To say the making of this album has been an unbearably long and incomprehensible journey would be an understatement. Overcoming the endless and seemingly insane amount of obstacles faced by all involved, notwithstanding the emotional challenges endured by everyone -- the fans, the band, our road crew and business team -- has at many times seemed like a bad dream in which one wakes up only to find that they are still in the nightmare. Unfortunately, this time it has been played out for over a decade in real life.

The true, ongoing, behind-the-scenes triumphs and casualties are much more complicated than any negative speculation that the media or otherwise has managed to hit upon. For much of the time, various legal issues have arisen, demanding that the best way to deal with these things publicly, quite frankly, was to keep our mouths shut in an attempt to ensure the best outcome -- especially one that wouldn't jeopardize the band or the album. It's easy for people to point out how others have handled similar situations or how they would have dealt with these issues themselves if they encountered them in their own lives. But again, without full knowledge of the various dynamics and circumstances involved, these types of comments or commentary are just uninformed, disassociated, generally useless -- and often hindering -- speculation.
Sincerely,

Axl Rose

Neemo's right, if you wanna get critical you could easily say GNR went commercial right from the start.  SCOM, what's more radio friendly then that?  I don't really get the point, as gnfnraxl said, the main reason people get into the music business is for the love of music and ultimately they'd like to make money.  I don't know how many bands are out there that TRY to create music that nobody but a hardcore group of fans are going to like.  Even bands like GWAR have cult followings and have carved out a niche for themselves in the industry.  They "sold out" in a sense and you never hear them on the radio.

AFC

NE
SD
Pit
Indy
Jax
Den

NE over Pit

NFC

Sea
Min
Dal
NO
Phi
GB

Dal over Sea

SB - NE over Dal (I have to pick the Pats since I'll be at every home game this year, I think they'd take my tickets away if I didn't)

How dare you James.  The only way that happens is if Brady goes down.  If that happens, I might be right there with you.  He's quite durable though, so I don't count on that happening.

Absolutely, I hope they follow the route Metallica has gone, or something like it.  I'd be all over that.  I'll settle for just the CD in Metallica's case though.