koldweather

I think what made it special was everyone came together, it didn't matter what version of the band you liked more, everyone just took it for what it was, on the one end an epic show that we could all watch, but also a moment between two people that very few EVER thought would happen again.

The fact that everyone in the band stepped up (especially Slash and Axl) also helped to make this these concerts legendary. If Axl went through the motions it may have sullied it just a little, but whether or not he had too much "mickey" or whatever, few can deny that he wasn't doing his best.

So well done to everyone, the band and the forum members who made that crazy early start on Saturday (4.30am) worth it!

9 minutes ago, FabioRoses said:

I'm worried about the gap between the last April's show and the beggining of the stadium tour. Axl's had his best first show since 2009. I hope he keeps rehearsing to keep it up, because his voice sounds very good.

To be fair he nailed the Canada shows, and I think Axl knows how important to keep trim and his voice relatively on point. It may not be quite as raspy again but its clear he is putting in effort so I think that won't make much of a difference.

Ax; has got that same spark back that he had at that 02 show with Duff for the first time.

I suppose the pressure is reduced on Axl now Slash and Duff are around to take some of the slack.

Either way Axl seems to be aware of how important these shows are and has gone for it...of course the real biggie is next weekend, if he does this sort of performance at Coachella then those tickets on the stadium tour are gonna sell out in no time at all. As it is though these shows have probably moved alot of those that were 50-50 onto the side of going.

Well done Axl, just shows what abit of effort can do!

ps, he also really does just look like an older Axl, for perhaps the first time in a very long time.

The biggest difference Ive noticed is the show feels so fluid. It always felt so stop-start during nu guns so shows never built up a head of steam, but the last few shows have felt almost non stop.

21 minutes ago, TheDemocracyRose said:

Any knockin videos from the second show...?

Check out Fedes stream, Knocking sounds rad, it is in my opinion totally rejuvenated, with full rasp Axl on 2nd chotus. Best since early 2006 shows.

If he can pull it off on a pro shot show like last two shows, the world will sit up and pay attention to Guns again, they are on the edge of taking over the world again.

Just hope they dont implode this time round!

Ah he did Knocking like he sang it at the soundcheck yesterday!

Its amazing how he is now pushing himself, in 11-14 the rasp was there but he always held it back (only rarely did he really let it rip) but the last couple of shows its just been 100% of what he can give at the time.

Oh wow My Michelle!!

That was an outstanding performance, they both basically went back to the early 90s for that performance! Never thought I'd hear Axl nail that song like that again to be really honest.

3 minutes ago, jmapelian said:

I noticed this last night watching the 1st Vegas show that by around the 4th-5th song before Paradise City his voice seemed to come all the way back and he didn't have the high pithciness that he's had.  I'm glad to see your comment on this before watching anything from last night's show to see formyself.

Yeah, by KOHD he was back to full on.

I think Coma probably did a number on him yesterday, that he was trying to conserve himself before Coma to ensure he could get through it.

Those screams on LALD, they remind me of those monster 02 screams he did, those were one of the few good things about that tour!

That was amazing!!

He is probably on drugs to reduce pain I'd imagine from his messed up foot.

Just listening to the stream, heard the intro to Jungle on another video...my word that was something else.

The band sounds so tight and good, so far upto Estranged, and thus far no one has put a step wrong at all!

Nightrain was similar to Bucharest 2010...never thought a show would approach those moments. Looking forward to watching the rest on the stream. Sounds like a great show from all.

I suspect we may get something like TWAT instead of Coma, or something along those lines as an alternative.

Suspect Don't Cry may get a run out tonight as well.

4 minutes ago, Keva161 said:

Does anyone else think they seemed to rush through the songs? Welcome To The Jungle for example, seemed quite quick in particular.

Yeah, especially the first 4-5 songs did seem to be going at a decent pace, but nothing wrong with that given the energy of the performance!

12 minutes ago, Philipm787 said:

Is anybody else overwhelmed? Just wholly and truly overwhelmed? I watched the whole thing live on periscope, and it is the single greatest thing I've ever seen in my entire life. Sure Axls voice wasn't perfect, but it's not about that anymore. This is something more. This is two of the greatest rock n roll musicans ever playing together again, and consequently making the world and peoples lives infinitely better. I got very emotional during estranged and NR, I was just overcome with joy. I cannot watch any of the videos, especially the close ups, without a massive smile coming on my face. Life is good. Long live Guns N' Fucking Roses.

Agreed.

I think the big thing is this isn't just about Axl anymore. Previously in Nu guns it was ALL about him, so if he had a bad night, it really reflected. Now even if Axl does have shakey moments (there were still a few to be fair in this show) you have Slash and Duff both playing their paet and taking the pressure off Axl.

Frank and Fortus both rose to the occasion as well to be fair to them.

Yeah he really has lost some much of that extra bloated weight that he was carrying on his face in particular, its amazing how much like the old Axl he now looks, the lack of facial hair and loss of weight has done wonders!

Lets compare the WTTJ from the 3rd show of the SA leg 2014 tour and the show last night:

How some people can't tell there has been an improvement from then is beyond me....

Exactly Wagszilla.

To be honest I was worried that he was going to come out sounding like SA shows from 2014, they were BAD vocally. But he has come out sounding at least as good as the best Vegas show, so he at least hasn't gone backwards. Its a good base to start from.

For those wanting 2010 vocals, take a look at Taiwan 2009 and Seoul, both had great moments but there was some really poor periods in both shows, so still too early to really judge the longer term ramifications of his vocals.

For now, its a positive start and if it stays this way, I'll take it. I know some won't...but tough....

Lol let the nonsense begin....

I think truth is he was in places borderline exceptional, in other places he was a little rough and a touch undercooked.

It was NOT a disaster though, the Bridge show, THAT was a disaster, this was a perfectly serviceable concert in the grand scheme of things, and compared to his average performance from 2011-2014 ranking right up there with the best, and as sad as this may be, for now THAT is what we must compare to, not the amazing 2010 or chainsaw voice of 91-92.

It wouldn't take much for him to find that 06 voice again based on what I've seen, but with the depth of the 2010 voice (in terms of those big notes).

Just now, KiernanProud said:

Has anyone discussed how Axl inexplicably skipped the second verse of brownstone? Only negative of the show from me lol. Otherwise, best show I've ever seen. 

He also seems to make a mess of at least one song when he introduces a new song to the setlist. He did it at Rio (Estranged) happened at 1st London show 2012 during Civil war (several songs) and also tonight with Coma and Brownstone. Obviously just is thinking ahead too much.

PS, what a tasty Paradise City...raspy enough for ya?

I know Jungle is often performed well by Axl, even in recent years...but this is really outstanding, Axl just goes for it with rasp right from the off. Love the way he is shuffling around in his seat as well!

Coma vocally was very impressive, he did tire at the end of it but its a toughie to do, I mean I didn't think he'd be able to pull it off in 2016 like he did tonight, but he had that big rasp come through at times.

Seems Better is getting mixed reviews on here regarding its new form. Its certainly very different. I personally quite enjoyed the intro but its a different intro thats for sure!

Knocking on Heavens door and Nightrain, Axl sounds pretty good on both of these tracks IMO, a nice balance between full blown rasp and clean, with a heavier leaning towards rasp.

Edit - In fact it is mainly rasp in this video, go on people, moan about Axl's voice in this clip, I dare you!!

I have to say I enjoyed Heavens as well, I know some people don't like it and maybe it is overly long but Axl mixed it up at least vocally compared to the versions from 12-14, which I've gotta say were pretty boring all round.