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09.22.1999

Axl Rose broke his years of press silence on Wednesday, issuing a statement that sheds some light on Guns N' Roses' first new original music in eight years.

Rose specifically addresses the song "Oh My God," the first cut to feature the band's new line-up, which includes keyboard player Dizzy Reed, ex-Vandals drummer Josh Freese, former Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson, guitarist Paul Huge, and Robin Finck, who has since left the band to rejoin Nine Inch Nails.

The song is set to turn up in the upcoming Arnold Schwarzenegger thriller "End Of Days" and recently surfaced in television ads for the film. In a lengthy statement, Rose talks about the musicians on the track (guitarist Dave Navarro lends a hand), its inclusion in the film, and reveals that he made it out to the movies at least once to check out the big screen version of "South Park."

Rose's statement in its entirety reads:

"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 than 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"

Fans who tuned into the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards caught a snippet of the song when a spot for "End Of Days" aired, and listeners will be able to take in the whole song when the film's soundtrack hits stores November 2. The movie is expected to turn up in theaters on November 24.

As for the next full album from Guns N' Roses, fans will continue to wait as no release date has been set.

—Tina Johnson

Thanks to Chindem