Axl's new interview - Revolver magazine

[sofine11]

To me... I just hope to hear the songs at some point...

Because these songs are going on 15 years old... they are not relevant to the band that tours today... so whats the difference on when they get released?

at least thats how i feel now... I hope they come out sooner rather than later... but as long as we hear them eventually...does it matter?

All very valid points.

My concern is that we are, at absolute best, getting one more album from this man.  And we may have to make due with songs done by guys long out of the fold.

I guess what I'm really asking is...what sort of grace period does this buy with you, the fan?  Meaning, if nothing new is out or even on the horizon in 2016, will people still point to this interview and tell us he's working on it?  Does that pass your smell test?

Great question.  I think the best thing we can draw from his comments here, is that he still has "interest" in putting out Chi Dem 2.  It's certainly better than another "No idea and don't care." answer ala 2009.   

I think that the "test" here is going to be whether they do exactly what he says here, which is to look seriously at what they have and put together what will become the tracklisting of the next album after Vegas.  Because, if they do, we'll ultimately get an album sooner than later.  If they don't, the continued silence and inactivity in that arena will speak for itself.

[D-GenerationX]

Well Im glad he said he wants to release it... and im glad he answered the questions clearly and to the point without going on some long ramble that I never understand haha

I think its his best interview in some time.

He seemed in good spirits instead of ranting.  But the answers were also direct and pretty on topic.  None of that circular meandering stuff that doesn't say anything.

I'm glad he did this.

[Rainbow Warrior]

Re-read this interview last night.

What sort of time frame would you personally think is feasible with regards to his plan to take a look at what to release once they finish up in Vegas?

I think me, personally, I would need to hear by the end of the calendar year that they are actually working on finalizing it all and hope to get it out first half of next year.  I do not think these are at all unreasonable scenarios.  The songs are done.  And any sort of supposed drama with the label can be worked out in a year's time, no?

And if December 31, 2014 comes and goes, and we don't have anything new to go on, what will that do to your expectation level?

And what if the next thing we hear from the band is another Vegas residency next fall, will you finally give up the ghost we ever hear anything new?  I think it would be hard not to.

To me... I just hope to hear the songs at some point...

Because these songs are going on 15 years old... they are not relevant to the band that tours today... so whats the difference on when they get released?

at least thats how i feel now... I hope they come out sooner rather than later... but as long as we hear them eventually...does it matter?

I honestly don't care if their unreleased songs were created in 1997, 2005 or 2013. Most gnr songs are timeless so if they have a bunch of older songs I'd rather have them released in 2014/15 than waiting for some new songs perhaps finished in 2018. As soon as the "Chinese 2" songs are out the band has loads of time to go in the studio and make so called "up to date" songs.

[D-GenerationX]

Yeah, I just want some new songs, ultimately.

I've been listening to 'Chinese' songs for 13 years now.  And anyone that was concerned with keeping it real, then even you've been listening to them for 6.

Good to see him talking about the future.  Its healthy.

[fozzie10]

Good interview,i guess given that CD was and is perceived as a flop by most casual observers who would take the chance on releasing an album full of songs (and who really knows at what point in their life these songs are at this point completion wise)that weren't deemed good enough for the original albums release?.

Albums have to make money and hopefully lots of it i just dont see any exec of any record company saying this would be a good idea,the world has moved on since 2008 let alone the time some of the songs were recorded,no i just dont see it maybe as a boxset we'll see these songs but i'd be amazed if they came out as a stand alone album,don't get me wrong i love CD (ive just bought it on vinyl again after my original copy got too scratched)and would love to hear some of the songs but are the numbers there to take a chance on a full release i just don't think there are.

As a fan i hope we see at least one more album from Axl and hopefully 1 or 2 more after that but perhaps it is time to put the CD era to bed and move on.

[D-GenerationX]

I think that is all valid.

But if that's the case, things will never improve.  Both Axl and the label dropped the ball huge in the last album.  But you can't turn back time.  The move now is to put your heads together and try and come up with a workable plan to move forward. 

Its the only logical move....if, you are interested in moving forward.

[kyrie]

The thing that stands out to me is... if a new album sold half what the last one did it would still be considered a huge success. Plus if the songs are in the can the only cost is marketing and distribution (since Best Buy basically covered the recording costs). Does BB have any rights in relation to a new release?

Honestly I think at this point they should just take the best of what's in the can, go with either a self-titled name or Soul Monster (always liked that), keep the packaging and marketing simple, and lead with a solid single. In this day and age they should do well if not what the old band did - but no one sells like that anymore.

[D-GenerationX]

Honestly I think at this point they should just take the best of what's in the can, go with either a self-titled name or Soul Monster (always liked that), keep the packaging and marketing simple, and lead with a solid single. In this day and age they should do well if not what the old band did - but no one sells like that anymore.

Agreed.

And this idea that every album that gets released these days is expected to be some huge seller is the phony premise of alltime.

Just off the top of my head, take the last Motley Crue album, 'Saints Of Los Angeles'.  Came out in 2008.  Was it expected to be huge?  No.  Was anyone interested in it other than already diehard Crue fans?  No.  At any point during the planning, recording, or releasing the album did someone say "you know...its not 1991 anymore" and just decide to scrap it all? No.

They put out an album because that's what bands do.  That's the job.  Otherwise...what are you doing as an artist?  Did all these other guys sign on with Axl so they could just go out and play 'It's So Easy' and 'You Could Mine' live, over and over again?  Not likely.

[GeorgeSteele]

Honestly I think at this point they should just take the best of what's in the can, go with either a self-titled name or Soul Monster (always liked that), keep the packaging and marketing simple, and lead with a solid single. In this day and age they should do well if not what the old band did - but no one sells like that anymore.

Agreed.

And this idea that every album that gets released these days is expected to be some huge seller is the phony premise of alltime.

Just off the top of my head, take the last Motley Crue album, 'Saints Of Los Angeles'.  Came out in 2008.  Was it expected to be huge?  No.  Was anyone interested in it other than already diehard Crue fans?  No.  At any point during the planning, recording, or releasing the album did someone say "you know...its not 1991 anymore" and just decide to scrap it all? No.

They put out an album because that's what bands do.  That's the job.  Otherwise...what are you doing as an artist?  Did all these other guys sign on with Axl so they could just go out and play 'It's So Easy' and 'You Could Mine' live, over and over again?  Not likely.

Motley's Saints album was released through the band's own independent label.  GNR doesn't have that option right now, so a release is more complicated. 

Also, it's not a band's job to put out an album, that's the label's job.  Band just makes it and hands it to the label.  Not saying who's doing or not doing its job in GNR's situation, but just saying.   

[D-GenerationX]

Motley's Saints album was released through the band's own independent label.  GNR doesn't have that option right now, so a release is more complicated. 

Also, it's not a band's job to put out an album, that's the label's job.  Band just makes it and hands it to the label.  Not saying who's doing or not doing its job in GNR's situation, but just saying.   

But if you are going to sit around pouting and lamenting "woe is me", cursing that damn label that you don't trust...will things ever get better?  How?

You pout in the corner, and the label goes on with their day.  I pray to God that Axl is not seriously expecting them to come to him on bended knee and ask for his forgiveness and plead for another chance.  Not after the disappearing act he pulled.

The only way forward is to work together.  Otherwise, stop any and all talk about being a viable band and just admit that you are a greatest hits touring band and that's all you will ever be.

This interview sounds like Axl is actually willing to take some steps to move forward.  I very much hope that is the case.

[GNRBABY]

Good interview,i guess given that CD was and is perceived as a flop by most casual observers who would take the chance on releasing an album full of songs (and who really knows at what point in their life these songs are at this point completion wise)that weren't deemed good enough for the original albums release?.

Albums have to make money and hopefully lots of it i just dont see any exec of any record company saying this would be a good idea,the world has moved on since 2008 let alone the time some of the songs were recorded,no i just dont see it maybe as a boxset we'll see these songs but i'd be amazed if they came out as a stand alone album,don't get me wrong i love CD (ive just bought it on vinyl again after my original copy got too scratched)and would love to hear some of the songs but are the numbers there to take a chance on a full release i just don't think there are.

As a fan i hope we see at least one more album from Axl and hopefully 1 or 2 more after that but perhaps it is time to put the CD era to bed and move on.

In 2014 it's not nearly as expensive to make an album as it was back in the day. Chinese Democracy sold over 400,000+ copies last time I checked, so really the numbers are there if the band can get the album done and marketed for 1 million, which is up to Axl. GNR has a built in audience, so really all they need is marketing $$ any label will do for release if Axl comes out of pocket for the recording, which he can easily afford.

[HBK]

Guns N? Roses Confirm New Album ?Chinese Democracy II? Exists

"But basically, we have what I call the second half of Chinese. That's already recorded."

http://radio.com/2014/06/05/axl-rose-new-album-chinese-democracy-ii-exists/

[Bodhi]

Most publications are running with this story in this exact manner.  I don't remember Axl saying anywhere that "Chinese 2" is "on the way."   He said they were going to look at what they were doing in that regard.  Most websites and publications like Rolling Stone are acting like he is giving a release date.  They seem to be taking his words and twisting them, which is nothing new.  Now if a record doesn't come out soon its going to be the whole "Axl is full of shit" , "hes unreliable" negativity that we usually get, even though he never actually promised anything.



Axl Rose: 'Chinese Democracy' sequel on the way


Edna Gundersen, USA TODAY 6:07 p.m. EDT June 5, 2014

 
A follow-up to Chinese Democracy, the Guns N' roses album released in 2008 after 14 years of tweaking, has been recorded and could be released relatively soon, Axl Rose told Revolver magazine.

The singer said two albums have been completed, the Chinese sequel and a remix album of songs from the original.

"We recorded a lot of things before Chinese was out," Rose says in the interview. "We've worked more on some of those things and we've written a few new things. But basically, we have what I call kind of the second half of Chinese. That's already recorded. And then we have a remix album made of the songs from Chinese. That's been done for a while, too. But after Vegas we're going to start looking very seriously at what we're doing in that regard."

Guns N' Roses wraps up a residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday.




also the headline from The Guardian

Guns N' Roses ready to fire off two albums, says Axl Rose
Guns frontman says band have both a follow-up to Chinese Democracy and a remix album prepared for release

[D-GenerationX]

Most publications are running with this story in this exact manner.  I don't remember Axl saying anywhere that "Chinese 2" is "on the way."   He said they were going to look at what they were doing in that regard.  Most websites and publications like Rolling Stone are acting like he is giving a release date.  They seem to be taking his words and twisting them, which is nothing new.  Now if a record doesn't come out soon its going to be the whole "Axl is full of shit" , "hes unreliable" negativity that we usually get, even though he never actually promised anything.

When you tell people its already recorded and its a matter of picking which songs, how are people supposed to react to that?

If a year from now we are still no further along, you don't think its legit to ask what the problem is?

This interview was a positive thing, no matter how you slice it.  Let's not get bogged down in the tired old routine of poor Axl that can't get a break from that evil media.  Let's let it play out.

[Bodhi]

Most publications are running with this story in this exact manner.  I don't remember Axl saying anywhere that "Chinese 2" is "on the way."   He said they were going to look at what they were doing in that regard.  Most websites and publications like Rolling Stone are acting like he is giving a release date.  They seem to be taking his words and twisting them, which is nothing new.  Now if a record doesn't come out soon its going to be the whole "Axl is full of shit" , "hes unreliable" negativity that we usually get, even though he never actually promised anything.

When you tell people its already recorded and its a matter of picking which songs, how are people supposed to react to that?

If a year from now we are still no further along, you don't think its legit to ask what the problem is?

This interview was a positive thing, no matter how you slice it.  Let's not get bogged down in the tired old routine of poor Axl that can't get a break from that evil media.

Not saying poor Axl anything, and yes I thought it was a very positive interview.  However the media is presenting it like the release is imminent.  If it doesn't come out soon we are going to hear the same old negative bullshit

[D-GenerationX]

Not saying poor Axl anything, and yes I thought it was a very positive interview.  However the media is presenting it like the release is imminent.  If it doesn't come out soon we are going to hear the same old negative bullshit

Easiest way to get in front of that?  Keep your word.  Do what you say you are going to do.

They finish up the residency this week.  Then there is literally months of downtime.  That's the time you need to follow through on what you said you were going to do.  Pick your songs.  Get it mixed.  Turn it in. 

Realistically, there is no legit explanation for this not being out sooner than later.  The heavy lifting is already done.

[GypsySoul]

Not saying poor Axl anything, and yes I thought it was a very positive interview.  However the media is presenting it like the release is imminent.  If it doesn't come out soon we are going to hear the same old negative bullshit

Easiest way to get in front of that?  Keep your word.  Do what you say you are going to do.

I think you totally missed Bodhi's point and in doing so proved it. 

[LongGoneDay]

Most publications are running with this story in this exact manner.  I don't remember Axl saying anywhere that "Chinese 2" is "on the way."   He said they were going to look at what they were doing in that regard.  Most websites and publications like Rolling Stone are acting like he is giving a release date.  They seem to be taking his words and twisting them, which is nothing new.  Now if a record doesn't come out soon its going to be the whole "Axl is full of shit" , "hes unreliable" negativity that we usually get, even though he never actually promised anything.

When you tell people its already recorded and its a matter of picking which songs, how are people supposed to react to that?

If a year from now we are still no further along, you don't think its legit to ask what the problem is?

This interview was a positive thing, no matter how you slice it.  Let's not get bogged down in the tired old routine of poor Axl that can't get a break from that evil media.

Not saying poor Axl anything, and yes I thought it was a very positive interview.  However the media is presenting it like the release is imminent.  If it doesn't come out soon we are going to hear the same old negative bullshit

Maybe, but who cares?

Axl is not stupid. He has to know that releasing 1 album of original material in 23 years is going to open himself, and his technically active band, up to criticism.
He has set the bar for lack of production. If the ?negative press? bothers him, there is a pretty obvious solution. He doesn?t seem to care, so why should anyone?

And really, is it the media?s fault that the GN?R news they report is negative?

I think it?s great that they recently sprinkled in a new(23 year old) song into the setlist, and that Axl?s voice has recently taken a turn for the better, but instances like these could only be considered big events in the GN?R community.
It?s just further proof the bar has been lowered substantially over the years. If USA Today wanted to be negative, I think they could have had some fun with the prospect of a Chinese Democracy remix album..

It takes 14 years to release Chinese Democracy, and then, after 6 years(at soonest) they plan to roll out...Chinese Democracy the remix?
C'mon, man!

If Axl cares what the media has to say, he?s not doing himself any favors.
Negativity sells, so the media will always latch on to that angle, but if there was something on the other end of the spectrum to report, it?d be out there as well.

GN?R has become a touring act, and touring doesn?t typically generate much in the way of news.

All that said, I?ll be there tonight, and hope those motherf*ckers play Yesterdays again.

[JAEBALL]

Most publications are running with this story in this exact manner.  I don't remember Axl saying anywhere that "Chinese 2" is "on the way."   He said they were going to look at what they were doing in that regard.  Most websites and publications like Rolling Stone are acting like he is giving a release date.  They seem to be taking his words and twisting them, which is nothing new.  Now if a record doesn't come out soon its going to be the whole "Axl is full of shit" , "hes unreliable" negativity that we usually get, even though he never actually promised anything.

When you tell people its already recorded and its a matter of picking which songs, how are people supposed to react to that?

If a year from now we are still no further along, you don't think its legit to ask what the problem is?

This interview was a positive thing, no matter how you slice it.  Let's not get bogged down in the tired old routine of poor Axl that can't get a break from that evil media.

Not saying poor Axl anything, and yes I thought it was a very positive interview.  However the media is presenting it like the release is imminent.  If it doesn't come out soon we are going to hear the same old negative bullshit

Maybe, but who cares?

Axl is not stupid. He has to know that releasing 1 album of original material in 23 years is going to open himself, and his technically active band, up to criticism.
He has set the bar for lack of production. If the ?negative press? bothers him, there is a pretty obvious solution. He doesn?t seem to care, so why should anyone?

And really, is it the media?s fault that the GN?R news they report is negative?

I think it?s great that they recently sprinkled in a new(23 year old) song into the setlist, and that Axl?s voice has recently taken a turn for the better, but instances like these could only be considered big events in the GN?R community.
It?s just further proof the bar has been lowered substantially over the years. If USA Today wanted to be negative, I think they could have had some fun with the prospect of a Chinese Democracy remix album..

It takes 14 years to release Chinese Democracy, and then, after 6 years(at soonest) they plan to roll out...Chinese Democracy the remix?
C'mon, man!

If Axl cares what the media has to say, he?s not doing himself any favors.
Negativity sells, so the media will always latch on to that angle, but if there was something on the other end of the spectrum to report, it?d be out there as well.

GN?R has become a touring act, and touring doesn?t typically generate much in the way of news.

All that said, I?ll be there tonight, and hope those motherf*ckers play Yesterdays again.

Well said sir!

I started to type something and realized it was just reiterating what you said

[D-GenerationX]

LongGoneDay, on point again.