GNR. The music, not a thread about weight.

I'm interested in the music. I've been watching a lot from the RIR and Santiago, Chile gig and it seems Axl's letting Frank, Dizzy, and Chris contribute more - which I not only enjoy, but consider necessary. Last tour I complained Frank's drums were boring, didnt drive the song forward, creating an appropriate sense of urgency. But I think I'm hearing those things thus far in the tour (2 gigs so far, I know). Brain did this brilliantly in the Rio '01 gig and I think it was a HUGE part of its success. Also, I want to hear Dizzy's congas and all the auxiliary percussion n stuff, more - IT SOUNDS GREAT. I want to HEAR Chris' gadgets rather than just seeing them wobble around, cool as that may be. This band is HANDS DOWN the best band on the planet (imo) - honestly it kinda reminds me of Miles Davis' crazy-ass, awesome 1970s electric lineups. You could really HEAR those musicians and Miles let them contribute. Axl being the perfectionist sticks to the same setlist, waits forever to release albums, so on and so forth, and while this has advantages (namely, creating drama), I really wish he'd USE what he has rather than seemingly taking it for granted.

Also, folks, maybe Axl needs to get into shape because his vocal style requires it, but otherwise, I dont care what he looks like. The reason music today is so dead is because everyone has become obsessed with IMAGE rather than substance. Axl is rock in roll, and I'd much rather seem him happy and sounding great than prancing around, sounding like shit, being skinny wearing a pink halter top like a 70 year old Mick Jagger or something. These negative threads, and giving a crap about what lamestream press says, is so...not Rock n Roll. The same press doesnt acknowledge just how awesome it is, for example, having DJ, Ron, and Richard playing together, so why should we reinforce their concepts of beauty?

btw, Axl in Chile sounded as good if not better than some of the Asian/Canadian gigs in '09-'10. That tour turned out great, so I think this one will be better. Gnr rules.