Axl Speaks Out
It’s been a long, long time since the world heard from the once
outspoken Axl Rose, but the floodgates appear to be swinging wide.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the elusive Guns n’ Roses frontman issued
a nearly 400 word-long statement expounding on “Oh My God,” the
first new song from the band since their cover of the Stones’
“Sympathy for the Devil” appeared on the soundtrack to
Interview with the Vampire.
“Oh My God” will appear on the Nov. 2 soundtrack to the Arnold
Schwarzenegger one-man-against-the-devil action film End of
Days. The song has been briefly teased in TV commercials for
the film, which opens Nov. 24. As previously reported, the track
features fretwork from former Janes Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers
guitarist Dave Navarro. Other players on the track include Dizzy
Reed and latter-day Gunners Tommy Stinson, Paul Huge and Robin
Finck (who has since returned to Nine Inch Nails).
Rose’s statement, which was released through his label,
Interscope/Geffen/A&M, reads in full:
“So here’s the story behind this music…
“The chorus: OH MY GOD etc. deals with the societal repression of
deep and often agonizing emotions — some of which may be willingly
accepted for one reason or another — the appropriate expression of
which (one that promotes a healing, release and a positive resolve)
is often discouraged and many times denied. Emotionally the song
contemplates several abstract perspectives drawing from personal
expression as well as from the film (End Of Days) and its
metaphors. The appropriate expression and vehicle for such emotions
and concepts is not something taken for granted.
“Musically the song was primarily written by Paul Huge over two
years ago, with Dizzy Reed writing the musical hook of the chorus.
Former member Duff McKagan as well as former employee Matt Sorum
failed to see its potential and showed no interest in exploring,
let alone recording the piece. When the demos were played for the
new band, Josh, Tommy and Robin were as they say ‘all over it.’
“Once the opportunity was presented, the song was given priority in
our recording process. As the verse, performance and lyrics were
decided on, for us (that especially includes Interscope chairman
Jimmy Iovine) the choice became obvious. We were more than pleased
Mr. Roswell (the film’s music supervisor) agreed! Our thanks to
Arnold and all for the consideration — it is an association in
which we have always felt honored.
“Paul Huge, Gary Sunshine and Dave Navarro appear on the song as
well as Robin Finck. Robin’s part was written by Paul and
extensively manipulated by our producer, Sean Beaven. Robin was not
involved in the writing of the final recording though did
participate in the arrangement. All lyrics were written by myself.
Additional programming (jack boots, screeching tires, etc.) was by
Stuart White.
“The fight of good vs. evil, positive vs. negative, man against a
seemingly undefeatable, undeterrable, unrevealed destiny, along
with the personal and universal struggle to attain, maintain and
responsibly manage freewill can be and often is frustrating to say
the least. In America our country’s constitutional right to freedom
of expression gives us a better chance to fight for that expression
than many in other countries enjoy. It can be a big gig, like
kickin’ the crap outta the devil!
“Power to the people, peace out and blame Canada,
“Axl”