The Guns N' Roses: Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography of Guns n' Roses - Softcover

Stenning, Paul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1842402463 ISBN 13: 9781842402467

Publisher: Chrome Dreams, 2004

Synopsis

During their heyday, Guns N' Roses sold over 20 million albums and performed sell-out gigs all over the world. Ten years since their last album and with only one original member remaining, they are still going strong. This book, timed to coincide with the release of the much anticipated new album in summer 2004, features numerous interviews with and revelations about band members past and present (including ex lead guitarist Slash and bass player Duff). Written by a lifelong fan and featuring previously unseen photographs, this is the only current book on the band.

About this title

From the Author

There have been a few petty comments regarding certain grammatical (or as one person wrote, grammER) errors in my book and this, among a few other things is something I'd like to clear up. Firstly, typing errors are bound to occur in a book that is hundreds of pages long, it happens to every author, and virtually every published book. It is unfortunate but these errors sometimes come out in the printing. For instance, I would not personally write 12twelve million, so this is clearly a belated printing error.

Please do not let those criticisms affect your judgement of the book itself, there have been many who have contacted me personally already to say how much they appreciate an integral and passionate, not to mention factual account of Guns N' Roses.

Of course this book, especially towards the end, features Axl Rose heavily. He is the only original member remaining and has been for several years now. If I was to cover the band properly I had to write the whole story, which meant everything from early days to the present day. I do not downplay the contribution of either Izzy or Slash to the G N' R career but getting it in perspective is important. So many fans around the world are waiting for 'Chinese Democracy'. When it comes out it will have the G N' R name, but there will be no playing from Slash, Izzy, Duff or Steven. So for all intents and purposes Guns N' Roses is now Axl and whoever he assembles. This is not just my opinion because I love Axl it is fact.

For those who still harbour thoughts of G N' R not being G N' R without the original line up, then why would you still be interested in the band anyway? Nevertheless the early days are covered more than integrally and purposely. No one, not myself or even Axl Rose can claim the band would be where they are today without the early achievements of the original band.

However there is a point in the book where things move on – just as they have in reality. Thus Axl is covered in some detail, as I assumed fans want to know just what he has been up to in the last ten years. Insights into his private life and updates on the current 'Chinese Democracy' album were essential to give the reader new material on the band. I did not write this just as a rehash of the bands history, though of course it is told in detail.

One thing, which has popped up in forums and reviews, is the meaning of the title. For the record I did not write the book to coincide with the 'Greatest Hits', the book was written full stop, if anything it was to coincide with the possible release of 'Chinese Democracy' but this wasn't guaranteed so it's virtually irrelevant. The reason for the title is simple, Guns... have not released any new material since 1999, and even then it was just one song. Time had forgotten the band before the re-release of videos and a shoddy 'hits' package, time is a very relevant word when referring to Axl, so I hope fans understand. They should also appreciate I am not suggesting WE, the fans have forgotten them, merely time itself. Time is of no consequence to Axl Rose, hence the title.

There has also been a laughable review by an idiot Q journalist who claimed I got it wrong when I said Slash was born in Stoke On Trent. I'll let anyone still reading stop laughing before they realise sloppy journalism like this is just indicative of bias in the music world. Guns N' Roses have never been treated with respect, so it stands to reason a book rooted in favouritism for the bands work and their beliefs is going to receive a rough ride. I'm ready for it, and anyone who's into the Gunners will be also. Used to being criticised for liking the band? I totally empathise and I wrote this book for you the fan, you the believer. Damn the non-believers, they never gave Axl or Guns... anything but fury and fuel for the fire. As I say in the book, you are welcome to contact me. Hope you enjoy the book. Paul Stenning – czechzebra@yahoo.com.

Synopsis

They are the most explosive band on the planet. During their heyday in the late 80s and early 90s, they sold over twenty million albums and performed sell-out stadium gigs in every major rock capital of the world. Having gone more than ten years without a new album and now with only one original, they are still very popular.

About this edition

• Publisher: Chrome Dreams
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1842402463
• ISBN 13: 9781842402467
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 300