As I sit here watching Guns N’ Roses Appetite For Democracy, and with the internet buzz of Axl and Slash making up, I am full thoughts and conjecture.
When Guns hit the scene they were so incendiary I predicted imminent flame out, and was correct. The original five members were an alchemic formula that gave us some iconic music though. Magic happened when those five guys put their talents together. When it all fell apart I was disappointed but not surprised.
Axl, in my opinion became infected with delusions of grandeur which took the chemistry away from the band. I remember reading somewhere that Duff said when he looked across the stage and couldn’t see Slash past the backup singers, keyboards, orchestra and such that he knew it was over.
I, like others, mourned the loss of what could have been another Stones, or Aerosmith rocking us for many years to come.
The demise of Guns was survived well by Slash, Duff, and Izzy, and not so well for Axl and Steven. (remember I’m only talking about the original five).
The breakup gave us Velvet Revolver, Slash’s Snakepit, Izzy Stradlin and the Ju Ju Hounds and Adler’s Appetite all of which I still listen to. They continued to evolve and move in different ways Giving us Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Duff McKagen’s Loaded, The Walking Papers, and Adler.
All the while we waited out the infamous Chinese Democracy from Axl and co. We heard all of the stories of lineup changes and recording shenanigans and waited, and waited, and waited…
When Chinese Democracy finally dropped, so did my jaw. Personally I found the record unlistenable, believe me I tried and tried. There are a couple of ok tracks but that was it for me.
Axl put together to some stellar musicians like Bumblefoot, DJ Ashba, and Richard Fortman and took to the road. Well I am of the opinion that despite the talented players Axl put together, It was nothing but a GN’R cover/tribute band.
I remember having several discussions with peers and friends about the possibility of the reuniting of the original members and at the time I didn’t see it happening.
Now we find out that both Bumblefoot and DJ Ashba have left the band and like I stated earlier, Slash and Axl have reportedly made up.
We have seen Duff and Izzy make appearances with GN’R and Steven has said he would play with GN’R again.
I am now of the opinion that an reunion is in the making but I don’t think it would last. While we could only hope that some new music and a tour with the original five would happen, I think the old demons would surface and end it all in finality.
Just some thoughts on the current GN’R stuff.
it’s loud, it’ dirty, it’s Guns N’ Fuckin’ Roses!!!
-the Hellion
the Hellion Rocks 