New Dj interview at LegendaryRockInterviews.com (Sep 2014)

[D-GenerationX]

Remember Eddie Trunk's 2007/8? comments during the CD delay:

"...I hear the new G&R CD is actually done, but the delay in release is not the bands issues but the label. There is so much money tied up in this record that in todays business it will be virtually impossible to be profitable, meaning the label might want to sell it off but can not find a buyer since nobody buys CDs anymore. Problem might not be Axl this time around and might keep this CD in limbo for more years to come. Hopefully it gets resolved..."

How do we know that's not the problem this time around?

It could well be.  Although, to be honest, I see no reason to believe he has turned in any finished album they are sitting on.

But, thinking down the line a bit...how will that ever improve?  There is no magic solution.  So you'd have to either cut your losses and release him entirely, or try and find some way to enable it to do the best that it can.  

I have never seen the logic of the argument that a stalemate is a productive solution for either side.  I just question why Axl is not a bit more proactive, because its his career we are talking about here.

[D-GenerationX]

Remember Eddie Trunk's 2007/8? comments during the CD delay:

"...I hear the new G&R CD is actually done, but the delay in release is not the bands issues but the label. There is so much money tied up in this record that in todays business it will be virtually impossible to be profitable, meaning the label might want to sell it off but can not find a buyer since nobody buys CDs anymore. Problem might not be Axl this time around and might keep this CD in limbo for more years to come. Hopefully it gets resolved..."

How do we know that's not the problem this time around?

We don't... all speculation based on the little info we have ... but even if they can never get even on all the money they laid out... some money is better than no money back right?

Correctamundo.

You get what you can get.

[GeorgeSteele]

Remember Eddie Trunk's 2007/8? comments during the CD delay:

"...I hear the new G&R CD is actually done, but the delay in release is not the bands issues but the label. There is so much money tied up in this record that in todays business it will be virtually impossible to be profitable, meaning the label might want to sell it off but can not find a buyer since nobody buys CDs anymore. Problem might not be Axl this time around and might keep this CD in limbo for more years to come. Hopefully it gets resolved..."

How do we know that's not the problem this time around?

We don't... all speculation based on the little info we have ... but even if they can never get even on all the money they laid out... some money is better than no money back right?

Of course, but just the same, waiting for more money is better than taking less money now.  Case in point, had the label not held out for the $14M Best Buy deal, it would have made much less money doing a traditional release sooner.

Apple just paid $100M for U2's new album.  Obviously, our guys aren't getting anything near that, but maybe the label thinks something in the neighborhood of the Best Buy deal is still possible? 

[JAEBALL]

Remember Eddie Trunk's 2007/8? comments during the CD delay:

"...I hear the new G&R CD is actually done, but the delay in release is not the bands issues but the label. There is so much money tied up in this record that in todays business it will be virtually impossible to be profitable, meaning the label might want to sell it off but can not find a buyer since nobody buys CDs anymore. Problem might not be Axl this time around and might keep this CD in limbo for more years to come. Hopefully it gets resolved..."

How do we know that's not the problem this time around?

We don't... all speculation based on the little info we have ... but even if they can never get even on all the money they laid out... some money is better than no money back right?

Of course, but just the same, waiting for more money is better than taking less money now.  Case in point, had the label not held out for the $14M Best Buy deal, it would have made much less money doing a traditional release sooner.

Apple just paid $100M for U2's new album.  Obviously, our guys aren't getting anything near that, but maybe the label thinks something in the neighborhood of the Best Buy deal is still possible? 

Yeah that makes sense... maybe holding out for something a little greater...

[D-GenerationX]

Apple just paid $100M for U2's new album.  Obviously, our guys aren't getting anything near that, but maybe the label thinks something in the neighborhood of the Best Buy deal is still possible? 

Seems unlikely, because you don't have the hook this time around of being the first GNR album in 15 years.  And the last one didn't exactly set the world on fire.

But whatever deal you hope to get, the clock is ticking.  Each passing year, interest wanes.

[GeorgeSteele]

Apple just paid $100M for U2's new album.  Obviously, our guys aren't getting anything near that, but maybe the label thinks something in the neighborhood of the Best Buy deal is still possible? 

Seems unlikely, because you don't have the hook this time around of being the first GNR album in 15 years.  And the last one didn't exactly set the world on fire.

But whatever deal you hope to get, the clock is ticking.  Each passing year, interest wanes.

Jimmy Iovine was with Interscope/Geffen when CD was being made and was a big part of that whole process... he now works for Apple and helped negotiate the U2 deal.  Who knows, maybe he can work out a sweetheart deal for his old company on the Guns record??? 

This is from an interview with him on the day CD was released.  Sounds like a guy who really believes in Axl.

Yesterday was an exciting day for a lot of Guns N' Roses fans. What are your thoughts now that this record is a reality?

Axl delivered a great Guns N' Roses album. Period. He did. It took him a long time for whatever reasons. I am sure there were many different reasons. Bottom line is, he did it. It's hard to say if something is worth the wait, because how the hell do any of us know? I judge it based on what it is. Does it sound better than 99% of the rock records out there? Yes. I'm just thrilled for him.

The proliferation of retail exclusives like Guns N' Roses with Best Buy has been one of the biggest stories of the year. What are you thoughts on how this has developed?

With the confusion and how much media is spread out and how hard it is to market things to a mass audience right now, I think you'll see the labels needing marketing partners to drive this music, whether it's a song, an album or a new configuration. In this case, Best Buy gave this album a great deal of marketing that we couldn't have gotten any other way. Now we have the press on our side as well, which is extraordinary.

[D-GenerationX]

You could always drum up interest with a new song. 

It could also be a trial balloon of sorts.  If you release one song to iTunes, promote it, get in on the radio, etc...that could let you know where you stand embarking on promoting another whole album.

[ice cream sand pig]

Didn't Axl say something about how he wanted to let the music speak for itself? I could be mistaken about that. As far as his career goes, I don't really think he's worried about how people react to what he does from here on out. He's made it. The man's a legend. I think releasing albums he is happy with is more important to him than how many people buy what he releases.

Regardless of how Axl behaved in the past, what about his appearances in the media lately? He seems like he has grown a lot more humble. When I saw him on the Jimmy Kimmel show, he seemed like a pretty normal guy. As far as what happened with him and his ex wives, I do not know the details but I do think that society is biased to side with the women in those kinds of situations. I've seen it happen to people I know on more than one occasion. One time my friends girlfriend jumped out of the car while he was driving and told the cops he threw her out and he actually went to jail over it. I haven't seen Axl throw a fit in a long time, and even when he did in the past, he usually seemed to have a good reason for it. I feel like with him everyone likes to ignore what kind of person he seems to be nowadays in favor of perpetuating what they felt he was in the past. This guy loves kids. He even puts up a Halloween tree with presents under it for them. He seems like a pretty cool dude to me!

Really Jaeball, you wouldn't want to meet him? How would it ruin anything for you if he was having a bad day? You already seem to have a negative image of him anyway.

As far as the creepy comments that got thrown around, I think it's normal for people to think they know what celebrities are like based on what they have heard about them. I also do not think it's creepy to come to an internet fan forum and support the people you are fans of.

Finally, I'm a little disappointed no one took me up on that bet so far

[GypsySoul]

Lets go with the idea that Axl hasn't moved quickly on the new album because the label didn't provide sufficient promotion for CD. 

In that regard, he's likely been avoiding dealing with them as much as possible as this causes stress that he wants to avoid.  When Axl made the comments in Revolver it sounded like he was ready to start dealing with label and negotiations. 

Lets say he's started that process.  That would be great, right?  Now, lets say the label continues to play hardball (per Axl).  It doesn't feel a "classic rock band" such as GN'R, in its current incarnation, given the market environment (per the label).  And so we continue to be at a stale mate. 

What would you want Axl to do?  Say fuck it and release it however he can so he can show the fans that at this stage he just wants to share his art?  Or does Axl think that there is path forward, with proper label support, to make GN'R huge again?  Its certainly fair that an artist would want to reach as many people as possible. 

But is it purely a means to an end, such as wanting to make as much profit as possible?  And does Axl have the appetite to full immerse himself in the public eye to help promote the product? 

Based on history and his own words, he does not like dealing with the media.  So you can't have it both ways.  You can't expect support from the label and not do your part.  For an example, see how Chinese Democracy went down. 

So what do you do?  Somethings got to give here.

Based on the scenario as you present it here ..... that despite whatever happened with the CD-I release, Axl started the process for the CD-II release, only to be met with a similar 'hardball' position by the label ..... I would want Axl to stand his ground (as I perceived him attempt to do with the CD-I release) until the album can be released as he deems fit.

Under this scenario, Axl should be better prepared this time around to avoid the pitfalls he faced when CD-I was (supposedly) released without him being 100% informed and/or consent.  (fool me once, etc., etc.)

I don't see it being a money issue on the GNR side (based on the first go-round).

I certainly don't see it as being an issue of the label or Axl not being satisfied with the product presented for release (based on the quality of CD-I and my perception of Axl not willing/wanting to hand over shit work).

Considering it's been almost 6 years since CD-I was released, the fans are still here and going to GNR shows and buying whatever product is released.

[JAEBALL]

Didn't Axl say something about how he wanted to let the music speak for itself? I could be mistaken about that. As far as his career goes, I don't really think he's worried about how people react to what he does from here on out. He's made it. The man's a legend. I think releasing albums he is happy with is more important to him than how many people buy what he releases.

Regardless of how Axl behaved in the past, what about his appearances in the media lately? He seems like he has grown a lot more humble. When I saw him on the Jimmy Kimmel show, he seemed like a pretty normal guy. As far as what happened with him and his ex wives, I do not know the details but I do think that society is biased to side with the women in those kinds of situations. I've seen it happen to people I know on more than one occasion. One time my friends girlfriend jumped out of the car while he was driving and told the cops he threw her out and he actually went to jail over it. I haven't seen Axl throw a fit in a long time, and even when he did in the past, he usually seemed to have a good reason for it. I feel like with him everyone likes to ignore what kind of person he seems to be nowadays in favor of perpetuating what they felt he was in the past. This guy loves kids. He even puts up a Halloween tree with presents under it for them. He seems like a pretty cool dude to me!

Really Jaeball, you wouldn't want to meet him? How would it ruin anything for you if he was having a bad day? You already seem to have a negative image of him anyway.

As far as the creepy comments that got thrown around, I think it's normal for people to think they know what celebrities are like based on what they have heard about them. I also do not think it's creepy to come to an internet fan forum and support the people you are fans of.

Finally, I'm a little disappointed no one took me up on that bet so far

What would I want to meet him for? To take a picture or get an autograph? yeah that would be cool to have... but he's just a rock n roll singer... a lot of people I'd rather meet over him..

and if for whatever reason he was a dick to me... then yeah...that would suck and hinder me from enjoying his talent , and I do not have a negative opinion of him... I don't like some of the things that's been presented to the public about him (mostly his tendency to blame everybody but himself for things, I think thats a really ugly quality for anyone), and there are other aspects that I think are great such as his loyalty and kindness ... I don't worship the ground he walks on tho...if that is what you are getting at..and it's not that I think Axl would be a dick to me...same goes for any celebrity... I am not judging anybody that would get a kick out of it either... I surely get the appeal, just how i feel about it.

Guns N Roses music is my thing... for whatever reason the music from the original band is has been with me for a long time (obviously I am one of millions), and because of that I still follow him and all the others to this day ...but I think some people are too FANatical with their love of him or any other musician. I like coming here and talking about it...it's something to do.. I enjoy the banter. But I am not going to lose one ounce of sleep over whatever happens with Axl Rose.

[JAEBALL]

Lets go with the idea that Axl hasn't moved quickly on the new album because the label didn't provide sufficient promotion for CD. 

In that regard, he's likely been avoiding dealing with them as much as possible as this causes stress that he wants to avoid.  When Axl made the comments in Revolver it sounded like he was ready to start dealing with label and negotiations. 

Lets say he's started that process.  That would be great, right?  Now, lets say the label continues to play hardball (per Axl).  It doesn't feel a "classic rock band" such as GN'R, in its current incarnation, given the market environment (per the label).  And so we continue to be at a stale mate. 

What would you want Axl to do?  Say fuck it and release it however he can so he can show the fans that at this stage he just wants to share his art?  Or does Axl think that there is path forward, with proper label support, to make GN'R huge again?  Its certainly fair that an artist would want to reach as many people as possible. 

But is it purely a means to an end, such as wanting to make as much profit as possible?  And does Axl have the appetite to full immerse himself in the public eye to help promote the product? 

Based on history and his own words, he does not like dealing with the media.  So you can't have it both ways.  You can't expect support from the label and not do your part.  For an example, see how Chinese Democracy went down. 

So what do you do?  Somethings got to give here.

Based on the scenario as you present it here ..... that despite whatever happened with the CD-I release, Axl started the process for the CD-II release, only to be met with a similar 'hardball' position by the label ..... I would want Axl to stand his ground (as I perceived him attempt to do with the CD-I release) until the album can be released as he deems fit.

Under this scenario, Axl should be better prepared this time around to avoid the pitfalls he faced when CD-I was (supposedly) released without him being 100% informed and/or consent.  (fool me once, etc., etc.)

I don't see it being a money issue on the GNR side (based on the first go-round).

I certainly don't see it as being an issue of the label or Axl not being satisfied with the product presented for release (based on the quality of CD-I and my perception of Axl not willing/wanting to hand over shit work).

Considering it's been almost 6 years since CD-I was released, the fans are still here and going to GNR shows and buying whatever product is released.

We call agree that Axl beats to his own drum... wait did i say that right? ha

I stated earlier I think Axl has trouble with the fact that he is not going to receive the same label support as if it were 1993...

But I also think Axl just wakes up one day and says OK today I will get it done...the stars just have to align.

[GypsySoul]

We call agree that Axl beats to his own drum... wait did i say that right? ha

Don't think that's the correct wording to that saying but I agree with the sentiment.

I stated earlier I think Axl has trouble with the fact that he is not going to receive the same label support as if it were 1993...

Don't agree with this.  I doubt Axl has any illusions concerning the level of label support he's getting considering all that's (supposedly) transpired between him and them over getting CD-I released and whatever has been happening since.

But I also think Axl just wakes up one day and says OK today I will get it done...the stars just have to align.

I kind of agree with this except I think of it more as "Axl putting on his Izzy" and doing what he enjoys when he wants.

[JAEBALL]

We call agree that Axl beats to his own drum... wait did i say that right? ha

Don't think that's the correct wording to that saying but I agree with the sentiment.

I stated earlier I think Axl has trouble with the fact that he is not going to receive the same label support as if it were 1993...

Don't agree with this.  I doubt Axl has any illusions concerning the level of label support he's getting considering all that's (supposedly) transpired between him and them over getting CD-I released and whatever has been happening since.

But I also think Axl just wakes up one day and says OK today I will get it done...the stars just have to align.

I kind of agree with this except I think of it more as "Axl putting on his Izzy" and doing what he enjoys when he wants.

Maybe I wasn't clear... I think thats how Axl felt with CD...with this next record...you might be right... he must see that's not going to be the case, but I think he wanted and expected that level of push in the past

[GypsySoul]

Maybe I wasn't clear... I think thats how Axl felt with CD...with this next record...you might be right... he must see that's not going to be the case, but I think he wanted and expected that level of push in the past

Maybe.  Maybe that is how he felt when they first started making CD considering it was like 1995 and just 2 years out since the 1993 level of label support.

Somehow I think over the next 15 or so years, Axl must've come to the realization that that changed. 

[D-GenerationX]

Finally, I'm a little disappointed no one took me up on that bet so far

Careful what you wish for.  I already lost a stone cold lock bet on Axl Rose's procrastination.

In 1998, WWE star Shawn Michaels royally fucked up his back.  Was told he's never wrestle again.  After RIR III in 2001, I start getting all excited about GNR.  My brother bets me $5 that Shawn Michaels will wrestle again before Axl releases 'Chinese Democracy'.  I laugh and make the bet.

Well, in August 2002, Shawn comes back.  A mere SIX FREAKIN' YEARS before 'Chinese Democracy' comes out.  I pay my brother the $5, which he frames and hangs in his game room.  All our mutual friends know the story.  He tells me even if he's poor and destitute in the streets, he will never spend that $5.

So you see, even with a risk of permanent paralysis on my side, I bet on Axl Rose and lost.  MEDICAL SCIENCE KO1 DX

I got the last laugh though.  I convince my brother and all his boys to come with me to see Axl in December of that year and he never showed up, so...joke was on him.

[D-GenerationX]

Based on the scenario as you present it here ..... that despite whatever happened with the CD-I release, Axl started the process for the CD-II release, only to be met with a similar 'hardball' position by the label ..... I would want Axl to stand his ground (as I perceived him attempt to do with the CD-I release) until the album can be released as he deems fit.

What do you get out of that, exactly?  Where is your payoff?

These are serious questions, BTW.

[GNR2014]

Nobody is disputing anything. The whole thing is about how in some cases the definition of core members varies to whatever fits.

This is often confused to mean as being disrespectful towards the past line ups, which is bullshit. Now the disrespect towards the current band members, some of whom have been there longer than the so called core members, that's another topic altogether....



/jarmo

It's not disrespect....it's indifference...

Tommy can be the "bass player" for 20 more years... like...who cares if it's just to continue playing mostly Duffs parts? I certainly don't disrespect the guy...just indifferent about him. Saw the Replacements play last week...and even tho I wasn't familiar with the songs..awesome show!

Yes, indifference is a good word for it. 

Back on the DJ interview topic, I heard him on Sirius last night (he was a guest DJ on Octane).  Anyway, I only heard a small portion of it, but he introduced himself as ?DJ Ashba, guitarist for Sixx AM?.   No mention of Guns at all.  Now, maybe he said it earlier, or maybe he?s just pushing the Sixx AM angle because they have a new album and tour to promote (imagine that), but I get the impression that these guys are more invested in their ?side projects? then GnR.  DJ is Sixx AM first, Guns second, Tommy is Replacements first, Guns second, and so on.

If these guys treat being in Guns n Roses like a summer job, it?s not hard to see where the indifference towards them comes from.

Especially if Axl is relying on theses guys to write for him. They're obviously going to save their best material for the creative outlets they cherish most.

There is no evidence at all that DJ or anyone else in the band is saving their "best" material for their other projects.  That makes even less sense to me when the stylistic differences between Sixx: AM, The Replacements, etc. are considered vs. GN'R.  It very well may be that they have certain material that fits one project vs. another.

Ali

DJ Ashba: "With Sixx:A.M., it's me. I don't have to try play like somebody else. It's very different."

http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/interview-dj-ashba-of-sixx-a-m/11198636

 

[D-GenerationX]

Wow.

Bet that's not going to go over well across the street.

[ice cream sand pig]

Based on the scenario as you present it here ..... that despite whatever happened with the CD-I release, Axl started the process for the CD-II release, only to be met with a similar 'hardball' position by the label ..... I would want Axl to stand his ground (as I perceived him attempt to do with the CD-I release) until the album can be released as he deems fit.

What do you get out of that, exactly?  Where is your payoff?

These are serious questions, BTW.

You get the CD Axl is happy releasing. I'd much rather have that than something that was pried out of his hands.

Jaeball, I think that wanting to meet the singer of a band you really like is not all that unusual. This singer particularly is mysterious and has inspired me personally by not budging when it comes to his vision. His music and lyrics are also very inspiring to me. Anytime I have tons of homework to do, I smoke a bowl and listen to CD. It gets me more pumped than anything. I'm a musician too, and Axl is part of where my inspiration came from to study music. I look up to the guy. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I also don't think there's anything wrong with not wanting to meet the singer of a band you like, to each his own.

I think basically anyone that spends as much time as we all do posting about a band on the internet could be considered somewhat fanatical. I can only speak for myself, but I got tired of lurking on message boards and reading so many things I disagree with so I figured it was time for me to get on there and say what I had to say. 

[ice cream sand pig]

D X, thanks for sharing your story about the bet you made with your brother. I got a kick out of it.