Wil’s Domain Weblog

Remembering Guns ‘N Roses’ Early Days: Slash Rocks and Axl Sucks!

July 24th, 2008

As any rational rock music enthusiast knows, “The original Guns N’ Roses is one of greatest bands ever.” During Guns N’ Roses’ early days, die-hard G ‘N R fans would flock to sold-out concerts to hear the perfect synergy of former lead guitarist Slash (Saul Hudson), former rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, former bass player Duff McKagan, former rock drummer Steven Adler and … er… the vocal talent of long-time lead singer Axl Rose. So, why is the hatred that many fans feel for Axl still exists?

I think that the primary reason that their hatred still exists is because… Axl still sucks. Period!

Unlike Axl, Slash represents many positive different things to many loyal Guns ‘N Roses fans:

• Coolness
• Serenity
• Adventure
• Kindness
• Love
• Innovation
• Energy
• Joy
• Respect
• Professionalism
• Proficency
• Excellence
• Service
• Loyalty
• Understanding
• Caring
• Happiness
• Talent
• Fun
• Outgoing
• Smart
• Creativity
• Flexibility
• Diversity
• Virtuosity
• Generosity
• Humility
• Ethics
• Fluency
• Smooth
• Good Hair

To many unhappy fans, Axl represents many negative things…

• Arrogance
• Anger
• Ignorance
• Goofiness
• Pride
• Stupidity
• Gluttony
• Criminal Mischief
• Harassment
• Sloth
• Gossip
• Envy
• Fear
• Hatred
• Lust
• Blasphemy
• Disrespect
• Pessimism
• Guilt
• Frustration
• Weirdness
• Bad Hair

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Despite the many circulating reunion rumors, they are almost always quickly discounted as merely wishful thinking. Sadly, many fans missed the original Guns N’ Roses, a band which slashed and burned it way through the annals of rock and roll history.

Despite Axl’s position as the frontman, Slash was a vital part of the band’s early success. Each time the flamboyant guitarist would step onto the stage, along with his fellow founding members of Guns ‘N Roses, many fans would roar with approval at the sight of the guitar hero’s trademarked top hat, under which his long, curly black hair unfurled and hung casually over his shoulders. Slash is truly the essence of which legendary guitar legends are made.

In a survey of G ‘N R fans, the majority of whom contributed the band’s untimely demise to Axl Rose, it seems obvious that there may never be a reunion. Obviously, to most dedicated fans, Slash, Izzy, Steven and Duff’s departures are enough reason to deem the “new version” of Guns ‘N Roses to be a lame duck version of the band’s former glory.

How can any fan enjoy going to live Guns ‘N Roses concerts if Axl, Slash, Izzy, Duff, and Steven aren’t playing together again? I have recently emailed a few music bloggers several questions to provide unbiased answers to help me understand the strong hatred for Axl and why he still sucks.

It’s very clear, after intently reading and re-reading their rational responses, I concluded that Axl is a person who lacks good judgment, loyalty to his former band mates and business integrity. Having been a Guns N’ Roses fan since the band’s inception, I can attest to the fact that G ‘N R is a class act that is often duplicated but never equaled. Axl’s misfortunate action has caused his many fans a lot of grief.

Any reasonable fan can criticise Axl without disrespecting the rock idol as a person. Moreover, he or she must also acknowledge Axl’s achievements as a talented songwriter, musician and singer.

If you hanker for the early days when Guns ‘N Roses rocked the world, then wait no longer. In a darkened room lit by candles, play November Rain as you sit back in your favorite comfortable, winged upholstered armchair and reminisce the early days of Guns ‘N Roses. Because there may never be a reunion, this alternative solution to a live GN’R performance will alleviate the anxieties associated with your being denied the opportunity to go to another live Guns N’ Roses concert.

Saul “Slash” Hudson has earned his spot among the guitar lengends like David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Lita Ford and other equally worthy guitarists. I sorely miss the early days of Guns ‘N Roses. That golden-era band is everything that the current Guns ‘N Roses isn’t and can never be duplicated.

Yes, I have a bias, which I am duly disclosing in this weblog entry. Slash rocks and Axl sucks! However, I have always respected Axl Rose, despite his personal hang ups. Like many loyal Guns ‘N Roses fans, I remain hopeful that Slash, Izzy, Duff, Steven and Axl will perform live together once again, even if they play only a few gigs. I am willing to pay to see the bad boys in action one more time.

Tags axl rose duff mckagan g n'r guns n’ roses izzy stradlin Music november rain saul hudson slash steven adler top hat

Entry Filed under: Music