Chuck Klosterman speaks about Chinese Democracy

[rubinone]

From GnrDaily.com

http://gnrdaily.com/news_detail.asp?id=1252

Chuck Klosterman, journalist, rock-critic, columnist for Esquire and author of books such as Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story and Fargo Rock City talks exclusively to Sanna Sailor of GnrDaily.com about Axl, Chinese Democracy and the possibility of a GNR-reunion in the future.

Sanna: In your debut book Fargo Rock City you created a list called Jack-Factor, where you listed how much money someone would have to pay you to never listen to a certain record again, ever. You listed AFD as number one, the price being $5001. Has anything changed since?

Chuck: Oh Yeah, I?m rich now, (laugh).

Sanna: So, how much for AFD today?

Chuck: To never listen to it again now? I would probably need 25,000 dollars to never play that record again.

Sanna: Would you do it, if someone actually gave you the money?

Chuck: Yeah. Probably, it seems odd that I?ll never listen to something for financial benefit, but there?s so many other records to listen to, I mean, to be honest, AFD is my favorite record of all times, I have to admit, but I have at least 5000 other records now I could listen to now. And the other thing with the Jack-Factor is that I would not consciously play it myself, but if someone puts it on the jukebox now, I wouldn?t jump out the window or anything. I just felt that it was a funny thing to do, especially since rock critics are always trying to rank records and ask ?What is it worth to you??
I guess I?m always intrigued with art versus capitalism.

Sanna: So what are your thoughts on Chinese Democracy?

Chuck: I?ve heard most of what is out now and I like it. I think it?s good. I don?t know if it?s thirteen or fourteen years good, but I like it. I was reading on some kid?s blog last week, and he was saying how he is really into Chinese Democracy. He?s a freshman at college and it dawned on him that Axl started working on the record when he was in kindergarten. It?s an amazing thing.
Sanna: Yeah, time really flies when it comes to this, huh?
Chuck: My biggest fear as I was writing Fargo Rock City was that it takes a year for the book to come out once it?s in, and obviously Chinese Democracy is going to come out and if it?s really popular, or if it fails, it?s going to change the landscape of metal, but it didn?t come out. And I said the same thing for the soft-cover, and I?ve written five books in the time it has taken for this record to come out, but you know, I?m a pretty good fan in the sense that I don?t turn on people I like. If an artist makes a record I like, I?ll pretty much buy every record they put out. I still buy all Black Crowes records, even though they haven?t put out a good record since the early 90?s and I still buy every Motley Cr?e record that comes out, and they?re awful, but I do it because I feel that I?m their fan.
And when Chinese Democracy comes out, I will line up, be it midnight or whatever, to buy that record. Even though I have all the songs, I look forward to listening to them for real.

Sanna: What do you think about the leaked tracks?

Chuck: There?s two really good songs, one is called IRS and the other the Blues.
Madagascar is also ok and TWAT, which I might have under another name, since there?s so many demos out there. I think it was called Strip club on one of the demos.

Sanna: You know, we?re posting a new GNR-related news-piece every day. What would you say is the most interesting thing revolving GNR right now?

Chuck: Well, you know, the coolest thing about Chinese Democracy to me is that in 1997-1998 the news would be like ?today, Axl drove by a recording-studio? and that would be the news-bulletin, and now the news have kind of fallen out.

Sanna: And to make matters worse, there?s fourteen years worth of rumors, for example that Axl has so much material that he will put out three records within three years, and stuff like that.
Chuck: Yeah, Axl is in this weird position where ?How good will the record have to be in order to satisfy? but I hope it?s good, and I hope it does well, I guess I don?t care if it sells a lot of copies, but I hope I like it.

Sanna: If the album is released, what then?

Chuck: What I could foresee happening, is Chinese Democracy coming out and doing alright, maybe getting a good critical response and that would really, I think, create a big financial push for a reunion-tour. Slash is critical of Axl but he?s definitely left the door open, he?s definitely saying mostly positive things about him (Axl) and Matt Sorum will do anything and Duff will also join.
I think that could probably happen, and that everyone could agree to it, except for Axl, but we?ll see what happens.

By: Sanna Sailor/GnrDaily.com

http://gnrdaily.com/news_detail.asp?id=1252

[gunns1]

not a bad article,
but the guys absolutely an idiot if he really believes this:

Chuck: What I could foresee happening, is Chinese Democracy coming out and doing alright, maybe getting a good critical response and that would really, I think, create a big financial push for a reunion-tour. Slash is critical of Axl but he?s definitely left the door open, he?s definitely saying mostly positive things about him (Axl) and Matt Sorum will do anything and Duff will also join.I think that could probably happen, and that everyone could agree to it, except for Axl, but we?ll see what happens.

If chinese democracy does really well, THEY DONT NEED A REUNION TOUR, simple as that, and Axl wont have it , cause he wont want slash playing on songs that axl and the current band made.. I mean, if chinese democracy is successful theirs really no reason to reunite,
on the other hand if chinese isnt successful and bombs god forbid, then a reunion might be possible ...

[Olorin]

I have to agree that I don't care if it doesnt sell a tonne of records, as long as I like it. Since I already use the leaks as musical therapy and an almost daily basis, its already a winner.

[mesha]

not to bash slash or anything but why is it that he should have his door open? wasn't he the one that left?  if you ask me looking at the current situation it should be axl having his door open for slash (not that i want it but just look at VR ain't going that great)

[Jessica]

Funny everying happens now, just when VR has major problems ( no singer)...

Seems like it would have been hard to be compared to them as they were the " old guys together".

Now there isn't an " old guys together" syndrome, Axl can steal the limelight, can't he ?

[Jaci_Roxx]

not a bad article,
but the guys absolutely an idiot if he really believes this:

Chuck: What I could foresee happening, is Chinese Democracy coming out and doing alright, maybe getting a good critical response and that would really, I think, create a big financial push for a reunion-tour. Slash is critical of Axl but he?s definitely left the door open, he?s definitely saying mostly positive things about him (Axl) and Matt Sorum will do anything and Duff will also join.I think that could probably happen, and that everyone could agree to it, except for Axl, but we?ll see what happens.

If chinese democracy does really well, THEY DONT NEED A REUNION TOUR, simple as that, and Axl wont have it , cause he wont want slash playing on songs that axl and the current band made.. I mean, if chinese democracy is successful theirs really no reason to reunite,
on the other hand if chinese isnt successful and bombs god forbid, then a reunion might be possible ...

I don't think reunion is possible either way, and I think it's pointless to discuss it over and over again every time someone mentions it in an article or an interview, unless it's a former or a current band member.

[lakersaregreat]

this guy has no clue. he said one of the demos was called "strip club." he probably downloaded it under that heading after we all heard the album was played AT a strip club. And as for the demos, TWAT and madagascar are "ok." Are you kidding me? and also he has no clue about the reunion thing that he mentions...not a chance....

[ppbebe]

ditto to lakersaregreat

If chinese democracy does really well, THEY DONT NEED A REUNION TOUR, simple as that, and Axl wont have it , cause he wont want slash playing on songs that axl and the current band made.. I mean, if chinese democracy is successful theirs really no reason to reunite,
on the other hand if chinese isnt successful and bombs god forbid, then a reunion might be possible ...

I don't think reunion is possible either way, and I think it's pointless to discuss it over and over again every time someone mentions it in an article or an interview, unless it's a former or a current band member.

yea but reunionists anachronism never fail to annoy us.

GNR has never died. GNR is there sound as a bell for god sake.

[Continental Drift]

This is what they should do IMHO... once a year (e.g. New Year's Eve)... Axl should sign back the old guys [Slash, Izzy, Duff, Steven or Matt (if Steven can't do it] on like 3-day contracts (2 days of rehearsals +1 gig) and play 1 gig in London, New York, LA (they could alternate it) for a ton of $$$. Play a simple Live Like a Suicide/Appetite/Lies set list like back in the old club days. Make even more $$$ off the sale of live cd's and dvd's. And then call it a day. Axl goes back to whatever new GN'R is doing. Slash, Duff and Matt go back to VR. Izzy disappears off the face of the planet again. "Real" reunion (i.e. 24/7 return to old GN'R) talk gets put to rest with a simple... "Hey... we get together every New Years and do our thing... but that's IT." Slash, Duff and Izzy get to make some additional GN'R $$$'s.... disgruntled old GN'R fans cut Axl some slack for being the driving force behind the New Year's shows and get behind the new band... new band members can put the whole "reunion" stuff out of their minds... and back catalog sales increase.

[crthiel]

Thats what you call having your cake and eating it too.

[Verse Chorus Verse]

This is what they should do IMHO... once a year (e.g. New Year's Eve)... Axl should sign back the old guys [Slash, Izzy, Duff, Steven or Matt (if Steven can't do it] on like 3-day contracts (2 days of rehearsals +1 gig) and play 1 gig in London, New York, LA (they could alternate it) for a ton of $$$. Play a simple Live Like a Suicide/Appetite/Lies set list like back in the old club days. Make even more $$$ off the sale of live cd's and dvd's. And then call it a day. Axl goes back to whatever new GN'R is doing. Slash, Duff and Matt go back to VR. Izzy disappears off the face of the planet again. "Real" reunion (i.e. 24/7 return to old GN'R) talk gets put to rest with a simple... "Hey... we get together every New Years and do our thing... but that's IT." Slash, Duff and Izzy get to make some additional GN'R $$$'s.... disgruntled old GN'R fans cut Axl some slack for being the driving force behind the New Year's shows and get behind the new band... new band members can put the whole "reunion" stuff out of their minds... and back catalog sales increase.

That would probably destroy any credibility the new line up has, because then you would have millions of idiots saying, "If they can do it 3 days out of a year why can't they do it permanently blah blah". hat would be a horrible move.

[Continental Drift]

This is what they should do IMHO... once a year (e.g. New Year's Eve)... Axl should sign back the old guys [Slash, Izzy, Duff, Steven or Matt (if Steven can't do it] on like 3-day contracts (2 days of rehearsals +1 gig) and play 1 gig in London, New York, LA (they could alternate it) for a ton of $$$. Play a simple Live Like a Suicide/Appetite/Lies set list like back in the old club days. Make even more $$$ off the sale of live cd's and dvd's. And then call it a day. Axl goes back to whatever new GN'R is doing. Slash, Duff and Matt go back to VR. Izzy disappears off the face of the planet again. "Real" reunion (i.e. 24/7 return to old GN'R) talk gets put to rest with a simple... "Hey... we get together every New Years and do our thing... but that's IT." Slash, Duff and Izzy get to make some additional GN'R $$$'s.... disgruntled old GN'R fans cut Axl some slack for being the driving force behind the New Year's shows and get behind the new band... new band members can put the whole "reunion" stuff out of their minds... and back catalog sales increase.

That would probably destroy any credibility the new line up has, because then you would have millions of idiots saying, "If they can do it 3 days out of a year why can't they do it permanently blah blah". hat would be a horrible move.

Agreed if Chinese Democracy has not seen the light of day. BUT if Chinese Democracy is released and as kick ass as we expect it to be.... I suspect there will be an equally strong market for the new band. Actually, if "Better" is at the top of the charts... for example... seeing the new band would be the primary focus of most fans (especially younger fans)... the "reunion" New Year's shows I'm proposing would be just like a nice additional "throw in" and peace offering to the older disgruntled fan base out there.

[faldor]

this guy has no clue. he said one of the demos was called "strip club." he probably downloaded it under that heading after we all heard the album was played AT a strip club. And as for the demos, TWAT and madagascar are "ok." Are you kidding me? and also he has no clue about the reunion thing that he mentions...not a chance....

I downloaded a song called "Strip Club" from Kazaa years ago in 2002 or so and it was "Just Another Sunday".  I hope he doesn't think THAT is TWAT, although I do like that song.

[Albert S Miller]

not a bad article,
but the guys absolutely an idiot if he really believes this:

Chuck: What I could foresee happening, is Chinese Democracy coming out and doing alright, maybe getting a good critical response and that would really, I think, create a big financial push for a reunion-tour. Slash is critical of Axl but he?s definitely left the door open, he?s definitely saying mostly positive things about him (Axl) and Matt Sorum will do anything and Duff will also join.I think that could probably happen, and that everyone could agree to it, except for Axl, but we?ll see what happens.

If chinese democracy does really well, THEY DONT NEED A REUNION TOUR, simple as that, and Axl wont have it , cause he wont want slash playing on songs that axl and the current band made.. I mean, if chinese democracy is successful theirs really no reason to reunite,
on the other hand if chinese isnt successful and bombs god forbid, then a reunion might be possible ...

If there was a possibility of a reunion, I think they should only play the music they originally created together.  A reunion would be great for todays generation to be able to experince original lineup.  What I am trying to say is I have had the pleasure of experiencing both bands in my day, I think it would be great if this generation could also experience the origanal band as well.  I on the other hand am not convinced that this will ever take place, and besides, as much as I would love to see original band together one more time I do believe having chinese democracy in my hands would make me alot happier. Oh and by the way your right they DONT NEED A REUNION TOUR!!!!

[leatherebel]

"Slash has lied about nearly everything and anything to nearly everyone and anyone. It's who he is. It's what he does. Duff's support for the man though understandable in one sense in regard to his circumstances, is inexcusable, and furthers my distance from the two of them. For me Matt doesn't figure into the equation and for as much as I was a friend to him he was incapable of reciprocating and life is much better without such an obvious albatross. Don't get me wrong, I'm not taking anything away from the alumni in regard to their prior performances on record or touring to support the albums. I know how I was treated and more importantly I know how they treated others during both of these things, it's not a way anyone should be forced or even asked to work. And for the record I'm referring to Slash and Matt in regards to their actions and behavior, Duff played more of a supporting role (for reasons I've never understood). For the fans to attempt to condemn me to relationships even only professional with any of these men is a prison sentence and something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I'd say my parole is nearly over. I'm practically a free man and if you don't like it you'll have plenty of time to get used to the idea.?

Axl Rose

[lakersaregreat]

"Slash has lied about nearly everything and anything to nearly everyone and anyone. It's who he is. It's what he does. Duff's support for the man though understandable in one sense in regard to his circumstances, is inexcusable, and furthers my distance from the two of them. For me Matt doesn't figure into the equation and for as much as I was a friend to him he was incapable of reciprocating and life is much better without such an obvious albatross. Don't get me wrong, I'm not taking anything away from the alumni in regard to their prior performances on record or touring to support the albums. I know how I was treated and more importantly I know how they treated others during both of these things, it's not a way anyone should be forced or even asked to work. And for the record I'm referring to Slash and Matt in regards to their actions and behavior, Duff played more of a supporting role (for reasons I've never understood). For the fans to attempt to condemn me to relationships even only professional with any of these men is a prison sentence and something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I'd say my parole is nearly over. I'm practically a free man and if you don't like it you'll have plenty of time to get used to the idea.?

Axl Rose

i forgot about that interview. was that the one in 02'? also, can you link me to the full interview? that was the del james one, right?

[MJ23]

http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=82

you can find it here