Does Axl Need To Set The Record Straight? (Once and for All)

[Verasa]

I know he has spoken about things here and there, the press release in '02 touched on things and the Rock In Rio 01' show he talked about the old lineup and his feelings on that situation..
 I guess what I'm trying to get at is -imo- lots of people are pre-judging the material before its even heard,judging the band knowing nothing  about them.  People just dont know Axl's side of the story on many many things and Axl chooses to remain silent and keep band members silent. Axl is extremely press sensitive, he doesnt like any kind of criticism what-so-ever  and I think it bothers him alot. Somehow he needs to work on thickening his skin because this album is going to get the good, bad and the ugly reviews.
 I think a one on one sit down interview w/ Kurt Loder or any pro-axl interviewer would work in just getting his side of the story out on his journey making the record, his feelings on the old lineup leaving him. Maybe it wouldn't do any good at all but I think people should hear his side on things before they judge him and the album.

anyways my $ .02   
 

[King Axl]

Since Irving Azoff was brought on, nearly everything has gone through him, and it's been handled professionally. I wouldn't expect that to change.

If Axl doesn't want to be thrust into the media spotlight, that's his choice. The management team is one of the best in the business. They would probably set up an interview with a big media outlet if Axl felt it was necessary.

[Loaded NightraiN]

Axl has said he will tell his side of the story when the time comes... I'm thinking it will be soon...

[GnR-NOW]

Maybe once CD is released, we'll get the full story on the website.  But right now all that matters is we are finally getting CD 

[Annie]

Axl does not need to answer to anyone. Great art speaks for itself. If Axl wants to share information with us, it is his choice, and his choice only.

[Axl&Baz07]

Axl does not need to answer to anyone. Great art speaks for itself. If Axl wants to share information with us, it is his choice, and his choice only.

i totally second this!!   

[XxWickeds10xX]

I would think Axl will be doing some kind of press to push CD. Im sure someone will ask the questions we want to hear asked.

I dont think it would be in anyones better interest if Axl were to stay a "recluse" throughout all this hype and stuff to come.

He should to do some interviews, get out and talk to people. It would do wonders.

[markreed]

Devoting say, 50 pages, in a major publication for a once-of-a-kind Axl interview (with say two pages for other seven people in the band), might be a risk, but anyone who wants to know the story of CD, it would be far more useful than the gazillion "Album You Will Never hear Spoken About By People Who've Left GNR World" twaddle.

[Continental Drift]

The music will speak for itself. It's that good IMHO.

"Chinese Democracy" is just a fun little jingle compared to the "big guns" that are coming ("Better", "Catcher In The Rye", "Prostitute", "This I Love", "Madagascar" etc.). Fear not. As those songs roll out... the "receptiveness" to Axl's viewpoint will be much much higher and the conditions will be much more favorable for him to speak out if he chooses. He may just refer people to the album though.

[D]

For me, it isnt even so much his take on the old band.

Id like to know what he did for those years. just his routines, what he'd do everyday and all that.

[Chief]

I definitely think he needs to do some interviews.. if only to promote the album and answer some questions.

He always said, he would only speak when he had something to say and something to promote.

[LittleFly]

In the month before CD is released, most of the public will only want to know "What took so long!?"  They are not going to want to hear a long story, either.  My opinion is that if he gives a tell all right now, people are gonna take it as excuses and bash the album more then they would have before.

However, I think that AFTER the album is released it will be a different story.  People will be able to hear the music and see the army of contributors in the booklet.  Once it's released, I think people will then be receptive to the long story about the last 15 years.

[Jaakko]

I wouldn't be surprised if Axl chose to remain silent. The amount of crap he's been getting through the years, it's just unbelievable  
No matter what he says or does, seems like every fucking smart-ass just likes to give him a hit: "Where's Slash ?" "This is what You made 15 years ?!" We all know this story.

Reason why it's so nice to read for example a Del James-interview is that it's just so rare to hear something positive of the guy !

However, it would be kinda interesting if Axl fought back, even just a little. He sure has stories to tell and I bet he still could verbally kick idiot dj's and journalists...

[Continental Drift]

For me, it isnt even so much his take on the old band.

Id like to know what he did for those years. just his routines, what he'd do everyday and all that.

Well from the bits and pieces we have heard through the years he: (1) read lots of literature; (2) taught himself how to use Pro Tools and make loops; (3) listened to countless CD's scouting for producers and musicians; (4) identified and recruited replacement band members; (4) wrote music; (5) wrote vocals; (6) recorded vocals; (7) went on 3-4 tours (2001, 2002, 2006, 2007); ( 8 ) recorded with Baz; (9) learned personally how to produce a record; (10) painstakingly co-produced Chinese Democracy and perhaps 2 more albums as well (?); (11) dealt with law suits; (12) dealt with the label; (13) dealt with band management; (14) played video games; (15) watched sports; and (16) occasionally traveled. He surely did many other things as well. At any rate- not a direct answer- but you spread all those things out over a 7 day week and I think we've got a pretty good idea of what his life the last 15 years has been like. If he wants to share more... that would obviously be great- but considering it's Axl we're talking about- I wouldn't count on it.

[Ak1nney]

If Axl wanted to sell more records, he come out and say something somewhat nice about just everything. But who am I kidding.

[horsey]

axl won't be forced to say it till.when he is ready and then.it should be up to axl only.

[Jim Bob]

I think he'll end up putting out a book someday.

[GnR-NOW]

The reason it could have taken so long is because maybe he just wasn't happy with it after each time he thought it was done, and maybe he didnt work on it every second for 15 years, he probably took breaks in between.  didn't he say on Trunk a few years ago that he lived in China for 3 months ? 

[D]

I dont think it took that long once u factor everything in


I don't think realize just how hard it is to find the right band guys

As I have said a million times, U can't just draw names out of a hat and make that a band. U have to find the right chemistry, the right style and all that blends together.

[cineater]

I'm interested in the story but it's really none of our business.  And none of us would take it as presented, you know how we are, we find way to many between the lines.  A statement needs to serve a purpose and one now would only distract from the cd.  I think he's better off keeping it low key.