GUNS N' ROSES' Original A&R Man Kicked Out Of 'Chinese Democracy' Listening Party

November 24, 2008

Tom Zutaut, the man who signed GUNS N' ROSES to Geffen Records back in the mis-'80s, was unceremoniously booted out of the "Chinese Democracy" listening party, held at the Roxy Theater in West Hollywood, California last Tuesday (November 18).

Tom tells Classic Rock magazine, "Yeah, sadly it is true that I was escorted out of the Roxy by a beefy security guy just prior to the last three songs of the playback. I did stand on the sidewalk and hear the last three anyway.

"I believe that love and hate are a complicated thing but ultimately the same thing. I love Axl and think 'Chinese Democracy' is a genius body of music. Although I had heard most of the album in an unfinished form six-seven years ago, and more recently through some of the leaks, I really wanted to hear it played back over a loud PA in its final form as imagined by its creator, W. Axl Rose.

"It is sad and disappointing to me that those around Axl would lie to him to fuel his hatred towards me with imaginary events used to drive a wedge between us. I love him deeply, will always love him and wish only the greatest success to one of the world’s last true creative musical sparks with a god-given voice. I am proud of my contributions to his career and am always there for him should he one day become enlightened to the truth of what surrounds him. It is also sad that he doesn't mention the hard work I put in on my short involvement with 'Chinese Democracy' with even a 'Thank You' considering lesser players are credited or thanked in the liner notes — even those who ridiculed him, belittled and made fun of him behind his back while I defended his genius 'til those around him poisoned him against me with distortions and lies.

"I wear his hatred as a badge of honor as it would be far worse for him not to care at all."

The Rockerrazzi web site has posted a video report from the Roxy listening party for "Chinese Democracy". The clip, which includes an interview with GUNS N' ROSES co-manager Andy Gould, can be viewed below.

The Rockerrazzi report:

Tom Zutaut talking about "Chinese Democracy":

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