That's such an amazing piece of gear... I've been playing with the idea of having one made for me by a local luthier (normal size though, that Gibson thing is huge). Or alternatively, take out the tone pots out of one of my Les Pauls and install a kill switch and a blow-out switch.

You're very likely (and hopefully) right, but they should still take it up a notch and perhaps do some interviews and talk shows as well...

Ugh, what a load of bullshit. That opinion piece conveniently forgets that there's an equally radical movement on the left that has at least equal and from the latest national polls larger support with the general population. Fact of the matter is that beyond further polarization between the two parties (and between the two extremes in both parties) there's really nothing new under the sun. Trumps success isn't a reflection of the nation, it's a reflection of the republican party.

Nationalism is an affliction, nothing more than an excuse for the unwashed masses to claim superiority because the country they happen to be born in happens to be good at something.

As someone else said on here before, CD is probably more on the level of TSI. I find either of the UYI's to be better individually than CD. Lies is closer, but I still rank it higher.

I've heard lots of raving about Frank's drumming, but I think most drummers will agree he's objectively a step down from Sorum. But it really doesn't matter all that much since he's only the friggin' drummer after all. As long as he gets the BPMs under control and sits on his throne comfortably while enjoying himself, he'll be more than good enough.

I'd say that's likely because a lot of people didn't care about the band as much for the past 14 years, but now that Slash and Duff are back it's GNR again and these things do matter.

I personally don't care too much if they have someone who's barely audible bashing some keys on AFD songs, as long as I don't hear it in the mix it's all good. I get the need for a second keyboard player live for some songs (we had Teddy back in the day as well), so it's ok that she mimes a bit during songs where the keyboard isn't really featured to keep her busy. Better than sending her off stage, me thinks...

Now, if that shit was audible, that's a whole different story...