What's your viewpoint on a reunion?

[dmathski]

Perhaps, you really think that's Slash? I don't.

Really?  You think Slash's main priorities right now are throwing himself back into the same completely unstable situation he was in decades ago, that he's worked so hard to avoid ever since?  Let's analyze this....

SLASH QUIT GUNS N ROSES -- Why?  Unstable, miserable situation.  He said that in his book among many other places.  He could've stayed if what GNR offered was what he wanted.  But he didn't.  He quit and never looked back.

SLASH ABANDONED VELVET REVOLVER -- Why?  Not putting up with the mercurial instability that Scott Weiland was bringing to the stable.  Slash has also made this public.  Again, VR was doing much better than Slash has done as a solo artist, but Slash was fine was leaving that situation.

Slash CHOSE instead to start his own solo band.  In doing so, he chose to make less money, and sell less records.  Why do you think this was?  Because he missed all the excessive turmoil and discord from his past years?  Really?

Slash was offered a contract thought about it for 1 day then said no. Can't blame him. But those guys should have never sold the name to Axl. 

[HBK]

Perhaps, you really think that's Slash? I don't.

Really?  You think Slash's main priorities right now are throwing himself back into the same completely unstable situation he was in decades ago, that he's worked so hard to avoid ever since?  Let's analyze this....

SLASH QUIT GUNS N ROSES -- Why?  Unstable, miserable situation.  He said that in his book among many other places.  He could've stayed if what GNR offered was what he wanted.  But he didn't.  He quit and never looked back.

SLASH ABANDONED VELVET REVOLVER -- Why?  Not putting up with the mercurial instability that Scott Weiland was bringing to the stable.  Slash has also made this public.  Again, VR was doing much better than Slash has done as a solo artist, but Slash was fine was leaving that situation.

Slash CHOSE instead to start his own solo band.  In doing so, he chose to make less money, and sell less records.  Why do you think this was?  Because he missed all the excessive turmoil and discord from his past years?  Really?

Slash was offered a contract thought about it for 1 day then said no. Can't blame him. But those guys should have never sold the name to Axl. 

GNR Was Founded By Axl, Point.

 

[ComeOnAxl!]

I think any reunion plans at this point are pure speculation. We haven't heard a single concrete evidence of anything in the works.

[D-GenerationX]

I think any reunion plans at this point are pure speculation. We haven't heard a single concrete evidence of anything in the works.

But don't you think people are using the reunion rumors almost like a coping mechanism of sorts?

Here is what I mean.  We have heard dick about a new album, despite them starting to look very seriously at what they are doing in that regard (for over a year now).  We have seen 3 band members leave the organization in short order.

Those things, on their face, look like some bad god damn news for we fans.

However...if some announcement comes down the pike in the next few months there would be some sort of full on reunion tour, or even a hybridized one...does anyone care about the loss of Bumble or DJ at that point? 

Are you as frustrated that there is (somehow) still no new album if you could go see Axl, Slash, and Duff onstage again?

Worst case scenario : Axl emerges from his cocoon at whatever point and shoots down any reunion question as ridiculous...and tells us that he's "still trying to get a handle" on how to release the next album.

Then, we are truly nowhere.

[Ginger King]

I think any reunion plans at this point are pure speculation. We haven't heard a single concrete evidence of anything in the works.

We also haven't heard a single concrete evidence of anything regarding the release of a new album...but we're told that doesn't mean it's not happening.  Maybe the same holds true for a reunion...

[Koskenkorvasieni]

We have seen 3 band members leave the organization in short order.

Ashba, Bumble and..who's the third one? Cause wikipedia still lists the lineup as follows:


    Axl Rose ? lead vocals, piano, keyboards (1985?present)
    Dizzy Reed ? keyboards, piano, percussion, backing vocals (1990?present)
    Tommy Stinson ? bass, backing vocals (1998?present)
    Chris Pitman ? keyboards, programming, backing vocals, sub-bass (1998?present)
    Richard Fortus ? rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals (2001?present)
    Frank Ferrer ? drums (2006?present)

As far as the general reunion talk goes, I've long since given up hope on any such thing happening. That ship sailed about two decades ago. Slash is happy doing his conspirators thing, Steven is a train-wreck, Izzy hates touring and Duff and Matt are keeping busy with all kinds of stuff, most recently Alice Coopers Hollywood Vampires. Duff also has Loaded and his ventures outside the music world. Besides, they're all old farts now. Even if they did do a reunion, the magic would be gone.

[D-GenerationX]

We have seen 3 band members leave the organization in short order.

Ashba, Bumble and..who's the third one? Cause wikipedia still lists the lineup as follows:


    Axl Rose ? lead vocals, piano, keyboards (1985?present)
    Dizzy Reed ? keyboards, piano, percussion, backing vocals (1990?present)
    Tommy Stinson ? bass, backing vocals (1998?present)
    Chris Pitman ? keyboards, programming, backing vocals, sub-bass (1998?present)
    Richard Fortus ? rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals (2001?present)
    Frank Ferrer ? drums (2006?present)

"Wikipedia is the best thing ever.  Anyone in the world can write anything they want about every subject, so you know you are getting the best information."

 - Michael Scott

Tommy is out.  Unless we are going to do the same tapdancing with did with Ron, which turned out be a great waste of time.

[faldor]

I think any reunion plans at this point are pure speculation. We haven't heard a single concrete evidence of anything in the works.

We also haven't heard a single concrete evidence of anything regarding the release of a new album...but we're told that doesn't mean it's not happening.  Maybe the same holds true for a reunion...

A reunion could be coming somewhere down the pike, but Slash is busy gearing up for another album and tour isn't he? I'd still give a new album with some sort of a modern day GNR lineup a slightly better chance over a reunion right now. The gap has closed, but I still think there's a long way to go.

[D-GenerationX]

A reunion could be coming somewhere down the pike, but Slash is busy gearing up for another album and tour isn't he? I'd still give a new album with some sort of a modern day GNR lineup over a reunion right now. The gap has closed, but I still think there's a long way to go.

Yeah, that's going to tell the tale, I think.

If he truly dives in and finds the monkey on a new album with his current crew, we can likely close the door on even reunion speculation. 

[faldor]

A reunion could be coming somewhere down the pike, but Slash is busy gearing up for another album and tour isn't he? I'd still give a new album with some sort of a modern day GNR lineup over a reunion right now. The gap has closed, but I still think there's a long way to go.

Yeah, that's going to tell the tale, I think.

If he truly dives in and finds the monkey on a new album with his current crew, we can likely close the door on even reunion speculation. 

Who knows. Maybe the Chinese leftovers are released with no current lineup to tour and promote it. Maybe if it resonates with people, there's demand, and Axl is inclined, they push forward with it. Maybe they release an album with a current lineup knowing it's the last hurrah and a reunion is on the horizon, all the while not publicizing that. Maybe Axl is working with the record company on what to do next. I'm sure they're probably more excited than ever about a possible reunion due to recent events. Maybe they're not seeing eye to eye with Axl on anything not involving Slash. Maybe they'll play along if Axl makes them some reunion related promises.

Could be any number of scenarios.

[dmathski]

We have seen 3 band members leave the organization in short order.

Ashba, Bumble and..who's the third one? Cause wikipedia still lists the lineup as follows:


    Axl Rose ? lead vocals, piano, keyboards (1985?present)
    Dizzy Reed ? keyboards, piano, percussion, backing vocals (1990?present)
    Tommy Stinson ? bass, backing vocals (1998?present)
    Chris Pitman ? keyboards, programming, backing vocals, sub-bass (1998?present)
    Richard Fortus ? rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals (2001?present)
    Frank Ferrer ? drums (2006?present)

As far as the general reunion talk goes, I've long since given up hope on any such thing happening. That ship sailed about two decades ago. Slash is happy doing his conspirators thing, Steven is a train-wreck, Izzy hates touring and Duff and Matt are keeping busy with all kinds of stuff, most recently Alice Coopers Hollywood Vampires. Duff also has Loaded and his ventures outside the music world. Besides, they're all old farts now. Even if they did do a reunion, the magic would be gone.

LOL cause wikipedia is NEVER wrong!   

[D-GenerationX]

Who knows. Maybe the Chinese leftovers are released with no current lineup to tour and promote it. Maybe if it resonates with people, there's demand, and Axl is inclined, they push forward with it. Maybe they release an album with a current lineup knowing it's the last hurrah and a reunion is on the horizon, all the while not publicizing that. Maybe Axl is working with the record company on what to do next. I'm sure they're probably more excited than ever about a possible reunion due to recent events. Maybe they're not seeing eye to eye with Axl on anything not involving Slash. Maybe they'll play along if Axl makes them some reunion related promises.

Here's the thing.  And I'm sure this is not lost on them.

This reunion talk is out there.  Its where people's heads are at.  While true all of us here would be just find with "the second half of Chinese", its not going to set the world on fire.  In fact, it may even come across as a letdown since people have started thinking reunion.

So I'm not sure I see a new album whipping up demand.  Unless you are actually arguing that a new album would only further drive people into a reunion frenzy.

[JAEBALL]

Who knows. Maybe the Chinese leftovers are released with no current lineup to tour and promote it. Maybe if it resonates with people, there's demand, and Axl is inclined, they push forward with it. Maybe they release an album with a current lineup knowing it's the last hurrah and a reunion is on the horizon, all the while not publicizing that. Maybe Axl is working with the record company on what to do next. I'm sure they're probably more excited than ever about a possible reunion due to recent events. Maybe they're not seeing eye to eye with Axl on anything not involving Slash. Maybe they'll play along if Axl makes them some reunion related promises.

Here's the thing.  And I'm sure this is not lost on them.

This reunion talk is out there.  Its where people's heads are at.  While true all of us here would be just find with "the second half of Chinese", its not going to set the world on fire.  In fact, it may even come across as a letdown since people have started thinking reunion.

So I'm not sure I see a new album whipping up demand.  Unless you are actually arguing that a new album would only further drive people into a reunion frenzy.

This right here... is why I think something is up...

Fernando and them have to be smart enough to realize this... so if it's not in the cards... it really would be in their best interest to put an end to the talk.

There are a lot of fans who will be so turned off to the whole GNR operation if it doesn't happen now and surely they must realize this.

So if there's no reunion plan, and they are still moving forward with trying to release this record and play shows with x y and z... they should end the speculation.

[sofine11]

After thinking about this for several weeks now, I just think some convenient happenstances have fueled reunion speculation. 

The loss of Bumble & DJ + Slash & Axl friends again = Full on reunion frenzy in the media & forums.

...And then there's reality.  The reality being, ridiculous offers aside, the legalities and details of a reunion might just be more complicated and difficult to navigate and sort out for the involved parties, mostly Axl Rose, to deem it worth while. 

There's also the question of who, exactly, would be involved. For example, Steven is about as reliable as a porcupine tripping on acid, but God knows how vocally heartbroken he'd be about not being involved.

Also, there's the question of the next GNR album.  Last we heard, Axl's main focus was putting out.  God knows he's been working at a snail's pace (if at all) since making those comments, but if it is his focus right now, a reunion would totally eclipse that, making the second Chinese Democracy album seem somewhat irrelevant. Would Axl want or do that?  Gun to my head, I would say no.

[sky dog]

and then, he may not do either one...just as good an option as the fantasyland scenarios being thrown out on an hourly basis.

[D-GenerationX]

Also, there's the question of the next GNR album.  Last we heard, Axl's main focus was putting out.  God knows he's been working at a snail's pace (if at all) since making those comments, but if it is his focus right now, a reunion would totally eclipse that, making the second Chinese Democracy album seem somewhat irrelevant. Would Axl want or do that?  Gun to my head, I would say no.

I certainly see this point.

Would he really scrap a next album for right now?  Do a reunion tour, all go their separate ways again, and then say, "hey, here a bunch of songs recorded 15-20 years ago at this point, by people long gone, to be performed by a new collection of randos that I will once again call Guns N' Roses."

Is that commercially viable?  Can you give people the real band again (or something a hell of a lot closer to the real band that we've had since 1993) and then pull the rug out from under them again?

I think any sort of reunion tour or reunion type project condemns any next CD-era album to the Magical Mystery Vault for life.

Where I sort of disagree with you, however, is that I'm not sure how charged up Axl still is for that material.  There certainly isn't much to support he's still 'bout it, 'bout it.

[D-GenerationX]

and then, he may not do either one...just as good an option as the fantasyland scenarios being thrown out on an hourly basis.

Certainly can't rule it out.

If the reunion stuff is indeed a pipe dream, combined with his not having the fire to put yet another cobbled together line-up, he might just hang 'em up.

What else is there?

[sofine11]

Also, there's the question of the next GNR album.  Last we heard, Axl's main focus was putting out.  God knows he's been working at a snail's pace (if at all) since making those comments, but if it is his focus right now, a reunion would totally eclipse that, making the second Chinese Democracy album seem somewhat irrelevant. Would Axl want or do that?  Gun to my head, I would say no.

I certainly see this point.

Would he really scrap a next album for right now?  Do a reunion tour, all go their separate ways again, and then say, "hey, here a bunch of songs recorded 15-20 years ago at this point, by people long gone, to be performed by a new collection of randos that I will once again call Guns N' Roses."

Is that commercially viable?  Can you give people the real band again (or something a hell of a lot closer to the real band that we've had since 1993) and then pull the rug out from under them again?

I think any sort of reunion tour or reunion type project condemns any next CD-era album to the Magical Mystery Vault for life.

Where I sort of disagree with you, however, is that I'm not sure how charged up Axl still is for that material.  There certainly isn't much to support he's still 'bout it, 'bout it.

Yeah, I think that's the question really.  That being, unless you corner Axl Rose and say "Dude, what the fuck is the deal with the next album already!?" and get a straight answer, instead of the usual parabalic jibberish, we have no idea how committed he is to putting it out.

The dude seems to literally live outside of time, so it's so hard to tell where his head is at.  But I will say that the seven years that have passed since Chinese dropped don't exactly bode well for it being at the forefront of his mind.

[jarmo]

After thinking about this for several weeks now, I just think some convenient happenstances have fueled reunion speculation. 

The loss of Bumble & DJ + Slash & Axl friends again = Full on reunion frenzy in the media & forums.

I see what you're saying. But it doesn't necessarily mean a lot in reality. If you think about it.
I suspect Axl's been aware of the Bumble situation since at least 2014. Dj leaving was a more recent event.

So it's not like all of this happened in one week out of the blue....

I think any sort of reunion tour or reunion type project condemns any next CD-era album to the Magical Mystery Vault for life.

Not really.

IF your hypothetical reunion is only for a show, or tour. Then everybody goes back to their own projects.
Hell, KISS did the reunion and then went back to those other guys because they just couldn't go on with the old band.



/jarmo

[sofine11]

IF your hypothetical reunion is only for a show, or tour. Then everybody goes back to their own projects.
Hell, KISS did the reunion and then went back to those other guys because they just couldn't go on with the old band.

I think the point is that both are rumored for 2016.  Sure, Axl could tour with the original lineup next year, then retreat back to the studio to master the album for 2017 or 2018.  But I certainly don't see the two happening in close proximity to each other, which is bad news for those favoring one over the other.

...Which is also why a news update clarifying the future of Guns N' Roses would come in awfully handy at this point.