For the first time in three years I was requested to not ask a few questions on a recent interview. I was told by the publicity firm of the band that they had done allot of press lately and were 'sick' of certain questions. I had a list of those I was not to ask.
I can tell you on first notice I wanted those to be my first questions. I don't like being told what to do and any press is good press. If you're tired of questions then find new answers- its that simple. A band is interviewed for their own promotion. I am not getting any thrill from speaking to people- instead my hope is to shed some light on their thought process and their careers. Its the ultimate form of self promotion. If I want to ask you your favorite color, I suggest you answer.
I have spoken to artists who had no clue how to answer anything out of standard repertoire. Like deer in the headlight they simply didn't know what to say. That's cool and a great feeling to catch them off guard. There is a sincerity that leaks.
Of course I don't interview mega bands. I don't think i would want to since I think they have lost touch with reality in their rise to the top. Which brings me to Slash. the mop headed guitar whiz of Guns n' Roses. His ego- as big as his fro. He has offered up some 'don't ask' rules for interviewers. Check them out.
Guns N’ Roses is a topic that Slash can briefly touch on.
You can briefly discuss the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction – but only to the extent of the honour of that.
You can’t talk about the ceremony itself and Axl not showing up and their performance etc.
No questions about Axl whatsoever.
No questions about a possible Guns n’Roses reunion.
No “on the road” stories or historic infamous type stories based around Guns n’Roses.
There has to be a focus on what he’s doing now and forthcoming events/plans.
Slash says: “Since I grabbed the reins and took off on my own I have realised you don’t need confrontation and volatility to make rock’n'roll work. It’s about playing music and having fun.
“I had gotten so used to such a tumultuous reality that I was really inexperienced working in a situation where everybody just wants to get along and have a good time.
“It takes a lot of the unnecessary bullshit out of the experience – I work harder now than I have ever in my career. But at the same time it’s really enjoyable, because everybody’s on the same page. We just focus on the music.”
Does anyone really care about Slash anymore, anyway?