Axl
Speaks on "Oh My God"
by Richard Skanse
It's been a long,
long time since the world heard from the once outspoken Axl Rose, but
the floodgates appear to be swinging wide. Late Wednesday afternoon,
the elusive Guns n' Roses frontman issued a nearly 400 word-long statement
expounding on "Oh My God," the first new song from the band
since their cover of the Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil"
appeared on the soundtrack to Interview with the Vampire.
"Oh My God" will appear on the Nov. 2 soundtrack to the Arnold
Schwarzenegger one-man-against-the-devil action film End of Days.
The song has been briefly teased in TV commercials for the film, which
opens Nov. 24. As previously reported, the track features fretwork from
former Janes Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Dave Navarro.
Other players on the track include Dizzy Reed and latter-day Gunners
Tommy Stinson, Paul Huge and Robin Finck (who has since returned to
Nine Inch Nails).
Rose's statement, which was released through his label, Interscope/Geffen/A&M,
reads in full: "So here's the story behind this music...
"The chorus: OH MY GOD etc. deals with the societal repression
of deep and often agonizing emotions -- some of which may be willingly
accepted for one reason or another -- the appropriate expression of
which (one that promotes a healing, release and a positive resolve)
is often discouraged and many times denied. Emotionally the song contemplates
several abstract perspectives drawing from personal expression as well
as from the film (End Of Days) and its metaphors. The appropriate expression
and vehicle for such emotions and concepts is not something taken for
granted."
"Musically
the song was primarily written by Paul Huge over two years ago, with
Dizzy Reed writing the musical hook of the chorus. Former member Duff
McKagan as well as former employee Matt Sorum failed to see its potential
and showed no interest in exploring, let alone recording the piece.
When the demos were played for the new band, Josh, Tommy and Robin were
as they say 'all over it.' "
"Once the opportunity was presented, the song was given priority
in our recording process. As the verse, performance and lyrics were
decided on, for us (that especially includes Interscope chairman Jimmy
Iovine) the choice became obvious. We were more than pleased Mr. Roswell
(the film's music supervisor) agreed! Our thanks to Arnold and all for
the consideration -- it is an association in which we have always felt
honored."
"Paul Huge, Gary Sunshine and Dave Navarro appear on the song as
well as Robin Finck. Robin's part was written by Paul and extensively
manipulated by our producer, Sean Beaven. Robin was not involved in
the writing of the final recording though did participate in the arrangement.
All lyrics were written by myself. Additional programming (jack boots,
screeching tires, etc.) was by Stuart White."
"The fight of good vs. evil, positive vs. negative, man against
a seemingly undefeatable, undeterrable, unrevealed destiny, along with
the personal and universal struggle to attain, maintain and responsibly
manage freewill can be and often is frustrating to say the least. In
America our country's constitutional right to freedom of expression
gives us a better chance to fight for that expression that many in other
countries enjoy. It can be a big gig, like kickin' the crap outta the
devil!
Power to the people, peace out and blame Canada,
Axl