I think the first quote may refer to the setlist - in that like maybe he'd like to get up and play just new stuff or do covers or something else but like theres expectations that he has to play a certain amount of the old songs. I think he said something similar in 2001 at rio but I could be wrong.
As to the second quote...was that show filmed? Maybe the comment was for a DVD - so that it will go nicely with CD when its out? Or then again - could be a joke - or could just be a statement of fact - like better is on CD and that was the most recent album the band has recorded (even if its not finsihed)
Dont know whether that was said at RiR2001, but the Press Release to compliment the 02 tour basically said that - something along the lines that they wanted to familiarise the new band with the world through the old stuff. I think thats exactly what hes getting at in that quote. Also, maybe hes getting at that he's scared to show off the new stuff with CD so seemingly close, which is understandable (if excruciating).
I think the second quote is simply a joke - lately Axl has a self deprecating sense of humour on stage.