I write the vocals last, because I wanted to invent the music first and push the music to the level that I had to compete against it.
I feel I have a responsibility to myself, a responsibility to explain where we're coming from. Because a song or the performance of a song is a lot like a work of art.
At times I enjoy writing and at others times I just hate it because it's definitely having to go back and experience some pain and express what you really feel.
We have a saying in Guns N Roses: When somebodys gonna get yelled at, theyre gonna get the corn.
Many times drugs and alcohol - there's a technical term that they're called, emotional suppressants - are the only things that can help a person survive and get through and be able to deal with their pain.
I personally don't do any hard drugs, because they get in the way of me getting to my base issues, and I'd rather get rid of the excess baggage than find a way to shove it deeper in the closet.
Freddie Mercury and Elton John are, like, two of the biggest Influences in my whole life. And probably always will be.
Rock n' roll was a bad and evil thing. l remember once I was singing a Barry Manilow song, "Mandy," In the back seat of the car. It came on the radio, and I kind of sang with it, and I got smacked In the mouth because that song was "evil."
People can do whatever they want to, but I'm more pro-hetero. I'm not knocking it - I have friends that are gay. It's just that it's not my cup of tea, l guess. That's all. People can do what they want.
As for money and prestige, if one has an opportunity to make money and/or advance their position or place in life there can be a lot to weigh and consider, such as responsibilities, goals and objectives etc. We all make choices, deal with our sense of priorities, principles, ethics, morals, balancing, juggling, making compromises... or not! Ha!
If someone asked me if I could have anything in the world, what would l want? If l could own anything, like owning a piece of art, l think it would be Elton John's publishing, on his first seven albums. I don't want the money. Being able to own those songs Is like owning a painting of someone you admire.
I'm glad to be here [in Israel] again.
In general I usually don't really go by or live my life by a clock and outside of touring I don't really ask anyone else to. It's not out of lack of respect for anyone or intentional.
I could beat my mike stand into the stage, but I was still in pain. Maybe fans liked it, but sometimes people forget you're a person and they're more into the entertainment value. It's taken a long time to turn that around and give a strong show without it being a kamikaze show.
I try to be respectful about getting an honor or recognition, but I don't really know what the Rock Hall actually is. In my experience with the people who run it, I don't see it having to do with anything other than them making money.
If I hadn't had Freddie Mercury's lyrics to hold on to as a kid I don't know where I would be. It taught me about all forms of music... it would open my mind. I never really had a bigger teacher in my whole life.
I sing in five or six different voices that are all part of me. Its not contrived.
I like Nine Inch Nails, and I like hip-hop.
I go to movies, go out with friends, go to car shows. I have a zoo.
There was a much more self-destructive nature in 'Appetite.' It was a going-for-it-at-all-cost thing that worked then.
