downzy
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This video should be anyone's response to those who question whether Axl still has it. His voice is in top form and probably the best I have ever heard it since maybe 1987-88.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Hey All,
I kind of wish GNR would go the way of Radiohead and just release material on their own. Axl strikes me as a fairly forward thinking individual (at least, as far as I can tell) and my bet is that as a result of the last go-around with the label system he and the band might be done with it. Judging from the success of their recent and upcoming tours, they're not a band that really needs new material to draw. So with that in mind, why do the album thing any more? Just release a few tracks here and there when they're done. Put 'em up or iTunes or sell them as an EP pack or something on gunsnroses.com. The band is always going to draw a good portion of fans from the back catalogue, but if they released a new track once a month or so they'd keep the momentum going.
As for the material itself, I'm sure with the members being switched in and out something different is going to come out of the process. Keep in mind, no GNR album sounds alike (other than UYI 1&2 for obvious reasons). I'd be very surprised if the next album, if there is another album, sounds a lot like Chinese Democracy. And I'm alright with that.
I do think the addition of DJ may return some of the bluesy-harmonized riffs that was somewhat dominant in GNR's earlier sound. When I met DJ back in January I mentioned to him that I really dug his guitar solo and that he and Axl should really flesh it out into a full-fledged song (I wasn't be an ass-kisser, I really do think he's written some sweet riffs and hooks in his solo). He gave me a high-five, thanked me, then asked me to go tell Axl that (who was in the room but out of ear-shot). I laughed and told him I'd pass along the message, but the day I tell Axl what and how he should compose music is the day I slap Mike Tyson in the face. Since Robin was a key player in the creation of Chinese Democracy, I'm sure that with the addition of DJ the sound will change a bit for the next album. That makes me excited!
Cheers,
Andrew
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man, it really did seem like the end of the line back then... 2002-2005 were probably the dullest years to be a Guns N Roses fan, left with a bitter aftertaste and then no idea what the hell was going on. Thank fuck for 2006.
No way man, if there ever was a state of nonexistence for a GNR fan it was between '96-'99. Almost four years passed without a peep from Axl or really anyone in the band. No one had any idea even if there was going to be a band. Up until the release of "Oh My God" for the End of Days movie, there was next to nothing. No media coverage, no appetite, no curiosity, nothing. At least between 2002 and 2005 we had recent bootlegs of the shows from 2002, an idea of who was actually in the band, a commitment that the album would be coming, and new songs to listen to, albeit live boots. If I had to relive any period of GNR exodus, I would much rather take 2002-2005 over 1996-1999. I remember sitting in grade 10 computer class in '96 thinking the album was coming any month, getting an informal update from the only GNR fan community a la the Dust N' Bones mailing list. Forums didn't even exist back then to discuss the fact that nothing was happening.
Cheers,
Andrew
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From the Lefsetz Letter:
Nobody wanted the album.
This is not a story of oppressed rock star sticks it to the man, this is a tale about an insane performer who's alienated not only his entire band, but every producer and manager he's ever worked with. By arguing over less than two million dollars, a couple of nights on the road, does Axl end up looking like he's got balls or that he should be committed to an insane asylum?
Let's just say Irving did everything Axl alleges. It's possible. You hear these stories in rock and roll. Are people gonna side with the diminutive businessman or the corn-rowed performer who got plastic surgery to close the VMAs?
Guns N' Roses put out one of the best hard rock albums of all time. "Appetite For Destruction" sold and sold, was featured in videos and still gets airplay today. Sure, the hit was "Sweet Child O' Mine", but come on, wasn't that riff in "Paradise City" amazing? The track built to a frenzy, driving you nuts. And when you heard "Mr. Brownstone", you believed it. This was not twenty first century posturing, where a fake image is manufactured to sell product to the kiddies, these guys lived it.
But the band could never follow it up. And ended up imploding.
The drummer may have been an addict, maybe he needed to go. But Izzy? The guy who added melody and texture to the songs? And by time Axl got rid of Slash, it was over. Saul is iconic, he was truly the other face of the band. And maybe if they called it Axl and..., or Bailey's Roses, or something with the leader in the title, the act could have survived. But this concoction of players was GNR in name only.
Not that the concoction did anything. Played a few gigs. Cancelled more. And supposedly worked on a new album, "Chinese Democracy".
What album's got a title YEARS before release? Isn't the title usually the last thing?
Axl would have been better off saying he shelved that record, making it an unreleased legend like "Smile", and then cutting another (or releasing the same damn work under a different name). Because by time it was finally released, people expected something in the neighborhood of "Appetite", and that was impossible.
But it was impossible for any new work to have the momentum and impact of "Appetite". It was twenty years later. MTV, the centralizing force, was dead. Radio was calcified. And the audience...was in its forties and had jobs and kids and couldn't stay at home all afternoon getting high to new music.
Times changed, but W. Axl Rose did not change with them.
And being the crybaby he is, he kept working on his album, firing people until...he ends up being managed by Irving Azoff.
Who stunningly not only makes a deal with Best Buy, but gets the album in stores.
Where no one wants it.
Best Buy advertises to high heaven. There's even publicity about leaks, which drives sales. But only if the music is good.
And in this case, no one said "Chinese Democracy" was great, and few said it was good, and the shelf life of a project that does not gain legs is...very brief today. Watched that remake of "We Are The World" recently?
But Axl got paid. Or maybe the label got paid. Someone got paid, because Best Buy wrote a check up front. And ended up losing a ton of cash. Then again, they got some people in the store. But on a selling records basis, Best Buy got fleeced. Notice the Minnesota company hasn't done any high profile exclusives since? (And hell, maybe they have, and I just haven't heard about them, proving my point...the paradigm is DEAD!)
But it's the manager's fault. It's always the manager's fault.
So what does the manager do? What everybody in the world wants him to do. Lobbies for Axl to put the original band back together and rape and pillage financially around the world. Didn't Irving create this paradigm, with the Eagles back in '94? Play your hits live for TV, sell an album thereof and then charge a fortune on the endless tour?
Maybe Irving didn't propose this. Then again, he was always eager to get Steve Perry back with Journey, so the story sounds real.
Maybe Irving stopped taking Axl's phone calls when he wouldn't play ball. Maybe Irving sabotaged him. You get in bed with the devil and you live with the consequences. But unlike a Mike Curb deal, Axl wasn't bound to Irving, he could leave. And did!
And now won't pay commissions on a South American tour.
Why? Did Irving not earn the money? Were the gigs not set up under his aegis? Axl is trying to prove a point. Which is?
That he's truly mentally ill? He's mad at Irving for using his real name? Hell, Axl loves Elton, who eventually put out a new album entitled "Reg Strikes Back".
And Axl may not ever go back to being Bill Bailey, but everybody knows he'll eventually reform the original Guns N' Roses and go on the road. That's what bands do. The only reason the original Pink Floyd won't reform is because David Gilmour is so fucking rich, having toured stadiums without Roger Waters as Pink Floyd. Waters sued, but he lost. Waters is dying to reunite the band, everybody on the inside knows this, but Gilmour won't do it, won't give Waters the satisfaction, he's already got his fuck you money. But Slash, Izzy and Duff don't have fuck you money. They'll go on the road giving the lion's share of the money to Axl just like Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit take a back seat to Don Henley and Glenn Frey. Sure, Henley can work alone. But he can't make that much coin. And as time marches on, Axl's grosses will continue to decline. And everybody needs money. Then what?
Sure, Axl's got Henley beat, he can tour under the band's name. Still...
A public figure's got no upside in picking a fight with a business insider. People have got no idea who Irving Azoff is, and they don't really care. They like GaGa, not Iovine. The person out front is the attraction. And by picking a fight for a paltry sum, Axl actually hurts his career. People go to see the train-wreck once, but how many times will they com back around to see Axl and some nobodies?
Rock and roll is a business. Irving was doing his job. Which he wants to get paid for. He was looking out for Axl Rose's best interests. Isn't that what he's supposed to do?
Bob Lefsetz
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Not sure if many of you know who Bob Lefsetz is, but he's an entertainment lawyer who has a massive following amongst industry types. I'm pretty sure he's tight with Irving. I don't really agree with a lot of what he says; he's never really been friendly to Axl when really, many of his main points (not playing by the rules, sticking it the industry, take risks) are some of the very things that Axl seems to live by.
Anyway, I thought I'd post this not as support of Irving but just another perspective.
I honestly don't know who's right or who's wrong. If what Lefsetz is purporting, that Irving's company initiated and confirmed the first leg of the tour, then Axl might have to pay up. What Axl's claiming could very well be true, but as an outsider look in with little to no information (hearsay or confirmed), it's hard to gauge the validity of his claims. In the end, it's for the courts to decide, and us fans to enjoy the music.
Cheers,
Andrew
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I think there only a few, maybe less than a handful of people who have seen this band live more than I have since 2002. I think Jarmo and I have heard the most of Chinese Democracy performed live (I'm missing Prostitute, he's missing Rhiad). Not including the Philadelphia no-show, I've been to 13 GNR concerts. Part of the motivation is that I was never allowed to see them during the Illusion days as I was only 11-14 and my parents had their minds made up. For the next ten years I waited, and when GNR finally announced they were playing again, the yearnings of youth pushed me to as many concerts as I could afford.
Detroit '02 was my first concert, and like the previous poster mentioned, it was a bit of surreal moment to see Axl perform live in person. For this fact alone Detroit was pretty amazing. Looking back at it though I'd say the concert itself wasn't one of the best, since the band took the crowd right out of it by playing five new songs in a row, and they botched Patience pretty bad. Axl was so fed up he didn't even bother with Paradise City. Had this not been my first show I might have left disappointed, but I walked away thrilled that I had finally seen Guns N' Roses perform live (something throughout the mid to late 90s I wasn't sure would ever happen).
Of the 2002 shows, in terms of experience it would have to be London, ON as I had front-row centre seats. It was cool singing along to Street of Dreams (then The Blues) with most in the audience receiving their first exposure to the song. Axl at one point looked down and saw me singing along and gave me a "how do you know the song so well" kind of look. Being doused with the confetti for the first time was pretty awesome.
In terms of performance wise for 2002, nothing beats the Madison Square Gardens show. Hands down the band was on fire, Axl sounded his best, everyone playing as if they had something to prove. No big breaks between songs, the band hit the audience over the head in quick succession. Boston was pretty good, but nothing touched that MSG show.
In 2006 the obvious choice is the fourth Hammerstein show in NYC. Seeing a stadium caliber band in a small theatre venue is something special. The night was full of surprises; my jaw dropped when Izzy walked onto the stage and played along with the band.
I happened to be in Europe during GNR's European tour and was lucky enough to see them in Paris, France. I had seen the pay-per-view concert special so many times that it felt cool to see Axl do his thing in the same city as the one that appeared in the video. Toronto '06 was somewhat weak due to the audience, Ottawa was fun, but Quebec City was definitely the most rawk of all the GNR shows I have been too.
As for this year, I went to the Hamilton, London ON, and Toronto shows. Hamilton was great 'cause I got to hear my favourite song on CD performed live (TWAT), London was a lot of fun as I got to relive my front row experience from eight years ago, and Toronto was monumental not so much for the concert itself, but partying with Axl and the band till 8:30 in the morning the next day. While that night was a little hazy due to some excessive drinking and pot consumption, it will still be a night I'll be telling to my friends for the rest of my life (though I refrain from posting it on internet forums out of respect to Axl, the band, and the great people I met that night).
In the end, every concert experience was different; they all had their own unique qualities that doesn't make one better than the other. What myself, and by the sounds of it, many of you, find so great about a GNR concert is that it's one of the few times we live in the moment; singing along to songs that have been a major part of our life's soundtrack; being able to give in to the experience that's offered no where else.
Cheers,
Andrew
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I never thought I'd get a chance to meet Axl or anyone in GNR for that matter. Then a few things fell in line in January in Toronto and I was fortunate to meet several members (Axl, Tommy, DJ, Frank and Richard). Also got to meet and talk to Baz as well. All I can say is that they were all really great guys, very nice and surprisingly humble.
As silly as this sounds, when you meet the people you've looked up to for a long time, you quickly realize that they are real people. I know some of you will say, "well duh," but it's one thing to be staring up at someone like Axl Rose doing his thing on stage and another thing to be standing across the table drinkin' with the guy. I remember thinking at the time, I'm having fun because I'm partying, drinking like a madman, shooting the shit, cracking jokes, and oh yeah, Axl just happens to be apart of the party. He may be a rock star on stage, but in the bar, he's just like everyone else, just wanting to have a good time. Even if he wasn't there I'd still be having a great time.
That said, I didn't concern myself becoming good friends with the band members or even whipping up conversations. What's the point, I really didn't have much to say to them unless it was based on whatever was being discussed. It wasn't until two hours into drinking with the guy that I actually shook Axl's hand and let him know that I was a big fan. He was gracious and that was pretty much it, no point to harp on about it.
I will admit that after meeting the band I became much less concerned with their business or the politics of GNR. What once was a mysterious group of musicians who personified some deity-like ideal has now been replaced with a realistic perspective of what GNR is: a bunch of dudes who write and play great tunes. The larger than life aspect of who one's idols are quickly gets redefined to a much more grounded perspective. I actually have this crazy theory that if GNR did more meet-and-greets fans would be far less obsessed.
Can't speak for everyone but my experience was great. So long as you're not a dork or freak about it, there's nothing wrong with wanting to express thanks and admiration for what someone does. Just be cool.
Cheers,
Andrew
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From what I've read, the two had a verbal contract (which sounds insane if true; not sure GNR and/or Frontline would enter into a business arraignment without formal contracts).
My guess is that Axl probably felt Front Line/Azoff weren't fulfilling their end of the agreement as as result the contract was null and void. Azoff probably felt otherwise, hence the lawsuit to claim what he feels is rightfully his.
This will likely be settled in arbitration as both sides will likely settle with some sort of agreement. Either way, this will likely be the last we hear of this matter.
Cheers,
Andrew
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I think this guy isn't making a lot sense 'cause either there's nothing to it or he doesn't know how to comprehend it in the first place. I think it's tough when how you value yourself (ie. powerful club promoter/owner) collides with what you hold dear (belief in a band or sports team). In all likelihood it sounds like this individual felt he could coerce the band into performing a show since logistically it doesn't make much sense to the claims he's making.
If this show was really set in stone, that the band was there to sound check,that riders were sent by "management," you would think he would let the actual evidence speak for itself. Why not publish the rider, a message from someone in GNR's circle, a copy of a signed contract, or at the very least, a picture of a band member at the bar doing sound check. You're telling me that the band came to soundcheck their equipment and NO ONE took a picture? That doesn't sit right.
Very odd indeed, but drama such as this always seems to find this band. Guess it's part and parcel of what GNR is, something I'm sure Axl doesn't relish.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Probably the coolest videos of the band in a long while.
Makes you feel like you're in the front row watching the band play.
Awesome!
Cheers,
Andrew
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I wouldn't draw too many conclusions, or get pissed, or anything because the band played one two-hour show. God knows, someone could have been sick, they could have had technical issues, the promoter could have been up their ass, security could have alerted them to something, one of the boards blew out, who knows? I will say this, with much confidence, I believe we will see some 3+ shows on this leg of the tour, and some incredible set lists. They have two huge shows coming up: Sao Paulo and Rio! Expect a full onslaught, and I am sure there was a good reason the show was two hours--which is good for a rock show anyways! Saw Clapton recently, great show, was only about an hour and 45 minutes. All kinds of things have to happen perfectly every night for the show to even happen, be grateful they kicked ass for two hours, and rest assured they will continue to rock as the tour progresses!
Yeah, most bands only play an hour and a half to two hours. If this recent show went two hours, that's still on par with most acts out there. On the flip side, I suppose GNR has spoiled most audiences with lengthy setlists so it feels like when they play the "usual" they're letting that particular audience down.
This isn't a band that strikes me as one that looks to only meet its contractual obligations; they really look like they enjoy playing. A band doesn't play two back-to-back 3.5 hour shows if they don't enjoy it. My bet is that this wasn't the ideal set for the band, that it was shortened due to circumstances that aren't apparent to us fans.
At the end of the day, it's a Guns N' Roses concert; I'm just happy they happen at all.
Cheers,
Andrew
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I had the good fortune of meeting Axl and most of the band (didn't see Dizzy or Pitman) after the Toronto show a month ago. I was lucky enough to gain access to the after-party located at a Toronto nightclub.
I've refrained from posting about this since I didn't think it was appropriate or respectful to the band and the people I met that night. I'm not a fan of people who use chance meetings with celebrities to enhance their own self-worth or reputation (not to suggest anyone here is doing so; people here are responding to the question, not starting their own threads about it). I never understand why people feel the need to take pictures with celebrities; as if they need proof that they met the person or something. It's not like seeing a grizzly bear or bald eagle.
Anyway, I had a great time hanging out and partying with Axl and company. I'll leave out the details but I will say this: everyone in the band is super cool, a lot of fun and Axl and Tommy in particular are party monsters. When it comes to drinking, the boys can throw down with the best of them.
Oh, and yeah, everyone is really friendly and social, definitely incongruent with how the media portrays Axl and the band.
Finally, the night was as awesome as one could imagine. I remember being very young and thinking how cool it would be to meet my heros, but as I grew older I became more cynical, thinking the experience wouldn't measure up; that the person would be an asshole and ruin the experience. Like I just mentioned, the night of meeting and partying with the band was as cool as I could have ever imagined.
Cheers,
Andrew
P.S. Please don't ask for particular details (ie. where was the club, how did I get in, conversations, etc). The night was for myself and I'm not really interested in sharing the details.
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Nice, glad to see my letter to the editor was printed. I'll have to get a copy of that.
Going to a Guns N' Roses concert entails many things; some of those are not meant for children. To blame a venue's arena or the audience itself for not doing due diligence as a parent is not acceptable.
Thanks for letting me know about this, I was wondering the other day if this was going to be printed.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Since this thread has turned into a discussion of when Axl was singing his best, all I can say is that I saw the band five times in 2002, five times in 2006, and three times in 2009.
Axl's command of his vocals is clearly much better now; his appetite days is the only thing that comes close. Listening to him sing November Rain last week was like listening to his vocals on UYI1. Moreover, hearing him sing TWAT in Hamilton; his range is unprecedented. I give Axl a lot of credit for working on his instrument 'cause the effort is definitely noticeable.
As for the best lineup ever; well, it's tough; but in terms of performance, i would tip my hat to this iteration. Sure there was some magic with the original lineup, but I have too many bootlegs where one or more members would be too drunk or high to play. Not saying that they weren't capable of playing great, but the frequency isn't nearly as high as it is with this band. With the band now, you can tell the focus is on the performance, where I'm not sure you could say that with the band back in the day.
In opinion, the three shows I saw last week were perfect and everything you'd want in a GNR show.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Hey DJ,
Thanks for the post and I'm very glad that you're part of the GNR family. As I said in my review, the only crime Axl has made in my books is not having you in the band sooner. I saw you guys in Hamilton, London and will be catching you guys again tonight in Toronto. Easily the best GNR shows I've seen and I've seen this band live 12 times now since 2002. Good luck with tonight's show and the rest of the tour.
Cheers,
Andrew
P.S. Any chance we can hear a little Catcher tonight?
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i don't know if the band members are gonna fuck those two georgous girls that was on stage at the end of the show..
I know, those girls are ridiculously hot. I hope someone's hitting it. And I find it hilarious that the band has them come out to bow with them. I first thought, what the hell are they doing that merits our applause? But then it starts to make sense why Axl goes backstage so often
Cheers,
Andrew
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i was told by a security guard TONIGHT in front of 3 friends that any pissing axl off , or yelling for slash would get u kicked out
so wtf
Well, that's a little different. You'd only be yelling out Slash to antagonize Axl. Like I said, it's all about common sense. It's one thing to show up with a Slash shirt on, it's another thing to yell the guy's name at Axl while Axl is trying to perform. I refer to the post in the previous page where the guy speaks about his friend who works security at the ACC. If you're trying to cause shit, then you get escorted out.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Alright, so I think the answer is probably somewhere in the middle here. What you have is a situation where there's many players involved. While I don't doubt that Axl would rather not have people showing up wearing Slash garb or yelling his name during the concert, I'm pretty positive these directives aren't coming from him or anyone in the band. What's more than likely is that someone involved in the production or financing of this tour is sending out instructions about what security should keep an eye out for. I recall in Axl's discussions with fans a year ago that he mentioned he really doesn't have a problem with people taking pictures at concerts, so long as those pictures don't end up for sale and whatnot. So I'm pretty sure Axl isn't too worried when people take their cell-phones out to snap a few shots. Yet somehow some security people at these shows feel the need to hassle people with cell phones out, no matter what they're using them for (in my case, text messaging).
I think bottom line is that whoever is underwriting this tour is worried about Axl and the band flying off at the handle and has sent out vague and overly cautious security instructions. Moreover, I feel like these instructions are being taken too serious by some members of the security staff at respective venues. Some people are not capable of using common sense, so you get situations where I'm getting yelled at for send a text message while at the concert. Then there are other security guards, who see me rocking out for four or five songs and don't give me shit for taking the odd picture here and there 'cause they know I'm a fan and I'm not looking to tape the whole show. When I was in the pit for the London show, security would only yell at people with cameras when they were using them for a long time.
In the end, this is most likely a case of broken telephone.
Cheers,
Andrew
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This is my letter to the editors in response to the complaint about security. Hopefully they'll run it.
To the editor,
This is in response to the letter sent in by J.A. Collings concerning security at the JBL for the Guns N' Roses concert on Monday, January 25.
While I understand that the behaviour exhibited the night of the concert was not appropriate for children, I must question as to why children were brought to such an event in the first place. This is a Guns N' Roses concert, not a Miley Cyrus extravaganza. The moniker for Guns N' Roses is "the most dangerous band in the world." Which well-minded parent would bring a young child to such an event; let alone one that takes place on a school night (Are they not aware of Axl's late starts)? This is not a PG-rated affair and basic understanding of who the performers were should have indicated to people like J.A. Collings that bringing their children may not be appropriate.
Furthermore, as a crowd member of the show, I can attest to the fact that security was quite stringent. In all three cases where certain ladies disrobed, security was present to prevent further action. One woman was even escorted out, though I do believe she was allowed to return. Moreover, I was fully frisked upon entering and security was quite vigilant in preventing revelers on the floor from getting out of hand and even taking pictures of the performer.
Next time people like J.A. Collings should stay away from such adult-oriented events and let those who do attend to enjoy themselves without risk of offending impressionable children.
Cheers,
Andrew Downs
Toronto, ON
Guns N' Roses Fan
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Wow, they went from too much security to a lack of it?
I was at the show, it was a Monday night and everyone waited almost two hours for GNR to come on after Bach. They needed to do something to get the crowd up and going. I was looking around when we were waiting and half the crowd was about asleep. Myself and about 4000 other guys in the audience enjoyed the babes they were showing on the big screen. Sure as hell got me hyped!!!
Yeah, what a load of bullshit. This person is offended by poor security; I'm offended by the poor parenting. This is a Guns N' Roses concert on a Sunday night; what the hell are they doing taking their young kids to this show in the first place. This isn't a Miley Cyrus show. Don't the kids have school the next day? Did you think Axl would be on stage by 9:00 and the show raps up by 11:00? Not all shows are built for all people. A Guns N' Roses concert really isn't for anyone younger than maybe 16 or so.
Furthermore, security was certainly not lacking that night. From the full pat-down to the killjoy security guards that continually threatened those jumping around having a good time, there was plenty of security to go around. Moreover, security did confront two of the three girls who were providing a show. At one point they were escorting one of them out during which they told another girl to put her shirt down.
Absolutely ridiculous. I think I'm going to write a response to the London Free Press questioning the parenting qualifications of such an idiot.
Cheers,
Andrew
My dad took me to my first GnR concert in 2002 when I was 10 in Boston lol, he knew what to expect, because he was a fan in the early 90's...but it really wasn't bad at all, he was more pissed about it not being the original GnR, as he was just a casual fan and was not aware of the changes lol
And then in 2006 in Worcester I was with my brother in law and it was fine, I mean at a rock concert, you gotta expect the blunts to be passed around etc etc..actually the Revolver concert I went to at the Avalon in Boston was much worse
You should write about that guy though, would be hilarious
Hey, sounds like you have a cool dad. I'm not riling against parents who know what to expect, I'm just annoyed that someone would bring their kids to a Guns N' Roses concert and then bitch 'cause shit goes down. It's sort of like letting your kid watch Robocop then complain about the excessive violence and the harm it has on your child. If you're fine with kids seeing a GNR show and all that it entails, great; to each their own. But if you expected a PG affair, I suppose you don't know what the 'Most Dangerous Band in the World' moniker really means.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Wow, they went from too much security to a lack of it?
I was at the show, it was a Monday night and everyone waited almost two hours for GNR to come on after Bach. They needed to do something to get the crowd up and going. I was looking around when we were waiting and half the crowd was about asleep. Myself and about 4000 other guys in the audience enjoyed the babes they were showing on the big screen. Sure as hell got me hyped!!!
Yeah, what a load of bullshit. This person is offended by poor security; I'm offended by the poor parenting. This is a Guns N' Roses concert on a Sunday night; what the hell are they doing taking their young kids to this show in the first place. This isn't a Miley Cyrus show. Don't the kids have school the next day? Did you think Axl would be on stage by 9:00 and the show raps up by 11:00? Not all shows are built for all people. A Guns N' Roses concert really isn't for anyone younger than maybe 16 or so.
Furthermore, security was certainly not lacking that night. From the full pat-down to the killjoy security guards that continually threatened those jumping around having a good time, there was plenty of security to go around. Moreover, security did confront two of the three girls who were providing a show. At one point they were escorting one of them out during which they told another girl to put her shirt down.
Absolutely ridiculous. I think I'm going to write a response to the London Free Press questioning the parenting qualifications of such an idiot.
Cheers,
Andrew
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I just sent you a PM about this but figured I'd give a shout-out here that I'm coming too.
Looking forward to tomorrow. It's been two days since I saw GNR in London and I'm already going through withdrawal. I need my fix!
Cheers,
Andrew
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Wondering if Axl is still in London?
I'd imagine that Axl, eventually, took his Magic Bus back to Toronto, after the London show.
The hotel he's staying at is pretty posh. Considering the fur coat he likes to wear, I'm kind of thinking he prefers staying at posh places, as opposed to gutter-type, crackville hotels.
Axl does get to lead a pretty fucking comfortable life by the looks of things.
Which hotel do you guys think Gn`R will stay in while in Toronto.
Judging from the video of Axl signing the guitar, the band is staying at the Intercontinental Hotel here in Toronto. Please don't stalk the band; it's sad and pathetic (not to suggest that you, BP, would do such a thing, I only say this so people who read this won't do it).
Cheers,
Andrew
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Paradise City, amazing, crowd looks awesome
Sorry but the ceowd looks like shit... don't these guys have blood in their veins... well,,,
Don't blame the crowd for this, blame security. Other than fist pumps or clapping, security wouldn't permit much. I was right up front and when the show started about seven or eight dudes started moshing and rocking out. The security quickly stepped in and told them they'd all get thrown out if they didn't stop. Then they started again, two dudes got into a real brawl, and security stepped in, threw the two fighters out, and warned everyone to cool it or they'd be next. I guess security forgot they were at a Guns N' Roses concert.
Cheers,
Andrew
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My review:
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. [EDIT: I now see that they were jamming on TNT, but the way it was just killed sounded awkward and like someone fucked up].
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.
I have pictures and will try to post them soon. I was able to take some video of Axl passing out shots so hopefully I'll be able to upload that soon.
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.
Can't wait!
Cheers,
Andrew
Rip-off GNR logo used on cover of new book titled "The last living Slut,Born in Iran,Bred backstage"
in 2010
Posted
It wasn't a gangbang with Avenged Sevenfold (it was Buckcherry and a few other bands); it wasn't M Shadows that pissed on her, it was the guitar player.
I actually just finished this book today; I came across it 'cause it's editor, Neil Strauss, wrote The Dirt and was promoting this.
What I do believe are a lot of the shit that happens, 'cause if it weren't true, it would be liable for slander. What I'm a little unsure of are the actual conversations.
There's one part of the book where Roxana claims Dizzy flips out when she mentions how she's fantasized about Axl. Something akin to how Axl has cost him a lot of money and that he's offended that she'd be into him. I don't doubt that Dizzy really fucked this girl around, but I've got to wonder if he'd speak disparagingly towards Axl with some random chick he just met. Roxana, though a slut, isn't stupid, and she knows that without Axl, Dizzy wouldn't be where he is otherwise.
I'm curious if any conversation of clarification was needed between Axl and Dizzy after this book published.
Cheers,
Andrew