Enquiry for a HTGTH Axl interview

[Spirit]

I didn't make any inquiries yet because I don't know what the aim of this interview would be.




/jarmo

General questions I guess. For me personally, I would love to hear about his take on the music industry of today, does he still prefer vinyl or is digital just as good, his passion for artwork both with his music releases and while on tour, how they go about selecting songs for a tour, if he has any plans on doing any solo stuff, writing a book, how he has felt the reception of Chinese Democracy have been now 6 years later, maybe some more insight to the making of CD, his views on making music videos nowadays (since he was quite passionate about it during the Illusions), does he still play guitar... stuff like that.

It really just would have been great for us to hear from the man. If new music is something he doesn't want to dive into and answer about at the moment, I'm cool with that.

[The Wight Gunner]

From a personal point of view, wouldn't it be better to have the poster enter their name and question and the next poster cut n paste the question(s) above (like the album track voting thread( and just let  Axl pick and choose the questions he wants to answer?

The bottom line is, nobody knows really what questions he'd answer or not, and for reasons that may surprise all of us, and the basis for these questions, why not just leave it as "ask Axl"

On the assumption this is agreed I will start and everybody can follow and create a structured list for submission.


Wight Gunner - Hi Axl, do you have any plans (or hopes for an invitation) to play the Isle of Wight Festival? And have there been any events in the 21st century that have inspired you to write a song about? if so what?

[EmilyGNR]

From a personal point of view, wouldn't it be better to have the poster enter their name and question and the next poster cut n paste the question(s) above (like the album track voting thread( and just let  Axl pick and choose the questions he wants to answer?

The bottom line is, nobody knows really what questions he'd answer or not, and for reasons that may surprise all of us, and the basis for these questions, why not just leave it as "ask Axl"

On the assumption this is agreed I will start and everybody can follow and create a structured list for submission.


Wight Gunner - Hi Axl, do you have any plans (or hopes for an invitation) to play the Isle of Wight Festival? And have there been any events in the 21st century that have inspired you to write a song about? if so what?

Has a decision on this already been reached?  Until it is a certainty isn't it a bit to soon to be establishing rules?

Would love to see this happen but I seriously question the honest motive behind it.

[Ja5oN]

Maybe predefining a "good" set of questions would help matters.  Show there is interest.  Demonstrate not all questions are "so you owe us an album, when can we expect it".

[Spirit]

Would love to see this happen but I seriously question the honest motive behind it.

Yeah, thanks.... 

What's dishonest?

[EmilyGNR]

Would love to see this happen but I seriously question the honest motive behind it.

Yeah, thanks.... 

What's dishonest?

I personally think many people simply wish to obtain information and details about the next release at any cost, even misdirection and subterfuge, that is a dishonest and disingenuous motive imo.

[TheBaconman]

Would love to see this happen but I seriously question the honest motive behind it.

Yeah, thanks.... 

What's dishonest?

I personally think many people simply wish to obtain information and details about the next release at any cost, even misdirection and subterfuge, that is a dishonest and disingenuous motive imo.

Well I may be one of these people wanting to hear about new music

I couldn't care less what Axl watches on tv.   I couldn't care less what current bands he likes.  Or what his favorite type of pizza is. 

I want to ask and read questions about guns n roses.  Past current and future.   Questions that would include things about the music and band memebers

Wouldn't anyone else want to hear this?

When did it become a negative thing to ask a musician about the music they record?

Who says axl doesnt want to talk about his plans for releasing a album of new music?   

For all we know Axl might want to talk about releasing new music.   He might like those questions.  He might hate talking about his favorite color. Hahaha

I am of the mindset   Where if you can't ask the questions u really want.  Don't ask any at all.  Seems some people would just be happy with asking any question.  Just for the sake of asking a question

You know u would love to hear Axl talk about the future plans of gun n roses

[Spirit]

Would love to see this happen but I seriously question the honest motive behind it.

Yeah, thanks.... 

What's dishonest?

I personally think many people simply wish to obtain information and details about the next release at any cost, even misdirection and subterfuge, that is a dishonest and disingenuous motive imo.

Yes, I was the one starting the thread, and I have already said that I'm cool with an interview without any questions about new music - even though that was my original pitch. That doesn't mean I would want something without substance (favorite food, movies, sports etc.). His views on all things music would be highly interesting. More of his views on the Chinese Democracy process is always great to hear about, maybe some in-depth questions about certain songs (like Axl himself wanted to talk about Catcher in 2008).

My motive is really to get to hear from uncle Axl. He has always something interesting to say.

[Spirit]

I am of the mindset   Where if you can't ask the questions u really want.  Don't ask any at all.  Seems some people would just be happy with asking any question.  Just for the sake of asking a question

You know u would love to hear Axl talk about the future plans of gun n roses

Yes, future plans with GNR would of course be interesting to hear about, but I don't think that's exclusively the only thing we as fans are interested in, not to me personally anyways. I agree that favorite color, movie etc. is just fluff that is of little interest really. For me it has to be questions that relate to his profession, music. Questions that can give us some insight to how he views many aspects of the music world, both his own work and generally. Questions with a certain amount of substance.

I have mentioned things before but here's a list of things I would find interesting:

• More insight to the story of Chinese Democracy
• Insight to specific songs on Chinese Democracy
• His views on making music videos nowadays
• Where he finds inspiration to write new lyrics
• Does he compose music exclusively on piano, or does he use computers or other instruments
• How does he feel the music industry stands today (is independent something he will ever consider)
• Is a physical copy of a music release still important to him
• How does he go about creating artwork for his music and on tour. Is he heavily involved in that process
• How does the producing relationship work between him and Caram
• How did he go about learning music production to the point of being a producer
• How does the band go about picking a body of songs for a tour
• Are Paul Tobias and Brain still involved with Guns N Roses behind the scenes
• What were the main qualities of the members of the current line-up that made him decide on them
• Are there any plans on doing anything solo, if not is it something he would like to do
• Would he consider doing a movie score. Members of GNR have done it before and he certainly have shown a great ability to compose orchestration on GNR songs. This I Love instrumental could easily have been a movie score
• Does he prefer to play large or small venues
• Any particular tour stories that stand out
• Would he consider making any more guest appearances with other artist, if so, any preferences

[TheBaconman]

I like those questions

[Spirit]

I?m just putting this out there.. This is an interview with Axl that would interest me, and I think Axl would find the questions to be inspiring. 

Now, I realize that if we were ever to do this it should be a collaboration between all members here. This is just an example of how I thought it could be.


Axl Rose ? The "Here Today... Gone To Hell!" Interview

• Hi Axl, how are you?

.

• First off, it?s been a little over six years since you logged on to the message boards and surprised a lot of fans ? thank you for doing that. Was that a fun experience for you getting such an overwhelming amount of feedback and questions at an instant?

.

• Last year, after nearly five years of touring ? how has that experience been for you and the band?

.

• Any particular moments during those years on the road that comes to mind as funny/emotional/exhilarating?

.

• Talking about touring, how does the band go about selecting the body of songs that shall be rehearsed before the tour?

.

• The recent tours have shifted focus a couple of times. You did the ?Up Close And Personal? tour, then a couple of residencies. What are your thoughts on playing small venues vs. big arenas/stadiums ? any preference?

.

• Chinese Democracy was the main focus of the first years (since 2009) of touring. How do you feel the songs have been received in a live setting?

.

• Six years later, how do you feel that the record itself has been received? Do you think it?s been given a fair shake given the expectations beforehand?

.

• The record itself has a pretty long and mythical history, much not known to even the most hardcore fans. Are there things from that process you feel could be interesting for us to know about?

.

• If you have the time, do you have any stories about the different songs on the record ? like when they were written, inspiration for the lyrics and how the songs came together?

.

• Going back to the earliest stage of the re-build of the band, did you have a clear idea of what type of musicians you wanted to work with or did that happen more organically?

.

• Was it difficult to start the process of writing and recording when you had gathered a new line-up given they all came in with quite different musical backgrounds?

.

• Fast forward to the current line-up. What are their main strengths which made you decide on taking them in?

.

• In your opinion, what is the state of the music business today?

.

• Going independent with GN'R. Is that something you have or will ever consider ? or do you feel a record company is easier when having a band of such a magnitude?

.

• Do you think there?s a future for physical music releases?

.

• On the subject of music releases, how involved are you in designing the album cover and booklet?

.

• The same type of question when it comes to the main design of a new tour. Is it important to you having a hand in the stage design (both the stage itself and backdrops, video screen layout and the merchandise) or do you leave it completely to professional companies?

.

• Music production. You and Caram are listed as the main producers of Chinese Democracy ? how is that working relationship? Do you both have separate areas you would work on, or is it all a collaboration?

.

• Is being a producer something you have learned just by being in the business for many years, or have you also taken specific lessons?

.

• Where do you find the inspiration to write new lyrics these days?

.

• Have you ever considered doing anything solo ? record or shows?

.

• This ties in with the previous question. Several of your band mates have done movie scores, have you ever entertained the idea of doing that?

.

• You appeared with Baz on the Angel Down record. Would you consider doing any more guest appearances with other artists or is your focus on the band and yourself?

.

• You had a good deal of influence on previous GN?R music videos, specially on many of the Illusions videos. They seemed to be an important part of the music. Do you think music videos have played their role nowadays, or are you open to doing more of them in the future?

.

• Finally, we just want to say thank you very much for the time. It?s enormously appreciated! If you have any other messages for your fans, feel free.

[TheBaconman]

I think everyone would agree that I should probably do this interview myself.  Live on a Friday night.   Via Skype    Hahahaha     I don't know if Axl could keep up

[EmilyGNR]

I think everyone would agree that I should probably do this interview myself.  Live on a Friday night.   Via Skype    Hahahaha     I don't know if Axl could keep up

Axl Skypes? 

I have no idea how facetime or Skype work, same with video chat.

[TheBaconman]

I think everyone would agree that I should probably do this interview myself.  Live on a Friday night.   Via Skype    Hahahaha     I don't know if Axl could keep up

Axl Skypes? 

I have no idea how facetime or Skype work, same with video chat.

I whole be like a few posters on here and say.....

Yes Axl skypesnand loves FaceTime       Fact!!!

Lol. I don't have a clue if he does.  And fact....   Either do I really.    I travel all the time and have two little minions at home that I would love to see via these methods.   But all they end up seeing is my thumb.   Well I hope it's just my thumb.  Hahaha

[EmilyGNR]

I think everyone would agree that I should probably do this interview myself.  Live on a Friday night.   Via Skype    Hahahaha     I don't know if Axl could keep up

Axl Skypes? 

I have no idea how facetime or Skype work, same with video chat.

I whole be like a few posters on here and say.....

Yes Axl skypesnand loves FaceTime       Fact!!!

Lol. I don't have a clue if he does.  And fact....   Either do I really.    I travel all the time and have two little minions at home that I would love to see via these methods.   But all they end up seeing is my thumb.   Well I hope it's just my thumb.  Hahaha

Haha, I think I am glad I don't use those programs 

Maybe you are The Tommy Stinson of Skype, posting pictures of Mr. Thumby.

[EmilyGNR]

I?m just putting this out there.. This is an interview with Axl that would interest me, and I think Axl would find the questions to be inspiring. 

Now, I realize that if we were ever to do this it should be a collaboration between all members here. This is just an example of how I thought it could be.


Axl Rose ? The "Here Today... Gone To Hell!" Interview

• Hi Axl, how are you?

.

• First off, it?s been a little over six years since you logged on to the message boards and surprised a lot of fans ? thank you for doing that. Was that a fun experience for you getting such an overwhelming amount of feedback and questions at an instant?

.

• Last year, after nearly five years of touring ? how has that experience been for you and the band?

.

• Any particular moments during those years on the road that comes to mind as funny/emotional/exhilarating?

.

• Talking about touring, how does the band go about selecting the body of songs that shall be rehearsed before the tour?

.

• The recent tours have shifted focus a couple of times. You did the ?Up Close And Personal? tour, then a couple of residencies. What are your thoughts on playing small venues vs. big arenas/stadiums ? any preference?

.

• Chinese Democracy was the main focus of the first years (since 2009) of touring. How do you feel the songs have been received in a live setting?

.

• Six years later, how do you feel that the record itself has been received? Do you think it?s been given a fair shake given the expectations beforehand?

.

• The record itself has a pretty long and mythical history, much not known to even the most hardcore fans. Are there things from that process you feel could be interesting for us to know about?

.

• If you have the time, do you have any stories about the different songs on the record ? like when they were written, inspiration for the lyrics and how the songs came together?

.

• Going back to the earliest stage of the re-build of the band, did you have a clear idea of what type of musicians you wanted to work with or did that happen more organically?

.

• Was it difficult to start the process of writing and recording when you had gathered a new line-up given they all came in with quite different musical backgrounds?

.

• Fast forward to the current line-up. What are their main strengths which made you decide on taking them in?

.

• In your opinion, what is the state of the music business today?

.

• Going independent with GN'R. Is that something you have or will ever consider ? or do you feel a record company is easier when having a band of such a magnitude?

.

• Do you think there?s a future for physical music releases?

.

• On the subject of music releases, how involved are you in designing the album cover and booklet?

.

• The same type of question when it comes to the main design of a new tour. Is it important to you having a hand in the stage design (both the stage itself and backdrops, video screen layout and the merchandise) or do you leave it completely to professional companies?

.

• Music production. You and Caram are listed as the main producers of Chinese Democracy ? how is that working relationship? Do you both have separate areas you would work on, or is it all a collaboration?

.

• Is being a producer something you have learned just by being in the business for many years, or have you also taken specific lessons?

.

• Where do you find the inspiration to write new lyrics these days?

.

• Have you ever considered doing anything solo ? record or shows?

.

• This ties in with the previous question. Several of your band mates have done movie scores, have you ever entertained the idea of doing that?

.

• You appeared with Baz on the Angel Down record. Would you consider doing any more guest appearances with other artists or is your focus on the band and yourself?

.

• You had a good deal of influence on previous GN?R music videos, specially on many of the Illusions videos. They seemed to be an important part of the music. Do you think music videos have played their role nowadays, or are you open to doing more of them in the future?

.

• Finally, we just want to say thank you very much for the time. It?s enormously appreciated! If you have any other messages for your fans, feel free.

Are you hoping he comes by, sees this, and decides to answer all your questions?

I'm confused why you typed all this out here.

An Inquiry and an interview would be wonderful though, under certain conditions 

[TheBaconman]

I think everyone would agree that I should probably do this interview myself.  Live on a Friday night.   Via Skype    Hahahaha     I don't know if Axl could keep up

Axl Skypes? 

I have no idea how facetime or Skype work, same with video chat.

I whole be like a few posters on here and say.....

Yes Axl skypesnand loves FaceTime       Fact!!!

Lol. I don't have a clue if he does.  And fact....   Either do I really.    I travel all the time and have two little minions at home that I would love to see via these methods.   But all they end up seeing is my thumb.   Well I hope it's just my thumb.  Hahaha

Haha, I think I am glad I don't use those programs 

Maybe you are The Tommy Stinson of Skype, posting pictures of Mr. Thumby.

Lol I might just be.   Or tommy is the skypes version of TheBaconman.  Haha.    I only met the dude once and he was very nice

There is a reason I don't have the Facebook or use the Twitter.   I did at a time.  And it's. Called divorce haha.  

Now I stick to the old fashioned method of talking to people.  Sitting at a bar and talking.    Weird I know

[Spirit]

Are you hoping he comes by, sees this, and decides to answer all your questions?

I'm confused why you typed all this out here.

No... As I said: It's an example of how it could be. The questions used are things that intrigues me, but other people most likely have different angles. I'm not saying these are the questions, it's just my suggestions.

Since it was unclear what the aim of the interview would be, and the subject of new music was most likely off the table, I've tried to come up with a list of questions that I feel touches other interesting areas.

The "interview format" was more because people shouldn't mistake the idea with doing a forum chat like in 2008, but rather a proper interview. So it's more to show how I thought we could present it to Axl.


Btw, what conditions do you think needs to be layed down?

[EmilyGNR]

Are you hoping he comes by, sees this, and decides to answer all your questions?

I'm confused why you typed all this out here.

No... As I said: It's an example of how it could be. The questions used are things that intrigues me, but other people most likely have different angles. I'm not saying these are the questions, it's just my suggestions.

Since it was unclear what the aim of the interview would be, and the subject of new music was most likely off the table, I've tried to come up with a list of questions that I feel touches other interesting areas.

The "interview format" was more because people shouldn't mistake the idea with doing a forum chat like in 2008, but rather a proper interview. So it's more to show how I thought we could present it to Axl.


Btw, what conditions do you think needs to be layed down?

It was a little chaotic in 2008 for the chats, people were bombarding him with nonstop questions, some were asanine.

Also, there are some toxic and unhealthy "fans" around that would undoubtedly use any interview as an opportunity to further their agenda.

[Spirit]

Are you hoping he comes by, sees this, and decides to answer all your questions?

I'm confused why you typed all this out here.

No... As I said: It's an example of how it could be. The questions used are things that intrigues me, but other people most likely have different angles. I'm not saying these are the questions, it's just my suggestions.

Since it was unclear what the aim of the interview would be, and the subject of new music was most likely off the table, I've tried to come up with a list of questions that I feel touches other interesting areas.

The "interview format" was more because people shouldn't mistake the idea with doing a forum chat like in 2008, but rather a proper interview. So it's more to show how I thought we could present it to Axl.


Btw, what conditions do you think needs to be layed down?

It was a little chaotic in 2008 for the chats, people were bombarding him with nonstop questions, some were asanine.

Also, there are some toxic and unhealthy "fans" around that would undoubtedly use any interview as an opportunity to further their agenda.

Yes, this is the point with the "interview" that I posted... Some people are mistaking this idea with Axl coming here to the forum, logging in and people starts firing away questions. This is not my idea. I was trying to show how the whole list of questions will simply be sent to Axl, in a proper interview format.

Axl won't be logging in here at all. We gather questions through suggestions and discussion. Obviously, Jarmo would have to be the one sending the questions to management. He will never allow any questions from people with an agenda to be included, so that problem is nonexistent.