or Stephen ended up unable to perform day of show?  And..to what benefit for them, making that announcement vs the potential harm?


I just layed it out.

And the better question is: Whats the benefit to them, rather than "whats the harm".

You're looking at is as the guy who desperately wants information, rather than the entity who holds the information.  You have different goals and objectives.  There's your answer to your question.


I will pursue logic and evidence over suppostition and conjecture every time, yes. Maybe to a fault.  I don't see that as bending over backwards, though YMMV.  In this case, for SURE, that's not the case.  It's a simple concept.  There's no hoops to leap through.  It's a simple question: Whats the benefit for them.

The answer is: There isn't any.

Case solved.

And sometimes I do say "That's kinda weird".  But my jump off point is, since I'm not intimately involved in the day to day...the people behind the scenes likely know more than me...so are better equipped to make decisions  than I am.  That's not to say they can't make mistakes...they can, and have.  And we've talked about them before.

I will also go the flip side on you, and say pot, kettle, black. Because some people, and I would very much put you in that number, bend over backwards and work overtime to find fault, and always assume the worst, and point out that "whatever" is NOT part of the plan, both in terms of the reasoning behind the decision and the outcome.  So I guess we both have our crosses to bear. ;)

I actually think, if you can, you push it to either between the Vegas and Coachella shows, or between the two Coachella weekends.

But that 's just me.  I'm not sure they can logistically do that.  Maybe.

Because it gives those who have any doubt some show history to see whats what.

I actually expect they'll announce something much sooner than that....maybe around mid March.

But are you almost implying they are being deliberately obtuse, if not dishonest? If you are not, I apologize, but just wondering.

I have to think if Izzy and Steven were part of this, they'd be on the poster too, right?  Are you suggesting they are holding off on that in hopes someone might think they will be the other 2 guys?

The other part of that is that perhaps some of these unsubstantiated rumors about having holds on certain venues for certain dates, things are already in hand.

I just don't know what sort of lead time these venues insist on.

For these venues, the announcement *has to* happen fairly soon.  Other big name acts are already well into sales for similar venues this summer.  If it's still going through, I'm going to say full announcement in March as well.

Yeah, I keep coming back to that too.

Country festivals, Pearl Jam, Buffet, Beyonc?, Coldplay...they all litter my FB feed with dates 5, even 6 months from now. 

Seems to me they didn't already lock this up and get it all announced already just for the hell of it.

And, ya know, I don't expect these guys to come out of a blimp to announce this ala The Stones, but it would be pretty neat if we got some quotes from the big three.  Just, you know, something other than the dates appearing one day on the website.

Not dishonest. They aren't saying anywhere that there will be appearances by any other classic member, or that this is a full reunion.

It's not a slight against Richard & co, but they aren't as well known as the main three. But, after the full line-up has been revealed, I think the advertisement will include pictures/video the rest of the guys in the band. So, up until that time comes, there's nothing wrong with showing just Axl, Slash and Duff in the videos. I just don't think they can use that approach after April 8.

Gotcha.  Makes sense.

I think it's two fold:

There's no benefit (as I've been saying) to saying anything at this point.  Tickets are sold, so...as long as you know Slash/Duff/Axl....there's no benefit to saying more.  And there's no potential arguing over who is, and isn't, included or press snark about it (until after the first show, at least).  Keeps the press, during the wait, generally positive.

And two...if Izzy and/or Adler are involved...I don't think you want to advertise that,honestly.  It's great if they walk out as special guests, but if you don't advertise and either of them flake...you don't lose anything, either.

That would be logical, in order to bring along the people sitting on the fence.

The band has been rehearsing for some time, so I think it's safe to assume that they themselves knows who will play these shows. Yet, there's no mention of anyone other than Axl, Slash and Duff in the press releases and videos.

It just leads me to believe, there are some marketing purpose behind that.

I think it will seem a bit disrespectful to the rest of the band if they continue to push that strategy after it's been publicly known who's in the band. Therefore I think it's more legitimate to do this sort of marketing before the first show.

Answer: It depends.  Every venue is different.

And, on top of that, venues aren't the only thing you're dealing with, logistically.  Teamsters, roadies, transportation (and I mean of the stage and equipment), security etc, etc, etc, etc.  

There's a lot of ducks to get in a row...even after the venues are reserved.

Edit: And if you mean: Lead time from on sale to show? There isn't one.  Venue gets paid either way. They just want the bookings.  Promoter is the one who cares more about ticket sales and they would drive the on sale date (as well as the rest), so no worries, really, there.

Also, if Izzy & Adler are doing guest spots (the most likely scenario) I would imagine everyone would want to keep that a surprise for the shows. No sense blabbing about that prematurely, even from them.

And in regard to the marketing only including Axl/Slash/Duff so far, the rest of the band aren't stupid.  They know what a big moment in rock this is that these three are regrouping. I'm sure they're just absolutely thrilled to be part of it.

But I'm talking in relation to be able to use this same strategy for the full US tour.

If they want to do that, they would have to do it before the window closes at April 8.

The mystique factor they have now, will be gone after the first show. It might prove a powerful one, or not ? I don't know.  :hihi:

Yeah, I don't think the rest of the guys mind Axl, Slash and Duff being in the spotlight now. They are probably just as thrilled as us.  :D

Once time progresses though, the regrouping seizes to be a "news item", and I would think Richard, Chris, Frank and Dizzy would eventually also want some recognition for being part of this.

Perhaps something got lost in translation here, but I've been talking about the proposed summer tour.  Certainly not suggesting that they need to do press for 2 shows and 2 festival dates already sold out.

But, full disclosure, once the band hits the stage on 4/8/16 and there are no more surprises, there will be little point to not announcing a full slate of dates at that point, if they had not yet done so.  At least in my opinion.

MMMMMM....maybe.

I think they have to do press, but I think for the full tour you can say something like relatively vague that gives assurances, and leaves open the possibility of "occasionally some special guests and old friends" might pop in.

I don't think you have to say "Axl, Slash, Duff, Chris, Dizzy, Frank, and Richard" in so many concrete terms.

BUT, that being said, I think you should say SOMETHING about whether Adler and Izzy are on board full time or not, prior to, or just after, the US tour goes on sale.

Yeah, once the shows get rolling I'm sure we'll see some pro-shot promos of the entire band in all their glory.

Then you lost it when you responded.

Because, right from the get go, I said "right now", addressing Trunks original article.

And you pointed out saying they "sold out Coachella" was a stretch.

Which I generally agreed with, and said it bolstered my point that press, right now, was pointless.

Maybe you should re-read and see where you went wrong?

Nah.

So you don't think they can use the same media strategy they've been using up until now?

I mean, announce the full US tour and then run promo videos similar to the Vegas and Mexico ones, showing Axl, Slash and Duff.

I hardly expect some soul baring thing up at some dais.

Just a simple press release listing the dates, who is in the band, and maybe have Slash and/or Duff give a high profile interview to Rolling Stone.

I expect nothing from Axl.

And I'll point out:

You're kvetching about a lack of something that doesn't need to happen yet for something not announced yet.

Again, "Just a little patience...."

Axl was already scheduled to appear on Kimmel.

I think that sort of appearance is probably still in their plans, they just figured it was the wrong time and would save that for later, when it matters more.

Maybe he could go back on once they do the Vegas shows and he can talk about how much fun they were.  How it was good to be back.

Once he has the present to talk about, he doesn't have to swell as much on the past.

That's the maybe.

I think they might be able to do it...I'm not sure, in a wider market, it would be wise to do it.  You're not selling destination shows, at that point.  You're selling to smaller, individual markets. I think it serves you better to get the ticket buyer more information, so they're not blindsided by "No Izzy and Adler", or are left to make a decision (for whatever amount of time it is til the first shows) while guessing.  But that's just MHO.

We'll see.

Yeah, I wouldn't want to revisit it, if I were you, either. :P

Guess that means it's time to buy another round...

That's probably a more comfortable setting.

Although, I don't think Kimmel would have pushed him much on things he might not want to talk about.

Yeah, it's difficult, almost impossible to know the right answer.


My take on it earlier was, just in the case they do intend to continue in the same promo manner (Axl/Slash/Duff), then, they have the time from now, up until April 8 to do that.

I was just theorizing on a possible timeframe of the full tour announcement, given they want to use this same media strategy.

If they are planning on a whole other strategy for the full tour, then my theory is out the window obviously.  :)

Did you listen to the audio interview?  He talked to Todd Kerns about what transpired at the end of the tour.

Dreams something up? Drive traffic and "egg on" his friends to comment to him?  The headline was mine not his.

Eddie Trunk: Thanks. Listen to @todddammitkerns talk @gunsnroses reunion, @Slash and more here. http://bit.ly/232056L 

Its in every comment he makes....so...yeah....still stands. It all about getting eyeballs on himself.

Notice its eddies podcast, interviewing another person, and yet eddie comments on the GnR reunion. Not todd...eddie. And its all speculation.

He doesnt need to trumpet those specific comments...he knows they will make the rounds (ahem...witness your post). Hes at least a bit more shrewd than the blatant clickbait sites.....who will likely pick up his comments and do the work for him.

Trunk isn't dumb.

I agree with you Pilferk. But Trunk is not as smart as he thinks he is. Axl will NEVER do another interview with him because of his lack of integrity and obsession with himself.

Todd comments on the reunion too, explains how he found out, what he knows.  I just didn't type up those parts.

Because Eddie will bring up GNR with anybody even REMOTELY connected to anyone in the GNR world.

Or maybe it's because Todd Kerns posted a blog called "The Worst Kept Secret In Rock N Roll" where he said he and The Conspirators have known about the GN'R reunion plans "for a long time."

A lot of people don't seem to care for this guy... not sure why...well I know why Little Emo doesn't... he was rude to her on the casino floor....haha....

He's a rock journalist/personality/tv radio host...It's his JOB to SPECULATE and DISCUSS the biggest story in rock. It's how he feeds his family.

What is he supposed to say or talk about?

You guys would rather he keep the code of silence like the GNR camp does?

He doesn't bother me. I don't really care of GNR isn't one of his favorite bands or not.

Unless Axl made some remarks that I missed, isn't that your opinion?

Well said.

I don't get this whole crusade against the guy.  Seems over the top, at least to me.

What bothers me is his passive aggressive half assed speculations. I would have never brought up my interaction with him if it weren't for his behavior about trying to get the Holy Grail of interviews in the Rock World. He is so not worthy. Better to have an interview with Wayne and Garth on SNL than with him. :hihi:

What gets me is that rock journalists don't seem to be very good at their jobs.  Don't these guys have moles on the inside that gets them access to information so they can do more than provide the same speculation that us clueless fans provide?   Isn't that how it works in all other areas, politics, sports, etc.

Usually it works.

GN'R is like Fort Knox though.  :hihi:

There were some mysterious tweets on the GNR facebook page last autumn.

Yes, which is appropriate when you're interviewing someone.

But Eddie turns it around into "me me me". Which is his usual modus operandi.

I get you might like him. Hell, I like him, too.  But he is what he is.

I'm not saying he shouldn't.  I'm not saying you shouldn't expect him to. And I DO like him.  But..he is what he is.

I'm saying you have to view everything he says through the EXACT lens that you're setting up, above.

He's in business for himself.  He's a shameless self promoter. And he knows, right now, GnR sells AND, because of his association to the band and Axl (mostly because of that one interview), he knows he can use that to his benefit.  And sometimes....I'd even say often..he's talking to generate revenue.  And when there isn't anything concrete to talk about, he'll speculate based on...well...nothing, really, to fill the silence.

So, what I'm saying is: Just because Trunk is saying it...it doesn't make it true...so I wouldn't get overly worked up over his comments.

If there was one...which, of course, there isn't. Not really.

This is only going to get worse in the near future (GNR and non GNR related). He still has his podcast, but my understanding is That Metal Show is no longer being carried by VH1/MTV. His self promotion and '24 hour news cycle' like approach to getting the story first but not necessarily correct will be key to landing another national job in 'traditional media'.

Too much work, now a days. Why not just rampantly speculate? It drives more clicks, and thus more ad revenue.  And it's a hell of a lot easier!

And, keep in mind, this isn't exclusive to Trunk, either.  It's reflective of the news media, as a whole.

Trunk isn't, by far, the worst offender, either.

But I think it's hilarious (and a little sad) that folks go all ga ga over his speculation, like it actually means anything other than "Hey, I was thinking: MAYBE, just MAYBE", without anything more concrete.  

Trunk is taking a very far leap, absent any other evidence, on what the silence means.  Nothing more complicated than that...a flying leap.

I agree. And yes, his show was dropped.

Which is all context when you're listening to what the guy is saying.

Not IZZY
Not STEVEN

This Theme NO IS REUNION

 :smoking:

I never said I liked him.  But as JAEBALL said, it's his job, it's what he does.

Yup, that's what I said.

So, given that...what do you suspect his primary motivation is, in that respect. Given everything you've read from him, everything he's said, and the way he conducts himself?

Which, again, is fine.

But when the infomercial guy tells you that ShamWow is the greatest thing since sliced bread....do you believe him?

I don't think there is anything sad about having a strong opinion about poor journalism. A lot of clickbait sites like that dreadful alterntive nation repeat what Trunk says as gospel. People don't have to believe what I believe or agree with me. But that doesn't make it sad.

LOL...I actually meant it as AGREEING with exactly your sentiment.  That "modern journalism" and it's fascination with clickbait is AWFUL.  That first line was totally sarcastic.

I don't mean I find it sad that people take ISSUE with his speculation.

I mean I find it funny, and a little sad, that people take his speculation SERIOUSLY. :)

Edit: When you're working on a post and an email at the same time..and you sign your name to both. ;)

OK. My bad. All your posts about this have been very intelligent and insightful. : ok: