In all fairness to the fans and media, there's alot of truth in what they are saying:
1) GNR isn't nearly as good without Slash. In fact, it isn't even GNR.
2) The argument could be made that Axl is fat compared to his glory years. Not dissing, but it is true.
3) I agree that no artist should have to tolerate foreign objects being thrown at them. No argument there.
4) Axl needs to get off his ass and at least attempt to take the stage a little more promptly than 2 hrs late. Let's face it, this band isn't very popular among most (especially in the states) and most Americans do believe that this is merely a Guns N Roses coverband. I'm not dissing them, but Axl doesn't have the leverge that he once had to pull off this kind of shit off.
5) I wouldn't mind so many bandmember showlights if I had a bigger interest in the current lineup. But to have 4 or 5 solos is kind of a snooze. Especially when you aren't that big of a fan of BBF, DJ, and Frank. Let's face it, no one is going to these concerts to see these guys anyway.
6) I could care less how many times Axl changes his clothes. I don't think that is very uncommon for an artist at all.
I would be careful with words like truth, you are stating (and refering to) opinions, not facts. I would like to react to some of your points, though, with my own opinions:
1) Slash is not coming back and although it is impossible to replace an icon like him, that does not make the current line-up a bad one.
2) He is fat? Well, he just represents the bigger part of the American people
or the West in general....but honestly, who cares about his weight...
4) I don't like his late-on-stage attitude as well, but many fans do not seem to care, as GnR still seems to pack decent venues. This is Axl, and GnR is nowadays his band, so don't go if you do not like this. If this attitude in the end means that Axl won't be able to tour anymore, that will be his own choice. A stupid one, but still his one to make.
Furthermore, I thought that rock is dead in the USA? So that most don't like GnR is not a surprise....furthermore GnR is selling a lot of records and still doing a decent world tour, what should Axl care about the rest, or maybe he should make an album with Eminem, that would surely make him more popular or lady Gaga, she is popular isn't she, and as everything is about popularity....
5) I go to a concert because of the GnR-songs, either old or new. I would like less solo's, but that is because I think that it takes the "flow" out of a concert. I do like the rest of the band, they are good musicians and I like to see them play.
There is something I do not understand. If you do not like the band without Slash, dislike what Axl does while touring and do not care for the rest of the band, why do you go to these concerts?
