Fired Guns N Roses Manager Speaks Out
Band Photo: Guns N Roses (?)
Former Guns N' Roses manager Merck Mercuriadis, in an open letter addressed to the band's fans, gave his version of the events that led to his ouster last week.
GN'R frontman Axl Rose announced Friday, December 15 that he had canceled the group's planned January concerts in order to complete the "Chinese Democracy" album, which has been in the works for more than a decade. Rose also announced that he had fired Mercuriadis, whom Rose said had assured him that "any and all things needed to release the album by Dec. 26 at the latest were in place."
Mercuriadis' letter essentially claimed that the reason the album won't be released this year is because it's not complete.
"The reality is all of this year's touring was planned and agreed between Axl and myself, with a view to the album being in the stores before the 31st of December '06," Mercuriadis' statement read in part. "This was confirmed by Axl in numerous interviews--most famously at the MTV Video Music Awards. We planned the tour in February [2006], just after Axl's birthday and we were supposed to finish the album in May, before it started."
According to Mercuriadis, several recording sessions were subsequently scheduled in 2006, but Rose wasn't able to complete "Chinese Democracy." After the tour's initial dates were postponed, Mercuriadis said Rose had an artistic breakthrough after performing at Southern California's Inland Invasion concert in September.
"At this point we were very excited as Axl's feeling was that we had two or three days of work left to tidy things up and we still had three weeks before the tour started, so we were in good shape," Mercuriadis wrote. "Unfortunately the muse disappeared just as fast as she came and the tour started with no single at radio to support it and the album still needing two or three days of work."
Mercuriadis said that he considered postponing GN'R's tour again, "but the reality was that our historic track record left us with very little good will with you, the fans, and we needed the money to be able to complete the album and keep the band alive. We scheduled sessions in New York and once again sent the engineers there for the first two weeks of November while the tour was based there--but the hectic touring schedule meant nothing got done. The record company refused to conclude the renegotiation until we were ready to hand over the finished album and refused to prepare a marketing campaign or commission video treatments until they had it in their hands. This is still their position as of this week."
Mercuriadis added: "I have no regrets. I believe 'Chinese Democracy' is one of the best albums ever made, Axl Rose is one of the greatest vocalists and front men and the new Guns N' Roses (which kicks the s--- out of the old) is one of the greatest bands. What we accomplished in 2006 only hints at what is to come."
Source: Live Daily
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59 Comments on "Fired Guns N Roses Manager Speaks Out"
Member
4. writes:
cmon off it you bunch of jelous a$$holes, u people have nothing better to do that talk trash on this man.. If any you could accomplish what this man did in his life, than you can talk,, but till then grow the f*** up and if you dont enjoy the new guns n roses or dnt like axl rose,, DNT READ ABOUT HIM OR HIS BANDS U IDIOTS... Merry Christmas to Acxl and the band
8. writes:
Man im 29 years old sitting at werk for SIRIUS Radio on Xmas day,, I was a f***in fan since the beginning of GNR,, i seen gnr live in halifax on November 20, and man its then when i accepted this new band and realized its still AXL Rose and he still has it and he f***in sounds better then he did on the Illusion Tour the band is tight,, and when you think of it,, theses guys were together longer then the oriignal lineup.,...So im with the times and the rest u should be, accept the new buddy, too but to each there own tho Merry Xmas Dude
9. writes:
Man, you guys....stop doggin' Axl. Yeah, I really like the old GNR, but face it, they are now somewhat Velvet. Axl and the Guns N Roses of 2007 are going to kick some f***in ass. The old GNR members had a chance to be a part of this and they chickened out, or else didn't have the desire to go through with it. Axl gave em' the boot and got some guys who shared that vision. Congrats Axl for all the hard work over the last few years and I will be one of your fans for life.....no matter how long we wait for Democracy! But, uh.....could you maybe....you know....send it to us in March.....you know....just a thought....
12. writes:
I saw GNR live in New York not too long ago and they were awesome. There was no Slash with the Top Hat, but there was Robin with his long hair and shades. I totally forgot about Slash. The new CD will rock. Madagascar, There Was A Time, Chinese Democracy, The Blues, Better, IRS are all sweet sounding. I am curious about this song called "Sorry". Axl gliding over Death Metal? I still have faith.. If anyone can pull it off....it is the man! Merck, sorry man! Being a manager, you should have controlled the situations you felt needed to be controlled better. But you'll still get credit as being the Axl's manager while the, in your words: "One of the best rock albums ever!!" is released. I mean, come on....you get some commission right???
14. writes:
Here I am .....I seen GnR in 88....That was a good show..!!!
All this is now, is Axl and his new back-up band... and its f^ckin pathetic....the guy is a waste of space... this is nothing more than a cover band trying to imitate the sounds of Slash and the rest of the musicians that wrote the original GnR music... its really quite generic..!!!!
If he trully cared about his fans he would have released this music over a decade ago when it was promised..!!! OK, so it isnt completed...well whats wrong with releasing what is complete and saving the other songs for a follow up.... Its all just excuses..... Axl is a the laughing stock of the entire music industry..!!!!
Even a f^ckin moron like K-Fed was able to write,record and release an entire album...and that guy has about as much talent as the littlest toe an my left foot... and I am right handed..!!!
Its really OK that you imbeciles, feel the way that you do....I have been a metalhead for over 30 years and I have seen my fair share of morons...and whether its right or not they all have their own opinions...
feel free to begin the b****ing and whining now....there will be more of us...beleive me...!!!
15. writes:
Guns N' Roses did rock over 15 years ago ,seen then at Donington and Slane along with other great shows they did,even seen them in Dublin this year and Wembley and they sucked,gave them the benifit of the doubt at Dublin and went to see them again at Wembley at was truly dissapointed,the little b**** ran off stage,come on what a d***,who treatstheir fans like this,who cancelled shows,who is a p***y,yes,you know and so do I,seen Velvet Revolver and they make the new Guns N' Roses look like sh**!
17. writes:
I have been fortunate enough to not have Axl walk off stage at shows I've been to. But I do feel that if I paid for a show and saw the singer walk off stage, I would have a different opinion. But the fact of the matter is....You like the old GNR and that is fine. That is your opinion as a fan. I like the new GNR and that is my opinion. Now, I still have hopes that Slash, Duff, Axl, Matt, Dizzy and Izzy will get back together. I know it isn't the original, but it is just as good. Revolver can stand on their own. I saw them live and it rocked, but I felt there was something missing.....oh yeah Axl! Scott is a good singer, but when I hear his voice, I still think of Pilots....not the gunners. But I am a GNR fan for life, and no matter who is behind Axl, guns will be guns!
18. writes:
Ok, I tell you.....I am frustrated by the long wait and the destruction of the original lineup, but I still have the slightest bit of faith. I think when you put your heart into something like I have with GNR, you learn to make it your life to follow through it all the way!
19. writes:
Axl Rose should have pulled a "Morrison" or "Joplin" around Use Your Illusion. Only then would he be a true legend.
Now, after ten years of sitting on his ass, returning with corn rows, and a band to play the hits of his golden years, he's looking for some resurrection of his career post Slash, Duff and the other Gunners.
Yea, I wasn't fronting a hugely successful rock n roll band, but a true performer wouldn't test the patience of his die hard fans like he has.
He has become a living joke of what he once was.
If you can't laugh at him, go listen to the early GN'R and shut the F*** up.
Merry Xmas and peace on earth.
Supporter
22. writes:
This article confirmes a good chunk of what Godlike myself and several other's have allready saide.
"The muse disappeard as fast as she came"........"Axl's not as talented as you make him out to be"
"The record company refused to conclude the renegotiation until we were ready to hand over the finished album and refused to prepare a marketing campaign or commission video treatments until they had it in their hands. This is still their position as of this week."
In other word's...."THEY WANT THEIR MOTHER f***ING MONEY".....
How much more obvious is it gonna get before people start accepting it.His time has passed and the biggest mistake he made was letting his ego destroy his old band.ARROGANT SELF ABSORBED d***HEAD !!!!!!!!!
Member
Supporter
27. writes:
Let's see.His former manager,His current Basesist,Sebastion Bach.I dunno ? Somebody in that camp is sucking a mean d***.Seem's like the only people who are not blind to his bullsh** is the record label.Then againe so many million dollar's and probably quit a few job's & livelyhood's possibly on the chopping block as a result.I'd have stopped f***ing around and let Axl know I meant buseness atleast 6yrs ago.
Supporter
32. writes:
Wow, you guys are still saying the same sh** over and over, We get it. You don't like Axl. Not one of you so him on this tour. So how do you base your opinion? You guys don't deserve what's to come. If you think VR 's Contaband was a great album I don't want to hear your opinion on Axl. He is working on Epic album, NOT FILLER like ' big machine' "do it for the kids" etc...etc...Yes it has taken awhile to complete the album, then again he started from scratch. By himself..had to re form Guns n Roses. Axl could have put out many albums over the years. He's not rushing anything until he feels the time is right. AFD came out in 87...20 years later another epic album? March 07 will be unforgettable day. f*** VR and their hour concerts. Axl is Rock. Slash, Duff and Matt are truely pathetic. Volkswagon commercials and Scott " i wish i was original" Weilland. You Axl haters can keep VR all to yourselves. I will guarantee that the album will far surpass the sales of VR's both albums put together. Ya I know the new VR album hasn't come out yet, but you already know there will be two good songs and the rest will be like the first album...FILLER BULLsh**. You can't put time on art. Yes the label wants there money, of course. Axl has put his own money into this as well. Do think he would waste his money if he didn't think he'd get it back? The label has made fists full of cash off Axl. f*** em. How much cash have they put into bands that did'nt amount to anything? I think the label will be OK. Anyhow, you all can go back to the usual Axl Bashing now. Oh and remember that you write about him everyday, as much as you all hate em, you sure spend a lot of time thinking about him! Very weird. Can't you write music or something? I mean you make it sound so easy. Maybe Velvet Revolver will buy some of the material off you, god knows they need it.
34. writes:
gnr4ever:
1) You're welcome to like whatever you like.
2) It doesn't take ten years for what is an act without a real legacy. GnR are not Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac or Pink Floyd. They have put out 1 great record, 1 ok EP, and a double album that really wasn't that good.
3) I do write music, have had things released (certainly not of GnR stature, but I have worked on project that have reached underground acclaim-and, no, I won't say what they are) and it doesn't take 10 years for anyone who is serious. I've seen the artistic side and the legal side, if you take 10 years, you're bullsh**ting.
4) I personally know/have worked for members of the current line up, and they actually wonder why its taken 10 years.
5) You're welcome to like whatever you like. I ask the same question that I asked before (and I have asked of the people I know in the current line up who have given me answer I would not repeat here for professional reasons.) I'm sure you'll be one of those people in line when the record comes out. That's fine be me, do whatever fulfill you. I believe that an artist has a 'contract' with their audience and that they need to be consistant with releases. Anyone I've been a fan of who has taken too long, I purposely did not buy their product.
Lastly, just cause you drank the Kool Aid, doesn't mean I did. Velvet Revolver album was a good record, not great, but good. I personally didn't like it much. It really has nothing to do with anything I said.
Happy Holidays.
35. writes:
Many artists have taken time off of the spot light. His old bandmates left the group. He had to relax and reload the band. If you think he wasn't writing and creating in that time your crazy, he is an artist to the core. He isn't just trying to fill the unwritten contract to the fans, he's out to make a great album under no ones time line or pressure. It's not for fame money or contract...it's for himself. It's his turn to play, no record label to impress or manager to try and sign...he could easily have left for good and never steped foot on stage again. He's got money, women, fame and success..This album is for him. If the fans like it, which they will, great. If not..f*** em. It won't just be an everyday record...EPIC. Remember John taking time off in the 70's.
"I believe that an artist has a 'contract' with their audience and that they need to be consistant with releases. Anyone I've been a fan of who has taken too long, I purposely did not buy their product.", .............Scorched Earth
Quite the standards you have set for your bands. If the UYI albums were'nt that good to your standards you must think there are only two or three great albums ever. Anyhow, say hello to the unknown member of Guns n Roses that you know for me. oh and never compare Guns N Roses to Stevie Wonder, lack of respect for both parties.
36. writes:
Holy $hit, perhaps the delay has been that Axl's c^ck has been in someones mouth....good God man... lay off the hero worshiping...!!!!
gnr4ever, I thought that this was all just a friendly discussion, but this is ridiculous...!!!!
I personally think Scorched_Earth made some rather good pionts.. Maybe its time to face the facts...Axl doesnt think about anyone but himself...bottom line..!!!!!!!!!!
37. writes:
I think what you "new" GNR fans are not understanding from us "old" GNR fans is that Chinese Democracy (or ANY OTHER body of new GnR work) would be really nice to bridge the gap between what was then, and now. Old GnR fans are desperate for some new stuff and also would like it to accept the new guys. Even though Axl has been and always will be the driving force, no matter who the other band members are (even though it's sad that it takes 3 guitar players to produce what Slash could do on his own!) I don't think calling Axl a nut-job is acceptable. He will go down in history as an icon in American Rock n Roll-new album or not! Let's just hope we get the new stuff before us "old" GnR fans start to die off from old age. Love you, Axl! Forever!
Member
38. writes:
I guess what I don't get is why Axl Rose was ever looked at as an icon to begin with? He was a great front man of a great band that lasted only a few albums, one of which was classic, the others were very good but decidedly not "classic". He has pretty much done squat for 10 years, yet he still has a large, rabid (and misguided, in my opinion) fanbase. He screwed himself and the fans for taking so long to get this album released. I think it is justified calling him a nut-job or worse. All the delays, show cancellations, personal problems and what not that have been prevalent over the last 10 years warrent his being referred to as something other than "icon". A-Hole maybe? Selfish d***weed? Many names come to mind. The fact of the matter is this album will be a disappointment to most people. There will be fans that will love it, but the majority of the old GnR fans will hate it almost automatically. Axl is no icon, just a fallen superstar that is desparately trying to get back up again to collect that last big score.
41. writes:
Of course Axl is thinking of himself, who should he be thinking about ? Hey " Tosser" shouldn't your hands be rubbing some guys balls, get em off the keyboard. Danno, you say you paid to see them twice and they still sucked, well my friend then it's time to stop writing about them and find another group that will be up to your standards, I hear Timberlake is touring soon or Christina Agulara. If you don't like The New Guns N Roses that's cool, there are tons of fans out there that do, it's so easy. Oh and GnR was one of the years best and most watched concerts in 2006. Guns have never sounded this good, I know a lot of you miss Slash, just to let you know, it doesn't take 3 guitarists to replace him, there is a little thing called rythm guitar and lead, someone had to replace Gilby as well. Yes they have one extra guitarists, more fire power, your ears can't keep up with what's going on on stage. It's amazing. I just watched the UYI Tour in Tokyo. The band is much much better than back then. GnR are back for good, many albums and touring to come. If you don't like em, stop reading up on them on a daily, BACK OFF b****, they won't miss you negative bullsh**.
43. writes:
When the album comes out in the year 2009 it will suck,yeah I might just go and see Christina Agulara,she does a much better version of "BEAUTIFULL"how sweet and it seems the new Guns N' Roses are heading down her street,when they played that at the shows I seen I rolled around on the ground laughing my bollox off and thought "WHAT THE f*** IS THIS" so I think you have your music all wrong,shall I get a ticket for you too!
Member
47. writes:
if the axk was about the money,this would be his 3rd album in the last 10 years,not his 1st...its not like slash is irreplacable either guys cmon.but the old lineup is way better than the new in my opinoin,seen them both live..i hope the new stuff is good,but i doubt it will be antwhere close to appetite,an album like that comes out once every 20 years!....holy chit its been 20 years!!maybe it will be great,took long enough to make..hope axl has the last laugh.
Supporter
50. writes:
As much as I hate to say it.Something told me to check this feed.I did not want to but something saide "read it get caught up".So I did and as if on que GnRforever is back on his soap box.I knew he'd be back before the new disc dropped.
Dude let it go.I saide it before I'll say it againe."AXL CANNOT BE DEFENDED !!!!".Everytime you stick up for him he does something else that pretty much proves us right.The 3 guitare player thing does not impress me.It's been done before.The SCORPIONS come to mind.Clause has been known to pick up the guitare on stage from time to time.
This is getting rediculous.I like most of the people here am a GnR fan(the real GnR)not Axl & his back up's.You can dis Slash and VR all you want.It does not change the fact that they have established a solid track record.With a solid work ethic.If nothing else they won't dissapoint.When Axl finally releases C.D. he'll be lucky if anyone still cares enough to actually buy it.(I plan to burn it)
the record label will not start a marketing plan or spring for a video because they've allready sunk an inordinate amount of money into the project & they've got d*** to show for it.If it was you would you give Axl more money so he can hand you more excuses ?
I respect your opinion dude.But Axl's hollow promises have worn both myself and alot of other people thin.After awhile you gotta look at the big picture and ask yourself "What .... if anything am I really getting out of what Axl's offering ? Besides aggrivation.
I hope Axl does not dissapoint you againe.He's done it to everybody else.It's just a matter of time.Also on the other hand if Axl is not getting a fare shake from the record label.Why does'nt he just do what so many other big name artist's have done & release it independently ? Dude he's running out of excuses accept it.
57. writes:
Good to hear from you Blackdog, I understand the hate for Axl. I know that there will be videos and promo for this release. You can bet that " Better" is probably being made right now as there first video. This album will be out soon, You all know what Axl was like. He is a new man. He is out to prove that he can replace the band and take it to another level. As far as VR, the old bandmates have gone backwards. Axl rocked 2006, 20 year aniversary of AFD in 2007, what an aniversary gift, Chinese Democracy! Had it been Axl belting out fall to pieces I may have bought the album. Sorry guys, Scott WEilland is a fraud, he is trying to be a rockstar in every way , but it shows. Eddie Vedder wants his voice back, Mick wants his moves and Iggy wants his looks. GNR are back to save us from the sh** Velvet has been ramming down our ears. HANG TIGHT IT'S COMING......
Supporter
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1. mimic25 writes:
ha just proves that axl is only even doing it still just for one reason: the money. hopefully his "muse" will not come back and we wont have to have any fake GnR inflicted on us.