Axl Rose: Pepper spray

Axl Rose is hoping that people don't think he's the sort of bore who would instruct his lawyers to go after Doctor Pepper, oh, no:

Answering questions on fansite Heretodaygonetohell.com, Rose distanced himself from the legal dispute, although he said he supported his lawyer.

"Sure [I agree with the letter being sent], but the actions taken so far had nothing to do with me and I was taken off guard as I had specifically told our team, 'Who fucking cares?!" he revealed.

He added: "Right now we have a record to deal with. My feelings are after their public response. It was cute. Maybe the guy who got it rolling originally meant well, but it turned out sour and maybe it's just me, but he seems like maybe he wants a bit too much attention so..."

Yeah, Axl, you're so clearly talking about word make form your mindy-head has thoughts to create about.

No Rock's highly-trained team of logicians have been trying to extract the sense from "I told them I didn't care, they sent a letter that was nothing to do with me, I totally support what they did despite having told them not to" - they hope to have a response to if he's a humourless douche or not by the end of the week. The second paragraph, though, they have deemed to be too dangerous to attempt to parse.

The record company might think differently, Axl

Axl Rose has suggested that, you know, there might be a Chinese Democracy sequel in the works:

"For now we'll concentrate and keep our focus on this album but I will say I've always thought of it as a double," he said.

Given the gestation period, and costs poured in to the first record, resulting in sales in the high dozens, Axl has probably yet to float a business plan on this one.

Most of Axl's audience have died in the last two decades, then

Whew. The early feeling was that Guns N Roses sale was poor: but a first week of 261,000 in the US? That is pretty bad. You have to wonder if the 'one store only' strategy is now looking a little ill-advised.

Gordon in the morning: No promo

Gordon Smart does some reporting today: Record label bosses are, he says, annoyed with Axl Rose:

RECORD label bosses are fuming after GUNS N’ ROSES frontman AXL ROSE went missing for two months – costing the band a No1 album.

The suggestion is that Rose somehow failed to help getting the news out about the record:

Bosses at label Geffen are blaming unpredictable Axl for the disappointing sales after he went AWOL for two months before the release date.

Despite all the effort put into one of the most extravagant rock albums of all time, staff could not contact Axl to get him to promote his rock epic.

This seems a little strange - admittedly, Rose might not have made himself available for Saturday morning's kids TV, but it's not as if Chinese Democracy was under-promoted in any way. There can't be many people left on the planet who were unaware of the record's imminent release.

And given that it took Rose the best part of two decades to deliver the record, did Geffen really expect to be able to control a process over which they've had little control so far?

Anyway, it's unlikely that anyone in the US is that bothered about the UK sales:

But they lost out to THE KILLERS’ Day & Age in Sunday’s UK album chart rundown — with BRANDON FLOWERS’ group notching up sales of 200,000 during the week — 80,000 more than Guns N’ Roses.

It's the US figures which will really be of interest to Geffen - and boy, does Smart make them sound bad:

Chinese Democracy’s first week US sales are between 300,000 and 500,000. Yet their 1987 debut album Appetite For Destruction went on to sell a staggering 28million, so they have a long way to go with their new effort.

It's sold 28 million, yes. But over 21 years, from a start being released into a very different market for music, not available solely through a single store. And when people cared about Guns N Roses.

Is anyone really thinking that getting Axl onto Letterman to let people hear one of the songs would have managed any more sales? On the contrary, the fewer people that heard the record before purchase the better - something Geffen seemed to accept, as it was so heavy-handed about slapping down that early leak.

If there are staff at Geffen who really think there were more sales in a clapped-out band's disappointing punchline, then they might want to think about following Rose off onto a much-needed holiday.

Not so historic after all, then

After all that waiting, all that press, and the best Guns N Roses can manage is runner-up to The Killers.

Axl Rose has some cloudy issues with Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper, you might conclude, has made good on its promise to provide all of America with an unpleasant pop to mark the release of Chinese Democracy - you could get a voucher to turn into a drink. All a bit of harmless fun, right?

Not according to Axl who had instructed his lawyers. TMZ reports:

Rose is accusing Pepper of profiting off the Guns N' Roses name, after the soda company's website malfunctioned during their free Dr Pepper giveaway on Sunday. The 20 oz. handouts were a promise made by Pepper if "Chinese Democracy" ever hit the shelves.

Axl's lawyers are demanding full-page apologies in four major newspapers, an extended period of time to collect on the free suds and payment for unauthorized use the G'N'R name.

Apart from being utterly, utterly humourless, it's a bit puzzling - if Rose is annoyed that Dr Pepper somehow misused the good name of Guns N Roses in their promotion, why does he want the promotion extended?

And given Buckethead's appropriation of KFC's buckets in an earlier iteration of Guns N Roses, does Axl really want to get into a brand-ownership cock fight?

Chinese Democracy wobbles the ground, but doesn't shake the earth

The first week sales of Chinese Democracy suggests that, perhaps, it might have been better to release the album before most of your fans died of old age:

New reports claim first-week US sales of the long-awaited Guns ‘N’ Roses album, ‘Chinese Democracy’, have reached between 300,000 to 500,000 copies.

The report also claims the album has seen 25,000 downloads through the iTunes Store in the US, though the album won’t show up in the charts until next week.

It's not a bad sale for a new album, but given the circus surrounding the release, and the sort of publicity campaign press people would boil their own feet for, it's not exactly historic.

China unimpressed with Chinese Democracy

Mouthpiece of the Chinese communists, the Global Times has not prepared a garland for the new Guns N Roses album:

In an article Monday headlined "American band releases album venomously attacking China," the Global Times said unidentified Chinese Internet users had described the album as part of a plot by some in the West to "grasp and control the world using democracy as a pawn."

The album "turns its spear point on China," the article said.

To be fair, though, that's not amongst the worst reviews the record has had.

Surprisingly, given the Chinese authorities have had nearly two decades to prepare for the release of the record, you'd think they'd have something better lined up for a response:

China's Foreign Ministry did not respond to faxed questions about the article, although a spokesman speaking on routine condition of anonymity said: "We don't need to comment on that."

Spokesmen for the Culture Ministry and State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, government bodies that regulate album releases and performances, could not be reached for comment.

We're given to understand the American embassy in Beijing has briefed the Pentagon that top-ranking Chinese are too busy trying to work out a way to participate in the free Dr Pepper programme to release a formal statement on the record.

It's not only the Chinese who are angry that Guns N Roses' Chinese Democracy is reflecting badly on them. The NRA has called a press conference to remind Americans that guns aren't actually such cranky, temperamental things as the band would suggest, while Bob Flowerdew was seen in his garden, sobbing, as he pruned the last of his Rosa Black Magic.

Guns N Roses leaker to remain out of jail

The not-at-all-heavy-handed arrest of Kevin Coghill, the first (although almost certainly not the last) person to allegedly to share Chinese Democracy over the internet looks like to be resolved without anyone going to prison. Coghill's brief is predicting a deal will lead to probation, although community service trying to remove traces of Axl Rose from the internet would surely have been more apt?

Guns N Roses comp: I wonder if Gordon will enter?

Guns N Roses are barking up the interest in their new album by running a competition with a special prize:

Guns N' Roses are offering fans the chance to hear their new album Chinese Democracy before anyone else.

Apart from, you know, the people who already have copied off the internet. Apart from them. But you'll always have the knowledge that you're the first person to legitimately hear the record, not counting the band, their entourage, the label, the marketing team, the chaps at Best Buy who okayed the exclusive deal, and anyone who happened to be around during mastering. Apart from them.

What do you have to do?

To hear the long-awaited album, fans have to show off their top skills in an air guitar competition.

Those wishing to enter should upload their "craziest, most inappropriate air guitar" performance to the band's YouTube channel.

Isn't all public air guitar inappropriate? Isn't this only a step away from asking people to send webcam footage of their best masturbation technique to the band (you can have that one for free, Akon)?

Roses bloom without May

During the long, long birth of Chinese Democracy - as part of the throwing of everything at the wall stage - Brian May stepped down from his traditional perch on the roof of Buckingham Palace to record some bits.

May's work, recorded back in 1999, hasn't made the final cut. May, for once, isn't raging, but quietly accepting of his fate, blogging:

Well, it is a shame, perhaps ... I did put quite a lot of work in, and was proud of it.

But I could understand if Axl wants to have an album which reflects the work of the members of the band as it is, right now.

I do have mixes of the tracks with my guitar on, work tapes at the time, but they will remain private, out of respect for Axl.

That would be mutual respect, of the sort where you don't bother to tell someone that you've dumped their work from an album and leave it to someone sneaking a peek at the credits on an early copy of the artwork, of course.

Contact Music welcomes Chinese Democracy

The good people at Contact Music know who the release of the Guns N Roses album is all about...



It's, erm, all about Sara Cox.

America prepares for a massive disappointment

It's even more official than it was when Best Buy stuck it into its online store: A press release confirms that Chinese Democracy is about to fail to live up to the hype:

MINNEAPOLIS, October 22, 2008 – Best Buy and Geffen Records announced that one of the most highly anticipated albums of all time, Guns N’ Roses’ Chinese Democracy, will be available beginning Nov. 23 at Best Buy and BestBuy.com on CD, vinyl, and digital downloads. The title track, the first single from the album, was released to radio today, October 22. Chinese Democracy is the first album of new material from one of rock’s most influential bands since the 1991 simultaneous releases of Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II.

Has anyone actually been anticipating it? Wasn't the fun of the wait the belief that it would never show up? Isn't the actual release of the record like the winner of the New Statesman's competition to write an ending which ruined the foregoing story - "enter Godot".

Still, even if it is by definition an anti-climax, that's not going to stop the overselling:

“The release of Chinese Democracy marks a historic moment in rock n’ roll,” said co-managers Irving Azoff and Andy Gould. “We’re launching with a monumental campaign developed by Gary Arnold and the Best Buy team that matches the groundbreaking sound of the album itself. Guns N’ Roses fans have every reason to celebrate, for this is only the beginning.”

It's only the beginning. Yes, there's every chance another album will be along in another 17 years. I'm not entirely sure 'only being available through America's mumbled answer to Dixons' is considered such a brilliant idea; perhaps they figure that Best Buy is the only store whose staff are unlikely to rip the CD to the web as soon as it turns up.

“Chinese Democracy is one of the most highly anticipated albums in music history, and Best Buy is thrilled to deliver this explosive and previously elusive release to Guns N’ Roses fans. Longtime fans will be rewarded for their patience and loyalty to this great band, while a new generation of fans will be blown away,” said Gary Arnold, Senior Entertainment Officer for Best Buy. “Axl Rose is one of the most dynamic and gifted writers and performers in modern music. Best Buy is excited to work with Axl to make the release of Chinese Democracy THE musical event of 2008!”

The guy from the shop is excited! Damn, he's pumped. Thank god someone hunted down that "previously elusive" album, discovering its hiding place somewhere between Axl's inability to work with colleagues and a general can't-be-arsed-ness.

But what's with Best Buy having an entertainments officer? I know 1980s holiday camps did; and Student Unions presumably still do. But a shop? With an officer? Does he have a whistle? Is his department rounded off by a pair of identical twins, a refugee from Russ Abbot's madhouse and a punch and judy man who hates children?

“Guns N’ Roses is THE premier American rock band,” commented Steve Berman, President, Sales and Marketing, Interscope Geffen A&M Records. “Partnering with Gary and everyone at Best Buy to release one of rock’s most anticipated and legendary albums is truly a moment in music history. We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Chinese Democracy is coming, it’s coming this year, and it’s coming to Best Buy.”

It's almost as if the label is more excited at the idea of being in a partnership with Best Buy than having the record to sell. Understandable; Guns N Roses records come round every 17 years but a chain store getting excited about selling a CD? That is something unusual.

RIAA won't listen

Cassettes Won't Listen had recently been pitching for free the album Ludacrisdemocracy, a mashy-bashy delight that took the Chinese Democracy tunes that had previously leaked and slapped chunks of Ludacris over them.

Quite a delight.

Of course, the sound of young people having fun attracted the attention of the RIAA who have rushed forward with a cease and desist causing it to disappear from the internet in everything but fact.

This is kind of official, then

It's pre-pre-order status, but BestBuy is showing Chinese Democracy in its catalogue.

Chinese Democracy a cause for thanksgiving?

There have been many false dawns, but this time it looks like it could, at long last, be about to happen: serious sources are suggesting that Best Buy will have Chinese Democracy exclusively on its shelves in time for Thanksgiving Week in the US.

Just in time for everyone to get a free Dr Peppers for Christmas.

Chinese Democracy: Perhaps it'll get a release

If you predict often enough that Chinese Democracy is about to be released, there's a chance that you might just be right one time. NME is predicting a Best Buy only release by the end of the year.

If that's true, it could be good news for Napster - beleaguered, but now part of the Best Buy empire. If it's true.

FBI protects 'Chinese Democracy' the way the Chinese government protects itself from democracy

The guy who posted up nine songs he claimed were from Chinese Democracy back in June has been arrested by the FBI:

A man [Kevin Gogill] accused of posting nine previously unreleased songs by the rock band Guns N' Roses on a website where they could be accessed by the public was arrested at his home early today on suspicion of violating federal copyright laws, authorities said.

Thank god there's so little crime in America the FBI have got nothing better to do with American's tax dollars.

Axl Rose has a sense of irony, it turns out

According to the latest informed rumours, Guns N Roses are thinking of bringing Chinese Democracy to the market through an exclusive deal with a retail chain.

Wal-Mart are leading the bidding for the role - fitting, of course, since most of their stuff is made in China and their approach to their staff and customers pretty much apes that of the Chinese government to democrats.

Best Buy are also taking part in the talks, but WalMart makes more sense - people could pick up their free Dr Peppers while they're there.

Chinese Democracy: First release

In a move which is either an audacious start to an album lead-in campaign, or a sign that there aren't any tracks strong enough to release as singles, the first official fruits of the Chinese Democracy sessions are getting a release on the Rock Star 2 game soundtrack.

Shackler’s Revenge will be one of the songs you can add to as a musician (if you accept that when you make Mario go round in his little cart, you are in some way driving.) Typical: after fifteen years, you still have to finish the bloody song yourself.

The deal is being read as signs of an autumn release for the album (perhaps only for the Wii, though.) That sound? It's buttocks tightening in Doctor Pepper offices.