Tommy Stinson article - September 2, 2015

[D-GenerationX]

No, I get what you're saying.

[C0ma]

She's a huge Disney nut (like me)

I knew I liked you... I've had my family down to WDW 3 times in the past 24 months, and we're planning our next trip. With a 7 year old and 4 year old twins, it's sort of the perfect family vacation. There are a few cast members that we have run into every time we are there. For example, we have had the same waiter, Cinderella, and Anastasia at the 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian) and they know my 7 year old by name when they see her (maybe Magic Bands in action too... Good old 'Big Data' analytics)

To your last point, I get it. BUT... they are also masters at marketing, which is where this group falls way short. You mentioned the Star Wars Land announcement from D23, that is Disney not letting the momentum of the upcoming movie get away from them, and in some cases when a wild rumor like Disney World Dallas/Fort Worth comes up, they address it. I just don't see that level of market awareness with this camp. If the reunion isn't happening I feel like you have to address this topic and control the conversation.

[pilferk]

She's a huge Disney nut (like me)

I knew I liked you... I've had my family down to WDW 3 times in the past 24 months, and we're planning our next trip. With a 7 year old and 4 year old twins, it's sort of the perfect family vacation. There are a few cast members that we have run into every time we are there. For example, we have had the same waiter, Cinderella, and Anastasia at the 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian) and they know my 7 year old by name when they see her (maybe Magic Bands in action too... Good old 'Big Data' analytics)

Yup, we are dvc members and go just about every year. Heading down in mid oct, in fact. We are also 5 (kds 13,11,9). Disboards.com is your friend.

To your last point, I get it. BUT... they are also masters at marketing, which is where this group falls way short. You mentioned the Star Wars Land announcement from D23, that is Disney not letting the momentum of the upcoming movie get away from them, and in some cases when a wild rumor like Disney World Dallas/Fort Worth comes up, they address it. I just don't see that level of market awareness with this camp. If the reunion isn't happening I feel like you have to address this topic and control the conversation.

No, thats definitely true. There are def differences, and thats a big one. And there are similarities.

But it doesn't really deflect from my initial point about news vs rumors.  The rest was just showing the apt parallels to get the translation.

People say things like "i don't see this type of stuff on other bands forums". I dont know about that because i don't visit. But i can say....there are very similar discussions in other passionate fanbases, like those surrounding disney parks, video games, etc. 

[EmilyGNR]

In the world of Disney parks (I hate to belabor that topic, but...it's valid), stuff is handled very much like it is with GnR.  They keep everything top secret, close to the vest, and very little info leaks out.  You're left to try to put together bits and pieces, read through esoteric construction filings with the county, etc.  They don't announce anything til they're ready to announce it.  Hell, they were building an entire Vacation Club resort expansion, had poured the foundations and were moving in steel, and were still denying and not commenting at every question....until they announced it officially on their time.

But the attractions do eventually open, right?  Eventually a finished product is produced?

When people express interest in one of these projects, are they told Mickey doesn't owe them?  Not one god damn thing?

Not always. No. Disney announced a golf course at wdw...that is now the site of saratoga springs dvc resort. They announced new retail outlet that was abandoned. They promised refurb and reopening of river country...which never happened. So, in short...nope. And thats stuff they actually announced. Happens in California, too, at Disneyland.

The rumored stuff? About 50/50. Maybe less than that.

And when they do build...they do it at a glacially slow pace, usually. They just announced toy story land and star wars land expansions. Those will be complete in late 2020 or 2021. And even when complete...they won't be complete (and everyone wont be happy with them).

And...yeah, they often are told very similar things. Hollywood studios has been a mess for years. People have complained. People want a 5th park. People want better food quality given the prices. People want more rides, different shows, lots of stuff. And there is similar emotional investment and sentimentality. Similar division over various eras of the business (what would walt, roy, eisner, or iger do...nevermind the  micro different exec teams runnng each park/resort at different times). Debates over lineups", and  creative/imagineering, and money and....

And, often, people explain why they won't get those things they want. Why it makes zero sense for the company to provide them. And yes....iger/disney doesn't owe you anything is very often used in discussion. To vote with your wallet. Consume or don't. Go on vacation there, or go somewhere ekse you might be happier.

When i say the parrelells are strong, i'm not really kidding or stretching. Yes, there are big differences too. And you'll say that..well...Disney is providing SOMETHING, at least. An ongoing product to consume at the parks. Many, though, would make the same sort of stagnation arguments, with customers potentially leaving, that get made here. But thats not really all that relevant to the point i was making: its natural for a segment of folks to want to wait until there is official official news. Just as its natural for others to want to discuss the latest rumors.

I know, this is sorta off topic. But i am trying to tie it back to make a point, here.

It is a very valid point, and I totally get the parallels.

One could make the argument that especially since the 2000s that fans of bands, sports teams, movies etc- think they can complain enough to turn things their way, look at the slew of online complaints when a show is cancelled or when someone is cast in a movie that isn't a popular choice.

I've even seen fans rail at authors that don't release books on a schedule that doesn't mesh with what fans want, or expect.

Hate to use the "entitlement" word, since some here appear to have an allergy to it's very mention, but it is a very real occurance.

Sorry for the seeming off topic, but I thought it was relevant.

[jarmo]

Because usually...if youre a member in a band, you will be therr if something new is gonna happen.
Unless youre not in a band or just a hired musician

I think I explained my point of view already. To me it looks like Tommy's being careful about what he says.
Or he just doesn't know!



/jarmo

[C0ma]

I think I explained my point of view already. To me it looks like Tommy's being careful about what he says.
Or he just doesn't know!

/jarmo

Can you agree that even if it is just someone being careful about what they say, the way he choose to 'carefully' not give anything up was interesting. There was little (no) detail on what is coming in 2016, but he almost went to far in the other direction in sharing just how out of the loop he has been since Vegas. Also he is in a band with Frank, so he has to have at least a  slight understanding of what Frank said just following DJ's departure, and the acknowledgement of Ron's departure... so taking such a strong position in the other way is curious.

Obviously it can mean anything, and is not confirmation of anything... I just find it interesting is all.

[MeanBone]

Tommy, while promoting his project, said 'I didn't quit the band' and indiquate he is positive to keep going with GNR when/if asked.

What am I missing?

He actually didn't say he was positive he would go.

He said he'd have to consider it (aka think about it) if they offered.

That means..he's NOT positive he'd keep going.

It makes sense. Until he knows what the plans are, how can he say he'll be there for sure?




/jarmo

Because usually...if youre a member in a band, you will be therr if something new is gonna happen.
Unless youre not in a band or just a hired musician

That's the thing about being a hired gun, either you're part of the plans for a tour or you're not, but you're not involved in any of the real planning or agenda. So it's true none of them should know what's goin on unless it's directly related to them or needs their schedule.

[jarmo]

Yeah. I see your point.

Do you think it would've been better to say something like "I heard there's plans for 2016, but I don't know what those plans are exactly"?


/jarmo

[MeanBone]

No, i think regardless of what anyone asks them about Guns N' Roses, they're not in the position to comment because none of them actually makes the plans for that band, they might be part of the plans but NDA's exist for a reason.

They've all said it and we should just accept they're in the band for their music skills and nothing more. The only one that can comment on the future of GN'R is Axl and he seems to think silence is the best marketing tool or he really is on vacation but either way he doesn't speak either.


Still, it's gotta be hard being seen as the member of a band where you're not really a member, you're a paid musician with a contract. So any question like that has to be a pain in the ass to answer and at the end of the day there never really is a good answer because we're still asking the wrong person about something they can't talk about.

[C0ma]

Yeah. I see your point.

Do you think it would've been better to say something like "I heard there's plans for 2016, but I don't know what those plans are exactly"?


/jarmo

I'm not saying he could have done it any better, but you can see why the amateur detective work kicks up here though... While a lot of the players are gone, this is still the same group of people that chased riddles around for weeks back in 2002ish.

[JAEBALL]

Yeah. I see your point.

Do you think it would've been better to say something like "I heard there's plans for 2016, but I don't know what those plans are exactly"?


/jarmo

I don't know if that would have been better... but at least it wouldn't have sounded as contradictory as Richard and Frank's statements on the subject.

Granted, Tommy might not have known that they other two had made public comments on the subject.

[TheBaconman]

Yeah. I see your point.

Do you think it would've been better to say something like "I heard there's plans for 2016, but I don't know what those plans are exactly"?


/jarmo

I think Tommys comments are just fine

Just fine for someone that doesnt want to talk about anything.....   Way better than any drama or dragging things out.

I think his honest responce could of been this however...  "I have heard there are plans in the works for Guns.  However I dont think they will be involving me.  If in the future, things change and my involvment is requested.  I will give it some thought at that time."

I don't know if that would have been better... but at least it wouldn't have sounded as contradictory as Richard and Frank's statements on the subject.

[GeorgeSteele]

My take from this interview is that Dj and Ron never actually quit, since the band didn't exist at the time.  The Vegas lineup disbanded in June 2014 for an indefinite hiatus.  Rather than wait for word on when that hiatus would end, DJ and Ron just decided to move on to permanent gigs outside of Guns.  Tommy seems to be almost in the same boat, except he at least says that he might re-up in the future.

In terms of what that means for a reunion, I'm not sure it means too much, to be honest.  I think Tommy would have stepped aside at any time if a reunion was in the cards.  Of course, the bigger deal is that there are guitarist slots open... that, coupled with Slash saying all is 'cool' understandably is causing some madness, but I think we're still pretty far off from having legit cause to unleash the reunion balloons.  I think we'll have actual clarity on all of this in a month or so, one way or the other.

[JAEBALL]

My take from this interview is that Dj and Ron never actually quit, since the band didn't exist at the time.  The Vegas lineup disbanded in June 2014 for an indefinite hiatus.  Rather than wait for word on when that hiatus would end, DJ and Ron just decided to move on to permanent gigs outside of Guns.  Tommy seems to be almost in the same boat, except he at least says that he might re-up in the future.

In terms of what that means for a reunion, I'm not sure it means too much, to be honest.  I think Tommy would have stepped aside at any time if a reunion was in the cards.  Of course, the bigger deal is that there are guitarist slots open... that, coupled with Slash saying all is 'cool' understandably is causing some madness, but I think we're still pretty far off from having legit cause to unleash the reunion balloons.  I think we'll have actual clarity on all of this in a month or so, one way or the other.

Well hiatus means break no? As in plans to return... those guitar players have made it clear they don't intend to return no? Semantics probably.

[TheBaconman]

My take from this interview is that Dj and Ron never actually quit, since the band didn't exist at the time.  The Vegas lineup disbanded in June 2014 for an indefinite hiatus.  Rather than wait for word on when that hiatus would end, DJ and Ron just decided to move on to permanent gigs outside of Guns.  Tommy seems to be almost in the same boat, except he at least says that he might re-up in the future.

In terms of what that means for a reunion, I'm not sure it means too much, to be honest.  I think Tommy would have stepped aside at any time if a reunion was in the cards.  Of course, the bigger deal is that there are guitarist slots open... that, coupled with Slash saying all is 'cool' understandably is causing some madness, but I think we're still pretty far off from having legit cause to unleash the reunion balloons.  I think we'll have actual clarity on all of this in a month or so, one way or the other.

Well hiatus means break no? As in plans to return... those guitar players have made it clear they don't intend to return no? Semantics probably.

I dont think anyone has said they would never come back/

I dont think anyone has said that any of the modern lineup guys wouldnt be welcomed back  (Including Bucket and Robin)

[D-GenerationX]

I dont think anyone has said that any of the modern lineup guys wouldnt be welcomed back  (Including Bucket and Robin)

Correct.

It would just be a question of caliber.  As in, what caliber of gun would you have to stick in their back to get them to do it?

[TheBaconman]

I dont think anyone has said that any of the modern lineup guys wouldnt be welcomed back  (Including Bucket and Robin)

Correct.

It would just be a question of caliber.  As in, what caliber of gun would you have to stick in their back to get them to do it?

A gun full of money and creative control

[GeorgeSteele]

My take from this interview is that Dj and Ron never actually quit, since the band didn't exist at the time.  The Vegas lineup disbanded in June 2014 for an indefinite hiatus.  Rather than wait for word on when that hiatus would end, DJ and Ron just decided to move on to permanent gigs outside of Guns.  Tommy seems to be almost in the same boat, except he at least says that he might re-up in the future.

In terms of what that means for a reunion, I'm not sure it means too much, to be honest.  I think Tommy would have stepped aside at any time if a reunion was in the cards.  Of course, the bigger deal is that there are guitarist slots open... that, coupled with Slash saying all is 'cool' understandably is causing some madness, but I think we're still pretty far off from having legit cause to unleash the reunion balloons.  I think we'll have actual clarity on all of this in a month or so, one way or the other.

Well hiatus means break no? As in plans to return... those guitar players have made it clear they don't intend to return no? Semantics probably.

"Left it in Vegas" sounds like there were no plans to return at the time.  It doesn't rule out that plans might be made later, but after June 2014, it appears that there was no band for anyone to quit.  

I think the only reason that DJ is the only one that's made an official announcement is because he was under pressure from Nikki Sixx to commit 100% to Sixx AM, whereas the rest of them, maybe even Ron, can "think about" coming back if the band is restarted. 

[JAEBALL]

My take from this interview is that Dj and Ron never actually quit, since the band didn't exist at the time.  The Vegas lineup disbanded in June 2014 for an indefinite hiatus.  Rather than wait for word on when that hiatus would end, DJ and Ron just decided to move on to permanent gigs outside of Guns.  Tommy seems to be almost in the same boat, except he at least says that he might re-up in the future.

In terms of what that means for a reunion, I'm not sure it means too much, to be honest.  I think Tommy would have stepped aside at any time if a reunion was in the cards.  Of course, the bigger deal is that there are guitarist slots open... that, coupled with Slash saying all is 'cool' understandably is causing some madness, but I think we're still pretty far off from having legit cause to unleash the reunion balloons.  I think we'll have actual clarity on all of this in a month or so, one way or the other.

Well hiatus means break no? As in plans to return... those guitar players have made it clear they don't intend to return no? Semantics probably.

"Left it in Vegas" sounds like there were no plans to return at the time.  It doesn't rule out that plans might be made later, but after June 2014, it appears that there was no band for anyone to quit.  

Yeah... that sounds about right. Like you said... hopefully in a few weeks there will be some clarity ... or at least hopefully we can rule out some scenarios.

[TheBaconman]

My take from this interview is that Dj and Ron never actually quit, since the band didn't exist at the time.  The Vegas lineup disbanded in June 2014 for an indefinite hiatus.  Rather than wait for word on when that hiatus would end, DJ and Ron just decided to move on to permanent gigs outside of Guns.  Tommy seems to be almost in the same boat, except he at least says that he might re-up in the future.

In terms of what that means for a reunion, I'm not sure it means too much, to be honest.  I think Tommy would have stepped aside at any time if a reunion was in the cards.  Of course, the bigger deal is that there are guitarist slots open... that, coupled with Slash saying all is 'cool' understandably is causing some madness, but I think we're still pretty far off from having legit cause to unleash the reunion balloons.  I think we'll have actual clarity on all of this in a month or so, one way or the other.

Well hiatus means break no? As in plans to return... those guitar players have made it clear they don't intend to return no? Semantics probably.

"Left it in Vegas" sounds like there were no plans to return at the time.  It doesn't rule out that plans might be made later, but after June 2014, it appears that there was no band for anyone to quit.  

So when all those Album Plaques where sent out to band members...   There was actually a lot of symbolism behind them.   Sorta like a thank you to the guys, and closing out of that chapter of the guns n roses story