i dont think Axl literally wanted people to kill their idols, nor court Manson. I always interpreted the former as, "dont hold people up on a pedestal, including me". And the latter, i believe was something to do with axl being portrayed as the bad guy, so he wore the shirt of a real bad guy to show the comparison was retarded. I think i read on article on the latter somewhere, i could be wrong but that's my interpretation, anyway. Positive messages, rather than bad taste. you just have to think about them.
I totally agree with you Mooney, and that's the point I was making: that Axl puts himself out there to be shot down, and probably doesn't feel as hurt as the fans.
It's like a punk attitude, and Guns were pretty punk at the start.
I think the late starts and non-cooperation with the media etc are all an extension of it: Axl saying he's an artist and does his art his way, and if people don't like it they don't have to buy his merchandise or publicise him; that they shouldn't think he owes them something, rely on him or worship him.
Just enjoy and learn from the music.
