GNR Pulls Out Of 'Rock In Rio' Fest

Billboard ^ | 3.30.2004 | Barry A. Jeckell

[NYC GOP Chick]

GNR Pulls Out Of 'Rock In Rio' Fest

Guns N' Roses has canceled its scheduled May 30 headlining appearance at the Rock in Rio festival in Lisbon. In a statement, sole original member Axl Rose places the blame on guitarist Buckethead, who has apparently exited the lineup.

"The band has been put in an untenable position by guitarist Buckethead and his untimely departure," Rose says. "During his tenure with the band Buckethead has been inconsistent and erratic in both his behavior and commitment -- despite being under contract -- creating uncertainty and confusion and making it virtually impossible to move forward with recording, rehearsals and live plans with confidence."

Rose cites Buckethead's interest in furthering a solo career first established with the 1992 release of a self-titled album on the Avant label. The masked artist, who is never seen in the flesh or without a KFC bucket on his head, will kick off a solo tour tomorrow (March 31) in Milwaukee supporting jam band Particle.

"It appears his plans were to secure a recording contract with Sanctuary Records which I encouraged my management to make available to him, quit GNR and to use his involvement in the upcoming Guns release to immediately promote his individual efforts," Rose says.

"There is not a member of this camp that is not hurt, upset and ultimately disappointed," Rose adds. "We as a whole definitely feel that we afforded Bucket every accommodation perhaps so much so that it may be that we, or more precisely, I may have done Guns a disservice and unintentionally allowed Guns to be put in this position."

The Rock in Rio appearance was to be the group's first since a disastrous 2002 comeback tour that was canceled with 13 dates remaining. "On behalf of Guns N' Roses and myself I apologize to the fans," Rose says. "The festival and its tradition mean a lot to me personally and I sincerely do not enjoy being robbed by one of our own of the opportunity to be the first artist to play it for the third time."

Rose admits that "there are obviously several issues to resolve" regarding Buckethead's longtime involvement and the band's long-awaited Geffen album "Chinese Democracy."

"In the meantime rather than dwelling on the negative, Guns will be moving forward," Rose says, "and surprisingly (without giving away any details) this unfortunate set of circumstances may have given us the opportunity to take our recording that one extra step further. Regardless we hope to announce a release date within the next few months."

[MattAMiller]

"During his tenure with the band Buckethead has been inconsistent and erratic in both his behavior and commitment -- despite being under contract -- creating uncertainty and confusion and making it virtually impossible to move forward with recording, rehearsals and live plans with confidence."

Rock and roll!!!!!!!!

UCC rocks!!!!!

[MetalHeadConservative35]

Speaking of Van Halen, I read over the weekend that Van Halen reconciled their differences with Sammy Hagar, and plan on touring the country this Summer, with Hagar fronting the group. I like the 80's metal music, but one of these days, these bands are just going to have to finally realize they're 15 minutes are up and just let go. They're getting too old to be flopping around on the stage.

yea there old THATS WHAT MAKES EM GOOD!!

and I will be at the concert!!! :)

Van Hagar!!!!

[KingNo155]

Sammmy Hagar hasen't lost itone bit... I caught a show when he and Diamond Dave were tourin, dave is old & dead, Sammy was full of energy and sounding better than ever!
Lee Roth had the attitude ! But Sammy had (and still has)_the voice!

[Blue Jays]

Good Evening All-

RE: Dave vs. Dave comparison by NYC GOP Chick

That is absolutely BRUTAL photography, NYCGOP! I can barely imagine the outrageous commentary that used to fly out of Dave's mouth emanating from the old codger pictured on the right. Holy Cow!

That said, a bunch of us college friends are all hooking-up to see Van Halen this summer. After that, we're scheduled to see the recently-reunited Judas Priest complete with Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, K.K. Downing, Ian Hill, and Scott Travis. Couldn't ever determine what happened to Dave Holland and Les Binks. Certainly one of the most influential bands to come out of Great Britain.

P.S. Dave, get a haircut or consider a long, flowing wig. Either way, it'll look way cooler.

~ Blue Jays ~

[Blue Jays]

Good Evening All-

Oh yeah, one more thing related to the original post. Axl is less cinched-down than Buckethead when it comes to holding oneself together. Flake-o-Matic!

~ Blue Jays ~