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Get in the Ring
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Wikipedia article
"'Get in the Ring'" is the fifth song on the Guns N' Roses album 'Use Your Illusion II'. Written by Axl Rose, Duff McKagan and Slash, it is directed at music critics. Mentioned by name are critics from 'Hit Parader' (Andy Secher), 'Circus', 'Kerrang!' (Mick Wall) and 'Spin' (Bob Guccione, Jr.).
Background
The song was originally written by McKagan as "Why Do You Look at Me When You Hate Me?", which is its first line. In the interview that precipitated Mick Wall's mention in the song '(see below)', Rose said: "I've brought in an album. Duff brought in one song. It's called 'Why Do You Look At Me When You Hate Me?' and it's just bad-assed. And I wrote a bunch of words to that." The song was then going to be titled "Get in the Ring Motherfucker" but that was changed too.
At the time of the song's release, Mick Wall of 'Kerrang!' was thought to have been mentioned because of his book 'Guns N' Roses: The Most Dangerous Band in the World', which was a no holds barred collection of interviews and stories about the band. Wall denies this, and claims the real reason was an interview he conducted in early 1990 for 'Kerrang!' that included Rose's threat to harm Vince Neil of Mtley Cre after an incident involving Neil's wife and Izzy Stradlin.The Best of Classic Rock: 10 Years Of Wit & Wisdom From Rocks Biggest Stars presented free with November 2008 issue of Classic Rock
The song suggests that Bob Guccione, Jr.'s father (founder of 'Penthouse' magazine) "gets more pussy" than Guccione Jr. The younger Guccione responded in a letter to Rose, saying he accepted the challenge to a fight and could use the promotion to help sell magazines. Rose later backed down from the fight, reportedly after learning that Guccione Jr. had nine years of fight training.
"Get in the Ring" is notorious for its amount of swearing.
Recording
The chants of "Guns. And. Roses" and "Get in the ring" were recorded with the audience at a Saratoga Springs concert on June 10, 1991.
Personnel
* W. Axl Rose lead vocals, production
* Slash lead guitar, production
* Izzy Stradlin rhythm guitar, production
* Duff McKagan bass, backing vocals, production
* Matt Sorum drums, production
* Dizzy Reed piano, production
References
Category:Guns N' Roses songs
Category:1991 songs
Category:Songs written by Axl Rose
Category:Songs written by Duff McKagan
Category:Songs written by Slash (musician)
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