Guns N Roses are one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, with over 100 million albums sold and their record breaking Use Your Illusion tour playing sold out shows to millions across the world they were the biggest band in the world from approximately 1989-90 to 1992-93.
Then it all fell apart.
Amidst rumors of dictator like demands from lead singer Axl Rose, excessive substance abuse by virtually everyone and snake-oil salesman type managers who played the band against each other at critical times, the biggest American rock band in the world sputtered and stalled.
This culminated between Rose, Slash (the most iconic guitarist of recent generations), and All Star bassist Duff Mckagan each going their seperate ways. Axl went on a 14 year oddessy to make the perfect album under the name Guns N Roses, Slash went on to form all star hard rock outfit Velvet Revolver with Duff Mckagan as well as GNR drummer Matt Sorum, lead singer Scott Weiland and rhythm guitarist Dave Kushner, debuting at #1 out of the gate with their first album.
Slash then went on to become the face of super selling video game Guitar Hero III and then formed a solo band with Myles Kennedy from Alter Bridge releasing two killer, critically acclaimed rock albums.
All of those goings on coupled with Axl Roses proclamation that he'd never play with Slash again, calling him a "cancer" at one point. It made the reunion legions of fans had hoped for look further and further out of reach.
After releasing 2009's " Chinese Democracy" at a staggering price tag worth tens of millions of dollars and 14 years in development it came out to gigantic expectation but lukewarm reception from the general public. After touring in 2010 and 2014 with a band of all star replacement players from all walks of the music world Axl took GNR on hiatus.
Then at the end of 2015 the rumor mill kicked into overdrive....GNR would be reforming with the big 3 founding members Axl, Slash, & Duff for a massive tour. Fans, after years of letdown were skeptical to start, but as more and more reputable news outlets picked up and things began to move demand was ravenous. Then finally on April 1st, 2016 there they were...the big three on stage again at a surprise gig in LA at the Troubadour. The crowd was rabid and the guys were obviously enjoying playing one of the clubs they came up in, The gig was critically acclaimed, Axl sounded fierce and the band was loose, having fun, and straight up Guns N Roses.
This show was followed up in short order by gigs in Vegas at the new TMobile Arena and in Mexico City to massive crowds, this was capped by a two weekend headlining set at Coachella that was hailed by most despite Axl having a broken foot and performing from Dave Grohls custom throne.
After a short break. Guns then embarked on a 25 city US stadium tour that has played to large crowds in the biggest markets in the country. Axls vocals are the best heard in years, Slash and Duff are obviously loving being back with "their" singer finally. After the US leg, the band are planning a South American leg and possibly Europe.
This is a huge win for rock music, one of the most iconic bands returned to form, out performing bands half their age night in and night out to virtually universal fan and critical acclaim. These guys are the last of a certain breed of rockstar in the vein of Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin-the ones that you dont get to experience very often and inevitably leave an indeliable mark on misic and pop culture. Rose is the last of the iconic rock frontmen and is in fine form, getting the job done on extremely challenging songs night in, night out. He also stepped in for Brian Johnson from AC/DC and played ten acclaimed shows in Europe with the band exceeding all expectations with him at the helm.
So watch the you tube videos, read the reviews, but do yourself a favor if you're a hard rock fan don't miss seeing Guns N Roses on the "Not in this Lifetime" tour. At a stadium near you!
(c)Jason Cueto
