If you missed it in the paper, here it is:

Papa Roach rocks with Guns N’ Roses

What could be better than enjoying the success of their fifth studio album, "The Paramour Sessions?"

Try opening for one of the biggest rock 'n' roll bands of the last 20 years.

Papa Roach is doing just that as it opens up the first eight shows for Guns N' Roses, which comes Thursday to the Greensboro Coliseum — its only stop in North Carolina.

Singer Jacoby Shaddix recently talked by phone from Sacramento, Calif., about the tour, the band’s success and the new album.

How excited are you guys about the Guns N' Roses tour?

"Dude, I'm stoked, man. It just kind of came out of the blue, too. We were supposed to go out on tour with a band called H.I.M., but they canceled. We reached out and heard Guns was looking for a support band. They were totally down. I think it's a great opportunity for us to get in front of sold-out arena crowds and rock those rock 'n' roll people."

Do you know how long your set will be?

"It's either 40 or 50 minutes. We have seven singles in the set. For us, our set is packed with our hits, which is kinda cool, but then we have some fan favorites mixed in."

I have to ask if there’s any worry that Axl's going to bail like he's done in the past.

"I ain't trying to bring up the bad juju so I ain't even gonna talk about that. He's made it around the world already, so it's ok."

Looking at the new album, what are your thoughts on how "The Paramour Sessions" turned out?

"I think what the record is really exceeded our expectations. We set out to make this raunchy, filthy, sleazy, loud rock 'n' roll record and there's definitely songs that fit into that category. But then we discovered this whole other side of our band while we were writing and recording. It's not a one-dimensional rock 'n' roll album, but it still sounds like Papa Roach."

Have you guys been surprised by the amount of airplay you’ve been getting recently with "... To Be Loved?"

"Every time you make an album, it's a gamble. We feel blessed that rock radio is embracing the track. It's all up to the fans calling and requesting it. It's still moving up the chart. Live, that song goes over so well. It was apparent when we wrote it that it could be a rock 'n' roll anthem."

The song is also being used as the theme of “WWE Raw” — how did that come about?
"Whoever does their music promotion heard the song on the radio and reached out to us. It's crazy, because I never realized how many of our fans are into the WWE. It's reaching out to a lot of kids and it's a positive song. We're stoked. The song has more strength than just being a theme song.”

There’s obvious maturity in the band when you compare the first album to now. How do you feel like the band has changed?
"We've definitely evolved quite a bit. I think where we're at right now is a really good spot. We're not pigeon-holed into any genre.
It gives us some longevity. We outlived nu metal and we're still here rocking it. I think our evolution is what keeps our band relevant and exciting."

Do you think your change in music styles was a conscious decision or do you feel like it was a natural evolution?

"I think in the beginning it was a conscious decision ... but then after we made that decision, everything else has just come through us. When we didn’t try to overanalyze everything, we stumbled upon some bad-(expletive) songs. It wasn’t about whether a song was fast or heavy enough, it was just, 'Is it good or not?'"

Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at November 1, 2006 11:05 AM