Me, I think *any* campaign is monumental.  I've said it before, but it bears repeating.  I NEVER would have checked out any of the leaks if I actually thought the album would come out before I hit 40.  I really didn't think it would happen.   Hat's off to Azoff & Gould for getting it out.  I hope it's only the beginning, but if not, at least I'll have an album in my hands.

I guess that's why "EXTREME SPOILERS" is part of the thread title....    I love seeing the actual pics, especially those of Fortus, Frank, and Pitman.  Very cool.  It's also a safe assumption that the pics found on that site are of the "current" / touring lineup.

I'm logged in, and still can't access the 04-07 links.  That said, I've spent most of the day reading the previous years.  What an amazing compilation of information.   Thanks for all that!

To clarify my earlier comment - given how many musicians have come and gone during the recording and writing process, and that all "new" members (Ron, Frank) essentially got to play on CD and somehow make their mark, I was honestly unsure about how much of Bucket's work would be left on the finished record.  Ron re-writing or recording some of the parts seemed possible, for instance.

I suppose my larger point is this - I think many people in the "general public" still expect Slash & co. to be in the band.  It made sense, at least to me, to really promote the lineup that fans will see if they go to a show on the CD tour.  For that reason alone, I was surprised at how prominently BH is featured in the booklet.  Bad enough that "generic music fan" still thinks Slash is in the band, but then picks up CD, goes to see them expecting BH to be in the band, and then finds out otherwise. 

Personally, I am a huge fan of BH and his work, and am glad to see he's all over the record...hell, I"m still hoping he signs back up now that the record is coming out.  I'm just surprised is all.