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Axl Rose Gives First "Chinese Democracy" Interview, Says He'll Never Reunite With Slash

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February 6, 2009 9:08 AM ET

Axl Rose has finally given his first official Chinese Democracy interview, answering Billboard's questions via e-mail about Guns n' Roses' new album, the Best Buy deal, touring and why he'll never perform with Slash again. While Rose had recently responded to fan questions during several message board chats, the new Q&A is Rose's first substantial print feature in nine years.

Rose doesn't blame Best Buy's exclusive deal for Chinese Democracy's unexpectedly low sales, but points the finger at his labels, Interscope and Universal Music. "Unfortunately I have no information for me to believe [that] there was any real involvement or effort from Interscope," Rose told Billboard. "I do know [that] I've been asking for a marketing plan for over five years and still haven't got anything."

Axl also addressed rumors that Gn'R has two more albums already finished. "We'd like to get another album out at some point, but for now our focus is on Chinese," Rose said. Also, where's that "Better" video? "We're finalizing a video for 'Better' and writing a couple others now," Rose said. "We have been discouraged from making a video all along by Interscope, up until Best Buy requested one after the release." So blame Interscope, not Lars Ulrich.

Rose also said that Chinese Democracy will be heading to Rock Band on February 28th, but MTV Games told Billboard the release date has been shifted to the spring. Regarding a possible tour, Axl said, "No plans, but there's talk. Management and our promoters are really excited with the offers coming in both here and worldwide."

Related Stories:

• Did Axl Rose Swindle Guns n' Roses and Steal Slash's Song? A Guide to Rose's Online Rants
• Why "Black Ice" Beat "Chinese Democracy": The Tale of Wal-Mart Vs. Best Buy
• Lars Ulrich Confirms He Appears in Guns n' Roses' "Better" Video, But Where Is It?Guns n' Roses' Early Days: Exclusive Photos From the Book Reckless Road

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