Not what you wanted

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For some reason I thought about William Bruce Rose, Jr, also known as William Bruce Bailey today.

Mr. Rose or Mr. Bailey, depending.

The name may mean nothing to you right now, but it will by the time I'm done. Think of this as a Paul Harvey "The Rest of the Story" with my individual twist.


Mr. Rose had a goal, a dream, an ambition. There's little doubt in my mind he achieved this goal. Spectacularly achieved it in fact. His work, in one case, is listed in the worldwide top 10.

Mr. Rose, after achieving stellar heights of stardom, set about destroying the very thing he wanted most by being what he wanted to be.


Arg. Confusing.


Mr. Bailey asked for something. He received that something. No one can question that.

Having received it, Mr. Bailey then reveled in what he'd been given. As he partook of particularly twisted Gift of the Magi, he set about creating yet another near-world record of destruction, possibly only eclipsed by what happened to the Beatles.

What did Mr. Rose/Bailey ask for? Stardom? Quiet incredible heights of stardom. Having reached it, he became the ultimate prima donna star. Fans continue to demand his early work and discuss the amazing abilities he displayed with his partners.

Mr. Rose/Bailey achieved his goal and that goal sent him crashing and burning back to earth where he now rides on the laurels of his past, to pervert several different idioms at once.
The saga of Mr. Rose-Bailey reminded me of another oft turned phrase that is yet timeless.


Be careful what you ask for. You just might get it.

If you ask for strength, prepare to be burdened.


If you ask for patience, prepare to be tested and tried.


If you ask for wisdom, prepare for unimaginable experiences.


If you ask for money, prepare for repeated visits from the IRS and possibly law enforcement.


The easy way to look at this is: When you ask for something, think about what is the most painful and difficult way you can get it. Now ask, will it be worth it? NOW ask, can I really handle it when I get it?


Mr. Rose, Mr. Bailey could not handle it. As to whether it is worth it, only he can say. One thing is true, he certainly never will be the artist who had such a creative hand in the No. 9 rock album of all time.

Do you now know to whom I refer? One last hint.

 Considering the violent reception Chinese Democracy got, I seriously doubt he wants it any more. Mr. Rose, better known these days as Axl Rose, got what he asked for.