Guns N' Roses: How Axl Rose Made Chinese Democracy Without Slash, Most Expensive Album in History

[@rnrtruestories]

Is Chinese Democracy a Guns N' Roses record? I say no....My bad, I meant to say Brian May, not Roger Taylor on Catcher in the Rye. However I understand they didn't use Brian May's solo.

[@tieukhavu8832]

Just Axl Roses hired Guns. 😉🙂😄

[@seangiuliani3825]

LOOK MICHAEL JACKSON'S INVINCIBLE WAS THE MOST EXPENSIVE ALBUM EVER MADE. LET'S JUST CLEAR THAT UP. 2ND MOST.

[@CA-xs6sr]

Squealy McGee and a bunch of guys who aren't Slash

[@jeremyrogers200]

The Axl Rose Experience.

[@bigtime474]

@@seangiuliani3825 true My friend just because you grew up on Sunset Strip doesn't make a big flash in the studio.

[@jnorten]

I worked as an Engineer for a few days on Chinese Democracy. I don't have any exciting stories, I was filling in for a friend and Axel never showed up. I got to hear a lot of the songs though.

[@paulpv7]

Which band members did you see?

[@thedefamationleague]

Didn't Billy Howerdel from A Perfect Circle work on the album in some capacity as well? I remember him saying he was involved in it somehow, but don't remember if it was as a musician, engineer/producer, or some combination, or how extensive his involvement was.

[@paulpv7]

@@thedefamationleague Billy Howerdel worked as Pro Tools engineer during the album's early development for 2.5 years. 1997-1999. He is credited for recording and editing there was a time. (Source: wikipedia)

[@thedefamationleague]

@@paulpv7 Damn.. Didn't even know Pro Tools, or DAWs in general were a thing in the 90's. They must have been REALLY frustrating to use back then, lol. But yeah, he uses Logic now. I met him at a meet and greet before an APC show a few years ago and we were talking about recording and he suggested I get a Mac and try Logic out. I eventually did and it made recording/mixing WAY easier than I was used to.... plus it's nice that the program doesn't crash when I use "too many" effects on a bunch of tracks, lol. Glad I took his advice.

[@paulpv7]

@@thedefamationleague That is a cool story, thanks for sharing. But yeah Axl was into modern stuff and effects around 1996-2000, in contrast to duff and slash who just wanted to play rock n roll.

[@harryallen1175]

Moby suggestion is spot on. A lot of bands could do with going back to basics. Limited tools, similar atmosphere as they did when they started. A lot of long running bands get to comfortable.

[@dominushydra]

Exactly. Just jam out and have fun. You don't have to make the greatest album ever made. Bunch of twats

[@missmarina_xo]

I disagree. Sometimes it’s good to follow a trend. If Axl got to make the album he wanted for GNR they would’ve stayed relevant and kept the money flowing for themselves and the label they worked for.

[@johnaustin209]

Revisionist lies...

[@ROVA00]

⁠​⁠@@missmarina_xoI disagree. There is absolutely no way to predict what would have kept the band “relevant”. By the mid 90’s there was no more appetite for anything that wasn’t grunge rock. Fans historically almost never like it when their favored band changes their style or direction.

[@a_ya5555]

I don't like Moby but if they tried to do some of the electronic/rock stuff that he was starting to do 2 years prior then they probably would have been elevated to a higher status, though competing in a more duran duran realm, and definitely not as good as them.

[@dannyh5937]

Izzy was always the glue that held the band together. Izzy's talent always falls by the wayside.

[@S0RELOSER]

Izzy could come back but he refuses to do so unless he gets his royalties gifted back. Problem is, he sold them to Axl years ago.

[@Bhamloud47]

Slash and Izzy parting ways was a dark moment in music. I would’ve loved to have gotten a few more albums from those two with anyone singing. Duff too he’s a big part of it but Izzy and slash’s dual guitars were awesome.

[@dannyh5937]

@@Bhamloud47 Izzy is incredible at playing rhythm guitar and at times it's like he's playing lead, but Izzy reels it back in and continues to drive the song with Duff and Adler/Sorum. What us fans can only guess is the importance of Izzy in the studio. Izzy wrote some incredible songs with the band, he also wrote amazing songs on his own like Patience and Double Talking Jive. I believe the band was lost without Izzy keeping the band on task. Who knows what the truth is, but all I know is that true Guns fans know how important Izzy was.

[@smothy4986]

@@dannyh5937 100% true once he went Guns were over, I'm pretty sure on the Illusion albums Izzy wrote or cowrote 14 of the songs, once he was gone there was no new songs 16 years, says it all really.

[@smothy4986]

In saying that though I really like Chinese Democracy, I was very impressed at first listen

[@graemespringer4643]

I saw it at best buy and being a fan since Appetite I bought it both on vinyl and CD. When I put it on I was surprised that even without the other four guys it sounded like a gnr album . I think it's decent and still passes the test of time.

[@AngeloBoca1]

Me too. I never opened my vinyl

[@MyKeeP81]

its a great album

[@joeorden2832]

I honestly love Chinese Democracy to this day as I play at least one track on a free form radio station I’m apart of. I would love if CD got a super deluxe along with the “This I Love” demo that Axl made and any other demos or sessions that no one of has heard of.

[@gusvloggers]

That’ll happen in 2038 when it’s 30 years old

[@pkj77]

@@gusvloggers and Axl will Charge 1200$ for it lol

[@gusvloggers]

@@pkj77 but at least it would be on KZbin for free

[@jamespetkwitz8737]

I remember when it first came out, Best buy had like 3 different SKUs listed on the website for a day or two and everyone was so excited that we would maybe get different artwork, the Brain Remix album.. but alas it never happened. There is a leak of a lot of the Brain Remix album he worked on before leaving. so at least we have those.

[@RobertBoyle11]

There are some early versions/demos already on KZbin, as well as some songs that didn't make the album.

[@kaljaadelfiineille]

"Once there was this rock n' roll band rollin' on the streets. Time went by and it became a joke."

[@hi_is_this_clorox_bleach]

IZZY

[@redleader3394]

We just needed more and more fulfilling... uh-huh Time went by and it all went up in smoke!!! ❤

[@arlenrousseau6221]

"I'm SERIOUS..." 😉

[@TheOnlyHollywood1]

That song seems a lot more prophetic now

[@pitfox1762]

Real Guns fans ...you fuckers

[@danv8717]

I remember going into Best Buy in November of 2008 and seeing rows and rows of Chinese Democracy albums and nobody was buying them. Once I saw that I knew that album was doomed.

[@steven_marque_official_channel]

I love it and listen to it frequently. The vocals and lead guitars are peerless and the avant-garde arrangements are fascinating.

[@robvegas9354]

Chinese Democracy has some stellar songs on it. The guitar work on 'There was a time' is stunning stuff!

[@stanleyspadowski235]

Buckethead’s outro is absolutely incredible - best solo on the album IMO.

[@teijaflink2226]

It sounds crazy to me that it was that expensive but I think some songs are really good, This I love I think is one of Axls best ballads.

[@cherobinson6371]

Best GNR song ever.

[@Dougerro]

Album is great

[@johnaustin209]

One barely good song. The rest is shit.

[@kevinsharpe8457]

How many albums did Slash make in the time Axl fired everybody till Chinese Democracy? 2 snake pit, 2 velvet revolver, his Self titled Album , tons of guest appearances.

[@kevinsharpe8457]

Duff also made his album “ believe in me “ , 2 loaded albums , Neurotic Outsiders, also more guest appearances. Gilby did his own albums , Izzy made a few albums , Matt Played lot on all these guys albums ….. AXL did 1….1 . Axl is crap.

[@Dougerro]

And all of them are meeeeeeeh

[@kevinsharpe8457]

@@Dougerro bullshit . Most of Duffs stuff with Nerotic whips the shit outta NuGnR. Slash s solo stuff w Miles is light years above most GNR . Velvet Revolver as well. Axl is garbage and always will be.

[@CaaPoraSpirit]

cause he's a circus monkey, easy for him

[@Barlow88]

Man, the content lately with longer videos like this has been excellent! Thanks so much for all that you do 🫡

[@AtlasIllusions]

Some songs on Chinese are amazing- TWAT, Madagascar, Prostitute, for example. I feel If the album came out in the early 2000s, it would be remembered in a much better way. The “myth” of Chinese was too big for any music to be deemed “good enough.” In the shadows of Appetite and the Illusion albums, the wait for Chinese made it impossible for people to find enjoyable

[@missmarina_xo]

The songs are good, the way they’re mixed is awful imo

[@ashpreet.singh07]

@@missmarina_xo ??

[@ashpreet.singh07]

@@missmarina_xo mb your right i just listened to if the world

[@teijaflink2226]

I think some great song writing too but this album definitely doesn't sound expensive.

[@BaNgInHeAdS]

@@missmarina_xo The mix is the absolute best part of this album. It sounds spectacular.

[@LeeAdrian777]

I thought it was a great album! But could you imagine how much more work he could have released had he not been such a perfectionist?!

[@colddraft8778]

Yes , multiple releases .

[@paintitmatteblack7281]

Loved the video but you skipped over my favorite part of Chinese Democracy….when Dr. Pepper promised to give everyone in the world a free Dr. Pepper if Axel actually released it in 2008. When he did they made good on their promise and had a number and website where you could collect your free Dr. Pepper. I still have my coupon and keep it framed in my music room lol

[@finnmcginn9931]

Really eh? That's cool they kept their promise. Cheers

[@joebagodonuts7563]

I know a lot of people hate Chinese Democracy and I really hated it too at first. I hated the entire idea of Axl making a Guns & Roses album without the rest of the guys. But listening back to it years later it's a pretty good album. I like it now.

[@rnrtruestories]

I like a handful of songs better, Madagascar, there was a time

[@reddis4724]

I would have like if that album was done in 1996 with all original members Rose, Slash, Duff, Clarke, Sorrum and Reed but the creative side of the band was ruin by doing the cover of Sympathy for the devil

[@njm361]

@@reddis4724sorum and Gilby aren’t original members

[@fchampd4512]

i think John Decon should make a Queen album by himself. its totally queen no question about it. 100% queen

[@reddis4724]

@@njm361 I'm talking about the Use Your Illusion lineup at that time

[@kreemothedreamo]

Everything went downhill for GnR when Izzy Stradlin left the group around the release of the Use Your Illusion albums in Fall ‘91. Whereas Axl and Slash could be described as the Jagger-Richards of the group, then Izzy was definitely the Brian Jones. In fact, his role in GnR was even more significant than Brian Jones in the Stones. Izzy was probably one of the greatest rhythm guitarists, complimenting Slash’s leads and riffs perfectly, and on top of that, he was instrumental in the songwriting process. On Appetite, he wrote or cowrote most of its songs, including “Sweet Child o' Mine" and "Paradise City". He also wrote “Patience" on the follow-up G N' R Lies. And on the Use Your Illusion albums, he cowrote “Don't Cry" and "You Could Be Mine", and performed lead vocals on "Dust N' Bones", "You Ain't the First", "Double Talkin' Jive", and "14 Years"

[@Yourmumsrectum]

I personally think they disrespected him a lot when he got sober especially Axl by being an asshole to fans and the band.

[@luisforeal8676]

Izzy was the one who was most musically inclined as far as "music theory" goes. The question is why isn't he back with the band? The answer is because of money.

[@foolishtyrannosaurus3843]

Yeah and you could be mine is def. One of my favorite songs of all time I'll never forget hearing that shit on T2 never heard nothin like it!

[@metrakos]

I would say after they fired Adler … no Stradlin=no Keith

[@manhalen7046]

No doubt about it.

[@leonbowen6567]

I'm from Mississippi and I saw guns n roses new years day 1992 with soundgarden in Biloxi Mississippi and I've been to a 1000+ shows but besides pantera and slipknot etc.but guns n roses were the literally loudest band I have ever seen in my life will never forget it I was 13 years old

[@rnrtruestories]

Man I’m so jealous I never got to see them on uyi tour. Seen them three times on reunion tour

[@lucaskuczek]

@@rnrtruestories I saw the uyi tour at the Metrodome, coheadlined with metallica. Faith no more opened. Sweet Gothic stage. Like 2 songs in Patton was hit with a roll of toilet paper thrown from the 50 yard line. "Imma kick your ass" then walks off stage. 2ish hours later, the show finally began.

[@53rdand3rdShows]

We’ve seen lots of metal and big heavy bands…. None of them touched the atmosphere and energy of a gunners show.

[@jagidruss]

I have two copies of Chinese Democracy on cd. Both were given to me one is still in the wrapper I listened to the other copy only once I didn’t have a desire to listen to it again, maybe I’ll give it another chance soon.

[@WriterVinita]

00:03 Axl Rose's journey in creating Chinese Democracy 02:03 Slash's disinterest in new material led to the formation of his side project Snake Pit. 03:55 Axl Rose's efforts to create new material post-Slash 05:57 Struggles faced by Guns N' Roses without Izzy and Slash during the making of 'Chinese Democracy'. 07:49 Axl Rose formed a new band called Guns N' Roses and assembled a completely new band. 09:43 Guns N' Roses struggled to release Chinese Democracy due to creative disagreements and high expenses. 11:33 Axl Rose's unpredictable schedule and recording costs spiraled out of control for Chinese Democracy album. 13:16 Challenges in recording Chinese Democracy album 15:12 Difficulties faced during the production of Chinese Democracy album 17:00 Delays in Chinese Democracy album release 18:41 Chinese Democracy had disappointing sales but has sold over five million copies worldwide. Crafted by Merlin AI.

[@MrJackStacey]

I used to hate on that album so much until I thought of it as an Axl Rose solo album, then it all made sense!

[@richardmoores]

That’s what I thought from the start, and I always appreciate it for what it was

[@gooseabuse]

He had such famous name he could have made it as solo artist, it worked for Ozzy.

[@johnaustin209]

Doesn't make it any better. Still mediocre crap.

[@blacksunshine7485]

That first Snakepit album is wildly underrated. Badass.

[@moritzkohn4396]

The first and latest „Slash“ albums are even more underrated.. That dude seriously impressed me and whatever some people say, his guitar playing improved significantly😅

[@taylorjeremy71]

From what I understand the whole album was basically finished when the 'Oh My God' single was released on the Sixth Day soundtrack. It wasn't received well and that started the re- recording process that went on for a decade.

[@taylorjeremy71]

@@dickiemolitsanti2213 End of Days. Semantics. Yes the album was finished everybody knows that you can download the songs dummy

[@taylorjeremy71]

@@dickiemolitsanti2213 your mother must be embarrassed not only as having a career as a lady of the night but as having a retarded child from a no name Jon. Son of a whooooore

[@vii9284]

It was all basically recorded by then. The latest vocals were recorded in 2000-2001. There is literally nothing new on the final version.

[@taylorjeremy71]

@@vii9284 Have you heard the two different versions of the album? They sound completely different. Massive changes

[@vii9284]

@@taylorjeremy71 yeah, I have heard all the village sessions etc. I don't know which other version you mean, but the final Chinesedemocracy versions use vocals from around 2000

[@mike.g.85]

Crazy to think this album came out 14 years ago already, excited for next GnR album for sure

[@ffash995]

holy shit you're right. 2023 is 15 years since CD.

[@drewgeraci8434]

I like the term Eddie "I know everybody" Trunk! lol

[@mikeys7536]

I remember when Appetite came out. GnR hit the scene like a tornado. It was all down hill from there.

[@sjg5994]

😂

[@michaelmachung7233]

Yeah, I agree because after AFD, Adler and Stradlin disappeared, to make a long story short.

[@MarlonBrando414]

By the time the album came out I think like a quarter of the songs on the album had been played live for years, so when it came out I felt like I had already heard most of it, the release kinda felt like more of an after thought

[@S0RELOSER]

The original live bootlegs are all better than the studio versions as well.

[@MarlonBrando414]

@@S0RELOSER Agreed, especially "The Blues", I prefer the first live performance version over the album version

[@Trist805]

Yea I can't believe they've basically released nothing since then either.

[@tk75jo]

GNR studio albums ain't shit without Izzy Stradlin. He was the brains of the operation.

[@zmbdog]

Few bands can honestly say they screwed over their label instead of the other way around. D'Molls is one. GN'R may be another.

[@jackmurphy6864]

Rose wasted so many of his peak years in the wilderness. His voice in '93 was outstanding, and an Unplugged album should have been done at that time. This reunion tour has been going on for over 7 years now, and is little more than a retirement fund fueled by nostalgia.

[@MrBrettaxe]

Guns n roses should do everyone a favour and just stop nothing to prove

[@manhalen7046]

Rose sounds great every 3 shows if theyre touring heavy. His voice just cant holdup to show after show. But he still has it, he just has to ration it.

[@FFFNetwork]

Awesome video, the story behind the making of this album was so fascinating.

[@billrules8716]

Man, it's been 14 years since Chinese Democracy came out?? Doesn't seem like that long ago already. GNR needs to get a new album out.

[@rnrtruestories]

Agreed

[@fchampd4512]

14 years? Guns n roses havent done an album with original material since use your illusion (if you dont count spaghetti incident), but axl made a solo album and labeled it guns n roses without having any other member on it.

[@finnmcginn9931]

Time has sped up and no one can convince me otherwise.

[@Brando-Lee3725]

Appetite is one of my favorite albums of all time . And I love everything from thrash to punk to death metal country and hip hop , classic rock , you name it . I bought this tape as a kid and its never gotten old to me . The Use Your Illusion albums could have been condensed into one kinda long album . A lot of filler with great tracks from both .

[@angryagain3801]

Good history. Lot of information packed into this.

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks

[@S0RELOSER]

Hardskool is one of their best songs. Just goes to show what the original lineups bring to the creative table. They could put out a full album that would sell millions if they got in the studio.

[@jacoboflores9257]

Hard Skool doesn’t even come close to the CD material. Definitely a step down.

[@tommurrayGTR]

Hardschool was written in like 98/99 and the only original member was Axl.

[@S0RELOSER]

@@tommurrayGTR i thought the video said it was written during the breakup when Slash & Duff were still members. Maybe I heard wrong. It certainly wasnt recorded until they came back.

[@1munafo3]

Hard Stool...

[@seangiuliani3825]

Dude albums never sell millions unless ur TAYLOR SWIFT so ur wrong. And while I like HARDSKOOL, its an AXL song they pulled the sidemen off and added DUFF AND SLASH TO. The opening bass is classic Duff and theres a bit SLASH wrote. U can tell, but it was a left over from CD. In fact i'll bet AXL laid that vocal YEARS AGO BC HIS VOICE SINCE THE COMEBACK GETS WEAKER AND WEAKER. I GAVE MY TICKET AWAY FOR THE GIG THEY DID A FEW WKS AGO BC I WANT TO REMEMBER THEM AT THEIR BEST WHICH WAS 2016.

[@Croot_Music]

These longer mini doc type videos are excellent

[@michaelfineo6400]

Ron Bumblefoot Thayl and Buckethead are two amazing guitar players ,Chinese Democracy is an amazing album it is my favorite Gun's and Roses album and in my opinion the best .

[@petrovichandrey]

Love the guitar work of Bumblefoot, it’s amazing, that’s right!!! Slash 👎, not even near to the guys on Chinese Democracy.

[@matt8264]

If Chinese Democracy was Guns first album you would of never heard of GnR.

[@darko149]

This was the first guns record to come out in my life time. I really like it has it's different from all their other music.

[@bobjordan69]

He basically achieved it by not having Slash participate in the recording or production of the album I believe

[@theriffwriter2194]

Whatever, bro. Interview's my favorite drama of all time. But to each his own.

[@johnm4581]

It was the chase for the almighty dollar that sunk a lot of ships. I mean anyone can be rich if they put their mind to it but not everyone can be an artist of a particular art and in my mind it is far better to be able to live as an artist than to die a rich man

[@mrnach7]

The biggest problem was not Slash … it was not having Izzy’s songwriting

[@dogfase515]

Izzys Juju hounds album is good

[@Yourmumsrectum]

They really in my eyes disrespected Izzy when he got sober with how they carried on. If I was him I would have left he also went out at the top which is how you should go out.

[@marcdellorusso180]

Was Izzy the main songwriter in the band? I always thought it was Slash and Axl.

[@johantoru9022]

AXL WROTE GNR BIGGEST HIT WITHOUT HIM IT WOULD BE A BUNCH OF DRUGINS ASSHOLES

[@Roger8176]

Chinese Democracy has some great songs on it. Considering that it was basically Axl writing them all himself is actually pretty amazing. Also, for all these people who are saying what an amazing songwriter Izzy was how come he hasn't written anything worth a shit since leaving GNR? His name is listed as a CO writer on most of GNR's best songs, but the few songs that list him as the only writer aren't that great (Double Talkin Jive and Pretty Tied Up are decent). Since leaving GNR he hasn't done anything noteworthy. I will admit i haven't heard much of his solo work, but if it was any good I'm sure I would have.

[@robertsergott2635]

Well Ju Ju Hounds was what he was most known for but it really wasnt anything like GNR. He is also odd about touring but any GNR fan should listen to 117 and River albums. Easily my favorite of any GNR solo album.

[@Carne2000]

I actually love the album. I remember i would look for leaked songs online and found 7 of the tracks years before release so im happy i loved the rest of the album and listen to it to this day.

[@alphakub]

surprised you didn't mention the Dr Pepper fiasco or the demo leaks. Hope someday we get the 10-CD box set with all the demos and outtakes and such.

[@pqsk]

Man I'm still waiting for some new music. Slash said they were gonna hit the studio with some new songs and that was at least 7 years ago. Nothing released at least. I'm not surprised. It's nice that they're touring, but come on with some new stuff

[@mikeblakeslee3753]

Love Chinese, kick ass they shouldn't of put it out with BEST BUY because the u dont exist in Canada, and other countries around the world that hurt selling the product, since 2016 tour toons of people got to hear them play must of these songs on tour and the crowds are singing along to it and enjoying it, So it worked out in the end,

[@jeffgillson]

My pick for #1 most under rated album of all time. Basically it got held to an impossible standard. If ANY other band put it out it would have been recognized as one of if not the best rock album of the decade.

[@oliveratkinson7612]

As a huge guns n roses fan, in my opinion, Chinese Democracy is one of the best albums i've heard from anyone, the production and the quality of the songs is second to none, however, I still wouldn't call it a Guns n Roses album, but think of it more as an Axl Rose solo album.

[@concretel10n]

Izzy was the real secret sauce

[@tduffdesign]

I actually have liked this album from the get go. Especially when you think of it like an Axl solo album. Buckethead was a great addition. There's some good solid songs on it.

[@Skwid-Lives]

Checkout Bucketheads Pike series. Greatest musical experience of my life has been finding gems in those Pikes. There’s over 300 of them now.

[@jacoboflores9257]

Except that it’s a GN’R album, and it’s a masterpiece. Far surpasses anything the other members did with their careers at the time.

[@Skwid-Lives]

@@jacoboflores9257 it’s an Axl Rose and countless many other musicians album. I like it a lot but it’s no G&R

[@manhalen7046]

If you have to resort to gimmicks (buckethead) then your playing isnt worth a shit. And his (buckethead) isnt.

[@zyriuz2]

Let me just put it this way, i was a huge Guns n Roses fan even before Chinese Democracy, when it came out and i read about that funny Dr Pepper deal n stuff i was at first rather dissapoined at the album since it wasn't so much like the appetite and illusion stuff, but now in 2023 I'd have to say that i changed my mind on Chinese, it's surely not the same but for the lyrics and the production sound quality is absolutely solid and as a more matured person i do appreciate the album much more than would have given credit for, and now when we can see some of the songs live with slash and duff along for the ride i still think that what was on that record wasn't actually that bad just different but once you adjust to it's groove the songs are really good and Axl Rose singing parts on the album are insanely good. It has this studio quality to it that is perhaps unexpected for a band like Guns n Roses but they really went deep and built a very detailed and deep soundscape.

[@Skorpio420]

No mention of "Oh My God" from the End of Days soundtrack?

[@visisydandthevoid]

I like that song

[@markemarc8256]

i remember listening to chinese democracy in full on GNRs myspace page on its release day. Album was and is great but the songs dont hit that special spot for me anyway. Maybe because it was pieced together instead of being worked on live by the band in rehearsals but probably because Axl alone was not Guns N Roses.

[@derekdavis8054]

Can we all just agree that its bucketheads master playing that sticks out 2 me....

[@Trist805]

I saw them a few times around Chinese era(2006,2011). 2006 with Fink was actually really good. There was still the mystique of Chinese Democracy, and they had kind of re-emerged. I'm glad I went then, and don't really have the desire to see them now cuz I'm too burned out on the songs. I liked Chinese Democracy just because it had Buckethead and Brain otherwise I probably wouldn't have liked it as much. There are some decent songs on it, though.

[@williamsphil9445]

Somehow I'm not surprised Axl wrote This I Love as early as 1993. It was the only song I liked on the album besides Madagascar, The Blues and the title track, and those three we had heard live versions of about ten years before the record even came out.

[@samsalamander8147]

15:43 I can assure you people were not talking about how bad Axels performance was because of his voice during that MTV music awards appearance, it was his crazy waxy looking plastic face and his weird hair that made him look like The Predator, that made people talk and openly gasp, I’m pretty sure it was his first appearance in a super long time and I personally remember being shocked!

[@nicholashollingsworth7215]

This album was amazing imo. I actually like Chinese democracy a lot. The slightly more mellow songs were kinda a breath of fresh air.

[@auzzieamerican]

So I noticed your year by year videos about Chinese Democracy stopped at 1998. Just curious what happened with the rest.

[@STONESGAM]

I knew the album would be okay at best after taking that long to arrive. If you are sitting on something awesome you can't wait to release it. Axl tried keeping up with every new trend in music that came and went over that long of a time period. So part of the album sounds like classic rock and roll, part of it sounds like Limp Bizkit style rap rock and part of it sounds like it's trying to be Trent Reznor style industrial and experimental. It has it's moments but it just sounds overproduced and dated and doesn't really flow together.

[@7viewerlogic670]

Great video!

[@seangerant653]

they played 3 new songs at rock in rio 3 in 2001....axl sayed next year they will be back in rio with a hole new lp !!!

[@hellboundrubber4448]

I'm amazed how good that Album is. Epic Axl lyrics and singing. I don't know how they make Music w all this Music BS Business.

[@Clinton-jy1hd]

Izzy was a big influence on the chemistry of the early classic gnr lineup, dont really think he was generally too keen on the commercial direction the band's fame was taking them. When the not in this lifetime tour kicked off and the original members were kicking around reuniting, it is said that he was offered alot less money then Slash or Duff to rejoin and decided it wouldn't have been worth it. But what i find really odd is how much Richard Fortus looks like him up on stage lol!

[@RodgerE2472]

Love your content.

[@BeauregardHall]

I hear "Chinese Democracy" and all I can think of is Dr. Pepper.

[@AndrewLemmings]

All it makes me think of is how Axl Rose tried going Nu Metal and tried calling a completely different lineup Guns N Roses

[@ryanjavierortega8513]

This record is so interesting

[@timroelofsen1563]

Axl should have just released a double album and called er “W. Axl Rose” 💀🥀🎶 Different musicians on the songs, it would have sold worldwide 💯 would’ve worked!

[@MAQS211]

Awesome video! But how about a video about the lineup changes of Rise Against? =)

[@blackenedheart9592]

I remember seeing this CD in the Dollar tree for $1! 🤣🤣 Lol. No lie! The most expensive album ended up being only a dollar in a bargain bin department store! Lol.

[@sjg5994]

​@@clintwilson6380😂

[@Kstang09]

I remember having the unreleased cut of "Better" for about 5 or 6 years... ol' Limewire gem. haha. Still have a soft spot for this album, didnt know the GnR history & was just genuinely excited when it came out. Even bought the deluxe CD at best buy :) Now I feel ancient at 32. haha.

[@Yourmumsrectum]

You'll be right I had the same feeling of feeling ancient for a while in my early 30s gets better.

[@nolongerblocked6210]

Wait til u hit 50 & all the bands u used to go see 30yrs earlier are doing reunion tours, lol. 30-ish means you're just a pup still, live it up!!

[@brettcooper3893]

Eric Dover got kicked out of playing in Alice Cooper's band in 2002 for having an inappropriate relationship with Alice's oldest daughter. It should also be noted that Roy Thomas Baker was also responsible for a lot of The Cars early material, and even produced Alice Cooper's New Wave 1980 record, Flush The Fashion.

[@rabidgoon]

chinese democracy is underrated but that's only because it's not nearly as awful as most think it is. still not that great, but has some alright songs.

[@bikibaws]

not a GNR guy but I love the track Better from CD. makes you want to run or pepper a heavy bag with straights and hooks.

[@TheDeadmandillon]

To me personally, it should've been the final nail in the coffin for the entirety of Guns and Roses. It took Axle over ten goddamn years of screwing around, just to put out one damn album and it was barely even a memorable hit. Slash and Duff should've stayed out of the band knowing how much of a toxic and lazy person Axle was at the time.

[@brandonryce6801]

I actually liked the album unlike so many others. The song "better" was imo the best written song that Axl has done. It was actually pretty lyrical and clever for his style.

[@Victory1507ci]

18:00- Eddie “he’s my friend” Trunk

[@CeceliPS3]

Holy sht. So it basically took 10 years for this album to be released! That leaves me thinking: how different was the original versions of the songs before the suits kept telling the band to change?? Because I really liked the album. Do I think Axl for trying to keep it real or the suits for knowing better than him?

[@johnm4581]

We live in a world of illusion and one illusion that is sold to us is that the fire of human excellence burns brightest in the halls of gold. That is not what I found to be true in my case and as an artist being able to inspire people in lowly circumstances to watch that fire get ignited is worth far more than any money or gold

[@badbaroque7760]

I'm also an artist and I love these words. You've ignited a fire underneath me!

[@ProfessD]

your use of stock footage is hilarious. Very funny. Cheers.

[@jordansiqueido2101]

Can you please do a video on Eddie Trunk? You guys always hold his opinion in such high regard

[@jayjaytee9944]

Not a Never Say Die fan, but the first 7 Sabbath = the greatest run of albums in Heavy Metal history as far as I'm concerned. The Writ is my all-time fav Sabbath track.

[@davidjsaul]

I bought this album on release and was very disappointed with it but it's definitely grown on me over the years. Axl performed "Better" at a concert I attended in 2016 and it was so much better live I didn't actually recognise the song at first.

[@williamsphil9445]

I bought it, I was surprised to see it suddenly appear in the shops. It came with a retro style guns n roses t shirt, that took the edge off the dissapointment when I actually listened to it.

[@daBEAGLE1017]

I can't hate GnR.

[@gavingamer703]

Dizzy reed watching the entire band break apart: 👁 👄 👁

[@tradekartel5052]

I don’t why but I really 6/7 tracks from Chinese democracy a lot , ofc nothing beats OG GNR , but axl pulled it off in feel , can’t wait to hear their next album , I am very confident before GNR is done completely they will drop a FEW albums , I don’t think so just one , they will drop 1 BIG album and a few Ep / mixtapes in 2020s they will tour for another decade , seven & izzy will be back at some point as they can sell more tickets and in think in 2030s when they will be in their mid 70s , it will be curtain calls for the greatest band in the world , 1985 - 2035 will be exactly 50 years of them , they should one last retirement tour , axl will be around 73 that time and they can call it quits then , let me know your thoughts guys over all this , but we will def hear another GNR album for sure , maybe more too .❤

[@sejamstihm]

I got the impression that everybody just got sick of waiting and trashed it when it finally came out without giving it a serious listen. In my case, I didn't even bother. I was living in Japan at the time and never heard anything. I didn't even know it had been released. Then somebody said that it was out but wasn't that good. I could easily believe it after the disappointment of Radiohead's "Hail..." Remember that time Axle stopped to watch fireworks on the way to a gig, and everybody was half asleep or totally drunk by the time he got there Somebody should teach him how to tell the time, or indeed the very concept of time.

[@facerip2222]

Ok, so, after watching this video, I went and listened to their song "Absurd", and my first impression is I hate it. I hate the effect on Axl's voice, I hate that he's not singing, I hate that he sounds like he's imitating some English accent or whatever he's trying to parody there. So about what I expected of a new G n' R song in 2022. But then, THEN, I listened to their other new song "Hard Skool", and my brothers and sisters I will tell you this, I love, LOVE that song. Wow. It sounds like what I expect a Guns n' F'n Roses song to sound like. I'll be listening to that song on repeat for the foreseeable future, as I do when I find any new song I fall in love with. That's the one guys. Give me a whole new album with songs like "Hard Skool".

[@DoubleRR44]

Best guns album by far. Buckethead and Finck on lead guitars is incredible. And There Was A Time is the best song Axl ever did. The solo by Buckethead absolutely incredible on it!

[@graysonpitman8959]

No

[@ministerofdarkness]

Greatest album ever!!! PLAY LOUD!!

[@NoobQueen9]

Is there any chance of getting his voice back?

[@jeffmalm9708]

. The record on a great system is very well put together, sonically.

[@redskinStu]

This is what happens when a person with above average creativity gets the accolades a genius level creativity deserves

[@filmdamee]

Fun Fact: The “Chinese Democracy” song was intended to use the WWE’s PPV Armageddon back in December of 2008.

[@Lord_englishgent]

it was Brian May not Roger Taylor(drummer) from queen that played on the LP, even know Brian Mays solo was redone by Bumblefoot.

[@rogerrude313]

The image of Axel on the introduction of the video makes him look like Bob from Batman 89 🤣

[@NPC-30]

Honestly? I liked the album from the get-go.

[@marcop1587]

We used to joke that by the time CD would be published there would actually be democracy in China lol