ARCHIVES NEWS GUNS N' ROSES > Toutes les archives des actus et infos sur GN'R depuis 2001 !

Nous vivons un moment historique, anthologique, légendaire, mythique, épique, mes amis ! Alors que les journalistes du monde entier demandent à Axl Rose quelques mots en interview, le chanteur de Guns N' Roses passe littéralement des heures à répondre aux questions des fans du groupe sur les forums internationaux.

Axl a remis ça aujourd'hui (dans la nuit aux USA) ! Il parle désormais avec les fans et répond à leurs questions sur le forum ChineseDemocracy.com. Voici la transcription des questions et réponses (les premières traductions sont en bas de la news) :


fan:
Axl if under assumption you tour the UK again will you be going back to Newcastle? despite the last time one prick there throwing pound coins about. I was there that night in 2006 and it would be a shame for the next tour not to stop there because of one idiot out of thousands (althouh I'm sure it's a lot more complicated then that and down to promotors).

axl:
That wouldn't stop us from playing there again. And the whole throwing shit sucks and is pretty cowardly but the leaving I got at Donnington from Lemmy. When we 1st played Donnington I was so happy I had knocked a bottle of piss out of the air when Lemmy gave me a lecture how if another band got hurt because I allowed people to throw things at our shows I'd be responsible for other bands getting hurt. Whether real or there's an argument against that, I've never been able to have anything override that in my head, not even a riot and I don't know why.

If you're working hard and some cunt throws something so he can tell his buddies I don't see where it's worth it


fan:
Hi Axl, is Silkworms on the next record? It's a masterpiece.

axl:
has a lot of guitars, lots of different drum work, the chorus is gone


fan:
Hey axl glad you could make it shame i cant stay for long as im going to to see bumblefoot in an hour but welcome to the board. Any message for Ron while im there?

axl:
Say hi! He's got a lot more experience at this than I do


fan:
just wondering if there truly was a rap song with shaq on it that you recorded? this is one of the many rumours flying aroudn since this albums conception and i think we all wanna know..and its its real i want to hear it now...please send it to me in a PM ..NOW..haha

axl:
Imo that was just cheap shots from media jerkoffs knowing that Shaq wasn't the most popular or respected rapper publicly. I've never met the man. He goofed around with Paul and Diz and it went from there


fan:
I was wondering about new tour dates...

axl:
No plans. We're talking


fan:
Axl.
What is Brains status? Can you bring back Breakdown or Dead Horse to the set? Thanks
Your music means more to me than I could ever express.

axl:
I think he's doing alright. Maybe I should check. On the songs maybe, more interested in the newer now. And thank you, means a lot


fan:
What's your opinion on the CD album, gunsnroses.com and chinesedemocracy.com being banned in China

axl:
China's a tough place. A lot of us have no idea how good we have it and think less of those less fortunate. The Chinese people have been kept in the dark thru literally the fear of incarceration or death which to most is either unimaginable or only able to be contemplated w/stories or movies and such where there it's an all encompassing environment and they're growing larger everyday


fan:
How does an average GNR rehearsal go? like, do you jam on any covers, go over songs until they are extremely tight? etc. Also, how frequent are Guns N' Roses rehearsals?
Thanks.

axl:
Frequency depends on the reason say a tour or particular gig and how we feel about where we're at with whatever the material is and not so much on the covers but lots of jams. Generally there's a lot of fun but a lot of work and these guys take it very seriously which is great


fan:
How do you feel about meeting your fans? What is the best way for a fan to meet you, if they happen to be a dude (since the stereotype is that rockers only wanna meet hot chicks)
What do you think of fans who get GNR related tattoos?

axl:
I like meeting all kinds of fans but after a show (I realize that's the only time some may feel they have an opportunity but w/the exception of close friends around...) not to be offensive but I'm generally not looking forward to walking off stage to hang with guys whether they're fans or not. I deal with Guns all day every day so coming off stage to talk about the band is just like more of the same. Unless there's pressing business I wanna forget that till it's time to go at it again the next day. And people may enjoy meet and greets and have their reasons why it meant a lot for them which I respect but overall charging fans for it I thinks disgusting of bands. Now if they did it for free to winners of a contest etc that would be different. Charging is lame. How to meet bands? Maybe try to hang out places u might hear they do sometimes


fan:
How much does the book 'Catcher in the Rye' inform the song, or is is soley referring to Chapman?
And are there any plans of touring South Africa?
Thanks so much

axl:
For me the song is inspired by what's referred to sometimes as Holden Caulfield syndrome. I feel there's a possibility that how the writing is structured with the thinking of the main character could somehow reprogram for lack of a better word some who may be a bit more vulnerable, with a skewed way of thinking and tried to allow myself to go what may be there or somewhat close during the verses. I'd think for most those lines are enjoyed as just venting, blowing off steam, humor or some type of entertainment where it may be how others seriously live in their minds.

The bridge b4 the solo is an artistic interpretation of a institutionalized mind. The outro is a tribute to Lennon and an indictment of the author for writing what i feel is utter garbage and I agree whole heartedly that it should be discontinued as required reading in schools. That's my take, I could be completely wrong, I do realize that the song and title could have the next poor soul reading the book and feeling inspired to make an unfortunate statement. So there's the catch I guess.

When I came up with the focus, I got a call from the director of Imagine wanting a bunch of money to make a documentary, had a guy sending me strange packages about Lennon and serial killers etc and the web started calling me Salinger w/no one knowing what I was writing. I figured I was on the right track at least for a song


fan:
Axl when are you coming down to South America, you have forgotten this place in the last years

axl:
Haven't forgot, looking forward to it


fan:
Hi Axl,
Just wanted to ask this: out of all of the music you have written, what song are you most proud of?
BTW Prostitute is fuckin amazing.....thank you

axl:
Right now a lot on this album. For me musically it would have to be the orchestral arrangement in the bridge of This I Love


fan:
Chinese Democracy awesome, but it's a pretty ballady album compared to previous GNR albums. Is this the new direction of GNR or will some of the future GNR albums be more focused on hard rocking songs again?

axl:
What I know is it's the record that was able to get through the red tape and get itself out there while helping friends, loved ones and myself along the way. The whole ballad or rocker thing has never been something I've ever cared too much about. There's some meaner sections ahead but a particular focus once there were a few of the newer guys together was to bring a bit more beauty into our efforts


fan:
is the band still in contact with Paul Huge? Any more future plans with him? Guest apperance on tour maybe?

axl:
Paul helps out all the time and is on a lot more material. Paul helped get a lot of the base credits etc together which were extensive. He's always had a good memory on that stuff and it's generally important to him to be as ethical as he's capable which is invaluable


fan:
I would like to know...If you're composing music (piano) are you using some computer software to write the notes down or are you using a sheet of paper and a pen for this?

axl:
If I want to capture it I either use Logic or Protools in the studio. I've tried recording myself otherwise for years but for some reason no matter what's there it doesn't seem to be where my real focus should ultimately be


fan:
Hey Axl, alot of the gnr fans always say how good the House of Blues 01/01/01 show is,
are you thinking about releasing that for the fans in dvd or download soon?

axl:
No plans for any live shows as DVD's currently


fan:
Axl - From interviews, tours, riots, and information you revealed yesterday morning, this project has obviously had it's ups and downs. If you could do this whole process over again, with the making of CD, would you?

axl:
Only for the same reason I have, other than that... not in a billion years


fan:
Also, would u consider GNR to perform for a charity cause, and if yes what that cause would be?

axl:
All depends on the cause and if it feels right for us at the time. There could be a disaster that we felt strongly about being involved with helping in some way but often these turn into ways for bands to just promote themselves not really caring but looking so publicly. Or the money doesn't reach the victims or those in need while the celebrities are promoted for thier efforts. Efforts at what? Not into that so much. Medical situations are always important. If you're really helping then I'm for it. Which one's I couldn't really say it's not like I would draw a line or argue the importance of one over another in most cases


fan:
-When did you start the recording of your voice for CD and when did it end and which was the last song recorded?
-Are you here to promote the album, or do you really care about your fan base?

axl:
I'll have to think about the 1st bit. W/the second I'm not sure how much this is promoting the album as it's in our own backyard so to speak but it is talking with fans about some of the realities of Guns or myself which whether I've wanted to or not didn't feel right until now. So I'd say it's about us!!


fan:
Ides Of March ('98), Oklahoma ('98), Atlas Shrugged ('99), Closing In On You ('99), Cock-A-Roach Soup ('99), Friend Or Foe ('99), Hearts Get Killed ('99), No Love Remains ('99), Oh My God ('99), Something Always ('99), Suckerpunched ('99), Zip It ('99), Silkworms ('00), Down By The Ocean ('01), Leave Me Alone ('02), Seven ('02), The General ('02), Thyme ('02), Quick Song ('05), Zodiac ('05), Motormouth ('06), We Were Lying ('06)

Can you tell us if you will play new (non chi dem ) material on tour in 09?

axl:
Ides Of March, Oklahoma, Atlas Shrugged,  Oh My God, Silkworms , Down By The Ocean (Izzy), Leave Me Alone, Seven , The General , Thyme , Quick Song , Zodiac Most all titles subject to change w/out warning and r considered working titles.

No plans on tour setlist as of now


fan:
axl i have two questions for you
-has anything disney ever inspired you musically? like the little mermaid score or somthing? are you a fan of the little mermaid? whats your favorite disney animated film?
-did you do a song with eazy-e in the early 90's i read it somewhere, i think it would be pretty cool   did you hang out with eazy-e ever?  what was a cool moment hanging out with n.w.a.?

axl:
I don't know about musically but I'm pro Disney. Go about once a year or so. Went w/Bucket a lot. It's nice to go somewhere where people allow themselves to be more in touch with a more innocent side of themselves at least for what seems like the most part.

He recorded w/Slash and Duff. He really wanted to attack the media over attacking me for One in a Million. There wasn't really any Easy on it. I wasn't there. He gave me the tape to consider. Sounded a bit like the other guys doing Bodycount. The idea was ok but the track wasn't really there and I felt it would get more heat than the track could stand up to. Only hung a couple times after a show with any of them. Was glad I got to meet Easy


fan:
Hi Axl
Which song on Chi Dem do you feel was your best work vocally?
also, are you coming back to Sheffield anytime soon?

axl:
End section of TWAT, Backgrounds in Catcher. And hopefully when we tour again


fan:
Q1 What do you do in your spare time for a hobby what else do you love except music?
Q2 If you don't mind would you tell me what are your favorite 10 albums of 2008 and all time favorites i would like to know more about your music taste.
Q3 The Bonus Question hahah. Chinese Democracy was a brilliant album ,but to you miss the old Guns from time to time and when can we expect more from the musical guineas you're?

axl:
Cars, checking out art, F1.
I'm more into film scores.
I miss the illusion we shared for only a few months if that of thinking we were in this together. It wasn't real or if so only ever so briefly while deeper currents of ambitions were temporarily put aside but I didn't know that then


fan:
I love Oh my God, but it really sounds like a demo, why? I'm sure we all would love a new version.

axl:
Because that's all it was, only at the time having just got it together only Jimmy Iovine knew that who wanted it to sell their soundtrack. I saw segments of the movie which were good. As a whole later not so much but it wasn't ready yet then. I did write an experimental piece inspired by the bits I'd seen called "Daddy Can the Devil do Mommy and me?"


fan:
Axl sebastian bach mentioned you were writing an autobiography how is that progressing?

axl:
It's not exactly an autobiography as much as legal record of every last detail of what went down with the breakup. I have about 40k words on it (don't know where 1200 came from) but it's generally really depressing so I don't go back to it so much


fan:
what are your current thoughts about Kurt Cobain

axl:
I said I'm going on ChiDem now and he said whatever and walked away other than that I've been busy


fan:
Axl, coudl you tells us more about "The General"?
thank you.

axl:
You may have heard parts of it somewhere


fan:
Did you like Istanbul? Plz come again.

axl:
Istanbul was great and the venue with the river, the bridge, the boats and the moon, the outdoor clubs and getting chased by the cops, and almost being kidnapped


fan:
Axl, I find the verses on Shackler's Revenge to remind me of The Sopranos theme tune in certain ways. Should they do? Furthermore, any chance of getting the complete album on Rockband? That would be swell. I've done SR on expert, so if you're looking for a guitarist, PM me.

axl:
Never thought of that w/the Sopranos but a big fan of that song. And I think that's a yes on Rockband


fan:
Which is the most emotional song for you too sing on Chinese Democracy?

axl:
This I Love


fan:
1) outta the whole record what is your favourite part of music on it? like a break down at some point,strings, anything!, it would jus be cool to know!
2) in the 2006 tour when you was in the good old UK did you use michael owen's helicopter????? i heard rumours hahahaha top man if you did!
thanks for this, made my day!!

axl:
Bucket's Blues fill at the beginning of the last verse in Prostitute and his Eventide bits in the outro, the guitars in the bridge of Better, Robin's solo in Twat for a few of them.
Not sure but leaving Silverstone and no fault of our pilots, I saw another helicopter coming towards us blades 1st out of the corner of my eye, yelled watchout and our pilot jerked us out of the way of an idiot who was unauthorized to be where he was and came out of nowhere.
W/out our pilots skill and quick reflexes it would've been over rt then for real.
It was also great to read how "Merck took the keys to the copter so Axl couldn't leave" Donnington like I'm James Bond or something. I did make him drive bk to London though!!


fan:
1) Many people consider number 7 to be a lucky number (including me). Is this a good reason why Catcher is on number 7, or was it just random placement?
2) "How a body took a body and gave that boy a gun". Sorry for my english, but if you could explain to me what this means, I would be gratefull...

axl:
The # was random but the sequence is intentional.
It's a line from the book used to infer it may have helped to inspire a senseless killing


fan:
Axl, do you think This I Love is still the heaviest thing you've written, or has another song popped up that now holds that title?

axl:
That's still it and ultimately a great healing experience to compose something you have no real idea you're capable of such as the bridge. It's a lot more intricate than I think most realize yet as the guitar and vocals are placed as they should be so dominant. The main string melody in that section I had originally written to a hip-hop loop as well


fan:
Axl - could you pklease talk at all about what inspired the lyrics to Shackler's Revenge and/or Catcher? Or the meaning behind Riad? thanks.

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


Axl a également posté un message général sur le sens des chansons, et notamment Sorry :

"J'ai essayé de poster ça il y a un moment mais apparemment ça n'as pas marché. C'était une réponse à une question en particulier mais elle répond maintenant à d'autres questions sur le même sujet.

Concernant le débat sur "à propos de qui cette chanson a été écrite?", cela ne fonctionne pas vraiment pour moi, car ce n'est pas parce que telle ou telle parole a été inspirée par une personne ou une situation en particulier que toute la chanson traite de ce sujet.

C'est comme si je travaillais avec de l'argile et que je pensais à quelqu'un ou quelque chose qui pourrait m'inspirer à aller dans une autre direction sur le moment, mais au final cela pourrait juste être un joli vase.

Je me demande souvent où sont maintenant les gens qui ont inspirés tant de chansons, et pourquoi c'est seulement important avec certains morceaux comme Layla, contrairement à d'autres. Je suppose que bon nombre de belles chansons d'amour et autres ont été inspirées par des personnes que les artistes et le public pourraient considérer aujourd'hui, avec le recul, comme étant à l'opposé de la façon dont elles sont décrites ou supposément représentées.

Pour ce qui est de Sorry...comme beaucoup d'autres chansons, elle vient de nombreuses situations différentes. On dirait que le consensus principal sur les forums avec ce morceau veut qu'il concerne soit Slash, soit "les fans" (et décrire l'ensemble des "fans" est une autre chose qui ne fonctionne pas pour moi), et tout cela est bien trop restrictif ou étroit et limite ce que j'avais en tête à l'origine.

Pour moi, cette chanson s'adresse à tous ceux qui racontent n'importe quoi à mes dépens et à ceux du public, et beaucoup de ces personnes ainsi que le public ne savent plus qui croire.

Aussi, à chaque fois que cela est possible, j'aime donner aux gens l'occasion de s'imprégner des chansons pendant un moment avant d'occulter tout cela avec mes inspirations. Bien sûr, on ne peut pas toujours l'éviter."


Axl a aussi parlé des "leaks" (les fuites des morceaux sur le net avant leur sortie) et leurs conséquences pour le groupe :

"En fait pour nous cela a vraiment un effet dévastateur. Et quand on voit la majeure partie de ces gens justifier ouvertement leur actions en disant n'importe quoi comme par exemple "ce n'est pas du vol puisque l'original est encore avec untel", c'est incroyablement dingue.

Cela existe en raison de l'avidité de l'industrie du disque, de l'avidité du piratage à grande échelle, la facilité et la nature répandue à présent de l'acte en lui-même et les motivations personnelles telles que la popularité au sein de certains groupes, une reconnaissance possible des médias de façon temporaire, etc.

Et cela est bien trop rampant et répandu partout. C'est tout simplement un bordel trop compliqué à gérer pour les tribunaux avec tous ces chiffres, les dépenses et les moyens humains nécessaires actuellement pour stopper tout cela...évidemment, il existe des crimes bien plus sérieux sur lesquels la société doit se focaliser.

Et puis, on les emmerde les musiciens, pas vrai ? S'ils ne se sont pas déjà fait assez d'argent, c'est qu'ils doivent être nazes, pas vrai ? On te sort : "Je vais pas chialer pour un mec déjà blindé." Ouais c'est ça, si vous voulez.

Et qui sait ? Quels sont nos nombres de téléchargements sur les sites de torrents pour cet album ? Je ne sais pas. Donc je ne sais pas si cela nous a affecté ou la façon dont ça nous a affecté en termes de ventes cette fois. Peut être pas, mais avec l'état de l'économie et notre coeur de marché, je pense qu'il y a une possibilité que cela ait eu impact négatif. Et vous ?"
 

Il est actuellement 9h20 du matin à Los Angeles (heure d'édition de cette news) et Axl vient d'aller se coucher. C'est vraiment un oiseau de nuit, comme il disait hier. Incroyable, cela a duré plus de 6 heures ! Je vais traduire un maximum de choses dans la soirée, mais de mon côté je n'ai rien mangé depuis un moment donc je vais faire une pause aussi. :)