2008.12.12 - htgth.com - Axl talks to fans

Republican Jesus: Axl do you control the weather or is that solely Oprah? Thanks in advance.
Dexter: Oprah

Alfie Bones: Jarmo, do you know the reason behind the name Dexter? Is he a fan of the show (on Showtime)? Just curious...No need to reply if the reason is deemed private/personal.
Pine Barrens: Could be because of the guy from The Offspring, too... but I'd rather it be the TV show.
Dexter: The show and my cat named after the show, she's a methodical killer.

Evolution: Hi Axl, how's it going? Just wanted to ask if you had any fond memories from the UK leg of the tour from 2006, particularly the concert in Glasgow in July?
Dexter: Glasgow was great. I think that's where I got to do a lot of slides on the stage. Was like a race track or something rt?

Richard Fortus' Next Tattoo: Is your cat a Fancy Feast cat?
Dexter: She's a classic stereotypical cat so it changes when least convenient.

Evolution: I think the racetrack you're referring to was the Download 2006 gig at Donnington? Could be wrong. Glasgow was the SECC in Scotland! You have the history with kilts and having Scottish blood, right? Haha!
Dexter: My bad, was it outdoors or in? I was thinking of an out door afternoon gig not Donnington though. thought it might have been a horse track with the layout. Probably what u mistakenly refer to as football!! The sites a little bogged down so having trouble answering much of anything.

LaneSax: Axl, thanks for Chinese Democracy which i personally think is your best work. what's your pick for album of the year? and have you heard the new MetallicA album?
Dexter: Ours of course!! Yes, I like it.

gunns1: Axl will you tour Australia next year, and when are you looking at doing so? If you could work with buckethead again, would you have him just in studio, or also would you welcome him in the touring lineup?
Dexter: Austrailia's great and the crowds are really alive. No plans yet but I'm sure there will be. I have no issues with Bucket. It's hard to tell what was real or not in things we were told by Merck. He's more than welcome to tour with us in some form or other provided we're both interested at the time and come to some type of reasonable terms. Personally I have a blast w/Bucket on tour and get a big kick out of the guy. A lot of feelings were hurt on this side of the fence in how things went down and unfortunately others used our silence and the public's not knowing for their own purposes at both Bucket's and our expense.

IndiannaRose: As a native Colombian I must ask: In 1992, while performing November Rain in Bogota (in November), it rained. Wait no....it poured. How weird was that, eh?
Dexter: Very surreal and religious feeling. So was being chased by the military in our plane down the runway gettin' outta Dodge there!!

Bruno Poeys: Now that you said that please tell us if Robin's out or not... because, otherwise, we'll be reading several 'Axl wants Bucket back and Robin/Bumble/Richard out' type of threads for the entire '09 year and these threads annoy us, the new lineup fans.
Dexter: It really is what it is. No decisions have been made by either him, I or us that I'm aware of. When we're touring or working in the studio or there's social things like a friend's dinner or party whatever we would hang. But as people get older they have their own lives. The Stones aren't going bowling every Tuesday etc. Robin leads one of the most different lives I know of starting with the trapeze in his backyard to the tv in his closet. Robin's work on the next is done so there's not lots for him to do here except the elusive promo and he'd rather be on stage. It's more about seeing where things are when Guns decides it's right for a tour and if we're able to make agreements we both are comfortable and can live with at that time.

Sharky-dude: Hi axl! just wondering what stops you from playing more guitar live?
Dexter: skill

daredeviljane: Hey Axl, Are you checking your PM's???
Dexter: Not rt now. It's a bit slow getting around on here rt now. Let's talk about Catcher!! Who's 1st?

Pine Barrens: Axl/Dexter, I'm fixing to pack everyhting I own into my car and drive out to L.A. from Arkansas to give a career in music a shot. Any advice? Or should I just shit in my pants, dive in and swim?
Dexter: Follow your heart, don't sell out and read every book on the biz u can find.

eggers: Catcher is one of the best songs on the album, why no Brian?
Dexter: There's a few reasons and none of them all that big and definitely not in spite or to slight anyone. 1st off obviously I knew people liked the song but the Brian appreciation really only showed up in force publicly after we had moved on in Guns. In fact Not many seemed to care and most comments were aimed at why Slash in their opinions should be here. Brians solo itself is a personal fave of mine and I really couldn't understand as he's such a rock legend why it wasn't openly appreciated more at the time. In actuality all that feel and emotion referred to now had a lot to do with Sean and I and the parts I chose out of Brian's different runs, versions, practice runs etc to make sure we had those elements in one version. It's entirely constructed from edits based around one specific note Brian hit in a throw away take. And though Brian seems to have warmed a bit to it at least publicly he was unfortunately none to pleased at the time with our handiwork. I remember looking at Brian standing to my left and him staring at the big studio speakers a bit aghast saying "But that's not what I played." Sean Beavan and I were not in any way tring to mess with Brian we just did what we do and then try and do our best to stand up for our decisions.

gnronanightrain: Axl are you still thinking of suing Dr Peppers ass?
Dexter: Sure 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 rt 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...

Ron Jones: I'm sorry for posting this again! It's just..I don't get this chance everyday! Ever still think about working with Jeff Lynne I think you two would be fuckin awesome together. Would you ever give an unkown band a chance to open for you guys? How do you feel about Double Fantasy? I could see u covering watching the wheels Have you seen the movie The Aviator any thoughts it is my favorite of all time.
Dexter: Not presently but he's a true hero of mine. Absolutely. I think we have or at least relatively but I could be mistaken Big Lennon fan.I piss in jars all the time only I throw them at people!! j/k

axlrose06: when are the online shop opening?
Dexter: I haven't been involved much in any of our merch and the reasons are it's been a mess legally for years. Unbeknownst to most of you I was recently sued again by Duff and Slash for some murky Merckiness that I was unaware and not involved in. Fortunately that was resolved but it got ugly and took a while going into arbitration. Merck shifted our merch from some of our newer styles to incorporating more of the old with some scam that actually and surprisingly lost sales in comparison but that's old news. What I look forward to is incorporating the new artwork into our merch and getting some for myself. I think u'll like a lot of it. My vote's for the How Are You grenade and the Sorry automatic rifle artwork on shirts etc.

GunsNHalen: C'mon! Really? People are spamming the board like crazy and being rude to our guest of honor, and my post gets deleted. I would just like to say that this is a very amazing song! I mean....it's a classic! Axl, don't you agree? [Adding a link to YouTube rickroll].
uzisuicide2002: lmao STOP trying to rick roll him
Dexter: That's my brother. It's not letting me answer anyone. I do like the lyrics. I wrote a paragraph or so on the new booklet and more on the story of what's out now but it got lost in the traffic jam.

dimitri: a duo possible on the next album
Dexter: He doesn't like to go out much. Strange guy!

ecwfan: DEXTER/AXL, How do you feel about artists covering your songs ?
Dexter: Depends but in general it's great.

gunns1: Hey Axl , whats your favourite song from either Chinese Democracy, or from an unreleased album?
Dexter: The bridge in "Elvis Presley and the Monster of Soul aka The Soul Monster (working title Leave Me Alone)" which will no doubt end up "Soul Monster". I think it's r most Black Sabbath moment. Sang it on a Christmas eve. Imo the meanest section of anything I've sung to date. Which having said that I'm sure when it's heard others may disagree but we felt it was a Christmas card of unadulterated venom so to speak. I felt a lot better afterward.

dead_flowers: Axl, how is your relationship with the former members/friends of GNR???
Dexter: Not sure I understand the question.

BabyGorilla: Axl, do you know of any steak house in the Los Angeles area better than The Cut?
Dexter: Haven't been but I hear it's great. Maestros T.O. is pretty good.

Dexter: Someone give me a list of all the alleged song titles at once and I'll tell what's real or not. Most from the past like cockroach soup or eulogy aren't.

D: I know this is jumping the gun big time, but any tentative idea when you would like to see the next CD come out?
Dexter: No, maybe same bat time, same bat channel next year but we'll have to see.

ecwfan: Atlas Shrugged, No Love Remains, Take That When Love Collides (I believe that was the name), Thats the ones I remember....
Dexter: only Atlas

hebbesy: Hey Axl, Is there anything in the past that you have now looked back on and thought maybe I culd have handled that differently, also what are your ongoing hopes for GnR in the future? I have cyclothemia and sometimes get this feeling that I cant be around people and need my own space and area, how do you find the bipolar effect you, if you dont mind me asking that is? thanks again for doing this. Alex
Dexter: Of course but in the world of sports and litigation....I've not been diagnosed as being bipolar though many misconstrue statements I made earlier as alluding to such and unfortunately there's been an abundance of misguided or unqualified speculation of various events but I definitely can relate to needing my own space. In my world all bi polar means (and not to offend or make light of those suffering from a genuine condition or involved with those who are) is that someone can try to take cheap uneducated shots or try to claim I'm bipolar thus justifying why they should get paid a financial settlement for whatever nonsense they're up to. Fortunately that hasn't proved successful.

Nikki_Sixx: Axl, - What is your honest opinion on why the old lineup disintegrated ? - What is your honest opinion on why it took so long for CD to come out ?I think that's what most people want to know but dare not ask ...
Dexter: 2 great but complicated questions and I agree that people would like to know at least my take on things. Not avoiding them here but they deserve more than I can give as we've been at this a little while. But I'm attempting to speak out on several issues these being a major focus over the coming weeks and months. What I can say now is u've been told a lot of things in order for others to promote themselves that factually they cannot backup in regard to either. They are complicated legally, financially and have devoured a good portion of my life. The record Chinese u may have is nothing short of a miracle in almost each and every way that either it or I exist imo under the bizarre and ugly conditions of the last over 15yrs. Thanks everyone and thanks for all the support and the positive comments both 2nite and over the years. I hope to do this again soon, maybe sooner than u'd think! And u didn't scare me off I'm just burnt and would rather not misspeak on issues that may mean a lot to some. Thanks again. Peace, Axl- And Checkmate is a bogus title. The working title is Jackie Chan.

Axl talks about a new lawsuit from Duff and Slash. Is this the one from 2005: https://www.a-4-d.com/t5631-25-august-2004-may-2006-finalizing-chinese-democracy-lawsuits-return-to-nyc#22200

Or another?

Soulmonster wrote:

I haven't been involved much in any of our merch and the reasons are it's been a mess legally for years. Unbeknownst to most of you I was recently sued again by Duff and Slash for some murky Merckiness that I was unaware and not involved in. Fortunately that was resolved but it got ugly and took a while going into arbitration. Merck shifted our merch from some of our newer styles to incorporating more of the old with some scam that actually and surprisingly lost sales in comparison but that's old news. What I look forward to is incorporating the new artwork into our merch and getting some for myself. I think u'll like a lot of it. My vote's for the How Are You grenade and the Sorry automatic rifle artwork on shirts etc.

htgth.com, December 12, 2008

Axl talks about a new lawsuit from Duff and Slash. Is this the one from 2005: https://www.a-4-d.com/t5631-25-august-2004-may-2006-finalizing-chinese-democracy-lawsuits-return-to-nyc#22200

Or another?

The way I understand it, it's another (third) lawsuit. The 2005 lawsuit was fairly publicized, and Axl says "unbeknownst to most of you" for this one.

Blackstar wrote:

Soulmonster wrote:

I haven't been involved much in any of our merch and the reasons are it's been a mess legally for years. Unbeknownst to most of you I was recently sued again by Duff and Slash for some murky Merckiness that I was unaware and not involved in. Fortunately that was resolved but it got ugly and took a while going into arbitration. Merck shifted our merch from some of our newer styles to incorporating more of the old with some scam that actually and surprisingly lost sales in comparison but that's old news. What I look forward to is incorporating the new artwork into our merch and getting some for myself. I think u'll like a lot of it. My vote's for the How Are You grenade and the Sorry automatic rifle artwork on shirts etc.

htgth.com, December 12, 2008

Axl talks about a new lawsuit from Duff and Slash. Is this the one from 2005: https://www.a-4-d.com/t5631-25-august-2004-may-2006-finalizing-chinese-democracy-lawsuits-return-to-nyc#22200

Or another?

The way I understand it, it's another (third) lawsuit. The 2005 lawsuit was fairly publicized, and Axl says "unbeknownst to most of you" for this one.

Shouldn't there be traces of it in the databases you have access to?

Soulmonster wrote:

Blackstar wrote:

Soulmonster wrote:

I haven't been involved much in any of our merch and the reasons are it's been a mess legally for years. Unbeknownst to most of you I was recently sued again by Duff and Slash for some murky Merckiness that I was unaware and not involved in. Fortunately that was resolved but it got ugly and took a while going into arbitration. Merck shifted our merch from some of our newer styles to incorporating more of the old with some scam that actually and surprisingly lost sales in comparison but that's old news. What I look forward to is incorporating the new artwork into our merch and getting some for myself. I think u'll like a lot of it. My vote's for the How Are You grenade and the Sorry automatic rifle artwork on shirts etc.

htgth.com, December 12, 2008

Axl talks about a new lawsuit from Duff and Slash. Is this the one from 2005: https://www.a-4-d.com/t5631-25-august-2004-may-2006-finalizing-chinese-democracy-lawsuits-return-to-nyc#22200

Or another?

The way I understand it, it's another (third) lawsuit. The 2005 lawsuit was fairly publicized, and Axl says "unbeknownst to most of you" for this one.

Shouldn't there be traces of it in the databases you have access to?

It depends on which type of court it was filed at. We have access to the L.A. Superior Court database, which is a local/state court. Some of the lawsuits (including the 2004 Slash/Duff lawsuit) were filed there. Other lawsuits, like the Slash/Duff one in 2005, were filed at federal courts (the federal district courts in the state) and we don't have access to that database (I tried to subscribe and it didn't accept my card).

Blackstar wrote:

Soulmonster wrote:

Blackstar wrote:

Soulmonster wrote:

I haven't been involved much in any of our merch and the reasons are it's been a mess legally for years. Unbeknownst to most of you I was recently sued again by Duff and Slash for some murky Merckiness that I was unaware and not involved in. Fortunately that was resolved but it got ugly and took a while going into arbitration. Merck shifted our merch from some of our newer styles to incorporating more of the old with some scam that actually and surprisingly lost sales in comparison but that's old news. What I look forward to is incorporating the new artwork into our merch and getting some for myself. I think u'll like a lot of it. My vote's for the How Are You grenade and the Sorry automatic rifle artwork on shirts etc.

htgth.com, December 12, 2008

Axl talks about a new lawsuit from Duff and Slash. Is this the one from 2005: https://www.a-4-d.com/t5631-25-august-2004-may-2006-finalizing-chinese-democracy-lawsuits-return-to-nyc#22200

Or another?

The way I understand it, it's another (third) lawsuit. The 2005 lawsuit was fairly publicized, and Axl says "unbeknownst to most of you" for this one.

Shouldn't there be traces of it in the databases you have access to?

It depends on which type of court it was filed at. We have access to the L.A. Superior Court database, which is a local/state court. Some of the lawsuits (including the 2004 Slash/Duff lawsuit) were filed there. Other lawsuits, like the Slash/Duff one in 2005, were filed at federal courts (the federal district courts in the state) and we don't have access to that database (I tried to subscribe and it didn't accept my card).

Oh, right, I tried subscribing, too, without success.

I will put this quote in a new tentative chapter then.

I found the case. Filed in 2007, ended in 2008:

Saul Hudson v. Sanctuary Music Publishing Limited (2:07-cv-04894)
District Court, C.D. California

Assigned To: George H. Wu
Referred To: Jacqueline Chooljian
Date Filed: July 30, 2007
Date Terminated: Aug. 25, 2008
Date of Last Known Filing: Dec. 8, 2008
Cause: 17:101 Copyright Infringement
Nature of Suit: Copyright
Jurisdiction Type: Federal question

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5731698/saul-hudson-v-sanctuary-music-publishing-limited/

Only one document is accessible (Axl's cross-complaint against Sanctuary being dismissed):

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cacd.393220/gov.uscourts.cacd.393220.70.0.pdf

Blackstar wrote:I found the case. Filed in 2007, ended in 2008:

Saul Hudson v. Sanctuary Music Publishing Limited (2:07-cv-04894)
District Court, C.D. California

Assigned To: George H. Wu
Referred To: Jacqueline Chooljian
Date Filed: July 30, 2007
Date Terminated: Aug. 25, 2008
Date of Last Known Filing: Dec. 8, 2008
Cause: 17:101 Copyright Infringement
Nature of Suit: Copyright
Jurisdiction Type: Federal question

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5731698/saul-hudson-v-sanctuary-music-publishing-limited/

Only one document is accessible (Axl's cross-complaint against Sanctuary being dismissed):

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cacd.393220/gov.uscourts.cacd.393220.70.0.pdf

Excellent work! This is definitely the suit Axl mentions. Slash and Duff sued Axl (+ Sanctuary and merchandize corp Bravado) for copyright infringement, likely related to the use of graphics to which Slash/Duff claimed ownership.

Axl's counter-claim was dismissed, but what was the outcome of the original suit?

That document of Axl listing all his legal wranglings would be handy to have.