In a recent chat with the New Zealand Herald ahead of a concert there promoting his new Apocalyptic Love album, Slash and his retinue laid down the law, outlining a list of no-go topics. The Herald, rather cheekily, published the list in its story with the rocker.
The conditions for being granted an interview with Slash are:
* Guns N' Roses is a topic that Slash can briefly touch on.
* You can briefly discuss the Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame Induction - but only to the extent of the honour of that.
* You can't talk about the ceremony itself and Axl not showing up and their performance etc.
* No questions about Axl Rose whatsoever.
* No questions about a possible Guns N' Roses reunion.
* No "on the road" stories or historic infamous type stories based around Guns N' Roses.
* There has to be a focus on what he's doing now and forthcoming events/plans.
I have to say I am of twin minds about this. On the one hand, I respect the fact that it must be a monumental drag to have to keep going over the same topics again and again with every new interview. Plus, I get that Slash is excited about the new record is he pitching and wants to blab about that.
At the same time, part of what makes Slash Slash is the infamous time spent in Guns N’ Roses, so people are naturally curious about that. And obviously, GN’R is the biggest part of the Slash picture, else he wouldn’t continue to include songs from that band in his current set.
So what’s the solution? I dunno. Maybe give fewer interviews. Or find a way of gently, amusingly redirecting media questions when they crop up, because frankly, this list makes him look like a wuss.
In any case, it’s pretty gutsy of the New Zealand Herald to print it, likely ensuring no future access to the guitarist, who last month turned 47 (he actually shares a birthday with Mick Jagger - July 26).
Ironically, this list will now become a new topic of query in future interviews. Sorry Slash, bad play.
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A wuss? The journalist must be 15 and missed that era. Look it up! Dude has been asked this same stupid question more than enough. Not a wuss just tired of answering it. Simple! And the band itself has been dead since 1994. Axl's new version doesn't count as GNR.
Posted by: Kincaid | 08/19/2012 at 04:49 PM
The prospect of a GNR lineup has long passed. Axl and Slash have found separate paths to travel and seem to be content with those stages in their careers now.
Posted by: The Space Lord | 08/20/2012 at 11:11 AM
I don't blame Slash for not wanting to answer any questions about Axl. This same question has been asked thousands of times. The people that think that the original Guns N Roses will play togethe again are the same type of people that think Elivs is still alive. By the way, has anyone heard Axl lately? He sucks! I say enjoy that classic GNR albums and leave it be.
Posted by: JohnnyC | 08/26/2012 at 07:16 PM