Kaneda Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 (edited) All I can say is, "wow", what a concert. But tonight was far more than a concert. Let me walk you through the evening. I get there at 10:30pm and the people at the front are saying, "we're filled to capacity, everyone go home..." I'm like fuck, Ron said meet at 11pm and we'd be fine. He tells me to go around back and I'm met by another security guard who won't let me pass. I had to grease that fucker $50 to get to the next security guard waiting by the back door. Luckily, someone I knew in the camp who knew the security guards showed up and we walked in. We walked into the downstairs sections of CBGB which was reserved for band members, friends and some celebs (saw Rachel Hunter and Kevin Bacon). While I was down there, I finally got to meet DJ Ashba, Frank and Sebastian Bach. Let me tell you, these are some of the nicest people going (that's what happens when you send cases of Dr Pepper their way, take notes people). But seriously, these are all down to earth, genuine people that are approachable and easy to talk to. Wonderful, wonderful folk. At around 12:30, people started putting on their coats to go back around to the upstairs section. People were saying the band was on stage. When I walked through the doors, Mr. Brownstone was on in full force. There's something surreal about walking into CBGB and hearing GNR coming through the speakers and you look up and the band is on stage, playing live. It's magical when a huge stadium act like GNR take center stage inside such a small venue. The sound was amazing. Now I've seen Axl many times over the years, but I can honestly say, that tonight, he sounded just as good, if not better, than when I saw him in 1991. His range, his rasp, his power was all there and in full force. But you know what made tonight sooooo special? It was the rawness of the band. Ron was on an acoustic guitar all night and DJ on the Les Paul. This softer and simpler setup reminded me so much of Guns when they first got on the scene. WIthout the layers and layers of guitar, Axl's voice just comes right at you...that's why I fell in love with Guns N' Roses in the first place and it was magical hearing it for the first time on a cold night in 2010. I'll do my best to recapture the set list, but I was too busy jumping up and down to take proper notes. This is in no way the proper order, but use your imaginations....Mr. BrownstoneWelcome to the JungleIt's So EasyThe BluesPatienceCatcher in the Rye - this song shines with Ron on acoustic. Was even better than the album version tonight. Rocket QueenSorry My Michelle Knocking on Heaven's DoorWhole Lotta Rosie Paradise City Encore:Sweet Child o MineThis I LoveNightrain I may have missed a song or two, but as you can tell, it was an amazing set list. But you know what impressed me the most? Axl put everything he had into each song. With only about 150 people in attendance, he sung like there were 150,000! What a professional. The only annoying thing was most of the crowd weren't die hard GNR fans (aka, they didn't sing along to the new songs), but that's too be expected in NYC...everyone's too cool for school here. But when Axl plays MSG, it will be all die hards for Jersey and Long Island singing each note with him...And lastly, after all these years, I finally got to meet the man himself. Fernando and his sister were super cool and once I introduced myself (as the dr pepper bozo), they were so gracious and made sure I got a chance to meet Axl. He's just a really, really nice guy. We had a great little chat and that was that, the perfect end to a perfect evening. In the end, after all these years, after all of the ups and downs, Guns N Roses has manifest itself into a great band filled with amazing people. When you get close, you realize, these aren't rockstars, they are just people that want to laugh, have a good time and enjoy life. I'm just glad I got to see them in such a special setting giving their all. You know, life is short, and I'm so happy my turn on this rock also includes a little band called Guns N' Fucking Roses! Thank you Ron, Frank, DJ, Axl, Fernando and the gang for an amazing night. You're the best...CK (aka, Kaneda). Edited February 12, 2010 by Kaneda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashysdad Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 You lucky bugger!Sounds like you had an awesome time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaneda Posted February 12, 2010 Author Share Posted February 12, 2010 I did, I did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChapelRoses Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 Thanks for the recap, sounds surreal.You're one lucky guy and I'm happy you got to experience that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GNR 1991 Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 Good to see you back on here. That's pretty incredible that you got into that place with such a small, elitist-esque group of people. After watching that My Michelle vid from the show, I think this is the best the man has sounded in over a decade and then some. And that was only from the shitty quality YouTube vid.Congrats Kaneda. You deserved it, even though you did rip Axl and the new band apart on here for a lot of years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plonker88 Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 Sounds like a great night. Was it a bit awkward talking to Axl considering the whole Dr. Pepper thing? Last I remember he didn't seem too over the moon about it, or had it all been put to rest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaneda Posted February 12, 2010 Author Share Posted February 12, 2010 He sounded so damn good it's hard to explain. I mean, how does a man sound 10x better in 2010 than he did in 2002? But it's true. You're right, I was hard on the band back in the day, we all were...but there comes a time in life when you can either bitch or push forward. The second I stopped bitching and started trying to help this band get the recognition they deserved, magical things happened. I think my twin brother said it best tonight. In the middle of a song, he just goes, "you know, his voice just does something that no other voice can do, it hits you right in the soul..." Anyone who heard him tonight will second that statement. Unreal.... he was totally cool with the Dr Pepper thing...we had a good laugh about it. To the day I die I will always regret it didn't turn out better, but the fault rest 100% on narrow-minded Dr P execs....I would have sold my soul to have that website working properly. I just tried to do something for the band I love...I learned the ultimate lesson in life...never hand over your dream to someone else...they will just exploit it and go half way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChapelRoses Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 I mean, how does a man sound 10x better in 2010 than he did in 2002?Agree, it makes no sense reallyBut damn what a ridiculously great surpriseWhen my friend and I went to Canada to see them, all my friend kept saying was "how the fuck can he sing these marathons like this so close together and never miss a beat?" Fuckin incredible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJG Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 RE: CITR - If Ron was on the acoustic who played the guitar solo - 4tus?? Or was it a whole new arrangment? Or did he do what he does in If The World?! Argh need a video!!!!! hahaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChapelRoses Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 (edited) How was the crowds reaction? I know they didnt sing along, but were they into it? I'm interested in what non diehards think. Edited February 12, 2010 by ChapelRoses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
axlfan88 Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 (edited) What's the interest of doing a show for 150 VIP's who don't care that much about Axl's band ?It's elitist as it has only been enjoyed by a few. Edited February 12, 2010 by axlfan88 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThinkAboutYou Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 (edited) awesome good to hear you had a great time Kanedaand lucky bastard Edited February 12, 2010 by ThinkAboutYou Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrecthed Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 I thought CBGB was closed down? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoon87 Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 Niiiiiiice Kaneda!! Just really really nice, you lucky bugger! Haha! Glad you had a great night, sounds awesome! I just wish soemthing like this would ever happen to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRS2008 Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 WOW! That had to be absolutely surreal! Thx for sharing your experience, you lucky bastard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 Thank yu for sharing! what a nice experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bumblebuzz Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 You lucky bugger!Sounds like you had an awesome time.He was one lucky motherfuckerI really hope that the next time Guns N' Roses come near the UK they reserve a part in their set for the acoustic trappingsI missed out at the gig in London in 2006 - I sold my standing ticket for a seating one (I made £35 to change area) because I was so tired from travelling and then Axl goes and picks the guy I sold the ticket too for the secret acoustic gig at the Cuckoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scaramouche Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 Thank you for sharing with us! Sounds surreal! I'm happy for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJG Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 You lucky bugger!Sounds like you had an awesome time.He was one lucky motherfuckerI really hope that the next time Guns N' Roses come near the UK they reserve a part in their set for the acoustic trappingsI missed out at the gig in London in 2006 - I sold my standing ticket for a seating one (I made £35 to change area) because I was so tired from travelling and then Axl goes and picks the guy I sold the ticket too for the secret acoustic gig at the CuckooSore one!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Rose Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 Thank you for sharing!You're only lucky bastard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaneda Posted February 12, 2010 Author Share Posted February 12, 2010 As far as the crowd went, it is what it is...Would I have liked it to be all die hard fans, like the kind that filled Hammertstein Ballroom? HELL YES! But everyone who came had a great time. I believe Ron played the solos to Catcher on the acoustic, which was awesome. Especially at the end. I've always felt the outro to Catcher is so brilliant, probably some of Axl's best lyrics ever, and on the album, the mix drowns out his vocals a bit, but last night, wow, just wow, it was amazing. To me though, the highlight of the evening was This I Love. It's one of those songs where Axl needs to give 110% to nail it, and boy did he nail it. Every note, spot on, perfect. I think my brother captured this whole song on his camera, if so, I'll try and get it uploaded today...Believe me guys, it was NO easy task getting backstage to meet Axl at the end. So many asshole security guys at the place, but I was patient, stayed with my people, and finally got in...I'm on 3-hours of sleep and now have to go to work. My first week at my new job. Working at General Motors in NYC. Free cars for everyone if Axl releases the next album! How's that sound? CK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephanie78 Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 I'm so happy (and envious) that at least a few real GNR fans got to experience this intimate concert! Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaneda Posted February 12, 2010 Author Share Posted February 12, 2010 There was a videographer taping the whole show (i was standing next to him for a while). Hopefully they will release this great show for all to see...Something else I noticed. The mix from the soundboard was EFFIN PERFECT. Having seen GNR struggle with sound issues at some of the biggest venues, it was amazing to hear them the way god intended. Easily the best sounding GNR concert of my life.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RonMexico82 Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 Did Axl talk between songs? You are one lucky bastard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anahzul Posted February 12, 2010 Share Posted February 12, 2010 awesome Kaneda! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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