DJ says Joining GNR gave him his first experierience with online haters

[TheBaconman]

To clarify:

Bucket left.  And he basically said it was because the band was not productive enough to satisfy his soul. He feels a burning need to release music (and he's pretty much put his money where his mouth is, considering he's released roughly 2 albums a month for the better part of 2 years).  He seems to need to write and release music as almost cathartic therapy (which is a bad way to phrase it, I know...but I can't think of a better way).

Robin left to join NIN.  That doesn't surprise me.  While his sound fit GnR very well....I think HE felt he "fit" better in NIN.  I don't recall him ever giving a detailed explanation as to why he left, or saying a bad word about his time with GnR.

What is this clarifying?  I would like to read that interview you are some what quoting of Buckethead.  As I have really only been able to find the one     Is are just refer if to the press release his managment released?   Compare those comments to that of the letter Axl released when guns had to cancel rock n rio and pretty much blamed bucket for for the cancelation   

I don't think anyone has ever said Robin got fired or was released.  So his reasons for leaving could be vast.  The original comment is how he and other couldn't be more bothered with guns any more.   And using that point as a compliment to DJ.  Who wants to be in the band.   

Nin does not seem to busy these days and guns may be short a lead guitar player these days.   If there is interest from any of these past players, guess we will see..........

[D-GenerationX]

Robin left to join NIN.  That doesn't surprise me.  While his sound fit GnR very well....I think HE felt he "fit" better in NIN.  I don't recall him ever giving a detailed explanation as to why he left, or saying a bad word about his time with GnR.

It surprises me, just in the contrast of the opportunity each offered.

Axl gave him a creative voice and a strong level of input in the direction the band.  Trent hands him something he wrote and says "here, play this."

The vast difference in opportunity is what leads me to conclude he wants nothing to do with GNR.  He's picked a far less favorable and artistically rewarding option.

[TheBaconman]

Well, if an album ever actually come out with DJ on it, its just going to him adding on to something written and recorded by others.

I don't know how much that can really tell you.

As for live, I think his solo spots are quite good.  They you hear him try and put his spin on 'Patience' and you want to shoot him.  Or yourself.

See, I felt the same way about Robin, early on (2002 tour), too.

But he seemed to sort of "figure it out" as time went on.

I think, as an ARTIST, you have to balance respect for the old material with installing a bit of yourself into the notes you're playing.  It takes awhile to find that balance, I think.  Longer with some material...maybe material that doesn't resonate as closely with you...than with other material.

That 2002 line up literary looked like "a band of misfits".   And I loved it!!   Instead of trying to replace what was there with a similar version, Axl created a new band full of the best players available to him.     Nothing cookie cutter about that

I think a lot of the previous hate towards DJ, was a lot of his stage presence comes off as fake.   With all the constant posing and his wardrobe, he may of come across as trying to play the toll of a rock star and not actually being one.      Too image concered.   I personally couldn't stand him at first.   He has strongly warmed up to me however

[TheBaconman]

People were ridiculing Paul's importance for years, until the album with the song credits was released.

And Paul was "just" a rhythm player!
Imagine that kind of hate and multiple it due to Dj being in the lead guitarist position...



/jarmo

I think a lot of the hate Pail received was put on buy Slash publicly cutting down the guy every chance he got asked about him.  Then all the pure slash supports just jumped on the hate wagon.   To this day we don't really know much of the guy or his time with guns, so I really don't know where all the hate could come from when you really don't Ben know about something.   Really is the definition of ignorance

[D-GenerationX]

That 2002 line up literary looked like "a band of misfits".   And I loved it!!   Instead of trying to replace what was there with a similar version, Axl created a new band full of the best players available to him.     Nothing cookie cutter about that

I agree.

And I think that was the line-up he was excited about.  I don't think its a coincidence that as that line-up dissolved, so did a lot of Axl's artistic fire.

[D-GenerationX]

I think a lot of the hate Pail received was put on buy Slash publicly cutting down the guy every chance he got asked about him.  Then all the pure slash supports just jumped on the hate wagon.   To this day we don't really know much of the guy or his time with guns, so I really don't know where all the hate could come from when you really don't Ben know about something.   Really is the definition of ignorance

Is it though?

People know Axl's insistence was a huge part of why Slash left.

Even though Axl and some of his supporters have tried to spin it how Axl only intended Paul as a placeholder, that misses the point.  Even as a placeholder, Slash said no good.  That should have been the end of it.

Instead, Axl dug in.  In the eyes of many, it was of paramount importance for Axl to bring Paul into the fold, even if only in a temporary capacity.  And if it cost him members of his band...oh well.

That's never going to make sense to folks.  No matter how you try and dress it up.

I am 100% onboard with the concept that this shit happened 20 years ago and you can't change it.  But totally disagree that accepting that reality means you have to also endorse it all was a great idea.

[TheBaconman]

That 2002 line up literary looked like "a band of misfits".   And I loved it!!   Instead of trying to replace what was there with a similar version, Axl created a new band full of the best players available to him.     Nothing cookie cutter about that

I agree.

And I think that was the line-up he was excited about.  I don't think its a coincidence that as that line-up dissolved, so did a lot of Axl's artistic fire.

All the players in those early sessions were just kids and in there artistic prime!!!   There was an artistic fire so large created that I am sure Axl just loved feeding off it.   He created the fire out in which it was buring!  

As much as the classic line up was a perfect storm of everything lining up right for the band

The new era line up is almost the complete opposite of that.  Where everything went wrong.....    

There are various reasons for members leaving from the 2002 lineup.  But ultimately,I really think Axl felt a little heartbroken over it.   I think he had a lot of emotional investment in these guys  

[D-GenerationX]

There are various reasons for members leaving from the 2002 lineup.  But ultimately,I really think Axl felt a little heartbroken over it.   I think he had a lot of emotional investment in these guys  

Replacing the classic line-up was going to be a motherfucker.  But he did it.

But I just don't see the same fire once his band went from a replacement band to a replacement band *of* the replacement band.

Look at just what we've been told.  The 2000-2002 line-up put together 2, maybe 3 albums of material.  The band from 2006 has yet to write their first song.

30 plus songs in 3 years vs. zero songs in 9 years?  That's no accident.

[TheBaconman]

I think a lot of the hate Pail received was put on buy Slash publicly cutting down the guy every chance he got asked about him.  Then all the pure slash supports just jumped on the hate wagon.   To this day we don't really know much of the guy or his time with guns, so I really don't know where all the hate could come from when you really don't Ben know about something.   Really is the definition of ignorance

Is it though?

People know Axl's insistence was a huge part of why Slash left.

Even though Axl and some of his supporters have tried to spin it how Axl only intended Paul as a placeholder, that misses the point.  Even as a placeholder, Slash said no good.  That should have been the end of it.

Instead, Axl dug in.  In the eyes of many, it was of paramount importance for Axl to bring Paul into the fold, even if only in a temporary capacity.  And if it cost him members of his band...oh well.

That's never going to make sense to folks.  No matter how you try and dress it up.

I am 100% onboard with the concept that this shit happened 20 years ago and you can't change it.  But totally disagree that accepting that reality means you have to also endorse it all was a great idea.

Ha I am neither a Axl or Slash ra ra ra cheerleader.    And in the mid 90s when this was all going on I was only a teenager with no internet and just music news on TV or in print.   So I really don't know what happened with Paul coming in.  So why would I judge.   I do know that there were many drug addicts and substance abusers in the band in the time and I will just not be taking there word for what happens

I don't remember saying Paul being in the band was a great idea either.....



But I will say this though.  It seemed to be what guns and Axl needed    Paul's contributions on the album CD are huge.   He played live in one of my fav guns concerts of all time.    Enough said

[TheBaconman]

There are various reasons for members leaving from the 2002 lineup.  But ultimately,I really think Axl felt a little heartbroken over it.   I think he had a lot of emotional investment in these guys  

Replacing the classic line-up was going to be a motherfucker.  But he did it.

But I just don't see the same fire once his band went from a replacement band to a replacement band *of* the replacement band.

Look at just what we've been told.  The 2000-2002 line-up put together 2, maybe 3 albums of material.  The band from 2006 has yet to write their first song.

30 plus songs in 3 years vs. zero songs in 9 years?  That's no accident.

It seemed in those very early 2002 the band really wanted to play new music live..  That's all apart of the fire and the drive they all had.    Then the storm came in and took everything sideways

[pilferk]

To clarify:

Bucket left.  And he basically said it was because the band was not productive enough to satisfy his soul. He feels a burning need to release music (and he's pretty much put his money where his mouth is, considering he's released roughly 2 albums a month for the better part of 2 years).  He seems to need to write and release music as almost cathartic therapy (which is a bad way to phrase it, I know...but I can't think of a better way).

Robin left to join NIN.  That doesn't surprise me.  While his sound fit GnR very well....I think HE felt he "fit" better in NIN.  I don't recall him ever giving a detailed explanation as to why he left, or saying a bad word about his time with GnR.

What is this clarifying?  I would like to read that interview you are some what quoting of Buckethead.  As I have really only been able to find the one     Is are just refer if to the press release his managment released?   Compare those comments to that of the letter Axl released when guns had to cancel rock n rio and pretty much blamed bucket for for the cancelation   

It clarifies terms, and motivation, really.

I believe "Herbie" commented, after Bucket left (meaning Bucket commented, really) and said his primary reason for leaving was productivity. Then there were "no comments" and "no answer" when reasked the question in different places (Rolling Stone, the Grammy's Green Carpet, etc). There was the statement from his manager. I believe Brain also corroborated this.  There was other industry talk.  Add all that to the fact that, once he had recuperated (the guy was REALLY sick), he started releasing music at a frenetic pace...and it sorta makes sense.

I don't think anyone has ever said Robin got fired or was released.  So his reasons for leaving could be vast. 

Nope, but I was adding a bit of context as to why.

The original comment is how he and other couldn't be more bothered with guns any more.   And using that point as a compliment to DJ.  Who wants to be in the band. 

And I wasn't disputing the point. Just adding context to why those guys seemingly, ultimately, left.  There seemed like there was confusion, there. 

Nin does not seem to busy these days and guns may be short a lead guitar player these days.   If there is interest from any of these past players, guess we will see..........

I don't think Robin has any interest in rejoining.

[AxlsMainMan]

Robin left to join NIN.  That doesn't surprise me.  While his sound fit GnR very well....I think HE felt he "fit" better in NIN.  I don't recall him ever giving a detailed explanation as to why he left, or saying a bad word about his time with GnR.

It surprises me, just in the contrast of the opportunity each offered.

Axl gave him a creative voice and a strong level of input in the direction the band.  Trent hands him something he wrote and says "here, play this."

The vast difference in opportunity is what leads me to conclude he wants nothing to do with GNR.  He's picked a far less favorable and artistically rewarding option.

This was a really cool letter from Robin to the fans back in 2005 (especially in light of the awesomeness that followed in 2006 )

gnr fans:

to be clear, the request to refrain from emailing me about Guns n' Roses is not a diss to you or to the band or to anyone. i simply am not eager to instigate that conversation until an official release date for the album is made public. otherwise, i'd go a little nutzo tossing "i dunnos" and "can't quite says" in every direction. i trust you may understand. there will most certainly be a time to embrace this new ship. let's first allow it to launch from the pad in all it's glory. i look forward to such a time.

what is real, is that i am alive and inspired and look forward to sharing this new chapter with you. thank you for your support and for your enthusiasm along this long and winding off-road trek. each email to me personally is gratefully received.

see you-
r ob i n

http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=1389

[pilferk]

Robin left to join NIN.  That doesn't surprise me.  While his sound fit GnR very well....I think HE felt he "fit" better in NIN.  I don't recall him ever giving a detailed explanation as to why he left, or saying a bad word about his time with GnR.

It surprises me, just in the contrast of the opportunity each offered.

Axl gave him a creative voice and a strong level of input in the direction the band.  Trent hands him something he wrote and says "here, play this."

The vast difference in opportunity is what leads me to conclude he wants nothing to do with GNR.  He's picked a far less favorable and artistically rewarding option.

Yeah, sometimes it's not about opportunity, it's about comfort/happiness/life.  Especially when a) you've made a butt ton of money already and b) you have personal stuff going on in your life (like a new kid, for instance) that might not fit in with the commitments, culture, and situations presented by that opportunity.  

I think (and this is me spitballing) that Robin was ultimately just more comfortable with NIN, and their setup/deal. At the end of the day, I think Robin just thought he'd be HAPPIER....not necessarily professionally better off...in NIN.

I think he is still friendly with the GnR guys (he did a guest spot, live, on Better not THAT long ago). But I don't think he's interested in reliving it.

[pilferk]

That 2002 line up literary looked like "a band of misfits".   And I loved it!!   Instead of trying to replace what was there with a similar version, Axl created a new band full of the best players available to him.     Nothing cookie cutter about that

Early on, they played like a band of misfits too.  Stuff just not quite fitting together quite right.  And then...*BAM*....it seemed to come together. Listen to early shows in that tour, and then listen to later ones.  You can practically hear the progressions/changes (even on the crappy, crowd sourced, recordings).

I think a lot of the previous hate towards DJ, was a lot of his stage presence comes off as fake.   With all the constant posing and his wardrobe, he may of come across as trying to play the toll of a rock star and not actually being one.      Too image concered.   I personally couldn't stand him at first.   He has strongly warmed up to me however

Yeah, I always liked him...but the longer he's around, the more I like him.  I agree...early on it seemed like he was trying a little too hard.  BUT, I think now, he's gotten more comfortable..both in the band, and in his "skin".

[pilferk]

I think a lot of the hate Pail received was put on buy Slash publicly cutting down the guy every chance he got asked about him.  Then all the pure slash supports just jumped on the hate wagon.   To this day we don't really know much of the guy or his time with guns, so I really don't know where all the hate could come from when you really don't Ben know about something.   Really is the definition of ignorance

Is it though?

People know Axl's insistence was a huge part of why Slash left.

Even though Axl and some of his supporters have tried to spin it how Axl only intended Paul as a placeholder, that misses the point.  Even as a placeholder, Slash said no good.  That should have been the end of it.

OK, I just have to point out some irony here..given another conversation we were having:

Slash said no to Paul, Zakk Wylde, Tracey Guns, and a couple other prospective guys.  And, when asked who he WOULD like to audition/replace with....there was resounding silence (this according to Axl, so....you know...YMMV).

But, ASSUMING all that's true...is that productive? Does that solve anything? Is that proactive.

Sorry, I just couldn't resist. You mine as well have been throwing BP.

Instead, Axl dug in.  In the eyes of many, it was of paramount importance for Axl to bring Paul into the fold, even if only in a temporary capacity.  And if it cost him members of his band...oh well.

Yeah, here we're on the same page.  But his other option was complete inactivity, I guess. And waiting for Slash to come up with "something else".  They didn't really have that kinda time, given the commitment to IWAV's soundtrack, etc.

I agree: It was a BAD move. There couldn't have been any other expected response.  But I think, by that point, Axl's frustration level was SOOO high...he was like "fuck it".

That's never going to make sense to folks.  No matter how you try and dress it up.

See, I think it makes perfect sense.  Not logical "I want to keep the band together and will do whatever it takes" sense.  More like "Shits going down, I can't take this anymore, something's gotta give" sense.

I am 100% onboard with the concept that this shit happened 20 years ago and you can't change it.  But totally disagree that accepting that reality means you have to also endorse it all was a great idea.

Endorse it? No.

Come to terms with it? Yes.

It is what it is. It's not gonna change...neither the outcome nor the motivations.

[TheBaconman]

To clarify:

Bucket left.  And he basically said it was because the band was not productive enough to satisfy his soul. He feels a burning need to release music (and he's pretty much put his money where his mouth is, considering he's released roughly 2 albums a month for the better part of 2 years).  He seems to need to write and release music as almost cathartic therapy (which is a bad way to phrase it, I know...but I can't think of a better way).

Robin left to join NIN.  That doesn't surprise me.  While his sound fit GnR very well....I think HE felt he "fit" better in NIN.  I don't recall him ever giving a detailed explanation as to why he left, or saying a bad word about his time with GnR.

What is this clarifying?  I would like to read that interview you are some what quoting of Buckethead.  As I have really only been able to find the one     Is are just refer if to the press release his managment released?   Compare those comments to that of the letter Axl released when guns had to cancel rock n rio and pretty much blamed bucket for for the cancelation   

It clarifies terms, and motivation, really.

I believe "Herbie" commented, after Bucket left (meaning Bucket commented, really) and said his primary reason for leaving was productivity. Then there were "no comments" and "no answer" when reasked the question in different places (Rolling Stone, the Grammy's Green Carpet, etc). There was the statement from his manager. I believe Brain also corroborated this.  There was other industry talk.  Add all that to the fact that, once he had recuperated (the guy was REALLY sick), he started releasing music at a frenetic pace...and it sorta makes sense.

I don't think anyone has ever said Robin got fired or was released.  So his reasons for leaving could be vast. 

Nope, but I was adding a bit of context as to why.

The original comment is how he and other couldn't be more bothered with guns any more.   And using that point as a compliment to DJ.  Who wants to be in the band. 

And I wasn't disputing the point. Just adding context to why those guys seemingly, ultimately, left.  There seemed like there was confusion, there. 

Nin does not seem to busy these days and guns may be short a lead guitar player these days.   If there is interest from any of these past players, guess we will see..........

I don't think Robin has any interest in rejoining.

Your very on point here, thanks for adding this

[mortismurphy]

Slash said no to Paul, Zakk Wylde, Tracey Guns, and a couple other prospective guys.  And, when asked who he WOULD like to audition/replace with....there was resounding silence (this according to Axl, so....you know...YMMV).

Tracii Guns? When did this happen?

[GNR2014]

Robin wrote this on his website in April 2007.
3 months later he played his final gig as a member of GNR.

I'm writing now in the wake of the recently postponed and cancelled GNR commitments in Japan and in South Africa. I guess I'm writing because I too am disappointed, have a conscience, a website, and I am not on the Bullet Train to Osaka this evening.

I purely want to share with those whom were avid for seeing GNR at these concerts that I too was looking forward to seeing you all. The band was primed and pumped, production packed and shipped. Then, much to our distress, unforeseen circumstance walked in, dropped its surly case and announced with certainty, "I'm here! ". What can we do.

I have received innumerable emails from real people who where hooking up with friends or family, flying to faraway cities, booking hotels or friend's couches, docking the USS Kitty Hawk, and otherwise scheduling their time and enthusiasm around these events. In short, these peeps wuz straight stung adrenalized and lettin' me square have it! I too was psyched about the shows, planning to meet friends and family, watch the cherry blossom blossom etc. It is my wish that your bounce forward from here be one of a willful arc and opportunity. Believe me, I'm swallowing that very pill by your side.

Well, I'm not gonna go on with this letter, this letter to you who've sent me. I think you catch my drift.

Best of spirits to you all and I sincerely wish for you a successful trip ahead. Have fun wherever you are-

r ob i n

DATE: April 23, 2007
SOURCE: robinfinck.com