Here Today... Gone To Hell!

Hi Fernando,

Back in September, in the below conversation, you said that an album would drop "within the next 6 months".  Is this still the plan?  I'm not sure if you realize, but your comments have spread like wildfire in the online fan communities and we want to know whether we should check our expectations, or whether there is some king of release coming "soon".  Regardless, we're looking forward to an exciting 2020 in regard to all things GNR.  Thanks!!

https://www.reddit.com/r/GunsNRoses/comments/d5a4kq/who_is_who_full/f0p6qzh/?context=3

It's ridiculously how we are treated as fans by band and management lack of respect.  I wish GNR was like Pearl Jam...announce a tour, announce an album.  Why all the cloak and dagger?

I haven't noticed this alleged lack of respect.

Just because you don't get what you want when you want it, doesn't mean it's due to lack of respect.




/jarmo

To be fair to Fernando, he was responding to the question of does he have "any general idea" of when we'll see a new album.  That's not a guarantee, or an irrevocable promise.  It would be different if he, unprovoked, came out and said "you'll see an album in 6 months.  Take that to the bank."  But he didn't.  He tried to diffuse a message board that was going off the rails (read the thread and you'll find a ton of disrespectful comments to Fernando, his family, etc.).  I'm surprised he actually tried to engage anyone in discussion. 

They generally suck at communication, but the NITL tour was the most professional operation of their career, top to bottom.  So I have no complaints in that area.

As for keeping us in the loop?  Never been a high priority to them.  Don't see that changing now after all this time.

I agree he's treated poorly and some of those comments are way out of line.

But as for respect...give a little, get a little, you know?  They bring a lot of this on themselves.  They give us nothing for years at a time, and when they do deem to engage us, we are called "complainers".  Way to engender some good will there, gang.

Management:  Hey fans!  The first new album in nearly 12 years is coming within the next 6 months.

5 Months later...

Fans: Hi Management, is that album, you know, still coming?

Idiots: Things can change and they don't owe you a God damn thing!!!!!!

Only this band.  ::)

Axl Rose stated in December 2006 that the scheduled release date for CD was March 6, 2007 - straight from the horse's mouth.  That date came and went for whatever reason and CD finally came out nearly 2 years later.  Obviously things change.  Maybe some of you weren't around in those days but I wouldn't take anything management throws out about release dates to the bank.

Oh, agreed.  Their "word" is near meaningless.

Just seems weird Fernando would throw that out there on his own.  Maybe it was a late night drunk post.  C'mon, we've all had them.

Right, so I'm slightly confused why people are up in arms about this latest "promise" of a release date.  For years (literally, decades) there have been "announcements" from all sorts of people, management, band members, Axl himself...and none of it materializes.  If you start from the position of "everything is bullshit", then you quickly learn not to get riled up about any statement on new music.  "Things change" should be the name of the album (you know, the album they may or may not be working on and that may or may not come out at some point in the future).

I don't expect an album in March.  I don't expect album by next March.

I know what I'm dealing with here.

Bingo

ac·count·a·bil·i·ty
/əˌkoun(t)əˈbilədē/
Learn to pronounce
noun
the fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility.
"their lack of accountability has corroded public respect"

To be fair, the record label might have their own ideas as to when it is a good time for GN'R to release a new album. There appears to be a lot coming out and it might make sense for GN'R to release their album at a certain time of the year. Green Day is Feb, Weezer is May, Pearl Jam is March, The Killers is Spring 2020, Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper, Ozzy, ACDC, RATM, MCR comeback, the list is endless for this year for bands with new albums.

I note that the S American tour is unlabelled whereas the European tour is next chapter, so that might be a clue. Maybe April could work at the moment.

I don't know, I don't really buy that as an excuse why the album's not out (or a firm date announced)...certainly those other bands weren't waiting for GnR to announce their release date! :) 

Pearl Jam just announced for March, if the band are thinking of April or May or June, then by PJ standards, it'd be fine to announce in the next three months.

The band are continually announcing dates, so it's not like things have suddenly gone quiet. We are only two weeks into 2020.

Agreed.  There will always be a reason to *not* do something. 

LOL, AC/DC? You know something the rest of us don't?

I don't know, I don't keep up with ACDC news, just GN'R really. I spoke to two people late December after wishing them happy Xmas, one was a retired tour promoter, the other a famous venue owner and they both said ACDC are recording and releasing something later this year. So I don't know if this is new or old.

As an edit, I was saying this as a point toward a possible GN'R release more than anything else. I knew about RATM as well, but they are not a big thing in my life either. I know what MCR are doing as well as many other bands, but it's not a fuss. On a personal level,  I am looking more forward to PJ and Weezer releases (and others) over ACDC, so it's not a big fuss for me whether this is right or wrong.

Seems to me they probably should've had the album release arranged with Universal long before they booked a huge tour outing like what's currently scheduled.  

Mainly due to the fact that if "things change" as people love to point out, they wouldn't have a massive tour taking up the bulk of 2020, which basically ensures they wouldn't be able to finish said album.

That all comes down to management and them putting the cart before the horse.  Of course, there could be a release already set in stone with the label and they're just not telling us yet for whatever reason.  We just don't know.

No, he did not. It was clearly a tentative date.

"With that being said, this is not a promise, a lie or a guarantee, but we do wish to announce a tentative release date of March 6" was the actual quote and that was interpreted as a final set date by some.

Just like what people are doing now. Some things don't change....



In addition, it does look like 2020 is a different new chapter in the band's history. So why people have almost given up hope in January feels like deja vu to me. Remember 2008?



/jarmo

Hopefully in 2020 we'll no longer require Dr. Pepper to pry out a hopeful statement from Axl regarding the new album.  :hihi:

I'm thinking Twist and Spin would be a good song topic and title.  "Can't control it, I'd rather just shut up."  We could all bang our heads to it.  :D

I can honestly understand why GNR doesn't come out and announce things because they are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Their will be a portion of fans like us who would bust a nut hearing new news of an album or song or when they do announce concert dates. But then you have Mainstream fans who will come out and Say Axl sucks he sounds like Mickey or Minnie Mouse or this isn't Guns N Roses if its not Izzy and Steven in the band. So I don't believe it has anything to do with not respecting GNR fans why else would they continue to tour around the world and places they have never been before to sold out shows without new songs and still sell out.

I think its a fair statement in this day and age with social media coverage is that their is really nothing to gain by saying oh here is where we are at or when this album is coming out. They do things on their terms and I actually respect that.

While certainly not on the level of a new album, but it's worth pointing out that completely out of the blue we got a bizarre cartoon and a "Rock the Rock" tune. I mention this only because no one saw it coming, it wasn't discussed, it wasn't promoted, advertised, whatever.

It just happened.

The stuff about Axl's voice, I do think that is just an online hardcore thing.  I don't think mainstream fans go that deep.

As to your second point, I can't say I see that one.  People considered this Guns N' Roses.  That's why they were in stadiums here.  When it was the Island Of Misfit Toys Era, which people absolutely did NOT consider Guns N' Roses, they were playing "up close and personal" venues, 1/10th of the size.

So long as you have Axl & Slash, people consider this Guns N' Roses.

Regarding news of an album, it doesn't have to be damned if they do, damned if they don't.  They put themselves in that situation by making vague comments (look very serious in that regard, CD2 already recorded, 6 months, etc.) and then not following through and then turning it on us that we're ungrateful fans demanding things we were never promised.

Take Pearl Jam for example.  They just announced a new album.  Releasing in March.  Does anyone think they won't follow through with that?  No.  They're not damned if they do, damned if they don't.  That problem is unique to GnR.  There is a ton to be gained by announcing a release date of an album...but only if you mean it.

This...All of this is pure gold. Spot on my friend.

Yeah, that pretty much hits it on the head.  Good stuff, GK.

Yeah, I've never bought into that "Woe is GNR" mentality.  With that outlook, they never have to lift a damn finger and there's nothing heaven or hell can do about it. Weak.

It's a coping strategy.  Flat out.  It's what people tell themselves to avoid having to say anything critical.

I remember joking a couple years back that some folks post like Axl Claus is reading all these posts and making "naughty" and "nice" lists.

Or that they are going to get some sort of "loyal fan" badge by never speaking out of turn.  It's crazyness.

Maybe I was wrong for saying lack of respect but there definitely a lack of communication. When you do get something it is very vague and not to the point.

Yes. Just more proof that just because something's not talked about or made public, that things still can happen!


They don't need to say a single word until everything is final and ready. All it takes is a press release, a tweet or something. But they're not gonna update for the sake of having updates if they don't feel like it.



/jarmo

You can also throw into the music the modern phenomenon of music clickbait news sites, who leap on any slight comment as something t roll a story out from. In fact, I went for a drink with a friend of mine who is a big music fan, but nt a GNR fan at all. He said "oh I saw in the news that one of the band, can't remember his name, has confirmed a new album is out this year". He was referring to the recent Fortus interview, and I corrected him, but I think it's pretty telling of the way any slight ambiguity is taken and run with.

It's probably the vagueness that draws people in, leads them to make conclusions (whether they make them personally or a poor article makes them for them) then leads to frustration when the conclusion doesn't work out that way.

It would probably be better to take a "we're not working on anything" approach, whether it's true or not, and let people be surprised down the line.

 

the real subject here is :

what's the good distance you keep your fans at?

Axl being a Roger Waters fan, I'm pretty sure he was sensitized
a long time ago to the matter with The Wall and how to deal with it.

GNR was always a band who keep things quiet until things are done.
no longtime fan could be surprise about that, it is what it is since day one.

it's never a good idea to be too close to your fanbase.

first, if you have millions of followers, surely there's one or two enough
crazy to want to harm you or your family for whatever demented reason.

two, it kills the mystic, people needs to dream about rockstars lifestyles
because they work in a shitty place. nobody wants to see Axl washing his feet
in a bathrobe (except the lunatics of my first point).

the only thing I could ask is more "behind the scenes" stuff like Metallica
does a lot, you don't have to deal with fans and it shows then how it works.
and the more you show them how it works, the more they understand, and the
more they keep things in perspective.

that said, Guns N'Roses is a lazy beast.

Sure, but it's not a good idea to be too far to your fanbase either. :rofl: :rofl:

The thing that always gets lost is that this is art we are talking about.

Axl likes things to be just so, where as, most would accept good enough is close enough. Axl's vision is something of an enigma, that usually delivers what it was always going to be.  Its kinda like the story why George Lucas was waiting for the  technology to catch-up with his vision for future editions of Star wars.

This is how I see this version of GnR is going to be, Slash and Duff will only stay on board if future releases are going happen, Axl will sign off on perfection, which studio work makes possible, the TB are to make things happen when all the ducks are in a row. CD and the farce release, will have made sure lessons will be learned.

What we're talking about in this thread is accountability. Even if it was just an off the cuff comment Fernando made in a chat room, saying the first GNR album in nearly 12 years, let alone the first with Slash and Duff since 1991, is coming "within the next 6 months" is a BIG FUCKING DEAL.  Certainly not something that should just be swept under the carpet if it's not real.  We're just asking for some kind of update on that front, positive or negative.  I don't think that's asking a lot.

Yes. "If it's not real". We don't know yet. This open letter comes too soon. Still not been six months.

I believe we will have new music in time for the first leg of the tour.

So based on the answer, what will your action(s) be?

Let's say the answer is: "Yes, before the end of March". What will happen to you personally, versus if the answer is "No, not before the end of March"?


I mean, the answer isn't about whether or not new music will come out sooner than end of March, or never. As far as I know, never isn't an option....


/jarmo

I got what you were going.

Frankly, it's almost a lack of respect for themselves.  The reason they take flack for being misleading at best, incompetent at worst, is that is how they chose to present themselves.  But, it's really only a lack of respect for yourself if you care how you come across.  All available evidence and their continued pattern of behavior would suggest that not may fucks are give how they come across.

Which, I tend to find odd.  But they are the ones that have to live it.

Would really depend how high of a chair were sitting on that we fell out of in shock they took 2 seconds to answer us.

So it's hard to really gauge what would happen to us personally.  Did we bang our heads?  Were we able to brace for impact?

People are asking for an update like it's gonna make a giant impact in their lives. That's why I'm asking what will change.

Is this yet another one of those "If they don't ______ before  ______ I'm gonna give up on the band" kind of things?



/jarmo

I don't think so [steps off ledge].  I think life will go on.  I think what people want is honesty and accountability.  It sounds like the real answer is closer to, "we have no fucking idea, but we'd like to do something" than "within 6 months".  Either answer (to me) is fine, as long as it's the honest one there's some accountability taken and perhaps [gasp] an explanation if it didn't work out the way it was told.

It's about P.R. and marketing savvy.  Of which this bunch is near totally devoid.

Only takes a few seconds of their time to tweet out a update.  And I guess you could throw up your usual walls and get super defensive that it would not please everyone.  I'd agree on that point.

But the inability to guarantee 100% acceptance of what you say is not a reason to stay mum.  Maintaining strict radio silence like they are the Pentagon though?  Which has worked out for them...when exactly?  Perhaps you would be seen in a better light if you appeared to at least pretend to give a shit.

Personally, I expect nothing from these guys.  Most times, they don't seem like they could manage a Dairy Queen, let alone one of the biggest acts in rock.  So when they never talk to us, I just consider that pretty much how they roll.

But it's an issue now because Fernando opened the door.  If you don't want to do any follow up, don't introduce the topic in the first place.

Life is often only as hard as you make it.

100%.

And I don't believe for a second that the record company is behind any delay or lack of information.

Take Pearl Jam for example again.  They're with Universal Music Group.  The same as GnR.  Do you think the Universal execs are huddled in a room, saying, "Alright team, let's do the thing that works for Pearl Jam...and let's do the thing that doesn't work for Guns n Roses."  

Hahaha.  Exactly.  Well said.  "Let's fuck over the guys that have made us (and can continue to make us) a fuckload of cash, and instead promote some modest returns.  Oh, hi Weezer.  Come on in." 

It makes zero sense.

You could just drop an album overnight like Eminem just did.  : ok:

Been waiting all day for this.  Second time he did it too.

But, you are't wrong.  Dr. Dre did it too.  Believe Beyonce did it twice too.

Yet why did it happen?  The artist wanted it to happen and made it happen.  Releasing your own work as a major act on a major label is not equivalent to achieving peace in the Middle East.

"Like a newborn baby, it just happens everyday."

In 2020, after completing the (2nd I believe?) highest grossing tour of all time, with Slash and Duff back in the band, if you believe that the label would dare hold up or play unreasonable hardball in regard to putting out a GNR record....then I have a fucking bridge to sell you.  That ship has long sailed and docked at the destination.

If March comes and goes without, at the very least, a release date set in stone then it is because they didn't do what needed to be done to make it a reality, plain and simple.  If you want to believe otherwise, you may very well have strayed beyond the help of reason.

P.S. A similar thread citing Fernando's Reddit comments got laughed right out of the main discussion forum at MyGNR. Perhaps rightfully so.  That shows just how little the vast majority of the online fanbase trusts the word of the current regime, and how little goodwill remains. GNR fans should have been popping corks at this news, which came directly from management.  Instead the attitude has been a collective "Oh, fuck off." Why is that? Who burned that bridge?

All of this being said, if an album drops by March...or even just word comes down that its coming on April 17th or some shit, I will be right here giving props.

I break balls when its warranted, but also give the proper shouts out when they are earned.  Gotta be fair with folks.

We're both veteran fans on these boards my friend. We've done our time.  We're still here.  Anything we say, critical or positive, it's because we love GNR and just want to see them be as great as we know they can be.

If an album somehow materializes by March, you wont be able to shut me up about how out of my mind happy I am.  I'm sure my wife and friends will loooove it haha.

I was super hard on GNR my first few years here (2011-2015).  And the reason was simple.  What, exactly, was there to cheer about?

We were on about our 4th incarnation of a bastardized line-up that was "Guns N' Roses" in name only.  My all time favorite band, once one of the biggest in rock, was relegated to playing Las Vegas residencies.  And other such "up close and personal" small time venues...AND NOT EVEN SELLING THEM OUT.

Shit was grim, yo.  People who wanted to pretend everything was sunshine and rainbows needed their god damn heads examined, far as I was concerned.

But read my posts from the Coachella announcement until present day.  Just about 98% positive.  Glowing stuff.  And again, the reason was simple.  I was given a line-up that could credibly be called Guns N' Roses.  I saw them in a 50,000 stadium filled to absolute capacity, and not a dinner theater.  The tour was the most professional the band ever did.  On time, no drama, delivered every night.  And the band appeared to be having actual, honest to god fun up on that stage.

If you are going to have any credibility as a fan (or even a human being) your attitude must reflect the facts on the ground.  Shitting on everything no matter what is stupid.  But so is treating everything like its gold when it ain't.

Just be honest with people.  It's the only way to be taken seriously.

Precisely, and great post all around. Things have indeed been going swimmingly for the past few years.  One could also argue that the full NITL tour was needed to re-cement their creative synergy as a band, certainly between Axl, Slash & Duff.

However, Fernando's album comments give me a wiff of the "old gaurd" way of doing things.  Now as you pointed out, that could all change tomorrow (or soon thereafter) if we get some positive news on that front.  In fact, it would make Fernando a bona fide hero.  It all depends where the chips fall between now and March. 

Accountability for answering a question and giving an update some were pining for?

Ok.....

And yet here we are, people demanding the same thing. An answer.

We got an update/answer, and now some want another one.....

So if there was none to begin with, they'd still be asking for one. Can't win!  :hihi:



/jarmo

I think what most of us want is better communication between the band and the fans.  If you are going to make announcements about an album release then deliver your promises.

You have to realize the difference between press releases and casual statements.

I understand that as a manager, everything you say is taken as a statement, promise, guarantee etc. But he answered a question.


It wasn't a press release put out by management/the band/record company announcing a release date.

Just saying that there's a little difference. :)





/jarmo

My two cents
For those who don't understand why the fans continue to express frustration as to this particular topic -
The reunion and absolutely amazing fact that they pulled off a tour of this magnitude with professionalism and focus only drives home the point even further - that it brings out all of the good we feel and felt about this band since the late 80's.
We know what they are capable of yet they've chosen to go the other route and tour on past work and some covers.
They have made the GNR name a monster once again without a single new song - that is some accomplishment but that is also getting very scary close to becoming KISS
A band that can fill massive stadiums and no one who goes gives a rat's ass at those shows about hearing a new song, they just go for the party.
If that's what they want then so be it - mission accomplished but I think it's safe to say we know they can be better than that,
as bands like Kiss don't have what appears to be albums and albums of work that their fans have literally been thirsting for over twenty years.
Throw in Slash and Duff and what they bring to the table and it hurts a little more because it's hard to fathom how they have NOT taken the next step musically.

This ain't a complaint and I don't pretend to speak for others - but I have a pretty good feeling I'm not alone

there is a huge difference and I can't understand why anyone would take their frustrations out concerning new music on Fernando. Ridiculous, misguided frustrations. Just my opinion.  :peace:

The problem with what you said is that the band hasn't said a single word against the idea of putting out new music.

Quite the opposite.

I'm sure they're quite aware that the logical next step would be to create music together again. They don't write songs to keep them to themselves.... No matter what some might think.

It's just a matter of how and when.





/jarmo

I'd give a thumbs up to that

It was nice of Fernando to chat to people on the message boards, despite it being the extreme nutjobs on reddit, ultimately people were nasty and bit the hand, but it's reddit. Numpty central.

Anyway, whilst tour dates are being thrown out at a sensible rate, and words like new chapter are being used, I see no reason to get narky two weeks into the year. I'd like a new release to be given it's own window to shine, and if it has to come later, then so be it. There's a concert in two weeks, then SA, then Europe which is new chapter. So, it's all good.

ACDC story out today, new album soon and touring this year, if you are interested

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-7905541/AC-DC-set-tour-Australia-later-year-Brian-Johnson.html (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-7905541/AC-DC-set-tour-Australia-later-year-Brian-Johnson.html)

Its interesting how everyone is convinced that new music will be good music. I often read how people demand new music! I don't thing artists work that way...
What if they just can find the chemistry for making good music, what if they are uninspired, what if they don`t have the drive...
They said they will be making new music, but how can someone promise or put a date on art, until its done?
I don't think that delivering mediocre music is what I want to hear or buy from GnR :peace:
I am as eager for new music as everyone, however, I am aware it will take time :beer:

Is this a press release or a casual statement?  Just trying to gauge my expectation level.  :hihi:

I like the way ozzy is going about dropping new music and album release date. WAAF in the boston area is loving it up on the radio. That could be the way to go for guns when the time comes. just saying

I see the new GNR album mirroring the success of the NITL tour.  It's the first "real" GNR album since the one that contained November Rain.  That's that big fucking deal.  The very idea of new Guns album with Slash and Axl together basically sells itself.  Any promotion would just be pinging the public's collective radar.

Rock radio would play the hell out of any new GNR tune with Axl & Slash.

They'd be on the cover of any music magazine they wished.  Axl will never sit for a interview, but Slash and/or Duff would.

What I see as someone who has been a manager ( not on the level as GnR) is that I wouldn't be surprised to hear announcement soon.  Remember in Late 2015 when all these rumors about a reunion happening.  Nobody was saying anything.... Then we got a trailer in theatre's hinting to something, then we got the Coachella announcement in January 2016.  Recently we've had Duff, 4tus, Slash... not really saying anything, when the topic is brought up.  They're not going to say anything if something is already in place.... obviously.  Playing the Superbowl fest in a couple of weeks, is huge! When was the last time you saw GnR in a mainstream commercial? Plus adding Snoop is awesome as well.  Then heading overseas where Rock music is more popular than the U.S. makes sense as well.  They could drop the album than comeback and tour in the U.S. late 2020, early 2021.  I'm excited for the new chapter begin.

I hope an album comes out in 2020, I guess we will find out soon if this is reality or a pipe dream. Less than 2 weeks to the pre Superbowl show, hopefully get a new song.  Time will tell...

And, from the sound of things, that GnR appearance on the 31st is going to be televised on Fox on the 1st at 10 PM?  Seems like that would be a decent time to announce something, drop a new song....something.  Maybe followed by a Superbowl commercial or something? We'll have to wait and see.

Fernando answered a question about 3 months ago.  There's been no indication that anything has changed.  I'm not sure why people want to pester him, now, when no one has said anything (besides a questionable message board poster) to make anyone think things have changed.  It's not March, yet.  If, by March, we haven't heard anything....then maybe we can talk about "open letters" or rampant pessimism.

So, in short:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErvgV4P6Fzc

Bullsh*t. Says right in the article it's a rumor from a TV broadcaster. Let me put it this way; insiders akin to Jarmo over here have said they don't know what is going on, so there's no way in hell some rando TV broadcaster knows otherwise. Also, it's the Daily Mail, FFS. They aren't worth the paper they're printed on.

Never ...  in this lifetime?

Even back in the UYI days, who did all the press?  Who was sent out to glad hand with the local radio DJs and whatnot?  Slash and Duff.

Only big time interview I recall Axl doing was that rambling one in 'Rolling Stone' in early 1992 where he comes off like a total loon.

I actually think one of the things that doomed CD era GNR was that Axl had no Slash or Duff.  That's to say, no one established enough in the eyes of the public to do the press for the band Axl didn't feel like doing.

He did in 2016.




/jarmo

If they would bungle the SB fest opportunity, riding the media wave of Superbowl Weekend, and *not* showcase/promote/announce something new, then I'm not sure anything is in the pipes "soon". 

We should at least have an idea of what the rest of 2020 holds come January 31.

I thought it was an edited highlights show.  And if so, that would probably lean more towards AFD tunes the world knows, right?

But we will still have a setlist, from either here or setlist.fm so we will get the full picture what went down.

I would love for a single and album announcement to come on the morning of the 31st.  

But I dream......... :-\

If so much as one new song is played, that's a monster win.  Because you only do that if something is coming. 

Nothing new played is not a death knell for nothing new coming in 2020.  And lord knows we will bend over backwards spinning how nothing new at this show is not only not a bad thing, but actually a good thing!!  (it's complicated, you see)

But anything new played can only mean good things to come.  So let's all just cross our fingers.

I don't want to hedge all of our bets on Jan 31, but it's certainly going to be a decent enough barometer for the rest of 2020.  

I've pointed out before how much they LOOOOOOVE to say that they're focused on the tour and will look at new music once it's done.  As we've seen from the myriad of recent album announcements from other high profile bands, the two do not have to be mutually exclusive. For GNR, however, for the life of them they cannot seem to execute both at the same time...at least if history is an indicator.

So what does that mean?  It means that if this tour begins without a release date and/or single(s) then you can probably bet the farm that 2020 is off the table for new music. Sure, it's only January, but we've been around the block enough times to understand how this regime operates.  Not to mention, we know from Sue's deleted instagram post that US stadium dates are next after Europe so touring will continue through the bulk of the year.

How/if an album will figure into all this remains to be seen.

There will possibly be interviews around the time of the show as well, or Axl could mention their intentions for the year on stage. Lots of options

I don't think it hyperbolic to say that this is the most promising year to be optimistic about new music overall since 2008.

And, taking things a bit further, this is the best year on that front for most GNR fans since 1991, if we are being real about things.

Those of us that rode and died with the whole misadventure that was the CD Era, we all wanted to very much to see that through, and it was eventually delivered to us, however anticlimactically.  But it would pale in comparison to what we might get in 2020.

We don't EXACTLY know.  But, it sounds like they've agreed to be part of it, and that's not been "normal" for past shows.  They typically opt out of being included in this sort of thing (assuming it's actually a thing).

So, just spitballing: Wouldn't "negotiating" that appearance maybe include telling Fox they want their new song included in the highlights, since it's going to drop as a single RIGHT afterwards?  And we'd see a press release either Sunday or Monday regarding the new album?

Look, I'm not saying that's what's going to happen.  But it would be a decent marketing strategy.  And, as has been pointed out over and over, the past 2 to 3 years, things have gone pretty much like they do with LOTS of "regular bands".  This would be a very "regular band" kinda way to do things.

We'll know in like 10 days or so.  And we'll know when it comes to whether we see new music in march in about 10 weeks?

That doesn't seem like a real long time to wait and...you know....show "just a little patience".  So that's what I'm doing.  YMMV.

Obviously, none of us "know" what's going to go down on or around January 31st...BUT...if the idea is to release an album or single soon, it would definitely serve as an excellent launching point for that.   It's a great OPPORTUNITY which is why it's raising the fans eyebrows in regard to what may be planned.  

It doesn't make sense to squander an event that will have media eyes on it, and wait for Mexico City in March to usher in that new era.

They have been was more "regular band" lately, I would agree.  And this would be the final step.  Actual new music.

D, check your DM’s

Slash on new music, released today.  

“There’s been no definitive answer on anything and I’ll just keep keep to that. Stuff is happening, but there are no specifics. More than anything, it’s because of the nature of the industry right now. It’s just like, how do you want to do this? I mean there’s material and there’s recording and there’s shit going on, but we’re not really sure what we’re doing with it right now.”

Well, that definitely doesn't sound like the words of a band who's about to release music. Hell, going by that comment it's not happening at all, at least not soon. I don't understand why GNR is the only band with this problem.  You have new music but you're not sure what to do with it? Here's a solution: JUST FUCKING RELEASE IT LIKE EVERY OTHER FUNCTIONING GOD DAMN BAND.......

Honestly, things are only as difficult as you make it fellas.

Thanks for posting

More of the same & not surprised

Yep, definitely not surprising, but very disappointing nonetheless. Some things never change I guess.

Isn't it better to have the "problem" of trying to figure out how to release new music rather than not having new music to release?



/jarmo

You're not wrong.  But haven't we been playing some version of that same game since 2010?  Everything from "Axl has a ton of stuff", "Enough for 2-3 more albums", "We'll be looking very seriously at that" "We'll figure that out after the fall tour" etc. etc. etc.

Hearing that whatever may be "in the can" doesn't exactly bolster my faith in the current management regime's ability to figure out how to RELEASE it. 

This is very true, but I can't for the life of me figure out why it would be a problem-Slash himself has done it very successfully recently with his recent SMKC album.

No, not the same.

GN'R today isn't the same as in 2014.

We got Not In This Lifetime since then. Which surely changed everything.


The interest in GN'R now compared to then is bigger.

Everyone knows this. To me, it seems like a question of how to release the material to take advantage of all this interest and also get the material the attention it deserves instead of "just another new album on the shelf among many others"....





/jarmo

He's drinking Axl/Fernando's Kool Aid with that comment.  I mean honestly, it's not rocket science. It's the first GNR album with Slash & Duff since 1993 or 1991 for originals.  Sells itself.  I don't know why they're wasting precious time figuring out *why not* to put something out.  Who does that??

If the idea was to put out an album in time to support the upcoming tour, like Fernando said, shouldn't they have that all figured out by now?

Hahahaha.  This fucking band.  You just have to laugh. Bands release stuff every week of every year.  Not our guys though.

Our guys are the rock band equivalent to North Korea.  Both have the good (nukes, new music) but can't figure out a simple delivery system (a functioning rocket, a simple album release).

Slash is obviously just parroting whatever nonsense he was fed by Axl, or whoever else, as to why there's no album coming.  He obviously doesn't operate like that in terms of releasing music.  But now he's saying things eerily similar to something, say, Chris Pitman would've spouted back in the day.  Just sad, really.

THEY GOT TO HIM

Interviewers should start asking Slash to blink twice if he doesn't feel safe.

Album? Once again you're thinking of how things used to be!  :P


I don't think it's a question of if, it's more about how and when. But you're hung up on the if.....



/jarmo

Given the clusterfuck  that was the release of CD, once bitten twice shy and all that.

There's only one chance of releasing this properly covering all angles, can't see a best buy type deal being the major player this time.

Maybe a win a week at Axl's house golden ticket and $250,000 type competition with every purchase reaping dividends...

On physical releases, signed copies that are sealed and just out there would be cool, for unsuspecting buyers to get. Even better if limited to say 50 per band member on a unique hologram insert.

I mean, those ideas would be fun.....but there really isn't a need. A new album would sell regardless. Bands A LOT smaller than GNR release albums physically and successfully all the time.

Package it nicely, market and advertise it correctly and watch it fly!

With good reason  Wile E. Coyote boasts a better success rate.  

Best advice is probably don't overthink it.  Hope they come close enough to your town, so you might get a nice night out with fellow fans listening to the tunes you all dig.  Be happy with that.

There will always be a reason NOT to do something.  Several of them, really, if you really want to put as many obstacles in your way as possible.

Question comes down to what do you want.  Do you want to make it happen?  Or do you want to come up with enough rationalizations that you feel you can sell throwing up your hands in mock exasperation?

Axl has been doing the latter for 10 years now.  18 out of the last 19, really, if you want to discount the year something accidentally snuck out.

Don't overthink it? Albums?

Are you guys even aware that album sales keep declining year after year?

Vinyls sell more year after year. It's the only album format where sales have increased.



Universal Music is a business. Telling them to "just release it" doesn't exactly seem like a viable option.



/jarmo

The other option is of course individual songs.....but I can't think of one artist who doesn't still release albums. They still sell, hugely. Not at 80s/90s levels of course, but for example- last year in the UK alone vinyl albums sold 4.3 million, and CD albums 23.5 million. That's just the physical (i.e. not including streaming), in one country!

If they want to just do individual songs though, fair enough! Fans could compile them up as they liked.

Guess they are only willing to throw money away on every act on their roster.  When it comes to GNR, then...belt tightening time.  Gotcha.

The sheer lengths you will go to, the pretzels you will twist yourself into, all to avoid dare saying anything the least bit critical will never not be amusing, Jarmo.

No one's saying just throw it out there.  We are saying that enough time has gone by since early 2016 that they should have these logistics of an album release more or less figured out by now.  Going by Slash's comments, they've allowed themselves to slip back into the same weird state of limbo we've been for the last 10 years in regard to a follow up to Chinese Democracy.

 :hihi: :hihi:
Honestly - - it is all insanity - and these days I laugh more than I get frustrated

On the topic of new music - it is what it is - which is nothing - but nothing is what they're saying about it so nothing could be something - after we accept the fact that saying nothing really should be viewed as something

This is your personal twist on what I said.

I didn't say they throw away money on all other acts or that they would or wouldn't do the same for GN'R.

I pointed out that they are a business and I'm sure they want to maximize the profits of something as big as new GN'R music. It's not just another album. As it's been pointed out already.


So if it's not just another album, why do you guys keep insisting on it being treated as one?
Slightly contradicting!





You make it sound like record companies have these plans years in advance for potential new releases.



/jarmo

Only GNR would stall completely on putting out a record rather than, you know, figuring out the logistics necessary to make said release a reality.

It's like, oh, you mean it's 2020 and people don't consume music the same way as 1992?  We are so totally blindsided by this and will now place this album neatly back into a state of limbo.  But hey, we'll be playing Paradise City all year!  Fork it over fuckers!!

Who said anything about stalling completely?

You're taking his answer like if they have no idea, that they are completely lost and have basically decided to give up.



/jarmo

GNR has been a strict touring operation for over 10 years now.  That's who they are.

At least they are doing it with a more legit version of the band these past 4 years.  That's a good thing.  Celebrate that.

No, I'm just saying that they should not appear shocked and bewildered that in 2020 people consume music differently.   Any other band would ride those waves and figure it out. GNR tends to use it as a "get out of jail free" card.

 

Is there a chance this all a big swerve, and the plans are already in place, and won't we all be surprised and happy in a few months?  Sure...I guess.  If that is your coping strategy.  Embrace that possibility if it spares you the horror of expressing doubt or criticism.

There is a far better chance they play a bunch of tour dates this year, nothing new comes, and that's that.  So we deal with it.  It's not the worst outcome by any stretch.  But it's not the preferred one, be serious.

They're not.

Maybe they just wanna see what alternatives they have compared to "put it out on CD/LP/digital".....





Anything's possible!

You choose to assume #2 in January.... I choose not to.



/jarmo

To be fair Jarmo Slash’s comments do suggest they don’t know how to proceed with a release with the industry the way it is.

But why is it albums are released all the time by other artists? You can’t just say that it’s complicated because the label will want to maximise profits. We all know a Guns album will sell and sell VERY well. There’s something holding things up in my view. Wasn’t there a rumour not so long back that the issue is the label refusing to give in to Axl’s promotion demands?

How do you solve a "problem" that's self-created (asking for a friend)?  Enjoy the hits on the upcoming tour.

I mean there’s material and there’s recording and there’s shit going on, but we’re not really sure what we’re doing with it right now.”


To me it sounds like they haven't decided on the how at the moment.





/jarmo

I wonder how much time that will buy them/him/whoever.  ::)

When is your deadline? End of March wasn't it?




/jarmo

If you're referring to the deadline Fernando willingly gave us himself, then yes, that would be about correct.

Exactly.

He answered a question and you took it as confirmation. Now you're let down because Slash didn't confirm it in an interview about his new guitar line....





/jarmo

You act like taking him at his word is a cardinal sin. This isn't just some roadie, it's their manager.  If we're working under the premise that he was just talking out of his ass, and there was never any concrete plan to get us an album by March, then yeah shame on me for thinking otherwise.  Going by Slash's comments today, that unfortunately seems to be the case.

^^This is my point. Slash will be aware that fans expect an album this year. Maybe these comments were a deliberate attempt to temper expectations.

Pearl Jam just released a new single, on the heels of announcing a new album.  Looks like they figured out how.

Belter it is too, can’t wait for the record

WHAT?!?!?!  But how did they do this??? They're a grunge era band!!! Music isn't consumed the same way as the 90s!!!  How...HOW....HOW?!?!?!

Crazy, right???  I don't know how they did, or Ozzy, or Tool, or Ratt, or Green Day, or [insert long list of bands releasing albums].  I wish they would share with GnR how to solve the "problem."

 :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


Seriously - The last Tool album was right around the same time as CD.
They simply let it be known a new album was ready, dropped an amazing single and did a great tour in support of it.

Case Closed

Whatever the reasons are behind the inability to deliver new music - it is what it is - at least they are together and touring - but reading some of the excuses people are trying to make for them is borderline astounding

It's pretty obvious that there is a deep seeded conspiracy within the music industry to keep GNR from releasing new music.  I would have thought they would call off their goons when Slash and Duff returned, but alas, these evil doers persist in their schemes to keep a new GNR record out of stores.

Or, you know, same shit different year and all that......

The mental gymnastics it takes to explain why new music isn't released is tiring.  They're trying to figure out how to release it?  That's laughable at best, and grossly negligent at worst.

Again, Slash is clearly just regurgitating whatever bullshit lines Axl and co. have fed him when the subject of new music comes up internally.  Slash doesn't operate like this when it comes to releasing his own albums. But GNR operates inside a whole other realm of mind twisting bullshit when it comes to this topic.

No, I act like someone who saw an answer to a question. A quite reasonable answer. But still not a press release announcing it's release!


There's a difference.


Pearl Jam released a single! Yay!
Did they keep us updated along the way on how they were gonna do it and when? No.... They released it when they saw fit.




/jarmo

Which was in a reasonable time

I was at Target today and in the middle of the aisle between Self checkout and the checkout stands.  They had a Display set up for Billie Eilish.. You couldn't miss it.  I think Guns should go in that route again... even though the Best Buy exclusive was a bust... I think it would be different this time around.  You could have CD's in the display with some merchandise like folded t-shirts or other small accessories.  Hypothetically speaking, I would announce a release date maybe a month or so before the tour... then comeback to the states early 2021 and tour promoting the new album.

Pearl Jam did what bands do every week of every year of every decade.  There was nothing remarkable about it.  That's the whole damn point here, Jarmo.

But you are hellbent on convincing us that it's a totally different kettle of fish for GNR, based on nothing tangible outside your own well known desire to not rock the boat.

"I sure wish my favorite band could get it together and release new music more often than once a decade" is hardly scathing criticism. 

But the sun will set in the east before you would even consider uttering what is, frankly, a pretty milquetoast take on the matter.  Or not get right to work trying to show anyone that put forth such blasphemy the error of their ways, as you see it.

Also, seeing Ultimate Classic Rock and other trades picking up the story with headlines that read "GNR Not Sure How to Release Music" does not make this regime look like the sharpest tools in the shed.  Quite the opposite actually.

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/slash-guns-n-roses-new-music/

in a way, yes, Pearl Jam did keep their fans updated, and they released an album in a very reasonable amount of time. Band members started talking about it in interviews in late 2018 and throughout 2019. They consistently said they were hoping for a late 2019 release, but would release it when it was done. they finished it a couple of months later than expected. "sources" then advised the album would likely be out in the first half of 2020. they released art work a few weeks ago. made a formal announcement with a concrete date this week. and released a single. my friends who are die-hards mentioned it all last year, and they knew they would have an album in late 2019 or early 2020, since that's how 99% of bands operate.

the same exact process has happened with Metallica, Ghost, and countless other rock bands in recent years. Green Day, Weezer, Killers, and bunch of other bands have albums being released in the first half of 2020. The Strokes have played 2 new songs and are strongly hinting at an album this year. ACDC is expected to release an album. Foo Fighters are hinting at an album soon - nothing concrete, but i'd be willing to bet they release an album this year.   


some PJ updates from 2019:

In a January 2019 conversation with Rolling Stone, Stone Gossard revealed he and the band were “in the middle” of a new LP. “We're just going to keep plugging away until we get one done," the guitarist asserted.

From January 2019:

“We’ve gone in, probably, four or five times in the last couple of years, so we have a whole ton of unfinished stuff,” bassist Jeff Ament adds. “We’re just sort of in a little bit of  limbo. I’m sure everybody’s got a bunch more riffs, and I’m sure Ed’s got a handful of journal lyrics. It’s just going to take us all getting into a room together for six weeks and just knocking something out.”

Ament also spoke of ideas “on the Pearl Jam shelf” that may become solo material for the musician. “When I do those, it’s mostly to clean off the shelves and finish stuff; it’s stuff that has been on the Pearl Jam shelf for a few years and nobody is really responding to it. I think all of us have gotten into the habit of finishing stuff up and putting it out. This is a broken record, but I think I’ve said that I would record a lot more with Pearl Jam if that was what could happen. It just hasn’t happened for some reason.”


In an interview with Mike McCready in May (2019) he said, “I hope a album comes out this year.”  He made the same claim in April 2013, before their last album dropped.  Is he hinting that history will repeat itself? Fans will find out soon.

I mean, really, we're long past asking GNR to function and communicate well like other bands. They just won't, end of story.

But this whole premise of them being blindsided that music is consumed differently in 2020 to the point where it stonewalls a release is absolutely ludicrous, and downright laughable, however on-brand it is for this band.  The recent headlines I've seen reading "GNR Not Sure How To Release Music" makes management sound like completely inept dunces.

Yeah, interviews. I meant social media and so on.

Just like with GN'R, band members talk about the process of making an album in interviews.



/jarmo

The difference being (between GNR and other bands) is that all the updates and talk tend to end with, you know, an album actually being released.  With GNR that game can go on for years on end.  I hope this time is different.  They certainly have every opportunity to make it a reality this time.

The European tour has been labelled 'new chapter' but I have not seen that attached to the SA tour unless someone else has spotted it. So that implies new album stuff will be out, or at least known about, by then.

That is the way I am looking at it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MhLlhXyMkg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXldFtsxEXM

Also, back then Axl would just rant during a show to the audience if he had something to say. In a way, that was him subverting the media and getting his message out directly to the fans, unfiltered and not taken out of context. I kind of wish he would do that more today because I wonder where his head is at.

As far as the Pearl Jam comparison, to be fair, Pearl jam were off the road for the entire year of 2019.

And AC/DC are not exactly the best comparison to make that argument, seeing as they were spotted in the studio in 2018 and have been radio silent ever since. There is actually LESS known about that album than what Guns is up to. It's nearing two years since those photos leaked and there has been not a word on it since, despite endless rumors that never pan out to anything.

Well to be fair, 2016 until last November GN'R were mostly in tour mode.


It also seems to be assumed by some, that if no one says anything, nothing is happening. Yet Axl recorded a song for Looney Tunes and they out it put out of the blue....

One of the reasons why we knew about possible recording taking place was an outsider posting pics of gear meant to be used for recording sessions. The band didn't say anything....




/jarmo

Yeah, Axl subverting the media and using his shows to get his word out unfiltered and in context, directly to his fans, is pretty much what Trump does with Twitter.  New technology, same bottom line.  😉

Well one show down and no new music, same old same old

Jarmo, if it pleases you, you can go ahead and either delete this thread outright, or move it to Dead Horse. 

Fernando obviously does not want to take an iota of responsibility for his comments, and will not be responding to this thread.  It's pretty obvious that the forthcoming tour *will not* be in support of new music.

How come it's obvious?

The Euro/NA tour doesn't even have any official name yet, other than "2020 tour". Personally, I think it'll get a name when a new album gets announced.

If we're thinking with our heads, and not our hearts, we'd realize that an album announcement and/or single would have re-branded this upcoming tour properly, without using coy and misleading "The Next Chapter!" taglines, that don't mean a God damn thing.

If they're not doing this now to push THIS WEEK'S ticket sales, it's wildly naive to think they'll randomly do this in in March.....or April, or May, or June, etc. etc. etc.

Thing is, GN'R seem to come through when the fewest people have any faith it will happen (release of CD, reunion of Axl/Slash). Frustratingly late yes, but if history is any indication....


If they'll announce new music in March or April, how can one characterize that as "random"? More like "expected" in my eyes, given the plans for the summer (and given the topic at hand, Fernando confirmed that there is intention of new music).

Well, I certainly hope that this release does not echo that of Chinese, where it comes during a time of complete inactivity when GNR is not really on the collective radar with little promotion from the band itself.

Also, we've seen that Axl struggles with touring and figuring out how to release music at the same time.  We constantly hear things like "Right now the tour has been our focus. Hopefully after...yada yada yada". Once this train starts moving in March, it's going to continue AT LEAST through August/September.  With any other band, one wouldn't negate the other, but with GNR, it always does for some reason.  If history is any indicator, that will more than likely be the case in 2020.  It sucks, but that's how this ship has been allowed to sail.

The indication I've got is that the band is done recording. According to Slash, it was more a matter of how to release it.

If that's the case, I can't see any need of divided attention between the road and the studio.

I 100% hope you're right.  And agree, it *shouldn't* factor into whether new music gets released.  However, 1 new album in nearly 30 years doesn't exactly put the odds in our favor of Axl and Fernando getting their shit together to make both work together this year.

Right back to my previous comment, GN'R historically comes through in the 11th hour.

How do you know? You're the one asking for reassurance two months before his so called promise has been proven wrong....




/jarmo

I guess we'll find out soon enough.  Hope you're right!

Someone asked Fernando on Reddit Monday if we could still expect an album this year, and he replied with a "fingers crossed" emoji.

So THAT is his response?! Man, am I glad I didn't buy tickets yesterday. Fuuuuck this.

I choose to see that as a glass half full situation. A way of eluding to a yes without spoiling anything.

They’re not going to drop news of a new album in a response on reddit. Marketing tie ins and stuff like that have to be sorted.

I may be jaded, but a "fingers crossed" emoji might as well have been "LOL no fucking way" in GNR-speak.  Pretty damn sad, however on-brand.

Sure, they could release nothing, they could never put out a new song ever again. But at least there’s a chance. I’m a huge rush fan, I’ll never get another new rush album ever again. Add Chris Cornell and Tom petty to that list.

It’s a matter of perspective. I tend to believe something will come out eventually, but I’m not going to lose sleep over it not happening either.

But I do think it’s interesting that he ballparked March last year, and there was a shamrock emoji in that deleted Instagram... that kind of lines up. They can’t just release an album, there’s going to be a huge expectation for it to be their best album yet, and they need it to perform better than CD, so marketing deals have to be figured out and made first. Best thing to do is wait until March, then on April 1st come back here and say “I told you so”.

Yep, and I can't wait to see what the narrative will be from the "Guardians of The Realm" around here when it plays out exactly like that.  I'm sure it'll be great.  :hihi:

It's nothing.  It's a non-answer.

"Hey, you never know" is only a profile in courage around here, and even that is the minority view.

Here's is the reality.  Guys like you and I, should an album drop next month, we would both come here, admit to being wrong, and happily so.

But if the entire rest of calendar year 2020 comes and goes with nothing, will those lecturing us now respond in kind?  Please.

Just people giving their honest opinions.  No dog in the fight.

They'll likely fall back on something tired like "I believe the album will come when it's ready." or something of the like that uses circular logic that you can't really refute.  

At this point, it's clear that this management regime could not negotiate their way out of a cardboard box, let alone with Universal to arrange an album release.

Right, I’m not stressing either way.

I just think demanding an album is treating the creative process like any other 9 to 5, and it’s not.
If the music is created out of a need to fulfill an album obligation it’ll come off as uninspired, and I’d rather have no album than a lackluster album.

I'll give you an answer already, just so you don't have to wait until then! Never mind whatever actually happens. Because the same answer will apply to all future situations that are similar to what you're experiencing right now.

Why did you think an answer to a question was some kind promise of a new release? Why can't you wait until there's an official announcement like the rest of us?



You're welcome! :)




/jarmo

Just because you might work with someone, doesn't mean you have to stop being honest. I know it's a weird concept for you, but it's true.

Some people even prefer honesty! Imagine that.



/jarmo

Right, because who believes a manager when they say something relevant to the band they're managing?  But hey, this is good news.  It essentially gives us license to believe that, going forward, everything that comes out of Fernando's mouth is absolute horseshit...Unless of course it comes in the form of press release.  Then it's gold.

Without knowing what the actual plans are, besides the tours. I'll just ask you a hypothetical question: Have you ever made an estimate?

No? Good for you!





/jarmo

I'm not Guns N' Roses' manager.  Bit more responsibility on that front when you're talking to a fanbase desperate for new music. No one put a gun to his head and made him say "within 6 months". But again, if we're saying that Fernando bares no responsibility in setting the record straight if there's no album to speak of, then fine.  But let's not pretend that sweeping it under the carpet like he never said it at all is not a totally shitty thing to do to the fans.

And you have "honestly" found neither one thing to fault on your own, nor even so much of an instance where you could concede someone with an even remotely critical (or even just questioning) view...might have a legit point.

About any aspect of the GNR operation.   Literally every single solitary time.  For over 10 years.

Illustrative of nothing, of course.  Just how things broke.

Quoted for truth.




He said it for a reason and I believe him.

You don't, there's almost two months left until your imaginary deadline and here you are. Spending weeks in and out going on about how you need to know what will happen before we reach your deadline...





Very simple. You can think you know everything because you like a band a lot. Or you get to know things due to experience. With that experience you might get different perspectives on things and why they happen.

If you know February is a cold month, it's kinda hard to get upset if it's snows.... Unless you just need to get upset over nothing for no real reason other than to show you're objective.





/jarmo

"Your deadline"..."Imaginary"...What a not so graceful way of eliminating any shred of responsibility from your boss.  Very smooth.  ::)

Luckily most folks around here aren't that naive.

Hahahaha

Funny is funny.  Well done.

Shucks. I've always said that if only my mother was better at cleaning and manipulation, things might have been different for me, given that seems to be the only prerequisites to manage one of rock's biggest bands in this dojo.  And fuck me, does it explain a lot, including the present issue.

It's naive to know the difference between an answer/estimate and a set in stone release date? Ok.....

Responsibility? I'm sure he can take responsibility for his answer... :)







Shows your true colors.

Sad.....

You also forgot that Team Brazil is the management that got us the NITL tour. Not the others we had before no matter how much you idolize them and their skills.... Ironic.



/jarmo

Sad? I'm a fan of Guns N' Roses music.  The fact that you equate rooting for Team Brazil, no matter how much they fumble the ball and mislead fans, with "true fandom" is just nutty.  I mean I get it based upon your present situation.  But in the real world the rest of us can divorce the two.  That I'm not a fan of that regime shouldn't surprise you. And it's not as though it hasn't been well earned.

Showing some respect for people who work for the band whose music you're a fan of is nutty? Ironically you're the one asking Fernando, someone who you don't like, for answers. You want them to respect you, and yet you fail to show nothing but disrespect towards them. Only to complain about the disrespect you supposedly get!

I don't know about you, but I personally don't demand respect from someone who I don't respect myself..... :D



My point still stands, no matter what you think, the band hasn't been this successful with any other management.




/jarmo

I think I owe Fernando as much respect as I do a GNR roadie who shows disrespect to the fanbase.  This thread was an olive branch to Fernando, given that we'd heard absolutely no word on the new music front despite his and Slash's assurances that was what was going to happen next.  It was an opportunity for him to reach out to the fans and explain what he had said. Thus far, he has failed to reply and own up to his comments, this despite his solid relationship with you and this board.  Should I respect him for that because he continues to work for GNR?  If your answer is "YES" then we'll just have to agree to disagree.

I applaud your backhanded attempt at being nice.

It's an olive branch? So basically you're saying you're giving him a way to help himself. In reality, it's more of the same. You demanding things from someone who you disrespect.


Which is ok, if that's how you wanna be. But please don't pretend you're the one doing him favors.... :)




/jarmo

Respect goes both ways, just look at his recent comments on Reddit to some fans. Im a business owner, and there is always a responsibility to connect with your ‘customers’  with integrity, understanding, clarity and respect. He is the manager of the biggest band in the world, his comments and treatment to the fans are just childish and rude. If you had a CEO of a major corporation responding to its customers the way he does, the board would remove said person.

In regards to the March thing, everyone should know by now the way this band works.  For the majority it doesnt suit their ideal workings of a traditional band.  Never has and probably never will.
Axl could have said March, but until a physical release is in your hands ‘dont hold your breath’.

You mean "he should be nice to the people who constantly shit on him, his family and his friends"?

I like how it's always "they don't care about the fans". Just because someone (Axl, management etc.) says something about some individuals.


Ever since Axl called the Internet a big garbage can, I've never felt targeted by any comments made about negative fans. Maybe it's a case of, if the shoe fits?



/jarmo

Jarmo with all respect, he is is the ‘manager’ of Guns N’ Roses. It doesnt get much bigger than that in the music world. You have an obligation when in a position as his, to respond to any negativity with integrity. His job should be irrespective of his personal relationships. ‘Do not let your personal life affect your work life’ I think that is in every job ever in history.
Do you think the CEO of Apple, or Amazon, respond to its consumers the way Fernando does? Its not professional. And if he can't seperate personal emotion from business, he has no place in management.

Quoted for truth.

Like I said, I don't see all these negative comments that insult people to the left and right.
As far as I can tell, he's defending his band against all kinds of misguided attacks.


What? No CEO has ever told a customer he/she is wrong? Really? That's basically what he has done. Told people that they have no clue!

All it boils down to, once again, is that these people demand respect and answers, yet they're the loudest ones posting all kinds of disrespectful shit about the band. Very little respect going in that direction. Yet they're the ones who always want things firsthand. It's not the ones buying tickets who write open letters to management or demand answers. No, it's the other ones.

You want respect? Start by showing some and let's see how it goes from there. Too much asked?




/jarmo

They could always, you know, just get their shit together.

Then these discussions would not even be occurring.

You know, it's easy to just type those words on a keyboard and consider yourself clever...

I can do it too: Just release music. So easy!

Imagine if everything in the real world worked like this! Peace in the Middle East! Done!



All kidding aside. When you think of the next step, you might have to think of obstacles or issues and solutions for those. Then suddenly you realize things aren't as easy as they seem on the Internet. You might come out of the experience with some new knowledge, or understanding, or you just keep repeating "just release music" year after year....

Let's play a hypothetical game. You say "release new music" and I'll give you a hypothetical reason why it might not just happen out of the blue at this exact moment: They don't want to release it right now because the tours are later this year and all the hype would be gone by then.

Now, you could say "I don't care, I want it now!". Which is a valid, yet somewhat selfish, opinion. At this point I wouldn't bother responding with a hypothetical answer because it's obvious nothing good would come out of talking to a wall..... Kidding!








/jarmo

I’m not sure if you’re asking me to show respect to Fernando? Or just generic in referring to some fans? I never personally attack any member of the band or its personnel in any derogative way. I try to offer an honest opinion and thoughts respectfully based on truth.
Been a member here since 2007, a follower years before that.

I show my respect by spending thousands and thousands of dollars supporting this band over the years, always playing their music and introducing new people to their music. Old era, new era all of it.

From my own educated experience, i think its fair to say that a manager of any corporation has a high standard of integrity to uphold regardless of personal opinions. But I’m/nor any fan, is going to change anything about how this band is managed and thats the truth. But we are still able to discuss our thoughts on such matters, thats the point of forums thats what i love about this forum! We all get a say, opinions will always clash.  It would be nice from both sides if it was done in a more respectful way (band and fan)

Sorry, I meant the people who complain about being disrespected by him.





/jarmo

The tour starts next month...you make it sound like it's so far down the road.  In any other real scenario (and we have seen it played out recently with other bands) album is announced before the tour, and then there's a tour.  It really has shown itself to be that simple.  It only gets complicated when people don't want to release it, or feel it's not ready (artistic integrity), or maybe there's not really an album at all, but just a mish-mash collection of riffs and songs with incomplete or no vocals, and nobody really wants to admit it's not coming.  But what do I know...

True, it starts next month.

But the majority of the tour is in the summer.




/jarmo

It’s going to be an absolute hoot to see how these excuses evolve when month after month there’s still no word of an album.

You could pretty much write them all right now.  We all know what they will be.

Why say that? You don’t know what’s going on behind closed doors.... we have two legs of a tour.  They could release it before March 14 or after April 11th, June 27th before the NA Tour too.  Hell they could release it any time they damn well please.  All I know is I get to see my favorite band tour again, this summer.  Enjoy it....

The fact that you don't like still remains, they'll release music when they want to.

I know it sucks that you have zero control over it, and it bothers you so much that you need to ask for answers about it from people you don't like.

But it is what it is.


/jarmo

Yes, it sure is.

I really dont see why this even has to be a subject at this point? I see myself as the biggest GNR fan in the world, and, music wise there is nothing i would want more then new GnR music, and the band touring. Well i now i know they are touring.. 1 out of 2. And with all the talks about new music... the big tour rolling up.. whats the problem? Ohh.. Fernando said something on reddit.. maybe to give hints of things to come, that im pretty sure he is very excited about also, then some people are all over him like he was a fucking politician promising you something. And we are still in February... priceless... Ive met the guy and all i can say is that i got a really good impression of him, and he was a very down to earth and kind person.

And why complain now? When all things are brewing and we know there is music recorded and stuff is going very well?

I really dont care whats going on behind the scenes, thats not up to me to decide. Even if i had some strong opinions about it it wouldnt make sense to go on a message board or forum and get upset about what might or might not happen. Live your lifes.. there are tons of other bands out there you can listen to, see live or collect vinyls of or whatever. Dont forget the reason you are GnR fans... the music allready made. Worst case... you may not even like the new album.🤣

Very true.

And sometimes the ones who demand new music the most are the ones who are the most eager to find things to dislike about it.... Happened with Chinese for example.





/jarmo

You make a good point. It would make no sense to put tickets on sale for a tour and only announce the album during the tour.


No, that is what you ASSUME. They have said they are recording stuff. That could literally mean nothing more than recording IDEAS. If you recall, there was recording going on for Chinese starting in 1994 and nonstop until it was finalized. Saying they are recording stuff does not mean they are actually recording the finalized takes.

T-minus a month (less if we're being literal) before Fernando's 6 month time table for an album goes the way of the dinosaur.  Anyone think new music could still drop within the next 4 weeks?  

If not, will Fernando be reprimanded for making similar comments to Merck's 2006 album promise that ultimately led to his firing? Heck, even Axl himself labeled making such an empty promise an "insane thing to do to the fans" however well-intentioned it may have been back then.  Is Fernando exempt from being held to that same standard?

It will certainly be interesting to see how this all plays out.

LOL.


I'll have to try to remember to mention that to him. That there's people on the Internet who wishes he would get reprimanded.  :hihi:


That's just funny.


Seriously though.... It's funny. And unfortunate how.... Not sure which word to use here, but how you hang onto that comment and keep going on about it. Just relax... It'll come when it comes! :D




/jarmo

Um...You're the one who created a GNR discussion internet forum genius. Not my fault in the years since you've become a sanctimonious yes-man since they started letting you snap your photos.   Keep on keeping on bud.

Axl needs to hug Fernando.  Normally all the heat for what people perceive as wrong with GNR gets directed at him.

Okay, maybe not hug him, Fernando does a good job fielding it when he could so lose his shit and set a couple of people straight on just how wrong they can be.  How misinformed they are.  How so not, they are entitled to information they want.  And I'm sure he could go on a total rant about a lot more stuff.  This guy ever lets go, he's going to put an Axl rant to shame.  :hihi:  There's a lot of strengthen in character there that he doesn't fire back.  I appreciate when he does try to clue us in and realize it comes at a cost.  Right man for the job if you ask me.

First, thanks for calling me genius. Always nice to be recognized for one's intelligence. :D

Regarding the rest, sucks to be you doesn't it? ;) :) I thought I was a "yes-man" way before that. Shit, now I'm confused....


Meanwhile I'm drinking coffee while not secretly hoping for someone to get reprimanded for a comment they made on the Internet....  :D



Edited to add: When the worst insult someone can think of is "keep working for your favorite band you yes-man you!", it's kinda hard to take it seriously.... Sorry!



/jarmo

It will only be “interesting” for you. 

you should maybe try to get out for some fresh air...

Or just smoke a joint or have a beer or have a couple of beers. Plenty of new albums, plenty of live music to go to out there including ''your favorite band''. If you don't like the way it goes Guns related then fuck it. Don't go to their shows, don't seek for new single-album and go listen to The Who - Pearl Jam. They have new music.

No hard feelings.

Tick tock...tick tock....

Are you gonna stop being a fan if nothing happens in March? :D

It seems like you're very frustrated. One can only wonder when you will have had enough of all these frustrations that never live up to the plans in your head....





/jarmo

No way dog, I love GNR.  I am going to be very disappointed in the powers that be/management's complete inability to function on a professional level and deliver to the fans in a way that pushes this band forward and not simply be a nostalgia act that wrings every last red cent out of every last market while milking the back catalogue. That's super lame.

The NITL tour wasn't professional enough for you?  ???

I mean, it's the same management that brought you one of the biggest tours in music history....

I get it, you want new music. But your obvious inability to give credit where it's due is showing.






/jarmo

Sure I can, and my support was shown in the 3 shows I went to where I, get this, PAID FOR MY TICKETS.  But if all Team Brazil can manage to accomplish is booking shows, it kind of makes them a 1 Trick Pony as far as management goes. Seems there should be a bit more to managing one of the biggest acts in rock, and with so much creative potential.

It's not unusual for people to pay for tickets. I'm not sure why you need to point it out! Please enlighten me!

I know how this works. You go to a ticketing site, you select your tickets, you pay for them. Don't worry, I've dealt with enough tickets to know how it works.  : ok:



They were managing GN'R when GN'R released the AFD box set...

Yes, it's an old release with previously unreleased tracks. But no other manager managed to do that. So.... Once again, it sure seems like you have a problem giving credit where it's due.



/jarmo

I think we all are just anxious to hear new music.

Of course.

Some just manifest it in a different way.






/jarmo

As of today, March 3rd, they do not seem to understand the current landscape of the music industry and how music is consumed in 2020.  Per Slash, they appeared to be downright blindsided that records are not released the same way they were in 1991 to the point where they have no idea how to put it out, and not for lack of finished material.  That was as of January. 

I promise, if they can figure out how music works in 2020, and get an album out I will give them all the credit they deserve for competently negotiating said release. Until then...

What he said was: More than anything, it’s because of the nature of the industry right now. It’s just like, how do you want to do this? I mean there’s material and there’s recording and there’s shit going on, but we’re not really sure what we’re doing with it right now.”

That doesn't mean they have no idea about how things are in 2020. It clearly states that they are looking at all the different options they have available (that's why it says how), because it's 2020.






/jarmo

See, it's that quote right there that bothers me.

Don't they have anyone, be it management or label execs, who can help them figure this stuff out?  I don't want to go through the laundry list of popular music acts in 2020 who *don't* have this issue, but this problem certainly isn't unique to GNR.  This attitude just makes everyone seem kind of clueless, or worse, apathetic in regard to how best to move forward with a release.

Not being sure what the best way to release it isn't the end of the world.

And yes, I'm sure they can decide on what the best option is. But I'm sure the record company wants what's best for them, and the band wants what's best for them.





/jarmo

Whatever the reasons were that we never got the followup album from 2009-2014, I have to believe that those label issues have long since dissipated, especially considering the numbers NITL brought in. 

My one hope in all of this is that the label has or will soon have the album in some type of finished form, and that they're just waiting for an economical time to drop it during this tour.  At this point, the best we can bank on is the blind hope that certain people at the top have a plan for GNR this year that goes beyond just the scheduled live shows.

I am very hopeful that the band is going to get all they go after this year.  But,

in under two weeks and they are back on the road!  :peace:

I have my reservations if we will get new music.  On the positive note at least their touring :peace:

After the 2014 residency they were focusing on releasing the album.  Then Slash and Duff rejoined the band.  Would make no sense to release a album without Slash & Duff recorded parts.  Plus you have a Tour that was a huge success which was the right move.  There’s plenty of time to release the album, before the Stadium Tour.  Management doesn’t have to say anything.... they could drop it tomorrow... wait till June.  The silence you hear should be comforting, since the old saying “ no news, is good news”.  I for one am excited about the stadium tour, since the weather will be nice ( I live in the Pacific Northwest ) plus they are playing at some cool places ( Missoula MT & the new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood).

You're right...management doesn't have to say a thing...but they did.  I don't think there's anything wrong with people asking for an update.  We all know "things change" but when you put something out there, you should be able to back it up.

Clearly, Fernando has been too busy making sure the upcoming after-show parties have an ample amount of high priced hookers ordered up, and has not been able to elaborate on his album by March/within six months comments to fans back in September.  Which is so totally understandable...

What after show parties?

Just another example of you showing your true self.




/jarmo

The hookers may just be for Axl, I'm not sure.  I saw Del and Fernando herding a group of confused looking hotties backstage at Soldier Field in 2016, and let's just say I don't think they were there to headbang to Paradise City.

At any rate, I'm just relieved Team Brazil have their priorities in order for GNR in 2020.

LOL.


I'd say at most shows there are female guests of the band. Doesn't necessarily mean what you assume it does.  :hihi:




/jarmo

Lol...I'm sure they do have plenty of female guests. But with that said, I know what I saw after the Chicago show, and if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...

So according to you, confused good looking females at shows must be prostitutes. Got it.

It's nice to learn something new!



/jarmo

When they're dressed like Jessica Rabbit and being led backstage by members of Team Brazil? Yes. All day, yes.

Nope. The way people dress doesn't always speak of their profession. Sorry.

I mean, if you see a guy dressed in black on stage, it's probably a crew guy....  :hihi: But relating to guests. Not really. Some show up in Converse, some show up in high heels.






/jarmo

Lol, ok, fine. Well I hope the not-prostitutes had a blast backstage, whatever that may have been.   ;)

If you think real hookers are actually hotties, then you've never lived around them in the slums, pal.  Hookers are only "hotties" on television.

Some us live in the real world.  :hihi:  I was listening to music today about the 9 to 5.  Where in the world do they work 9 to 5?  It's always been 8 to 5 where I've lived.

The UK?

08.00 - 15.30  : ok: here in Norway

Make a song out of that! :hihi:

Plus, real prostitutes would not have been confused  :hihi: