Tommy: I Had To Walk Away And Take Care Of My Stuff, Hopes Axl/Slash Mend Fences

[Rainfox]

Oh, the drama!

Hate to speculate, but..

In my humble opinion, I think there are two things at work here for Tommy Stinson.

For a long time he was the driving force behind the new band (with Axl behind the curtains), he was the guy who took charge, the guy in the room when musicians turned up to record or to get the gig, he was "General Tommy Stinson" who whipped up the rehearsels and pushed people (see Brain interview) both on stage and in writing and recording. Stinson also invested a lot in all that was was New Guns over the years. At the same time, he and Axl naturally became friends yet also went toe to toe several times most likely (see show in Ireland in 2010, the aftermath, shouting contest between Del James and Tommy) due to them being very different personalities. During tours and during the off years.


Second of all; Duff joining for some shows and as a substitute made perfect sense to Stinson (and New Guns) and maybe he is seeing there is something there. For the band, between Axl and Duff, and Tommy's just being honest and straightforward. If so, respect. Plus, Duff's return would mean higher billing and higher billings (plural) in an instant, if they were to tour.

 

[Tongue-like-a-razor]

This whole situation reminds of Aerosmith in the late 70's and early 80's, where Joe Perry and Brad Whitford's replacements (pun intended...) ultimately said to Steven Tyler and the rest of the band that they should team up with the original players once again. I don't think it's going to be a full-blown reunion, but any line-up of GN'R featuring Slash & Duff is a reunion in my book - and a great one!

[JAEBALL]

If the "General" of the band thinks Axl should reunite the original band...

Then who am I to argue?

[Mattgnr]

The reunion rumor is starting to get some serious legs!

I'm hoping 2016 brings Slash and Axl back together, I would be willing to go anywhere to watch these two perform together again...

[D-GenerationX]

Well, at this point....you HAVE to root for a reunion. 

lol why? for comercial sell? What would be the artistic and personal reason for Axl to do it?

What about:

Where do things stand as far as recording new Guns N' Roses music?
We recorded a lot of things before Chinese was out. We've worked more on some of those things and we've written a few new things. But basically, we have what I call kind of the second half of Chinese. That's already recorded. And then we have a remix album made of the songs from Chinese. That's been done for a while, too. But after Vegas [Guns N' Roses performed a residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino that ran through early June], we're going to start looking very seriously at what we're doing in that regard.

And how do you think that's coming along, that process?  Since he said that (overa  year ago, mind you) he's down 3 band members.  Is it really going swimmingly?

I still think a reunion is an incredible longshot.  But what is building GNR Version 4.0?  A piece of cake?

[D-GenerationX]

Am i the only person who doesnt want a hybrid line up?

I just hope axl is only considering these guys... duff, slash, Izzy, Dizzy, Matt/Steven, and at a push Gilby if Izzy isnt interested or available and if he wants a proper"reunion"

Slash coming back on his own isnt a "Reunion" in the traditional sense. It needs to be more than that.

It's not ideal, you might argue.  But you could also argue things haven't been "ideal" in 20 freakin' years.

We've been in full on "take what you can get" mode with this band forever now.  Would this be the same sort of thing? 

We joke about how people try and make this straight line argument where everything that is gone on is just the natural evolution of a band and totally normal. I never bought that, but OK. 

Why would this not be the same thing?

[EmilyGNR]

Well, at this point....you HAVE to root for a reunion. 

lol why? for comercial sell? What would be the artistic and personal reason for Axl to do it?

What about:

Where do things stand as far as recording new Guns N' Roses music?
We recorded a lot of things before Chinese was out. We've worked more on some of those things and we've written a few new things. But basically, we have what I call kind of the second half of Chinese. That's already recorded. And then we have a remix album made of the songs from Chinese. That's been done for a while, too. But after Vegas [Guns N' Roses performed a residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino that ran through early June], we're going to start looking very seriously at what we're doing in that regard.

And how do you think that's coming along, that process?  Since he said that (overa  year ago, mind you) he's down 3 band members.  Is it really going swimmingly?

I still think a reunion is an incredible longshot.  But what is building GNR Version 4.0?  A piece of cake?

Speculation here, but isn't it possible the album is being finished? Pitman posted a pic from a studio months ago, and recently posted a tweet from Axl's house- it is very clear they are in touch and possibly working on a few things.

It is clear there will be a lineup change due to Ron quitting in SA and DJ recently resigning, but to what extent and who is involved remains to be seen.

Looking forward to an official announcement.

[sofine11]

Well, at this point....you HAVE to root for a reunion. 

lol why? for comercial sell? What would be the artistic and personal reason for Axl to do it?

What about:

Where do things stand as far as recording new Guns N' Roses music?
We recorded a lot of things before Chinese was out. We've worked more on some of those things and we've written a few new things. But basically, we have what I call kind of the second half of Chinese. That's already recorded. And then we have a remix album made of the songs from Chinese. That's been done for a while, too. But after Vegas [Guns N' Roses performed a residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino that ran through early June], we're going to start looking very seriously at what we're doing in that regard.

And how do you think that's coming along, that process?  Since he said that (overa  year ago, mind you) he's down 3 band members.  Is it really going swimmingly?

I still think a reunion is an incredible longshot.  But what is building GNR Version 4.0?  A piece of cake?

Speculation here, but isn't it possible the album is being finished? Pitman posted a pic from a studio months ago, and recently posted a tweet from Axl's house- it is very clear they are in touch and possibly working on a few things.

It is clear there will be a lineup change due to Ron quitting in SA and DJ recently resigning, but to what extent and who is involved remains to be seen.

Looking forward to an official announcement.

And ultimately, until we get an announcement regarding what the hell is going on, this is all moot speculation
 Somebody wake up Fernando.

[EmilyGNR]

Well, at this point....you HAVE to root for a reunion. 

lol why? for comercial sell? What would be the artistic and personal reason for Axl to do it?

What about:

Where do things stand as far as recording new Guns N' Roses music?
We recorded a lot of things before Chinese was out. We've worked more on some of those things and we've written a few new things. But basically, we have what I call kind of the second half of Chinese. That's already recorded. And then we have a remix album made of the songs from Chinese. That's been done for a while, too. But after Vegas [Guns N' Roses performed a residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino that ran through early June], we're going to start looking very seriously at what we're doing in that regard.

And how do you think that's coming along, that process?  Since he said that (overa  year ago, mind you) he's down 3 band members.  Is it really going swimmingly?

I still think a reunion is an incredible longshot.  But what is building GNR Version 4.0?  A piece of cake?

Speculation here, but isn't it possible the album is being finished? Pitman posted a pic from a studio months ago, and recently posted a tweet from Axl's house- it is very clear they are in touch and possibly working on a few things.

It is clear there will be a lineup change due to Ron quitting in SA and DJ recently resigning, but to what extent and who is involved remains to be seen.

Looking forward to an official announcement.

And ultimately, until we get an announcement regarding what the hell is going on, this is all moot speculation
 Somebody wake up Fernando.

I clearly mentioned it was speculation at the beginning of my post, I was not attempting to pass it off as anything else.

Fernando said there would be an announcement in a faw months, why the urgency?

[matty29]

Well, at this point....you HAVE to root for a reunion. 

lol why? for comercial sell? What would be the artistic and personal reason for Axl to do it?

What about:

Where do things stand as far as recording new Guns N' Roses music?
We recorded a lot of things before Chinese was out. We've worked more on some of those things and we've written a few new things. But basically, we have what I call kind of the second half of Chinese. That's already recorded. And then we have a remix album made of the songs from Chinese. That's been done for a while, too. But after Vegas [Guns N' Roses performed a residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino that ran through early June], we're going to start looking very seriously at what we're doing in that regard.

And how do you think that's coming along, that process?  Since he said that (overa  year ago, mind you) he's down 3 band members.  Is it really going swimmingly?

I still think a reunion is an incredible longshot.  But what is building GNR Version 4.0?  A piece of cake?

I think that tonight is an important night as far as getting the feel for where things are.  Hollywood Vampires are playing the Roxy.  You know Matt and Duff will be there.  Slash collaborated on the album, if he's in town i'm sure he'll jump up there.  And this is exactly the type of event where Axl would jump on stage and do a cover or two.  This is purely speculation but if indeed they are considering a reunion this is the kind of show that might give that a jump start.  That said, i agree that a full fledged reunion would be a long shot.  I think its more likely that you might see them play some group shows like this than record an album, tour etc.

[Ringoturtle]

an official announcement concerning a reunion only makes sense, if every little detail was talked about. tour, record (in which time span), Steven 'xfactor' Adler, old gunners Axls employees? I'd assume duff and slash might want some guarentees concering all these issues.

[HBK]

If the "General" of the band thinks Axl should reunite the original band...

Then who am I to argue?

Only Axl:

- NOT THIS LIFE -

[dmathski]

If the "General" of the band thinks Axl should reunite the original band...

Then who am I to argue?

Only Axl:

- NOT THIS LIFE -

People change minds all the time.  The fact he even talked to Slash after ALLL these years tells you right there he changed his mind not to hate Slash anymore. And I think it's fair to assume from all that we know that's been said and done in the past that he pretty much hated Slash.

[ice cream sand pig]

All this talk of a hybrid gnr is pretty exciting. Lots of cool posters coming out of the woodwork that I haven't seen much of before. Team that up with what em pointed out about pittman and ax spending time together and its a pretty exciting time to be a fan!

I hope when the band is out in the spotlight again that the general is among them, but even if he's out, I still wont feel compelled to curb my enthusiasm.

[Virolec]

Guns would hardly be the first band to get back together after one or more band members said it would never happen.

[ice cream sand pig]

Guns would hardly be the first band to get back together after one or more band members said it would never happen.

Nargle and fargle them!? Reminds me of a show that used to scare the shit out of me as a kid called fraggle rock. Creepy underground world and creatures, I never got any rest once I entertained the idea of them actually existing!

You are right, stranger things have happened, but axl did seem pretty convinced he would never play with slash again. I just don't know what to think at this point, axl could use his fortune to create a ten armed musical android and I wouldn't be too surprised.

[ITARocker]

 lol @ rumourmill Maybe Axl will not tour as GunsnRoses in a long time? How about that?

Some people are gonna try to spin it somehow  

1: He didn't quit and will consider coming back.
2: A reunion will not happen in this lifetime.

Well, at this point....you HAVE to root for a reunion. 

lol why? for comercial sell? What would be the artistic and personal reason for Axl to do it?

What about:

Where do things stand as far as recording new Guns N' Roses music?
We recorded a lot of things before Chinese was out. We've worked more on some of those things and we've written a few new things. But basically, we have what I call kind of the second half of Chinese. That's already recorded. And then we have a remix album made of the songs from Chinese. That's been done for a while, too. But after Vegas [Guns N' Roses performed a residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino that ran through early June], we're going to start looking very seriously at what we're doing in that regard.


http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=189

1. Things are moving, someone will call him when they need him. To see is he in or out.
2. The band is still on hiatus.

this

Yeah, there is so much material that we've have heard almost nothing about it in 20 years. Wake up dude...

[OscarAxl22]

Am i the only person who doesnt want a hybrid line up?

I just hope axl is only considering these guys... duff, slash, Izzy, Dizzy, Matt/Steven, and at a push Gilby if Izzy isnt interested or available and if he wants a proper"reunion"

Slash coming back on his own isnt a "Reunion" in the traditional sense. It needs to be more than that.

It's not ideal, you might argue.  But you could also argue things haven't been "ideal" in 20 freakin' years.

We've been in full on "take what you can get" mode with this band forever now.  Would this be the same sort of thing? 

We joke about how people try and make this straight line argument where everything that is gone on is just the natural evolution of a band and totally normal. I never bought that, but OK. 

Why would this not be the same thing?

Depends which people you talk too.

If you are speaking to me... the answer is YES... a hybrid line up would just be accepting what we can get.. . (but you know that already).

I was willing to accept Axl getting out there.. .touring with his no name troopers and swapping line ups for a bit... whilst gritting my teeth and wishing for Slash/Duff.. Izzy matt or steven to come back one day... but i smiled.. bought my ticket... and yes i actually had a good time. However... i never considered any natural evolution of guns was actually taking place because we have one album in 20 years.. multiple line up changes and years of inactivity in between all this... it wasnt like axl was delivering album after album every year.. or every second year.. or every 5 years even... its just been one long wait for not very much... thats life... ive got one.. and it doesnt affect my day to day existance.. but as a fan... and this is my opinion.. there has been no natural evolution.

Now... if you talk to others... they will say im wrong. Fair enough... everyone is entitled to an opinion... and with Guns.. everyones got one.

But i think we have reached a point (just my opinion).. that Axl and guns have reached where the general public (the ones who still care).. 90% of them would say... we want the REAL guns and roses to come back.. finish with a tour and end it on the highest possible note. Now if Axl puts a hybrid line up together and its him/duff and slash from the originals.. i suppose for a lot of people that would be good enough.. im a romantic.. and id like to see the full set. Thats just me... i think Axl owes it to himself.. and the fans personally to go out on top in the best possible way. If he did a hybrid line up.. that wouldnt be going out on top as well as finishing with the guys he started with.

So yes... it would just be another case of.. look.. we will take what we can get... ive even said it myself.. if Axl is finished.. and doesnt want to do this anymore.. could he please release some pro shot footage of the shows he did during the UYI tour... for me.. that would be worth more than another round of touring in places i cant get too with players i dont give a shit about.

but thats just me.

[C0ma]

I was willing to accept Axl getting out there.. .touring with his no name troopers and swapping line ups for a bit... whilst gritting my teeth and wishing for Slash/Duff.. Izzy matt or steven to come back one day... but i smiled.. bought my ticket... and yes i actually had a good time. However... i never considered any natural evolution of guns was actually taking place because we have one album in 20 years.. multiple line up changes and years of inactivity in between all this... it wasnt like axl was delivering album after album every year.. or every second year.. or every 5 years even... its just been one long wait for not very much... thats life... ive got one.. and it doesnt affect my day to day existance.. but as a fan... and this is my opinion.. there has been no natural evolution.

Now... if you talk to others... they will say im wrong. Fair enough... everyone is entitled to an opinion... and with Guns.. everyones got one.

But i think we have reached a point (just my opinion).. that Axl and guns have reached where the general public (the ones who still care).. 90% of them would say... we want the REAL guns and roses to come back.. finish with a tour and end it on the highest possible note. Now if Axl puts a hybrid line up together and its him/duff and slash from the originals.. i suppose for a lot of people that would be good enough.. im a romantic.. and id like to see the full set. Thats just me... i think Axl owes it to himself.. and the fans personally to go out on top in the best possible way. If he did a hybrid line up.. that wouldnt be going out on top as well as finishing with the guys he started with.

So yes... it would just be another case of.. look.. we will take what we can get... ive even said it myself.. if Axl is finished.. and doesnt want to do this anymore.. could he please release some pro shot footage of the shows he did during the UYI tour... for me.. that would be worth more than another round of touring in places i cant get too with players i dont give a shit about.

but thats just me.

I would sort of agree with what you are saying. I have watched pretty much every iteration of this band (minus Tracii Guns)... I have enjoyed every line up, some more than others, but I have never walked out of an club, theater, pavilion, arena, or stadium asking 'WTF was that??"

HOWEVER, if you replaced any 'modern' member with a single 'classic' member I would be a little happier. I think that happiness level increased the closer we get to an AFD/UYI lineup. I am happy with anything in-between but I would be lying if I didn't say I have a bias towards the version I fell in love with.

[OscarAxl22]

I was willing to accept Axl getting out there.. .touring with his no name troopers and swapping line ups for a bit... whilst gritting my teeth and wishing for Slash/Duff.. Izzy matt or steven to come back one day... but i smiled.. bought my ticket... and yes i actually had a good time. However... i never considered any natural evolution of guns was actually taking place because we have one album in 20 years.. multiple line up changes and years of inactivity in between all this... it wasnt like axl was delivering album after album every year.. or every second year.. or every 5 years even... its just been one long wait for not very much... thats life... ive got one.. and it doesnt affect my day to day existance.. but as a fan... and this is my opinion.. there has been no natural evolution.

Now... if you talk to others... they will say im wrong. Fair enough... everyone is entitled to an opinion... and with Guns.. everyones got one.

But i think we have reached a point (just my opinion).. that Axl and guns have reached where the general public (the ones who still care).. 90% of them would say... we want the REAL guns and roses to come back.. finish with a tour and end it on the highest possible note. Now if Axl puts a hybrid line up together and its him/duff and slash from the originals.. i suppose for a lot of people that would be good enough.. im a romantic.. and id like to see the full set. Thats just me... i think Axl owes it to himself.. and the fans personally to go out on top in the best possible way. If he did a hybrid line up.. that wouldnt be going out on top as well as finishing with the guys he started with.

So yes... it would just be another case of.. look.. we will take what we can get... ive even said it myself.. if Axl is finished.. and doesnt want to do this anymore.. could he please release some pro shot footage of the shows he did during the UYI tour... for me.. that would be worth more than another round of touring in places i cant get too with players i dont give a shit about.

but thats just me.

I would sort of agree with what you are saying. I have watched pretty much every iteration of this band (minus Tracii Guns)... I have enjoyed every line up, some more than others, but I have never walked out of an club, theater, pavilion, arena, or stadium asking 'WTF was that??"

HOWEVER, if you replaced any 'modern' member with a single 'classic' member I would be a little happier. I think that happiness level increased the closer we get to an AFD/UYI lineup. I am happy with anything in-between but I would be lying if I didn't say I have a bias towards the version I fell in love with.

well said mate.

This is precisely my opinion too which i've copped dogs abuse for. There has been some very good guys come in and keep the band going and they deserve respect for what they've contributed in terms of entertaining the fans over the years and being a very good touring band.

But Axl is closer to the end now then the start... and the next big move is probably his last IMO.. and therefore the reunion with the originals doesnt have a lot of time left to happen.. if its going to happen. Its not 1999 or 2002 anymore where axl has years and years to decide.. that time has passed.

I dont think we will get a full reunion.. i think we will get a hybrid one.. (again, just an opinion, not stating facts lol.. id hate to be accused of that).. 

Id still pay my way and buy a ticket to see slash and duff on stage with axl again if thats the closest we get to a reunion, dont get me wrong.. but it wouldnt quite be complete in my eyes.