In a 2000 "Rolling Stone" interview, Rose said the album had been delayed partially because he was learning how to use new recording technology: "It's like from scratch, learning how to work with something, and not wanting it just to be something you did on a computer." In January 2000, band manager Doug Goldstein said the album was "99% done" and was set "for a summer 2000 release". However, with the album nearly complete, Rose hired Queen producer Roy Thomas Baker, who persuaded Rose to rerecord it.