Rose reading (from The Guardian)

[Eazy E]

I've actually never read this book before, but an article like this has me motivated to check it out.  Catcher is hands down my favourite song on the album (and of all time).

[SkeletorSerpent]

All this talk of Axl's reading habits, and no mention of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged? The book is considered by many literary critics and casual readers to be the best book of the 20th century. The novel is both a cult classic and a critical success. On college campuses, it is like the Bible or Koran, very life-changing and influential to many people, especially young people. It is an ode to individualism, a rejection of mass conformity and socialism.

Can't wait to hear how this epic novel influenced Axl's music and lyrics. I was a little bothered by the fact that Axl stated the book wasn't directly related to the song when they have the same title.

[western_chaos]

Yeah kind of an alternative Axl Rose article to read.

I'm sure there will be many more articles once g'nr starts touring, once they do.

But yes, very well written and positive. 

[Alfie Bones]

Can't wait to hear how this epic novel influenced Axl's music and lyrics. I was a little bothered by the fact that Axl stated the book wasn't directly related to the song when they have the same title.

Well, he said that Catcher was more about the Lennon assassination than the book... and that Atlas Shrugged only has a vague reference to that book. That doesn't make for an interesting newspaper article, though.

[GNR4L]

absolutely, if u live with something and get influenced by the wrong things, they can make u become very self destructive. I definitely believe that.

Like Rock N Roll music ! 

[babydolls]

At last - an interesting read, it really is nice to read an article that isnt focusing on the usual tired speculation.  Thank you Guardian! 

[Annie]

It's nice to see the music talked about from another perspective. That isn't from the gossip or music point of view.

Just another thing that makes the album different from most others that have been released recently....





/jarmo

I agree. Very interesting article. I always thought Axl had a James Dean quality about him.

[overmatik]

This whole talk makes me remember Axl's interview to Kurt Loder back in the 90s. Kurt said that some religious people were burning rock albums, including GNR's, and Axl would say that people mustn't be afraid of art, and that art is powerful. Then he mentions how he thinks "The Wall" is a piece of art and that some of his friends spend years inside the album.

The same thing with the book. It's foolishness to think that 'Catcher' was responsible for Lennon's death. The book is ingenuous, and in no way inspires any kind of conflict, or acts of murdering.