The singer said he still puts his heart into every
performance but acknowledges the legendary rock 'n' roll group - of which he is
the only original remaining member - have impossible standards to live up to
their late 80s heyday, in which they became known as 'The Most Dangerous Band
In The World'.
Giving his first interview in 14 years, the media shy
frontman told the Gulf News newspaper: "I think it's a lot to do with the
material from the past and a hell of a lot to do with the heart that was put
into it then.
"But if we weren't putting the heart into it now, if I
wasn't putting my heart into it, the fans, they're not gonna let me get away
with it.
"We have to live up to something, have to work a bit
harder because you're living up to the legend or a myth or whatever.
"It's more pressure when you're playing to live up to
myth."
'Paradise City' rocker Axl, 48, has become notorious for
keeping crowds waiting for hours before performances and breaking venue curfews
- often incurring huge fines and inciting antagonistic behavior from crowds -
but the group are also known for playing lengthy sets of up to three hours
long, which Axl feels is part of his job.
He added: "Everybody goes out there and tries to give
everything they can. And we stay out there a couple hours more, you know, until
we feel the crowd is happy. Or until we feel like we've done a good job.
"It's kinda like going to the gym or something, you
know, you don't leave until you feel like you're supposed to."
Guns N' Roses played the Yas Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, last
Thursday (16.12.10).
