Not a bad theory, but I don't think so. I don't think GnR's "Management" has that kinda persuasion on the band, and that the band probably moreso controls management. Axl wouldn't let a new mgmt walk in, make new rules, demands, contracts etc, and have a longtime member like Robin get upset & quit. I think Axl would side with the band and tell this new mgmt team "F you" and hold out longer for his demands. He's done so for years.

As I said, not a bad theory, I guess it's possible, but I don't think that happened. Who knows?! You could be onto something though, myb this does indicate all recording is done. Since Robin no longer needs to be in the studio, and that it really is just contracts & BS that is holding it up.

While it is highly coincidently this NIN news came out just days after VR & Scott part ways, it would be a disaster for Axl & CD to actually get back with the original lineup. And like DTJ & Jim Bob have said, I just can't see it happening, nor do I want to. Chinese Democracy is a new album by Axl's new GnR lineup. Consisting of member like Robin, Tommy, Fortus, probably BH, and a few different drummers. It has a more modern, slightly industrial edge on songs like Better & CD. Also, I think it would be ridiculous for the album to come out and then have Slash, Duff, Sorum etc play the songs live. I don't even think they would agree to do so, basically become touring musicians to play other peoples songs. And to re-record CD with the old band, uggghhh, please no more recording. Just release this album & let the chips fall where they may.

As for a hold-up for CD, well, it basically is. CD is not coming out anytime soon, you can basically write off now thru the end of the summer (again). So already it wouldn't look like it's coming out until around September at the earliest, because they'd likely go on tour to support it's release right away. Robin might only be doing a summer tour with NIN, myb not a world tour.

I'd love to see a reunion, I'd pay several hundred $$ for some good seats if I have the chance. But right now, as a fan, no. I've waiting MANY years for this album and I want it. The right way. In a perfect world, CD would have come out in 06, a world tour, a follow up album (similar to Lies) releasing the other great tracks recorded put out in 07 or 08. An 08 Tour, and then, VR without a singer, Axl finished his Chinese Democracy-era, a reunion. Only it didn't happen that way.

That's exactly why I don't smoke weed much anymore, I get major paranoia. I would love to wake up every morning and do a bong hit before starting my day, but it just wouldn't work. Admittedly, that's not a very ambitious goal.  Also, when I do smoke, it's usually at night so I'd just sit at home and freak out for a few hours.

A few of my favorite old high songs were REM's "Perfect Circle" off the Murmur album. 'Stars' by Hum.

Sad, RIP