Mood: lucky
Now Playing: Izzy Stradlin Returns & Axl Scuffs Shoulders With Tommy Hilfiger
Topic: Hair Metal
It just seems GN'R can't stay out of the news these days. After 3 years of keeping out of the spotlight, the latest GN'R nws may just keep your head spinning. Let's recap before we launch into the latest news:
-Feb: Slash says Chinese Democracy to be ot in April, GN'R demos leaked on fan forum.
-March: No sign of Chinese Democracy, Axl seen in New York. European tour scheduled. No news on who's in the band.
-April: No Chinese Democracy, 4 dates in May set for Hammerstein Ballroom gigs in New York. Rock In Rio website says there will be a surprise guest at the gigs. Many anticipate Izzy or Slash to return.
-May:
11 & 12: Sebastian Bach surprise guest. No sign of Slash or Izzy, but Bumblefoot takes Buckethead's place as lead guitarist.
13: Axl says Chinese Democracy to be out in November-ish.
Now for the most recent news:Leave it to Axl Rose to save the best for last.
On Wednesday night, during the band's fourth and final warm-up show at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom, the much-rumored reunion of Axl with erstwhile GN'R guitarist Izzy Stradlin finally came to pass.
Izzy's appearance led many in attendance to believe that former lead guitarist Slash, who was similarly touted by insiders as a possible guest performer before the band's first New York gig on May 12, wouldn't be far behind -- but no joy.
Stradlin, who quit the band mid-tour in late 1991 and has since released five albums (solo or with his short-lived group, the Ju Ju Hounds) joined GN'R for three tunes: "Think About You," "Patience" and "Night Train."
The concert, which concluded shortly after 2 a.m., also featured guest vocalist Kid Rock on "Night Train." The four sold-out shows acted as a warm-up for GN'R's European festival appearances this summer. No other North American dates have been scheduled so far.
Rose introduced Stradlin before "Think About You" -- although his comments were almost immediately drowned out by screams from the audience as the guitarist strutted onstage. The two hugged before launching into the number, and one eyewitness reported seeing Stradlin's eyes welling with tears during "Patience."
Various online GN'R messageboards have been buzzing with speculation of a full-band reunion since word of Stradlin's arrival reached fans via text message. "There's going to be a reunion for sure," wrote one fan. "There's too much money involved for it not to happen. Izzy will bring the rest of the guys around, you watch."
And for the latest drama with Axl Rose (I knew there wouldn't be a rest between him and his excessive ego):
NEW YORK - It was a one-two encounter between Axl Rose and Tommy Hilfiger. The rocker and designer capped a Thursday evening out at a new club called The Plumm in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood with midnight fisticuffs.
"There was an issue between the two of them," Plumm owner Noel Ashman told The Associated Press.
The scuffle reportedly started after the Guns N' Roses front man moved the drink of Hilfiger's girlfriend, Dee Ocleppo.
"I moved his girlfriend's drink so it wouldn't spill," Rose told the Los Angeles radio station KROQ on Friday. "It was the most surreal thing, I think, that's ever happened to me in my life."
According to the 44-year-old singer, Hilfiger, 55, smacked him in the arm and told him to put the drink back.
"He just kept smacking me," Rose said.
Attempts to reach Hilfiger or a representative were not immediately successful.
Rose was there to play a surprise set for "Rent" actress Rosario Dawson for her 27th birthday party.
At the time of the dustup, The Plumm was packed with a celebrity crowd including Lenny Kravitz, Mickey Rourke, Kid Rock, Peter Beard, Molly Simms, Wentworth Miller, Ann Dexter Jones, Lydia Hearst and Damon Dash.
Rose did perform, and dedicated the song "You're Crazy" to "my good friend Tommy Hilfiger."
Well now you're up-to-date with all there is to Guns N' Roses. If you wanna learn more, check out the Onl-Rock Exclusive: Gn'R Special. Until next time, remember Only-Rock is the place for GN'R and any metal news. Later.
Written By The Rock News Blog
at 11:13 PM EDT