New Dj interview at LegendaryRockInterviews.com (Sep 2014)

[D-GenerationX]

You don't get to duck the same question 3-4 times in a row and then think someone will answer your conversational re-direct.

We've moved on.

[JAEBALL]

what are you even arguing at this point..... emily.. .you don't like DX or why he posts...we all get that by now... but a lot of us enjoy his posts and his activity, im sorry you dont, i enjoy jarmos posts too...if we didnt debate...there would be nothing ... because this band doesn't give us a whole lot to talk about other than setlists when they are on tour, and the drama and history of GNR unfortunately does give us more to talk about


people don't want to say it or admit it...but this is not GNR to so many people without Slash...I know it stings...but thats the way it is for a lot of people

if he was on that stage they would sell a lot more tickets particularly in the US...it doesn't take a lot of number analysis or comparisons to other bands with different circumstances to figure it out

and I am sure Axl and his people would love to sell out basketball arenas here in the US....but not at that expense....

the economy or the rock scene is not the reason when it pertains to GNR imo... they were the cream of the crop... and their contemporaries have no problems filling stadiums and large arenas in this day and age

when they toured in 2011 the average attendance was give or take between 6500-8500 ... thats about half full... many times the top bowl would be closed

and without ever knowing for sure i believe a band with at least Axl Slash and Duff would still be selling those buildings out (not a reunion tour, meaning if they had never went separate ways)...can i prove it? nobody could

[Spirit]

No, that negative "behind the curtain" perception is all in your head, you are once again grasping at straws while attempting to paint GNR and its supporters in a less than complementary light.

No, I'm asking you to defend your own point that you introduced.

Facts are the music industry has changed.Overall revenue during 2013 in the U.S. was $7 billion, nearly the same as it has been since 2009 ? showing a comforting stability after the free fall in the first decade of the new millennium, when revenue plummeted  from its peak of $14.6 billion in 1999, before Napster and later iTunes changed the game forever.

Wikipedia for the win, here.  But what does this have to do with filling an arena?

Actually wasnt from Wikipedia, but from a business article.

My point is you simply cannot compare 91's musical climate with present day, the business has changed.

Nice attempt at trying to change the topic to suit your agenda though.

Yes, the music business has changed, but mostly when it comes to releasing material though. The income from music releases today isn't what it was 20 years ago, you're right about that. The discussion here is about concert attendance, and that hasn't had quite the same development history. Sure, the climate has changed somewhat with concert performances as well, but more as a result of finding alternative ways to make money. Bands are playing live more than ever, and the problem is that the market is saturated, leaving only the biggest of the bunch to still draw a full house.

I think, with Guns N Roses releasing their last record six years ago, and then touring heavily after, is reaching a point where they either have to release something new or take a longer break to build up the excitement of a new round of touring. Sure, they can still hit markets where they haven't played yet, but to start something big in South America, North America or Europe right now will probably not result in a sold-out string of shows. You can see the tendency from the shows played in the same cities in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012 and so on. That doesn't mean there won't be a decent turnout, GN'R is still a major draw in itself, but I think many fans are waiting for something new first and foremost. Speaking for myself, I can't say I feel quite the same excitement with GN'R as I did in 2006, but that can change with the blink of an eye if there's some concrete news about new music. I have a feeling that's the case with many fans who's also attended lots of shows these past years.

As for GN'R not filling up the venues to the same extent as they did in the early '90s, I don't think there's just ONE reason for that. Sure, the line-up change is a factor, but far from the biggest one. If that was the case, Guns wouldn't have been so successful touring in 2006-2007. Touring for too long without any new songs to bring fresh excitement into the mix is a bigger factor in my opinion. Let's not forget that GN'R was the biggest band on the planet in 91-92. There's few (if any) that can match that level of popularity today. That's just how it is, GN'R (UYI line-up) couldn't have kept that going for over 20 years, it would have been near impossible. So, when Axl came back with a brand new line-up he had to build something new (not from scratch, because he still had the name), but I don't think his ambitions ever were to become what once was. My reading of him says that he's quite happy with the state of things now. Playing a stadium tour doesn't seem to be his main goal. As long as he now shows interest of moving forward with new material, I think a lot of the fans are happy.

Reading through this thread, I think it's ridiculous to talk about real fans. I think everybody who's active (at least on this board) is a fan of Axl and wants him to succeed. And by 'succeed' I mean both while touring and by releasing new songs. Right now, I think the demand for new songs is higher than a new tour. This changes of course. I can remember back in 2009 when 99% of the fans screamed for live shows, again it all depends on the saturation level of any of the two - touring and releases. It's human nature.

Then again, Axl is Axl and Axl does what Axl wants. That's also one of the things that makes him unique, and that never grows old.

[D-GenerationX]

when they toured in 2011 the average attendance was give or take between 6500-8500 ... thats about half full... many times the top bowl would be closed

Which really means you shouldn't be trying to run those sorts of venues.

This is what did them in back in 2002 and why Clear Channel wanted out.  They were losing their shirts.  To run a venue that size, you have to pay for the building's use, you have staffing issues and the like, and that is based on you being able to fill the place or damn close to it.  So when 5,000 to 6,000 people are showing up at a 15,000 to 20,000 seat arena, you can't possibly make money there.  All the more so if you have already fronted the band huge coin you can't recoup.

That was what was so frustrating about Philly in December 2002.  We legit sold that building out.  I saw the attendance figures from that tour.  That made us a rarity.

[D-GenerationX]

Reading through this thread, I think it's ridiculous to talk about real fans. I think everybody who's active (at least on this board) is a fan of Axl and wants him to succeed. And by 'succeed' I mean both while touring and by releasing new songs. Right now, I think the demand for new songs is higher than a new tour. This changes of course. I can remember back in 2009 when 99% of the fans screamed for live shows, again it all depends on the saturation level of any of the two - touring and releases. It's human nature.

Well said.

And we run into some of this when people respond to calls for new material by scolding us for not enjoying the live shows.  Has someone said that?  That they aren't enjoying going to the shows?

Its more like you said.  There have been various tours behind this album for the past 6 years.  And really, there were two tours in indirect support of it before it even came out.  You reach a point where everyone has seen it, some several times.  It doesn't mean that that those people would not be right back out there the next time.  No one is saying that.

But a point of diminishing returns on that excitement is inevitable.  And you can rename it all you want, from "Up Close And Personal" to "Appetite For Democracy" to "No Trickery".  You are essentially repackaging the same product.  There does come a time where people are going to want something different.

[JAEBALL]

No, that negative "behind the curtain" perception is all in your head, you are once again grasping at straws while attempting to paint GNR and its supporters in a less than complementary light.

No, I'm asking you to defend your own point that you introduced.

Facts are the music industry has changed.Overall revenue during 2013 in the U.S. was $7 billion, nearly the same as it has been since 2009 ? showing a comforting stability after the free fall in the first decade of the new millennium, when revenue plummeted  from its peak of $14.6 billion in 1999, before Napster and later iTunes changed the game forever.

Wikipedia for the win, here.  But what does this have to do with filling an arena?

Actually wasnt from Wikipedia, but from a business article.

My point is you simply cannot compare 91's musical climate with present day, the business has changed.

Nice attempt at trying to change the topic to suit your agenda though.

Yes, the music business has changed, but mostly when it comes to releasing material though. The income from music releases today isn't what it was 20 years ago, you're right about that. The discussion here is about concert attendance, and that hasn't had quite the same development history. Sure, the climate has changed somewhat with concert performances as well, but more as a result of finding alternative ways to make money. Bands are playing live more than ever, and the problem is that the market is saturated, leaving only the biggest of the bunch to still draw a full house.

I think, with Guns N Roses releasing their last record six years ago, and then touring heavily after, is reaching a point where they either have to release something new or take a longer break to build up the excitement of a new round of touring. Sure, they can still hit markets where they haven't played yet, but to start something big in South America, North America or Europe right now will probably not result in a sold-out string of shows. You can see the tendency from the shows played in the same cities in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012 and so on. That doesn't mean there won't be a decent turnout, GN'R is still a major draw in itself, but I think many fans are waiting for something new first and foremost. Speaking for myself, I can't say I feel quite the same excitement with GN'R as I did in 2006, but that can change with the blink of an eye if there's some concrete news about new music. I have a feeling that's the case with many fans who's also attended lots of shows these past years.

As for GN'R not filling up the venues to the same extent as they did in the early '90s, I don't think there's just ONE reason for that. Sure, the line-up change is a factor, but far from the biggest one. If that was the case, Guns wouldn't have been so successful touring in 2006-2007. Touring for too long without any new songs to bring fresh excitement into the mix is a bigger factor in my opinion. Let's not forget that GN'R was the biggest band on the planet in 91-92. There's few (if any) that can match that level of popularity today. That's just how it is, GN'R (UYI line-up) couldn't have kept that going for over 20 years, it would have been near impossible. So, when Axl came back with a brand new line-up he had to build something new (not from scratch, because he still had the name), but I don't think his ambitions ever were to become what once was. My reading of him says that he's quite happy with the state of things now. Playing a stadium tour doesn't seem to be his main goal. As long as he now shows interest of moving forward with new material, I think a lot of the fans are happy.

Reading through this thread, I think it's ridiculous to talk about real fans. I think everybody who's active (at least on this board) is a fan of Axl and wants him to succeed. And by 'succeed' I mean both while touring and by releasing new songs. Right now, I think the demand for new songs is higher than a new tour. This changes of course. I can remember back in 2009 when 99% of the fans screamed for live shows, again it all depends on the saturation level of any of the two - touring and releases. It's human nature.

Then again, Axl is Axl and Axl does what Axl wants. That's also one of the things that makes him unique, and that never grows old.

great post, all the way around

[GeorgeSteele]

people don't want to say it or admit it...but this is not GNR to so many people without Slash...I know it stings...but thats the way it is for a lot of people

That is true.  So is this:

"people don't want to say it or admit it...but this is GNR to so many people without Slash...I know it stings...but thats the way it is for a lot of people"
 

[EmilyGNR]

You don't get to duck the same question 3-4 times in a row and then think someone will answer your conversational re-direct.

We've moved on.

Why not answer for everyone else's sake?
Were you even aware of Guns N' Roses in 1991?
Were you old enough to go to shows without a parent?

Comparing eras won't work. When Guns N' Roses were closer
in age to their fanbase they were sure to have more excitement
and obsessed fans around them. Now the fans are more seasoned and they know
what music has stood the test of time. Those are the better fans IMO.

[JAEBALL]

people don't want to say it or admit it...but this is not GNR to so many people without Slash...I know it stings...but thats the way it is for a lot of people

That is true.  So is this:

"people don't want to say it or admit it...but this is GNR to so many people without Slash...I know it stings...but thats the way it is for a lot of people"
 

to a lot of people?

I know it is for some..and im totally cool with that.... but a lot of people?

[Ja5oN]

I don't think anyone here can get too deep into the financial analysis of the operation, unless you have inside knowledge.  In 2013 GNR played the Festival in Quebec with over 100,000 people and then 3 days later played the Sound Academy in Toronto for maybe 2,000?  I don't know why/how, but I was there and glad they did it.

[GeorgeSteele]

people don't want to say it or admit it...but this is not GNR to so many people without Slash...I know it stings...but thats the way it is for a lot of people

That is true.  So is this:

"people don't want to say it or admit it...but this is GNR to so many people without Slash...I know it stings...but thats the way it is for a lot of people"
 

to a lot of people?

I know it is for some..and im totally cool with that.... but a lot of people?

You don't think a lot of people who bought CD and have been going to shows the past 8 years in every corner of the globe accept the current band?  You think just about all those people are patronizing a band they don't acknowledge to exist?

[JAEBALL]

I don't think anyone here can get too deep into the financial analysis of the operation, unless you have inside knowledge.  In 2013 GNR played the Festival in Quebec with over 100,000 people and then 3 days later played the Sound Academy in Toronto for maybe 2,000?  I don't know why/how, but I was there and glad they did it.

Really... a major festival? how is that relative in any way to the discussion ?

[JAEBALL]

people don't want to say it or admit it...but this is not GNR to so many people without Slash...I know it stings...but thats the way it is for a lot of people

That is true.  So is this:

"people don't want to say it or admit it...but this is GNR to so many people without Slash...I know it stings...but thats the way it is for a lot of people"
 

to a lot of people?

I know it is for some..and im totally cool with that.... but a lot of people?

You don't think a lot of people who bought CD and have been going to shows the past 8 years in every corner of the globe accept the current band?  You think just about all those people are patronizing a band they don't acknowledge to exist?

I for one go to as many shows as I can, all NYC shows since 2001 minus Randalls Island and three times in vegas...and I DO NOT consider this Guns N Roses... and I think there are a lot of people who feel the same way and still go have a great time and love seeing Axl perform


edit: i also missed the brooklyn bowl... had an important family matter going

[D-GenerationX]

people don't want to say it or admit it...but this is not GNR to so many people without Slash...I know it stings...but thats the way it is for a lot of people

That is true.  So is this:

"people don't want to say it or admit it...but this is GNR to so many people without Slash...I know it stings...but thats the way it is for a lot of people"
 

Where are all these people?  Witness protection?

If what you are alleging is true, they would not be having the problems they are having right now with smaller venues and unsold tickets in larger ones.

Of course, it important to define what you are really saying.  If you are saying there are still enough people willing to buy a ticket to see present day GNR if they want to go to a GNR concert in some capacity, I'd agree with you.  It may not be in huge numbers, but those tickets are being sold.  And no one buying them is under any delusions as to who will be on that stage.

But if you are saying people look at the current state of affairs and are willing to consider them Guns N' Roses, that's a harder sell.  Not much supports that.  No one really knows who these guys are or any of their songs.  If you put a gun to people's head and asked for such answers, you'd have to shoot a hell of a lot of people.  

[D-GenerationX]

You don't think a lot of people who bought CD and have been going to shows the past 8 years in every corner of the globe accept the current band?  You think just about all those people are patronizing a band they don't acknowledge to exist?

I think over half of the people in those buildings (and I'm being conservative) are in the "take what we can get" camp.

If your options are to hear GNR music played by these guys, or not hear GNR music played by anyone, they'd rather the former.  But it that a ringing endorsement, really?

[Ja5oN]

there are pages and pages of bitching about demand, the inability to sell out certain venues etc.

realize this is a business....the endless  "couldn't fill ____stadium" is such a BS thing to argue about.

what is the return on investment?

I use the previous example to illustrate some extremes within a short time period.....no one here is going to tell me the return on either (unless you know which would be cool).....so why argue

[jarmo]

You keep saying there's a lack of demand, they can't sell out a small venue (in Philadelphia). There's a world outside of Philadelphia. Yet you keep coming back to this one place. Who's the one in a bubble?

As a rule, you.  I've found.

Las Vegas is another city, BTW.  If you're making a list.

So the fact that the Hard Rock Hotel wants the band back means there's a lack of demand....

Would also once again ask why you are taking things so literally.  Questioning their level demand does not equal saying there is no demand at all.

Because you make generalizations.

Your sole example one was show in your hometown that happened three months after the band last played in the area. Yet you didn't even try to find a reason. Something you're quick to do regarding anything that happened before 1996....

We have always defined "support" in very different ways.  I have never, nor will ever, define it as blind devotion combined with a burning desire to crush all dissent, no matter how tame.

You want me to ignore all easily proven facts on the ground in the real world, and instead accept your fantasyland version of events that doesn't resonate outside the bubble. 

Frankly, what's in for me?  I can join you in denial?  Credibility actually matters to me, solider.

You and your real world. Let's see, you keep telling me how things are at shows I attended. And yet you're the one in the real world?

Your credibility was gone the day you admitted you don't consider this Guns N' Roses. That kind of chip on one's shoulder says it all. You're as biased as everyone else. Something that's apparent by the fact that giving credit for the current band is only something you do very rarely.

You come to a fan site to put the band, you claim to support, and their achievements down. All in the name of credibility. What a load of bollocks.
Maybe in the real world nobody gives a flying fuck about your credibility on a fan site?  

I don't think anyone here can get too deep into the financial analysis of the operation, unless you have inside knowledge.  In 2013 GNR played the Festival in Quebec with over 100,000 people and then 3 days later played the Sound Academy in Toronto for maybe 2,000?  I don't know why/how, but I was there and glad they did it.

Some people here confuse playing smaller venues with not being able to play bigger venues.

If you play a festival, chances are they provide a bunch of the staging. Which means you don't need to bring everything. If you don't bring everything, it doesn't always make sense to play an arena with the limited production you're bringing. For example.

The same works the other way. Sometimes you can't bring everything you have into a certain venue. Pyro might have to be cut out of the show and so on.

If your options are to hear GNR music played by these guys, or not hear GNR music played by anyone, they'd rather the former.  But it that a ringing endorsement, really?

Yes. It means people WANT TO HEAR AXL ROSE sing the songs. They might not care who plays what as long as they get to hear the voice of Guns N' Roses. The one thing that most people recognize as identifying an artist or a band. The singer.

I know, it hurts.


/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

edit: i also missed the brooklyn bowl... had an important family matter going

Yeah, and I missed the Electric Factory show in 2012 because of work.

Then I hear the bootleg, and its probably the best he sounded all year.  God damn it.

[jarmo]

edit: i also missed the brooklyn bowl... had an important family matter going

Yeah, and I missed the Electric Factory show in 2012 because of work.

Then I hear the bootleg, and its probably the best he sounded all year.  God damn it.

Maybe it's karma. 



/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

there are pages and pages of bitching about demand, the inability to sell out certain venues etc.

realize this is a business....the endless  "couldn't fill ____stadium" is such a BS thing to argue about.

what is the return on investment?

No, that's what it comes down to.

They can't make a nationwide arena tour work financially.  As I said in an earlier post, you can't possibly make money playing in half full buildings.  Although you obviously don't make as much in smaller ones, your overall profit margins are better.