Seeing Guns N’ Roses at the Comerica Theatre in Phoenix is like seeing the band in a club. With a capacity or around 5000 people, a very low stage, a floor attendance of only 720 people, a really good acoustic, this is clearly different than seeing the band in a big arena, like the LA Forum a couple of days prior.

It was my 11th time seeing GNR, 3rd time on this tour. And it’s the smallest venue I’ve seen them play. It’s different, and it doesn’t compare. Seeing GNR in such a small venue is actually hard to describe: the feel is different, the sound is different, the entertainment is different... Being in the front row center there means you are practically onstage with the band: only 3 feet away from a stage that is no higher than your tights. Apart from an actual club, I don’t think it can get any better than that!

Ok, there were no ramps on the side for the boys to do their usual jumping. But for the fans in the front row, it didn’t really matter. The sound, which was far from OK during Sebastian Bach’s set, was perfect for GNR. The smaller stage didn’t keep the band members from being their usual entertaining self: they played around on stage, were having fun with each other, for another 3h show. There was even an addition to the set list that night, with Bubbles coming to play Liquor and Whores.

If you ever have the chance of seeing this band live, please do it. Don’t hesitate one second! And if it’s at a small venue like the Comerica Theatre, it’s even better. You’ll live a totally different experience that you won’t forget.

The show started shortly after 9h00 pm, with the opening act, Steel Panther. Now, if you have never seen Steel Panther in concert, please do as soon as you can. I’ve seen many GNR shows, and therefore many different opening acts: Sebastian Bach, Danko Jones, Black Label Society, etc... They are all very good, but Steel Panther is definitely the most entertaining of them all. They are absolutely not politically correct and are simply hilarious. If I were GNR, I would hire them to open more shows in the future, the crowd really got a kick out of their act.

Short stage change and GNR were on at 11h00 pm. I was seeing the concert from the 1st row.

*Putting on my Rant Hat*

Now, GNR. Please listen. Having you VIP people in between the stage and the fence, right in the face of the front row people, is NOT the best idea you had. You really pissed off the front row people. I mean, unlike the VIPs, we paid for our ticket and waited outside for hours to be able to have that spot. Technically, after the hard task of reaching the front row at the LA Forum, it would have been nice to have a clear view, hell even just a VIEW. I don’t give a shit who the VIP people are, the fact that they stood right in front of us for all the duration of the show, most of the time standing up, sucked ass. My advice for next time: if you want to have 200 VIPs, why not have a special section for them, where they won’t block the view and piss off your paying customers? Yes, I was pissed. And I was not the only one, believe me.

*Rant Hat off*

And GNR didn’t disappoint the LA crowd. Although they didn’t have a special set list for that show, the spectators got the chance to hear a good variety of songs, from the old albums (for example, 7 of the 12 songs from Appetite For Destruction were played) to the latest album of the band, Chinese Democracy. The songs from this album didn’t disappoint: Chinese Democracy is a great opener, and we got to hear very different songs that are on this album: from Shackler’s Revenge to Street of Dreams, Better to Madagascar or This I Love. Different styles, but they seem to have conquered the crowd.

It is not only the songs that have different styles, the guitar players too. Richard Fortus, who mostly takes care of Izzy Stradlin’s part, is a great entertainer on stage. Really into it, he seems to be having a love & hate relationship with his guitar: sometimes treating it gently, and other times kicking the shit out of it. He’s a passionate player and his style definitely suits GNR. His own solo, the James Bond theme, is the first one of the evening. Every guitar player get their time to shine.

Dj Ashba is also an amazing entertainer. He doesn’t hesitate to make eye contact and interact with the public. He’s also playing his heart out on every song, even though he did not actually wrote or record any of those. His own solo, Ballad of Death, is an amazing piece with a melody that makes you want to close your eyes and get lost in every note. Girl comment: his outfits are just too cool, really great and unique clothes. (He has is own line of clothing that you can visit at ashbaswag.com )

Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal is amazing to watch. His style is completely different than Fortus or Ashba’s. I see him as the most “technical” player of the bunch. He’s particularly amazing to watch on that fret less guitar. He also interacts a lot with the public. His solo, the Pink Panther, looked to have been particularly appreciated by the crowd. It’s immediately followed by the song Don’t Cry, with a long and beautiful guitar intro. That’s the best version of that song, in my humble opinion.

Frank Ferrer is strong on the drums, making the crowd chant “Guns N’ Roses” in between songs. Dizzy Read gives the crowd a beautiful piano solo before the song “Street of Dreams”. Chris Pitman is discreet. And Tommy Stinson, on Bass, had a brand new solo for the show, one of his own songs instead of a cover, which was really nice.

Axl is in good shape, his voice is strong, he looked like he was having fun. His presence onstage is huge of course. He has a charisma, as a lead singer, that you can’t compare to any other. But the best thing about this line up is that it is not only about Axl. The band I saw yesterday was not the Axl Rose band. It was Guns N’ Roses.

Amazing band, cool set list, great crowd, great night. What more can you ask for?

Next stop for GNR (and for me), Phoenix on December 27th. Get ready Phoenix!

Overall review: The concert started at around 11hpm, after 2 first acts. Black Label Society really warmed up the place and everyone was ready for GNR. There was no waiting time, just the time it took to get the stage ready.
They played an amazing set list, all the songs a real fan of the band would want to hear. With the recent addition of Estranged and Civil War, they really have material from all of the band’s album. They can rock the old songs and the new songs just as well, and you could tell the crowd was having a blast. The band onstage too was having a blast and it showed. They were tight, but also having fun and playing around with each other.

Axl – Anybody who thinks Axl is old and can’t sing anymore seriously needs to get an update. Axl’s voice was the best I’ve heard it, no comparison even with 2010, and certainly way, way better than 1992. Never once did we hear him make a false note, and all this while running around and giving it everything. The guy is taking care of his voice, and it was very obvious listening to him sing.

The band members - The other members of the band (Richard Fortus, Ron Bumblefoot Thal, Dj Ashba, Tommy Stinson, Chris Pitman, Dizzy Reed and Frank Ferrer) are making the current line-up the best I’ve seen. Even better than the original line-up, if you want my honest opinion. The different playing style of the 3 guitar players really bring something totally special to the music. They also care about making the songs sound exactly how they should sound for any fan of the band listening out there. And they are entertaining, interacting with the crowd all the time, throwing pics, just having massive fun onstage. Every member of the band was given their time to shine, and they all took advantage of it to prove to the crowd that they are amazing and passionate musicians.

If you haven’t seen GNR yet on this tour, I don’t know what the hell you are waiting for. You’ll get more for your money than what you can ever expect.

After getting someone to go with me bombed, and stuck with 2 GA tickets, I decided to go balls out and say "what the hell" and try to get to the front rail. When I'm older I can puss out and sit in nosebleeds. And since it was 2006 the last time he came, well, I didn't want to be 30 and standing for the first time.

So I stood by the door starting around 5:00 PM. There was plenty of confusion about *what* door to use and what would happen when they opened. I had a feeling that the East entrance was the one to be at, and I had a feeling I'd have to book to where the wristbands were as I couldn't see any wristband stations near the door I was at. Well, they opened our door *3rd*, and I had to run to the East entrance to get a wristband. Once that happened, onto the floor. Run! "WALK!" Run! And... boom, at the rail, stage left. I'm ecstatic. And then whoa! The two guys I was standing next to outside...the guys who LITERALLY right in front of me when we went through the turnstile. I didn't even see them run with me. They must have been right behind me.

I made sure I had enough room to last me the night and we were pretty much fine the whole night. Only mild pushing during last 4 songs. The barrier kept being pushed back, though.

So, after picking THE WRONG door, on the WRONG entrance, I still made it to the rail.

Best thing ever.

*Facial expressions.
*See body movements
*Feel the pyro
*Nobody in front of you...I felt like *I* had all the room in the world.
*License to go crazy
*You can applaud the LCD screen guy as he's setting up during changeover.
*They really do work their ass off during the hour changeover. Stage was only calm for ~10 minutes before Dexter started.
*Bass. OMG. The bass.
*Axl throws the piss out of that microphone stand.

Being so close, I can't tell you HOW the show really sounded for everyone else. We're standing right next to what I guess are the woofers. There's a wedge speaker that gave the rest of the house mix for us. From my experience, it sounded good. Axl sounded good. The guitars sounded good. The crowd was loud when it should have been. People sang along to Chinese Democracy songs.

I'm not sure what to make of different tales people have of DJ or Bumblefoot interacting with them. It's hard to tell. I think I did have a moment or two with DJ and I think Fortus responded once to my "4" hand gesture. Maybe. But you gotta keep rocking even when they're not in front of you!

There's SO many things going on in the stage show. Fortus is jumping doing windmills. DJ is hanging his body on the railing, and dropping cigarettes onto a security guard or two, Bumble is teasing the front row, Axl's doing his thing... and there's movies on in the background. It's an entertaining show. All the songs sounded great to me. Review them on YouTube, steal a soundboard, maybe not. But they sounded great in the moment. These guitarists are exciting live performers. They do compete with Axl for attention up there.

This band enjoyed themselves and they were comfortable together on stage. Axl chasing Tommy. Axl chasing Tommy with his fingers as little pretend bull horns. Bumble doing the "which one is it" switch-a-roo game with his and DJ's liquor. You didn't get that vibe in 2006 (my opinion), and 2002 was like watching a band with each person in their own bubble. Not so with this.

Why does Axl do the ACDC covers? Because he kicks their ass. The crowd likes it. And he gets off on it. He can sing the hell out of them.

Fun facts:
*The two Asian women who came with the happy birthday tarp for Mother Goose? They were immediately to my left (two gentleman left and they moved up next to me).
*Axl: "It's your birthday.....? You asshole!"
*The women security/event staff that DJ messed with a little, she was visibly tired 1/2 through the show. Event staff passed along word that there were "2" (songs left?) and they rolled their eyes/looked relieved to see the light at the tunnel. There were 3 songs left, though.
*Getting a setlist was harder this time. I didn't manage it and neither did anyone I could see.
*The screens for video are actually all...LEDs. Maybe I'm an idiot and I should have realized this.
*Those boxes Axl and the guys stand on? They move. A lot.
*Axl has maracas on stage, just in case.
*GNR crew/staff have T-shirts that have "FYCN" on the back. ...what's that?
*Axl told a story about being in a truckstop. In addition to the 'he can be a little snot' comment, the waitress was also pissed because she had to work that night instead of seeing Guns N' Roses.

Highlight?
Oddly, Madagascar. Whole Lot Of Rosie. And Estranged.

Wiener Stadthalle Arena, Vienna, Austria, September 18th 2010

From Florian, Austria

Went to see GNR playing Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna yesterday. You don´t have to be a hardcore fan to say that it has been an absolutely amazing show.

The show started around 22.15 and ended at 0.45. The place was almost sold out, which means around 12.000 to 15.000 people aged from 16 to 66.  I´m pretty sure a lot of them weren´t really familiar with Chinese Democracy and had hoped for a greatest hits show, since they hardly knew the lyrics to songs like "Sorry" or "Better". But after all, that´s what they got, so the crowd reaction was best whenever they played one of the old songs. Highlight - and causing goosebumps - was definitely SCOM, which made the whole place go nuts and singalong. I loved the cover version of "Another Brick In The Wall" as well, and can listen to Dizzy playing piano for like hours, but that´s probably just me. ;) Parts of the show, which had lots of pyro and fire effects, are already up on YouTube in decent quality, so check them out for your personal enjoyance.

The whole band seemed to be in a great mood. I was a little bit sceptical about DJ Ashba, since Robin really grew on me. But I have to admit he fits in perfectly, as well as the rest of the band. Absolutely no single little sign of Bumblefoot quitting. I´ve always had the impression that the whole band loved to be on stage - as a band.

Axl didn´t talk much. In a short speech he just mentioned that he had seen a band called Blood Hound Gang on a small TV screen before the show; they were drinking jaegermeister and out of a sudden, the bass player startet to piss on the singer. Axl closed his speech saying he couldn´t see any sense in this, apart from "man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." Hilarious.

There´s just one thing I hope for - a dvd/blue ray of one of the live shows to clearly hear all of what´s going on. Especially the guitars tend to drown in a massive sea of drums and bass. But who am I to demand anything?! I´ve seen a fantastic show and listened to songs that mean the world to me. Thanks Axl, thanks GNR.

Bercy, Paris, France, September 13th 2010

From Adrienne, France

And so we go, Sinatra in the background. We are really thirsty, but so happy! It's 1h am!!! I just re-signed for a good while with Axl & Co! 

Translation from Adrienne's blog, with her persmission. See also more pictures there.  Thanks!

Hallenstadion, Zurich, Switzlerland, September 8th 2010

From Regis, France

 O2 Arena, Dublin, Ireland, September 1st 2010

From Estrangedpaul, first published on the HTGTH.com forum, retranscription with permission of the author.  Thanks!

Overall the gig was great and full of drama, but Axl clearly not enjoying himself put a dampener on the gig. Here's my review:

GNR came on about 10.30, about 70 minutes after Danko Jones (the opening act). The techs were setting up all the time, but quite slowly, not rushed at all, so I'm not sure if this was the cause of the delay. A lot of people starting getting angry and some people nearly left I think. Unfortunate, really. A fight broke out in front of me, no idea why.

Unfortuately, things with Axl got off to a bad start. He couldn't move during Chinese Democracy, because the chord on his earphone became loose and the technician came on and spent ages trying to fix it. In fact, the technician spent nearly all the first two versus and chorus trying to tie this thing back in place on Axl's back so Axl was stood still which obviously wasn't ideal. I felt sorry for the technician, so much pressure, and whatever he was trying to tie just wouldn't tie. Eventually Axl just broke free and went crazy jumping around the stage, but I'd imagine he wasn't happy with the technician. Apart from that the song rocked. Then Welcome To The Jungle started and after each time he played the intro, DJ Ashba cupped his ear towards the crowd. Embarrassingly a lot of people booed when he did this. Then just before the first verse of Jungle Axl stopped the song and said that if one more bottle is thrown they are going home. He then asked if people wanted them to play or not, and he got a mixed reacton. I just watched the video and Axl responded sarcastically with "subtle." I tried starting an Axl chant but didn't really happen. The rest of the song and the next few songs were awesome. Was great hearing Sorry live, probably the highlight of the show. Then Axl said "On the guitar, Mr. Richard Fortus. Ok, you have a good night, enjoy yourselves, bye". And all the band members walked off stage. He wasn't smiling much in the beginning and the incident with the technician and the boos probably pissed him off, compounded by whatever was thrown. The only time he smiled during the night was when him and Stinson were joking or shoulder barging each other, haha.

Some person at the venue came out and said there were technical issues, and then a member of the GnR crew came out and said they are trying to get Axl back on stage, to get the crowd to stop throwing bottles, etc.

There was a break of half an hour and some people left (nowhere near 70%!! more like 1% or less) anyway this was good for two reasons, firstly I think a lot of the assholes left and secondly, I got to go right up the front haha. After Live And Let Die, Tommy Stinson was joking around with Axl again and then took the microphone and re-assured the crowd and talked about the great time in 2006. I'm fairly sure he played a crucial role in getting Axl back on stage.

The rest of the show was awesome, and the new songs really sounded even more incredible live. But it was clear Axl wasn't happy and wanted to just get out of there. During Knocking On Heaven's Door, he picked up the microphone that allows him to speak to the band members and said something, and then crossed his hand over his neck. Everyone thought that meant the show was gonna end again haha. Actually, he did it just towards the end of DJ's solo and then they went straight into the final chorus, so they left out the call-and-response bit with the audience (I'm assuming they still do that on this tour). In addition the Paradise City outro was much shorter and pretty much went straight into the vocal outro. He also said "baby, please good night" not mentioning Dublin; not sure of thats he always says on this tour. There was also no piano solo before November Rain. Seemed like he just wanted to get of there as quickly as possible. He just stood in one spot throughout the gig (from Live And Let Die onwards), and then during the solos he leaned up against the stage backdrop - he didn't leave the stage during guitar solos (he did leave during the individual guitar player's solo songs, eg pink panther, ballad of death, etc, but stayed on stage for the solos during the GnR songs). On the positive side, his voice sounded really amazing, I guess standing still has its benefits. But clearly if the lead singer isn't having fun and doesn't want to be there (even if its justified) its going to reduce the enjoyment of the gig for the people there. When he wasn't singing, he looked so bored...........I wondered what was going through his head at that point. He obviously done something right, there was a big Axl chant at the end.

Fortunately, the other guys were on top form and won the crowd back on their own. I think they were great in 2006, but now they are much better. Last time people complained about the "boring guitar solos between songs" this time they went down really well and people loved the other band members who were full of energy and enthusiasm. I think I got into one of BBF's photos haha. Remember I said earlier that people booed DJ Ashba when he cupped his ear during WTTJ? He did it again during Ballad of Death and people cheered like crazy. Axl is fortunate to have guys like these backing him up!

The gig went on from about 10.30 - 01.00. Not including the interlude, it was over two hours. A great night, full of drama, excitement and amazing music, just a shame Axl didn't have a good night in Ireland.

Videos from that show, showing the first two songs, as described here:  Chinese Democracy & Welcome To The Jungle

From Gcluskey, first published on the HTGTH.com forum, retranscription with permission of the author.  Thanks!

Such drama... Some guy passed us with 3 bottles of piss! That's what was thrown at Axl. Why would someone want to come to a gig, pay their money, then throw piss at the band? Axl warned if anything else was thrown he'd go home. Ten minutes after that, another bottle just missed him and Axl left. The band were gone for half an hour or more. Lots of people left, very angry. I was arguing with people outside, defending Axl. Eventually they came back on and the gig was awesome but there was less people there and Axl just stood there the whole gig. No clothing changes or dancing. He sounded fuckin' amazing though. Because he wasn't moving, the vocals were spot on. The rest of the band bounced all over the place. Some people were pissed off at the beginning because of the late start and started booing. I wanted to punch them and tell them to go home. Anyway, thanks for the show guys, I hope this doesn't put Axl off coming to Ireland again. Peace!

Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Nothern Ireland, UK, August 31st 2010

From NewGNRnOldGNR, first published on the HTGTH.com forum, retranscription with permission of the author.  You can find the the author on Twitter by clicking here.  Thanks!

The media, may I query you as to what it is? Or should I say what it was? To me the media in its traditional form is the unbound truth telling to the masses. Clearly those “reporting” in the near past in relation to the (Guns N' Roses) Reading and Leeds performances were not media representatives of any kind. They were snarling wolves, eager to chomp away at the pride of a living legend. Let me take the honourable duty of depicting the current incarnation of Guns N' Roses in its true form. I had the privilege of attending a Guns N' Roses concert tonight at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. Within the dome shaped building Northern Irish fans waited eagerly to see Guns N' Roses's triumphant début in Northern Ireland. There were inklings of “If only I'd been alive to see GN'R in the late 1980s, I'm only attending this gig to say I saw Guns N' Roses live”. Hold that thought for a second, imagine “indie” dressed teenagers chuckling about the “Axl Rose Experiment”, rolling around their seats in hysterics about the media branded “dismal” “Chinese Democracy”. Despite the fact like many others they never gave the latter a chance. I clutched my fist tightly hoping Guns N' Roses would lead revenge against their antics.

As the last drop of my drink touched the tip of my tongue the Odyssey's magnificent lighting dimmed. An aura rose up around the Arena as the audience gasped in delight at the sight of activity. Thoughts tinkered in the air as DJ Ashba toyed with the idea of springing the concert to life. The lighting of the “Chinese Democracy” theme bordered the stage and DJ Ashba duly roared into the opening track. There, unassumingly emerging from the side of the stage, was a man who captivated the crowd with his mere presence. Roars rung aloud as Axl Rose, a “monster” according to the highest of tabloids, greeted the crowd with a grin. Axl boomed deeply “It don't really matter” as the engaged audience absorbed his every lyric. DJ Ashba, who's been a centre point of criticism for many pro-reunionists,  tended to the front row ticket payers with limited edition guitar picks whilst still maintaining a high level performance of the song “Chinese Democracy”. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal whom some would describe as the “nicest guy in the music industry” smiled amiably to the adoring crowd. Richard Fortus, possibly the modern day “Mr. Cool”, strummed his rhythm guitar basically, yet almost hypnotically. Tommy Stinson, arguably the backbone of Guns N' Roses, played his bass guitar with an almost wisdom induced vibe.

Familiarity scattered the Odyssey Arena next as once again DJ Ashba teasingly invited the “Jungle” to Belfast. Whilst he intentionally stuttered on the opening notes of “Jungle”, the crowd metaphorically prized the rest of the introduction from the grasp of Ashba as forty year old bandanna wearing men relived their youth. The entire Arena jumped into action as Axl Rose hissed perfectly “Do you where you are?” It goes without saying the entire Odyssey Arena arose from their resting points and expressed their delight in every means possible as the most iconic song in hard rock history ran wild. Guitarists ran back in forth across the stage so as to not be struck down by the deadliness of their own playing. Other Guns N' Roses classics such as “It's So Easy” and the hatefully catchy “Mr. Brownstone” glittered Belfast's main entertainment establishment respectively. The crowd were especially pleased when Axl roared “Fuck off” assisted with a hand gesture during “Easy”. The mentioned testosterone ridden classics from “Appetite” were followed by a subtle and emotionally complicated song. Neatly entitled “Sorry”. The sheer raw emotion of Axl's vocals and the utter spirituality of Ron Thal's guitar playing made this song a treat. The pure power of “Sorry” will have Odyssey Arena attenders clutching for some means of reliving such an enthralling piece.

The band then proceeded some time after to pamper the crowd with a love story, in the form of Axl's own personal masterpiece, “This I Love”. The song provoked thoughts of empathy, thoughts of compassion, thoughts of understanding. “This I Love” live to say the least was an experience, Rose yet again rising to every level of expectation brought forth by the song. “Street Of Dreams”, formerly “The Blues”, was the next chapter of Guns N' Roses' Belfast tale. The introduction of “Street Of Dreams” was met by youthful choruses of “I love this song”, and needless to say they did. It was a refreshing occurrence to see the adults of tomorrow embrace a “Chinese Democracy” gem as such. The band delivered on every aspect of the track. The “Illusion” classic “You Could Be Mine”, minus the Arnold cameo, then acted as a pacifier to the indulging crowd. As well as Stinson's awe inspiring bass introduction, the typifying element of the 1991 track was Axl's piercing scream at the climax. The “new addition” yet utterly at home DJ Ashba then played his solo piece.

Well informed fans following Guns N' Roses' intentions of world domination were able to excite other ticket payers by saying almost magically, “Sweet Child is next”. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons and so on screamed in pure delight as Mr. Ashba invited the fans to once again prize his piece. The terrific introduction to “Sweet Child” was met with rapturous applause as the crowd sang, meaning every word they uttered. An old lady well into her sixties had her legs rejuvenated by the classic and henceforth was initiated into the rock n' roll realm. Axl Rose chanted “Where do we go now?” over and over again as the crowd cried every lyric to the extent that it quite literally trembled the earth the Arena found itself on. The prolonged phrasing of “Sweet Child O' Mine” at the end of “Sweet Child” was again performed to maximum standard by lead singer Axl Rose. Classically trained pianist Axl took to the grand piano. Surely the man couldn't maintain such control over the crowd's wonders as he played a few keys? You'd be wrong to think otherwise. The audience held onto Axl's every note as he delightfully transcended into “November Rain”. The classy introduction of “November Rain” had the crowd finding themselves clapping. The song engulfed thoughts of nostalgia, quietly around the Odyssey thirty year old women considered the time they floundered themselves around their bedroom to the rhythm of “November Rain”. “November Rain” was tasteful and concise, an all round brilliantly performed piece.

Many considered the notion of “Chinese Democracy” not floating with the Belfast crowd, but those “many” couldn't have been farther from the truth. “Better”, the industrial inspired track, was received with a sense of familiarity, it further proved the point that “Chinese Democracy” is indeed a cherished item in certain quarters. It defaced “old Guns N' Roses” t-shirts in the crowd with its quality. Laughs were spewed as the “Pink Panther”was spouted as being the centre theme of “Bumblefoot's” solo piece. Ron Thal then proceeded to transform the childish images portrayed by some into ones of pure hard rock. The snippet of “Estranged” incorporated into his solo enchanted the most hearing of ears. The Bob Dylan classic “Knockin' On Heaven's Door” marked a pivotal point in the performance, the co-operation shown by ticket payers during Axl's “Can you help me out here?” bit of the composition was remarkable. It acted as a true symbol of the adoration gently plucked from the fans' hearts by Guns N' Roses. The stage presence then bombed from quaint to rabid as Guns N' Roses rain straight into “Nightrain”. It was a blistering piece filled with balls and attitude. It was late in the set list when an attention seeking ticket payer felt it his role to lob a bag at Axl Rose.  Did “crazy” Axl throw a tantrum and attack the fan? Did the “sissy” Axl represented by the media walk off and not return to the stage? No. Axl caught the bag, put it on his back for a brief time, and then set it aside. May I ask why such a happening will not be covered by our “media”? I'm sure you've reached your conclusion.

Following “Nightrain” Axl appeared to indicate that was it. Show over. As time elapsed small clusters of people positioned themselves to leave, when, out of the blue, in an almost lone ranger like manner, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal fulfilled the wishes of us all with the opening riff of his “Don't Cry” solo, indicating all was not what it had first appeared. Encouraged by Ron and their own Guns N' Roses lyric operator, the crowd soulfully sang along to Thal's almost ritualistic “Don't Cry” solo. Was this Ron's departing gift we asked ourselves. Our self-directed questions were met with the synthesized beginning of “Madagascar”. One gets the impression “Madagascar” is the song Axl Rose manifests himself into. His deliverance of the track is simply breath taking. Martin Luther King's words during “Madagascar” were met with DJ Ashba encouraging clapping, and our neck hairs standing up in respect. Cravings for “Paradise City” glistened the Odyssey Arena in Belfast as fans sought the perfect ending to a perfect concert. Richard Fortus and “Bumblefoot” teased the gathering with scrapings of a golden track. Then, the familiar foot stamping beat of “Paradise City” rang aloud and something heavenly began. Every voice was united in effort, and the result was spectacular.

Confetti decorated the Odyssey Arena as people bathed in the phenomenon that is Guns N' Roses live. “That was the greatest performance ever” said The Smiths listening “indie” kid in the back row. Needless to say they'll be swapping their designer scarves for their newly bought “Chinese Democracy” t-shirt tomorrow morning.

Copps Coliseum, Hamilton, ON, January 24th 2010 & John Labatt Centre, London, ON, January 25th 2010

From Ravi, Los Angeles, CA:

I wasn't going to be able to go to this tour but I have to give a big thanks to my good buddy Brian who invited me along to go with him to these two gigs!  It had been a really long time (4 years!!!!!) since the last show here
in LA, so it was really nice to be able to see them again and I felt especially good for the band since they were Finally touring for Chinese Democracy after the album came out! I had such a great time and I think the band is playing some of their best shows yet, which is amazing to behold considering so much time has passed since their initial comeback in 2000.  I don't think anyone will be disappointed when they see this tour, and I am happy South America finally will have it's chance to see some shows which are bound to be very special.

Some of the highlights:

Everyone was very energetic and in a great mood.  I was very impressed that everyone was able keep it up for almost 3 hours!! Seeing a different opener than Jungle was really cool... Chinese Democracy works pretty well to start the show, especially with the pyro!
The solos were much better this time, mainly because the band also played with the guys on the 007 theme and Pink Panther (with a little Estranged tease thrown in by Bumblefoot!) DJ definitely impressed me - great energy, great tone and he definitely has the skills!  He did not disappoint at all and I loved how he played
the KOHD solo closer to the album version.

All of the new songs were refreshing to hear live, especially the ones debuted on this tour.  There was a Time was particularly great because Axl sang all of the high parts well and Ron really nailed the solo - amazing!!
Ron played a lot better this tour I think, more restrained and staying closer to the original parts on songs like November Rain and for the first time, doing the 2nd part of the Sweet Child main solo!

Axl doing the asshole song before NR, and also teasing a little of Another Brick in the Wall and Panama.
Seeing Axl jump off of the piano like he used to in the old days after I believe it was This I Love.  It was very nice to see Dizzy play on this one with the spotlight up in front.

Overall it was just an awesome time, and I like how they are changing the setlists around some more this tour.  Understandably the crowd got going the most on the old classics like Sweet Child but it was really nice to see some love for the newer material.  Cannot wait for some more shows in the US Tour!!

John Labatt Centre, London, ON, January 25th 2010

From Andrew Downs, Ontario:

Before I review the show, I'd like you all to know a little bit about myself: I've traveled to more than 37 countries, I have been with a few very attractive women, I've skydived, I've performed in my own band for packed audiences, I've had some fun; but little compares to being front and centre at a Guns N' Roses concert when this band feels compelled to OWN every song.  And that's what they did tonight in London, ON: they fuckin' owned it.  

For me the night started late; you could say that I was on Axl time.  My father's birthday was today so I didn't get a chance to leave Toronto till 8:10 due to dinner obligations.  It's a two hour drive so I made it just in time to get a beer and find a good spot up front close to the stage.  As a precaution I put my little Sony point and shoot camera in my sock thinking at the time it was overkill but it ended up saving me.  To get into the venue I had to empty all my pockets, take off my bandana (which I only wear to GNR concerts), my jacket and get a full pat down.  I thought I was screwed for sure but amazingly the dude never asked me to spread my legs and check my inseam where he would have felt my camera; he only patted down the outside of my legs.  

Anyway, before the band took the stage the women of London put on a show, definitely giving the audience a needed distraction.  These girls down here are freaks; God bless 'em.  At one point it looked like the ones who put on a show (and I mean full show, as in tops off, bottoms down, and a complete display as to the type and colour of underwear) were going to get the boot from security.  The crowd didn't seem to appreciate this and rightfully let security know how they felt about it.  Thankfully the girls were allowed to stay.

So I believe the lights went out around 10:48; it's getting a little later every show but anything before 11:00 is still fine with me.  Axl commented later on that he learned a lesson today about combining various kinds of liquor.  I suppose he wasn't feeling too hot from a "fun" night after the Hamilton show.  Perhaps explains the later start.  Chinese Democracy was awesome and from the pit very well received.  The crowd went nuts for Welcome to the Jungle.  At this point of the show the pit started to get really rough; the guys to my immediate left started moshing and going crazy.  Apparently one guy didn't appreciate such form of crowd support and let it be known all over some dude's head.  The crowd dispersed a bit and created a pseudo ring which allowed these to "gents" to hammer into one another for 20 seconds before security climbed the rail and hauled both of these guys out.  This created a great opportunity for me as I zipped closer to the front.  I was now only five or six feet from the rail and I didn't even get to the stadium until 10:25!!!  

It's So Easy and Mr. Brownstone were terrific tonight; no slip up by Axl this time around on Brownstone.  His voice is really the best I've ever heard it.  He's as good if not better than he sounds on the album.  I would say he's completely shed his 2002 helium voice and found a perfect balance between rasp and tonality.  He can get super raspy if he wants, but never sounds like a squawking pigeon like he tended to sound in 1991.  I give Axl a lot of credit for working on his instrument 'cause it's definitely noticeable how much better he sounds this time around.  November Rain was a perfect example of his vocal abilities.  He really did sound a lot like he does in the recorded version.  

Of the new songs, the best received and I'd argue best performed were Better and Shackler's Revenge. Shackler's was simply awesome; Axl was right in front of me through most of the choruses and you could tell he was just given'er.  In fact, I could swear I could hear him even without the PA.  Fortus was kicking ass; he yelled at us when he came up for his solo saying something about we "better fucking clap."  Stinson would mostly stay in the middle of the stage, only a few times did he come up to rock out with Axl at the front.  "Sorry" was interesting in that it's relatively played at the beginning of the show; I felt initially it took the air out of the venue but I get why they move it up in the set; there's still a lot of excitement and moving it back might slow things down a bit too much.  The only real screw up that I could tell was the false start to Scraped.  It sounded like they were going into something else and then it just stopped.  Then the pre-recorded Axl vocal intro was played with Axl singing over top of it.  For whatever reason Axl didn't feel like singing the first line "Don't you try to stop us now."  Not a bad performance of the song, I enjoyed it, but perhaps the weakest moment in the show.  

Frank was much better tonight than last night, at least that was my impression.  His drum fill in Madagascar, coming out of the guitar solo, was un-fucking-believable.  Plus he didn't do the Guns N' Roses kick-drum chant too often tonight; I thought last night in Hamilton it got a little long in the tooth after the third time trying to start a chant.  

If you want to argue that Fink is a better guitar player than DJ Ashba, fine, that's debatable.  That said, DJ is such an improvement performance wise than Robin in every way.  Thank you Axl for bringing this guy on board - you're only crime is that you didn't have him join the band much sooner.  More than anyone else in the band, Axl included, DJ plays to the audience.  This guy knows how to engage the people rocking out in front of him.  Whereas Axl is an unbelievable performer, rarely did he look down into the pit and acknowledge those fist pumping or singing along.  This wasn't the case with DJ who'd smile, point and finesse a response from whoever was in front of him.  At one point I saw him beckon Fortus over to the front section and they started jamming together (though I forget what song).  This guy has definite stage charisma that is very much appreciated from those rocking out in the pit.  Moreover, his guitar solo, in my opinion, is the best of the three lead guitar players.  It's so melodic and bluesy with a killer hook (I hope they turn this into a song) and the supporting cast really turns this into an epic instrumental piece.  No one around me was complaining about another instrumental break.  Hats off to you DJ; job well done.

As I mentioned in my update, Axl informed the crowd during Knockin' On Heaven's Door that his dog Dougie (named after his old manager) passed away today and dedicated the rest of the song to him.  I think most people found it touching; it quieted up some of the douche bags around me.  Sorry for your loss Axl, your performance of the song was definitely fitting with the dedication.  Easily the best rendition I've seen the man give.  I also like he's brought back the "heys" during the chorus, but he does it in an exaggerated way so it's new and yet at least acknowledges why a lot of people like his version. 

After not seeing Patience last night in Hamilton, it was great to see it tonight in London.  I'll tell you, watching Axl run and sing from one side to the other during the outro of Patience brings a smile to my face; it's so great and vintage Axl.  It really felt like it was 1992 again and Axl was running marathons while performing.  His demeanor was fantastic the whole night; he and the rest of the guys really looked like they were having fun.  At the end of most songs Axl would usually have a big grin on his face and would at times bow in appreciation for the response.  The encore was fantastic; This I Love has got to be the one song off the new album that blows all my expectations away as to how it would sound live.  I'm a fan of the song, but it is a hundred times better live.  Moreover, placing it in the encore just seems to fit.

This is the 12th concert I've seen of GNR since I first saw them in Detroit in 2002.  The difference between this show and the first few I saw during their comeback tour is night and day.  They don't take several minutes between each song like they use too; the instrumentals are at least interesting (was never a fan of Robin's, DJ's is a huge improvement); Axl's vocals are far better than what they were back then; this is the complete package.  I'm a pretty reserved guy, but there I was, head-banging, double first pumping, and clapping all night to one of the best shows I've ever seen.  

Thanks Axl, Ron, DJ, Frank, Tommy, Dizzy, Chris and Richard for a fantastic show.  Good luck in Montreal and I'll see you in Toronto.

Cheers,

Andrew

Copps Coliseum, Hamilton, ON, January 24th 2010

From Andrew Downs, Ontario:

Fleet Centre, Boston, December 2nd 2002

From Josianne, Québec.

I arrived at the Fleet Centre at around 2 pm., I met with a guy that was selling tickets at the doors so I was able to get tickets on the 30th row on the floor. Later, I went where the tour bus were and I saw a technician who was working for GNR. I talked with him for quite a while and he took me into the tour bus where he gave me backstage passes. CKY started at around 7h30 pm, a good show. Then MixMaster Mike played for about an hour, he was very good. Then, from 10 pm to 10h30, the camera crew were filming girls flashing. Some of them I saw backstage. At 10h34, the lights went out and immediately we heard the first notes of Welcome To The Jungle. I immediatly looked for Axl and he was behind the drum. The show was super, from A to Z, Axl was in pretty good shape, making jokes, laughing with us and what a voice!! His voice was amazing during Live And Let Die. The new members are very good, they make different solos during the songs, the setlist was just like the other ones from the rest of the tour. We had the "Assholes" intro too. The Fleet Centre was full and everyone appreciated it as much as me, everyone was singing and making the same moves as Axl. Of course some people were asking where Slash was. And before the begining of The Blues, since I knew the new songs, I saw Dizzy on the piano so I knew immediately it was going to the The Blues, I threw my arms in the air and I screamed and Axl looked at me!!!! The show ended around 12h30 am.

When it was over, I went where the backstage was. On the 20 000 persons that were at the show, we were 50 with backstage passes, half girls, half guys. Then they took us to the basement where there was a room that looked like a living room, we had free drinks. Tommy arrived first, he talked with everyone than Richard arrived, I went to see him and I talked with him a little bit. He gave me an autograph, he is very nice but look like he is very shy. Then I saw Dizzy, I'm very happy I had to chance of talking to him, he lost alot of weight, he has incredible blue eyes. We talked about the show, and when he heard that I was coming from Québec to see the show, he made a big smile and said he was happy about that. The atmosphere backstage was very good, the music that was playing there was rap, believe it or not. I didn't get the chance to see Axl cause he had already left for the show scheduled the day after.

.....................

From Tyler.

My name is Tyler and I have been to the Fleet Center concert. A very good concert, wonderful. Well if Axl didn't cancel his concert maybe I could go to one more again. I loved that concert the best. The new Guns N' Roses, they were great, wonderful, I enjoyed it very very much. The first song they played was Welcome To The Jungle, great song. It was a great concert and it was the best concert I have ever ever seen.

Madison Square Garden, New York, December 5th 2002

From Diana, New York.

It was truly amazing. The waiting of 10 years was worth it. I didn't have great seats but couldn't have had a better time. The whole place was rocking. The new band was incredible and Axl was hotter than ever... I so much didn't want it to end. I was very disappointed to see the rest of their tour dates canceled, heard numerous rumors, not sure which is true. The last thing Axl said on stage was they'd be back in the summertime..I am hoping that is true.

Pepsi Arena, Albany, New York, November 27th 2002

From Brian

I attened Guns N Roses in Albany ,NY in november 2002. The show was amazing. CKY opened up and they weren't bad at all. Then came Mix Master Mike, I wasn't impressed. But at about 10;30 the arena went dark, the curtain opened and all you heard was the beginning of "Welcome To The Jungle", it was amazing. Axl was wearing black jogging pants and sported several different sports jerseys of NY teams. His voice sounded amazing, the band sounded awesome! He sang 2 or 3 new songs off the Chinese Democracy album as well.

I was right up front , first row, got there very early for I have never seen GNR before. Axl went off on Slash and Duff a little bit, saying how those guys never even wanted to release November Rain and Estranged and how the old band really didn't like to tour where the new guys love it. He sang almost all of Appetite For Destruction and he did a new version of Knockin' On Heaven's Door, it was really cool. He closed with Paradise City.

Axl was in a great mood , they played for 2 and a half hours, well worth the wait. I hope they tour this summer.

The Mark, Moline, Illinois, November 17th 2002

From Jayson Trucks.

I saw the new Guns N' Roses at The Mark in the quad cities, Illinios on Nov. 17th 2002. It was the best concert I've ever been to. That's including when I saw them back in '92 with Metallica. Axl put more effort into that show then any other show I've seen. Then when Buckethead did his solo, and broke out the knomb chucks, I was in shock, then he started doing the robot dance I know this was a one of a kind concert.

Eastern Creek Raceway, Sydney, Australia, 1993

From Scott, Australia.

My name is Scott and I just wanna tell you my experience of GNR in Australia in 1993...it was the Use Your Illusions tour.

Firstly I want to say that for three years prior I was mesmorised by the song writing capabilities of Slash and Axl... I was aspiring to be a guitarist and had learnt every song lead that Slash had played up till then... you could say my obsession with GNR was on par with that of Danny Sugerman's love of The Doors. I went to Eastern Creek Raceway in Sydney on my own to witness the event, almost in a dream state that this was actually happening. First Rose Tattoo lead by Angry Anderson played and that was alright but I was too eager to hear the music I came for. Skid Row played next and in an article I read later it proposed the ludicrus idea that Skid Row upstaged GNR... not for this young lad it didn't. The one critical point I will raise though is that GNR didn't come on for about an hour after the schedueled launch and I was getting restless as were the rest of the 100 000 strong crowd. But then it happened... and the announcer screamed "Ladies and Gentlemen.. from Los Angeles in America GUNS N'ROSES" and with this I slipped into a somewhat altered state of reality. The spot light came on and there he was... Slash with top hat and a flourecent blue flannelet shirt strumming the chords to the beggining of Its So Easy. He looked like a cartoon... I was a cartoon.. Everything was animated as though I was looking through the eyes of the animator, the creator , our God. But as GNR showed me.. God, our animator has left us... we are all alone and all we can hope to achieve is to glorify our own decadence in this swirling void we call reality... Right next door to hell. And yes all of our eyes were on Axl. The concert stood for eternity but at the same time was a fleeting moment as close to bliss as I could manage. I went to the concert alone... left the concert alone, but I didn't need anyone else's company for I had the music I was destined to hear running through my mind like the dawn of a new era. All I can say is that the pure energy and emotion that engrained itself in my ears was the closest thing I will get to finding myself. Sugerman's biography about GNR titled "Appetite For Destruction" says it all about a band who in time will be remembered for putting a mirror up to society and showing it what it is truly made of... decadence and immoral drugery... we live in a time where true poets stand alone guiding us sheep through pastures of urban waste... Thank you Axl for having the courage to lead us where most are fearful to tread.

The Super Top, New Zealand, 1988

From Andrew "Axl" Cook, New Zealand.

I saw GNR in concert here in New Zealand back in 1988 I am one lucky SOB. At this time GNR had just broke, Sweet Child O' Mine was all over the radio and TV, Axl was this God/devil come to life. The show itself was held in a big tent, known as the super top. I would say at this show there were maybe 7,000 people as GNR were still new, and the concert was short notice etc. Anyway, so I'm this really lucky 16 year old in the front row with my friends. Even before they came on I knew I was going to witness something pretty special. Axl was MEAN, boy was he surly, he really walked the walk, looking like he had just come off the farm with a switch blade in his pocket! The band were AWESOME, it was so unpolished the music was raw and pulsing, the energy was amazing. Slash was getting drunk as hell on a bottle of jack, I think Duff was too. Steve was just all smiles and throwing out drum sticks. Izzy looked like this really sleazy pimp that hid in the background with that big white body Gibson guitar, Duff just kinda played his bass and spat on everyone. About half way through the show some fucker started throwing bottles at the band, the band walked off, except for Slash who just kept playing his guitar solo, he had drunk most of the bottle of jack, and Axl was arguing with him, but he just kept shaking his head. Axl then went off his head...HEY MOTHER FUCKER, GET UP HERE AND I'LL KICK YOUR MOTHER FUCKING ASS. In this real high pitch schrill American voice, up till that time I had only ever heard Americans on the TV, the accent is strange. Anyway in the end the band came out again and the show went on undisturbed. They also played most of the "Patience" LP. I also remember them playing Civil War and thinking how much more mature musically it was, alot heavier then the other rock n roll they were playing (I later learned this was the first time it had ever been played in public)...I can remember thinking that when they played the stuff from Patience that....."oh my God, they are turning into country band!!!...Used to love her but I had to kill her??, at the time it was strange because we had never heard it before and it wasn't released yet. In all this was an outstanding concert, even more so because I got to see the band from the front row in a 7,000 strong crowd, of a band that had just musically broke and were nothing but pure raw power. It was without a doubt the best show I have ever been to, or will ever see I think. I hope in 20 years my kid is into GNR then I can tell him I WAS THERE.

European Tour, June 2006, The Download Festival at Donington in England

From Philippa, England.

On Sunday, 11th of June, I saw Guns N'Roses live in concert. Axl was in all honesty in top form, his voice sounded just like it used to and he put on a good show. The songs were anwsome, they only played about four of the new ones, the rest were the classic songs.

I was suprised to find he actually started a few minutes early! And they finished about 25 minutes late. There was only one hiccup, and that was when there was a problem with the mic, Axl just said "We're having some technical difficulties, we'll be right back", and at that point many people left because they thought he wouldn't come back, their loss! He came back and the rest of the show was even better!

Izzy Stradlin Guest stared! And was absolutely anwsome! As was Dizzy Reed! The rest of that band was actually pretty good, way better then I expected all in all, an anwsome show and the best 2 hours (well the show was ment to be 2 hours) of my life.

Wembley Stadium, London, UK, August 31st, 1991

From Jo, United-Kingdom.

Hi there,

My first GNR concert was August 31st 1991 at Wembley Stadium in London, I was 17 years old and my mates had waited in line all night a few months before hand to get the tickets and I'd scrimped and saved to pay for it! Me and my mate went up on the train, we got there early and sat outside in the sunshine drinking vodka, Nine Inch Nails were crap but Skid Row were fantastic, the ultimate moment was when Sebastian Bach read out a letter Brent Council sent him and GNR telling them what they couldn't sing and urging them not to swear as much. It was great and he threw in lots of sarky comments before saying "get the fuck out" (the song he was banned from playing) ripping up the letter and singing the banned song!

Axl Rose gave us the best concert I have been to, we were caught up in it all and he played for hours, all the classic Lies and Appetite stuff as well as some from his then new album Use your Illusions. Actually, the Use Your Illusions albums didn't get released until a month after the concert but we fans didn't care, we just loved it all.

I recently went to Wembley Arena, July 30th 2006 and they are still banging, Axl sounds as good as ever and I am ready and willing to attend any other concerts they do in the UK!

Jo

Miscellaneous

From Tammy, Nashville,Tennessee.

I saw Guns N' Roses when they opened for Aerosmith and I drove 6 1/2 hours to Alabama to see them before Use Your Illusion 1 & 2 were released. They were fukin' amazing both times, only hate I didn't see them more before they split. To me there will only be one true GNR: The original members. Because they had such an awesome chemistry together... They are truly missed and they were by far the best concerts I went to and I've seen over 100.. AC/DC, Motley Crue, etc... they all were great but GNR was the best....