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Axl Rose Apologizes For Delays, Sets Date For "Chinese Democracy," Cancels Some Tour Dates and Fires Manager
Band Photo: Guns N Roses (?)
Guns N Roses frontman Axl Rose says that actions were to be in place for "Chinese Democracy" to be out by December 26 at the latest. In light of missing the date and having to reschedule the release of "Chinese Democracy," he has fired his manager and cancelled four West-coast tour dates in January. The new, tentative release date for "Chinese Democracy" is now March 6, 2007.
Here is the entire "open letter" from Axl:
Guns N’ Roses regrets to announce that the following concert tour dates have been canceled:
January 10: Sacramento
January 11: Bakersfield
January 13: Reno
January 16: San Diego
Because of the scheduling of these particular shows, valuable time needed by the band and record company for the proper setup and release of the album Chinese Democracy would have been lost. Rather than delay the album yet again, all involved have decided to remove these shows from GN’R’s schedule. We hope our fans understand and we apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused. Tickets may be refunded at point of purchase.
To say the making of this album has been an unbearably long and incomprehensible journey would be an understatement. Overcoming the endless and seemingly insane amount of obstacles faced by all involved, notwithstanding the emotional challenges endured by everyone -- the fans, the band, our road crew and business team -- has at many times seemed like a bad dream in which one wakes up only to find that they are still in the nightmare. Unfortunately, this time it has been played out for over a decade in real life.
The true, ongoing, behind-the-scenes triumphs and casualties are much more complicated than any negative speculation that the media or otherwise has managed to hit upon. For much of the time, various legal issues have arisen, demanding that the best way to deal with these things publicly, quite frankly, was to keep our mouths shut in an attempt to ensure the best outcome -- especially one that wouldn’t jeopardize the band or the album. It’s easy for people to point out how others have handled similar situations or how they would have dealt with these issues themselves if they encountered them in their own lives. But again, without full knowledge of the various dynamics and circumstances involved, these types of comments or commentary are just uninformed, disassociated, generally useless -- and often hindering -- speculation.
When I agreed to do our recent North American tour, I did it with the understanding that my manager, Merck Mercuriadis, and I were in full agreement regarding our strategy and touring plans and, most important, that any and all things needed to release the album by Dec. 26 at the latest were in place. Unfortunately, it turned out that this was not the case, and I regret to say that the album will not be released by the end of the year. Although many things went extremely well and were very exciting, there were, in our opinion, unnecessary and avoidable complications on our tour having to do with the tour routing, scheduling and album and video plans that wreaked havoc on all involved. This was compounded by an overall sense of a lack of respect by management for the band and crew and each individual's particular expertise that has resulted, unfortunately, in the end of both Guns’ and my managerial involvement with Merck Mercuriadis.
In regard to a release date for the album itself, certain minor –- and I do mean minor -- additions, as well as contract negotiations, need to be completed. Barring any unforeseen complications, these things have now been adequately scheduled. The band and I, along with our record company, feel that this record deserves the proper setup and promotion, not the “13 Tuesdays left” and “It may just appear in your record store” approach offered by management. We believe this strategy may have been used as a tool by management to sell this latest tour to the various promoters, and if this was the case, this was obviously unfair to them. The stress of dealing with this situation has been considerable for everyone, including the band, but more important, in our opinion, it was something utterly insane to do to our fans. You have our apologies, and please know we have been laboring over this with management for the entire North American tour.
It takes approximately eight weeks for an album to hit the shelves once it has been turned in to the record company. For whatever reasons, it appears that it may have been mistakenly inferred by management that this time period could be condensed to three weeks. With that being said, this is not a promise, a lie or a guarantee, but we do wish to announce a tentative release date of March 6. This is the first time we have done this publicly for this album. Others have made up all the other dates for their own reasons. We would like to assure the fans that everything in our power will be done to meet this date. Once it is finalized and official, you will be notified. If we are delayed for unseen reasons, you also will be notified as soon as possible in regard to a new date, and the album will be released as shortly thereafter as is possible. We thank you for your patience.
In the end, it’s just an album, but it’s one that I, the band, our record company and all involved believe and feel is a true Guns N’ Roses album. Ultimately the public will decide, and regardless of the outcome, our hearts, lives and our passion has been put into this project every step of the way. If for no other reason, we feel those elements alone merit your consideration. We do hope you can hold on just a bit longer, and if not, please take a break and we’ll be more than glad -- if you so choose -- to see you again later.
Once again, we offer our sincere apologies and our deepest thanks. Guns N’ Roses also would like to thank all the fans who attended the 70 concerts in 21 countries for their support in 2006. All the best to each and every one of you over this holiday season, thank you and God bless.
Sincerely,
Axl Rose
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140 Comments on "Axl Apologizes, Sets Date For 'Chinese Democracy'"
3. writes:
Not buying it. Not only literally but the reality is that if it actually were just legal stuff-largely with his old band I assume-they could not have gone on to do Velvet Revolver. I've heard about one case of those guys sueing Axl and everything else has been Axl sueing, missing release dates, etc I work in the music industry and understand many of its complexities-its the worst when you're lazy and full of sh**.
I'm sure these same complexities explain Axl not showing up for shows and walking off stage. Face it, the guy is just a d***.
4. writes:
Who gives a rats a$$ when this album comes out? No one is going to buy the damn thing anyway, they're just going to download it and then delete it, and most people probably won't even do that. In the end Axl is just going to have crawl back into his cardboard box and accept the fact that HE is not GnR.
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18. writes:
I cant believe this guy is even able to show his face in public...
After the first decade went by without Chinese Democracy being released, I figured he would have crawled in a hole and dreamt of a happy place...
This is f^cking ridiculous...After this amout of time this CD should be the best thing since Sabbath's- Paranoid or Zeppelin- IV....!!!!
But I heard some of the music when it was leaked to radio last spring...Its nothing that f^ckin epic...Its Axl with a new back-up band trying to recapture something that is long gone...
I think Sharon should send him a Xmas present.!!!! Or maybe I will..!!!!
19. writes:
Heh, post 18 brings up a good point. In fact, it's a wonder Axl and Sharon haven't fell in love. They're both egotistical sociopaths. Fame can do that to ya, I guess...
But yeah, I knew betting that it wouldn't be released this year was a good call. Anyone care to wager who Axl will sue next? I've got money on Papa Roach, soon after he kicks their asses off the tour for upstaging GnR. It's a sad world when P.Roach can trump GnR.
20. writes:
to see how sad this guy has always been remember back in 92 when hetfield burned his whole arm, well GnR went on stage to save the show. Half way through the second sond axl said something that i didnt understand and just left the stage stubid moron he could have been the hero of the day.
21. writes:
Axl is a lame sick piss of sh**.He and that Texan Rednck f***ing beer drinking loser named Dimebag Darrell are the same.There are to many a$$holes like both of them in this goddamn world.At least Dimebag is dead,this a$$hole is still alive.Goddamn it.Somebody need to tell this moron to get a life.And one more thing.f*** all of u Dimebag fans.He's dead OK,so please dont talk about him anymore OK.
23. writes:
Heh... Machine Man like-a da boys. Kinda gross, actually. I think you need therapy.
But wow, don't you just love it when people post only to piss others off? This story had nothing to do with Darrell. You either enjoy making others angry or you have some irrational hatred towards a fallen guitar legend. Even if you didn't like his music, this is about respect. Show a little.
And by the way, you misspelled "redneck", dumbass.
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25. writes:
YEAH YEAH WHATTHEf***EVERMAN !!!!!!!!!.......
Axl's a sad sad sad joke of a rock star.He destroyed his band just so he could recreate it in his image.He does not now nor did he ever realise that everyone involved had something to do with those three disc's that made them legend's.
Now he's trying to recreate something that he does not have the ability to recreate simply because it was not just him that did it.He's pathetic & like RM saide.I can't waite to see what his next excuse is going to be.
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27. writes:
Is there even an excuse this idiot can come up with..??
Maybe its just going to end up in the Guiness Book of Records as the album that took forever to make.....Axl has been blowing this smoke up peoples asses for over a decade..I am surprized we all dont have colon cancer..
After this long...This damn CD better be so good it makes a person cum....That is the only way I would even consider owning it....!! And then I would just burn a copy...!!
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37. writes:
yeah... it is kinda funny how I throw $hit at the morons that dont use correct grammar...and here I get too stoned and misspell words..hahahaha
Another day gone by and still no comments from gnr4ever...I kinda miss pickin on the ol' Canadian..
But if I am gonna have to wait til March..I should find someone else to pick on...besides machine boy that is.!!!! But I dont consider it really pickin on machine boy though...I feel a complete hatred for that idiot...
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38. writes:
I have a hard time understanding why Axl even thinks he's relevant anymore. He wrote this long letter to everyone...but in the end...who really cares? Guns n' Roses...as they were before the Spaghetti Incident were one of the few 80's bands that coud have remained in the forefront...maybe not liked by everyone on here...but at least a group that could chart #1 when they released anything new. But after the split...and then years of nothing...I don't think there is anything left for them. Anything that would be released now...well...we (and by that I mean fans of the old stuff) simply DO NOT care. Times moved on Axl...and you wasted too much of it. Now you are an irrelevant joke.
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39. writes:
Agreed, it's time to move on and put an end to this. For me Gun's and Roses stopped being GNR the day that Slash left. i mean, he was the main sound of the band after all with Axl. But it's not the same without him. He has such charisma and talent...GNR are dead and there is no future for it. It 's kind of cliche actually...
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40. writes:
Axl's record label sunk so many million's of dollars into this project with nothing in return.THEY WANT THEIR MONEY BACK !!!!........I would too.
In the meantime Slash,Duff & Matt came together and did something that although not GnR by any stretch is bound to be seen as influential.Especially when you consider the current state of the music industry.(melodic Hard Rock although mostly Emo seem's to be sneaking back onto the chart's after a decade)
As if this was not enough.The quote unquote canadian music scene(underground if we are to believe the current GAP jeans controversy)seem's to be breading the next generation of Hard Rocker's.I wonder if our friend is aware of that.Putting Axl over Geddy & Rick I doubt it.
Anyway If VR never happend we would have probably never herd from him againe.If I were a cruel person(and some people think I am.)I would say that Axl should offer up his girlfriend/wife to the VR crew in thanks for giveing him the strength to atleast attempt to revive his carreer.Ok that was cruel and a bit over the top,But I'm bored and tired.Sue me !
41. writes:
I agree that GNR hasn't existed since Slash left (not to speak of the rest of em), but I guess Axl thinks GNR is like Nine Inch Nails, he's Mr. Reznor and that the group can change but GNR will always be GNR (cos the band is him, naturally).
When it comes down to sales... well, I'd say the album will be a huge seller, no matter what it's like. "The most expensive album in the music history".. you know.... etc etc.
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44. writes:
In the case of NIN, you can't compare it to GNR because Trent Reznor writes everything on his piano and he does almost all of the rest. In the case of GNR, Slash had a great influence on the writing and when he left, Axl couldn't do anything worthwhile anymore...so that shows you the difference right there. Axl is good for nothing except delaying albums...hehehehehehe
46. writes:
Hey do you guys know that I am thw worst moron of all times ? Yeah it's true. And I have discovered many things about me in these posts. Since Red_Chord started to tell me that I am a gay pedophilic moron, I discovered that he was right. I do need help ! And Godlike made me realize that I have been molested by all the guys in my family and that we need crowbars at family get togethers. And he pointed at me that I was treating Gerbils like sh** even though they did nothing to me...and Azazel burned me so baaaad. I still don't understand what he said, it's way to literate for a white trash like me...
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52. writes:
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53. writes:
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56. writes:
Good to see things are still in fine form. As far as Guns N Roses the best band graceing the stage today. What a year. How can you not be excited. A successful tour for the most part" over 50% complete. Axl in unbelievable form and the band becoming a band again. This time with talent and no ego. Just to play great f***ing music. Do not underestamate Axl's integrity and talent. He is a true legend. When the album hits the shelves it will be amazing. Go download "better" or T.W.A.T or " I.R.S or Catcher in the rye....those are just leaked tracks. Just a taste of what's to come. Yes it's been awhile since the last album, no guarantees. Axl doesn't owe anything, not even the record label. How much have they made off him? oh poor record labell wants there 13 million back. f*** off. Art can't be pushed unless you want filler....example: VELVET REVOLVER. You want to talk about a gnr cover band. Slash is a b**** for leaving and will always regret it. Robin Finck and Ron Thal are cooler and much more trained at there craft. Slash is a washed up bag lady with Duff the make up soaked whore. The new GnR are here to stay. Hey if you don't like em. Don't listen. Pretty easy. Until next time, keep up the nonsence and enjoy the hollidays. GNR4EVER
58. writes:
Dimebag Darrell A.k.a fallen gaylord movement for bands like Pantera,Damageplan are dead.Dimebag was killed by a innocent man Named Nathat Gale.And i think in reward of his effort for killing the son of a b**** in cold blooded,Santa Clause is granting Nathan Gale Cristmas Wishes because he has make a world a better place for all mankind.I think he wishes that he would f*** the living hell out of Axl Rose on the first day Christmas.Let's all wish may Nathan Gale get's his wish and live happily ever after.Amen to that folks.
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68. writes:
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72. writes:
Don't know about that, somebody will come along and be stupid, that's what always happens. or maybe we could talk about what you guys think of the GNR tour if you have seen it. I had free tickets so I went. It was alright but you know, without the real lineup, it's not as great...at least it was free.
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73. writes:
Still have not seen the tour.Just like I have not herd the disc,Just like the so many people in so many cities have not seen or herd either because of those peskie cancelation's.Axl is constantly insulting the IQ of his fan base.The sad part is most of them keep falling for it."SLASH is a b****".Well atleast he's a b**** you can count on.
74. writes:
Hey a free show is a free show...I dont blame you for going...!!
I am sure by now everyone knows my feelings about Axl...As for the original GnR...Yes, it was a great band....seen them on the Appetite tour...!!! thought it was a great show...!!
However, now I dont think to highly of Axl after all the years of excuses...At this point I wouldnt pi$$ in his mouth if his teeth were on fire..!!!
of course as you already know...this is only my opinion..
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78. writes:
I love it when my head is stoned..!!!! alot like right now...uhhhh.....hu..hu
There used to be band called Headstone, back in the 70s..!!! They were pretty good, for that era of music anyway.....alot like Head East, Black Oak Arkansas, Foghat etc.... yes I know, I am old..!!! The first Sabbath, Zeppelin, Deep Purple I ever heard was on 8-track tapes..!!!
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79. writes:
Yeah I remember Your Mom that somebody did that to you when we were agruing. But I swear it wasn't me...we had different opinions but honestly I don't dislike you, I think that you had some good points. So no hard feelings and I hope that you are ok with me.
And Godlike, don't be so hard on yourself, I remember seeing those 8-track tapes when I was a kid, even in cars so you're not that old...yet.LOL
80. writes:
May i have your attention please,when Axl was Dimebag sex f***ing partner.When Axl was having a bad period with GNR, Dimebag would come to Axl house and give him a nice juicy blowjob to calm his nerve down.So i guess Pantera have a good connection with GNR anyway.Amen to that folks.
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86. writes:
antihippy, 2 negatives only make a positive when dividing and multiplying, and hopefully, he won't be multiplying anytime soon. All we're doing is adding negatives, which make more negatives...Try adding ZERO to negatives this time 'round that way we can't keep him going
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94. writes:
I think Axl only deserves a half a cheer...
But, I must agree that dumbasses are always comical...I find alot of entertainment in ridiculing the idiots of the world... Especially some of the morons around here...!!! And, yes, I am quite entertaining arent I..??
Hey Red_ Chord, do know anything about a band called Mama's Boys..?? ... They opened for Ratt back in about '85 orso and were actually pretty good, but I never heard anything more of them........ I never knew much about them only that they were from Canada..?? There were brothers ( as in siblings ) in the band and I remember one of them playing a violin during a few songs...Yes, you read that right...a violin in an 80s hair metal band...It was quite an odd mixture...very uniquie sound.!!! Always wondered what happened to them...???
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95. writes:
Nope, never heard of them at all. They probably went back to their mama you know. Hehehehehehe.
Speaking of Dumbasses, it's true they are always entertaining. They say and do things so out of this world that you can't help it but just laugh. And that's what I like about metal because they are always drunk and stone so they do stupid things that makes us laugh so hard...and Axl is certainly one of the best for that. Actually the next GNR album should be called Chinese Idiocracy...and don't hold your breath folks, it's coming out before the sun burns out in oh ! Just over 5 billions years.
96. writes:
Sometimes, I find so much enjoyment out of just watching people... Its simply hilarious to see someone trip over nothing and fall down..!!! Or the idiots that drive around singing with the radio...
Maybe I am just weird, but I like to try and find some humor in everything...Life is too f^ckin short to waste time being p***ed off or deppressed...
This is why I chose to ignore that one guy....you know the one..!!!
97. writes:
Just an update...to say that I was mistaken...the Mama's Boys werent Canadian they were from Ireland...damn, I hate it when I am wrong...It happens so rarely.!!!
But I was right, there were 3 brothers in the band..and one did play the fiddle..( not the violin...but what is the difference..??? )
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98. writes:
99. writes:
At the time...my life is more of a drama than a sitcom though....!!!! Thats why I find my humor here..!!!
Between school, work and dealing with two women....the high point is when I am locked away here in my toyroom....Here, in my own little world there is no problems...!!! except when I run out of herb...of course...then its purre HELL..!!!
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101. writes:
is it just me or does the OC annoys the hell out of me?
and is it just me that thinks "sexyback" is pretty catchy?
and is it just me that is ranting?
whyan i posting my comments in question form?
why am i even continueing this rant even when i know how idiotic it looks?
maybe i'm high?
but how could i be, i dont even use drugs?
or do i?
NAP ATTACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ............zzzZZZzzz.................
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115. writes:
"This essay was written by Serj two days after the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. It caused a lot of controversy, particularly because many readers seemed to miss the message. Please understand, this essay is not attempting to justify the 9/11 attacks. When it was published, many mistook Serj's intentions and consequently denounced him, but if you pay attention to this small excerpt, it is impossible to say that Serj tried to justify the 9/11 attacks:
...my belief is that the terror will multiply if concrete steps are not taken to sponsor peace in the middle east, NOW. This does not mean that we should not find the guilty party(s), Bin Laden, or whoever they may be, and not try them. Put simply, as long as a major injustice remains, violence precipitates to the surface of life.
Keep an open mind when reading. This essay is an attempt at analyzing both side of the conflict and advocating universal peace; in no way is it saying Osama bin Laden, the Taliban, al-Qaeda, or any other terrorist organization or regime had reason to commit such horrific, intolerable acts of blatant murder." source:
http://wrestlingcasa.tripod.com/systemofadown/id174.html
sorry, but i must take this opportunity to tell everyone what serj really meant when he wrote Understanding Oil is absolutely opposite to what LOK HIMMM and jngsnut think it means.
peace ya'll, and a happy new year.
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125. writes:
The best example was that manager dude stating that they needed to tour to keep the band alive and to gain the monies needed
to competely the album and sending engineers to NY in advance of the tour hitting there. WTF do you send Engineers for? Sounds like
someone needs to record music to me. Which means it's no where near done. Personally, I think without Slash, Axl has endured WRITERS BLOCK...
sh** I was on the road touring in a f***ing van for christ sake. Mac & Cheese and Ramen Noodles will keep you alive. Along with Fat chicks who eat and will feed you too. I'm not buying one bit of this. Axl, you done, go buy a ranch in Messina and toss cow patties!
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128. writes:
Why is that after a few good songs metal has to go downhill? Everyone remembers how Guns N' Roses were when they were doing songs like "Welcome to the Jungel". They rocked. Now it seems they've lost their touch. Maybe Axel did something stupid and is getting sued over it
129. writes:
Red_Chord writes:
In the case of NIN, you can't compare it to GNR because Trent Reznor writes everything on his piano and he does almost all of the rest. In the case of GNR, Slash had a great influence on the writing and when he left, Axl couldn't do anything worthwhile anymore...so that shows you the difference right there. Axl is good for nothing except delaying albums...hehehehehehe
# Dec 18, 2006 @ 2:46 PM ET..........and what has slash done without axl that has been so worthwhile??????slashs snakepit was such a great band??velvet rev sucks to and it isnt weilands fault b/c the guy was great frontman for stp,as for axl we wont know until we hear the album.
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133. writes:
hey moe 777, don't take it personal dude. I don't know why you feel attacked by what I said. I think Velvet revolver is agreat band and i love it. I respect your opinion about it thought but no need to feel offended. Axl is not your girlfirend after all...is he ?
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1. Red_Chord writes:
Oh no ! I didn't see that coming ! What a suprise ! NOT ! It's not Guns n' roses anymore so who cares. Axl is a looser.