Gn'R to Reunite (sort of) and Tour

[KevShmev]

I will give them props for that one.  That song has been covered by like 497 artists, and while I haven't heard them all, Guns N' Roses version is the best I've heard.

[KevShmev]

Some concert they did a few years ago at Hard Rock Casino is on cable right now.  It is shocking how awful Axl Rose sounds.  He literally cannot sing or hold any note worth a damn.  He is basically talking his way through Sweet Child O' Mine.  This is current day Geoff Tate-bad.

[Kotowboy]

I don't know how Axl has any money left. Basically doing nothing for 15 years and costing the label millions to make Chinese Democracy.

[ZKX-2099]

Why do you think hes doing this tour? 

[Kwyjibo]

I don't know how Axl has any money left. Basically doing nothing for 15 years and costing the label millions to make Chinese Democracy.

You said it yourself, he's "costing the label" not himself 

[Kotowboy]

I don't know how Axl has any money left. Basically doing nothing for 15 years and costing the label millions to make Chinese Democracy.

You said it yourself, he's "costing the label" not himself 

Which they will claim back off him. Labels don't spend money they don't intend to get back.

[Kwyjibo]

I think that's normally the case, but then there are artists over whom the labels fight to get the right to shove an insane amount of money down the artists's throat. And then the labels hope that they can sell enough records to justify their money spending.

Don't know if that's the case with Axl but it wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't have to pay something back.

[mikeyd23]

I went to the show in Pittsburgh last night, some thoughts...

Heinz Field (where the Steelers play) holds about 65,000. I'd guess there were maybe 40,000 or so there. Basically, the floor was full, the lower bowl was full (except behind the stage where tickets weren't sold), but the upper deck was only seated in about 1/4 of the stadium, the sections directly viewing the stage. So, it definitely wasn't sold out or anything. From what I see, bigger markets are getting 2 shows (NYC, Chicago, etc...) so I guess there's a demand in bigger cities which is great.

Wolfmother was the opener, I not only missed their set, I didn't even see their gear on stage by the time I got through security and got to my seat. I literally have no clue if they even played, by the time I could see the stage, it was set for GnR.

GnR went on around 8:45 and played until 11:15ish. Really, really good show. Just a great rock show, it was loose when it needed to be with extended solos, jamming on intros or outros, but it was also tight when it needed to be in regards to arrangements, song transitions, etc...

The sound was okay, I was in the upper deck of a football stadium, so you can't really assume a pristine mix or anything like that. Axl sounded pretty good, shaky here and there, had a rough time transitioning his voice between different registers sometimes, but the grit and high stuff was there, he went for everything.

Slash, without question, stole the show. Unbelievable guitar player. I'll be the first to admit I'm a big Slash fan and I'll also be the first to admit he certainly is not the most technically-proficient guitarist, but man, he is jaw-dropping good to see live. Perfect example of a player that gets a certain sound simply from his hands.

Overall, great rock show, good stage production, pyro, fireworks, the whole nine yards. I'd highly recommend this tour to any and all fans of the band.

[Jester]

I guess this is the more recent Guns N Roses thread, so I'll post here.

Is there anybody else that doesn't understand the hate for Chinese Democracy?  Not only don't I hate the album, I love it.

Chinese Democracy
Better
If the World
There was a Time
Scraped
Riad N the Bedouins
IRS
Madagascar
Prostitute

I love every single one of these songs.  That's nine songs that I find stellar on one album.  That rarely happens for me.  And they didn't have to grow on me.  Loved them all on first listen.

[Anguyen92]

I think if this was advertised as an Axl Rose solo band project, the album wouldn't get that much backlash.  There was so many things that went against the album.  The amount of years it took before it finally was released, the fact that Slash was not on it, the fact that this project costed like $14 million dollars.  The expectations was too much for the album to overcome.

As the album for itself, I think it's an "ok" album.  Got some fine tunes like Shackler's Revenge, title track, and Better.  Not really an album that I think would warrant this "hatred," but it's not really an album that I would want to revisit at a given moment.  Kinda like Metallica's Hardwired to Self Destruct album for me.  It's a decent/tolerable album to hear, not really a flop of an album, but it's not really an album that I can say I truly enjoyed listening to and would want to listen to it again.

[Jester]

I think if this was advertised as an Axl Rose solo band project, the album wouldn't get that much backlash.  There was so many things that went against the album.  The amount of years it took before it finally was released, the fact that Slash was not on it, the fact that this project costed like $14 million dollars.  The expectations was too much for the album to overcome.

I get the Axl Rose v. Guns thing.  It should have been a solo album (or just a new band name).  But none of that or the other stuff has anything to do with the actual music release.  I know you aren't saying this is "your" view, but the view in general.  Personally, I don't care if a song takes 10 minutes or 10 years to write.

You mention expectations building up to the point that they can't be overcome.  In the Mangini thread it really made me worry that he hasn't been able to "do his thing" beyond "10%" so we are headed for eventual reviews of "we waited 5 albums for the full Mangini touch on a DT album and now that we got it, I want it to go away."  I honestly feel for the guy.  He's kinda being setup for failure because of the phenomenon you bring up.  It isn't that I can't comprehend it, but that I don't understand it.   

But I absolutely love Chinese Democracy.  Much more so than any of the projects the other guys put out prior to regrouping.

[Bolsters]

I'm a big fan of Chinese Democracy.

[mikeyd23]

CD was and still is a mixed bag for me. There are some songs that are great - title track, Better, If the World, etc... but then there are songs that I simply can't listen to...

Also - I agree, if it was called a Rose album it probably would have sat better with me, but there was no way Axl was going to not leverage the massive GnR name.

[Samsara]

"Guns N Roses" last CD was OK. It was an Axl album, and everyone knows it. There is an attitude and swagger with GnR that wasn't present on it, which is due in large part to the major songwriters not being a part of it. I consider it Axl Rose's solo debut, and while GnR will play tracks from it, I only think a handful really are good. It just lacked that distinct swagger that I think is a part of GnR's core sound.

Apparently they are writing songs now, and with Duff and Slash back in the mix, while I don't expect the full on swagger and attitude of Appetite, I do think there will be a balance, which will ultimately put whatever they release higher in my mind than Chi Dem.

After some hesitation, I attended the GnR show in Seattle last August. A friend bought me a ticket to go, which made my decision easier (lol). I am so glad he did. Been a fan like most everyone in my age bracket -- since the debut of Welcome to the Jungle on MTV. Never got to see them, and refused to see them once Axl went out with his replacement band in the early 2000s for the first time. So when it was announced that a partial reunion was happening, I was on the fence. I mean, Axl had not sounded good.

But to my delight and surprise, he sounded very good in Seattle. He's a much better technical singer now than he ever was, and you could tell he took a ton of vocal lessons and was implementing technique all night. The show had a ton of energy, the songs were played well live, and I really enjoyed myself.

While I gave the side eye to some of the Chi Dem stuff being played, I took a different attitude to it -- if Slash and Duff are playing it, and they had input in the setlist (Coma, obviously, was a Slash want), then I'm fine with it. We're (at least those of us in our 40s, and then the band, who are in their 50s) are too old to nitpick that shit. They played well, sounded great, and I walked away from that show telling myself if they come around again, I'll gladly pay to see them perform again. It was better than expected.

Is it the innocent (not so innocent) late 1980s era GnR? The dangerous, gritty band? No. But you can't replicate that. They all have too much money. But they played well, the songs I loved were played (I'm hit and miss on the Illusion records, and they played most of what I enjoy from them), and the gig got me excited about seeing them again and seeing what they come up with in the studio. So as an old fan, I walked away happy.

[bosk1]

Slash ... Perfect example of a player that gets a certain sound simply from his hands.

I can't really call myself a fan anymore, either of GnR generally, or Slash specifically.  I mean, nothing against him, and I don't dislike his playing.  I'm just not a Slash "fan" and never have been.  But I totally get what you are saying.  Interestingly, that is a trend I have noticed with guys that favor Les Pauls and some of the more "classic" old-school guitars.  Not that guys who play any of the other guitar models out there aren't serious players.  There are TONS of great players with great feel and great hands that play other guitars.  But I have definitely noticed that there is a reason certain players gravitate toward LP's, Gibson SG's, strats, and teles.  And it's amazing to see what some of those guys do with minimal or no effects, and just their hands, to get some of the most beautiful, expressive, stylistic guitar playing.  I first really noticed that after watching Dave Meniketti for years, and seeing him almost never go stomp a pedal any of his effects, but instead, sometimes seemingly in between every strum or solo run on a song, quickly reaching down to tweak the volume knobs, the tone knobs, or the pickup toggle, and just knowing exactly what to do with his hands to get so many different sounds and emotions without the need for effects.  Slash's style is very different.  But what he shares in common is that same sort of feel and ability to manipulate his guitar tone and create so much mood and expression with his hands rather than a ton of effects and flashy "tricks."

[Stadler]

Couple things:  I do love Chinese Democracy.   It's not my favorite album of all time, but it's solid, and I enjoyed it for what it was.

Two, I saw the so-called "faux" Guns and Roses in a smaller venue in Philly in 2012 or so (I forget the year) and it SMOKED.  I saw the Use Your Illusion tour as well, and honestly, Rose sounded better in 2012 than he did in 90-whatever.  He played for three plus hours (I left at a little after 2:00 am, and the band was still playing)and it was solid the whole way through.  The only thing I didn't like was DJ Asba wearing a pseudo-top hat and leather pants as he stepped up for the intro to Sweet Child O' Mine and the solo in November Rain. 

I applaud Slash and Duff for playing the CD material.  I hate that Ian Gillan/Ozzy/Dio thing of "not playing the other guy's songs".   Bruce Dickinson sings whatever Harris puts in front of him, and to this day, Maiden still plays Blaze material and Bruce sings the shit out of it.   Hell, when I saw Page and Plant, Plant even sang a "Coverdale Page" song, and also sang the crap out of it.  I think it's the one sign that this may be more than just a cash grab to fund the next Slash/Myles and the Conspirators album.   

[Samsara]

I think it's the one sign that this may be more than just a cash grab to fund the next Slash/Myles and the Conspirators album.

i don't think Slash is doing this to fund the next album with Myles. That band has been extremely successful, and has grown each year they were together. So I agree, this is much more than that, and I don't think that was a goal in the first place.

[bosk1]

I applaud Slash and Duff for playing the CD material.  I hate that Ian Gillan/Ozzy/Dio thing of "not playing the other guy's songs".   Bruce Dickinson sings whatever Harris puts in front of him, and to this day, Maiden still plays Blaze material and Bruce sings the shit out of it.   Hell, when I saw Page and Plant, Plant even sang a "Coverdale Page" song, and also sang the crap out of it.  I think it's the one sign that this may be more than just a cash grab to fund the next Slash/Myles and the Conspirators album.   

...or it could be that Axl just demanded that they play some of the new material because (1) he just likes it; and/or (2) it is easier for him to sing and gives him a nice break; and/or (3) he is still a prima donna and wanted to tweak Slash and Duff just a bit and show who is "really in charge."  I'm not saying that I know any of those factored in, but--well, I'm not sayin', but I'm just sayin'. 

[mikeyd23]

I applaud Slash and Duff for playing the CD material.  I hate that Ian Gillan/Ozzy/Dio thing of "not playing the other guy's songs".   Bruce Dickinson sings whatever Harris puts in front of him, and to this day, Maiden still plays Blaze material and Bruce sings the shit out of it.   Hell, when I saw Page and Plant, Plant even sang a "Coverdale Page" song, and also sang the crap out of it.  I think it's the one sign that this may be more than just a cash grab to fund the next Slash/Myles and the Conspirators album.   

...or it could be that Axl just demanded that they play some of the new material because (1) he just likes it; and/or (2) it is easier for him to sing and gives him a nice break; and/or (3) he is still a prima donna and wanted to tweak Slash and Duff just a bit and show who is "really in charge."  I'm not saying that I know any of those factored in, but--well, I'm not sayin', but I'm just sayin'. 

Probably all that 

I think GnR just released a TON of 2017 tour dates, so it will probably keep the Myles/Slash project on hold for a while, which I have mixed feelings about. On the one hand I love the stuff Slash has been doing with Myles, on the other hand less time with Slash should equal more time for Myles to spend with Alter Bridge.

[Kwyjibo]

Slash has an amazing and very distinctive tone, and a lot has to do with his fingers, but like almost all of the good guitar players he's using much more effects (and amps and guitars, probably custom made or tuned and costing a shit load of money) than you would expect.

Slash's live gear for solo tours:

https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0ahUKEwiOlZCO5-fQAhUErRoKHQOKCy0QFggkMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slashparadise.com%2Fequipment%2Flive-gear-slash-solo-tour.php&usg=AFQjCNHHo9WCp7iap7tjQfCNzJEIIZiukw

[mikeyd23]

Slash has an amazing and very distinctive tone, and a lot has to do with his fingers, but like almost all of the good guitar players he's using much more effects (and amps and guitars, probably custom made or tuned and costing a shit load of money) than you would expect.

Slash's live gear for solo tours:

https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0ahUKEwiOlZCO5-fQAhUErRoKHQOKCy0QFggkMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slashparadise.com%2Fequipment%2Flive-gear-slash-solo-tour.php&usg=AFQjCNHHo9WCp7iap7tjQfCNzJEIIZiukw

That's actually a pretty darn simple rig. It's basically a LP into a Marshall with a few stomp boxes that he only uses for particular spots in particular songs. His rack just has some standard stuff like a power conditioner, wireless unit, etc...

[Stadler]

Slash has an amazing and very distinctive tone, and a lot has to do with his fingers, but like almost all of the good guitar players he's using much more effects (and amps and guitars, probably custom made or tuned and costing a shit load of money) than you would expect.

Slash's live gear for solo tours:

https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0ahUKEwiOlZCO5-fQAhUErRoKHQOKCy0QFggkMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slashparadise.com%2Fequipment%2Flive-gear-slash-solo-tour.php&usg=AFQjCNHHo9WCp7iap7tjQfCNzJEIIZiukw

That's actually a pretty darn simple rig. It's basically a LP into a Marshall with a few stomp boxes that he only uses for particular spots in particular songs. His rack just has some standard stuff like a power conditioner, wireless unit, etc...

HAHA, when you have a three-ring binder, with tabs, that says "Slash Tech Notes", I think "simple" is a relative term.  He's not plugging a stock guitar into a stock amp.   

[Kwyjibo]

That's what I meant. There are rigs out there with a lot more components but Slash's setup is far from just plugging the guitar in and playing. And even then, his guitars and amps are not the budget versions either.

[bosk1]

Slash has an amazing and very distinctive tone, and a lot has to do with his fingers, but like almost all of the good guitar players he's using much more effects (and amps and guitars, probably custom made or tuned and costing a shit load of money) than you would expect.

Slash's live gear for solo tours:

https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0ahUKEwiOlZCO5-fQAhUErRoKHQOKCy0QFggkMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slashparadise.com%2Fequipment%2Flive-gear-slash-solo-tour.php&usg=AFQjCNHHo9WCp7iap7tjQfCNzJEIIZiukw

That's actually a pretty darn simple rig. It's basically a LP into a Marshall with a few stomp boxes that he only uses for particular spots in particular songs. His rack just has some standard stuff like a power conditioner, wireless unit, etc...

HAHA, when you have a three-ring binder, with tabs, that says "Slash Tech Notes", I think "simple" is a relative term.  He's not plugging a stock guitar into a stock amp.   

Eh, nowadays, that's fairly standard.

[mikeyd23]

That's what I meant. There are rigs out there with a lot more components but Slash's setup is far from just plugging the guitar in and playing. And even then, his guitars and amps are not the budget versions either.

Um, there's a big difference between simple and budget. Obviously Slash is not playing budget gear, but honestly, that signal path is pretty simple and straight forward, that's not a bad thing though, I'm just pointing it out.

And also - the binder probably has a lot of detailed information about string gauges, string heights, how those setups differ on different guitars that are set up in different tunings, some of the wiring components of the rigs, etc..etc... That doesn't really make his actual guitar rig simple or complex.

[KevShmev]

I applaud Slash and Duff for playing the CD material.  I hate that Ian Gillan/Ozzy/Dio thing of "not playing the other guy's songs".   Bruce Dickinson sings whatever Harris puts in front of him, and to this day, Maiden still plays Blaze material and Bruce sings the shit out of it.   Hell, when I saw Page and Plant, Plant even sang a "Coverdale Page" song, and also sang the crap out of it.  I think it's the one sign that this may be more than just a cash grab to fund the next Slash/Myles and the Conspirators album.   

...or it could be that Axl just demanded that they play some of the new material because (1) he just likes it; and/or (2) it is easier for him to sing and gives him a nice break; and/or (3) he is still a prima donna and wanted to tweak Slash and Duff just a bit and show who is "really in charge."  I'm not saying that I know any of those factored in, but--well, I'm not sayin', but I'm just sayin'. 

I'm the last person to defend Axl Rose, who to me is the most obnoxious d-bag in the history of rock music, but in this situation, the others have to suck it up.  Whether they like it or not, Guns N' Roses went on without them and you cannot ignore those years. I have said the same thing about Yes, because Steve Howe has all but refused to play stuff from the Rabin years (except for Owner of a Lonely Heart, which he begrudgingly admits they have to play), or Van Halen (I gave props to Hagar for at least singing a few Roth songs per tour in the later 80s and 90s), so I am being consistent here.