Slash Issues Interview Rules

It seems that Slash has finally had enough of being asked about Guns N' Roses.

The NZ Herald (via Classic Rock) has revealed a list of seven rules that he issues to journalists before any interview, helping him avoid topics that have been dogging him for years:

Guns N’ Roses is a topic that Slash can briefly touch on.

You can briefly discuss the Rock And 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 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.

While it might seem authoritarian to some, the list is actually quite reasonable. Slash has made his stance clear on GN'R reunions, and probably feels that his current solo efforts are overshadowed by the never-ending Axl Rose questions.

As a game, what rules would you set for other artists? Share your creative guidelines in the comments.

Comments

[metalgod96]

Rule for Vinnie Paul, Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown: Don't ask about a Pantera reunion. It's always no.

Rule for Dave Mustaine and Ted Nugent: Don't inquire about political views.

[gypsyblues7373]

Rule for Dave Mustaine and Ted Nugent: Don't inquire about political views.

That was the first thing that popped into my head.

[peppersghost08]

"Rule for Dave Mustaine and Ted Nugent: Don't inquire about political views."

You don't even have to ask them, they just say it anyway...even if it's not related to the original question.

[Lapidus]

AMEN

[Agent 00Awesome]

Rule for Dave Mustaine: Don't interview Dave Mustaine.

[guitar7masta]

Oh come on you're just trying to win the gold medal aren't you?

[flame_mc]

If that was the plan, he succeded

[spiff-corgi]

We all want that Gold medal. It's all-consuming. It is our Precious.

[Agent 00Awesome]

And I have it all weekend.

[AcdcTXfan]

Awh c'mon, his comments make my day sometimes.

[flamingcymbals]

Rule for Axl Rose: Be at the interview 2 hours LATE, for the chance that he might be already waiting for you (highly unlikely)

[Low Profile]

Rule for Courtney Love: Stay the f*** away from the internet.

[Grevling123]

correction "Rule for Courtney Love: Stay the f*** away"
it shouldn't be limited to the internet

[Maiden95]

"No questions about Axl whatsoever."
LOL

[WholeLottaIzzy]

Seems fair enough. I mean, guns ended 20 years ago near enough. 20 years of the same questions must get real boring.

He obviously wants to concentrate on now and his solo stuff so let him do that.

[-shaikh-]

I'm sorry I can't read anything you write, but I will click + all because of bouncy boobs

[gnurph]

Rule for interviewing Devin Townsend: Ask about Ziltoid.

Rule for Anette, Tuomas or any member of Nightwish: Don't mention Tarja.

[gnurph]

Rule for any interview on Ultimate Guitar: slam slam slam!

[iommi600]

"No questions about Axl whatsoever."

Better warn Charlie Sheen...

[ElvenLord]

Your avatar is very distracting...
Agreed, though.

[Abacus11]

So sick of Slash.

So sick of Axl.

[deadsmileyface]

My thoughts exactly.

[Abacus11]

15 down votes so far... that's a personal record for me! Sweet.

Honestly, I just don't get it. I'm really not trying to be an a**hole but I don't understand why people care about Slash, Axl or Guns N' Roses. I'm a really open-minded guy especially when it comes to music but this just makes no sense to me. They put out one good album (25 years ago) then were mediocre for a few years then were nothing but pointless drama queens for almost 20 years. There are SO MANY better bands out there than GnR and SO MANY better guitar players than Slash. He's more of a semi-ironic played out brand name now than a musician anyways.

I'm a jerk though so I'm probably wrong. Just my 2 cents. Word.

[Jimmyboba]

I see where you're coming from, but the difference between Slash and Axl is that Slash has put out some pretty decent songs since leaving Guns and, in that time, Axl has only really released the drivel that is Chinese Democracy. Slash's last two records were solid albums.

[miahdoll]

One thing for ya, there will never be another band like old GN'R. No songs will ever sound like the ones all the originals wrote together. All of those songs will live on forever, never fade out. I can't think of one single new band that I could say the same about, seriously think about it, can you?

[bustapr]

interviewers, please stop asking Mustaine questions about politics. Ive facepalmed myself enough this last month.

[jrcsgtpeppers]

can we ask about buckethead

[guitar7masta]

That was my first thought too

[snoble029]

The only musician you should ask about politics is Phil Labonte. David Draiman maybe. Never Dave Mustaine.

[crazysam23_Atax]

How about we just don't ask any musician or singer or composer about politics?

[Spychosis]

No cool touring stories? What? Who gets tired of telling cool stories?

[OneHappyCamper]

Yeah, that's the only thing I don't like on the list...

I mean he's been asked all of the rest a thousand times in interviews and I've never gotten the vibe that he's bugged by it or anything, so fair game there. It's pointless to keep wasting time asking him questions everybody knows the answer to.

[ne14t]

Seems fair enough for me, Slash got screwed over by GnR and is probably sick and tired of it now. Probably like how Dave Grohl felt when he started Foo Fighters and people at interviews would be like is this song about kurt, is that about nirvana, why does it sound like nirvana.

[slapsymcdougal]

Never ask Yngwie if he wants a donut.

[Anjohl]

Pretty reasonable list, he only excludes Axl-related questions essentially.

[epiphysis]

Can we ask about a Velvet Revolver reunion?

[Camron62\m/]

good suggestion

[Hydra150]

Seems fair enough.

[frehley freak]

Thats alright. I would think talking about the subject of the HoF would be okay to touch on without reference to Axl. But hes probably been asked the same questions for nearly 20 years now.

[vinnym86]

I'd be pretty tired of people asking about my life with an ex-girlfriend, too

[33SLASH33]

finally he made the rules of talking about axl

[thetoasteroven]

rule for keenan of tool he has to give straight answers..but can we still ask slash how he gets his air so curly

[nnb]

first rule about axl, don't talk about axl.

[33SLASH33]

Axl should go to rest home.
there would be no problems with him and no fake Gunsnroses.
Long life Slash

[Blew1]

Can anyone blame Slash?

[undead_embrace]

Stop asking about Half life 3

[Izzy-Sweet]

Gene Simmons: Do not ask ANYTHING about him.

[Randomrings]

That is smart, those all make sense, and that's why I still like this guy... but he just lost the majority of his press...

Jokes aside though, he is still Slash, and not talking about these things will not bury them, so he will still be interviewed plenty, just to make clear that I said that for the giggles

[crazysam23_Atax]

Pretty solid set of rules actually. I don't see a problem with it.

[Schibik1]

So basically you can ask him nothing people actually want to know.

[AceR_Frehley]

He's right. I'm tired of seeing interviews with him that the interviewer does half of the questions related to Axl Rose. He is Slash, not Axl, ****!

[Slash-96]

But..but...the 'on the road' stories are the best...

[Guns N' Chains]

I'm a big Slash fan and a fan of everything he has done. He is a big influence for me musically. As is Axl Rose. While I see his point, this just crosses me as a thing Axl would do.

[dammageinc]

only difference is Slash has put up with these questions where as Axl would throw a tantrum and walk away and ban something or someone.....
And I feel the same as you about the band and music btw

[Guns N' Chains]

Can't say I disagree. That is very true.

[ArcLite]

I don't blame him one bit. We get sick of hearing about it all the time, imagine being in his shoes.

[Xplorer58]

Just saw him last night, such an awesome guy

[Perfn]

I completely get what youre saying, mostly stupid nonsense about these guys.

but i would say except from slash. Cause Slash actually have managed to make a solo career and squeeze out some stuff, actually some really good stuff to. And i can get that only getting questions about your 20 year old past can get annoying when youre trying to promote your chapter in life.

[MichaelScarn]

lars ulrich: never have him speak

[2NaFish]

axl does it and he's s control freak - dosh does it and its a positive. go figure.

I guess bring a relative recluse means you get bad spin and being a bit of a ***** gets you good spin.

[MilosCleve]

I guess he's gonna do a lot of short interviews from now on.

[guitarplaya070]

Nothing interesting.

[GenerationKILL]

-Do not ask Ozzy about Bats and doves, we're sick of hearing about it over and over again, and hes sick of telling it

[TheHawkdaddy]

I'm glad he is tired of GNR questions, I am tired of it too.

[wheatmore]

It's only a matter of time before he starts going by Saul Hudson so he can "Distance himself from Guns n Roses". I think thats probably for the best though given how appalling his music is in comparison to what it was. The standard of Axl's voice now is far more imaginative and spine tingling than Slash's stuff. I know this comment will get downvoted, but if you give chinese democracy a listen with an open mind, it will blow your mind, particularly "street of dreams". Whereas listening to Slash's solo albums, there is nothing that has the same attack that appetite had or any of the other GnR albums. Even Contraband by VR was incredible. Slash has totally lost what he had that made him stand out so much.

[Peranthus]

I tried to like Chinese Democracy but I can't. To me the whole album is boring. Apocalyptic Love is more I like it, good solid rock n roll. Regarding the rules, I understand him, I would be sick and tired of the same questions too.

[daktrgonzo]

you must be either deaf or it was just a joke about Axls voice becouse it made me laugh

[StewieSwan]

Who doesn't get tired of being asked the same shit over and over?

[VanTheKraut]

I've always thought these rules would be great for NFL players, I was just thinking about it earlier today actually.

-Will not discuss teammates, coaches.
-No pre-game interviews, will not discuss future opponents.
-Every thing else is fair game.

[HarrySound]

Well lets face it, i'm sick of hearing about it. I bet slash would rip his hair out if it wasn't a wig.
Must be sooooo annoying. Axl this Axl that.

[VanTheKraut]

I honestly tried to love Chinese Democracy. It's boring and lacks anything that makes it worth the wait. So no it did not blow my mind, like you said it would.

[getawaygman]

I bet you could

[swave75]

It has to get old.

[b0ch0]

It seems to me Slash is always trying too hard to leave the Guns N Roses era behind. I think he sould let things flow and his albums will be better than the last ones. It would be wonderful if he could release and album similar to what he did in Snakepit in which he kept the GnR spirit alive.
And about Axl... well he's bitchy and his time has passed.
Ranting isn't the key for everything.

Here's a website to get some extra $$. Feel free to click it.
http://www.get-paid.com/index.php?ref=lb...

[Smegal]

To Mustaine - No talking.
To Morrisey - No talking.
To that redneck who really hates obama - No talking.

[HGF]

talk him about a good hairdresser

[RATMfan420]

Its totally understandable, all of them. The guy just wants to be recognized for his current work, which I havent listened to much so I cant comment on it. Same thing with Tom Morello: Any time he gets asked a question about RATM reuniting/making a new album, he gets annoyed.

[Phoenix V]

Slash's terms are fair and reasonable. He's done a lot of stuff since GnR.

[vikingwizard]

Guarenteed thr if it was Axl putting these interview rules forward, there would be a plethora of Axl bashing

[mayslash]

Who would even want to interview him in the first place? He is a has been since G N R broke up.

[Spaztikko]

"The NZ Herald"

HAHAHAHAHA oh my god.

[Spaztikko]

I'd just like to point out I find this funny because I'm an NZer.

But, it is fair enough I reckon.

[CrazyMick]

Who cares....Slash owns the damn site

[CrazyMick]

Who cares....slash owns the damn site.

[pritishsai]

Rules for Randy Blythe
- Nothing that has 'Czech Republic' attached to it.

[Carl Hungus]

My rule would be to only talk about Chicken Pot Pies. Specifically the Swanson brand, anything else is off limits dammit!

[flame_mc]

Oh well if that was te plan he succeded

[iscreamicecream]

how bout we slash all that and ask him over and over..he might just slash his throat lol

[hovermethod]

dont ask van halen when did dave become such a dork

[Fat Lard]

Rule for Slash: Don't ask him any question he already didn't answer when he made the Pit thread.

[getawaygman]

cool, Im glad ug posted this because I interview slash all the time

[CJMusics]

This is gonna make everyone resort to asking. "What is the future for velvet revolver?" haha

[nylescota]

Rule for Tom Morello; Ask Tom Morello about politics.

[Slashiepie]

So.. there is practically no genuine interest in interviewing Axl now.. perhaps on the road stories with Fergie?

[OneTimeReview]

Why can't these people get into their heads that people are only interested in what they know them best for?

Nobody gives a toss about his new projects. He is and always will be the lead guy from GnR.

[stonyman65]

My favorite question is "what strings do you use?" LMFAO.

Of ALL the questions you could have asked the Guitar God, people ask the dumbest shit you could think of. I saw a guy ask Vai this question once at a clinic and you could see the look of just pure disgust and annoyance in his eyes.

Seeing that stuff just never gets old! I waiting for one of these guys to just snap one day and go off on the asshat that asks them "What strings do you use? What kind of picks?"

[danye42]

so really there isnt too much he can be asked? ... umm how do you sleep with that hat on at night?

[Koekoeksklok]

I know they're very reasonable demands, since there really isn't anything new for him to say about any of this, but it still reminded me a bit of this Mitchell and Webb sketch.

[Peranthus]

Is this supposed to be a stupid question? Actually I find it interresting to know that kind of stuff. Maybe because I play guitar I don't know..

[Peranthus]

I was talking about the "what strings do you use?" question

[betterman5]

New Zealand herald represent

[manicmuso]

Totally agree with Abacus. GnR had their moment and it ended a long time ago. Slash was clearly very innovative when he started but now he's just predictable and, in my eyes, mediocre. I don't feel he's progressed at all, he's just done the same thing for 25 years. There are many better guitarists more deserving of the endless praise he receives, in my humble opinion.

[Gurgulash]

It's fair. Slash is after all a musician, and he doesn't have to listen questions about a GnR reunion. It's over, forever, they'll never reunite, and I think it's fair for everyone

[Arshad]

NOT A WORD about GNR

[Psycho Pigeon]

Just reunite. Your solo albums are mediocre and Velvet Revolver is dead.

[Anjohl]

To be devils advocate here, if the interview's focus is to be on "what he’s doing now and forthcoming events/plans", and that "Guns N’ Roses is a topic that Slash can briefly touch on", why is 1/3 of his recent live album and his most recent tour made up of Guns N Roses songs?

Shouldn't we be able to devote 1/3rd of the interview time/questions to GNR-related topics?

[Slap-happy]

Met him working at a recent gig and he seemed cool and happy to chat about anything - although I didn't ask him about Axl, to be fair. Relaxed and more than happy for me and a couple of co workers to hang out during soundcheck. Pretty sure one of the vocal-less tunes played was unreleased/new....

[danniboi123]

rule for marilyn manson: you WILL touch me in inappropriate places and you WILL listen to my ongoing and neverending rants about my views on life's philosophical aspects. also, you WILL accept that if you are a woman, i will grope you...

[roshal.smith]

Your article helped me to understand the topic well and I would love to share this to my friends. I also love to
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