As you age, do your feelings/experience with GN'R change?

[Doc Emmett Brown]

Mr. Sinister?  Laying into Estranged and November Rain??  You lose alot of credibility with those statements.  Exactly what work of Bob Dylan's is Axl "ripping off?"

Dylan's Like A Rolling Stone has: 'you don't talk so loud, you don't seem so proud'

But I completely disagree with Sinister's "ripoff" statement.  For example, there's a big difference between Vanilla Ice ripping off the Queen/Bowie intro to 'Under Pressure'  vs. Axl making an ode to Dylan with his own musical masterpiece. 

As I age, I realize more and more than GNR was my introduction to great RNR - from the Stones to Dylan to the New York Dolls.  And I understand the lyrics a lot better than when I was 10 

[Gunner80]

Mr. Sinister? Laying into Estranged and November Rain?? You lose alot of credibility with those statements. Exactly what work of Bob Dylan's is Axl "ripping off?"

Dylan's Like A Rolling Stone has: 'you don't talk so loud, you don't seem so proud'

But I completely disagree with Sinister's "ripoff" statement. For example, there's a big difference between Vanilla Ice ripping off the Queen/Bowie intro to 'Under Pressure' vs. Axl making an ode to Dylan with his own musical masterpiece.

As I age, I realize more and more than GNR was my introduction to great RNR - from the Stones to Dylan to the New York Dolls. And I understand the lyrics a lot better than when I was 10

Plus Bob wrote that song for the Rolling Stones.

[RichardNixon]

I'd take "Estranged" over "Like a Rolling Stone" anyday of the week.

[RichardNixon]

Certain songs really have changed for me since I've aged.

I used to think November Rain was profoundly insightful. Years later, I now view the song as shaltzy, tacky, pretentious pap.


One in a Million I used to be indifferent to due to its controversial material. I now view it as a very significant, wonderful piece of work. I completely understand Axl's "I'm not racist, but this song has racial overtones that can be misconstrued" state of mind - It's great art.


Some songs on AFD are just silly. It's So Easy, Out Ta Get Me, Nightrain, and Anything Goes used to be badass, but now they just sound like rock star posing and posturing.


Even Estranged, while I appreciate the musicianship and enjoy the song, is lyrically very much a Dylan ripoff and suffers from Axl trying to cram too many lyrical ideas into one song. It tries to tell a story, but I now find it to be very convoluted and lyrically overdone.

Funny, I've listened to GN'R for 13+ years, and I like those songs as much now at 26, then when I was 13.

[GNR - CROATIA]

Yes,  definately.
I didn-t consider any line up since 1993 as GNR.

[Mr. Sinister]

So Bob Dylan is the only one who can write poetic lyrics. Axl's lyrics in these songs is heart felt and beautiful.  And I feel, if you're done with this bands music, you shouldn't come and bring everyone down on a message board that offers some hope for the future. 

I know, to be honest I just find the current situation very depressing... and unfortunately I'm just starting to tire of the old the material. I'm considering just not listening to any of it for a long while to come back, loving it more than ever.

As for other criticisms of my ripping into fan-faves like Estranged and NR... plenty of people out there don't like NR, and I already stated that I like Estranged - I just think that it could be better if Axl had a little more lyrical focus. It's just my opinion, and I can't really defend it more than that. It's cool with me if people like NR, even though it's not my cup of tea - Different strokes.

Guns have made some amazing, amazing songs, and just like everyone here, I want to see Axl continue to soldier on making great music, and I hope that one day we're all able to hear it.

In fact, I've learned to appreciate many of the older songs more and more as time goes on - Civil War gets more powerful to me with each passing year, and Patience will always put a smile on my face when I hear it. And songs like SCOM, Paradise City, and Rocket Queen will always be absolute classics.

[Sillything]

I dunno man. I've always put the lyrics in perspective to relations and situations in my own life, taking it really seriously and intense. I even tattoed one of their logos on my shoulder and I continoue to go here every fuckin day cuz I'm a pshyco more than a fan, this is just ridicolous. But waiting for ONE record this long time...what to do. Been a fan since 1989 and I always will be but my attitude has changed and I'm surprised it has I'm a fuckin Guns n roses burn out!!!

[mikegiuliana]

I was listening to AFD for the first time in a few months last night and it suddenly hit my that now (at 26) I am older than the entire band was when they recorded AFD. I remember being 13 and rocking out to these songs, but suddenly I felt very old. Although I can still enjoy the album, as I age, something just isn't there anymore, kinda hard to explain. Anyone else feel the same or have a similar experience?

I was in the same boat.. Kind of funny now being older then the entire band.. Never really thought of it.. I can still rock out as well.. The only thing I can say about niot being the same is not one album on the planet has been heard more time by me then afd..  It's still my favorite but not fresh anymore... maybe the anticipation of new material and the semi annoyance of how such a great band fell apart hurts too.. I always say damn they were amazing and think of how it became.. My mind set was different in 87-88 then now.. I still get as gitty as a 12 year old whenever PC comes on the radio or I pop in welcome to the videos, perhaps happier times of my youth, and how nothing today even comes close.. Eh you're just getting older,. not the rebelous youth of the past..

[Eeebs]

I was introduced to GnR in 2002 by attending a nu - GnR concert.

I am a late bloomer, what else can I say?

I began listening to GnR ever since then and also started listening to VR, and enjoyed hearing new material from old GnR, and nu - GnR. 

After a bad day at work, I find myself listening to It's So Easy... Fridays is all about screaming out the lryics to Pretty Tied Up during the commute home, and any day is a good day to listen to Sweet Child O' Mine, Estranged, etc...

I particularly have a good time when listening to a random radio station and on comes a GnR song... lets just say I roll down the windows and blast that radio at maximum volume.  Good times on the road

[mikegiuliana]

I was introduced to GnR in 2002 by attending a nu - GnR concert.

I am a late bloomer, what else can I say?

I began listening to GnR ever since then and also started listening to VR, and enjoyed hearing new material from old GnR, and nu - GnR.?

After a bad day at work, I find myself listening to It's So Easy... Fridays is all about screaming out the lryics to Pretty Tied Up during the commute home, and any day is a good day to listen to Sweet Child O' Mine, Estranged, etc...

I particularly have a good time when listening to a random radio station and on comes a GnR song... lets just say I roll down the windows and blast that radio at maximum volume.? Good times on the road

very cool..  i wish I was just introduced to the works of gnr.. To have virgin ears listening to afd again

[gnrbabe]

The music has changed (in) all of our lives I guess.

But the older I get, the closer the music is and the deeper I'm in.

Doesn't happen with just any kind of music. GN'R is special for me and will always be.

yeah right. gnr will always be special to me