So many stadiums, so many opinions.
The reunion of Guns N’ Roses – featuring Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan sharing the stage for the first time in years, preceded by endless rumors – has finally come to fruition in the form of a surprise show at the Troubadour in LA April 1st followed by two shows at the newly-minted arena in Las Vegas.
The shows have not been without some (expected) controversy as original members Steven Adler and Izzy Stradlin are not taking part in any of the shows, as of this writing. But from all reports from and video s of the first three gigs, the band sounds tight.
While I would love to see Adler and Stradlin back in the band, rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus and drummer Frank Ferrer are a formidable duo who both contributed to Chinese Democracy and have put more time into GnR than the original members they are ‘sitting-in’ for.
The “Not in This Lifetime Tour” moniker is a reference to an offhanded Axl comment made to paparazzi several years ago regarding a possibility of getting the band back together (Rose owns the GnR brand) and displays the band’s self-referential humor at the highest level.
What’s more, Axl refused to cancel and/or postpone any shows after breaking a bone in his foot during the surprise gig and has been using the “Dave of Thrones” on loan from the Foo Fighters’ frontman Dave Grohl. The band’s determination to showcase the reformed friendship live is admirable.
It’s obvious that the gang are enjoying themselves on-stage – and it would be even better if they decide to release some new music to celebrate this momentous occasion. In the end, this is what most people – what I – have always wanted. GnR is back in stadiums – where they belong – and I can’t wait to see them.
