Report: GUNS N' ROSES Reunion Almost Fell Apart

According to The Pulse Of Radio, a GUNS N' ROSES source "MSL" has said that the reunion of classic-era members Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan almost didn't happen at all. Writing at the GNRTruth blog, "MSL" said, "In terms of any crazy last-minute demands, maybe that story will come out someday. I don't think people realize just how close this whole 'reunion' thing was to completely falling apart and not happening at all."

"MSL" also revealed that the band had been negotiating with former guitarist Izzy Stradlin to have him participate in the reunion, but that they couldn't come to terms. He explained: "'Requesting more' might give off the impression that there was a deal and that he reneged. I don't believe that is the case at all… If somebody tried to change the deal at the last minute, it sure as shit wasn't Izzy. Thought he handled things professionally by bowing out and letting the fans know."

"MSL" also said that other factors, such as Slash's divorce from his wife Perla — he reportedly did not want her to get a share of his income from a reunion — and negotiations over the band members' cuts from sales of a future live DVD, played a role in luring Slash back to the group.

He revealed: "The position was open. Perla was gone. The hatchet had already been buried enough to agree on the DVD issue. There was nothing standing in the way anymore." Nonetheless, "MSL" added, "Everything came down to the wire… We'll see how long it lasts."

"MSL" previously broke the news that GUNS N' ROSES was going to perform at this month's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and that Axl Rose had met with AC/DC to act as a guest vocalist for that band, both stories that were later proven to be true.

Keyboardist Dizzy Reed, a 22-year veteran of the group who is participating in the reunion, told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that unpredictability has always been part of the band. "The volatility is definitely still there, especially for me, because I've seen a lot," he said. "It keeps you on your toes for sure. I just show up every night as prepared as possible to do my job, and anything else that happens is out of my control. There's really no way to truly deal with that."

GUNS N' ROSES will play a couple of shows in Las Vegas this weekend before doing two stints at Coachella and two Mexico City gigs. A North American stadium tour will follow this summer.