Faded Memories (Guns N Roses - Izzy / Axl / OC)

Stupidity vs. Insanity

December, 30. 2012
Hollywood – California

Duff

I have seen Axl doing a lot of stupid things. Sometimes just plain stupid, other times batshit insane.
Like that time we'd be signing our contract at Geffen's and he just took off like a lunatic because he couldn't find his contacts. He ended up on the rooftop of the Whisky a Go Go, meditating.
Just plain stupid.
Or that time he went all medi-fucking-evil on some chick that got him and Slash arrested for rape because of his stupid behavior. Absolutely insane.
Same that time he just dove into the audience to knock out some guy with a camcorder. Yeah, he could be a fucking lunatic sometimes.

But fucking a chick not even half his age, that happened to be his best friend's daughter? This got even me doubting his sanity. Seriously, who on earth would do some wicked shit like this?
He was definitely some fries short of his Happy Meal. That's for sure.
But hey, who's judging? I had my fair share of crazy in the past, right? Who'd guess I would end up with a dead sexy model for a wife and two awesome girls? Sometimes I still ask myself how I managed to get her to fall in love with me. I was damn lucky.

This shit was typical for me. Why the fuck was I even putting up with this? I was living in Seattle for Christ sake. I got back to LA and on the first day I got tied up into some shit I just should ignore. Damn. I just should've stayed home.
Still holding a tight grip at Axl's shoulder, I looked at him. He was in full rage mode. Ready to rip out Slash's throat.
Until today I had no fucking clue what really happened between them. Sure, that contract shit he pulled on us to sign over the band name was fucking low. But we signed, right? So no hard feelings for Axl. I'm glad I got out of that fucking band alive.
Still I had no clue why Axl was still so pissed at Slash. I wondered if he still blamed him for leaving and ripping apart what was left of GNR. It might have something to do with Slash getting out his solo record. But like years ago, I didn't fucking care. It's old hat, right?

Damn, I could see the veins in Axl's neck swelling. He was fucking mad.
'Man, calm down. What the fuck is wrong with you? You're acting like a jealous lunatic, dude.' I tried to hide a chuckle.
'Shut the fuck up, Duff.' He drowned his drink in once. 'That fucker's got his hands all over her.'
'Jesus Christ.' I rolled my eyes. 'He's married, man. Perla is around here somewhere. She even knows her. What is going on in your shallow mind?'
I couldn't help but wonder if Axl Rose finally lost either his mind or his heart.
'Come on, dude.' He gave me a glare. 'Slash never kept it in his pants, wife or not. You know this damn good.'
I frowned. 'How'd you know? You haven't spoken to him in fifteen years, man. Just get over it.'
Seriously, this shit was pulling on my nerves. Everyone was cool with each other. Just this shit between Slash and Axl stopped us from hanging out. It was time to finally get it over with.
'You had a lot of chances, Axl. Last thing: the hall of fame induction. But neither you nor Izzy intended to show up. You've hurt a lot of people with this, you know?'
I wondered if it was possible to finally talk some sense into this guy.
'I've nothing to do with Izzy not showing up. That's on him.' He gave me a small smile. 'But I bet if you'd ask him he would just say he didn't have anything to say anyway.'
I couldn't help but laugh. Izzy sure was unique in avoiding any attention at all. He'd probably just gotten over to that mike and just said "Uhm... yeah, thanks.", anyway. That's Izzy. Not many words needed.
'And you? You really hate the idea of sharing a stage with us so much, you'd even skip this? I've no idea what your problem is, Axl.' I sighed. 'You got the name, you're still the front man, you still have tons of fans. Why couldn't you just let it go for once?'
He looked at Melissa for a minute and frowned. When he looked back to me he gave me a smile.
'I see things differently now, you know?'
I raised an eyebrow questioning. 'What the fuck is that supposed to mean?'
'That I got my ass kicked for this already and think you're right. I shouldn't have taken this out on the fans. But this thing with Slash... uhm.. it's complicated.'

That left me dumbfounded. I almost giggled. Seriously?
I'd never thought that the day would come that Axl Rose actually admitted that I was right. What's the fucking world coming to?
If Izzy's girl had something to do with this? Had W. Axl Rose actually lost his heart to some twenty something girl? Jesus Christ, this was going to be very complicated.
I watched Axl gritting his teeth as he kept watching Melissa. She and Slash quit dancing and talked excitedly.
Axl turned to the bar to order himself another drink. When he turned back to keep watching Melissa, he frowned for a second and then rolled his eyes.
'Oh fuck. Is that fluffhead? Is he coming straight over to us? Damn, this is a fucking nightmare.'
I followed his gaze and saw Stevie smiling at us, making his way over to us.
'You don't even talk to Steven? God, Axl. Even after kicking him out of the band he has no hard feelings for any of us and you won't even talk to him?' I shook my head.
'He's fucking annoying most of the time.' Axl said and sipped his drink.

'Hey guys. Nice to see you.' Stevie said and I pulled him into a tight hug. After releasing him, he turned to Axl, who didn't move a fucking bone. 'Axl. Wow. I'd never imagined meeting you here.'
'Steven.' Axl gave him a nod. 'Yeah, I was kinda forced to this shit.'
I could tell Stevie was excited. 'Wow. All of us at the same party. Who could've imagined? This is totally awesome.'
'Yeah, Stevie. Don't get your hopes up on hanging with us all. That fucker is still not talking to Slash.' I chuckled.
'Oh. Really?' My heart nearly broke by the look on Steven's face. He was always in need of harmony. 'Damn, I really thought that we could hang out now. I miss you guys. You know you're like family to me' Steven said.
Axl growled. 'Never happen. If I choose to speak to that fucker ever again, it'll be the last words he'll ever hear.'