New Dj interview at LegendaryRockInterviews.com (Sep 2014)

[jarmo]

But how many other major acts do people go to making gallows humor jokes about them not showing up?  That's more what I mean.

People = you.
Nobody here had to bring it up, only you.

Percentage wise, that's asked at a GNR tailgate in far higher numbers than other comparable acts.  The track record is what it is, I'm afraid.  Not unringing that bell.  When your big trump card is that he hasn't pulled a no show lately, its a topic best avoided, I'd think.

Once again, people in Philadelphia keep bringing this up? Wonder why....

What has been said, is being said, and will be said until they retire as a live act, is that 0% of shows in small club venues should have trouble selling out.  That should never, ever, EVER happen.  All the more so as we are consistently told how well things are rolling along.  Inability to move 4,000 seats in a major U.S. city is a red flag of Paul Bunyan proportions.

What has been said by you and myself is that the show is one show among many. One show on a week night you yourself didn't attend because it didn't fit your weekly agenda in a city that just had a show three months before.

If there was such a lack of demand why did they extend the tour?

Why don't you just admit that there's a demand you didn't expect? Or if that's difficult, just say your country isn't exactly in love with rock music at the moment considering the biggest metal band around hasn't toured nationally in years. Only doing tours abroad....

I'm scouring the internet for every possible leak for 6 fucking years, paying to see the band in its current incarnation, and beating the drum louder than anyone for a new album from this line-up...which are all GREAT indicators that I'm butthurt Axl decided to keep going.  That follows, logically.

Give me a fucking break with that.

I'll give you a break once you actually offer some evidence of all this positivity you claim to possess.

That people go to see the band these days because its Axl Rose singing GNR tunes backed by who the hell cares who.  

That's been my stance all along.  They are taking what they can get and rolling with it.  I'm glad you came around.  

See?  Real world isn't such a scary place.  Welcome.

No, that's a generalization.

Sure, there are some that are like that. Some of whom couldn't give a rat's ass if Slash quit or what the name of the band is.
In your real world these people don't exist! Because "it's not GN'R"....

A far, far bigger portion of the original fanbase simply stopped caring.  They aren't putting 6,000 to 8,000 people in a basketball/hockey arena because that's all the Guns N' Roses fans left in that city.  Its because that's how many Guns N' Roses fans in that city will accept this version of the band.

No. It's because people who were 10-20 in 1987 have grown up (or haven't). It takes a little more than "let's go" to make a concert attendance happen for some fans.
Jeez, aren't you aware of the people who kept bringing this up as an "issue" with shows not starting at 8-9pm? And now it's not an issue or reason anymore... Funny how that works.

Hiring babysitters and making plans to go to a concert are huge issues, but then suddenly they aren't.

You cant have the cake and eat it too.




/jarmo

[GeorgeSteele]

Because it's what you've done, just about all the people who have bought CD (multi-millions) and people who have been going to shows since 2006 are really Slash fans spending money on a band they don't acknowledge.  

No, I have always rejected the talking point that Axl is trying to fake people out by using old shots of the band in ads.  By 2006 (and I'd argue some time before) everyone knew the score.

I'd say the people buying tickets since 2006 know the deal and have made their peace with it.

A far, far bigger portion of the original fanbase simply stopped caring.  They aren't putting 6,000 to 8,000 people in a basketball/hockey arena because that's all the Guns N' Roses fans left in that city.  Its because that's how many Guns N' Roses fans in that city will accept this version of the band.

Only those 6,000 to 8,000 in that city accept the band?  You don't think there are a good chunk more who do, but aren't going anymore because they've already gone the 2 prior times in the tour cycle and still haven't heard a new album?   Just about any band in history is going to see diminishing ticket sales if they keep touring the same places without new music.  

So why not just release new music?  We all have our theories but none of us know for sure... whatever the reason, it just hasn't happened, hope it does soon, everyone wants that.  

[jarmo]

Does releasing an album equal better ticket sales?



/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

But how many other major acts do people go to making gallows humor jokes about them not showing up?  That's more what I mean.

People = you.
Nobody here had to bring it up, only you.

If your stance is that I would be the only person making that joke anywhere, I'd disagree.

Percentage wise, that's asked at a GNR tailgate in far higher numbers than other comparable acts.  The track record is what it is, I'm afraid.  Not unringing that bell.  When your big trump card is that he hasn't pulled a no show lately, its a topic best avoided, I'd think.

Once again, people in Philadelphia keep bringing this up? Wonder why....

Because he fucked us?  Yeah, I'm going to go with that.

But I'd again disagree that the only place those jokes are being made are parking lots in Philadelphia.

HUGE respect for him to come back here though, even 10 years later.  Would have bet against that and lost.

What has been said, is being said, and will be said until they retire as a live act, is that 0% of shows in small club venues should have trouble selling out.  That should never, ever, EVER happen.  All the more so as we are consistently told how well things are rolling along.  Inability to move 4,000 seats in a major U.S. city is a red flag of Paul Bunyan proportions.

What has been said by you and myself is that the show is one show among many. One show on a week night you yourself didn't attend because it didn't fit your weekly agenda in a city that just had a show three months before.

If there was such a lack of demand why did they extend the tour?

Why don't you just admit that there's a demand you didn't expect? Or if that's difficult, just say your country isn't exactly in love with rock music at the moment considering the biggest metal band around hasn't toured nationally in years. Only doing tours abroad....

Rock bands sell all sorts of tickets in my country.  This particular one does not.

I'm scouring the internet for every possible leak for 6 fucking years, paying to see the band in its current incarnation, and beating the drum louder than anyone for a new album from this line-up...which are all GREAT indicators that I'm butthurt Axl decided to keep going.  That follows, logically.

Give me a fucking break with that.

I'll give you a break once you actually offer some evidence of all this positivity you claim to possess.

Nice dodge.

Look, you can get on me for not being a pom-pom waver and the like.  You find it noble and required, I do not.  That's valid, at least in terms of a disagreement on mindset between us.  

Getting on me for somehow being one of the folks mad Axl continued on with the band doesn't stand up to even minimal scrutiny.  Swing and a miss there, bud.

A far, far bigger portion of the original fanbase simply stopped caring.  They aren't putting 6,000 to 8,000 people in a basketball/hockey arena because that's all the Guns N' Roses fans left in that city.  Its because that's how many Guns N' Roses fans in that city will accept this version of the band.

No. It's because people who were 10-20 in 1987 have grown up (or haven't). It takes a little more than "let's go" to make a concert attendance happen for some fans.
Jeez, aren't you aware of the people who kept bringing this up as an "issue" with shows not starting at 8-9pm? And now it's not an issue or reason anymore... Funny how that works.

Hiring babysitters and making plans to go to a concert are huge issues, but then suddenly they aren't.

You cant have the cake and eat it too.

Sure seems like a lot of tap dancing and contorting to avoid having to say they are obviously more than 6,000 GNR fans in a major American city and the rest simply just don't care about them in their current state.

But its your dime.  I'm sure it makes sense to you, so god bless.

[D-GenerationX]

Only those 6,000 to 8,000 in that city accept the band?  You don't think there are a good chunk more who do, but aren't going anymore because they've already gone the 2 prior times in the tour cycle and still haven't heard a new album?   Just about any band in history is going to see diminishing ticket sales if they keep touring the same places without new music.

Honestly, not really.

Can I "prove" that to you right now?  No, I cannot.

But, I can over time.  If what you are saying is true, with a new album and a fresh tour, people are back onboard.  I'd argue that if you don't see any sort of bump in the numbers, you are pretty much looking at what you've got.  

So why not just release new music?  We all have our theories but none of us know for sure... whatever the reason, it just hasn't happened, hope it does soon, everyone wants that.  

Big time.

I still remember the first time I heard 'Madagascar' right after RIRIII.  I was blown away.

But do you know where I first heard it?  On fucking Kazaa.  That's how far back we're talking.  I downloaded it on my parent's computer for god's sake.

We need new stuff.

[jarmo]

But how many other major acts do people go to making gallows humor jokes about them not showing up?  That's more what I mean.

People = you.
Nobody here had to bring it up, only you.

If your stance is that I would be the only person making that joke anywhere, I'd disagree.

I said: Nobody here had to bring it up, only you.
The keyword is in bold text for you.

Because he fucked us?  Yeah, I'm going to go with that.

But I'd again disagree that the only place those jokes are being made are parking lots in Philadelphia.

HUGE respect for him to come back here though, even 10 years later.  Would have bet against that and lost.

Two shows happened in that area since then, no incidents. Almost 12 years, and counting. Time to move on maybe?

Doesn't mater where the jokes are being made. You were the one who had to do it on a GN'R fan site. Says something about you.

Rock bands sell all sorts of tickets in my country.  This particular one does not.

I knew it was difficult for you to admit.
Yes, GN'R sells all kinds of tickets. They even had two shows in Philadelphia since 2002.

Nice dodge.

Coming from you, I take that as a huge compliment.

Look, you can get on me for not being a pom-pom waver and the like.  You find it noble and required, I do not.  That's valid, at least in terms of a disagreement on mindset between us.  

Getting on me for somehow being one of the folks mad Axl continued on with the band doesn't stand up to even minimal scrutiny.  Swing and a miss there, bud.

No, I just find your act hypocritical and lacking credibility. That's all.

A GN'R fan from Philadelphia. Say no more!
Doesn't think this band is Guns N' Roses and is still upset about a cancellation in 2002.

Well, well...

Sure seems like a lot of tap dancing and contorting to avoid having to say they are obviously more than 6,000 GNR fans in a major American city and the rest simply just don't care about them in their current state.

But its your dime.  I'm sure it makes sense to you, so god bless.

Once again. The person who's quick to find reasons for the old band's decisions can not seem to find any for the current era.  





/jarmo

[GeorgeSteele]

Does releasing an album equal better ticket sales?



/jarmo

I expect that it would.  Maybe I'm seeing it that way just because that is what bands have always done, having new albums coincide with new tours.  Part of it is also due to how the music business has been run.  When a new album is released, the label markets the band, putting the band into the public's consciousness, which in turn affects ticket sales.  That model has been starting to change, though. 

[D-GenerationX]

Does releasing an album equal better ticket sales?

I expect that it would.  Maybe I'm seeing it that way just because that is what bands have always done, having new albums coincide with new tours.  Part of it is also due to how the music business has been run.  When a new album is released, the label markets the band, putting the band into the public's consciousness, which in turn affects ticket sales.  That model has been starting to change, though. 

Its a tricky question with this band.

I agree that the general model is that a new album means marketing, promotion, and fresh tour dates.  But...I imagine we'd have thought that in 2008 with CD too, right?

But what happened?

- Axl gets pissed over some mistakes in the booklet, goes AWOL
- No serious promotion from the label, likely due to the super level of cooperation from the artist himself.
- As for that artist himself, no immediate promotion outside a few internet chats on fan sites where we spent more time talking about Slash than the new album
- In terms of interviews, we got one with Billboard, and one with Del James where Axl basically does both parts of the interview with all questions pre-approved
- No tour dates at all for a solid year after release, then only 1 real U.S. date in August 2010, and no real U.S. Tour until October 2011, almost 3 years later

However it winds up going the next time, if there is one, I think we have to hope it goes better than that.

But then there is Jarmo's question about a new album equaling better ticket sales.  I would say yes, only because you'd have to hope there is a more serious tour across the country.  That alone should mean better domestic ticket sales in better venues than were seen in in 2012, 2013, or 2014.

[Ginger King]

Does releasing an album equal better ticket sales?



/jarmo

I expect that it would.  Maybe I'm seeing it that way just because that is what bands have always done, having new albums coincide with new tours.  Part of it is also due to how the music business has been run.  When a new album is released, the label markets the band, putting the band into the public's consciousness, which in turn affects ticket sales.  That model has been starting to change, though. 

Agree.  And part of the problem with the current lineup (IMO) getting the respect/recognition as being a band is that the majority of their songs are from the AFD/UYI era, with a handful of CD songs (and even those songs were largely created by others).

I have said for a long time that for the current lineup to succeed, it needs to stand on its own two feet, and not rest on the catalog of the past.

[mortismurphy]

This must have happened in 2002 though. It is never going to happen now considering Rose has turned himself into a casino act.

[ice cream sand pig]

mortismurphy, are you saying that the new lineup will never succeed now because they played the Las Vegas residencies? Not sure what your post is in reference to. I am somewhat new to posting on forums so forgive me if I am inferring incorrectly. But in my opinion if anything is going to make or break their success it would not be something as simple as that.

[ice cream sand pig]

I noticed that on the internet a lot of people have negative things to say about Dj. I think it would be awesome if Dj ended up being like Raiden from the Metal Gear series. Everyone hated Raiden at first. He just wasn't Snake, and that's who everyone wanted. So when Metal Gear Solid 4 rolled around the director of the series decided to make Raiden so cool that it was really hard to dislike him. It would be cool if the next album did that for Dj. I am really curious to see what kind of influence he will have on GNR's sound.

[EmilyGNR]

Does releasing an album equal better ticket sales?

I expect that it would.  Maybe I'm seeing it that way just because that is what bands have always done, having new albums coincide with new tours.  Part of it is also due to how the music business has been run.  When a new album is released, the label markets the band, putting the band into the public's consciousness, which in turn affects ticket sales.  That model has been starting to change, though. 

Its a tricky question with this band.

I agree that the general model is that a new album means marketing, promotion, and fresh tour dates.  But...I imagine we'd have thought that in 2008 with CD too, right?

But what happened?

- Axl gets pissed over some mistakes in the booklet, goes AWOL
- No serious promotion from the label, likely due to the super level of cooperation from the artist himself.
- As for that artist himself, no immediate promotion outside a few internet chats on fan sites where we spent more time talking about Slash than the new album
- In terms of interviews, we got one with Billboard, and one with Del James where Axl basically does both parts of the interview with all questions pre-approved
- No tour dates at all for a solid year after release, then only 1 real U.S. date in August 2010, and no real U.S. Tour until October 2011, almost 3 years later

However it winds up going the next time, if there is one, I think we have to hope it goes better than that.

But then there is Jarmo's question about a new album equaling better ticket sales.  I would say yes, only because you'd have to hope there is a more serious tour across the country.  That alone should mean better domestic ticket sales in better venues than were seen in in 2012, 2013, or 2014.

Your perceptions of what actually happened with  the release are mistaken, but I'm not surprised.

Your continued contributions of unsolicited, unqualified amateur advice and constant negative criticism concerning all things GNR honestly leads me to believe you are unbalanced. What you do is not constructive, it is fault-finding and it is unhealthy.

Psychological fact:  people with low self-esteem are 80% more likely to be overly critical in order to make themselves feel a little smarter and better, but people who are confident and happy with themselves are more likely to  take things as they are and enjoy them.

Haters are losers pretending to be winners, if you cannot be positive, at least be quiet.Just because you can say something doesnt mean you should, therein lies wisdom.

I find it amusing that I have inquired how old you were in 91, and you refuse to answer which leads me to believe you were probably in diapers, or were sperm.

[EmilyGNR]

This must have happened in 2002 though. It is never going to happen now considering Rose has turned himself into a casino act.

Two very successful residencies and you make idiotic comments like this?

Too many critics with no credentials and apparently no common sense either. Go troll somewhere else.

[EmilyGNR]

Does releasing an album equal better ticket sales?



/jarmo

I expect that it would.  Maybe I'm seeing it that way just because that is what bands have always done, having new albums coincide with new tours.  Part of it is also due to how the music business has been run.  When a new album is released, the label markets the band, putting the band into the public's consciousness, which in turn affects ticket sales.  That model has been starting to change, though. 

Agree.  And part of the problem with the current lineup (IMO) getting the respect/recognition as being a band is that the majority of their songs are from the AFD/UYI era, with a handful of CD songs (and even those songs were largely created by others).

I have said for a long time that for the current lineup to succeed, it needs to stand on its own two feet, and not rest on the catalog of the past.

No this is merely your little criteria for GNR to be successful in your head. The hits will always be played at shows because that is what the majority of people that go to shows want to hear, the band plays for audiences not internet nerds that obsess about setlits and don't attend shows.

[mortismurphy]

This must have happened in 2002 though. It is never going to happen now considering Rose has turned himself into a casino act.

Two very successful residencies and you make idiotic comments like this?

Too many critics with no credentials and apparently no common sense either. Go troll somewhere else.

I am not going to pretend that playing casinos, coupled with flying pianos and dancers, leave a cheap taste in my mouth.

[EmilyGNR]

But how many other major acts do people go to making gallows humor jokes about them not showing up?  That's more what I mean.

People = you.
Nobody here had to bring it up, only you.

If your stance is that I would be the only person making that joke anywhere, I'd disagree.

I said: Nobody here had to bring it up, only you.
The keyword is in bold text for you.

Because he fucked us?  Yeah, I'm going to go with that.

But I'd again disagree that the only place those jokes are being made are parking lots in Philadelphia.

HUGE respect for him to come back here though, even 10 years later.  Would have bet against that and lost.

Two shows happened in that area since then, no incidents. Almost 12 years, and counting. Time to move on maybe?

Doesn't mater where the jokes are being made. You were the one who had to do it on a GN'R fan site. Says something about you.

Rock bands sell all sorts of tickets in my country.  This particular one does not.

I knew it was difficult for you to admit.
Yes, GN'R sells all kinds of tickets. They even had two shows in Philadelphia since 2002.

Nice dodge.

Coming from you, I take that as a huge compliment.

Look, you can get on me for not being a pom-pom waver and the like.  You find it noble and required, I do not.  That's valid, at least in terms of a disagreement on mindset between us.  

Getting on me for somehow being one of the folks mad Axl continued on with the band doesn't stand up to even minimal scrutiny.  Swing and a miss there, bud.

No, I just find your act hypocritical and lacking credibility. That's all.

A GN'R fan from Philadelphia. Say no more!
Doesn't think this band is Guns N' Roses and is still upset about a cancellation in 2002.

Well, well...

Sure seems like a lot of tap dancing and contorting to avoid having to say they are obviously more than 6,000 GNR fans in a major American city and the rest simply just don't care about them in their current state.

But its your dime.  I'm sure it makes sense to you, so god bless.

Once again. The person who's quick to find reasons for the old band's decisions can not seem to find any for the current era.  





/jarmo

Well said, great answers as always!!   

[D-GenerationX]

I noticed that on the internet a lot of people have negative things to say about Dj. I think it would be awesome if Dj ended up being like Raiden from the Metal Gear series. Everyone hated Raiden at first. He just wasn't Snake, and that's who everyone wanted. So when Metal Gear Solid 4 rolled around the director of the series decided to make Raiden so cool that it was really hard to dislike him. It would be cool if the next album did that for Dj. I am really curious to see what kind of influence he will have on GNR's sound.

I find the DJ hate pretty over the top.  You'd think this guy was setting fire to live kittens the way people talk.

Some are legit.  He makes some mistakes on stage, and more than the others.  And its kind of troubling how many of the solo spots and other things Ron has to cover live because he can't hack it.

But then you get what I'd consider really petty shit like how he stands on stage or how he presents himself.  You constantly hear that he's a poser and he's very concerned about looking the part.  Which...might be valid if the best and most popular guitar plays this band ever had didn't go be a name like Slash and have his own gimmicks like the top hat.  A lot of the things DJ gets taken to task for, you could easily also apply to Slash if you wanted to be honest about it.

I find most of it pretty silly.  This band has FAR bigger issues than how DJ stands on stage or where he places a liquor bottle for a photo shoot.

[D-GenerationX]

mortismurphy, are you saying that the new lineup will never succeed now because they played the Las Vegas residencies? Not sure what your post is in reference to. I am somewhat new to posting on forums so forgive me if I am inferring incorrectly. But in my opinion if anything is going to make or break their success it would not be something as simple as that.

I don't 100% subscribe to this, but there is a feeling out there that the lack of any serious progress on any new material coupled with the Vegas residencies is proof Axl has given up.

So much of the focus of the residencies seem to looking back and not forward.  When the focus of the residency seems to be on a 25 year old album, it can give the impression that Axl is content to just be a nostalgia act at this point.

Like I said, don't 100% subscribe to this myself, but some of it is valid, at least appearance wise.  And perception is often reality.

[Ginger King]

Does releasing an album equal better ticket sales?



/jarmo

I expect that it would.  Maybe I'm seeing it that way just because that is what bands have always done, having new albums coincide with new tours.  Part of it is also due to how the music business has been run.  When a new album is released, the label markets the band, putting the band into the public's consciousness, which in turn affects ticket sales.  That model has been starting to change, though. 

Agree.  And part of the problem with the current lineup (IMO) getting the respect/recognition as being a band is that the majority of their songs are from the AFD/UYI era, with a handful of CD songs (and even those songs were largely created by others).

I have said for a long time that for the current lineup to succeed, it needs to stand on its own two feet, and not rest on the catalog of the past.

No this is merely your little criteria for GNR to be successful in your head. The hits will always be played at shows because that is what the majority of people that go to shows want to hear, the band plays for audiences not internet nerds that obsess about setlits and don't attend shows.

Wow, you are bat-shit crazy.  Perhaps you neglected to read my post where I said I've seen this lineup multiple times, and have traveled internationally to watch them.  Sorry that doesn't fit your narrative of me being a loner internet nerd in my parent's basement.

And stop trying to find out how old D-X was in 1991...it's getting creepy.