Another classy move by the most overrated band in rock -n- roll history. http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/10/music.gunsn.roses.ap/index.html GN'R: No drinking on stage? No show! POSTED: 1:24 p.m. EST, November 10, 2006 LEWISTON, Maine (AP) -- Guns N' Roses canceled a performance in Portland, Maine, this week after being told by state officials that the band could not drink on stage. Inspectors from the state fire marshal's office gave the band the no-drinking order when they came to look over the pyrotechnics planned for Monday's scheduled concert at the Cumberland County Civic Center, said Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Public Safety Department. McCausland said the band had wanted to drink beer, wine and Jagermeister while performing. A couple of hours after being told that would violate state law, Guns N' Roses canceled its concert, he said. After the cancellation, a band spokesperson blamed fire marshals for "making it impossible for the band to perform their show to the usual high standards that their fans deserve." The press release, however, did not give a specific reason for the pullout. Band leader Axl Rose issued a statement through the Guns N' Roses Web site apologizing to fans in Maine. "It was important for us to play there and it is a shame that what should have been a great night for all of us was not possible due to the actions of two people," said Rose, referring to the fire marshals. "I agree with, and ultimately take responsibility for, the end decision not to jeopardize the safety of the fans, the crews, the bands and myself as a result of the methods of these particularly draconian authorities," Rose's statement said. "We hope to find another way to play for you in the future." Jeff Austin, supervisor of liquor licensing and inspection for the state Department of Public Safety, said state law prohibits performers from drinking while on stage, and prohibits employees at establishments with liquor licenses from drinking on the job. "It's been on the books for years," said Austin, adding that he talked to state inspectors Monday afternoon while they were at the civic center to read them the law. Austin said he's issued citations for three or four administrative violations of the no-drinking law this year. The Cumberland County Civic Center Web site said refunds for the Guns N' Roses concert would be issued at the point of purchase.
Axl Rose, come on down, you've just been admitted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame of Has Beens. Sincerely, David Lee Roth
I hate boozer musicians.... As for Axle in specific.. when the grunge generation thinks you're a musical joke... you're pretty much a f*cking joke..
Why would he act like he cares about what the fans want. The fans couldn't give two sh*ts if the band members are drunk. If I pay to see a show, the performers better be sober. If I wanna see a couple drunks running around playing bad music, I'll go to a family reunion.
I have no problem with it at all. In fact I think it's great. A rock show isn't a church play and shouldn't have to be one. The Stones still smoke on stage and good for them.
Why would anyone want to play a concert in Maine anyway? What's next, hair no longer than shoulder length? no playing past 10pm? no alcohol to be served at concerts? no guitars allowed, piano only?
Must be sad and painful for you GNR fans.. that their most well written, musically substantial song.. involved a piano.. but then.. you probably consider it one of their 'weakest' .. And, people wonder why rock 'n' roll is no more.. There's only 'rock based'..
Why not leave it up to every band if they want to drink or drug or smoke or **** or do whatever they want on stage? This conformity and rules **** all over the world today makes me sick. If the band constantly sucks on stage because they are drunk, the sooner or later the fans will not go to their shows anymore. In the future, there will be laws that writers, film directors, name it, have to obey laws under which condition they have to do their job. There will no longer be an Bukowskis, Burroughs, Kerouacs, Allens, Richards, Morrisons, GG Allins, Ramones, Blondies, Germs, Led Zeppelins, Metallicas, Sly and the Family Stones, Rick James, Louis Armstrongs, Charlie Parkers, Chet Bakers, Jimi Hendrixes, Billie Holidays, Snoops, Dre's, Goats, Velvet Undergrounds, Henry Millers, Van Goghs, Pollocks, etc. - as long as they do their job, leave em alone. But GNR suck today, thats for sure.
While I realize that the history of Rock performers performing in altered states is as long as the medium itself. Cancelling a concert because they won't let you drink onstage is Primadonna Douchebaggery of the worst sort. I bought a couple GNR CD's back in the day. But I certainly wouldn't pay for a ticket when there is a good chance that thier smoked Salmon might be prepared incorrectly and they will have a hissy fit and refuse to play. Interesting that Axl should spin it as being for the fans safety. Perhaps he thinks if the fans thought they played that badly sober they might riot.
So Tex, do you scan the wire everyday for GnR news so you can post about it on a message board? Your bitterness/jealousy for Rose is really over the top - that's no way to go through life man. Let it go.
Nope, but when I see stupid crap from any band, including GnR, I post it. I have no bitterness or jealousy for Axl Rose, just like I have no bitterness or jealousy for Paris Hilton. And that's a good thing, since the two of them are at the same talent level.
