Guns N' Roses Sues To Block 'Greatest Hits'

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Guns N' Roses Sues To Block 'Greatest Hits'




As tipped here last month, current and former members of Guns N' Roses have filed a lawsuit against Geffen Records in an attempt to block what they call the "unauthorized release" of a pending best-of collection. The "Greatest Hits" set, due March 23, is tipped to feature such favorites as "Welcome to the Jungle," "Sweet Child O' Mine," "Patience" and "Paradise City."

In an interesting twist, former GNR principals Slash and Duff McKagan have joined lone current original member Axl Rose in filing the lawsuit, which seeks a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the issuing of "Greatest Hits."

The band claims it was not consulted on the track list, artwork or the remastering of the chosen songs. In a statement released by the group's management at the Sanctuary Group, Rose expresses concern that "not only will [the] audience be misled into believing that the planned compilation is an authorized release, but that it will hinder the release of the band's long-awaited new studio album, 'Chinese Democracy.'"

The statement references a "massive outcry among the band's loyal audience," over a "track selection [that] is fundamentally flawed, does not reflect the band's best work and is clearly not the ultimate package that would be selected by the band or [its] fan base if they were given the opportunity."

The suit adds further doubt to the uncertain future of "Chinese Democracy," a project that has dragged on for years amid personnel changes within Guns N' Roses and a disastrous 2002 comeback tour. No firm date has been given for its appearance.

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GNR Denied 'Greatest Hits' Injunction




A federal judge in Los Angeles yesterday (March 15) cleared the way for Geffen Records to release a greatest hits album next week from Guns N' Roses, despite the objection of lead singer Axl Rose and former members Slash and Duff McKagan.

As reported yesterday, the artists are suing Geffen to prevent the March 23 release of "Greatest Hits," claiming they were not consulted on the song choices or remixing of material for the album.

U.S. District Judge Dale Fischer denied their request for a temporary restraining order, allowing Geffen to issue the album as planned. A hearing on a motion for a preliminary injunction was set for next month.

"Their lawsuit is meritless," Universal Music spokesman Peter LoFrumento said. "Fortunately, since the court has denied their application for a temporary restraining order, the album will be released as scheduled on March 23."

The suit, which accuses Geffen of trademark infringement and breach of contract, says the label is barred under its contract with Guns N' Roses from altering its master recordings without the band's permission.

A statement from Rose's management at Sanctuary Group claimed the greatest-hits set "will hinder the release of the band's long-awaited new studio album, 'Chinese Democracy."'

Geffen officials had no further comment on the dispute. But a source familiar with the situation said the label has been waiting seven years for Rose to deliver "Chinese Democracy" and has poured $13 million into production of that album after repeated promises that he was about to finish the project.

"Every year there's been a new reason why Axl is not done with the record," the source said, adding that Geffen went ahead with the greatest-hits package only because Rose failed to come through with "Chinese Democracy." "Had he delivered this record like he promised seven years ago, this would not be happening right now."

A representative for Rose was not immediately available for comment.

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More BS from Axl.


GNR Pulls Out Of 'Rock In Rio' Fest

Guns N' Roses has canceled its scheduled May 30 headlining appearance at the Rock in Rio festival in Lisbon. In a statement, sole original member Axl Rose places the blame on guitarist Buckethead, who has apparently exited the lineup.

"The band has been put in an untenable position by guitarist Buckethead and his untimely departure," Rose says. "During his tenure with the band Buckethead has been inconsistent and erratic in both his behavior and commitment -- despite being under contract -- creating uncertainty and confusion and making it virtually impossible to move forward with recording, rehearsals and live plans with confidence."

Rose cites Buckethead's interest in furthering a solo career first established with the 1992 release of a self-titled album on the Avant label. The masked artist, who is never seen in the flesh or without a KFC bucket on his head, will kick off a solo tour tomorrow (March 31) in Milwaukee supporting jam band Particle.

"It appears his plans were to secure a recording contract with Sanctuary Records which I encouraged my management to make available to him, quit GNR and to use his involvement in the upcoming Guns release to immediately promote his individual efforts," Rose says.