Guns N' Roses Author Paul Stenning Part 1
SoHood.com: What motivated you to write this book?
Paul: Guns N' Roses have long been a favorite band of mind, ever since they first hit the UK in fact. I was given the opportunity to write the book after 5 years writing for various music magazines. It was a lucky break really as the publisher initially wanted a writer for a biography on Cradle Of Filth. Despite my metal allegiances I think COF suck so it was much better when the publisher changed his mind for a book on Guns'! Once the contract was signed I wanted to make sure I approached the book in terms of presenting a balanced view of the band, with as much about what they went through growing up as possible. In the past many books and magazines have been sold by simply featuring G N' R or Axl Rose and then stirring as much shit as possible. Not only is that not my style but I felt the true fans deserved better, so this is for them.

SoHood.com: Explain why you decided to name the title 'The Band That Time Forgot'?
Paul:  It came to me out of the blue as a good title, but it really applies to Guns' because they have not put any new studio product out since 1993, and even that was a covers album. Yet, remarkably, on the surface at least, they are still going. So ever since then the only remaining members from the early 90s (Axl and keyboardist Dizzy Reed) have been supposedly making the next album. You have to concede time has forgotten the band; time is meaningless to Axl as he seeks to put out a masterpiece. Some misinterpreted the title as me suggesting everyone had forgotten about them, I didn't mean it like this; simply that time is not exactly of the essence…

SoHood.com: How long did this book take you to complete?
Paul: About 6 months the first time around. With the second edition it was more like two because most of the work was done, it just needed a thorough checking over and a few well placed additions. One of these is a chapter on Velvet Revolver.

SoHood.com: Is Guns N’ Roses your favorite rock group?
Paul: Not anymore no. It's difficult to consider them the best band in the world still when they haven't released anything for over a decade. When you think about the music (and good music too) that has been released in that time, they couldn't possibly hold number one spot with anyone other than someone who has little exposure to other music or new bands. You can't keep listening to Use Your Illusion and Appetite For Destruction day in day out for twenty years and not get a sense of overkill. That doesn't mean I don't still love the group, because I do, but in terms of favorite they are not exactly current listening faves. As for all time, now that's a different matter.

SoHood.com: How receptive were the other Guns N’ Roses members, when you reached out for interviews?
Paul: Some were cool, I feel like I could have included interviews from existing members like Tommy Stinson as well as ex members like Steven Adler and Gilby Clarke but I didn't want to just speak to some who were involved without getting a point of view from some major ex or current members. Basically when I realized I couldn't talk to Axl or Slash I decided to just include quotes rather than speak to them individually. So in answer to your question, they are not generally receptive and the people around them are vile leeches!

SoHood.com: I know you tried to interview Axl Rose, but did you ever believe that it will happen ? How close did you get?
Paul: Very good question. I guess I came pretty close. I have his address and I sent him a copy of the book but never heard anything back. I didn't really expect anything because there are so many people around him trying to stop anyone getting close or causing problems for him. It might be that he never even got to see the book for himself. The reason I think that is because if he saw it and liked it I would have hoped he might get in touch with me, and if he had anything against it I might have heard from his lawyers.

SoHood.com: Have you heard some of the new material? (Madagascar, The Blues)
Paul: I have and although the versions are not the best, the material sounds as strong as anything else Guns' has put out, so at least with this there is no reason for anyone to worry about whether or not Axl can still compose a great rock song.  Laughing and messing around going on.  Listen to the ad-libs and background vocals.