Richard Fortus Interview To Be Released Monday

[reayj2003]

I don't remember having much hope of a 2008 release in Febuary of that year! And don't remember any members giving indication it was definitely coming.

[D-GenerationX]

Stupendous, now explain how important you are again, as well as your super-fantastic amateur ideas on marketing, managing, producing, distribution etc. Ad nauseum.

Then tell us how you know so very much about someone because you buy and pirate their music.

In a PM just to you, or, share it with the class?

I'm quite sure your look-at-me-ism would necessitate posting it for everyone.

I'm not a fan of your fantasy, negativity, bullshit, and incessant whining  so don't send me anything.

I hate it when we fight.

[jarmo]

I don't remember having much hope of a 2008 release in Febuary of that year! And don't remember any members giving indication it was definitely coming.

You are correct.
Deja vu....



/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

I don't remember having much hope of a 2008 release in Febuary of that year! And don't remember any members giving indication it was definitely coming.

You are correct.
Deja vu....

So...expect an album around Thanksgiving?

Bold claim.

[jarmo]

I don't recall making any claims.

Other than not being the one to start moaning in February about how 2015 isn't the year.

 


Besides, shouldn't everybody be asking you when the album is coming? You seem to know how Axl thinks, how business works and everything else relating to GN'R....



/jarmo

[ice cream sand pig]

Some good points here about how it is still early in the year and we have already kind of gone into panic mode. I'll admit, that was my first reaction when I didn't see any clear positive indications about a near future release in the interview. I guess it just goes to show how badly we want this thing. The next album has become the new holy grail for GNR fans, just like CD was before its release. Axl is saving up the suspense again. He likes driving us crazy, he does his job better when we're going ape shit. Maybe he draws inspiration from it or something. 

[Sosso]

http://classicrock.teamrock.com/news/2015-02-16/fortus-axl-is-only-in-it-for-the-music

[damnthehaters]

http://classicrock.teamrock.com/news/2015-02-16/fortus-axl-is-only-in-it-for-the-music

I didn't know Fortus said new music within a year.  Looks like things have been delayed once again.  With my best guess, I'd have to say Axl is tinkering and taking his time once again. 

[GNR4LIFEJD]

hello everyone im a longtime visitor of this site and always enjoy reading the discussions that go on in here. I figured id add my 2 cents on this based on the interview Richard gave and his talking about no touring anytime soon could be because bumblefoot is in fact out and they don't have someone to replace him as I think axl wants the 3 guitar group and if they are going to bring someone in they have to learn the material old and potentially new.

[Spirit]

hello everyone im a longtime visitor of this site and always enjoy reading the discussions that go on in here. I figured id add my 2 cents on this based on the interview Richard gave and his talking about no touring anytime soon could be because bumblefoot is in fact out and they don't have someone to replace him as I think axl wants the 3 guitar group and if they are going to bring someone in they have to learn the material old and potentially new.

Could very well be the case!

[TheBaconman]

The guy doing the interview is the one causing the "uncertainties". What are these rumors about the band not existing?? I check the Gn'r community on here and a few other places nearly every day and i've heard no mentions of this & why are people talking about reunions again? Did the RN'R hall of fame not clear that up?

Well Mb the guy doing the interview was just using common sense.  He looks at a band where all the other members of the band are out touring, performing and writing for other bands.  He sees a band that hasn't released any music recently, other than a live concert blue ray.   So it's a fair question

And Richard gave a fair answer.   He could of easily said they are not really a band, it's all Axl.  But nope.  I like what he said

What I would of liked the interviewer to ask, when Richard said they work on stuff on and off.  He should of asked, like what kinda stuff?  New material or stuff you have had in the can for years?

Richard was right, guns have toured lots and I have been lucky enough to see them many times.   Or they have been lucky enough to have me attend there shows many times, however you want to look at it. 

But what I don't like

Is as a fan I feel bad not knowing what my favourite band is up too, but just imagine you are a band member and don't have a clue what the band is up too

I can't stand how a few months ago, we have DJ saying they are going to do quiet a bit of touring in 2015    Then we have Richard, saying pretty much the opposite   It's mind blowing how the band can't be on the same page with these things.  You can say plans change.  And they do. But I don't think plans where ever made to change!   If you just have a idea or one day just think you want to do something, doesn't make it s plan

Richard sure comes off good in these interviews though.  Does he have to most knowledge out of all the band members?   It seems that way, but who knows.  Mb just because he comes off better, as opposed to DJ I just want to believe Richard more.  Both could be totally in the dark when it comes to guns n roses plans and both be blowing smoke up my butt

Eventually you have to say the material is good enough to release.  I am a huge fan of the artistic side of Axl, his song writing and his ability to carry on the guns n Roses name, in a way that only he could do right

However, the dude needs to work around peers that also have an equal say in the product.   He works over and over again on stuff, that probably is done or is very close and should be released.  Then move on to the next piece of work.  As like what a editor would do, peers with equal controlling say could say, ok enough is enough.  Let's get this out.   If you look back at history Axls greatest work is when he had this type of relationship in the band.  Damn I hate to say it, but if the band didn't have this type of relationship.   Axl might still be working on November Rain to this very day!  Trying to get this one flute part sounding just right.....

You have made the best points yet that I have had the chance to read.  And I agree with everything you stated above

I would like to add to it, if that's ok.   

So all I have been told, read, pm'D is that gnr is on a break.  So TheBaconman why are you getting so upset over the lack of info from the management or lack of interviews from band members     Etc...

Ok

So DJ says they plan on touring....

Now not so much....

Everyone here says plans may have changed.....

But durring that whole time, I was told relax gnr is on a break and not doing anything!

But ya plans changed durring this break, whatever.   

Ok hear is what TheBaconman thinks, and please tell me if I am wrong even if I am a nice guy.  I can take it

Last year right at the end of the Vegas shows Axl tells the crew, I am planning on touring again this year boys   It has been great.

DJ tells the media, gnr plans on touring in 2015...... 

What plans where made?   

Where any Veneus promotors markets ticket agents booked?  Nope

So what where these plans?

Mb the plans where just good intentions, but not plans!!!   And that's what I think

But that it no excuse for band members to come out and say they are going to tour lots.....   I am the one that has to book my time off.....   Just be straight.   If you don't know.   Keep it quiet.

[mortismurphy]

Musical integrity seems to be based on, how you define it. Fortus seems to be basing it on Axl's unwillingness to reunite (for unprecedented amounts of cash). That argument is fair enough in itself but if all we get as a replacement is endless greatest hits Vegas cashgrabs, Axl may as well reunite. If all you are is a 'nostalgia act', you may as well deliver that nostalgia with the bona fide originals. Ask yourself one thing. What has been the outcome of this, 'heroic stance' against the reunion? One sole album and then turning Guns N' Roses into an 'oldies act'? It is a fairly depressing one in my opinion. If Axl saw a reunion as antithetical to delivering up some sort of musical vision, i.e studio albums, then now I agree - now I see where Richard is coming from. The original argument with Slash was, partly, a musical one after all (Slash: rootsy rock; Axl: something more progressive).

There is a positive in that interview: no touring. No touring! Get the champagne out! If there is some indication that this no touring is being played against, allied with, some sort of studio work, this is actually exactly where Axl needs to be right now. This is what the guy needs to be doing: not playing live and making some effort to release studio work. I would be quite happy to not see the band play live for a long time if there is some concerted attempt at delivering studio work to the masses.

[The Wight Gunner]

Eventually you have to say the material is good enough to release.  I am a huge fan of the artistic side of Axl, his song writing and his ability to carry on the guns n Roses name, in a way that only he could do right

However, the dude needs to work around peers that also have an equal say in the product.   He works over and over again on stuff, that probably is done or is very close and should be released.  Then move on to the next piece of work.  As like what a editor would do, peers with equal controlling say could say, ok enough is enough.  Let's get this out.   If you look back at history Axls greatest work is when he had this type of relationship in the band.  Damn I hate to say it, but if the band didn't have this type of relationship.   Axl might still be working on November Rain to this very day!  Trying to get this one flute part sounding just right.....

I get what you're saying but look at it another way...

Say you are remodelling your kitchen, you not other people, do you do everything to make it "just so?"  Do you knock it together as quick as you can, most of it is okay but there are little things, a paint run, something not sanded smooth properly, a strip of wallpaper that wasn't quite the right shape and you've added a patch to cover the area. You would also know of the imperfections and see them time and time again.

Lots of people would do the latter, they'd want the former, but its good enough. They know that most of their contacts will not crucify them for their effort, saying it was a good effort. Axl doesn't have that luxury. Everything he does is under the microscope, dissected, analysed and that scrutiny is what will ultimately make or break him.

 GnR isn't throw-away pop band. People who want to be in  relationship  to Axl, the band and its future are tied into this. Since when in the CD era, did the band play a lousy show? The only occasion I know of is Ireland when he never moved after stuff was thrown at the band. Axl AFAIC has always tried to put on a stellar show, 2.5+ hours of live RnR. An Album is always gonna sound the same, time and time again, once released  it is what it is....And remember Axl has been burned by this before with CD.

The neigh sayers have bashed and judged Axl on CD and don't give a stuff about who got what wrong, its Axl's album and he has to live with that.

So going back to the kitchen scenario,  as a non building trades person, the expectation levels I set myself in this field, are much lower than I set myself professionally, doesn't this apply to your lives. 

[sky dog]

Mortis, if this setlist constitutes a nostalgia act, count me 100% in!  Get the fuck out of here!

June 6th, 2014 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 
Setlist: Chinese Democracy, Welcome To The Jungle, It's So Easy, Mr. Brownstone, Estranged, There Was A Time, Better, Rocket Queen, Richard Fortus Guitar Solo/Live And Let Die, This I Love, Used To Love Her, Holidays In The Sun (Tommy Stinson), Band Introductions, Dizzy Reed Piano Solo/Catcher In The Rye, You Could Be Mine, Dj Ashba Guitar Solo (Bella Vita)/Sweet Child O' Mine, Jam (Babe I'm Gonna Leave You)/Layla (Instrumental)/November Rain, Bumblefoot Solo (Abnormal), Don't Cry, Marseilles, Prostitute, Riff Raff, Yesterdays, Civil War, Knockin' On Heaven's Door, Jam/Nightrain
Encore: You Can't Always Get What You Want (partial - vocals by Tommy Stinson)/Patience, The Seeker, Jam/Paradise City

my favorite setlist post 1998 (maybe ever).....however, they had tons of shows where a lot of Chinese was played so overall your complaints on touring and being an oldies act rings very hollow.

Now, that being said, enough is enough. Commit to the studio until an album is 100% in the can, figure out who is actually in the band, and then start back up again. 
 

[D-GenerationX]

Say you are remodelling your kitchen, you not other people, do you do everything to make it "just so?"  Do you knock it together as quick as you can, most of it is okay but there are little things, a paint run, something not sanded smooth properly, a strip of wallpaper that wasn't quite the right shape and you've added a patch to cover the area. You would also know of the imperfections and see them time and time again.

Wanting quality work done you can be proud of is obviously laudable.

Of course, if it took you 7-8 years to finish a kitchen, no one would ever hire you.

[jarmo]

Musical integrity seems to be based on, how you define it. Fortus seems to be basing it on Axl's unwillingness to reunite (for unprecedented amounts of cash).

Once again, that's how you want to see it. The reunion was another example of Axl not being interested in the easy money. It not happening is the result of his integrity. Read it again:

I've never met anybody that has so much genuine musical integrity. He won't whore himself out, he won't do anything for business or money; it's just about the music. And he won't defend himself in the press, because he doesn't think it matters; it's just about the music ? that's all he cares about. I've worked with a lot of people in this business, and I've never seen, or met, anybody that was motivated purely by that ? by the desire to make art. And you can say whatever you want about it, 'cause he's not gonna defend himself, but he is that, and that's for sure. Otherwise, there would have been a reunion, because the offers for money have been outrageous. But he would never do a reunion unless it was for something besides money.

But that it no excuse for band members to come out and say they are going to tour lots.....   I am the one that has to book my time off.....   Just be straight.   If you don't know.   Keep it quiet.

Plans for a tour are made long before venues are announced.




/jarmo

[mortismurphy]

He won't whore himself out, he won't do anything for business or money; it's just about the music.

Cough,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reht9tVgysM

[jarmo]

So when I prove you wrong, that's all you can produce?

You should read John Lydon's recently published autobiography. It'll paint a picture of how everything can be connected.

Still doesn't prove Richard to be wrong. I do love the fact that the people of the Internet who are always looking for something wrong with anything GN'R relayed are questioning a professional musician's opinion on musical integrity. Yeah, I guess he'd have no idea and you do. Rrrrright.


To repeat myself once again, if you have such issues with what Richard said, why are you here? I don't think any fans would question that, they know the deal. But obviously those who are "free thinkers" will object to anything good said about Axl. Because they are free to think! They know!



/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

Oh, relax.

He's just pointing out the humor in having a guy wax poetic how its all about the music and not the money when the guy he's talking about is in a freakin' beer commercial not even one year prior.

I don't even a give a shit, personally.  But you have to see the humor in it.

[JAEBALL]

Axl is a musician... he needs to sell himself and his shows and his ART (because that's a popular term now) to earn money... even if that means playing at a wedding or doing a beer commercial..

God... I hate these stupid arguments....

YES .. there are CERTAIN things he will NOT do for an easier buck... like a REUNION with Slash (to this point) or rush songs he feels (for whatever reason) are not ready.

You want to commend him for that? Great... I have no issue with it.. It IS commendable... but please stop he with he won't do ANYTHING for money (see above)... because that is not true and perfectly FINE !



Back to the interview...Richard really comes off classy and seems to "get it" for the fans here who do "complain" or get "frustrated".

I am not knocking anybody or looking to fight with anybody... and before somebody tells me for the 97th time that things change... I still haven't heard one plausible reason why two different band members have such different accounts for their own plans for the year.

And honestly... I trust Richard more than I do DJ... track records... and all that.

I'd appreciate it in the future that DJ just keeps quiet in regards to GNR, because he obviously either doesn't know or is just not being honest with himself and us. One or the other.

At the very least I was excited for the prospect of tour dates this year.. and for me.. with Duff. Because without tour dates... the GNR discussion goes right in to the toilet every time.


Edit: I also don't buy Ron's departure changes anything... because it was quite obvious during their run last year before DJ's big tour idea that Ron would not be around.