Axl Rose feels there is pressure for Guns N' Roses to live up to a "myth".

The singer said he still puts his heart into every performance but acknowledges the legendary rock 'n' roll group - of which he is the only original remaining member - have impossible standards to live up to their late 80s heyday, in which they became known as 'The Most Dangerous Band In The World'.

Giving his first interview in 14 years, the media shy frontman told the Gulf News newspaper: "I think it's a lot to do with the material from the past and a hell of a lot to do with the heart that was put into it then.

"But if we weren't putting the heart into it now, if I wasn't putting my heart into it, the fans, they're not gonna let me get away with it.

"We have to live up to something, have to work a bit harder because you're living up to the legend or a myth or whatever.

"It's more pressure when you're playing to live up to myth."

'Paradise City' rocker Axl, 48, has become notorious for keeping crowds waiting for hours before performances and breaking venue curfews - often incurring huge fines and inciting antagonistic behaviour from crowds - but the group are also known for playing lengthy sets of up to three hours long, which Axl feels is part of his job.

He added: "Everybody goes out there and tries to give everything they can. And we stay out there a couple hours more, you know, until we feel the crowd is happy. Or until we feel like we've done a good job.

"It's kinda like going to the gym or something, you know, you don't leave until you feel like you're supposed to."

Guns N' Roses played the Yas Arena in Abu Dhabi last Thursday (16.12.10).