To all the people that think Baz stumbled onto the gnr thing: How exactly do you think Axl got Baz's cell phone number to text him?  Is there some underground washed up former singer phone book he has access to?  If so, I'd like to get Susanna Hoff's number please.

I tried to ignore it the first time, but since you posted it again, I'll comment.

I don't think the band saw Axl as their meal ticket.  They definately recognized his talent and that he could help them reach the next level (Marc Canter's book sheds some light on this), but I don't think any of them looked at Axl as the savior and that they'd be lost without him. 

Hindsight says they were correct too.  They've all accomplished more than he has since the band fell apart.  He might have had the voice to carry them, but they had the music and the style to support him and kept him from imploding for the most part.  As much talk as I hear about Axl being all focused and driven, the past 15 years say otherwise.  I know there are other factors, but the fact that he hasn't released an album since TSI and none without the other guys says a lot.  Axl was great, but he was hardly alone in making the band what it was.

35 and I was shocked it was that high.

I don't remember who did it, but I've seen bands use musicians behind the scenes to play on songs as well (no, I don't mean Milli Vanilli).  I don't really have a problem with it as long as the majority of it is live.

Has Frank ever said anything?  I don't think I've ever heard him or read a quote of his.  This might be worth checking out just to hear him.