New Dj interview at LegendaryRockInterviews.com (Sep 2014)

[Ginger King]

as awesome of a read Chinese Whispers is...

the real reasons why it took so long will never be known

After reading through Chinese Whispers (which is an amazing compilation and whoever put that together deserves a ton of credit) anyone that thinks ?prolonged inactivity? isn?t why people left the band are intentionally ignoring history.
Josh, Robin, and Bucket all left, in part, due to the inactivity of the band?hell, Josh formed his own band during all the downtime.  The only one we don?t really know why is Brain?although some of his quotes talk about his greatest feeling is being a part of a band, so one can reasonably assume he wasn?t a fan of the patchwork approach to recording CD (and the Axl-less rehearsals). 

The real question is who's to blame for the delay (or, more appropriately) who?s more to blame.  It?s clear not one party is at fault, and Axl, the record label, and past Managers all share a hand.  Good luck trying to apportion the fault.  On the one hand, the last thing to come together were the lyrics.  On the other, the revolving door of record execs shuffled in to tinker and delay (perhaps with an eye on a reunion) only added to the confusion and frustration. 

I can?t help but think (and yes, this is my own opinion with no inside knowledge ? just so we?re all clear on that) that a part of Axl was paralyzed with fear about putting out what he felt is his masterpiece.  That the constant re-shuffling and luke warm feedback from the label really fucked with his psyche, and that if they didn?t like it, then how would anyone like it, so he must go back and re-work it again, re-record parts, etc.  The concept of CD had become mythical, so how could it ever live up to unrealistic expectations?  You can argue he was set up to fail, and with each passing year (regardless of whose fault it was) the expectations mounted.  That explains Axl?s relative obscurity after the album released. 

I really hope these same fears/expectations aren?t present this time around, and that all parties have learned from the CD process.  Axl himself said the second half of Chinese is already recorded, and that he?s going to start looking very seriously at what do to with it.  Here?s hoping that ?release it? is one of the options, and that we get some indication, one way or the other, soon.

Great thoughts... certainly those three and Brain left because of the structure/and time it took.

As for Axl's thought process...of course we will never know, but that all seems very plausible.. he was truly under a lot of pressure to succeed with it due to the circumstances and the name, and I truly believe Del when he said it was out when Axl wanted out. Certainly there were a lot of factors that lead to the delays, but if Axl wanted out in 1999... it would have been, plain and simple.

Unfortunately the real beginning to everything was when Axl dissolved their partnership but that's whole other bag of worms...one thing leads to another..and then its 2008...

It's amazing that we are going on 6 years now, and really no closer to the second half. I'm not mad about it, just hard to grasp, and as it relates tot he original topic... I hope DJ Ashba is right, he unfortunately tho has no credibility in this discussion.

We know the songs have existed for years... so it's just waiting..with no real answers as to why

Yes, it?s really hard to talk about one issue because it?s really a confluence of issues/events that bring us to today.

And I agree.  DJ?s comments are nice, but more or less the same as what he (and others) have been saying for years.  Axl?s comments, however, are on a whole other level.  The buck starts and stops with him, so when he talks, shit?s real.  His interview was, IMO, a game changer, and gave real hope that CDII is in the cards.  When?  Ha, good luck with that.  Axl knows better than to give a definitive answer.  ?Already recorded? means it could be soon, but then that leads us to all these other factors (real or perceived) that could affect the timing.

[D-GenerationX]

Also, I agree with you Jarmo. The leaks were a very sad thing to have happened. I thought they were great at the time but I didn't realize how they affected the album in the long run.

I'm sure it sucked for the band.

But look at the reaction to them.  Some of those suckers charted.  People were ready to hear new GNR music.  How is that not a kick in the ass for you?  Or, at the least, encouraging??

Instead, you wait 2 more years.  The album comes out and the reaction is, oh yeah...those things I heard a few years ago.  Right.  

But the momentum and juice is gone and you can't get them back.

No one is saying the leaks were ideal.  But what are you gaining by crying in your beer after the release that people should have known better and not listened to the leaks.  Too late.  People did.  You had to get moving and strike while the iron was hot, or at the least, still warm.

Come 2008, that was all gone.  That iron was stone cold.

[D-GenerationX]

I can?t help but think (and yes, this is my own opinion with no inside knowledge ? just so we?re all clear on that) that a part of Axl was paralyzed with fear about putting out what he felt is his masterpiece.  That the constant re-shuffling and luke warm feedback from the label really fucked with his psyche, and that if they didn?t like it, then how would anyone like it, so he must go back and re-work it again, re-record parts, etc.  The concept of CD had become mythical, so how could it ever live up to unrealistic expectations?  You can argue he was set up to fail, and with each passing year (regardless of whose fault it was) the expectations mounted.  That explains Axl?s relative obscurity after the album released.

Sure seems that way. 

[D-GenerationX]

I kinda think that Appetite for Democracy, was his (Axl's) toe in the water moment. He clearly wouldn't expect (nor would get) multi millions of sales, but what he would get is the vibe that went with the release. He'd also get an indication of how the label would both act in its release, and in its marketing strategy. This was the collective groups litmus test, all sounding out each other and hopefully using this experience for all to express their own thoughts and observations  on what was delivered. One must remember that this is TB's first foray into releasing a significant peace of art in their own right and will also have their opportunities to see what they would or wouldn't do again in what probably is Gn'R's most important album in 20+ years. Get it wrong and it could be the end of the band IMHO 

I think a good thing this time around is that no one is waiting on this.

I have some issues with "the most anticipated album of alltime!!" talk we got about CD, but its obvious there was some level of expectation.

Now, there really isn't.  Hopefully, that makes things easier.

[D-GenerationX]

It's amazing that we are going on 6 years now, and really no closer to the second half. I'm not mad about it, just hard to grasp, and as it relates tot he original topic... I hope DJ Ashba is right, he unfortunately tho has no credibility in this discussion.

We know the songs have existed for years... so it's just waiting..with no real answers as to why

And didn't you figure, at least in part, he'd have learned that all that delay didn't help anything and he wouldn't repeat that mistake?

[JAEBALL]

It's amazing that we are going on 6 years now, and really no closer to the second half. I'm not mad about it, just hard to grasp, and as it relates tot he original topic... I hope DJ Ashba is right, he unfortunately tho has no credibility in this discussion.

We know the songs have existed for years... so it's just waiting..with no real answers as to why

And didn't you figure, at least in part, he'd have learned that all that delay didn't help anything and he wouldn't repeat that mistake?

Uhm... I don't know what to think ...because past actions give you no clue how to think about it lol

the 2006 touring was so well received that it was so apparent that it should have been out then... Robin had a large following, and I think people liked Ron because he wasn't as "strange" as Buckethead was

I think you are right that there should be less pressure this time because ther isnt as much hype/speculation about finally getting the legendary Chinese Democracy...

I really think in Axl's mind his album should get the same promotion and support that the Illusions were going to get...and it's just never going to happen. I have always thought that's one of the biggest hurdles. It's not 1993 anymore and unless he is treated like he is lady gaga.. he doesn't want to turn over his art to these people...

[D-GenerationX]

I really think in Axl's mind his album should get the same promotion and support that the Illusions were going to get...and it's just never going to happen. I have always thought that's one of the biggest hurdles. It's not 1993 anymore and unless he is treated like he is lady gaga.. he doesn't want to turn over his art to these people...

All true, and further compounded by his disappearing act in 2008 and most of 2009.

So you find yourself in really weird spot.  In order to get some proper promotion, Axl pretty much has to go hat in hand to the label and tell him he'll do better this time.

But, knowing how Axl thinks, don't you almost figure this is not only extremely unlikely to happen, as he sees it, they owe HIM an apology?

The best thing, I think, it to forget 2008.  Just say mistake were made on both sides, it got all fucked up, but we'll do better this time around.  Move forward, not look backward.

[JAEBALL]

I really think in Axl's mind his album should get the same promotion and support that the Illusions were going to get...and it's just never going to happen. I have always thought that's one of the biggest hurdles. It's not 1993 anymore and unless he is treated like he is lady gaga.. he doesn't want to turn over his art to these people...

All true, and further compounded by his disappearing act in 2008 and most of 2009.

So you find yourself in really weird spot.  In order to get some proper promotion, Axl pretty much has to go hat in hand to the label and tell him he'll do better this time.

But, knowing how Axl thinks, don't you almost figure this is not only extremely unlikely to happen, as he sees it, they owe HIM an apology?

The best thing, I think, it to forget 2008.  Just say mistake were made on both sides, it got all fucked up, but we'll do better this time around.  Move forward, not look backward.

yeah... In a perfect world......

[D-GenerationX]

I really think in Axl's mind his album should get the same promotion and support that the Illusions were going to get...and it's just never going to happen. I have always thought that's one of the biggest hurdles. It's not 1993 anymore and unless he is treated like he is lady gaga.. he doesn't want to turn over his art to these people...

All true, and further compounded by his disappearing act in 2008 and most of 2009.

So you find yourself in really weird spot.  In order to get some proper promotion, Axl pretty much has to go hat in hand to the label and tell him he'll do better this time.

But, knowing how Axl thinks, don't you almost figure this is not only extremely unlikely to happen, as he sees it, they owe HIM an apology?

The best thing, I think, it to forget 2008.  Just say mistake were made on both sides, it got all fucked up, but we'll do better this time around.  Move forward, not look backward.

yeah... In a perfect world......

Hahahaha

Well, yeah, none of that is likely.  But a boy can dream.

[Ginger King]

I really think in Axl's mind his album should get the same promotion and support that the Illusions were going to get...and it's just never going to happen. I have always thought that's one of the biggest hurdles. It's not 1993 anymore and unless he is treated like he is lady gaga.. he doesn't want to turn over his art to these people...

All true, and further compounded by his disappearing act in 2008 and most of 2009.

So you find yourself in really weird spot.  In order to get some proper promotion, Axl pretty much has to go hat in hand to the label and tell him he'll do better this time.

But, knowing how Axl thinks, don't you almost figure this is not only extremely unlikely to happen, as he sees it, they owe HIM an apology?

The best thing, I think, it to forget 2008.  Just say mistake were made on both sides, it got all fucked up, but we'll do better this time around.  Move forward, not look backward.

yeah... In a perfect world......

Hahahaha

Well, yeah, none of that is likely.  But a boy can dream.

Man, I hope that's not what has to happen...he doesn't strike me as a "it was my fault" kind of guy (usual caveat that I'm not an insider).

[D-GenerationX]

I just don't see how you can hope to move forward if we are going to bogged down in who said or did or didn't do what 6 years ago.  Its over and done with.

[Ginger King]

I just don't see how you can hope to move forward if we are going to bogged down in who said or did or didn't do what 6 years ago.  Its over and done with.

It's like Izzy's story when he called him up and Axl was pouring over pages of notes rehashing events of the past.  Hope all we want, but forgive and forget is not in the cards.

[D-GenerationX]

I just don't see how you can hope to move forward if we are going to bogged down in who said or did or didn't do what 6 years ago.  Its over and done with.

It's like Izzy's story when he called him up and Axl was pouring over pages of notes rehashing events of the past.  Hope all we want, but forgive and forget is not in the cards.

Yeah, its depressing hearing that sort of stuff.

But looks at them now.  I would hope he could get similarly motivated for his own work's sake.

[GypsySoul]

But, knowing how Axl thinks, .....

Seriously?? You know how Axl thinks?? 

[D-GenerationX]

But, knowing how Axl thinks, .....

Seriously?? You know how Axl thinks?? 

I do.

I also know what number you are thinking of between 1 and 10.

[jarmo]

But, knowing how Axl thinks, .....

Seriously?? You know how Axl thinks?? 

Holy crap!

What a revelation. Yet another "I've read the interviews and I'm a huge fan so I know you" case. 
The humor never stops.



/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

It's a knack.  You either have it or you don't.

[Ginger King]

But, knowing how Axl thinks, .....

Seriously?? You know how Axl thinks?? 

Holy crap!

What a revelation. Yet another "I've read the interviews and I'm a huge fan so I know you" case. 
The humor never stops.



/jarmo

So you're saying you can't know how someone thinks based on interviews they have given?  Why is that?  Because the interviews aren't true?  They aren't giving honest answers? 

[ice cream sand pig]

Long Gone Days, you and I definitely feel differently about CD. I don't think my opinion is any more valid than yours though, and it was interesting to read your critique. 

Maybe you guys are right and it was fear that prevented Axl from releasing the album. Maybe he should have gotten it out in 2006. Maybe he is this very petty guy that some people make him out to be. I don't think so though. I don't think the weak person that people make Axl out to be would be capable of achieving what he has achieved.

I think the guy's been through a lot of shit. Becoming a famous rock star is a major life change. GNR was a nonstop roller coaster up until the point that the original band broke up. At that point Axl had been through two divorces and a lot of other madness. It takes time to process all that kind of stuff. Becoming as famous as Axl became sounds to me like some really scary shit. It makes perfect sense that the guy would want to lay low and work on something at his own pace. I think for him, taking all the time he needed to get himself to where he wanted to be spiritually and create an album he personally could be proud of was more important than charts, sales, popularity contests, what have you.

[ice cream sand pig]

Ginger King, perhaps you can get to know someone to a degree through interviews but you would only be scratching the surface. It is a world of difference to know someone personally than to know them through interviews and what people in the media say about them.

Imagine this: Imagine Axl is a pretty swell dude with a real strong work ethic. Many people that are close to him make him out to be that way. Imagine this is the way he is, and the media really does focus on the negative stories about him because that is what people want to hear (because people love drama). Can you imagine how shitty that would be for him? I was at my friend's house the other night and his roommate mentioned to me that he didn't like GNR because of how big of an asshole Axl Rose is. I was just thinking to myself "seriously? so you know the guy?". This was a guy that hardly knew anything about GNR at all. I run into people like him all the time, pretty much every time I bring GNR up to someone new. People make Axl out to be some kind of paranoid future of GNR destroying abomination with a stick up his ass. But do any of them know him? Is that really the kind of person he is? I wonder what it's like to have thousands of people that don't even know you talk shit about you. (I am not saying this is what you or anyone here does, but I do run into it all the time).

I personally don't have much to go off of either in terms of imagining what kind of guy Axl is. I do seem to see a different picture of him than most. I guess we were each just led to different conclusions based on the evidence available to us. My intuition tells me one thing and other people's intuition tells them something else. So I am compelled to say what I do and they are compelled to say what they do.