Guns N' Roses to return to the road in 2025

[ZoSoRose]

10 minutes ago, Gordon Comstock said:

 

I'll always feel lucky to have seen an early 2010 show. Even the 2011-14 shows I attended were all great experiences, I saw Duff join them 5 years before NITL and saw the last shows with Izzy... 2016 was tons of fun and I'm not expecting that level of performance these days, but when I saw them last year his voice was failing him on songs that were easily replaceable.

It's not a matter of stylistic choices anymore, he shouldn't have been singing Reckless Life but attempted it anyway and his voice failed him before he was halfway through the song. It was embarrassing. In a stadium environment nobody would complain if that song were replaced by something easier like Black Leather. The excuse of he's in his 60's is a weak deflection from the point, he could absolutely restructure the set around a more natural voice.

Despite Ashba being a trash addition to the band, I also have very fond memories of that era. Loved the 2011 and 2012 show I saw, too

I saw them twice in 2023. Fenway was fantastic and Axl did a good job, all things considered. Hollywood Bowl was a lot rougher. It does also depend on when you catch him, too

[Gordon Comstock]

14 minutes ago, ZoSoRose said:

Despite Ashba being a trash addition to the band, I also have very fond memories of that era. Loved the 2011 and 2012 show I saw, too

I saw them twice in 2023. Fenway was fantastic and Axl did a good job, all things considered. Hollywood Bowl was a lot rougher. It does also depend on when you catch him, too

 

I still think Ashba was passable in early 2010... he was a downgrade from Robin but was far from the meme he'd become.

Vancouver was originally the last show, but they added half a dozen shows at some point during the tour last year. Axl was burnt out by the time I saw them but I guess they wanted to film some live footage for The General video and milk some easy markets (Seattle, Denver, LA)

[SilverMachine]

Growing rumours of them headlining Donnington next summer. If that's the case then it's likely another round of festivals and outdoor Euro outdoor shows and you'd then assume a US run from late summer onwards. 

They'll need some sort of new angle on things if that's the case.

Two years may seem like a long time away, but that won't be enough, I sense, to tempt enough people to fill the sort of venues they've been used to playing.

We've had the Appetitie and UYI anniversaries marked - it has to be a new album or bringing Izzy back into the fold for people to get interested again. Axl will have to do press again I reckon as well. 

[ZoSoRose]

For better or worse, they can easily do arenas in the USA without a gimmick (new album, set change, etc).

I think they may be done with solo stadiums, though, but who knows

[Free Bird]

1 minute ago, SilverMachine said:

Growing rumours of them headlining Donnington next summer. If that's the case then it's likely another round of festivals and outdoor Euro outdoor shows and you'd then assume a US run from late summer onwards. 

They'll need some sort of new angle on things if that's the case.

Two years may seem like a long time away, but that won't be enough, I sense, to tempt enough people to fill the sort of venues they've been used to playing.

We've had the Appetitie and UYI anniversaries marked - it has to be a new album or bringing Izzy back into the fold for people to get interested again. Axl will have to do press again I reckon as well. 

No, I don’t think so. The brand GNR pulls enough people without releasing anything from now on. Only Axl’s voice issues or  Slash leaving can change that. Izzy is a ghost to most out there. Only a minority would buy tickets to see Izzy, the rest either doesn’t care or doesn’t know him. 
 

A release is great for us die hards but for the general public, especially for the run-of-the-mill festival attendees, it doesn’t matter at all.

[CAFC Nick]

26 minutes ago, SilverMachine said:

Growing rumours of them headlining Donnington next summer. If that's the case then it's likely another round of festivals and outdoor Euro outdoor shows and you'd then assume a US run from late summer onwards. 

They'll need some sort of new angle on things if that's the case.

Two years may seem like a long time away, but that won't be enough, I sense, to tempt enough people to fill the sort of venues they've been used to playing.

We've had the Appetitie and UYI anniversaries marked - it has to be a new album or bringing Izzy back into the fold for people to get interested again. Axl will have to do press again I reckon as well. 

What’s your source for Download?

[Sweersa]

13 hours ago, Gordon Comstock said:

I still think Ashba was passable in early 2010... he was a downgrade from Robin but was far from the meme he'd become.

Vancouver was originally the last show, but they added half a dozen shows at some point during the tour last year. Axl was burnt out by the time I saw them but I guess they wanted to film some live footage for The General video and milk some easy markets (Seattle, Denver, LA)

DJ gets more hate today than I recall from when he was in the band. I enjoyed his playing, and saw him with Guns twice (2011 and 2012) and I enjoyed those shows. He played the This I Love solo very well too, he respected those songs with his playing. I liked his work on the first two Sixx:A.M. albums too. We also know he submitted songs to Axl, so he was trying to actively be involved with the band at the time. He seemed cool with the fans too. I know he's no Robin, but he put in several years with GN'R and also knew when it was time to step away. I respect him for that. 

[JimiRose]

1 hour ago, SilverMachine said:

Growing rumours of them headlining Donnington next summer. If that's the case then it's likely another round of festivals and outdoor Euro outdoor shows and you'd then assume a US run from late summer onwards. 

They'll need some sort of new angle on things if that's the case.

Two years may seem like a long time away, but that won't be enough, I sense, to tempt enough people to fill the sort of venues they've been used to playing.

We've had the Appetitie and UYI anniversaries marked - it has to be a new album or bringing Izzy back into the fold for people to get interested again. Axl will have to do press again I reckon as well. 

where have you seen these rumours? its green day sleep token and either korn or muse we have been reliably informed. All major european festivals are already announced and GnR arent there, so it would be weird they just did download. Plus the cost of festivals now, GnR would have to take a massive paycut. can't see it, but if you have a source?

[JimiRose]

40 minutes ago, Sweersa said:

DJ gets more hate today than I recall from when he was in the band. I enjoyed his playing, and saw him with Guns twice (2011 and 2012) and I enjoyed those shows. He played the This I Love solo very well too, he respected those songs with his playing. I liked his work on the first two Sixx:A.M. albums too. We also know he submitted songs to Axl, so he was trying to actively be involved with the band at the time. He seemed cool with the fans too. I know he's no Robin, but he put in several years with GN'R and also knew when it was time to step away. I respect him for that. 

The 2009-2012 DJ Ashba was really involved and cool and by far the most popular nugnr member with the average person. but he definitely checked out when he realised axl was never doing his songs and he was just a touring member. I don't care if he got drunk and played shit, it's a rock show, listen to the record if you want perfection, but he definitely just became a brand. would take cash from any sponsor, sold his soul when he realised nuguns was just a joke (which they became after RIR2011)

[Sweersa]

1 hour ago, JimiRose said:

The 2009-2012 DJ Ashba was really involved and cool and by far the most popular nugnr member with the average person. but he definitely checked out when he realised axl was never doing his songs and he was just a touring member. I don't care if he got drunk and played shit, it's a rock show, listen to the record if you want perfection, but he definitely just became a brand. would take cash from any sponsor, sold his soul when he realised nuguns was just a joke (which they became after RIR2011)

Bumblefoot seemed to have the same position, as far as being frustrated they really were not a "band" in a traditional sense, and like now, even then they were tinkering with CD2 songs that Bumblefoot and DJ Ashba would play over, if anything. (Though DJ Ashba didn't get that far)

[JimiRose]

2 minutes ago, Sweersa said:

Bumblefoot seemed to have the same position, as far as being frustrated they really were not a "band" in a traditional sense, and like now, even then they were tinkering with CD2 songs that Bumblefoot and DJ Ashba would play over, if anything. (Though DJ Ashba didn't get that far)

Bumblefoot probably thought they were a real band initially, joins, straight on tour, then into the studio, actually gets on the album which is then actually released and then another big tour. then RIR 2011 hits and the realisation over the next 3 years it aint what he thought it was (or what it could be) but those 2006 2010 and 2012 live shows will always be some of my best memories

[Spoon87]

Rock am Ring is still missing two headliners as far as I know. I'm not knowing or hearing anything, just throwing this out there. If I'm wrong, please correct me, not trying to get anyones' hopes up. 

[Sweersa]

1 hour ago, JimiRose said:

Bumblefoot probably thought they were a real band initially, joins, straight on tour, then into the studio, actually gets on the album which is then actually released and then another big tour. then RIR 2011 hits and the realisation over the next 3 years it aint what he thought it was (or what it could be) but those 2006 2010 and 2012 live shows will always be some of my best memories

I wish I saw Guns in 2006. I seriously got into rock a few years prior to that, seeing my first concert, Cheap Trick and Def Leppard in 2006.

My first time seeing GN'R was in Chicago, 2011. Great show. 2012 in Detroit a few months later, similar show, but with Estranged and the venue was much smaller and I prefer that for a more intimate experience. 

[ChristmasFnatic]

So what are the rumors? Just festivals or a full tour in Europe?

[allwaystired]

2 hours ago, JimiRose said:

where have you seen these rumours? its green day sleep token and either korn or muse we have been reliably informed. All major european festivals are already announced and GnR arent there, so it would be weird they just did download. Plus the cost of festivals now, GnR would have to take a massive paycut. can't see it, but if you have a source?

No source I imagine. Same old. 

Download lineup is out in just under 2 hours, so we can put it to bed one way or the other. 

[dontdamnmeuyi2015]

I hope GNR comes back to Dallas TX. My mom wants to see them one last time. 

[GnR Chris]

I wonder if they will try a small residency at The Globe in Vegas. I'd definitely fly out for that.

If they do a regular tour, I'm hoping nothing bigger than an arena run. I don't like ballparks or stadiums as music venues. Heck, I don't like arenas either. lol

[rocknroll41]

2 hours ago, allwaystired said:

No source I imagine. Same old. 

Download lineup is out in just under 2 hours, so we can put it to bed one way or the other. 

Lineup is out. No GnR.

[allwaystired]

15 minutes ago, rocknroll41 said:

Lineup is out. No GnR.

Yep! No surprises there. 

I'd be interested to know if they're touring themselves about for festivals next year or not. There might well be a discrepancy between what festivals can afford/are willing to pay and what GNR think they should be paid. 

I have absolutely no idea really if they'd still be a draw for a festival now. 

[KeyserSoze]

On 11/11/2024 at 3:17 PM, Spoon87 said:

Plans changed.

This is true based on the rumors i've heard in the industry. 

 

 

 

4 hours ago, GnR Chris said:

I wonder if they will try a small residency at The Globe in Vegas. I'd definitely fly out for that.

Apparently there were some pretty strong talks that happened at some point this year for GNR to do the Sphere next year in 2025, which is probably what Slash was referring to when he originally said a "small tour" for next year all those months ago in March or April. 

Apparently talks have stalled and possibly even faded out now that Duff and Slash are doing their solo stuff, but LiveNation wants GNR for a whole month, with an option for more shows (like every other band has done...) That much is certain. 100%. 

The variation on that rumor from other fans I've spoken to is that it would have been centered around "40 F'N YEARS!" (not even joking...) and these would potentially be the only shows of the year, unless they did something special like the Troub show in 2016.

Source: I work for LiveNation. 

Other than that particular rumor, I haven't heard anything in regards to a full fledged UK or US tour. 

 

 

 

9 hours ago, Free Bird said:

No, I don’t think so. The brand GNR pulls enough people without releasing anything from now on. Only Axl’s voice issues or  Slash leaving can change that. Izzy is a ghost to most out there. Only a minority would buy tickets to see Izzy, the rest either doesn’t care or doesn’t know him. 

 

I've gone back and forth with people in this thread a few months ago already, but I think some of you still vastly underestimate how the world of live music and ticketing has gone since people last bought tickets for a GNR show almost a year and a half ago.

Shows are not selling, no matter who you are or what your legacy is. Artists are having to cancel tours or shows, or having to downsize to smaller venues completely. Yes, the music industry does change that quickly in the world of streaming. In a world of turmoil. 

If GNR were to attempt a 30-40 date tour of the US in 2025, and ONLY do it based on 40 years of GNR or their "brand" or whatever you call it, I think they'd run into more problems then not. How seldom we forget how many discounts needed to be applied to tickets that WEREN'T sold on the 2023 tour. I'd have LOVED to have been in the room when the numbers were crunched to see how much money the promoter/band LOST on some of those dates. 

They don't necessarily HAVE to release a new album, but if you're doing special shows in ONE place (i.e. The Sphere....) in ONE city, in ONE venue, celebrating an anniversary, would it not make sense to market it with the original members for that extra oomph? To KNOW these shows are special and not just some more low hanging fruit in a gimmick venue? 

Izzy may be a ghost, but you can't deny he would push a LOT of people from Europe, South America, and honestly the rest of the world to fly their ass to Las Vegas and buy a ticket, probably for MULTIPLE shows. The perfect scenario for band, promoter, AND venue. 

I think this is why the negotiations have stalled in my opinion. Someone brought this EXACT point up to somebody, somewhere. And now were gridlocked. 

U2 were paid $10 million up front to do it, as well as $4 million per show for 40 shows. Even if they don't do anything with the AFD 5, they could play these shows then ride off into the sunset after and never have to do anything again. 

Not like they're doing anything else together anyway... 

Just my 2 cents from someone who deals with touring bands pretty much everyday  

[Coma16]

People are voting with their wallet (or lack thereof) is a main contributor to shows not selling. Lower bowl was $80-$100 a few years ago and now it's pushing $300 for many artists. Who wants to pay $120 for nose bleeds?

[KeyserSoze]

1 hour ago, Coma16 said:

People are voting with their wallet (or lack thereof) is a main contributor to shows not selling. Lower bowl was $80-$100 a few years ago and now it's pushing $300 for many artists. Who wants to pay $120 for nose bleeds?

Yep.

This was the point i was making 5 or 6 months ago around here, but was told by some around here that GNR will rest on their laurels and keep butts in seats because they're "GNR" and we'll see uncle Axl and the gang back on the road in 2025. 

Now it's November and there isn't even a tangible rumor other than the Sphere which may or may not happen. 

GNR could announce dates for next year tomorrow and would people bite? I don't think many people would WANT to. The hypothetical ticket prices would just be way too expensive. And with the knowledge, especially around here, that you can get cheap tickets the night before the gig: why would you not wait until the night before the gig? If everyone then gets smart and just waits until the night before the gig and the bare minimum amount of tickets are sold, does the gig happen? Probably not. Follow the dilemma here? 

The rise of "premium seating" and other Live Nation/Ticketmaster work arounds has also killed motivation to buy. The ticket that should be $150 is now $300 all of a sudden because Ticketmaster deemed this event "popular" when it truly may or may not be. 

If GNR couldn't have sellouts in arenas in 2023 and had to discount tickets just to get butts in seats, what truly makes people around here think a casual person who is choosing to be conservative with how they spend their money on concerts will somehow pay $150+ to see Axl for a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th time in the same venue they saw them in 2017 or 2018? 

All of the people who were excited for GNR in 2016 are the same people who were excited for Creed in 2024. So they chose to give their money to Creed, and this will continue to happen with every artist and band that reunites and gets back together. People who spent money on Oasis and now My Chemical Romance tickets are the same demographic that a band like GNR would hope to be cutting into.... 

Even Slash had a hard time selling his shows this past summer, and they were in small to medium sized venues. 

The math doesn't math right now. And thats the reason it's silent and will probably continue to be until after Slash is done promoting and touring his next SMKC album, sometime in late 2025. 

Axl will be 63. Duff will be 61. Slash will hit 60. 

How much time do we have left? 

Edited November 13 by KeyserSoze

[Tom2112]

12 hours ago, SilverMachine said:

Growing rumours of them headlining Donnington next summer. If that's the case then it's likely another round of festivals and outdoor Euro outdoor shows and you'd then assume a US run from late summer onwards. 

They'll need some sort of new angle on things if that's the case.

Two years may seem like a long time away, but that won't be enough, I sense, to tempt enough people to fill the sort of venues they've been used to playing.

We've had the Appetitie and UYI anniversaries marked - it has to be a new album or bringing Izzy back into the fold for people to get interested again. Axl will have to do press again I reckon as well. 

Well you look at journey and these other bands and they repackage their stadium tour every year, the tour never ends and they continue to do decent business. Yes, they put out new music occasionally, but for the most part it goes unnoticed and gets ignored in their setlist. Point being Gnr being away for a minute probably is enough to get people to part with their cash. I guarantee there's a large percentage of people here that will attend at least 1 show, some will do multiple shows and we are clued in on where Axls voice is and how changed/unchanged the setlist/show might be. The average person doesn't care and will still go to the show.

[KeyserSoze]

4 minutes ago, Tom2112 said:

Well you look at journey and these other bands and they repackage their stadium tour every year, the tour never ends and they continue to do decent business. Yes, they put out new music occasionally, but for the most part it goes unnoticed and gets ignored in their setlist. Point being Gnr being away for a minute probably is enough to get people to part with their cash. I guarantee there's a large percentage of people here that will attend at least 1 show, some will do multiple shows and we are clued in on where Axls voice is and how changed/unchanged the setlist/show might be. The average person doesn't care and will still go to the show.

Everything you said is pretty much true, except that last part that I just highlighted. 

Journey has had to resort to a 3 band triple-co-headline bill of Def Leppard and Cheap Trick to remain relevant in 2024. GNR would never agree to something like that. I also remember a few years ago Journey was having to close some parts of venues off after they didn't sell enough tickets. Neil Schon has always been about making money, so it doesn't surprise me they will take a gig anywhere, even state fairs. 

Journey has also put out 2 albums, 1 live album, and a repackaged greatest hits since Chinese Democracy came out. So even if people are just going to see them for the hits, they've still given back to the die hard fans, no matter how much money they've taken from them..... 

Anyway, onto that last line that I highlighted. 

I seriously don't think this is the case anymore. Maybe in Europe. Maybe in South American. But industry trends in inflation riddled America are showing people are choosing not to buy concert tickets as frequently as they used to. 

Try to think like a "non-fan" right now. Whats the incentive to see Axl Rose and co right now if im not a diehard? Especially if I saw them from 2016-2023? Let me know when you have an answer, because I work in this industry AND this is my favorite band and I can't find one. 

GNR can be away for a "minute", but the longer they take, the older they will be. And the older they are, it's more than likely we're headed the way of the band having their final shows sooner rather than later. 

[rocknroll41]

Apparently the band might still tour in 2025, just not in the US. At least that’s what someone on discord who claims to have spoken to Vanessa recently is saying.