Guns N' Roses to return to the road in 2025

[Tom2112]

1 hour ago, KeyserSoze said:

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. 

I agree that America is a different beast, and it has been that way for years. Obviously GNR enjoyed huge success and made a lot of money since 2016 in the US, but everybody with any understanding of touring and exposure knew that continuing to tour repeatedly would eventually slow down sales and or mean that the band is moved out of stadiums in markets and back to arenas. The only meaningful difference between Journey and GNR is not their recent output, it is that GNR are somehow a much larger act that can pull more of a crowd on their own steam without doing the co-headline thing. Now, that is true as of today... will they do that in the future? I don't think so, I think they enjoy basking in the credit for sales and wouldn't want to share with another act. They absolutely need to step up who supports them though. 

Reason to see GNR in 2025 if you've already seen them? As it is, there isn't one for me... not ruling it out, but also the last time I saw them, Axl was still capable of singing most of the set, I don't really feel like seeing them if they aren't going to be as good or better than that last show. Reason to go - you haven't seen them before, or you have seen them and just want to see them  again because bands are retiring and want to enjoy what's left.

Edited November 13, 2024 by Tom2112

[allwaystired]

2 hours ago, Tom2112 said:

I agree that America is a different beast, and it has been that way for years. Obviously GNR enjoyed huge success and made a lot of money since 2016 in the US, but everybody with any understanding of touring and exposure knew that continuing to tour repeatedly would eventually slow down sales and or mean that the band is moved out of stadiums in markets and back to arenas. The only meaningful difference between Journey and GNR is not their recent output, it is that GNR are somehow a much larger act that can pull more of a crowd on their own steam without doing the co-headline thing. Now, that is true as of today... will they do that in the future? I don't think so, I think they enjoy basking in the credit for sales and wouldn't want to share with another act. They absolutely need to step up who supports them though. 

Reason to see GNR in 2025 if you've already seen them? As it is, there isn't one for me... not ruling it out, but also the last time I saw them, Axl was still capable of singing most of the set, I don't really feel like seeing them if they aren't going to be as good or better than that last show. Reason to go - you haven't seen them before, or you have seen them and just want to see them  again because bands are retiring and want to enjoy what's left.

Agree fully. 

I think you also have to throw in that people are, at this moment on time, largely VERY conservative in what they want to see. They don't want new, or different, they want familiarity, predictability and safe. GNR are providing all those, to a market of people desperate to pretend it's the past. 

Ths issue is that when too many acts are doing the rounds at the same time, providing the same, the attention is split. 

They have had a REALLY good run at it, far longer than many thought likely really, as the market (and general music trend for looking backwards) has been kind to them. 

And yeah....there isn't a massive draw for me either now. Something new, a very different setlist (though given their incredibly slim back catalogue I'm not even sure that is very possible) would maybe make me go. We're not really the audience anymore though. 

 

[Free Bird]

6 hours ago, KeyserSoze said:

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

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

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  

You might have a point with selling out stadiums but it’s a general problem and not a new one. But when GNR played shows in Europe the last time they still played stadiums m, didn’t they? I still can’t see Izzy being the reason they’d sell out stadiums shows again. Now if you play limited shows in small venues like casinos in Vegas or you’d announce a one off show and promote it in the right way, then I’ll admit you’d draw a lot of crazy fans around the world. But I don’t think Izzy will affect ticket sales for a whole tour

[jamillos]

57 minutes ago, Free Bird said:

You might have a point with selling out stadiums but it’s a general problem and not a new one. But when GNR played shows in Europe the last time they still played stadiums m, didn’t they? I still can’t see Izzy being the reason they’d sell out stadiums shows again. Now if you play limited shows in small venues like casinos in Vegas or you’d announce a one off show and promote it in the right way, then I’ll admit you’d draw a lot of crazy fans around the world. But I don’t think Izzy will affect ticket sales for a whole tour

People were hungry after the Covid break. Plus some countries don’t see the band that often. They were here in CZ in 2022 and only once before that, in 2017, which was the first reunion gig. But if they played here every 1-2 years like in the US or the bigger EU cities, the attendance would attenuate IMO. Especially if there’s nothing new and Axl can barely sing sometimes (not to mention the prices and the incredible inflation). 
I’d say the first 2025 gigs will set up the bar quite clearly, and the selling numbers will go from there. Maybe it’ll help them realize it’s finally about fucking time to come up with something new. 

[Free Bird]

43 minutes ago, jamillos said:

People were hungry after the Covid break. Plus some countries don’t see the band that often. They were here in CZ in 2022 and only once before that, in 2017, which was the first reunion gig. But if they played here every 1-2 years like in the US or the bigger EU cities, the attendance would attenuate IMO. Especially if there’s nothing new and Axl can barely sing sometimes (not to mention the prices and the incredible inflation). 
I’d say the first 2025 gigs will set up the bar quite clearly, and the selling numbers will go from there. Maybe it’ll help them realize it’s finally about fucking time to come up with something new. 

I don’t disagree. I disagree that Izzy could be the main factor for ticket sales. And I also doubt that releasing CD era singles would help either. The only thing that could help them sell tickets would be  coming up with a successful record like Sabbath’s 13 or the last Stones record (I personally didn’t like it that much and I thought the Black Crowes record was the better Stones album, but it had a hit and was a success). Other than that they have to deal with the market issues

[jamillos]

37 minutes ago, Free Bird said:

I don’t disagree. I disagree that Izzy could be the main factor for ticket sales. And I also doubt that releasing CD era singles would help either. The only thing that could help them sell tickets would be  coming up with a successful record like Sabbath’s 13 or the last Stones record (I personally didn’t like it that much and I thought the Black Crowes record was the better Stones album, but it had a hit and was a success). Other than that they have to deal with the market issues

Oh yeah, it’s too late for an Izzy/Appetite schtick. If they do that, I’d basically expect it to be the last chapter. Plus Izzy probably wouldn’t play the CD stuff, so they’d have to resort to just the old hits (unless they’d be able to whip up a bunch of new songs quickly, which I doubt). Nah, I don’t see Izzy being a part of this behemoth in the long run anymore. 
And yeah, the CD singles are just for us nutters. And in any case, releasing one per a year isn’t enough to justify yet another NITL leg, which is what I suspect is gonna happen soon nonetheless. 

Edited November 13, 2024 by jamillos

[kiwiguns]

1 hour ago, jamillos said:

Oh yeah, it’s too late for an Izzy/Appetite schtick. If they do that, I’d basically expect it to be the last chapter. Plus Izzy probably wouldn’t play the CD stuff, so they’d have to resort to just the old hits (unless they’d be able to whip up a bunch of new songs quickly, which I doubt). Nah, I don’t see Izzy being a part of this behemoth in the long run anymore. 
And yeah, the CD singles are just for us nutters. And in any case, releasing one per a year isn’t enough to justify yet another NITL leg, which is what I suspect is gonna happen soon nonetheless. 

Of course they will tour and yes touring is justified. People don't buy records anymore, they buy tickets to see an artist play live and that's how the artist makes their money. All artists tour the world more and often these days album or no album. 

In New Zealand we have just had Pearl Jam play two shows at the same venue and Coldplay are doing a run of three shows over three nights at the same venue.

The music industry has changed so much, that 10 years ago, bands doing more then one show in New Zealand was unheard of, as it was ever only one show and then off to Australia or Japan for the next leg of the tour. 

Eden Park is a rugby stadium with All Black rugby games selling out at a capacity of 50,000.

Eden Park is seeking consent from the local council to increase the number of concerts the venue can have per year. 

Coldplay have sold out each night at Eden Park at 60,000 per night.

Eden Park have realised there is money to be made in hosting concerts, more so than All Black rugby tests against England or South Africa. 

That's why Guns N Roses will tour as long as they like, as the money is in touring the world and playing live.. 

 

Edited November 13, 2024 by kiwiguns

[jamillos]

12 minutes ago, kiwiguns said:

Of course they will tour and yes touring is justified. People don't buy records anymore, they buy tickets to see an artist play live and that's how the artist makes their money. All artists tour the world more and often these days album or no album. 

In New Zealand we have just had Pearl Jam play two shows at the same venue and Coldplay are doing a run of three shows over three nights at the same venue.

The music industry has changed so much, that 10 years ago, bands doing more then one show in New Zealand was unheard of, as it was ever only one show and then off to Australia or Japan for the next leg of the tour. 

In fact Eden Park is a rugby stadium with All Black rugby games selling out at a capacity of 50,000.

Eden Park is seeking consent from the local council to increase the number of concerts the venue can have per year. 

Cold Play have sold out each night at Eden Park at 60,000 per night.

Eden Park have realised these money to be made in hosting concerts, more so than All Black rugby tests against England or South Africa. 

That's why Guns N Roses will tour as long as they like, as the money is in touring the world and playing live.. 

 

No shit, Mycroft. However, I was talking more about touring new stuff, having actual "all new shows" etc., you know? The bands you’re mentioning release a new album every 3 years or so...

[Lio]

2 hours ago, jamillos said:

No shit, Mycroft. However, I was talking more about touring new stuff, having actual "all new shows" etc., you know? The bands you’re mentioning release a new album every 3 years or so...

Yeah, both PJ and Coldplay have released an album this year, they're touring the new album. Every week albums are released, we don't have to pretend no one releases albums anymore. Even if people don't buy albums anymore, they still listen to them on Spotify. Plus I think most musicians got into this business to make music in the first place.

I saw Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Gray (with my teenage daughter) and Duff in 2024, all touring their new album.

It's still as simple as it's been for decades: Axl doesn't want to release anything. All other excuses are empty. Yes, the money is in touring, but it'd be nice if they didn't ONLY do it for the money.

Still, I'd like to go of course, if they come anywhere near me. But while concerts and festivals are being announced left and right, and it's time to start planning my summer holiday, they better get a move on now.

[Sweersa]

Didn't the NITL tour (by name) end in 2020? I believe the 2021 tour was the "We're f'n' back" or whatever. Not sure about the 2023 tour. I missed that one because they didn't come to MI  

[jamillos]

3 minutes ago, Sweersa said:

Didn't the NITL tour (by name) end in 2020? I believe the 2021 tour was the "We're f'n' back" or whatever. Not sure about the 2023 tour. I missed that one because they didn't come to MI  

Sure, but it was pretty much the same thing, just with a different name, some deep cuts, and a few new/old demos... but that doesn't fool me - essentially still the same tour. And that won't change until a new record is out and the playlist changes drastically, whether over night or gradually. 

[Sweersa]

9 minutes ago, jamillos said:

Sure, but it was pretty much the same thing, just with a different name, some deep cuts, and a few new/old demos... but that doesn't fool me - essentially still the same tour. And that won't change until a new record is out and the playlist changes drastically, whether over night or gradually. 

I agree. After the 2008 album came out, the 2009 shows were significantly different with an abundance of that material. I'd hope for the same after they drop CD2 or whatever in 2027. 

[Tom2112]

6 hours ago, Free Bird said:

You might have a point with selling out stadiums but it’s a general problem and not a new one. But when GNR played shows in Europe the last time they still played stadiums m, didn’t they? I still can’t see Izzy being the reason they’d sell out stadiums shows again. Now if you play limited shows in small venues like casinos in Vegas or you’d announce a one off show and promote it in the right way, then I’ll admit you’d draw a lot of crazy fans around the world. But I don’t think Izzy will affect ticket sales for a whole tour

Izzy would have basically no impact on ticket sales. For anybody that might care, they'd probably say "cool but Axl can't sing" and the rest probably don't realise Izzy isn't there. I love his contributions to gnr but he is bot a needle mover for live shows. Now if Izzy came back to the band and they returned to the studio? That's going to get some media attention for nostalgia... but again I don't think it'd have any great impact in ticket sales. Would be great to see him back at some eveb point if only temporarily like Steven

[Coma16]

37 minutes ago, jamillos said:

Sure, but it was pretty much the same thing, just with a different name, some deep cuts, and a few new/old demos... but that doesn't fool me - essentially still the same tour. And that won't change until a new record is out and the playlist changes drastically, whether over night or gradually. 

The Toronto 2017 shows were very different from the 2023 show. But I get your point.

[allwaystired]

The setlist thing is a weird one- there isn't that much they can do to shake it up really that they haven't done. Without new stuff I'd say it has varied as much as it can. They just don't have that depth of material other bands of their age has to draw from. 

It's actually been more varied than we give it credit for sometimes, but because the set follows the same structure (i.e. big songs in a familiar order) it feels it. Sure, they could move things around, but that's about it. 

[AxlRoseCDII]

If GNR won’t tour because they’re not making significant money anymore, we may never see them again in all honesty.

[Spoon87]

Be realistic, guys. Like someone said before, they'd (finally) have to release that big quality "they're fucking back" album that everybody and their mother (and preferably the critics too) raves about, like that last Stones record for example (which also means they'd have to to these Fallon / Kimmel / whatever special marketing appearances) to really build a hype for a new tour. 

This, or that Vegas thing for a few weeks, moneywise.

Sure, in our little semi-autistic world here, Izzy or Steven (or Bucket ) are familiar names we'd like to see but to the general public? Hahaha, yeah right. 

 

 

[allwaystired]

17 minutes ago, AxlRoseCDII said:

If GNR won’t tour because they’re not making significant money anymore, we may never see them again in all honesty.

Ah they'll still make significant money, one way or the other. Vegas residency, call it "up close and personal" or something along those lines and charge a shit load for tickets. Certain types of people will pay it. 

I see your point though- unless there's significant money going on, I can't see us seeing much more of GNR. 

[Sweersa]

2 minutes ago, Spoon87 said:

Be realistic, guys. Like someone said before, they'd (finally) have to release that big quality "they're fucking back" album that everybody and their mother (and preferably the critics too) raves about, like that last Stones record for example (which also means they'd have to to these Fallon / Kimmel / whatever special marketing appearances) to really build a hype for a new tour. 

This, or that Vegas thing for a few weeks, moneywise.

Sure, in our little semi-autistic world here, Izzy or Steven (or Bucket ) are familiar names we'd like to see but to the general public? Hahaha, yeah right. 

 

 

Oh yes, this lineup with Bucket and Brain added would be amazing.

[DannyVinyard]

1 hour ago, AxlRoseCDII said:

If GNR won’t tour because they’re not making significant money anymore, we may never see them again in all honesty.

I wouldn't pay $5 to see any of these reunion cash grab shows. Have not seen a show since 2006, when Axl was still amazing.

[Uncle Bob]

1 hour ago, AxlRoseCDII said:

If GNR won’t tour because they’re not making significant money anymore, we may never see them again in all honesty.

I hope so

[Tom2112]

1 hour ago, AxlRoseCDII said:

If GNR won’t tour because they’re not making significant money anymore, we may never see them again in all honesty.

I don't think they are touring the way they tour just for money though. They could all cut way back at this point and be more than comfortable,  we're assuming that music is the o ly thing that brings them money... these giys probably have investments in a lot of areas at this point. I think they enjoy it. 

Most likely scenario would be that if they stop touring they'd just hold up in residency gigs. I think that's still a ways away though. I think there's at least 1 more big world tour in them, they also seem like a band that would want to do the one last go around long goodbye

[D4NNY]

38 minutes ago, DannyVinyard said:

I wouldn't pay $5 to see any of these reunion cash grab shows. Have not seen a show since 2006, when Axl was still amazing.

You didn’t want to see Axl in 2010?! I feel you truly missed out there dude, but I’ll agree Axl was on fire in 2006! 

[rocknroll41]

2 hours ago, AxlRoseCDII said:

If GNR won’t tour because they’re not making significant money anymore, we may never see them again in all honesty.

2023 did leave the future feeling uncertain, tbf. Like there was this sense that we may not see them again for a long time, if ever.

[WhazUp]

2 hours ago, DannyVinyard said:

I wouldn't pay $5 to see any of these reunion cash grab shows. Have not seen a show since 2006, when Axl was still amazing.

I am glad I saw all the 2016-onwards shows I have.   Even last year's show I saw, I know Axl may not be in tip top form vocally but he still did a decent job and hearing Slash back in his rightful place as GNR's lead guitarist just felt right. 

All in all when I get to be in my older years when the dudes in GNR are too old to tour, I am gonna be glad I saw them as many times as I did.  At that point the label "cash grab" falls to the wayside because I am left with just kickass memories of hearing kickass songs played live

Edited November 13, 2024 by WhazUp