The whole thing is kind of bittersweet, isn't it?  More than anything, I wanted this album to be relased, and to FINALLY hear new recorded music from my favorite band of all-time.  In that sense, the entire thing has been very worth it, as I think the album is spectacular and I will enjoy it for years to come.

That said, I also feel a sense of loyalty to the band, and - as a long-time fan - want others to acknowledge how great it is - or at least give it a listen - for it to be successful both critically and in terms of sales, and to defend the work and effort that went in to getting it out.

They're definitely two separate issues as far as I'm concerned, and I need to remind myself how happy I truly am to have the album to enjoy.  In the end, no matter what happens in terms of sales and acclaim, that has to be enough, doesn't it?

What I think is even sadder is that many - myself included - bought Velvet Revolver records because they were the closest thing we had to GNR, or that we might ever get again.  It's just been so long since we've heard from Axl himself, that many simply may not care anymore, regardless of who is playing alongside him.  I hope that's not the case.  Again, when I was in Best Buy, it was clear just how excited some of the people buying the record were, and it *is* a great record.

I'm not burning a CD for anyone, but sharing the music with them in one form or another in person, in hopes that they'll buy a copy on their own.  And I bought (2) copies to give to friends.  What confuses me is how many people I've seen or heard say that they're buying a cd copy and a digital/iTunes copy for their ipod.  I'm all for supporting the band, but I'm not sure why anyone would buy an iTunes copy instead of ripping their cd copy into iTunes....

I'm not sure I agree.  I saw a tremendous amount of enthusiasm at Best Buy today from fans of Axl and the current lineup, as well as those who haven't heard a single GNR song since the Illusion albums.   As you say, time will tell. 

Me, I'm optimistic.  The more pressing questions I have concern fan expectations from here on out (who is in the band?  Will new fans be sad to realize no Bucket, no Robin, etc.?  What comes next?  How long will it be before we hear from the band again?).

As far as Axl, I'm not sure I can use the word "apathetic" when the man has put 17 years into getting this album out.  I'm not sure I'd want to do much press at this moment either, but rather let the music stand on it's own.  Enough distractions, you know?