GUNSNROSES.US - news on Chinese Democracy, the new Guns N' Roses Album

OPEN LETTER FROM AXL

admin — 2008-12-17T16:33:22Z

Tip of the iceberg...

Ok then!! The questions aren't here but the answers as it moves along I think point pretty clearly to what was asked in pretty much order or close of the 7 pages. If I didn't answer it was either already answered, off topic or I mistakenly overlooked the question. My apologies for the inconvenience. It's not as light hearted as some of the other sessions but that's the subject matter. Whew!!

Q: We learnt in the press, that you asked the former members to sign a paper giving up the rights to the GUNS N' ROSES name and threatening not to go on stage unless they co-operated. Bullshit?

Axl: "So let's start here… the whole 'Axl wouldn't go on stage' yada yada… is complete and utter crap. Never happened, all made up, fallacy and fantasy. Not one single solitary thread of truth to it. Had that been the case, I would've have been cremated years ago legally, could've cleaned me out for the name and damages. It's called under duress with extenuating circumstances. In fact, the time that was mentioned, the attorneys were all in Europe with us dealing with Adler [original GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler] depositions.

"Couldn't talk sooner as it could have jeopardized whatever nonsense was going on.

"When GUNS renegotiated our contract with Geffen, I had the bit about the name added in as protection for myself as I had come up with the name and then originally started the band with it. It had more to do with management than the band, as our then-manager was always tryin' to convince someone they should fire me. As I had stopped speaking with him, he sensed his days were numbered and was bending any ear he could along with attempting to sell our renegotiation out for a personal payday from Geffen.

"It was added to the contract and everyone signed off on it. It wasn't hidden in fine print, etc., as you had to initial the section verifying you had acknowledged it.

"Now, at that time I didn't know or think about brand names or corporate value etc. All I knew is that I came in with the name and from day one everyone had agreed to it being mine should we break up and now it was in writing.

"I still didn't grasp any other issues until long after I'd left and formed a new partnership which was only an effort to salvage GUNS, not steal it."

"In my opinion, the reality of the shift and the public embarrassment and ridicule by others (which included a lot of not-so-on-the-level business types he was associating with at the time) for not contesting the rights to the brand name, were more than Slash [former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist] could openly face. Also, we aren't lawyers or formally business educated, so it was just a matter of all of us being naïve and doing what we thought was right at the time. Slash was, in my opinion, being on the up and up in agreeing I had the rights, and I wasn't trying to be some snake in the grass pulling a fast one. The others could've cared less.

"But when the reality of the breakup hit and the strategy to have me crawl back was put into play, Slash had to save face and get business team and public support. Painting me as the one who held a crowd hostage forcing the others to sign over the name worked out pretty well in that regard. I'm the bad guy, and Duff [McKagan, ex-GUNS bassist], the fans and most importantly himself were the victims. Oh, and they had actually made the sacrifice for the crowd, the people, the fans at the show. But again… IT NEVER HAPPENED.

"Media and others ignorantly, wrongly and falsely harped on about it at mine and the fans' expense for years, and Slash has hoped to use all that to continually sue and have some sort of legal nonsense going on behind the scenes in an effort to reverse things. He wouldn't have been able to get the support and action on the part of his various team members over the years to do so if the truth were out there especially when the statute of limitations had run out years ago."

Q: Why did you choose to keep the GUNS N' ROSES name rather than create a new name?

Axl: "Why keep the name? I'm literally the last man standing. Not bragging, not proud. It's been a fucking nightmare but I didn't leave GUNS and I didn't drive others out. With Slash, it's been nothing more than pure strategy and saving face while manipulating the public like he used to me. I earned the right to protect my efforts and to be able to take advantage of our contract I'd worked hard for where Slash's exact words were that he didn't care. I get that some like a different version or lineup the same way some like a specific team line up or a particular year of a specific car but because you and I are getting played I'm supposed to throw the baby out with the bath water?"

Q: What do you think about people that say "Chinese Democracy" should have been a solo album instead of using the name GUNS N' ROSES?

Axl: "I didn't make a solo record. A solo record would be completely different than this and probably much more instrumental. I made a GUNS record with the right people who were the only people who really wanted to help me try, were qualified and capable while enduring the public abuse for years . The songs were chosen by everyone involved. I didn't want to do 'This I Love' in any way shape or form, and Robin [Finck, current GUNS guitarist] and Caram [Costanzo; co-producer] insisted gaining Tommy's [Stinson, bass] and the others' support. There's been a lot of pressure to go with using my name (all external) but that never felt right to me for this band and the parameters in regard to this music have lots more to do with the mindset of GUNS than something else. The instrumental I wrote for 'End of Days' that's more a solo effort, at least presently.

"As far as a new name… this is who I am, not whatever else someone else thinks of. I don't see myself as solely GUNS, but I do see myself as the only one from the past making the effort to take it forward, whether anyone approves or not, and giving beyond what many would or fight for to do so. The name helped the music more than you could ever know, and I'm not talking in regards to studios or budgets, I mean it as in being pushed by something and having to get the music to a place where I can find my peace regardless of what anyone says. And that wasn't fully achieved until the last round of mastering and swapping out a version of a track at the pressing plant that had gotten inadvertently changed at the last minute. Also, the name was what the industry wanted as well and the burden of keeping it was something to endure in order to make the record. After the monies invested by old Geffen (that were decisions made that have worked out for me but I'm on record as having opposed) dropping the name became suicide."

Q: How much has been spent on legal battles over the name/how much do you value the name at?

Axl: "The cost of legal battles has been astronomical but I felt the deal made with Universal was fair for where it is and most things balanced out for both sides."

Q: How do you feel when you read posts that say "this isn't really GUNS N' ROSES?" Surely it isn't their place to say?

Axl: "David Bowie likes Floyd with Barret, many with Waters and those without. And there are those who like all the different lineups. In my opinion, what makes our situation a bit more unique, at least in how it's played out, is the ugliness of what really took place. If I'd done what was said then, I'd say fuck me too. I also realize this is just one issue in something with upteen however many more so conclusions can't be formulated off this little bit alone by most which is more than understandable.

"That said, because someone leaves the shop I started in which I still legally have the rights to the name I started it with… makes up a bunch of nonsense to win public and legal support in an effort to get whatever it is they want at mine and the public's expense… I don't feel any reason whatsoever I should have to throw what I've not only worked for but fought and suffered for away because some hurt, angry, betrayed, misguided and lied to people with a lynch-mob mentality, joined by others who could care less (especially in the media), enjoying the controversy and hate, choose one over the other regardless of what's right because they want what they want. And you can still prefer then as opposed to now and no one's arguing your right to do so.

"In regard to nuGUNS, I get that sometimes it helps to be able to clarify. Personally I call this GUNS and the 'Illusions' or previous lineups 'old GUNS.'"

Q: Are you guys allowed to play any song from the GN'R catalogue? Because in the past I heard that legal matters hinders you to play some of the "Use Your Illusion" stuff.

Axl: "We can play what we want, as far as I'm aware."

Q: I would ask what the catalyst was to originally motivate you to seek ownership of the name? Looking back, do you still feel it was a good course of action to have taken?

Axl: "It wasn't so much that it was a good course or that, if looking back, I could do something differently; it's that, for better or worse, it was the only course, and had I not done this, Slash would have succeeded in destroying me publicly much more than he, others or myself have so far and I would have gone bankrupt."

Q: Where would you be now, had you not obtained the rights to the name? What would you have called the current line-up of GN'R?

Axl: "I don't know where I'd be, but there's clearly no happy ending there and with everything else that had gone on in every other area of my life the devastation isn't something I feel I would have overcome at least to any real degree publicly. Hopefully I would've been able to pick myself up enough to get a job or sing somewhere else but I doubt anything that significant."

Q: Would you ever consider sharing the name with the current band members?

Axl: "The sharing thing is interesting, but even with all this time, the complications of the red tape and trying to get something out fall on my world to sort and not theirs. They are amazingly supportive and do their best to keep me in up spirits and focused which I had less and less of in GUNS way before 'Sweet Child' caught on. If that were to change, then that may be something to look at. I hope for us to grow more together as we continue so who knows.

"If I hadn't secured the rights, I don't know where I'd be and I'd probably call what would then be the current lineup 'THOSE MOTHER FUCKERS!!'

"The name is something I take great pride in as I feel anyone who's been a part of it should, the same as other bands or teams etc. The burden when it is such is a nightmare but not as much or as hopeless as I'd imagine without it could have been."

Q: What is the difference between former members forwarding their careers through their association with you, and a band benefiting from touring/releasing under a name originally associated with a group of musicians who are no longer there?

Axl: "On the what's the difference… I think I get what you're asking… I feel it depends on how and in what ways either the former members are using the association and what the true circumstances regarding why they moved on from both the band and the name that would or could affect the decision to continue on with the name by in this case this lineup and or myself."

Q: Did you use the GN'R name to sell more records??

Axl: "As for selling more records, it'd be nice to be in a position to possibly do so at some point but that's never been my base reasoning. I would think it fits into not feeling I shouldn't be forced to throw away possible opportunities in a hostile attempted takeover. I believe I should fight for GUNS in a patriotic sense or sense of loyalty or honor. Not just my vision or direction for GUNS as those things can evolve and you can make forward moving positive compromises by what others bring to the table but I mean more as in what principles I feel were important to GUNS in regard to an overall commitment to the music."

Q: Obviously the name GUNS N' ROSES means a lot to you historically. Do you think it would have been easier (less criticism from being the only "original" remaining member) or harder (the name obviously carries a lot of weight) to have pursued the "Chinese Democracy" project under a different name.

Axl: "It helped us get here but most of that was with Universal and the positives of that wore off years ago until recently and after the initial run it'll be about the music and us. Then it's about touring and there's not a question the name's helped at most everywhere but not so much the states. With that it comes down to the strength or quality of the performance. Having the name kicks your ass every night as it's not some side project or something you can fuck off in. You don't deliver, you get your ass handed to you. So it makes us work much harder than I feel we would outside of it and it hasn't been too ugly yet."

Q: Did you already have a new lineup or a lineup change in mind at that time?

Axl: "I didn't see lineup changes, etc., back then — I saw it more as a crash and burn, goin' down with the ship. On one hand, I knew the band was over before we started touring 'Illusions' but you have hope… but I saw it more like the Titanic sinking than moving on or surviving. And in reality, I went the distance with each and every one in GUNS to where they felt for whatever reasons they either couldn't or wouldn't give what GUNS required. And I'm not talking change of styles or sounds etc. A lot of people bought that crap and me having gone in other directions seems to many to have verified that. Then you have the mind twisting equally as true horseshit in Slash's book, but I have the rehearsal tapes. There's nothing but Slash-based blues rock and he stopped it to both go solo and try to completely take over GUNS. I read all this 'if Axl would've put words and melodies on it could've…' That was denied and I didn't walk 'till several months after having 3-to-4-hour phone conversations nearly every day with Slash trying to reach a compromise. I was specifically told no lyrics, no melodies, no changes to anything and to sing what I was told or fuck off."

Q: What (except for legal reasons) would make you change the name of the band you're playing in? Axl: "As to what would possibly make me change the name, [it] would be some form of evolving that I don't feel we've reached yet and not in any way consciously trying to at this time. It's really hard to say. I'd have to feel it was right for me and those involved and whatever we're doing at that time."

Q: With regard to ownership of the name, how will this affect GUNS' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? The new band can't exactly go and accept the award. Would they have to requalify in 25 years' time for "Chinese"?

Axl: "Never thought about that, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The whole 'mature enough' bit was cute. Not to offend anyone, but personally I don't have an interest and other than inducting Elton don't quite get what it is exactly and who decides what. It seems to mean more to some than others and more so amongst fans. It's nice to get recognition and have some form of acceptance, but in regards to joining others, the price is too high and just not worth it. It's a ways away and seems a bit presumptuous to be contemplating being inducted now."

Q: Do you think you have to follow some kind of music style cause of your musical past, or you feel free to experiment some kind of innovative stuff or melting few styles wich goes "against" the musical heritage of GN'R?!?!

Axl: "About following particular styles, yes I do feel there are parameters with GUNS as opposed to not being or in GUNS. 'Chinese Democracy' is, in my opinion, an evolution not necessarily how each from the past would but how the music and intent could and did. GUNS did not have specific lifelong criteria to follow and many of the influences on 'Appetite' were abandoned by the others long before me. In fact, Slash hated a good portion of those on 'Appetite' and wasn't all that into the involvement or association but knew it worked at the time and realized it was the cusp of a wave that was growing. It's a trip for me to witness as so many of the people he performs with etc he hated then, them, their bands and their music where the others or I were the fans.

"I like touring with these guys a lot more than the old band. The beginning was fun but it started going bad our first gig opening for THE CULT in Halifax between Slash and I. That's when the 'OK I put up with all Axl's and Izzy's crap, now I'm gonna be the man' trip started with him runnin' right out front on the ego ramp for the whole show. It was pretty funny."

Q: How did the new lineup respond when initially asked to join GUNS N' ROSES? Did they ever suggest using a different name?

Axl: "No one ever talked about or suggested using another name. The guys are really respectful in regard to the old band and I'm not sure if they've said a paragraph apiece in all the years towards or about the old band whether I'm talking about whatever or not. But from being with me for so long they know a lot of it's shit so they get bummed at the endless interviews and nonsense. Personally, I'm so proud of them I wouldn't know how to express it. I can't see me handing something like this as they have with so much class and maturity especially being shit on publicly to such a degree. 'Hey join my band, bring an umbrella!!'

"If I were to leave GUNS, I could consider giving, selling, shelving or opening a GNR Burger chain with the name!! Ha!! Just kidding. I'm not so different than the alumni in that there's generally something going on that makes things suck and when that reaches overflow I want out too but if you didn't when it's ugly I think that'd be less normal.

"If I went solo — which I haven't — I wouldn't call it GUNS."

Q: According to some people, the name should've been changed once there was no Tracii Guns in GUNS N' ROSES. Seriously if it wasnt changed then for that reason, then why should it ever be changed for any other reason?

Axl: "The name does come from mine and Tracii's [Guns, current L.A. GUNS guitarist] as the original inspiration but was something I played with, not Tracii, and GUNS was GUNS before Tracii joined. It was GUNS before I knocked on Izzy's window. Earlier I had gotten Tracii to use the name GUNS (as he had mentioned a girl had called him Mr. Guns sometime) so he'd stop calling his band PERSIAN ROSE. So I guess we have the girl to thank."

Q: Axl, Why do you feel that the others (Slash, Duff) believe that they were entitled to the name since GUNS N' ROSES existed before they were in the band?

Axl: "The others having a sense of entitlement to the name isn't completely off but has more to do with how Slash dealt with things and his particular strategy and I say strategy because that's what it's been. But since I managed to hold out that didn't play out so well for him in regard to the name.

"It's a band name more than a brand name. As Tommy said regarding our struggles to make this happen, 'We're not lettin' what took so much blood and heart get turned to shit and dust.' And I guess you could apply that to current former or whatever."

Q: What were Slash's arguments for keeping GN'R name?

Axl: "Slash never had ANY arguments for keeping the name until long after and again I feel that had a lot to do with seedy biz types and him feeling he had to save face."

Q: Do you regret keeping the name?

Axl: "Keeping the band name alive was very important. Not out of ego and I don't know exactly why in the sense of putting into words, but I think it has something to do with the global effect it has and how GUNS surviving in some way is sometimes inspiring to others around the world and in that there's a sense of obligation.

"I don't regret keeping the name though I wish more were supportive or at least not as aggressively opposed."

Q: Can you detail any of the legal battles, if any, surrounding the name GUNS N' ROSES following the break up of the original band?

Axl: "The details are that my attorney shit when I made the move. He was very against it fearing long litigation but even then no one talked about brand names or individual interests in a brand name. I look back and have no idea why. Not my people, not his people, no one. No one pressured me, everyone was afraid and no one including myself wanted to break up GUNS or the relationship.

"We can 'chat' about the contract and the reasoning another time.

"The battles were during the breakup. Our people and my individual legal basically forced me to go through the motions with everything I had to make things work for over two years in the sense that if they felt I wasn't making every effort 110% and with all the sincerity and all above board I wouldn't have their support which I wanted, couldn't afford to lose or risk losing. Which led to the trial period where Slash played the key bits of 'Fall to Pieces' but once I showed some interest that was over."

Q: Making Duff and Slash sign the name GUNS N' ROSES over to you had very little to do with musical differences/ preferences. Anyone who reads Slash's book carefully can understand the kind of reckless lives they had been leading and that they were too fucked up and on the verge of an O.D. on daily basis to be entitled to make and kind of decision and there was no use in trying to fight against it and forcing them to clean up because you ended up being the bad guy real quick "not allowing them to have a bit of fun." In other words, only drunk/drugged people can put up with drunk/drugged people and the way things were, they were going to ruin it for everbody and now that they are finally sober they feel they were ripped off even though many people warned them their actions would have serious consequences and they chose not to listen at the time.

Axl: "I get the part about reckless but it was more about strategy and underestimating how long I would stick with it."

Q: Axl, you don't need to use that name to be recognized. You're Axl Rose! People know who you are.

Axl: "As far as people knowing me, this is a statement that in light of others decisions that I chose to pursue as GUNS N' ROSES and what some may feel is a different this or that may seem as if the arguments or disagreements are about the band or the style of music such as blues or influences on earlier GUNS has some relevance but, in my opinion, points more to deeper base elements I wanted to put forth for people in general. Such as a more positive intent and instead of as self-destructive, more of healing. There's all kinds of things to help you die or be more negative. I wanted to try and make as powerful a hard rock album as we could while incorporating beauty and an openness to other forms both traditional and more recent without going religious etc. I didn't attempt to make a party record or dance record, both elements consciously in 'Appetite'. I wasn't trying to purposefully appeal to the heartland or middle America in those ways (not that I was trying to avoid them or have an issue). But for example, 'Sweet Child' wasn't in any way trying to write a 'hit' mainstream song it was trying to write the best GUNS N' ROSES LYNYRD SKYNYRD-influenced song we could as tribute and recognition in the tradition of 'Tuesdays Gone With the Wind' or 'Simple Man', etc,, and at a time when nothing could have seemed more unpopular."

Q: You stated in several interviews in the past that you couldn't see yourself playing with other people and still see it as GUNS N' ROSES. What made you change your mind and do you think you would have kept the name if you and the former members broke up on better terms with each other?

Axl: "One man forced me to work with others. One man forced me to work with others to survive. And I can't say what would have happened on different terms. I say yes because it was agreed from day one. You have to realize we were on the street. It wasn't the first band. Whoever thought of the name kept the name unless he gave it up or moved on. Everyone was always having a new version of whatever their band name was. I wouldn't have thought of using L.A. GUNS or any of Slash's band names. We all knew that we could break up the next week. You had to have that stuff somewhat sorted between each other going in. It was a deal that we made. The issue becomes the value or perceived value now and the fans attachment and or acceptance. Really weren't things we consciously considered even during the breakup."

Q: Axl, what in your mind does GUNS N' ROSES represent? Do you feel that it is a vision?

Axl: "I don't exactly know what GUNS N' ROSES is, but I know it's my job in the sense of an obligation and I'm good with that."

Q: Do you feel that if you hadn't have insisted on having full rights to the name would the band still be in its original lineup today?

Axl: "The name and rights have nothing to do with the breakup. That's all a created façade a decoy and a smoke screen. Now had what Slash said actually transpired then I'd say of course but in reality, no."

Q: GUNS 'N ROSES… best name ever with a double meaning to me. What was #2 on the list when choosing the band's name?

Axl: "Going into GUNS, there wasn't a #2. At that time I was going to make it in a band that started as GUNS N' ROSES and could evolve but that was the starting point and it was all the way or bust. I knew what I wanted when I knocked on Izzy's window. I also knew I wanted Slash but we still had differences and Izzy wasn't down with it."

Q: Were you in, any way, legally obligated to carry on with the name GUNS N' ROSES? To keep your (current, at the time) record contract etc.

Axl: "I wasn't legally obligated but we probably would have gotten dropped and I would have been driven into bankruptcy."

Q: GUNS N' ROSES — the name contains symbols of aggression/defense and selfless submission/tribute. Does the name mean anything symbolically to you outside its literal, namesake derivation? Have the name's deeper synonyms, eg. the most dangerous band in the world, had any impact on your decision to keep it, or have you just retained it for its legendary status and ease of identification?

Axl: "I don't think about the dangerous bit or status or identification. I've always thought of the symbolism since thinking of the two words together. And in that I absolutely feel this is a GUNS N' ROSES record."

Q: Do what people (some of the fans, ex-members of the band, etc.) think about the ownership of the band name really matter? I think my question also is, will you please tell us why this is the most important/first question you are approaching? Is it because you think that this is what most riles the fans or this is the most pressing issue?

Axl: "It's an issue that gets brought up a lot, especially in the media at all levels, and it gets really ugly. It's ugly right now with DJs across the country who feel they're sticking up for something that they bought into unaware. So I wanted to start going at it a bit."

Q: Axl, some critics have argued that "Chinese Democracy" would have sold better and had better reviews if you had released it as a solo project. What is your take on this?

Axl: "Most critics have higher opinions of theirs than is merited. I haven't read much from outside sources in the media regarding my world that know much of anything let alone what would be in my best interest other than looking at events in hindsight and playing armchair music mogul. Which most times means nothing and though could seem logical is usually just as far off base as anything else they've said."

Q: Do you think that it is right to continue a band's name despite having little-to-no connection with previous incarnations of the band, both in the music written and with the musicians in the band?

Axl: "The heart and commitment these guys play the material with is much more than the others were prepared to give pursuing their own interests for a very long time. The music changed after Slash and I parted so the direction was where I took GUNS not where I had intended or tried to go previously. It had a lot to do with not finding or knowing a more blues based player that I found inspiring and I was really knocked down and beat up. Slash, Duff and Matt's [Sorum] decisions had as much to do with kicking a guy when he's down or abandoning ship at the time as anything else. Other things were going on with music as well, we were basically dead at Geffen. I liked other things as well so I wanted to explore, be legitimate and survive. I wasn't doing what was written so often about chasing fads etc. Jesus, I wouldn't have agreed for Zakk [Wylde] to come down if any of Slash's or the media's nonsense were real. And that could've worked on some level but like GUNS it would've been up to those two and their relationship. They talk nice but it wasn't pretty… but it was pretty awesome!!"

Q: For further releases will you stick with the name GUNS N' ROSES?

Axl: "No plans not to be GUNS for the future."

Q: If this is a GUNS N' ROSES album, what kind of music would be on an Axl Rose solo album?

Axl: "Solo efforts… Much more experimental and instrumental."

Q: Since you own the name, does it bother you at all when you see or hear things like "Slash of GUNS N' ROSES" and that he's still well recognized as one of the faces of the band?

Axl: "It doesn't bother me unless it's being done at my expense and or to keep him associated as in Guitar Hero. Him being [in] Guitar Hero's fine but not when Activison is using 'Jungle', having Yahoo! use 'Sweet Child' unauthorized, claims no involvement with Slash, his or anyone's image or VR or anyone or anyone's music in either camp in promotion or commercials etc. I wasn't broadsided. I read about it as it moved along but Activision continually denied it right up to the release. That's some lowlife chicanery on all their parts.

"Yes, Slash was in GUNS and on 'Jungle' (and the whole 'I came to him for his riff' is as much crap as him saying he brought 'Locomotive' and 'Coma' in as complete songs) and he has rights to perform it but not to be represented in this context in association with GUNS. And since they weren't granted the license, it'll take some sorting."

Q: Does Geffen or Universal have any rights over the name, or is it soley yours? For example they released the "Greatest Hits" under the GN'R name, so I was a bit confused over exactly how much the name belongs to the label, if at all.

Axl: "Universal has GUNS under contract but I own the name."

Q: How do/did you feel about VELVET REVOLVER playing GN'R songs live? Did you worry about them mucking up the songs or decreasing their value by playing them? Are you glad the former members still play those songs so regularly on stage? I seen SLASH'S SNAKEPIT live in July 1995 and they started playing instrumental "Paradise City" for the first two minutes before Slash stopped it by jokingly saying something like, "We better stop so we don't get sued!"

Axl: "I don't have problems with whoever doing the songs but film or video gets into sync rights and I don't have an interest in anyone new, old or whatever trying to sell themselves as GN'R under another name that way."

Q: Do you think they keep suing you over it time and again because as well as Steven they think you and the name GN'R hold the keys to their happiness or is it just about money?

Axl: "It's my understanding the lawyers were scammed like the everyone else so for them to continually try and find a way to reverse things is normal and would seem appropriate but again it NEVER happened.

"Thanks everyone. Hope to get back soon. I'll take a look at that list. As long as we don't get to personal or offensive, I'm good with things. Thanks for all the questions, my apologies for not answering specifically to each, this was just a bit easier for this subject. Hope no one took wanting to stay on topic to personal. Thanks again to everyone who participated. Thanks to everyone for the great comments and appreciation. Happy Holidays."

Axl-

Exclusive Video Interview of Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal by Gunsnroses.us

admin — 2008-12-14T11:56:33Z

Part 1: His music, songs, Abnormal CD ..
Part 2: Maflada the song, The music Industry ...
Part3: Guns N' Roses stories and Chinese Democracy
Part4: Chinese Democracy, the world and a few words for the fans over at ChineseDemocracy.com

This is my first interview - and i think the last - and english is not my first language, so be understanding ... - thanks to Erin Fox for the advises

Thank You Ron and Jean-Michel for setting that up. And Benjamin for the Nokia N95

Axl Rose chats and discusses with fans online on ChineseDemocracy.com

admin — 2008-12-13T12:16:37Z

Read the actual thread of the Chat with Axl on ChineseDemocracy.com

"Dexter" user IS Axl Rose.

ABOUT CATCHER IN THE RYE

Quote from: steveysham on Today at 06:31:19 AM Axl, I'd just like to say I feel that you have captured the mood and feel of J.D Sallinger's 'The Catcher In The Rye' perfectly. Why did you chose this book to reference as regards to Chinese Democracy. On a related note, What are your five favourite books?

Axl - " Ok, I've never actually tried to put this into words this way before and this'll probably get me in trouble with someone but here goes...

The piano started while watching a documentary or A&E type show on Chapman and wanting to write something for Lennon and his family.

W/the book it started as fascination and curiosity with Holden Caufield Syndrome and what was or could possibly be in the book that obviously certain vulnerable people have seemed to become so passionate about and resort to outrageous public attempts or acts of violence. That and the question most have in regard to Lennon's death...why?

Can't say I have those answers but I feel our song pays the emotional tribute to John Lennon in the end that I'd wanted to write since the night he was killed and also since first listening to Elton and Bernie's Empty Garden.

I read the book. I fell into a deep dark sleep. Went to the studio and sang as a joke what I refer to as the Holden parts off the top of my head and felt at the time at least imo I had stumbled on a way of thinking that had a pattern and a flow but was broken up like a television station going out and coming back slightly off course intermittently and not making sense with it's earlier portion.

Where this unease helped to justify or even demand taking action and feeling the power of taking that action against whoever your mind felt was somehow involved or the root of this unease and alienation. Accompanied by a calming surreal almost religious (but totally insane) vibe I think that if some were to experience having limited capabilities, insecurities or are mentally and emotionally challenged in some way could find a false sense of solace and take comfort in like being on some type of drugs or meds but with an added completely false sense of an imagined calling or purpose.

It certainly could and very well often would feel better than some individuals real world or having to experience or live with a clearer perspective of their true reality...

All of which of course could be imagined and hooked together by events like Lennon's murder, reading the book, wanting to write a song about someone being insane, John Lennon, Chapman, people shooting people and watching Mel Gibson's Conspiracy!

And when I got home not in any dramatic way but more like cleaning off the dinner table I threw my book away.

Don't know if any of that's really what any of that's about but that's how it hit me and just like an instant cake we got the basis for a song.

The Stand, A Scanner Darkly, The Mutant King, The Zodiac, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein."

ABOUT THE LEAKS

Quote from: GNRNZ on Today at 06:28:23 AM Hey axl

what effect do leaks REALLY have on the band/the album? Theres a lot of speculation but no clear answer.

Thanks for your time

Axl - " Basically for us it's devastating across the board. And when u have such a majority openly justifying their actions and throwing out nonsense such as it's not actually stealing as the original is still with whomever it's unbelievably insane.

It exists because of the greed of the record industry, the greed of large scale pirating, the ease and common nature now of the act itself and personal motivations such as popularity among certain groups, possible momentary media recognition etc.

And it's too rampant and widespread. It's simply too huge a mess for the courts to deal with and in that with those #'s and the expense and manpower involved necessary at this time to curtail it... obviously there are more serious crimes for society to focus on.

Besides, fuck musicians right? If they didn't make enough already then they probably suck anyway rt? "I ain't cryin' for no rich dude." Whatever.

And who knows? What are our #'s on the torrent sites for this album? I don't know. So I don't know how or if it's affected us in terms of sales this time around. Maybe not but w/the economy and the core of our market I'd think there's a possibility it has had a negative effect. Anyone?"

chinese democracy tops illegal torrents charts

ABOUT "SORRY" and Other songs

Is Sorry about the Fans or about Slash?

Axl - " The whole whose it about bit w/songs doesn't work for me that much as in whether a line or whatever was inspired by a particular person or situation doesn't mean that in the end that's what or who the song's about.

I could be working with clay and think of someone or something and somehow that could inspire me to take the work in a different direction at the moment but in the end it could just be a nice vase.

I often wonder where the people who inspired so many songs are now and why it's only important with some songs such as Layla as opposed to others. I'm guessin' a fair # of beautiful love songs or otherwise were inspired by some that the artists and public might consider now or in hindsight to be the opposite of how they are depicted or allegedly represented.

With Sorry.. like a lot of the material is drawn from a lot of different situations. The main focus on the boards w/the track seems to be either Slash or "the fans" (and the collective of "the fans" is another thing that doesn't work for me) and is much too restrictive or narrow and limits what I feel I intended.

For me it's for anyone talking nonsense at mine and the public's expense and that many of those as well as the public don't know who to believe.

Also where possible I'd like to give people the opportunity to get what they can from the material for a while before clouding that with my inspirations. Of course that's not always avoidable."

ABOUT SHACKLER'S REVENGE

Quote from: monkeychow on Today at 06:29:08 AM Axl - could you pklease talk at all about what inspired the lyrics to Shackler's Revenge ?

Axl - "Shackler's was inspired by the insanity of senseless school shootings and also the media trying desperately to make more out of one shooter's preference for the Guns song Brownstone to no avail.

That said, listening for my own enjoyment or if we were to make a video or performing it I lean more to the entertainment of a horror flick or something like Dexter, something with an interesting menacing character as opposed to real life. "

Thanks Axl,

Axl Rose answers questions online! Discuss with fans on the forums

admin — 2008-12-12T14:54:24Z

Axl Rose breaks silence and answers fans questions online on the forums ! Here are most of his answers. He will be on ChineseDemocracy.com soon enough !

Blabbermouth has collected some of the more interesting bits from the question-and-answer session and is re-posting them here for your reading enjoyment. (Note: Some of Axl's responses were slightly edited for clarity.)

Q: How come you always come on stage so late at gigs?

Axl: "I've been an after-midnight type since I was sneakin' out of my house in junior high [school]. With [the] old Guns [lineup], we preferred [to take the stage at] 12:00 a.m. or so. When we moved to theaters etc., obviously that changes but it's never changed inside me. Doesn't matter what I do, so generally that's when I'm more myself. This isn't to mess with anyone that has an early schedule to keep, it's just personal preference. And in regard to the size [of] venues, I'm on record as preferring whatever venues allow for our schedule, but management and promoters can do a lot in their own interests behind the scenes that can rarely be avoided and their greed or whatever leads to a lot of double talk and ugly behind nonsense that generally eventually ruins things for everyone. Translated: once a tour is scheduled, however, it's like parting the seas to change. As far as being late, I've been that way my whole life. It drove Izzy [Stradlin] crazy but he would check himself and freely admit I was generally actually doing something that had to get done rather than watching basketball, etc."

On a video for the new Guns N' Roses song "Better":

Axl: "The 'Better' music video will be out in a week or so. Monumental promotion will start very soon!"

Q: Who do you listen to for hardcore blues? I'm a blues singer and I can tell from your work that you have at least got way into a couple of blues records.

Axl: "Bessie Smith, Zep 1, Robert Johnson, Tumbleweed Connection, Jaince [presumably referring to Janis Joplin — Ed.]."

Q: Axl, do you really have two or three other albums of material?

Axl: "For now, we'll concentrate and keep our focus on this album, but I will say I've always thought of it as a double. And no offense, but no one's trying to talk in parables. The issues are a bit more complex than anyone would like."

Q: Hey, Axl, is the [unreleased Guns N' Roses] song "Atlas Shrugged" as epic as the book? Who is your favorite character from the book?

Axl: "Song doesn't have all that much to do with the book other than trying to do what you believe in and a line about shoulders not being wide enough."

Q: Axl, was there ever a cover B and cover C for "Chinese Democracy"?

Axl: "Yes, there are. There are two more covers/back-cover combos and the real booklet that is all artwork that will be out shortly in some form. It's been an ugly battle that hasn't made any sense to anyone and whether anyone cares about such things the booklet or artwork has always been something I've been passionate about and to release the album with unapproved and unseen final artwork with a first work-only error-filled draft when others more recent were readily available still has not been explained but is finally getting cleared up. My fave is the 'How Are You' grenade cover."

Q: Axl, how do you feel about Kanye [West's new album] outselling "Chinese Democracy"? Do you like Kanye's music?

Axl: "I met Kanye at the Versace awards. He was very gracious. I love 'Gold Digger' and told him so. I'm a big fan of his stage performance as he seems to go for it physically which I relate more to. Before our release, I sent him a message that any nonsense from the media had nothing to do with us and wished him the best. I'm humbled we've done as well as we have considering."

Q: Just wanted to ask if you had any fond memories from the U.K. leg of the tour from 2006, particularly the concert in Glasgow in July?

Axl: "Glasgow was great. I think that's where I got to do a lot of slides on the stage. Was like a race track or something, right?"

Q: Axl, thanks for "Chinese Democracy", which I personally think is your best work. What's your pick for album of the year? And have you heard the new Metallica album ["Death Magnetic"]?

Axl: "Ours, of course!! Yes, [I have heard the new Metallica]. I like it."

Q: Axl will you tour Australia next year, and when are you looking at doing so? If you could work with [former Guns N' Roses guitarist] Buckethead again, would you have him just in studio, or also would you welcome him in the touring lineup?

Axl: "Austrailia's great and the crowds are really alive. No plans [to tour there] yet but I'm sure there will be.

"I have no issues with Bucket. It's hard to tell what was real or not in things we were told by Merck [former Guns N' Roses manager Merck Mercuriadis, who was fired by Axl Rose in December 2006 — Ed.]. He's more than welcome to tour with us in some form or other provided we're both interested at the time and come to some type of reasonable terms. Personally, I have a blast with Bucket on tour and get a big kick out of the guy. A lot of feelings were hurt on this side of the fence in how things went down, and unfortunately, others used our silence and the public's not knowing for their own purposes at both Bucket's and our expense."

Q: Now that you said that, please tell us if Robin's [Finck, Guns N' Roses guitarist who is currently on the road with Nine Inch Nails] out or not... because, otherwise, we'll be reading several "Axl wants Bucket back and Robin/Bumble/Richard out"-type of threads for the entire '09 year and these threads annoy us, the new lineup fans.

Axl: "It really is what it is. No decisions have been made by either him, I or us that I'm aware of. When we're touring or working in the studio, or there's social things like a friend's dinner or party, whatever, we would hang. But as people get older, they have their own lives. The Stones aren't going bowling every Tuesday, etc.

"Robin leads one of the most different lives I know of, starting with the trapeze in his backyard to the TV in his closet.

"Robin's work on the next is done so there's not lots for him to do here except the elusive promo and he'd rather be on stage. It's more about seeing where things are when GUNS decides it's right for a tour and if we're able to make agreements we both are comfortable and can live with at that time."

Q: As a native Colombian, I must ask: In 1992, while performing "November Rain" in Bogota (in November), it rained. Wait no....it poured. How weird was that, eh?

Axl: "Very surreal and religious feeling. So was being chased by the military in our plane down the runway gettin' outta Dodge there!!"

Q: Just wondering what stops you from playing more guitar live?

Axl: "Skill."

Q: Axl, I'm fixing to pack everyhting I own into my car and drive out to L.A. from Arkansas to give a career in music a shot. Any advice? Or should I just shit in my pants, dive in and swim?

Axl: "Follow your heart, don't sell out, and read every book on the bix [music business] you can find."

Q: "Catcher N' The Rye" is one of the best songs on the ["Chinese Democracy"] album. Why no Brian? [Queen guitarist Brian May recorded a guest appearance on the track back in 1999, but his contributions were removed from the final album version of the song.]

Axl: "There's a few reasons, and none of them all that big and definitely not in spite or to slight anyone.

"First off, obviously I knew people liked the song, but the Brian appreciation really only showed up in force publicly after we had moved on in Guns. In fact, not many seemed to care and most comments were aimed at why Slash, in their opinions, should be here. "Brian's solo itself is a personal fave of mine and I really couldn't understand, as he's such a rock legend, why it wasn't openly appreciated more at the time.

"In actuality, all that feel and emotion referred to now had a lot to do with Sean [Beavan, one of the producers who worked on 'Chinese Democracy'] and I and the parts I chose out of Brian's different runs, versions, practice runs, etc., to make sure we had those elements in one version. It's entirely constructed from edits based around one specific note Brian hit in a throwaway take. And though Brian seems to have warmed a bit to it, at least publicly, he was unfortunately none too pleased at the time with our handiwork. I remember looking at Brian standing to my left and him staring at the big studio speakers a bit aghast saying, 'But that's not what I played.'

"Sean Beavan and I were not in any way tring to mess with Brian, we just did what we do and then try and do our best to stand up for our decisions."

Q: Axl, are you still thinking of suing Dr Pepper's ass?

Axl: "Sure, but the actions taken so far had nothing to do with me and I was taken off guard as I had specifically told our team, 'Who fucking cares?! Right now we have a record to deal with.' My feelings are after their public response. It was cute. Maybe the guy who got it rolling originally meant well, but it turned out sour and maybe it's just me, but he seems like maybe he wants a bit too much attention so..."

Q: When [is] the [Guns N' Roses] online shop opening?

Axl: "I haven't been involved much in any of our merch and the reasons are it's been a mess legally for years. Unbeknownst to most of you, I was recently sued again by [former Guns N' Roses members] Duff [McKagan] and Slash for some murky Merckiness that I was unaware and not involved in. Fortunately that was resolved but it got ugly and took a while going into arbitration. Merck shifted our merch from some of our newer styles to incorporating more of the old with some scam that actually and surprisingly lost sales in comparison but that's old news. What I look forward to is incorporating the new artwork into our merch and getting some for myself. I think you'll like a lot of it. My vote's for the 'How Are You' grenade and the 'Sorry' automatic rifle artwork on shirts, etc."

Q: How do you feel about artists covering your songs ?

Axl: "Depends, but in general it's great."

Q: I know this is jumping the gun big time, but any tentative idea when you would like to see the next CD come out?

Axl: "No, maybe same bat time, same bat channel next year but we'll have to see."

Q: Is there anything in the past that you have now looked back on and thought, "Maybe I could have handled that differently?" Also, what are your ongoing hopes for Guns N' Roses in the future? I have cyclothemia and sometimes get this feeling that I can't be around people and need my own space and area. How do you find the bipolar affect you, if you don't mind me asking, that is?

Axl: "Of course, but in the world of sports and litigation....

"I've not been diagnosed as being bipolar though many misconstrue statements I made earlier as alluding to such and unfortunately there's been an abundance of misguided or unqualified speculation of various events but I definitely can relate to needing my own space.

"In my world, all bipolar means (and not to offend or make light of those suffering from a genuine condition or involved with those who are) is that someone can try to take cheap uneducated shots or try to claim I'm bipolar thus justifying why they should get paid a financial settlement for whatever nonsense they're up to. Fortunately that hasn't proved successful."

Q: What is your honest opinion on why the old lineup disintegrated? What is your honest opinion on why it took so long for "Chinese Democracy" to come out? I think that's what most people want to know but dare not ask.

Axl: "Two great but complicated questions, and I agree that people would like to know at least my take on things. Not avoiding them here, but they deserve more than I can give, as we've been at this a little while. But I'm attempting to speak out on several issues, these being a major focus over the coming weeks and months. What I can say now is you've been told a lot of things in order for others to promote themselves that factually they cannot back up in regard to either. They are complicated legally, financially and have devoured a good portion of my life.

"The record 'Chinese Democracy' you may have is nothing short of a miracle in almost each and every way that either it or I exist, in my opinion, under the bizarre and ugly conditions of the last over 15 years."

Q: I am curious as to your relationship with Mickey Rourke. He's one of my favourite actors, and I saw an interview with him recently where he said you were kind enough to give him songs for "The Wrestler". My question is: how long do you and Mickey go back, and do you have any interesting stories from "back in the day?" You guys strike me as being pretty similar in a lot of ways (I mean, as far as personalities and what you've been through in your lives) and it's cool for me to see two of my pop culture "heroes," for lack of better description, being friends, and also making similarly timed "comebacks." (Or whatever you want to call it.)

Axl: "Mickey and I haven't really hung much but have a lot of mutual friends over the years. He's always been massively supportive. I've always been a big fan of his as well. It's probably better for both of us we didn't hang directly back in the day!!"

Q: Hey, Axl, is Mickey going to pay you back for letting them use "Sweet Child O' Mine" in "The Wrestler" by starring in a new Guns video?

Axl: "Actually, Mickey agreed to play The Shackler if we were to make a vid for [the song 'Shackler's Revenge']."

Q: Axl, have you been in contact with [original Guns N' Roses drummer] Steven Adler at all? Not as far as playing with him or anything, just to, like, lend him support? [Adler appeared this year on the reality television show "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" during an attempt to get off drugs. He was subsequently arrested in Los Angeles on July 18, after someone called police to report he was causing a disturbance.]

Axl: "I do wish Steven the best and in my heart hope that he finds some peace and security. As far as direct contact, no. It, unfortunately, gets too messy too quick. In Steven's mind, I'm the one who holds the keys and power over his happiness, so I'm the bad guy pretty quickly."

Q: Axl, why did you change [the title of the "Chinese Democracy" track] "The Blues" to "Street Of Dreams"?

Axl: "'The Blues' was my first working title and I was never comfortable with it in the sense that I felt that should be used with a bluesier-based song. And here in Hollywood, with the Walk Of Fame, etc., I had always seen that imagery in my head when I think of it. I also like the idea of the song having, in effect, two titles."

Q: Axl, I would like to know why you avoid the press so much. I think it's definitely hurting album sales, I mean, you haven't even done one interview. I know for sure you'd be able to get a few magazine covers. So why don't you? Why be such a hermit/recluse?

Axl: "That's your opinion and it very well could be true. What I have to say a lot of people have no desire to hear."

Q: Thanks for playing "Rocket Queen" in Melbourne. The red bike was awesome.

Axl: "I think it's in the 'Better' vid. Not sure if we cut it."

Q: I have one question for you, Axl. What is stopping the fans from seeing you Slash, Duff and Izzy back on stage together?

Axl: "You've been lied to and misled for such a long time that sorting through all that here is virtually impossible. A lot will come out over time, but the truth has been out there for a long time as well but that doesn't give you what you want, so this dance just goes on and on."

Duff McKagan DVD - Behind the Player, lessons and interview!

admin — 2008-12-09T11:30:09Z

Behind the Player series recently released a title for Duff McKagan from Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver.

Behind the Player series recently released a title for Duff McKagan from Velvet Revolver.

Click here to view webpage that has a bunch of video, pictures, ads and a flash widget that you can drop into your site, MySpace or Facebook .... :

Site: http://behindtheplayer.com//media/duff_media.htm

Check it out when you have a chance...Pass it around.

Part of the proceeds from the DVD goes to Little Kids Rock, a charity that gets instruments to underprivileged kids and teaches them how to play metal songs.

The Biggest and Best Chinese Democracy review you will read ... [PART 2, Chinese Democracy: The Songs]

admin — 2008-12-04T18:34:12Z

PART 1 Guns N' Roses: The Band
PART 2 Chinese Democracy: The Songs

Let's run through each of the album's tracks for an encapsulation of the highlights of Chinese Democracy:

[PART TWO - CHINESE DEMOCRACY: THE SONGS]

Chinese Democracy – A crying guitar sound intermingled with whispering voices merges with plucking guitar notes until the song's unmistakable theme riff kicks in. This track was written by Rose and Freese. Rose omits an ear-splitting scream as the tension builds, exploding into a powerhouse sound that well rivals the introduction to “Welcome To The Jungle,” from the group's debut. Rose's vocals are double-tracked, with a falsetto snarl taking a backseat to more subdued, cynical, baritone tongue lashings. Drummer Ferrer and bassist Stinson form a solid backbone for this song, providing plenty of thunder to support guitar tracks from Tobias, Finck, Buckethead, Fortus and Thal. Finck nails a crying, bending solo with Buckethead responding with a ripping, stuttering lead. The sound here is unmistakably GN'R, angst-laden and aggressive. An excellent choice to kick off the album.

Shackler's Revenge – This song is, in name, a sequel the song “Shackler,” a previous recording by Buckethead, written by himself and Bootsy Collins of Parliament fame. An odd, off-tempo rhythm that's driving and funky powers the song's verse sections and main themes. Rose's vocals are double-tracked, but the upfront presence here is a low-toned, foreboding vocal that provides a strong counterbalance to the menacing, urgent vocalizations during the chorus. As the singer growls, “I've got an itchy finger, and there'll be Hell to pay, I'm gonna pull the trigger and blow them all away,” the mood is consistent with the dangerous, edgy vibe we've come to expect from the band's more intense offerings. A disco beat is offered by drummer Brain during the track's pre-chorus as the intensity builds and Rose's disdain shows through in his lyrics. The most dramatic part of the track is the breakdown right before the solo, where Ron Thal rips a tremolo-powered lead that is both fluid and articulate before entering a smoking section of Van Halen-style finger-tapping and violent whammy-bar action as the song's chorus kicks back in at full strength. “Shackler's Revenge” is patently unique and utterly rocking.

Better – When the demos of Chinese Democracy first leaked, “Better” was the most fleshed out tune. As a result, it quickly became quite popular. The overall sound is a very different one for GN'R. Robin Finck was a major part of the uniqueness here, with crying wah guitars complimenting the off-beats from Brain. The track's pre-chorus is ethereal, but when the chorus kicks in, things become vividly heavy. This is a track that rarely repeats itself, instead exploring a variety of riffs and tempos. It's one of the most complex tracks on the record in terms of style and substance. Axl's vocals vary from an introverted, childlike voice to a surly growl to a pissed-off rant, traversing a broad spectrum of vocal emotions. Near the middle of the track, the guitars kick into high gear, offering one of the heaviest passages we've ever heard on a Guns N' Roses record. Buckethead nails a killswitch-tapping, ripper of a lead, while Robin Finck contributes a soulful, tasty solo filled with heart. At times this track is convoluted and intense, during others it's chilly and distant. A definite highlight on the album.

Street Of Dreams – The sound of “Street Of Dreams,” known to die-hard fans as “The Blues,” is as close to anything on the Use Your Illusion records as you'll hear on Chinese Democracy. It's a great song that brings the grandiosity of “November Rain” and “Estranged” to mind. Rose offers a quivering, impassioned vocal, singing the track's thoughtful lyrics with a tone that is both forlorn and heartbroken. Reed plays his heart out on this track in a stellar performance. As the track builds to a crescendo, Rose moves his vocal register higher, leading to a resonating, vibrato-injected coda. It's the orchestral overtones of this track, provided by both Buckmaster and Beltrami that provide the proverbial icing on the cake. Near the end of the track, the instrumentation is breathtaking. Costanzo and Rose did an excellent job of capturing the familiar GN'R guitar sound on this track. As the verses are supported by a pulsing, walking Stinson bass line, Robin Finck delivers a guitar solo that should cast away any doubts Slash could be replaced in this band. One of the standout tracks on the album for both its composition and its memorable nature.

If The World – A Middle-eastern flavor permeates this slinking, sultry rock track, written by Rose and Pitman. Buckethead contributes a pointed, biting solo here that fits the vibe of the track perfectly. While the guitars on this track are heavy in tone, the way they're presented is in no way overbearing. It's the signature vocal delivery of Rose that makes this one work as a GN'R tune. Without his presence, this song would have a completely different aura altogether. Having said that, “If The World” is one of the most unique songs in the GN'R catalog to date.

There Was A Time - “It was a long time for you, it was a long time for me, it'd be a long time for everyone...” Here's a track that is considerably broad in scope, with a fierce chorus and an irresistible hook. A mellotron offering by Pitman amplifies the theatrical personality of the track, while the piano of Tobias foretells the dramatic melodic orchestrations later in the song. Finck and Buckethead each dole out blistering leads amidst a six guitar symphony that's layered together seamlessly. These leads are possibly the greatest on the entire record – well-written and injected with an enormous dose of feeling. Rose's vocals are some of the best of his career on this number. The lyrics are very personal to him and it's apparent the singer really means each and every word he is singing. He doubles his vocals during the chorus with a very dark, bitter voice that's almost evil-sounding. The outro to this track is spell-binding, and Buckethead's performance is completely inhuman. This song will be remembered as one of Guns N' Roses best.

Catcher In The Rye – This track features a rollicking rhythm that's very Beatles-influenced. Stinson's bass line really stands out during the entire song, while the guitars are sprawling and intensely melodic. One of the most interesting parts of this tune is the breakdown, where the keyboards bring the dynamics of the theme into focus, bridging the song parts with a distinctly unique atmosphere. Axl performs a sprightly piano as the song winds down, while Brain holds everything together with a taut, snappy beat. Thal and Finck each solo here, holding closely to the song's deeply euphonic feel. Finck's lead resounds in a flurry of twisted, fluttering notes as Rose's thoughtful singing carries the track to finalization. One of the most mature sounding pieces on Chinese Democracy.

Scraped – Parts of this rocker recall Appetite For Destruction more closely than any other on Chinese Democracy. The introduction is very reminiscent of Queen, while the main theme is mid-tempo in nature. Rose's vocals are upfront and snidely, yet the bulk of the lyrics are very positive in nature. This song is a finger in the eye to detractors, while offering listeners a sense of hopefulness. Once again, Thal and Buckethead offer twin solos, the former being a swirling spiral of fretboard manipulation, the latter a loose, resonating siren of distortion. Hands down, this is one of the most assertively intense tracks on the record.

Riad N' The Bedouins – Somewhat of a cross between AFD feel and that of the more up-tempo tracks on Use Your Illusion, “Riad N' The Bedouins” has progressed a great deal since we first heard the song back in 2001. An cold, mechanized introduction gives way to a Robert Plant-style vocal melody by Rose. Glistening guitar fills make this cut sparkle, while the lurching main riff drives the track with a poignant sense of urgency. Thal contributes the song's main guitar solo, which is positively manic, while Buckethead adds in an insane, disjointed bout of tapping and squealing into to the song's final chorus. Rose's vocals on this track cut through the mix like a knife as he wails over the fray. Rolling poly-rhythms by Brain lapse into a stuttering kick beat as Tobias, Finck and Thal offer a layered wall of guitars, from weighty chugging to scratchy punk-funk. Panic and paranoia are the order of the day, and this story has a happy ending.

Sorry – An uncharacteristic turn that ends up as being very successful in the context of this record. A shimmering, underwater-sounding guitar tone complements the acoustic guitar work of Robin Finck. Tempo-wise, this track is slow, moving at a BPM most often associated with doom metal, but the overall vibe more closely matches that of Pink Floyd. Buckethead offers a very bluesy solo that recalls a mixture of Jimmy Page and David Gilmour. Singer Sebastian Bach contributes vocals on several parts of the track, and is most prominent on the line “...you don't know who in the Hell to, or not to believe.” It's a heavy song in the context of the tempo, with open, ringing chords and smooth, passing licks that emphasize the turnarounds. Keyboards by Pitman and Scaruto give this track an eerie vibe, while lines like “You know where to put your 'just shut up and sing” provides all the evidence needed to understand Axl's frame of mind when penning the lyrics for this song.

I.R.S – Yes, Axl did indeed eventually need to call the F.B.I, but not on his pal DJ Eddie Trunk when Mike Piazza first leaked this track on his radio program. “I.R.S,” in demo form, has the distinct privilege of being the first Internet leak to appear on the Billboard charts. It was our first real taste of Chinese Democracy. The song has evolved somewhat since the early demos, yet still retains its original feel. Here, Rose issues his trademark bitter rasp, croons with a smooth presence and issues one of his best screams on the record. Profusely dynamic, the song variates between laid-back, mellow reverberations and bombastic, crushing power chords. The original guitars played by Tobias are for the most part, intact – but the overlays by Bumblefoot make this song even more of a powerhouse than before. An instant favorite of many listeners, this track is solid as a rock.

Madagascar – An epic, sprawling tune featuring a subdued, distant introduction emphasized by the French horns of Suzy Katayama, that's among the most memorable sequences on the record. This tune is simply haunting. When Axl howls “Forgive them tear down my soul, and bless them that they might grow old, and free them so that they may know that it's never too late,” he sounds withdrawn and frigid. One of the standout points of this cut is the array of vocal samples assembled by Rose, drawing quotations from “Mississippi Burning,” “Cool Hand Luke” (the same sample as we heard in “Civil War' from Use Your Illusion, “What we've got here...is...failure to communicate”), “Casualties Of War,” “Braveheart,” “Seven,” and quotes from two speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King. Along with the album's title track, the song is one of the largest political statements Rose has made in his career. This one has been a staple of the band's live set since the debut of the revamped lineup. Buckmaster's orchestration is noting short of brilliant, providing the track with a tone that is purely chilling. Buckethead executes a subliminal, yet majestic-sounding lead. “Madagascar” is an ambitious, fascinating work that strongly appeals the listener's attention.

This I Love – A hauntingly beautiful cut that highlights the ability of Rose to craft simple, yet deeply resonating music. This song begins, using minimalist overtones, with Rose singing while accompanying himself on piano. It's this snippet of the record that lets us in closer to the heart of Rose than we've ever been before. Underneath his street-wise, cocky, “King Dick” exterior, this man has a bigger heart than we've ever imagined. He's a hopeless romantic. He values love and the relationships where he's felt that emotion the strongest, more than anything else in his life. “This I Love” validates such a sentiment. This is the kind of song that makes girls cry instantly when they hear it. It expresses feelings most anyone can relate to. The raw, honest sensations exhibited in this song tear down all of his multi-millionaire mega-superstar persona and shows the man for exactly what he really is, a caring, tender person. The orchestration on this track is nothing short of tear-jerking and Rose's performance on piano is a splendid testament to his adept musical ability. Robin Finck delivers a passionate solo that lifts the song up into the stratosphere, before a longing, saddened Rose pulls the music back down to Earth in the track's closing moments. Alluring and sublime, “This I Love” is Rose's most captivating love song to date. Ndlr - click here to watch an exclusive This I Love video

Prostitute – A fitting closer, this song once again highlights Rose's piano talent, while his vigorous vocals during the choruses underline the weight of the track. “Ask yourself, why would I choose to prostitute myself? To live with fortune and shame...” A profound statement. Once again, Buckethead tears through a well-executed solo that releases the tension built up during the course of the song. As the sustaining sounds of synth orchestra and piano fade into the distance, the listener is left with a feeling of awe, as if something greater than anticipated has passed on. A fitting end to a colossal record.

Expectations for this record were unbelievably high. While many have focused on the length of time it has taken for a new Guns N' Roses studio record to see the light of day, most are missing the most important point of the wait. Rose knew that he would not be able to issue any new studio material with a revamped lineup until the music was indeed perfect. The legacy of Guns N' Roses has been a great one and to offer anything that was not simply excellent in every context would have been not only a colossal mistake in terms of the band's legacy, but a major disappointment to the millions of GN'R fans around the world. Rose could have easily completed a single album almost a decade ago, but considering the sheer amount of personnel involved in the recording process, the fact that at least two more albums worth of material are still in the can and the band leader's insistence on releasing top-quality material that would stand the test of time as being classic music, the exaggerated wait for a new record is understandable.

Chinese Democracy recaptures the sort of immensity present in albums such as “Led Zeppelin IV,” Pink Floyd's “Dark Side Of The Moon” and Beatles' “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.” While the Guns N' Roses debut, Appetite For Destruction, rests at the top of the charts in terms of best-selling records of all time, Chinese Democracy is broader in scope and features much more masterful songwriting. To consider this record as anything other than exceptional belies either disingenuous political posturing or extremely poor insight as to what great music truly is. Chinese Democracy is a record for the ages. It's one that will outlive the memory of that of each and every contemporary competitor for decades to come.

Chinese Democracy is nothing short of a masterpiece.

The Biggest and Best Chinese Democracy review you will read ... [PART 1, Guns N' Roses The Band]

admin — 2008-12-03T22:30:32Z

In consideration of the short length of time Chinese Democracy has been available, it has garnered a minimum of one hundred spins through my home stereo. While it is both arrogant and unrealistic to believe that one could possibly do proper justice to a record so long in the making by reviewing it after such brief familiarity, please understand that this reviewer has taken in this epic piece of art with all objectivity. For many of us Guns N' Roses is so much more than a rock band. It is an idea, it is a special feeling. It is a treasured memory and finally, it is a love thought lost once again recaptured. Yes, I am a Guns N' Roses fan. One who never believed the classic lineup would be replaceable. One who couldn't imagine the greatest band of my generation could be remade, no matter how ambitious the creative vision. Chinese Democracy has proven to me that Axl Rose, for all of his shortcomings that have been amplified, exaggerated and taken out of context in the media, is one of the most brilliant musical minds of the modern day.

PART 1 Guns N' Roses: The Band
PART 2 Chinese Democracy: The Songs

[PART ONE - GUNS N' ROSES, THE BAND]

Just looking at this record, holding it in your hands and taking in the enormity and significance of a new record from Guns N' Roses is an indescribable feeling. It's utterly amazing. It's real.

Chinese Democracy is no longer a far-off dream that may never come. It's no longer a mythical entity residing in the imagination of millions of fans, it's reality.

Before even listening to the record, the excitement of beholding the cover art and accompanying booklet is almost unbearable. Who would have thought that any Guns N' Roses record would feature a bicycle with a basket on it as the album cover? Although this option was outside the realm of the probable, the photograph has already become an iconic image. Axl Rose first introduced this concept as the record's cover at a performance at the House of Blues in 2001 and has kept with the plan. It's symbolism offers realism to the nth degree when looked upon in the proper context. The images within, including an oil painting entitled “Red Star,” a brilliant piece by Chinese artist Shi Lifeng and deeply symbolic, untitled painting of a smeared red cross by artist Sasha Volkova provide character to this ornate packaging. For many fans, the interior photographs of the band members are the first opportunity they've had to actually see the new band, due to the scarcity of pictures of Guns N' Roses, despite the fact the band has toured extensively since the turn of the century.

Chinese Democracy was recorded and mixed at fourteen studios in total, in Los Angeles at The Village, Rumbo Recorders, Can Am Studios, Woodland Ranch, IGA, Cherokee, Capitol and Sunset Sound, in New York at Battery, Electric Lady, Soundtrack and Bennett House, in Las Vegas at The Palm and finally in London, UK at The Townhouse.

Every great rock record has balance and a consistent flow that holds the attention of the listener from beginning to end. Such qualities are present on Chinese Democracy. As the record moves forward from track to track, the importance of sequencing is quite apparent. On the band's prior studio records, certain songs would stand out as being out of place in relation to the others, especially on Use Your Illusion. Instead, each track of Chinese Democracy is conjoined with the prior track in a way that makes the album a very enjoyable listen from beginning to end. Likewise, there's a great deal of balance to be found on this record. Rose is very sharp about the placement of dynamics and manner in which the ebb and flow of a record creates dramatic effect. Given the time devoted to making each song on the record stand out, it's impossible to feel that you're listening to the same thing repeatedly. Each song has a very distinct personality and the wide combination of sonic flavors on this record merge together like courses of a well-planned meal. In essence, it's everything an album should be, it's a collection of great songs that vary is style, but fit together as one cohesive piece of art.

Let's introduce the players and prime contributors to Chinese Democracy.

: Dizzy Reed, Keyboards [90-]

Dizzy Reed is the main keyboardist of Guns N' Roses and has been a member of the band since 1990. His most important contribution on the record is a rollicking piano performance during the track “Street Of Dreams.” Reed also performs with a solo act known as Hookers N' Blow, a side project the ivory-tickler has been using to keep his live chops well-honed. Reed is also known to perform at Rum Runners, a dueling piano bar with locations in Raleigh, North Carolina and Lansing, Michigan.

: Paul Tobias, Guitar [94-01]

Axl's childhood friend, guitarist Paul “Huge” Tobias, first collaborated with Rose in 1984, penning the songs Guns N' Roses songs “Shadow Of Your Love” and “Back Off Bitch,” prior to the formation of the band's “classic” line-up. He joined Guns N' Roses in 1994 and is featured on the previous tracks “Sympathy For The Devil” and “Oh My God.” He co-wrote four of the tracks on Chinese Democracy. The guitar performances of Tobias are featured on ten of the record's fourteen tracks. He also performs piano on “There Was A Time.” He left the Guns N' Roses lineup in 2001, due to an aversion to touring. Currently, Tobias is a member of the band Mank Rage.

ROBIN FINCK IS THE ONLY GUITARIST CREDITED ON EVERY SONG ON THE RECORD

: Robin Finck, Guitar [97-08]

Robin Finck first joined Guns N' Roses in 1997. The guitarist has been and is currently a touring member of the industrial rock outfit Nine Inch Nails. Finck has also performed with Cirque du Soleil. He is credited with co-writing one song on Chinese Democracy, “Better.” He is the only guitarist credited with playing on every song on the record.

: Josh Freese, Drums [97-00]

Drummer Josh Freese replaced Matt Sorum in 1997. He left Guns N' Roses in 2000, but is responsible for co-authoring the album's title track, Chinese Democracy. Currently, Freese is a member of A Perfect Circle, Devo, The Vandals and a touring member of Nine Inch Nails. He is considered to be one of the busiest session and performing drummers in rock music today and his work appears on an astonishing 146 different records from a wide spectrum of bands and performers.

: Tommy Stinson, Bass [98-00]

Bassist Tommy Stinson has already enjoyed fame as a member of Minneapolis-based The Replacements, a notable alternative rock act started by Tommy and his brother Bob Stinson in 1978, which also featured songwriter Paul Westerberg. The group was best known for its 1989 release, “Don't Tell A Soul.” Stinson is also noted for his performance on a rock version of “All About (The Benjamins)” by Puff Daddy. Stinson released a solo record titled “Village Gorilla Head” in 2004. Stinson is also currently the bassist for the well-known rock outfit Soul Asylum. His deep-in-the-pocket style complements the new music of Guns N' Roses fantastically. He joined the GN'R lineup in 1998.

: Chris Pitman, Multi Instrument [98-]

Multi-instrumentalist Chris Pitman performs a diverse variety of instruments on Chinese Democracy, including keyboards, synthesizers, bass guitars and 12-string guitar. He joined the band as a songwriter, co-producer, instrumentalist and programmer in 1998. Pitman has performed with major rock players Tool, performing synth on that group's Ænima album and touring with the band. His group, Lusk, was nomintated for a Grammy award in 1997. Pitman also also done studio work with famed rap producer Dr. Dre. He plays a very wide variety of instruments as well as being involved in the art community. Pitman founded “Priory of the North,” a Los Angeles-based conceptual art organization. As an artist, Pitman has worked with mediums such as oil painting and lithographs. His contribution to the Guns N' Roses has been somewhat understated to this point. Pitman's involvement on Chinese Democracy is nothing short of exceptional.

BUCKETHEAD, MUSIC'S MOST ENIGMATIC GUITARIST

: Buckethead, Guitar [00-04]

Perhaps rock music's most enigmatic guitarist, Brian “Buckethead” Carroll has twenty-four solo studio albums to his credit as well as notable guest appearances on a plethora of records with many different artists. A notable session musician, Buckethead has contributed to several movie soundtracks and performed as a member of various bands, most notably, Praxis. Recognized for wearing a Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket on his head and a theater mask whenever in a public setting, Buckethead's visual persona is remarkably bizarre to say the least. He speaks to the public only through a hand puppet. His on-stage repertoire includes working nunchaku and performing the dance known as “The Robot.” The guitarist is well known for his musical diversity. Buckethead joined the Guns N' Roses lineup in 2000 and remained a member until 2004.

: Brain, Drums [00-06]

Drummer Bryan “Brain” Mantia has formed an impressive resume, having played with Limbomaniacs, Praxis, Godflesh, Serj Tankian, Buckethead and most notably, Primus, outside of Guns N' Roses. He joined the GN'R lineup in 2000. Brain is a studious player and has produced an instructional video titled “Shredding Repis on the Gnar Gnar Rad.” He has talked extensively about the overwhelming nature of learning the Chinese Democracy tracks, but his performances on the record are exceptional. He is credited with the co-writing of two songs from Chinese Democracy, “Shackler's Revenge,” and “Sorry.”

Pete Scaturro is listed as co-writer on two of the songs on Chinese Democracy: “Sorry” and “Shackler's Revenge.” Previously, Scaturro was a member of Limbomaniacs and has also recorded with Chris Issak, William Burroughs and Buckethead. He plays keyboards on “Sorry,” but has never been an official member of the band.

: Richard Fortus, Guitar [02-]

Richard Fortus, who closely resembles AFD-era Izzy Stradlin in terms of visual appearance, joined Guns N' Roses in 2002, replacing Tobias in the band's official lineup. Previously, Fortus has been a member of The Psychedelic Furs, an English new wave band, and Love Spit Love. Recently, Fortus has performed with X Japan and Rhianna. His guitar tracks are included on five Chinese Democracy songs. ----

: Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, [06-]

Recommended to Axl Rose by famed guitar instructor Joe Satriani, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal began performing live with Guns N' Roses two months after joining the group in 2006. As a solo artist, Thal has performed a variety of styles such including lounge music, nu metal and shred. He is prominently featured on Chinese Democracy, even though the album was for the most part, completed when he joined the group. His live performances of “Don't Cry” as a solo garnered major fan reactions on the band's 2006 world tour. Thal is known for his eclectic collection of custom guitars. His unique Vigier Bumblefoot guitar is shaped like a foot, but painted to resemble a bee. Wings extend from the sides of this guitar when Thal presses the tremolo bar. A skilled lead during the track “Shackler's Revenge,” performed by Thal, should prove to be incredibly difficult for players of the Rock Band 2 video game to conquer.

: Frank Ferrer, Drums [06-]

Frank Ferrer joined Guns N' Roses on tour in 2006 as an emergency replacement for Brain. Rose announced Ferrer is an official member of Guns N' Roses in October 2006 during the band's US tour. Ferrer is a member of The Psychedelic Furs and has performed as a guest with Tool, and toured with Doro Pesch. Ferrer's hard-hitting style is a strong match for the sound of the group. His playing is featured on five songs on Chinese Democracy.

Eric Caudieux is a keyboardist and guitarist who has recorded and performed with Joe Satriani. He is credited with Pro Tools engineering and additional production on Chinese Democracy. He performs sub drums on the track “This I Love,” and assisted in creation of the introduction to the record's title track.

Patti Hood plays harp on the track “This I Love.” She is a harp therapist who has recorded and toured with Lusk, recorded with Jon Anderson (singer of the band Yes,) and worked with Disney.

Suzi Katayama is a multi-instrumentalist who has also recorded with The Corrs and P.O.D. She performs French horns on the track “Madagascar.” She is also credited with choir and horn arrangements on the track “This I Love.”

An arranger and composer who has extensively collaborated with Elton John, Paul Buckmaster has worked with a diverse variety of artists including Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Carly Simon, Stevie Nicks and Celine Dion. He is credited with orchestra and orchestral arrangements on four songs on Chinese Democracy.

Lauded for his work in film scores, Marco Beltrami is credited with orchestra or orchestral arrangements on five songs on Chinese Democracy. He is credited with an extensive list of film scores including Scream, Terminator III and Live Free Or Die Hard. His score for the film 3:10 To Yuma earned an Academy Award nomination and ironically, included a track named “Chinese Democracy.”

Best known for his extensive production work with Queen, Roy Thomas Baker is credited with additional production and preproduction on Chinese Democracy. The studio veteran has worked with a wide variety of artists including Nazareth, Ozzy Osbourne, The Cars, Motley Crue and Smashing Pumpkins.

Caram Costanzo is co-producer of Chinese Democracy, along with Rose. He is credited with co-writing two songs on the record, “Scraped,” and “Shackler's Revenge.” Costanzo has engineered records by some of rock music's top artists, including Rage Against The Machine, Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots.

Axl Rose still has a amazing voice.

: W. Axl Rose, Vocals

Axl Rose still has a amazing voice. During the band's previous era, he was undoubtedly one of the most recognizable front men in all of rock music. His vocal presence has been unmistakable, inimitable and nearly unmatchable within the rock spectrum. In the here and now, his mastery of singing has improved to an even higher degree. On Chinese Democracy, Rose shows an even greater amount of vocal control than in the past. These tracks sound very well-rehearsed and each recording captures the intense passion and heartfelt emotion the singer intends to convey. It's the personal connection between the vocalist and the lyrics that he's singing that gives these songs a realness and sense of genuine honesty that few in the rock business exhibit. Whether Rose is uttering a bottom register, cautious tone as during “Shackler's Revenge,” or belting his trademark, piercing wail as during the final moments of the record's closer, “Prostitute,” he exudes a presence that amplifies his lyrical intentions. The effect resonates powerfully with the listener. While Rose was kind enough to complement pop diva Christina Aguilera on her vocal prowess, Rose deserves an equal amount of affection from the public-at-large for his stunning and show-stopping performances on Chinese Democracy. Rose also performs piano, keyboards, synthesizers, and guitar on the record.

end of part one READ PART TWO, CHINESE DEMOCRACY, THE SONGS

Exclusive Old Guns N' Roses videos from 1987 to 1993 (Robert John Home Videos!)

admin — 2008-12-03T13:21:24Z

Very rare videos of Axl, Slash, Duff and all the band from the good ol' days.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ALL THE VIDEOS ON JOOST

Photographer ROBERT JOHN Comments On GUNS N' ROSES 'Home Movies' Channel - Dec. 3, 2008 Almost 14 years after "Appetite for Destruction" and "Use Your Illusion", music photographer Robert John, known for his work as the exclusive photographer for GUNS N' ROSES during the height of their career, has forged a content partnership through Dark Moon Entertainment with Joost, a global web video service whose broadcasts feature television, film, and music programming via the Internet. The My GNR Home Movies channel is available at this location.

"Because I was so close to GUNS N' ROSES, I had access others didn't — as we did everything together. When I wasn't shooting photos for GUNS on tour, I would take out the video camera on downtime and capture the daily activities and antics on the road, more for memory's sake than anything," explains Robert. “The main thing fans ask me is, 'What are they like in real life?' I think My GNR Home Movies channel on Joost will give fans an inside look at the unique personalities in the GUNS camp, and what it is like to be friends with them. I'm starting out with just a few clips with interpreted details of my memories from each moment in time, and plan to add more content later. I held on to my video diaries for the past 14 years and, aside from a few glimpses on television, fans have never seen the majority of my GNR footage. So, this will be a real treat and I'm excited to share it with them. Also, I plan to launch other channels with other bands I work with in coming months, so check it out and stay tuned."

Joost launched its Flash-based web video service in October and features a number of social tools that are designed to help people communicate with each other, to navigate through more than 46,000 video assets and to integrate user expression directly into the service. A Joost application is also available for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Danny Passman, global head of programming at Joost, said, "Joost is about providing a full experience for fans — and Robert John's GUNS N' ROSES home movies are a perfect example of how we're doing that. It's not just about the music videos, it's a behind-the-scenes look at the artists — and letting fans express their passion through groups and interaction. Oh, and for me, I just can't get enough of Axl Rose doing ballet."

from roadrunnerrecords.com//blabbermouth.net

New THIS I LOVE Video clip from Gunsnroses.us

admin — 2008-11-29T16:56:53Z

THIS I LOVE (rose) 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ippByzHNiGg

Anna Karina in, Alphaville, Bande à Part, Vivre Sa Vie.

Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" production is top quality, ends Loudness War.

admin — 2008-11-27T13:12:15Z

The Loudness Wars are over. The tide has turned. The massive backlash against the crushed, distorted sound of Metallica's Death Magnetic has had exactly the impact we all wanted. Want proof ? Guns 'n' Roses' new CD, "Chinese Democracy", has been mastered by industry legend Bob Ludwig, who offered the label three versions, and they chose the most dynamic version.

And what about "Chinese Democracy" ? One of the most expensive and anticipated rock albums in recent years ? Against all expectations, it has been produced and mastered with dynamics, punch and power. The average A-weighted RMS loudness is around -16 dBFS, and as a result it "jumps out of the speakers" at you in a way "Death Magnetic" never will. Check out a preview of the first track on Last.fm - listen to the way the guitars pile in at 1'26" and then again at 2'10" and then again at 3'36" - you just can't achieve that kind of buzz and build with an RMS of -4 dB.

Here are some predictions for "Chinese Democracy": It will sell by the bucket-load (head?!) even though it hasn't been smashed to hell No-one will complain that it's too quiet It will sound fantastic (and loud) on the radio, because it's dynamic and punchy No-one will start a petition to have a crushed and distorted re-release made Hats off to Bob and the team behind Guns 'n' Roses, and here's to a future of better-sounding music.

READ FULL POST ON mastering-media.blogspot.com