What do they bring to the table? (The new album)

[Spirit]

I thought it could be fun to discuss each members musical influence to GNR. There's hardly a band out there with such capabilities as this band today. They're all pretty much anchored in the rock world, but everyone have their own style and influence. Here's a little breakdown from my point of view, I guess some of you have different perspectives and please share.


Axl Rose
Apart from vocals, piano is Axl's instrument. It's also an instrument he masters to great perfection. There's countless examples of epic, emotionally great pieces written by Axl. We have all seen his piano solos live in concert, some cover songs and some of his own material. I will say he's one of the best out there. Vocals need no introduction, with him being one of the most versatile rock vocalists out there.

Estranged Piano Demo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLpbijqEg4U

Axl Piano Solo 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ55BaEbrT0&feature=related

Axl Piano Solo 2002 (Prostitute)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH9GaiINLNU

It's Alright
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVoje6oASZ0


Tommy Stinson
His solo career has really impressed me. The stand out songs are mostly acoustic pieces with Tommy on vocals. In my opinion both Tommy and Ron could share the main vocals with Axl on some upcoming songs. Tommy's voice fits both the punk rock genre as well as the mentioned acoustic toned down songs.

One Man Mutiny
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcERWFsDuT8

Light Of Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT6IJLdS5aA

My Generation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1PlXI-C6gU

Motivation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6Gui_ZHNkQ


Dj Ashba
After listening to some of his solo material, it becomes evident that he's a great songwriter. Allready well known for penning both Sixx:A.M's and Motley Crue's latest albums, I think he has proven himself in the rock n' roll oriented genre. Listening to some of his earlier material, he's well capable in other sub genres as well. His signature solo spot on this tour (Ballad Of Death) might be a sign on what's to come with GN'R. A really soulful solo, well received by the audience.

Ballad Of Death
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep4haklnBgE

Wonder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MJLpWT5jnY

Someday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ffL2FjUDGU&feature=related

Break Everything
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XfOjGmK2Hc&feature=related


Ron Thal
The most versatile artist in the GN'R lineup, who masters pretty much every genre. His voice brings thoughts to classical rock well fitting in epic songs. As mentioned he could very well handle a shared main vocal spot with Axl on some of the songs. His guitar playing should not need no introduction, but I'll put up some links to show his spectre.

Hands
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcjq5I0egOI

Abnormal (Acoustic)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rxJ7-FTJCs

Abnormal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgVjJQQtjxM&feature=related


Richard Fortus
First thought which comes to mind is "solid". This guy is reliable, and I can't wait to hear his contributions on forthcoming albums. The James Bond theme is a great rendition. I'll put up some links with different solo spots, and personally I hope he takes part in penning a few tunes for GN'R.

James Bond Theme
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnjQ0xrramM

When Nobody Loves You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmv1jy3L298

Richard Solo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1diPEy9XR0

[Voodoochild]

Im sure you're right and Tommy will share lead vocals with Axl in a new song.

As for songwriting, I really love Bumblefoot, Tommy and Dizzy solo efforts. I think each has great melodic sense to bring really cool stuff to the table. Also, there's DJ riff ideas and Pitman futuristic textures, which IMO are the real link to the Chinese Democracy sound.

Im not so sure about Richard and Frank, I dont really know much about their songwriting dutties.

[Spirit]

Regarding Richards talent as a song writer, here's a little clip from "Bitter" the new single from Pagan. Not sure who's written the song itself, but I'm sure Fortus wrote the guitar parts.

http://www.junodownload.com/products/bitter/1634057-02/

[Voodoochild]

Yeah, his guitar parts I know - he also recorded for Tommy's VGH. I was talking about his songwriting as in the whole song melody and structure - or at least some riffs.

[Spirit]

Yeah, his guitar parts I know - he also recorded for Tommy's VGH. I was talking about his songwriting as in the whole song melody and structure - or at least some riffs.

Some songs Richard has co-written:

Fall On Tears
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4Nmvhk1OFA

Seventeen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJYPdS-NIzI

7 Years
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlio4Nu_a3A

Jigsaw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6yCidF25HY

Green
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Djc8vfpOyrU

Long Long Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNsZ4btghew

[One.In.A.Million]

Everybody needs to watch that Fall On Tears video, I love it, great song.

In regards to the question, I think alot of people in GN'R have got great songwriting capabilities. For instance, Ron, Chris, Dizzy and Tommy, all have great solo music under their name.

And I feel Richard is a silent gem, and will have a big part in the next album hopefully. With DJ, I cannot give my opinion as I'm not a big Crue fan and thus haven't checked out Sixx AM.

But when you've got a songwriter like Axl Rose, you are already there. But GN'R has at least 4 other great songwriters, who have proved they can write great lyrics. So I think people can sit back and look forward to a masterclass of an album, it's Axl Rose, what more do you want. 

[gnr-4-ever]

It's great to see all members bring in their own personal playing/writing style to the band.

But if you ask me it's not about how each individual is talented in the band, it's how it all works when they are together. And we all saw the band has great chemistry when they play together and that should be the decisive factor on making a great album.

Ron did say they haven't sat down as a whole band to make new songs, and it's gonna be real interesting to see what will they make when that happens. And like One.In.A.Million said with Axl you already have one of (if not) the best songwriter in the history of music, so we don't have to fear about the lyrics part. 

[Spirit]

Everybody needs to watch that Fall On Tears video, I love it, great song.

In regards to the question, I think alot of people in GN'R have got great songwriting capabilities. For instance, Ron, Chris, Dizzy and Tommy, all have great solo music under their name.

And I feel Richard is a silent gem, and will have a big part in the next album hopefully. With DJ, I cannot give my opinion as I'm not a big Crue fan and thus haven't checked out Sixx AM.

But when you've got a songwriter like Axl Rose, you are already there. But GN'R has at least 4 other great songwriters, who have proved they can write great lyrics. So I think people can sit back and look forward to a masterclass of an album, it's Axl Rose, what more do you want. 

I feel the exact same way about Richard. We have confirmed from himself that he'll be way more present on the next release, right? I can't remember exactly, but I believe he said so himself in an interview a couple of years ago. Think he mentioned he had written some songs as well, but not quite sure.

When it comes to Dj, check out his solo material on youtube - much great material!

Of course Axl has a proven capability to write legendary songs, it will be interesting to hear what this particular group of indivduals manage to cook up.

Here's a studio version of Fall On Tears:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua3JAuQJ0RY&feature=related

[Farid Bak]

Great Topic Spirit
I love Fall on Tears

[Spirit]

Great Topic Spirit
I love Fall on Tears

Thanks, thought it would be interesting hearing everyone's opinion. I know I've left out Dizzy, Frank and Chris. Will post on them later.. Anyone remember what song Dizzy wrote for a movie (I think) some years ago?

Frank on drums on Fall On Tears by the way.. 

[Voodoochild]

Yeah, his guitar parts I know - he also recorded for Tommy's VGH. I was talking about his songwriting as in the whole song melody and structure - or at least some riffs.

Some songs Richard has co-written:

Fall On Tears
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4Nmvhk1OFA

Seventeen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJYPdS-NIzI

7 Years
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlio4Nu_a3A

Jigsaw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6yCidF25HY

Green
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Djc8vfpOyrU

Long Long Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNsZ4btghew

Thanks man! I loved this version of Green live! Great solo and really good groove by Frank!

About Richard's songs on the follow up, I recall seeing people claiming he said that, but never really saw the original source. Anyways, would be interesting to see if they managed to write between 2002-2004 (with Bucket still on the band) and even after that (which didn't seem to have anything new as far as we know, but we know very little ).

I think Tommy, Dizzy and Richard could pull off some great stuff - they all seemed to work togheter really well. For some reason, I think DJ and BBF writing material would be more from their own than with others.

[Spirit]

Thanks man! I loved this version of Green live! Great solo and really good groove by Frank!

About Richard's songs on the follow up, I recall seeing people claiming he said that, but never really saw the original source. Anyways, would be interesting to see if they managed to write between 2002-2004 (with Bucket still on the band) and even after that (which didn't seem to have anything new as far as we know, but we know very little ).

I think Tommy, Dizzy and Richard could pull off some great stuff - they all seemed to work togheter really well. For some reason, I think DJ and BBF writing material would be more from their own than with others.

I searched a bit but couldn't find the exact interview where Richard said he will be more prominent on the next one. I'm 99% I've read it somewhere though.. 

I did find another interview from 2008 where he talked a bit about why he was chosen for GN'R:

How involved were you with the writing of Chinese Democracy?

The first record, everything was written. I went in and rerecorded parts, but it was all written before I got in. It?s funny because that was a big part of why I was brought in. It was because of the writing. I think Axl, he wants a band that can write with him. That?s always put into consideration.

Source: http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/interviews/richard_fortus_of_gnr_theres_a_constant_quest_for_the_perfect_tone.html



After hearing "One Man Mutiny" I must agree on the Tommy/Richard/Dizzy colaboration, they're great together. I hope the next one will have some acoustic songs as well, they do them so great. There's also so many great jams from this tour which I think proves the chemistry this band has developed. For instance the "Madagascar" jam they did recently... beautiful:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIjMbqAbpbk

[gnrjanus]

Axl should have sung on that maddy jam! wouldn've been awesome

[LIGuns]

Who's a more accomplished piano/keyboard player Axl or Dizzy?

[Spirit]

Who's a more accomplished piano/keyboard player Axl or Dizzy?

When it comes to skills and technique I think it's a pretty even match between the two of them. This has always been Dizzy's main instrument and the guy is incredibly talented. Taking a look at some of his solos..

Angie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmBTKhA5bc8

Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoZpGxonoY8

Ziggy Stardust
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4alDfWZBN0


I've already posted some Axl clips further up, and imo it's really a tossup between the two of them when it comes to ability.


Talking about writing skills - for me, Axl wins this one. November Rain, Estranged, This I Love to name the most prominent piano driven songs. Street Of Dreams is a song I'm a little curious who wrote the piano parts. We know Dizzy plays them live, but so does he with everything except November Rain. Dizzy is credited for the song, so I assume he wrote parts (or all) of the piano for the song. It's a great piece, so he definitly got skills in the writing department as well.

I know Reed has some solo stuff from The Still Life, but I couldn't find it, and it's  been such a long time since I heard it so I really can't comment.

[One.In.A.Million]

I know Dizzy has some really amazing music, I hope he releases his album soon. Since he took down his songs from his myspace a few years ago, I can't find them anywhere.

Here are a few songs from Dizzy to watch out for, Mother Teresa, Fracas, Sea Monkeys, and Crunch. They all rock and I can't wait to listen to them again, they were really awesome songs. And it's a shame they have been took off his myspace, but this may be because he wants them to be on his album.

So bring it on Dizzy. 

[Farid Bak]

Great Topic Spirit
I love Fall on Tears

Thanks, thought it would be interesting hearing everyone's opinion. I know I've left out Dizzy, Frank and Chris. Will post on them later.. Anyone remember what song Dizzy wrote for a movie (I think) some years ago?

Frank on drums on Fall On Tears by the way.. 

That I didnt know

[Spirit]

I know Dizzy has some really amazing music, I hope he releases his album soon. Since he took down his songs from his myspace a few years ago, I can't find them anywhere.

Here are a few songs from Dizzy to watch out for, Mother Teresa, Fracas, Sea Monkeys, and Crunch. They all rock and I can't wait to listen to them again, they were really awesome songs. And it's a shame they have been took off his myspace, but this may be because he wants them to be on his album.

So bring it on Dizzy. 

Yeah, I remember listening to some of his solo material... Must have been at least 3-4 years ago. From what I can remember it was quite good, he really has a distinct voice as well.

Wonder how the plans are going in regards to release his solo album, would be very interesting to hear. Anyone updated on this?


Chris Pitman
When it comes to Chris and his song writing, there's lots of impressions of him on Chinese Democracy. His field in GN'R mostly concentrates on the special effects, synths and the occasional bass guitar. Has co-written Madagascar and If The World, which are quite different from eachother but at the same time very appealing songs in their own way. He adds the little extra touch to a lot of the songs, and I love it. I'm of course curious on the song writing process, not only with Chris, but how they go about things. Who writes what, like the main structure of a song, bridges, chorous, verses etc.  We got a little insight a few years ago in a Pitman interview, where he described a little about how Madagascar came about. It was basically Axl and Chris sitting in the home studio fucking around, when suddenly Axl came in with this great chord progression on the keyboard, and things pretty much snowballed from there on.

If The World, which is a Axl/Pitman song would be fun to know the story behind. Was it originally written on keyboards, or were they playing the progression on guitar? The thing we know about Chris is he's a multi talented musician, able to play guitar, bass, piano, synth.. He must be every bands dream to have on board I think.

He's probably one of the main drive forces behind the updated more modern sound of some GN'R tunes. Silkworms is a pretty good example, and I really hope this one gets a studio release at one point with the improvements done on the song as Axl mentioned. It came sorta out of left field with this totally different sound, unrecogonizable as a Guns song apart from Axl's vocals. My guess is they have worked it a bit to make it fit in to the soundscope of the rest. A song to look out for, for sure!

His solo project SexTapes is definitely worth checking out. One gets a vibe of today's GN'R sound, which solidifies Chris' contribution to the overall sound of Chinese Democracy. Chris handles the vocals, and is a decent singer, which just adds to the hundreds of his capabilities as a musician.

[Bruno Poeys]

I really hope it's a song. Bumblefoot's lead is outstanding, and I love the progressive approach they put on this one. This is the most interesting jam I've heard from them...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WZAFtQU0IU

Great thread, by the way.

[sworrm]

I really hope it's a song. Bumblefoot's lead is outstanding, and I love the progressive approach they put on this one. This is the most interesting jam I've heard from them...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WZAFtQU0IU

Great thread, by the way.
[/q
uote]
never  seen that thanks awesome