What New GNR can learn from Velvet Revolver's juggernaut

[Minneapolisnewsman]

Have not been around much lately (working like mad, writing, going to shows, etc.), but as I was burning down the freeway today while rocking out to "Sucker Train Blues," I realized a few things that Velvet Revolver did (some so obvious it is sick) that Axl and company should have done in 2002.

Looking forward to your thoughts, and hope the Sanctuary team is taking notes;  moreover, as I will express later:  I think right now is their last opportunity to make this new GNR work, but only if they drink enough prune juice to get off the pot.

1)   Releasing a single for a movie, and then promoting it, making a video to go all over the internet, and pumping it for radio play was VR's first brilliant move.  OMG could have been significant, imho, if only a video and push was made for radio play.  Moreover, a few 'secret gigs' playing about four or five new songs at that time would have primed the band for a huge return.  Instead, we get Axl's forced explanation, and nothing.  No radio interviews, no gigs, no video, no net streaming.

2)  Rehearsal, rehearsal, rehearsal!  It is obvious, that VR rehearsed vigorously before they recorded.  They were able to cut a solid rock album in about two months of recording.  Strikingly, I think Frontline mentioned that recording costs were very low and that this came from all FIVE members being at rehearsals and contributing. The albums production is perfect!  It is important to work hard at whatever trade one chooses--and if you are a musician, practice and most importantly practicing interaction with other players is a must.  You must learn how to "team" write if you are hoping to be a great band.  Solo writing is for solo artists.  Great rock bands depend on a freight train-cohesive rhythm section for the leads to 'snake' around--this fusion in the writing and playing comes from hours of learning each bandmembers intricacies, and leads to the magic.  If only Axl and co. would rehearse together.  I am sure they have some, like before Rio, and their aborted tour, but from what I gather personally, and from the new bandmembers comments Axl is still AWOL from sessions, and does his vocal parts solo.  Not good--not really a band.

3)  How ingenious to do a theatre tour to build buzz!  How frickin simple and practical!  How financially sound, and wow what a way to make the product desired.  MAKE IT EXCLUSIVE, SOLD OUT, AND INTIMATE FOR YOUR DIE-HARD FAN BASE.  MOREOVER, IF YOU SCREW UP, ONLY 2000 PEOPLE SEE IT, AS OPPOSED TO 9,000.

When VR sold out their theatre tour in ten minutes--it became a headline.  Moreover, the ticket became a hot item:  "it's a sold out show!"  
Start with reality, and work into the stadiums.  Moreover, the bootlegs sound quality is ten times better.  

GNR's 2002 tour should have been a theatre tour, with then secondary arena dates scheduled in the following markets:  Toronto, LA, New York, Miami, Philly, Phoenix, Mexico City, Rio, Tokyo, London, Sydney, and Paris.

Could one imagine the press they would have received had they scheduled 25 theatre dates (2000 seaters) and the inevitable sell out of all dates on the same day it went on sale?  That is how a band generates buzz.  Moreover, due to better acoustics and intimacy--reviews tend to be better.  The press, just a many music fans, love the blue-collar nature of dirty rock bands, playing dirty theatres with smoke filling the place, and booze pouring.

4)  Sex, Drugs, and Rock n' Roll!  It sells, it works!  VR embrace their dangererous past, and promote danger in vigorous ways.  Axl's PR man should tell him to quit cutting down Slash in a condescending way for being loaded, and just embrace the story and explain just how crazy those days were.  Stay a bad-ass.  The fans want a rock star, and if that is your trade, embrace it.

5)  Use natural talent, and build on strength of players in the band.  Don't try to be something you are not.  VR laid down simple heavy rhythms and used Weilands great harmonizing/improvising a harmony skills, and Slash's snake like ability to slither around chords to perfection.

IMHO, Axl's strength has always been his ability to put emotion into std. Stones type rock songs--the players and talent to rock are there (Stinson, Finck, Fortus, Brain, and Dizzy are stars in their own right) now get in the room and cut thirteen rockers written by everyone.  Rehearse, quickly and spontaneously record and schedule theatre dates.

6) Sanctuary should ride the coattails of VR's rock revival and the buzz coming from the Behind the Music and a possible Press field day with a GNR vs. GNR competition.  It could be the last chance, and a perfect chance, to explode within their own means and have street creditibility at the same time.

Just my two cents--your thoughts?

[justynius]

3)  How ingenious to do a theatre tour to build buzz!  How frickin simple and practical!  How financially sound, and wow what a way to make the product desired.  MAKE IT EXCLUSIVE, SOLD OUT, AND INTIMATE FOR YOUR DIE-HARD FAN BASE.  MOREOVER, IF YOU SCREW UP, ONLY 2000 PEOPLE SEE IT, AS OPPOSED TO 9,000.

When VR sold out their theatre tour in ten minutes--it became a headline.  Moreover, the ticket became a hot item:  "it's a sold out show!"  
Start with reality, and work into the stadiums.  Moreover, the bootlegs sound quality is ten times better.  

GNR's 2002 tour should have been a theatre tour, with then secondary arena dates scheduled in the following markets:  Toronto, LA, New York, Miami, Philly, Phoenix, Mexico City, Rio, Tokyo, London, Sydney, and Paris.

Could one imagine the press they would have received had they scheduled 25 theatre dates (2000 seaters) and the inevitable sell out of all dates on the same day it went on sale?  That is how a band generates buzz.  Moreover, due to better acoustics and intimacy--reviews tend to be better.  The press, just a many music fans, love the blue-collar nature of dirty rock bands, playing dirty theatres with smoke filling the place, and booze pouring.

Yep, that's it. VR did a theatre tour as a strategic move to "intimate the fan base" and create better sound quality for bootleggers. It had nothing to do with the fact that they'd come nowhere close to selling enough tickets to have an even halfway successful concert tour.

[dave-gnfnr2k]

#1 Axl did RIR3 in 2001 that was huge promotion, he even got quite a bit of good reviews for Rio, if he released a single soon after Rio, then they would have taken off. That is probably what Axl had in mind for RIR4 but BH left the band and it put a wrench in his plans.

#2 Not to bash VR here but the album is just decent, there are a few great songs but too much filler, they should have taken a few more months and worked on the songs more and the album would have been better. Also, like mentioned before supposedly Axl and co  have done 3 albums to be released over the next several years, so that is a wait and see. If that is true, and we get 3 gnr albums over the next 3-5 years then it will have been worth the wait. Just look at how much the songs have evolved from RIR3,. They have gotten so much better; I wonder how much better the other songs we have not heard got during this time.

#3 Gnrs 2002 did not sell out every show for two simple reasons. One, there was little to no promotion for that tour, most people did not even know about it.  Second, they did not have an album or single to go with the tour. If gnr had a single on the radio and a release date every show would have sold out of came close. Most of the big markets like Boston, NY and Philly sold out or came pretty damn close.  Look at how well overseas gnr did, that is bc they were promoted over there.

#4 I don?t want to hear 40-year-old men talking about sex and drugs it just sounds stupid.  Axls lyrics are much deeper and that is why a lot of people prefer his lyrics to other musicians.

# 5 I think Madagascar is one of the best gnr songs ever written and that is nothing like he has done before. Before estranged came out Axl did nothing like that before. Axl likes to progress in music not make the same album over and over again like ac dc does.

#6 Axls music will speak for it self, and when it?s all said and done, I think Axl will release an amazing album and it will have been worth the wait.

[SLCPUNK]

Have not been around much lately (working like mad, writing, going to shows, etc.), but as I was burning down the freeway today while rocking out to "Sucker Train Blues," I realized a few things that Velvet Revolver did (some so obvious it is sick) that Axl and company should have done in 2002.

Looking forward to your thoughts, and hope the Sanctuary team is taking notes;  moreover, as I will express later:  I think right now is their last opportunity to make this new GNR work, but only if they drink enough prune juice to get off the pot.

1)   Releasing a single for a movie, and then promoting it, making a video to go all over the internet, and pumping it for radio play was VR's first brilliant move.  OMG could have been significant, imho, if only a video and push was made for radio play.  Moreover, a few 'secret gigs' playing about four or five new songs at that time would have primed the band for a huge return.  Instead, we get Axl's forced explanation, and nothing.  No radio interviews, no gigs, no video, no net streaming.

2)  Rehearsal, rehearsal, rehearsal!  It is obvious, that VR rehearsed vigorously before they recorded.  They were able to cut a solid rock album in about two months of recording.  Strikingly, I think Frontline mentioned that recording costs were very low and that this came from all FIVE members being at rehearsals and contributing. The albums production is perfect!  It is important to work hard at whatever trade one chooses--and if you are a musician, practice and most importantly practicing interaction with other players is a must.  You must learn how to "team" write if you are hoping to be a great band.  Solo writing is for solo artists.  Great rock bands depend on a freight train-cohesive rhythm section for the leads to 'snake' around--this fusion in the writing and playing comes from hours of learning each bandmembers intricacies, and leads to the magic.  If only Axl and co. would rehearse together.  I am sure they have some, like before Rio, and their aborted tour, but from what I gather personally, and from the new bandmembers comments Axl is still AWOL from sessions, and does his vocal parts solo.  Not good--not really a band.

3)  How ingenious to do a theatre tour to build buzz!  How frickin simple and practical!  How financially sound, and wow what a way to make the product desired.  MAKE IT EXCLUSIVE, SOLD OUT, AND INTIMATE FOR YOUR DIE-HARD FAN BASE.  MOREOVER, IF YOU SCREW UP, ONLY 2000 PEOPLE SEE IT, AS OPPOSED TO 9,000.

When VR sold out their theatre tour in ten minutes--it became a headline.  Moreover, the ticket became a hot item:  "it's a sold out show!"  
Start with reality, and work into the stadiums.  Moreover, the bootlegs sound quality is ten times better.  

GNR's 2002 tour should have been a theatre tour, with then secondary arena dates scheduled in the following markets:  Toronto, LA, New York, Miami, Philly, Phoenix, Mexico City, Rio, Tokyo, London, Sydney, and Paris.

Could one imagine the press they would have received had they scheduled 25 theatre dates (2000 seaters) and the inevitable sell out of all dates on the same day it went on sale?  That is how a band generates buzz.  Moreover, due to better acoustics and intimacy--reviews tend to be better.  The press, just a many music fans, love the blue-collar nature of dirty rock bands, playing dirty theatres with smoke filling the place, and booze pouring.

4)  Sex, Drugs, and Rock n' Roll!  It sells, it works!  VR embrace their dangererous past, and promote danger in vigorous ways.  Axl's PR man should tell him to quit cutting down Slash in a condescending way for being loaded, and just embrace the story and explain just how crazy those days were.  Stay a bad-ass.  The fans want a rock star, and if that is your trade, embrace it.

5)  Use natural talent, and build on strength of players in the band.  Don't try to be something you are not.  VR laid down simple heavy rhythms and used Weilands great harmonizing/improvising a harmony skills, and Slash's snake like ability to slither around chords to perfection.

IMHO, Axl's strength has always been his ability to put emotion into std. Stones type rock songs--the players and talent to rock are there (Stinson, Finck, Fortus, Brain, and Dizzy are stars in their own right) now get in the room and cut thirteen rockers written by everyone.  Rehearse, quickly and spontaneously record and schedule theatre dates.

6) Sanctuary should ride the coattails of VR's rock revival and the buzz coming from the Behind the Music and a possible Press field day with a GNR vs. GNR competition.  It could be the last chance, and a perfect chance, to explode within their own means and have street creditibility at the same time.

Just my two cents--your thoughts?

I agree with you dude 100%!

This point makes sense and is well thought out.

Keep it simple.

Axl should have stuck to small venues. He would have sold them out for sure. I think his ego was too big for that. I really do.

I am listening to this album right now, and these guys did a great thing. There is power and sweat behind it.

Of course it isn't AFD. I didn't expect, or even want that. But I did get what I thought I'd get, and a little more.

Great post.

[Naupis]

The VMA's and Rio were two wasted opportunities that will not come around again. The ball was dropped heavily on those, and I am hoping whoever advised them to do those with no material on the way to capitalize off the buzz needs to be fired. Those opportunities will not come around in the same form again as GNR is viewed as somewhat of a failed venture thus far, and they will have to re-prove themselves before they are handed headlining slots again after they bowed out of Rio. I think everyone on this board would be amazed how easy all this might be if there was actually a cd coming out in the forseeable future.

[younggunner]

)  Releasing a single for a movie, and then promoting it, making a video to go all over the internet, and pumping it for radio play was VR's first brilliant move.  OMG could have been significant, imho, if only a video and push was made for radio play.  Moreover, a few 'secret gigs' playing about four or five new songs at that time would have primed the band for a huge return.  Instead, we get Axl's forced explanation, and nothing.  No radio interviews, no gigs, no video, no net streaming.

2)  Rehearsal, rehearsal, rehearsal!  It is obvious, that VR rehearsed vigorously before they recorded.  They were able to cut a solid rock album in about two months of recording.  Strikingly, I think Frontline mentioned that recording costs were very low and that this came from all FIVE members being at rehearsals and contributing. The albums production is perfect!  It is important to work hard at whatever trade one chooses--and if you are a musician, practice and most importantly practicing interaction with other players is a must.  You must learn how to "team" write if you are hoping to be a great band.  Solo writing is for solo artists.  Great rock bands depend on a freight train-cohesive rhythm section for the leads to 'snake' around--this fusion in the writing and playing comes from hours of learning each bandmembers intricacies, and leads to the magic.  If only Axl and co. would rehearse together.  I am sure they have some, like before Rio, and their aborted tour, but from what I gather personally, and from the new bandmembers comments Axl is still AWOL from sessions, and does his vocal parts solo.  Not good--not really a band.

GNR will do all the interviews,press, singles, videos,etc...when the album is ready. That is the key. No more stop n go's. When they are ready to release the album that is when you will see a promotional and marketing scheme liek no other......

3)  How ingenious to do a theatre tour to build buzz!  How frickin simple and practical!  How financially sound, and wow what a way to make the product desired.  MAKE IT EXCLUSIVE, SOLD OUT, AND INTIMATE FOR YOUR DIE-HARD FAN BASE.  MOREOVER, IF YOU SCREW UP, ONLY 2000 PEOPLE SEE IT, AS OPPOSED TO 9,000.

When VR sold out their theatre tour in ten minutes--it became a headline.  Moreover, the ticket became a hot item:  "it's a sold out show!"  
Start with reality, and work into the stadiums.  Moreover, the bootlegs sound quality is ten times better.  

GNR's 2002 tour should have been a theatre tour, with then secondary arena dates scheduled in the following markets:  Toronto, LA, New York, Miami, Philly, Phoenix, Mexico City, Rio, Tokyo, London, Sydney, and Paris.

Could one imagine the press they would have received had they scheduled 25 theatre dates (2000 seaters) and the inevitable sell out of all dates on the same day it went on sale?  That is how a band generates buzz.  Moreover, due to better acoustics and intimacy--reviews tend to be better.  The press, just a many music fans, love the blue-collar nature of dirty rock bands, playing dirty theatres with smoke filling the place, and booze pouring.

I agree. Ive been saying this from day 1. Gnr should have went on a qucik major city tour in 2002. It could have been arenas too. Just do the major cities. Create a buzz and the band still gets out of the studio with a purpose. Instead they went on a dumb tour.....

)  Sex, Drugs, and Rock n' Roll!  It sells, it works!  VR embrace their dangererous past, and promote danger in vigorous ways.  Axl's PR man should tell him to quit cutting down Slash in a condescending way for being loaded, and just embrace the story and explain just how crazy those days were.  Stay a bad-ass.  The fans want a rock star, and if that is your trade, embrace it.

It might sell but it doesnt mean shit. I dont need to see 40 yr olds try to do what they did 20 yrs before. Its gay and shows immaturity in my eyes.
Axl is still a badass . He just not the immature badass. He still does dickhead things but its much different than back in the day.

5)  Use natural talent, and build on strength of players in the band.  Don't try to be something you are not.  VR laid down simple heavy rhythms and used Weilands great harmonizing/improvising a harmony skills, and Slash's snake like ability to slither around chords to perfection.

I wouldnt sya it was perfection. IMO VR's album is rushed. But aside from that, can you wait to see what gnrs album sounds liek before you deem their music a failure or not the proper way to do things....

the players and talent to rock are there (Stinson, Finck, Fortus, Brain, and Dizzy are stars in their own right) now get in the room and cut thirteen rockers written by everyone.  Rehearse, quickly and spontaneously record and schedule theatre dates.

They have done that and produced more than 50 songs together. Actually 70 songs/3 albums worth. I agree they should release it but obiviosuly theres a lot more that goes into this.


Im not worried 1 bit in terms of promotion for GNR. The only obstacle is getting an official release date. Once that happens , the marketing and promotional plans the company has planned will kick into gear. It will prob be much like VR, maybe more. Theres a lot riding into this project. SO the promotion/marketing will be there. They dont need to take lessons they need to just get Axl to release it. Its as simple as that.

[Naupis]

YG-
I know you always point to the 3 albums thing as a good thing, reason we have no album but don't you think its a little ridiculous to record other albums before you release one? I know the point is to do some 2-3 year tour(and we all know there is absolutely no chance Axl can handle years of touring without some type of meltdown), but if the first album isn't recieved as well as hoped by the public they may have to try a different approach, and leave them with a whole bunch of material that they can't use right away/ at all. I think that has been the cardinal mistake of this entire project. They should have recorded one album and went from there. Depending on the publics reaction it will shape alot of what GNR does from that point on. Plenty of artists have put out good albums that don't sell well, and poor sales of this album will kill this band. He should have just put all his eggs in one basket and not worried about what happened next. Also, appearing before he was ready to actually release an album killed the whole mistique of the new band by appearing and then dying off again. He will never be able to re-create the VMA's....that was the time to strike.

[Old Man In Chains]

I agree that VR has done everything perfectly up to this point.  I think the club tour was brilliant because club shows are always better than arena shows.  They are already getting a reputatiuon as an amazing live band.  Actually releasing an album was also a good move  .  Whether or not it is a good album is a matter of taste, I personally think it rocks.  While I can appreciate Axl's desire to do things his way, it seems like he fucks up every step of the way.  Going on an arena tour after being MIA for 10 years without a new album and playing all the old GNR songs without any of the other original memebers (but with a dude wearing a KFC bucket on his head) and then cancelling the tour half way through is classic Axl.  Nobody else could pull that off, I will give him that.

[younggunner]

I know you always point to the 3 albums thing as a good thing, reason we have no album but don't you think its a little ridiculous to record other albums before you release one? I know the point is to do some 2-3 year tour(and we all know there is absolutely no chance Axl can handle years of touring without some type of meltdown)

Aside from the 2002 tour when exactely has Axl "melted" down? The 2002 tour was a bust. BUt where was it goin. There was no point in it and it was poorly planned. It has nothing to do with GNRs future. Plus its not like Axl has never toured for years at a time....

but if the first album isn't recieved as well as hoped by the public they may have to try a different approach, and leave them with a whole bunch of material that they can't use right away/ at all. I think that has been the cardinal mistake of this entire project.

Its a fair point. But they obiviously have a plan and are sticking to it. They obiviously feel strongly about the material as well.

Also, appearing before he was ready to actually release an album killed the whole mistique of the new band

I think its safe to say theres still a mystique regarding the material and whats locked in those vaults.

I understand what your saying but they have a plan. This band began in 98/99. They were ready to go ahead with it but then bucket left. Now they have to get that situation fixed. This is a touring band and the players involved love to tour. They want to attack this while the iron is hot. So whenever that bell rings it will be a GNR blitz for a few years{providing the material is good}. Its not rocket science....If the album is excellent everything wil be fine..if it flops it flops.....the thing is they are doing things on their terms. iTs up to you if you wanna wait or leave. or both or whatver the fuk u wanna do...either way your gonna find out fo yoself

[Walapino]

Naupis I understand your point but then I understand why Axl wants to record 3 albums before releasing 1 and thats simple. He has hired personel there, once the contract runs up from one of the members they can easily leave or just break the damn thing like Fuckethead did. And he would need to rebuild the band again. Recording 3 cds now ensures that he has the intact band he needs to record them.

[SLCPUNK]

Naupis I understand your point but then I understand why Axl wants to record 3 albums before releasing 1 and thats simple. He has hired personel there, once the contract runs up from one of the members they can easily leave or just break the damn thing like Fuckethead did. And he would need to rebuild the band again. Recording 3 cds now ensures that he has the intact band he needs to record them.

I'm sorry, with all due respect I have to laugh at the '3 album thing'. How long have I been hearing this BS? I mean, we don't even have a release date for one album here ! Some of you guys need to pinch yourselves and wake up!

No offense really, I'm being serious.

VR took something, had a plan, and is living it right now.

Axl will get another chance. But only with an album, and he knows it.

[younggunner]

How long have I been hearing this BS?

Why is it bs? If you wanna say the whole process is bs fine, but to say that what they actually have is bs is being dumb. They have 3 albums worth of material. Whther you think they will release 1, 2 or 3 is your opinion but you cant dispute fact.

VR took something, had a plan, and is living it right now

Gnr has made 3 albums, has a plan and when there ready they will be living it as well....

[Minneapolisnewsman]

The three album myth is just that:  myth, until it is released.  I remember clearly in 1995 Matt Sorum and Duff saying that they had thousands of hours of DAT tape and many songs done.  We never saw any of them, and one by one the members left.  Sometimes it seems like this is a coached PR statement, like "suggested answer to questions in interviews" as defined by the GNR team's public relation dept.

On the other hand, I am sure that they have 70 riffs, parts of songs, choruses, progressions, and what not, but not all are completed songs.  I think that rehearsing, writing--like maybe renting a remote house in Argentina for a month where all the bandmembers would lock down--and creating together would finish this product.  Until one album is done, I would not believe that there are three completed albums.  Here is one example of an uncompleted song:  Chinese Democracy.  The tempo is always being tinkered with; moreover during the verses "It don't really matter..." before the chorus there is little to no rhythm or guitar chord progression providing a back drop or something that Finck can rip around, and compliment the lyrics with.  Fortus could slam power chords in those areas with Finck sliding and vibing off it; but, it is just not there.  Another unfinished piece is Silk Worms.  The songs need work, and catchier guitar sections and some melodic rhythm.  Therefore, I doubt there is truly three albums worth of finished material.  If there was one album of material ready, Interscope would have released it instead of the Greatest Hits.  I think that was released to recoup the CD recording costs.  

Axl seems to confuse "rehearsing" with "recording" and it ends up costing much, and that brings unecessary pressure and bad karma into the project.  Heck lock down, with the band who is more than willing, at your mansion if you have to.  My suggestion:  bring in Izzy to write some basic chord progressions.  Hell, Gilby Clarke is available if need be.  Whatever they do though, they need to write at least six strong rockers to go along with "This I love," "The Blues," and "Madagascar" which are all great slower tempo songs.  Put on Crash Diet, OMG, and Shadow of Your Love and all of a sudden there is a 12 song album.

But, guys Axl has a real chance here.  The buzz that would be created by announcing a release date in the near future, and then scheduling theatre dates in LA, New York, Chicago, Philly etc. would create a press feeding frenzy:  "Axl's Guns vs. Slash's Revolver."  I can just see the headlines, and the buzz!

[Old Man In Chains]

Posted by: younggunner  Posted on: Today at 06:26:03am  
Quote:
How long have I been hearing this BS?
 
Why is it bs? If you wanna say the whole process is bs fine, but to say that what they actually have is bs is being dumb. They have 3 albums worth of material. Whther you think they will release 1, 2 or 3 is your opinion but you cant dispute fact.

Quote:
VR took something, had a plan, and is living it right now
 
Gnr has made 3 albums, has a plan and when there ready they will be living it as well....  


Have you heard these mythical 3 albums or have any evidence that they exist?  From different sources you could probably prove that there is 1 albums worth of material.  If Axl is your only source, I am not sure he is the most reliable person.  If he actually has a plan it is either the dumbest plan ever or it is so diabolically brilliant that us mere mortals could not begin to understand it.

[badapple81]

GNR's 2002 tour should have been a theatre tour, with then secondary arena dates scheduled in the following markets:  Toronto, LA, New York, Miami, Philly, Phoenix, Mexico City, Rio, Tokyo, London, Sydney, and Paris.

Now THAT'S a good idea!  

[dave-gnfnr2k]

To the people who insist the whole three album thing is a myth.

Brian May stated a few years ago that Axl had 3 complete albums worth of material that axl had him listen to, he also said Axls singing on the songs were outrageous, so those 3 albums also had vocal tracks on them. Brian May is not in gnr nor he is associated with them, it was just a few throw away questions in the middle of a Brian May interview about what he did in gnr and what he heard.  So why would Brian May lie about there being 3 albums done? What is so hard to understand about this?

[Minneapolisnewsman]

Question:  Does everyone concur that this would be good timing for a late summer/fall theatre tour, with a 3rd week November release?  

NY Times headline in October could be:

"GNR retake the Ritz:  Axl's Guns vs Slash's Revolver!"


AP
New York

Axl Rose, playing a surprise gig in the theatre which arguably brought GNR into America's living room in 1987, rolled out ten previously unheard songs, combined with the legendary hits in front of a raucous wild-eyed crowd.  Rose put to rest rumors of his demise, and comfortably led his talent-laden Guns through a two hour set, with an  encore consisting of Civil War and a jaw-dropping tribute to the late John Lennon titled "Catcher in the Rye."  

Rose, who did not comment on the dismissal of eccentric guitarist Buckethead, or his recently gone quadruple platinum old partners in Velvet Revolver, displayed the raw vocal range which led to his meteoric rise.  The new songs, many penned by Stinson and Fortus, returned to the melodic, guitar driven blues based tonic which defined the bands 90 plus million selling catalog--although all had a very contemporary edge and did not seem dated.

After the show Rose mentioned that "we had become extremely bogged down in the studio for a few years, and Tommy brought in about twelve songs, Robin brought in some great riffs, and Richard started figuring out chord progressions.  It finally came together last spring, and we were able to go in and record the final 10 album tracks in about 10 days.  Obviously Cather, The Blues and Madagascar--which will be on the album--were already finished. It was time for all of us to rediscover our muse, and enjoy working together in rehearsal creating something so emotionally powerful, yet playful and contemorary.  All of us have battle scars from our past excesses, and we drew upon our pains to write and finish these songs."

What's next for the rejuvenated Gunners?

"We will continue to do club and theatre dates in Chicago, LA, Miami, the Filmore in San Francisco, and then head to Europe for dates in Stockholm, London, Paris, and Berlin.  The album drops in November, and if all goes according to plan we will do Vegas NYE show, take off January, and then begin a Spring and Summer festival, and amphi-theatre tour."  

"We're going to scale back from our last tour, which partly was my fault, but logistically was too much too soon for this band.  We really needed more time building our cohesiveness before playing 30,000 seat arenas.  Plus, we did not have the album ready, it was not the most brilliant business move we've made."

Will the Gunners be back at MSG anytime soon (2002 was great if anyone missed)?

"If plans hold together, we should be playing there in February or March.  See you then."


_________completely hypothetical, but would work imho

So, do you think this is a good time to strike?  I do

[SLCPUNK]

How long have I been hearing this BS?

Why is it bs? If you wanna say the whole process is bs fine, but to say that what they actually have is bs is being dumb. They have 3 albums worth of material. Whther you think they will release 1, 2 or 3 is your opinion but you cant dispute fact.

VR took something, had a plan, and is living it right now

Gnr has made 3 albums, has a plan and when there ready they will be living it as well....

Fact?   Why 'cause Axl said it?  

Fact!!? You are living in FANTASY WORLD!!

You saying "fact" takes all all cred. away from you bro!

FACT.....

This is how you guys define a fact: Axl mentions something a long time ago. Then you guys whip it into a frenzy for a year or so on this board. Then, you've said it so much you believe it's true.

I'll only take it as a fact..when I have the 3rd album in my hand.  

I didn't say Axl wasn't going to deliver. But from what he has shown us so far it doesn't look to good. Hey, I was ready back in 2002 , and the guy dropped the ball! So I base what I say on that FACT.

[SLCPUNK]

To the people who insist the whole three album thing is a myth.

Brian May stated a few years ago that Axl had 3 complete albums worth of material that axl had him listen to, he also said Axls singing on the songs were outrageous, so those 3 albums also had vocal tracks on them. Brian May is not in gnr nor he is associated with them, it was just a few throw away questions in the middle of a Brian May interview about what he did in gnr and what he heard.  So why would Brian May lie about there being 3 albums done? What is so hard to understand about this?

Well whoop-dee-freakin'-doo! Brian May said that Axl had three albums worth of material.

So what!

I don't see any albums. I don't see Axl dropping a release date. I don't see a band that does ANYTHING. This is not a band that I see.

So you guys can sit back and sing all day long about 3 albums if it make you feel better. But he hasn't given us jack shit, and he probably won't!

[SLCPUNK]

Posted by: younggunner  Posted on: Today at 06:26:03am  
Quote:
How long have I been hearing this BS?
 
Why is it bs? If you wanna say the whole process is bs fine, but to say that what they actually have is bs is being dumb. They have 3 albums worth of material. Whther you think they will release 1, 2 or 3 is your opinion but you cant dispute fact.

Quote:
VR took something, had a plan, and is living it right now
 
Gnr has made 3 albums, has a plan and when there ready they will be living it as well....  


Have you heard these mythical 3 albums or have any evidence that they exist?  From different sources you could probably prove that there is 1 albums worth of material.  If Axl is your only source, I am not sure he is the most reliable person.  If he actually has a plan it is either the dumbest plan ever or it is so diabolically brilliant that us mere mortals could not begin to understand it.

Thank you old man!

Somebody with some common sense! And a good sense of humor to boot!