Guns N' Roses is one of the most enigmatic groups in the history of rock and roll. Axl Rose is so unpredictable that one never knows if a published itinerary is real or a pipe dream. Rose answers some questions on the group's website.
On launching the tour in China
"It's a dream realized. A dream come true. The right time, the right place and the
whole thing came about by chance. I guess it's meant to be. This was something we could not turn down. The most exciting thing is getting the band out there to begin doing some shows, and these are some big shows. It's a way for us to play for a lot of people and have a lot of fun. It's also a warm up so we can have an understanding of how to start our Fall tour. And that's a warm up for the Spring tour. This thing is starting now and much like Use Your Illusions that went for two and a half years, this thing is going to go off and on for the next two or three years, and we'll see how it goes. We're really looking forward to seeing all the different people in the different countries and this is a great opportunity."
For those who may not be familiar with the new band lineup
"Okay, let's see. We
have Mini Me and Nipsy Russell and Charles Nelson Riley and Colin Powell. Just kidding. It's nearly the same as it's been; Dizzy Reed (keyboards), Chris Pitman (keyboards), Brain (drums), Buckethead N' Robin (guitar), Tommy Stinson (bass), Richard Fortus (guitar) and myself. I'm very excited to do these shows. Being at the rehearsals with the guys was just really exciting."
Regarding those who are skeptical as to whether or not Guns N' Roses will
actually be performing
"To the ones who are negative and want to see either myself or the new band fall
on their faces, personally I can't pass up an opportunity to upset so many of them in one quick swoop. I get misty-eyed just thinking about it. I feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside! But seriously…this is our tour. This is a collection of performances I've agreed to. That I have personally authorized not someone else's good intentions gone awry or a reckless promoter's personal agenda. These shows are important to us and for better or worse we'll be there. For those who've had my back and are down by us with even a modicum of understanding we hope to give you our best, and look forward to seeing you on this little intro jaunt." Guns N' Roses will go back into the studio immediately following the aforementioned dates to put the final touches on the forthcoming "Chinese Democracy" album.
Guns N' Roses itinerary:
August
14 – Hong Kong Exhibition Hall
August 17 – Japan Tokyo Chiba Marine Stadium, Summer Sonic festival
August 18 – Japan Osaka WTC Open-air Stadium, Summer Sonic festival
August 23 – England Leeds Festival
August 24 – Belgium Pukkelpop Festival
August 26 – England London Docklands Arena
