Last night the reunited Guns N’ Roses lineup brought the hedonism to Boston like it was 1985…almost.
Guns N’ Roses, dubbed by BBC the “most dangerous band in the world,” undoubtably changed rock n’ roll history over the course of their two decade run. Born out of the debauchery of the Sunset strip and raised in the golden age of rock, the band has always been known for their ability to bring the party and the trouble, which ended up leading to the band’s fall out. Now, twenty-three years later, the boys are back…with more clothes, less destruction, and just as much charisma.
For this summer’s Not in This Lifetime Tour, frontman Axl Rose is joined by OG GN’R members Slash, on the guitar, and Duff McKagan, rocking the bass. The lineup is completed by Dizzy Reed on keyboard, Richard Fortus on guitar, Frank Ferrer on drums, and Melissa Reese covering second keyboard. This reunited rendition of Guns N’ Roses brought their A-game to Gillette Stadium last night, hooking audience members up with a 25 song set they won’t soon forget.
Thanks to Verge Campus, I was one of these lucky audience members. I rolled up to Gillette fashionably late, but fortunately not as fashionably late as GN’R-rock n’ roll time is a lifestyle and I’m all about it. Within minutes of entering the stadium and the beer line I was approached by the band’s tour manager who hooked it up with the golden groupie ticket upgrade as tour managers are wont to do (Gun N’ Roses Guest pass- yes please!). Started in the nose bleeds now we in the pit, literal feet away from three rock legends.
From the second Axl busted onto the stage the energy was hyped. With Slash and McKagan on either side, backed by the rest of their stacked lineup, Rose busted out a well balanced mix of absolute classics and newer innovative material. The show took off with “It’s So Easy” and “Mr. Brownstone.” From the first bars it was apparent that the band’s originals were vibin’ with the newer members. The energy was tight and the music was on point.
As the show continued Axl did what Axl does best: running, dancing, screaming…calling for some debauchery. “Chinese Democracy” to “Welcome to the Jungle” to “Double Talkin’ Jive” the lyrics were punchy, the music resonated, and the crowd ate up every verse, note by note.
The band brought things down a notch with the slower “Estranged” before taking on Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Live and Let Die.” The stillness didn’t last for long as Rose and Duff got fired up for “Rocket Queen” and “You Could Be Mine,” which then led into a cover of the Misfit’s “Attitude” for some much needed time in the spotlight for McKagan. Duff soloed on “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory/New Rose” before Dizzy Read lead the band into “This I Love.”
Slash stole the show with his Hendrix style “Voodoo Child” outro to “Civil War.” It was seriously groovy to say the least…real guitar magic happening before eager eyes of thousands. Then Slash made his “Catcher in the Rye” debut, as well as whipping out the double neck guitar. Pardon the french, but it was f*cking bas ass!
Rose amped the pace up again for “Coma,” before Slash stole the spotlight back for another unbelievable guitar solo in an Andy Williams cover, “Speak Softly Love.” Then the OG trio brought it back to the golden years with some crowd pleasing classics running: “Sweet Child of Mine,” “Out Ta Get Me,” “November Rain,” the classic Bob Dylan cover “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” and “November Rain.” Plus, Slash and Fortus vibed out playing an instrumental cover of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” Their dynamic energy was palpable, even from the pit.
The show came to a fire up close with “Paradise City,” led by a sweaty but energized Rose, and complete with Slash’s signature solo. Axel jumped from speaker to speaker and tossed the mic stand aside like yesterday’s paper. Slash slayed and never took off his shades like a classic bad ass. McKagan, who’s body didn’t look a day out of 1990, rocked out and fired up the crowd.
There were fireworks, flames, confetti, and mosh to boot. Duff and Fortus threw guitar picks to the crowd and chaos ensued. Rose chucked his mic as well-rock star vibes, ya dig! The lights came up, but the night was far from over. Time to put the guest passes to work.
I was able to slide back stage after the show to join Guns N’ Roses ‘Friends and Family.’ Yup, I’m dead. While, I waited actual hours-groupie game strong- for Axl, Slash, or McKagan to get done stretching, showering, warming down their voices, etc I never did actually see any of the OG three. However, I did soak up the presence of Dizzy Reed , Richard Fortus, Frank Ferrer, and Melissa Reese. The tour manager let on that the band might not be as done as they seem with their rock hard party harder ways. He alluded to groupies, tour life, and the Guns N’ Roses party that truly can’t stop and won’t stop.
Last night’s Guns N’ Roses show blew my mind. All I know for sure is “the world’s most dangerous band” is back, and I can’t wait to see the debauchery that follows. The tour is headed to New York next! Sell your soul for tickets if you have to…it’s worth it I promise!
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