New Dj interview at LegendaryRockInterviews.com (Sep 2014)

[jarmo]

They did not seem to hit many of the major cities, no.  Smaller cities with no pro sports teams.  You can't play buildings that aren't there.

So, would you say there was no demand to play in NYC, LA, Chicago or wherever else they didn't play?

IF you make the assumption the current band didn't play city X because there's no demand, then surely you could make the same assumption for the previous tours? No?

But when they did, Boston...know where they played?  Want to guess?  C'mon, guess.

Why would I need to guess when I know?

Could the 2014 incarnation do the same?

This isn't about 2014. See, two can play the game.  

Yeah, and I just ended it.  Moving on.

Yes, you admitted that the fact is that the last US leg of the old band's biggest tour skipped most "must" markets.
If you could play NYC, why wouldn't you? There was no demand?

You.  You're defensive.  In actual fact, you derail more threads than anyone here.

Yeah, yeah. You just don't like being held accountable for the rubbish stuff you say.

Your idea of threads "humming along nicely" seems to be when you can go on and on about how this band sucks, the management sucks and have your pals agree.

All I know is what you do around here, and that's get a bee in your bonnet when someone so much as points out GNR's place in the modern day world.

If I object to negative people who don't consider this GN'R posting about GN'R like their opinion is the truth, so what?

So, if pressed to go on the record, yeah, I would imagine you act this way in real life.  If you were out somewhere and a conversation about GNR came up, I have a hard time believing you would not immediately get a scowl on your face when you heard the inevitable way it went (this is not GNR, Axl is crazy, etc).  The only thing I'm unclear on is if you jump right in right there, or just stew and lament the overheard conversation secondhand once you have a more sympathetic ear to bend.

 



/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

IF you make the assumption the current band didn't play city X because there's no demand, then surely you could make the same assumption for the previous tours? No?

Well, the past three years, they haven't ventured outside of one city's 4,000 seat venue (that they had to paper).

But, I'll play the what if game, if you like.  Though I don't know why, these exercises are always a disaster for you.

As we said, they played the Electric Factory here in 2012.  Small little shithole club they did not even sell out.  Not a great argument they are in high demand.  The Wells Fargo Center is where the Sixers and Flyers play.  If GNR ever comes back here, the show will not be there.  And in most of the other major cities, I would also say they will not be in the comparable 20,000 seat arenas. 

If they are, I'll say I had it wrong.  If they aren't, you'll have some new excuse, I'm sure.

The old band played every 20,000 seat arena that was available.  Them not playing one meant there wasn't one to play.  It will not be why the current band is not there and playing "Up Close And Personal" spots instead.  You know...for the fans, of course. 

Yes, you admitted that the fact is that the last US leg of the old band's biggest tour skipped most "must" markets.
If you could play NYC, why wouldn't you? There was no demand?

They had already hit all those major cities several times over the previous 2 years.  The current band is not daring to venture outside one vacation city because they can't sell the tickets, not because they have worn the people out.

You.  You're defensive.  In actual fact, you derail more threads than anyone here.

Yeah, yeah. You just don't like being held accountable for the rubbish stuff you say.

Your idea of threads "humming along nicely" seems to be when you can go on and on about how this band sucks, the management sucks and have your pals agree.

My pals?  I'm an enemy of the fucking state around here.  But even most who disagree with me, we still have a conversation.

You?  You're a record scratcher.  Things grind to a halt, much as they have right this very second.

All I know is what you do around here, and that's get a bee in your bonnet when someone so much as points out GNR's place in the modern day world.

If I object to negative people who don't consider this GN'R posting about GN'R like their opinion is the truth, so what?

So we are in agreement that's what you do.  Which flies in the face of how unconcerned you are with other's opinions, no?

So, if pressed to go on the record, yeah, I would imagine you act this way in real life.  If you were out somewhere and a conversation about GNR came up, I have a hard time believing you would not immediately get a scowl on your face when you heard the inevitable way it went (this is not GNR, Axl is crazy, etc).  The only thing I'm unclear on is if you jump right in right there, or just stew and lament the overheard conversation secondhand once you have a more sympathetic ear to bend.

 

In case you wondering, my guess is the latter.

[jarmo]

Well, the past three years, they haven't ventured outside of one city's 4,000 seat venue (that they had to paper).

In the past three years, they played a North American arena tour with about 30 dates, followed by club dates followed by two residencies and more shows both headlining festivals and playing smaller venues.

As we said, they played the Electric Factory here in 2012.  Small little shithole club they did not even sell out.  Not a great argument they are in high demand.  The Wells Fargo Center is where the Sixers and Flyers play.  If GNR ever comes back here, the show will not be there.  And in most of the other major cities, I would also say they will not be in the comparable 20,000 seat arenas.

Because Philadelphia is the norm?

The old band played every 20,000 seat arena that was available.  Them not playing one meant there wasn't one to play.

Are you saying there was no arena in the NYC metropolitan area available in the whole month of April in 1993?
And you know this how?

They had already hit all those major cities several times over the previous 2 years.  The current band is not daring to venture outside one vacation city because they can't sell the tickets, not because they have worn the people out.

GN'R played in Camden, NJ in November 2011. Three months before the show you keep referring to in Philadelphia. Yet, you don't use this "excuse" for the current band. Why not?

So we are in agreement that's what you do.  Which flies in the face of how unconcerned you are with other's opinions, no?

There's a difference in caring or being concerned and responding to posts. You should know this.

Jeez. Just because I respond to your posts doesn't mean you're in anyway special in my life. Please. Don't get any ideas....

In case you wondering, my guess is the latter.

Couldn't care less what you think of me. The fact that you try to psychoanalyze me based on these posts is hilarious though.
We never met. Chances are we never will.

You're a name on a screen. That's it.

There's a bunch of people who post here who I actually met and who's opinions mean something though....




/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

GN'R played in Camden, NJ in November 2011. Three months before the show you keep referring to in Philadelphia. Yet, you don't use this "excuse" for the current band. Why not?

I know, I was there.  Good show.

But its a big amphitheater with a lawn section.  In the winter, they close it off for obvious weather reasons.  Really shrinks the place.

And do you know who plays there in the winter?  People that can't sell out the Wells Fargo.

The list of bands that could sell out the Wells Fargo but choose to play half a Camden arena is approximately zero bands long.

You're a name on a screen. That's it.

Well, this is gimmick infringement.

There's a bunch of people who post here who I actually met and who's opinions mean something though....

Awww, that stings, little man.

So let's leave it like this.  The next tour will clear all this up.  We can't both be right.

[jarmo]

I know, I was there.  Good show.

But its a big amphitheater with a lawn section.  In the winter, they close it off for obvious weather reasons.  Really shrinks the place.

And do you know who plays there in the winter?  People that can't sell out the Wells Fargo.

The list of bands that could sell out the Wells Fargo but choose to play half a Camden arena is approximately zero bands long.

I was there too.

Yet, the point remains. The show is not used as an "excuse" by you to why the ticket sales in Philly weren't to your liking. But in other cases you use the "they played the city earlier" excuse.

I just wonder why.

The next tour will clear all this up.  We can't both be right.

Because if they play more intimate venues you can go: I told you so!?

If you can only get some satisfaction in life from that, be my guest. Chances are you won't be attending anyway....




For the record, I'm not making bets, guessing or making any kind of disrespectful comments about achievements of any of the line ups here. I merely pointed out the hypocrisy of certain people claiming there's no demand for GN'R. When in fact the old band also chose to play secondary markets and smaller venues in the US during their lifetime. Simple as that.

It's just kinda obvious that someone who doesn't consider this Guns N' Roses is more inclined to make excuses for the old band. It's natural. But please don't confuse this with objectivity or knowledge. Their opinions aren't worth any more than the rest of us. They just like to think so.


/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

I know, I was there.  Good show.

But its a big amphitheater with a lawn section.  In the winter, they close it off for obvious weather reasons.  Really shrinks the place.

And do you know who plays there in the winter?  People that can't sell out the Wells Fargo.

The list of bands that could sell out the Wells Fargo but choose to play half a Camden arena is approximately zero bands long.

I was there too.

We could have hung out!!

For the record, I'm not making bets, guessing or making any kind of disrespectful comments about achievements of any of the line ups here. I merely pointed out the hypocrisy of certain people claiming there's no demand for GN'R. When in fact the old band also chose to play secondary markets and smaller venues in the US during their lifetime. Simple as that.

We know what you are trying to do.

But way to get in front of the situation.  Smart.

[jarmo]

Why not answer the question?

How come you use the "they played the city earlier" excuse for 1993 but not for Camden/Philly in 2011/12?

I was there too.

We could have hung out!!

Are you sure? Because then I could put a face to that name on the screen......




/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

Why not answer the question?

How come you use the "they played the city earlier" excuse for 1993 but not for Camden/Philly in 2011/12?

Because I find the comparison ridiculous and irrelevant.

I find all your comparisons across eras to be ridiculous and irrelevant.  This is why I've said so at least 20 times overall, several in this very thread, and twice today alone.

Not a hard to code to crack, jarmo.

Are you sure? Because then I could put a face to that name on the screen......

It would humanize the both of us.

Dude, I've seen a pic of you with MSL.  Don't tell me you can't forgive and forget.  Even if you look like a POW in said pic.

[jarmo]

Because I find the comparison ridiculous and irrelevant.

It's not a comparison. It's just a question of how one excuse works for one but not the other....
I don't get it!

I understand that you prefer the old band and don't consider this GN'R. I get it. But come on.... If you're gonna make excuses for one, surely you can be a bit creative and apply the same to the line up you don't like (as much). Just to try to act objective.

Dude, I've seen a pic of you with MSL.  Don't tell me you can't forgive and forget.  Even if you look like a POW in said pic.

Just because I don't agree with a person's actions doesn't mean I'll run away when he jumps out and wants a pic....




/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

Because I find the comparison ridiculous and irrelevant.

It's not a comparison. It's just a question of how one excuse works for one but not the other....
I don't get it!

I understand that you prefer the old band and don't consider this GN'R. I get it. But come on.... If you're gonna make excuses for one, surely you can be a bit creative and apply the same to the line up you don't like (as much). Just to try to act objective.

I don't see any of this as making excuses.

I see this as you taking exception to the reality there is not real high demand for GNR in 2014 and trying to craft some sort of "gotcha" scenario with the old band so I can presumably see the error of my ways.

Its just not going to happen.

Dude, I've seen a pic of you with MSL.  Don't tell me you can't forgive and forget.  Even if you look like a POW in said pic.

Just because I don't agree with a person's actions doesn't mean I'll run away when he jumps out and wants a pic....

Did he sort of ambush you?  Looks like you aren't super pumped.

And, to be honest, I find it sort of odd.  This was a guy that leaked their shit.  I can't even believe you let him post here, let alone take a pic with you.

[jarmo]

I don't see any of this as making excuses.

I see this as you taking exception to the reality there is not real high demand for GNR in 2014 and trying to craft some sort of "gotcha" scenario with the old band so I can presumably see the error of my ways.

Its just not going to happen.

I didn't expect as much.

Thanks for clarifying that!

Did he sort of ambush you?  Looks like you aren't super pumped.

And, to be honest, I find it sort of odd.  This was a guy that leaked their shit.  I can't even believe you let him post here, let alone take a pic with you.

Like I said, I didn't exactly care enough to run away.... At that point in the morning! 
Don't know if he posted or if he didn't since he did what he did. He didn't use his own name, that's for sure.



/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

I don't see any of this as making excuses.

I see this as you taking exception to the reality there is not real high demand for GNR in 2014 and trying to craft some sort of "gotcha" scenario with the old band so I can presumably see the error of my ways.

Its just not going to happen.

I didn't expect as much.

Thanks for clarifying that!

If it makes you feel better to explain away why they are struggling to sell out clubs today by comparing it to the Skin N' Bones tour 20 years ago...hey, salud.

I don't see it the connection, most of the world would not see the connection, but if it makes sense in your head, so be it.  

Like I said, I didn't exactly care enough to run away.... At that point in the morning! 
Don't know if he posted or if he didn't since he did what he did. He didn't use his own name, that's for sure.

Hahaha.  That was my guess.

Definitely a weird cat.

[Ali]

Whichever reasons one puts more weight on is a matter of opinion.  My point is that if Axl abandoned the name, together with the vision that he associates with the name, and instead went the "Axl Rose Band" route, it's not just Axl's wallet that would have suffered --- fans would have paid the price as well because we'd have weaker music and weaker shows. 

And before you say anything about how little music has been released, I really doubt that would have changed if he didn't use the name.  If anything, I think it's possible we would have never seen any creative output from him ever again if he abandoned the name.

Interesting. Curious as to why you think that?
We are obviously playing make believe here, but I would think there would be less pressure w/o the name.
He?s no doubt better off financially to have the rights, but from a creative standpoint, seems a heavy burden to live up to a name created in large part by 4, 5 since departed members.

Operating solo, or under another name he?d have the freedom to create whatever his heart desired(which I guess he did) but with no real preconceived notions or expectations from fans how it ?ought to? sound.

There is no band name in the world he could have used that would make me want to listen to Shackler?s Revenge again, but the fact that a song of that direction was released under the GN?R banner is outright offensive to some. Many fans think he?s taking liberties with the GN?R legacy that aren?t his alone to take. Technically, legally he can and does what he pleases, but it doesn?t mean all of his/GN?R?s fans have to like it.

At the same time, Oh My God is a song in a similar style that in my opinion kicks ass. It doesn?t sound like GN?R to me, but I dig the fuck out of it.
I know a lot of people that don?t. Released under another name, it?d probably just fly under their radar, but because it?s so far removed from classic GN?R?s sound, and it took 4/5?s of the band leaving for it to exist at all alienated a lot of the fan base. Is this fans taking it too seriously? Probably, but fan is short for fanatic.

Artistically speaking, I have a hard time envisioning a scenario much worse that what happened with Axl?s career post UYI.
Went from prolific to one album short of creatively barren(thus far). A solo album could have been just what the doctor ordered.
Probably would have reduced the amount of red tape, lawsuits, label pressure, fan/media backlash, headaches, and possibly could have spared everyone this very forum discussion!

Perhaps a solo album would have been less pressure, but I also think Axl would have been less motivated without the legacy of the name driving him.  Same goes for the other members.  For example, I know that Stinson wasn't a fan of GNR when he joined, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't care that people think GNR were great with Duff but suck with Tommy.  For that matter, I doubt Stinson and a few others ever join if it's the Axl Rose Band and not Guns N' Roses.

Disagree with you on Shacklers, but on the point of that song and others being a departure from the traditional GNR sound --- I think Axl did the right thing by taking GNR in a different direction musically.  If he tried to find a blues-based guy who played like Slash, it would have been a very cheap imitation of the original.  There's only one Slash and I think Axl's decision to change things up was an acknowledgment of that fact.

That's good point about the legacy driving Axl and the band.  I believe Axl alluded to that as well in the past, particularly in that being part of the point for doing the re-recording of many of the Appetite tracks.

I also agree that the right thing was done by not trying to replicate the blues-based sound without Slash.

Ali

[D-GenerationX]

I also agree that the right thing was done by not trying to replicate the blues-based sound without Slash.

Same here.

But I don't then know how to take DJ's latest comments that's he's been writing stuff that sounds like old GNR. 

Say what?  Would an 'It's So Easy' type of tune fit the current band?

[Ginger King]

I also agree that the right thing was done by not trying to replicate the blues-based sound without Slash.

Same here.

But I don't then know how to take DJ's latest comments that's he's been writing stuff that sounds like old GNR. 

Say what?  Would an 'It's So Easy' type of tune fit the current band?

Yeah, I sort of take all his comments with a grain of salt.  It?s like he has a copy of How to be a Rockstar in his pocket (make sure to flip off the camera at least 5 times, then bring out a bottle of Jager).  Don?t they all say the next album?s going to be ?the heaviest thing we?ve ever made? and/or are ?going to get back in touch with our roots.?  I feel like every musician says this (not just GnR).  It just feels somewhat contrived.

[GeorgeSteele]

I also agree that the right thing was done by not trying to replicate the blues-based sound without Slash.

Same here.

But I don't then know how to take DJ's latest comments that's he's been writing stuff that sounds like old GNR. 

Say what?  Would an 'It's So Easy' type of tune fit the current band?

Yeah, I sort of take all his comments with a grain of salt.  It?s like he has a copy of How to be a Rockstar in his pocket (make sure to flip off the camera at least 5 times, then bring out a bottle of Jager).  Don?t they all say the next album?s going to be ?the heaviest thing we?ve ever made? and/or are ?going to get back in touch with our roots.?  I feel like every musician says this (not just GnR).  It just feels somewhat contrived.

To that, I'll just say this --- I really hope Ron doesn't leave the band.   

[D-GenerationX]

I also agree that the right thing was done by not trying to replicate the blues-based sound without Slash.

Same here.

But I don't then know how to take DJ's latest comments that's he's been writing stuff that sounds like old GNR. 

Say what?  Would an 'It's So Easy' type of tune fit the current band?

Yeah, I sort of take all his comments with a grain of salt.  It?s like he has a copy of How to be a Rockstar in his pocket (make sure to flip off the camera at least 5 times, then bring out a bottle of Jager).  Don?t they all say the next album?s going to be ?the heaviest thing we?ve ever made? and/or are ?going to get back in touch with our roots.?  I feel like every musician says this (not just GnR).  It just feels somewhat contrived.

To that, I'll just say this --- I really hope Ron doesn't leave the band.   

Yeah, when you actually get the breakdown of the spots Ron covers live, replacing him gets pretty tricky.

[ice cream sand pig]

It amazes me that you guys are knowledgeable enough about GNR to include statistics in your arguments. I am a little jealous. All I can do is offer an uniformed and subjective opinion, but I think it's impossible to say whether or not the band would be more successful today then they are now if the band never reformed. Things really could have gone either way.

Say for example if Jim Morrison, Jimmy Hendrix, or Kurt Cobain never died near the peak of their primes, would they still be as legendary as they are now? How would their music have evolved? Who can say what would have happened to them?

If I had to speculate I would say that if Guns stayed on top long enough they could have gotten too comfortable and the music may have suffered. I think a big part of what makes Chinese Democracy such a great album is the struggle Axl had to go through during the time he was trying to reform GNR. Tetsuo Osamu, the father of manga, once said that manga was a kind of starving art. You have to really be struggling in order to make anything good. I think that's also a part of what made Appetite such an excellent album.

[D-GenerationX]

It amazes me that you guys are knowledgeable enough about GNR to include statistics in your arguments. I am a little jealous.

Oh, that's real easy.  We are HUGE nerds.

If I had to speculate I would say that if Guns stayed on top long enough they could have gotten too comfortable and the music may have suffered. I think a big part of what makes Chinese Democracy such a great album is the struggle Axl had to go through during the time he was trying to reform GNR. Tetsuo Osamu, the father of manga, once said that manga was a kind of starving art. You have to really be struggling in order to make anything good. I think that's also a part of what made Appetite such an excellent album.

I think you could be right.

I think because its hard to see Axl operating as basically a business.  Like, the Rolling Stones, for instance.  Mick pretty much runs that like a business.  And its kind of hard to see Axl doing that since he's never been suer interested in that end of it.

However, I think Duff would have been the guy.  He cleaned himself up and got his shit together business wise.  I think he would have been the point man.

[jarmo]

If it makes you feel better to explain away why they are struggling to sell out clubs today by comparing it to the Skin N' Bones tour 20 years ago...hey, salud.

I don't see it the connection, most of the world would not see the connection, but if it makes sense in your head, so be it.  

Jeez. I didn't make any claims about sales. I just pointed out that the popular old band toured in smaller places instead of playing more shows in certain major markets. When the current band does something, you're quick to point out the lack of sales without even mentioning the fact that the band just played the same area three months earlier. Yet you're quick to point out similar things regarding the old band.

I find that telling of how objective you are!

I find it hard to believe that major festivals booked GN'R because there's a lack of demand. And why would the Hard Rock Hotel ask them back so soon without demand? Makes very little sense to tour without any demand.

Metallica hasn't toured in the US in a while. Must be lack of demand right?

/jarmo