Merck comments on Axl vs Slash

[gigger]

Are you two done?




/jarmo

Yep ?

[mrlee]

the heat and soul of GNR is all of them together (Axl, Duff, Slash, Izzy, steven or matt) not axl on his own. Axl contributed i agree but so did the rest if it was not for all of them we would not have the GNR we know of. (this was directed at that mans answer in the interview)

[Naupis]

Granted, I don't see a lot positive right now but your half assed wannabe psychologist ramblings about Axl's mindset, the music industry, lawsuits and everything else are getting a little played out.

Madagas-

There is nothing half assed about anything I have said. His actions throughout the course of his career and during the last tour especially prove beyond a shadow of a doubt his confidence and mindset are fragile. All of the ridiculous regulations that go into dealing with him in any type of situation support this. He gets spooked possibly easier than any other artist out there, or maybe ever. You have to treat him with kid gloves. Nothing I have said is a lie or can be proven otherwise.

The lawsuits......I would think that the other participants in the lawsuit being able to tour for a year and release an album which planning a second one all within the span of that lawsuit being filed is proof positive that it is not the lawsuits that hold back CD, but Axl, as everyone around here takes the lawsuit shit waaaay too sersiously as it does not impede his ability to write, record, release music or tour. Again, no half ass guessing on my part, just proving a fact to dispell the myth amoung alot of the whiners on this board that his life is so burdened by lawsuits that he can't release a CD. THat assumption is stupid and ridiculous as it is Axl and not lawsuits that keep this project from moving forward.

Music industry same thing. I showed where he was at one point with his old band. Were he not to reach those similar heights with his new one that can only be considered an ultimate failure, as no one in their right mind trades a sure fire championships team in for a team that doesn't make the playoffs. It would be like Bob Kraft who owns the New England Patriots trading his entire team away to Bill Bidwell and the Arizona Cardinals for their guys on gut feeling that group could win 4 Super Bowls in 4 years instead of 3 Superbowls in 4 years like his team now. If it didn't happen that way, the trade goes down as a failure, as it was stupid to trade away a group of guys ?who proved to be so successful for a group that you weren't sure about and ultimately couldn't match the previous groups level of success and achievement.

Again, no half-assed argument there as only a retard would think in hind site it was a good idea to disband a group that had achieved all the old Guns had if the new Guns don't end up achieving at least that much and more. Otherwise what was the sense in doing so as not achieving that prior level of success would prove that the public rejected Axl's vision of how Guns music should sound. Not a whole lot of guess work there if you ask me.

I am a big Axl fan, I am just realistic about his situation which obviously don't seem to be if you are trying to discredit what I am saying as nothing I have said is even remotely close to a lie, assumption or half-truth. Everything I have presented to you in these arguments are facts and entirely irrefutable.

[gabble]

'I Never Go Anywhere Without 10,000 Albums'

5 March 2005
Billboard

Copyright 2005, VNU eMedia Inc. All rights reserved.

While Merck Mercuriadis, worldwide CEO for the Sanctuary Group, clearly is comfortable making strategic decisions that will affect his publicly traded company, he is much happier talking about music. Even a discussion about the economic implications of digital distribution inevitably leads back to music.

During an interview with Billboard in his office, Mercuriadis related that in addition to an iPod, "I have a hard disc with thousands of albums on it, and I can shift things back and forth quite easily. So I never go anywhere without 10,000 albums. Eventually, I will have my entire record collection of 50,000 albums on my hard drive so I can access it any time I want, but I will still want the hard version so I can look at the artwork and feel the textures."

The first thing Bob Chiappardi, president of New York-based Concrete Marketing, says about Mercuriadis is that he is "a true music lover." Chiappardi lauds Mercuriadis as a man of his word who remains family-centered even though he seems to travel prodigiously. He is also "amazingly responsive," Chiappardi adds. "I think he lives with the Blackberry attached to his hip."

 
As an extension of his devotion to music, Mercuriadis is known for his rapport with artists and his fierce protection of their interests. One of Sanctuary's management clients is Guns N' Roses, whom Mercuriadis handles personally. Asked when the band's long-awaited "Chinese Democracy" album will see the light of day, Mercuriadis says, "Axl is one of the most extraordinary artists of all time. When people hear this album, they will realize what [Axl] did in this band, versus what Slash says he did. It will be evident to everyone who the heart, soul and passion of Guns N' Roses is."?


Q: What can we expect from Sanctuary this year?

A: We have a tremendous catalog, which has been under mined in the U.S. We are releasing probably over 100 [titles] for 2005 in the U.S. We will also have about 20 front-line releases. The real core of the company is focusing on the new releases, whether that be from new bands or established bands. For 2005, there is a handful of releases which we believe can be as big as Morrissey was for us last year: Robert Plant, Billy Idol and Kelly Osbourne. On the other side of things, outside the U.S. we have [new acts on subsidiary Rough Trade] like Arcade Fire and Antony & the Johnsons.

Q: Do some of your deals allow artists to own their masters?

A: We have no set rules. We are only concerned with one thing: that we are making a deal that is commercially viable. If the P&L works, and it's an artist we want to be in business with, we will make a deal that works for that artist and that works for us.

Q: How does Sanctuary's 360-degree approach work?

A: No other company can provide what we have: a record company, management, merchandising, publishing and a premier agency. All are proven. There are a number of companies that are vertically integrated, but no one out there has the 360-degree approach. If it wasn't for the talent and art, there wouldn't be a reason for us to supply a service. I am sure that it won't be long before some people start chasing our tail.

Everything that we do is born out of the philosophy that, first and foremost, we are an artist company. If the artist does well, we will do well. The important thing is to work with great artists and create an environment that makes them confident to do their best work. They bring their art, effort and enthusiasm to the table, and we bring our expertise, infrastructure, effort and enthusiasm to the table. Then we go out there in a way that has no conflict whatsoever, and we make things work for the artist. The model works extremely well. The approach gives the artist an opportunity to go into partnership with us.

Q: What differentiates Sanctuary from the majors?

A: If you go back 20 or 30 years, the great labels focused on developing the relationship between the artist and audience. After that, you would try to cross it over, but the economic model was based on the core audience, not the crossover potential. Fast forward to now. You have four labels, and the economic times are different. Each major has to focus on four or five records a year that each can sell millions of copies. In order to do that, you have to focus on selling to what I call the passive consumer, instead of an enthusiastic audience. It's all about crossover or about nothing. Today, everyone is focusing on fast-tracking success by radio and by MTV, rather than building careers. We believe that radio and MTV are great enhancers of success, but that success has to be built on developing the relationship between an artist and an audience that really considers music to be an important factor in their lives. The best days of the music industry were when we were selling to music fans who will buy tickets, travel to see their favorite band and buy his legal albums and his bootlegs, so that everyone who knows them will know that that band means something to them.

Q: How is Sanctuary managing the transition to the digital world?

A: If you have a great brand?whether that is Iron Maiden, Morrissey or Robert Plant?people are going to want to buy it because it has integrity. Sanctuary and the music enthusiast don't care if the carrier is a digital download, vinyl, CD, 8-track, a DVD with 5.1 sound, a DualDisc or whatever. Nor do we care if it's bought at a brick-and-mortar store or online. That's irrelevant to me, as long as there is demand for the brand that we created.

If you look at wallpaper or ringtones, we have gone through expensive audits to figure that business out, because we want to ensure that we are stretching and pushing the envelope on the deals that we are making in those areas. But that is not because we are focused on new technology. What's more important is to develop the brands that people want in those areas.

Q: Is the album format being compromised in the digital era by consumers who buy only songs?

A: In terms of protecting the integrity of the album as an art form, that is something that I am very aggressive about, and I will continue to place that argument in front of people. The art form of being able to make a great 40- or 45-minute record is something that has been distorted by the CD a little bit, because people felt that there is space for 77 minutes of music. That's a big problem today. There are many examples of records that merited a double album, but when you are just looking to fill space on a compact disc, I think it is dangerous. It's amazing how many classic albums only had eight songs. It's those little nuances, and that's why things have come to be about songs again, rather than about great albums and great album tracks.

Q: What is the real issue facing the music business right now?

A: The transformation that has taken place is one of an economic model that doesn't work, which is trying to sell records to the passive consumer. As an industry, we have abandoned the hardcore music consumer. So while there are legitimate issues like piracy and unauthorized downloading, if you start making great music that hardcore fans can get into, then they become lesser issues.

Q: Your company has revenue of about $500 million. When you cross the billion-dollar barrier, can we start calling you a major?

A: No, you can say, "This is the future of the music business."

There is a 15-year period?from 1947, with Ahmet Ertegun starting Atlantic, through 1962, when Chris Blackwell founded Island and Herb [Alpert] and Jerry [Moss] founded A&M?when almost all of the great artist development labels that dominated music for the next 50 years were founded, with only a handful of exceptions.

I believe we are now a few years into a new revolutionary period, which will probably be shorter?maybe five or 10 years?where the companies that dominate music for the next 50 years are being determined. If we asked the industry experts five years ago if Sanctuary might be one of those companies, most would have asked, "Who?" But I believe that today most of them would bet on it.

[Naupis]

Naupis' long winded tirades still stand.

Yes and I totally back ya on this one.

As tired as you guys are of me, I am equally as tired of the same bullshit excuses out of so many posters on this board about the stupidest shit. Everyone's default answers of lawsuits, 3 albums, Bucket leaving, and this that and the other thing are all equally stupid in their own right. It isn't the lawsuits, Bucket could have been replaced in a week like Izzy was by any good guitarist worth anything, and 3 albums being recorded at the same time is not the reason this project has taken so long as recording 70 some odd songs doesn't take 7 years.

I love Axl to death, can't wait for the album, but I know this is all 100% his doing. Not management, other band members lawsuits or any of that shit. If the board as a whole could at least realize that there would be no reason for me to have my "tirades" as being wouldn't be ignorantly trotting out stupid shit that is entirely unrelated to the reason we don't have that album.

[Doc Emmett Brown]

I agree...Merck is going to hype his product and endeavor to portray it in a postive light

In that case, I wish he had said something more like:

"When people hear this album, they will realize what [Axl] did in this band, AND what Tommy, Robin, Brain, et al. contributed b/c Axl doesnt play lead guitar, drums or bass"  instead of bringing up Slash and the past... too much salt on wounds for me, personally.

and as far as the negative Axl thing, well didn't he create that vibe himself by his actions and his victum like rants of the past...showmanship and bravado...I like that

true, true.

[Intercourse]

Axl is one of the most extraordinary artists of all time.  When people hear this album, they will realize what [Axl] did in this band, versus what Slash says he did.

What a load of balls. In Behind the Music Slash says Axl is one of the best front men of all time and an amazing songwriter. Axls passion was never called into question in the old band. The breakup was all to do with with power sharing and musical direction.

This guy is on Axls pay roll. he's hardly going to be objective now is he??

[madagas]

Naupis, you have your points, but they are not fact. Axl is fragile-yes. But, you don't know him at all and you have no idea why he hasn't released a record. Simple as that. It could be exactly what you are saying....or it could be a thousand other reasons-perfectionism, laziness, just doesnt want to deal with the industry, etc etc. You always assume the negative. I agree that there are other people who swing in the opposite direction and they should be called out as well. The truth is: nobody knows anything on these boards-good, bad or indifferent. Sorry if I singled you out, but I am frustrated like you about this train wreck. ? ?I need a vacation again from this nonsense.

[RichardNixon]

And still no news about a new album release date. Sounds like a lof of smoke and mirrors.

[Naupis]

You always assume the negative.

You are totally right. Unfortunately with him I do, because I am 100% sure if he truly wanted this thing done and out it would be done and out. His refusal to do so is for whatever reason you mentioned is the reason, not because of anyone else stopping him from doing so.

I agree with you 100% I want all of this behind us, but I just don't see any situation in which this is not 100% his fault there is no album yet. Hence the reason for my negativity. I wouldn't be so negative about him if this weren't all his fault. I don't question his talent 1 bit, it's just everything else he seems to need help with.

[Scabbie]

Well, a little banter never harmed anyone...its hardly likely that Merck will give away Axl's biggest secret but I think its good that he's starting to 'name drop' gnr in the press more frequently ?

Today I read his speech...what struck me the most is how much emphasis he places on the artist and their relationship with the loyal fanbase...nuff said.

Merck, if you read this board, this thread, this message, I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to listening to the album ? Enough talk more action!

[Walapino]

What a pet this Merck dude is

[jarmo]

Nice to see some positive remarks once in a while.


Thanks Gypsy.



/jarmo

[nesquick]

It's called comunication: "my artist is better than yours"
what's next? "Axl's pants are nicer than Slash ones" or "Axl can piss twice faster than Slash"?
I'm sure the album will be great, I strongly believe in it, "the blues" and "madagascar" studio versions could be impressive songs, but if Merck was Slash's manager, he would have said the contrary.
It's called comunication.

[norway]

you know real people exist?
and merch seems a cool, intelligent guy as readin his speaks and interviews

[Continental Drift]

I agree a lot with what's been said here... obviously Merck is not a purely "objective" source, but at the same time- he's not going to trash his reputation by praising Axl to such a high degree if he thinks CD is the next Generation Swine. Nevertheless, it is frustrating that he dodged the question for all intents and purposes and then later on fails to mention CD as an album they're looking forward to releasing in '05.

Anyway, I wouldn't put much weight into his Axl-Slash assessment. Who knows what he actually believes. Point is- when CD comes out- I expect it to be financially beneficial to BOTH GN'R and VR to play up the Axl v. Slash/Duff rivalry anyway they can. I expect no less from VR's management as well. It's just too much of a goldmine not to tap into it. Everyone who hasn't really been paying attention to Guns the last 10 years or so- will want to rush out and grab a copy of CD and Contraband and stack 'em up against each other. I expect all the rock mags to do track by track comparisons, etc. This will be huge. I don't think music has ever really seen something quite like this... and there will be plenty of $$$ for all involved.

[mick]

Gypsy note:  Obviously, this is just the Axl mention part not the entire article/interview.
Gypsy comment:  Notice that Merck didn't answer the question that was asked. 

Billboard (newspaper) March 5, 2005

The Last Word
A Q&A With Merck Mercuriadis
BY ED CHRISTMAN

   As an extension of his devotion to music, Mercuriadis is known for his rapport with artists and his fierce protection of their interests.  One of Sanctuary's management clients is Guns N' Roses, whom Mercuriadis handles personally.  Asked when the band's long-awaited "Chinese Democracy" album will see the light of day, Mercuriadis says, "Axl is one of the most extraordinary artists of all time.  When people hear this album, they will realize what [Axl] did in this band, versus what Slash says he did.  It will be evident to everyone who the heart, soul and passion of Guns N' Roses is."
 
     

Blah Blah Blah

Ok Merck, thanks for the info, when is the release date again???

 

[Narcissa]

"Axl is one of the most extraordinary artists of all time.? When people hear this album, they will realize what [Axl] did in this band, versus what Slash says he did.? It will be evident to everyone who the heart, soul and passion of Guns N' Roses is."

great hype, but he's probably lying.

[coldenim]

Yeah Merks sounds a lot like Foxe's dad on Back to the Future, taking shit from his artist, and laughing nervously at getting intimidated, Yeah and you guessed it Axl is Biff ? . ?I understand you have to listen to an artist and respect what they are doing, to envelop greatness. ?Man sanctuary must be the real deal, when it comes to respecting artist integrity, all the artist seemed to have the clout around there, maybe thats good. ?I think most bands nowadays dont get what they want, and the bosse's force to make music that there aritist's hearts are not in, for the radio and Mtv. ?I didnt like that little comment on slash, GnR were incredible not because of one person but the whole of its parts. ?Maybe it was his way of trying to boost axl's morale. ?Or maybe his love or music is legit, and he was just stating something that he know's will be a break through. ?Heck Axl has had 10 some odd years to try to duplicate what made GnR tick. ?So he could knowingly or subliminally hide the artifacts of what made the old band great, and get it down pat, so there wouldn't be a hint, of some red neck eaten buffalo wings that couldn't tell if this was in fact the new GnR. ?People will say hey I thought GnR broke up and another will say sounds the same to me. Listen, theres slash, hes great isn't he, oh listen to that screech, theres axl. ?I think Axl ?has had enough time to find the artist he knows that can make the grade, but time will tell, but like life' its priceless, and you can't by another slash, I don't care what some big money making honcho says. ?That goes for Axl to, as slow as an ent, but as witty as an elf, he is a legend and can never be replaced.

[2NaFish]

If we can get past over-analysing two lines of text from merck on if he thinks the album is good or not, we could look at the fact that Sanctuary (on the face of it) appears to be a really great group who put the two most important people in music first; the artist and the real fan. I enjoyed reading the interview, and merch seems like a real music-head who looks for purety and soul in music; which is what i love about axl's work.