Enigmatic and unpredictable Axl Rose, whose distinctive voice has sung words he writes from the heart and streets for Guns N' Roses, broke his media silence to answer questions supplied by Billboard.com this month (February, 2009).
Continuing to surprise his followers, he emailed responses to the music site despite considering it to have been biased against him in the past. His answers included his thoughts on the making of the Chinese Democracy album, the band's plans, whether there would be any reunions, and his relationship with the media.
Axl Rose on the Fifteen Year Wait for New Guns N' Roses Material
When questioned on the long length of time it took for Chinese Democracy to be completed Rose emphasised the complexity of the recording process and the difficulty they had finding suitable musicians and producers.
Rose also blamed their record company, Interscope, for mixed messages and a lack of interest.
Guns N' Roses Plans
When asked about Guns N' Roses' plans, Rose declared there were no definite plans to tour, but the Guns team had received numerous offers that had interested and excited them.
Rose also revealed that the members of Guns N' Roses were finalising a video for the song, Better, and MTV were preparing to release a Chinese Democracy version of their Rock Band video game.
On Guns N' Roses Reunions
Rose also wrote that he could see himself working with ex-Guns n' Roses rhythm guitarist, Izzy Stradlin' in the future; either on some songs or playing live together. The two grew up together in Lafayette, Indiana.
Rose would also consider working with ex-Guns n' Roses bassist, Duff McKagan, but couldn't see himself working with any of the other Guns 'alumni'.
On Axl Rose and the Media
When asked why he'd agreed to the interview Rose answered that he'd liked the questions and it was a chance to clear the air.
Having said that, Rose emphasised that he thought Billboard and Reuters, with whom the former have a syndication deal, hadn't treated him or the band well in the past.
Media Bias
Rose accused Reuters of using negative adjectives to produce condescending coverage of Guns N' Roses, and he wondered why the news agency had acted in such an unprofessional manner.
Rose also accused Billboard.com of taking the side of his ex-Guns n' Roses bandmates in the acrimonious war of words that has taken place since the classic Guns line-up split up in the early 1990s.
The full interview is available at billboard
Marc Latham - Doctor of Philosophy and experienced freelance writer searching for truth and meaning, and reporting it in clear and concise copy.
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