saul_fan

I saw six fights and that doesn't include the guy being taken out as I was coming into the arena at 9:30 or so.

A few more details:

For the most part, the crowd sang along the whole time, even the new songs, which I was a bit taken back by. I wasn't prepared for that.

There were some times when you couldn't hear Axl as much, but I was very close to the stage, and that might have been it. I am still in awe that he has the primal scream. I listened to the Ritz show on the way, and was trying to gauge that to this. They aren't apples to apples to me personally due to the personel changes, but damn he was good last night.

The one thing I did notice was that Tommy, Bumble, etc seemed to be having a blast playing with the crowd, and Axl didn't show that much excitement. It didn't bother me because I was just happy to be there, but it would have been nice to see some interaction. Ron for example got on the floor and let the fans strum his guitar.

The solos seem to be like everyone else described them...long, but enjoyable. I thought they were good in timing, and it was nice to give my voice a rest.

This more than made up for my misery in listening to an extra long set of DJ Mix Master Mike at the ill-fated Phili show.

I really don't know what else to say except that I hope that the show you go to is as good as this one. I would have driven all day to see what I saw last night.

Wow. I am a 29 year old with a wife, mortgage, job, and dog. That was one of the most amazing experiences I ever had. I grew up on AFD and Lies, and was worried I wouldn't like what I saw/heard. Axl was amazing and I was very impressed with his voice. The place wasn't full, but the crowd there did a pretty good job seeing as they started at 11:45. This is Mayberry, not NYC. As a life long resident of Raleigh, I was rather proud of my people, minus the 5-7 fights I saw.

If you have the chance, go see the show. The band has a ton of energy and the 2+ hours went by so fast that I can't believe I am already home after a 90 minute drive home.

If you go expecting to see a reproduction of Slash on top of the piano playing solos, you will be out of luck. If you expect to see some amazing musicians who are proficient on their instruments, who play some awesome music, it will be one of the best concerts you ever attend.

I saw Motley Crue and Aerosmith last week and they don't hold a candle to this.

As a side note, Papa Roach was awesome.

I am driving from Raleigh and really hope it goes on. However, a friend of mine made this comment, and it has some truth...

"It dawned on me after reading this review that you and I are exactly the same as those people who paid $30 last weekend to watch Mike Tyson sparring on PPV, hoping somehow the great Tyson from the 80's would suddenly reappear in that small, dingy gym even though they knew deep down he never will. We're the same way w/ GNR."

I am trying to be a believer. The last time I went to a show I drove all the way to phili from DC and a riot took place. I really don't want to see that again.

Please let the show go on.