Review: Guns N' Roses

Photos by Chuck France/Special to The Star

When it was booked, this show posed a few variables and raised a question or two, most of them having to do with its center of attention, Axl Rose. The lead singer for Guns N’ Roses has a past littered with bad stories about live shows, from interminable delays in starting times to sudden and unexpected, sometimes rioutus, endings.

Plus, a lot of time has passed since Rose and his band hit their commecial prime. Things are way different now, starting with the composition of the band, which now only includes two longtime members: Rose and keyboardist Dizzy Reed.

All of that might explain why the crowd that came to see GNR at the Sprint Center on Saturday night was small-ish by arena standards: about 7,000. The upper-decks were closed; the floor looked like it was a little more than half full; and the remaining seats were about 90 percent full. The starting time was also an issue. The tickets said show time was 10 p.m., which seemed to mean the headliners wouldn’t go on till well past 11 p.m., even if punctual.

Not so. Actually, the show started early -- a sign that things aren’t what they used to be.

The tickets said starting time was 10 p.m., but opener Adelita’s Way came on about 9:30 p.m.. Still, it was just a minute or two before 11 p.m. when the P.A. system in the arena played the theme to the TV show “Dexter,” signaling the start of the GNR show, one that would last more than two hours and 45 mintues.

Those who showed up and stayed till the very end -- after 1:45 a.m. -- however, got their money’s worth, especially if they bought their seats via one of the Groupon deals: a careening spectacle filled with flashpots, fireworks, streamers and confetti, with some incongruous instrumentals (including Henry Mancini’s “Pink Panther” theme), several covers (including two AC/DC songs) plus a sound system at maximum volume. On top of all that, they got the high-voltage personality of Axl Rose, the last of the old-school rock stars.

So technically, he started early, putting to rest issues of punctuality. And even through the sometimes ear-splitting din of sound -- this was the loudest arena show I’ve been to in a long, long time; maybe the loudest ever -- his voice sounded agile and fit (when you could hear it), putting to rest the issues of rust and age.

He brought a seven-piece band, including three guitarists (because two isn’t enough ) and two keyboard players plus former Replacement Tommy Stinson on bass. Purists who dismiss this lineup as nongenuine or counterfeit have a point, however it seems hard to imagine the original lineup sounding any better than this one.

Each had his moment under the spotlight. Stinson performed a bit of the Who’s “My Generation”; Reed sat at the piano and played several measures of the Who’s “Baba O’Riley”; guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (who favors double-neck guitars) delivered the “Pink Panther” solo; and the whole band joined in on an instrumental flourish from Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2.”

About 90 minutes into the show, a friend texted: “I lost the plot.” I don’t think there was one, unless it was: “Axl loves Xsess.” The show was filled with visuals, some of them as incongrous as the setlist, most notably the video of the ballerina that accompanied “This I Love,” one of the several tracks they played from “Chinese Democracy.” (“Nothing GNR fans love more than the ballet,” another friend texted.)

That album’s title track was the show’s opener, and it introduced the crowd emphatically to Rose’s inimitable voice, which has a sky-scraping register all its own. It also prompted lots of people to enlist their ear plugs.

The setlist included all the big ones, like “Welcome to the Jungle,” which came early, and “Paradise City,” which ended the show. In between, Rose and the band reprised GNR’s well-known cover of Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Live and Let Die” and Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” which included a loud and choreograhed sing-along.

They also threw down two AC/DC covers: “Riff Raff” and “Whole Lotta Rosie.” Take away the covers and instrumentals and the setlist comprised 18 songs, seven from the “Appetite for Destruction” album, which has exceeded sales of more than 18 million in the U.S. alone. Those were the songs that ignited the biggest and loudest responses, from “Jungle” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine” to “Rocket Queen” and “Paradise City.”

Rose turns 50 in February, and on Saturday night, he danced (clumsily at times) and ran around the stage like a guy half his age. He took a few breaks, usually returning under a different hat, but he was out there most of the time, moving and peforming, with enthusiasm. He also expressed his thanks, sincerely, a few times. He was treated in kind by his audience.

It would have been a better show if it shed some fat and lost some bloat. Or if it started earlier. About the 1:15 a.m. mark, I noticed people heading up the aisles and for the exits. And lots of yawning.

A night that started with the recorded theme to a show about a noble serial killer -- a dark, twisted genius who does evil for a good cause -- closed with the strains of “My Way.” After watching and hearing Axl Rose for nearly 180 minutes into the wee hours of a Sunday, I’ll submit to that premise and agree that, in some ways, both were appropriate.

Setlist: Chinese Democracy; Welcome to the Jungle; It’s So Easy; Mr. Brownstone; Sorry; Better; Estranged; Riff Raff; guitar solo (James Bond theme); Live and Let Die; This I Love; Rocket Queen; My Generation; piano solo (Baba O’Riley); Street of Dreams; You Could Be Mine; guitar solo; Sweet Child O’ Mine; Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2 (instrumental); piano solo; November Rain; guitar solo (Pink Panther theme); Don’t Cry; Whole Lotta Rosie; Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door; Nightrain. Encore: Instrumental; Madagascar; Patience; Paradise City.

| Timothy Finn, The Star

Comments

[layne_says]

rock n roll doesn't wear a watch or have a family

[tyj]

Good review, but they played 5 songs from Chinese Democracy, not 3. Killer show!

[Mike Borgia]

I think it's extremely rude to keep your fans waiting and then go on to play a lengthy set. I've always loved the original G&R and it's hard to imagine it any other way.

[Bubba]

I went and I'm GLAD that I did. Got someone's unwanted discount ticket for like $25. BEST twenty-five smackers I've EVER spent!! AXL, you freaking rule man! So glad that you're apparently behaving yourself these days. Your fans are STILL here for you. A true heartfelt '90's hard rock revival. GUNS N' ROSES played for nearly three hours. Whew! I was literally dizzy during the encore. Come back in the next couple of years.

[Ricco]

My expectations were rather subdued for the show; however I was rather surprised at the show as a whole (opening band was just plain bad). Axl seemed to be rather on top of his games and utilized his voice as a weapon to attack the masses. Estranged came off really well as did Sweet Child O' Mine. For a thirty something who grew up loving this band I feel as if I got my money's worth. I got to spend an evening with my wife dancing to songs that helped us get through the monotony of school. Sure the attendence wasnt spectacular and the hour grew late, but it was a great night to see a show in general. Axl's voice was gr8. On a side note I was extremely impressed with the guitarists. They were simply amazing. I dare say I prefer the "music" now as to then. DJ Ashba is my new favorite guitarist.

[Danny Thompson]

Can we have a round of applause for Tim Finn, our talented, esteemed, awesome, concert reviewer for spending such lengthy hours to bring us great concert reviews? All it takes is reading a weak ass review to make one appreciate what we have (although I have know for a long time)

Thanks TF, you spoil us.

[Clint]

It was a fun show but you did have to pace yourself.

I just wonder what was back in that tent...he would go back there for 45 seconds during a guitar solo mid-song.

[Simeon]

People that decided not to go because Slash isn't part of the band really missed out. Big mistake. The show was a great. Best concert I have seen. And I'm pretty sure I know what the plot was - Three hours of metal mania!

[Steve J]

It was a hell of a show. You are right about the sound, almost 24 hours and I still don't have all my hearing back.

[Rich]

OMG..No SIX songs from Chinese Democracy..hell their all listed above, hire a music critic who can at least count

[Eric]

The six songs from Chinese Democracy in order of appearance last night:

Chinese Democracy
Sorry
Better
This I Love
Street of Dreams
Madagascar

[Rich]

1. Chinese Democracy
2. Sorry
3. Better
4. This I Love
5. Street of Dreams
6. Madagascar
Yep looks like 6 songs not 3 from their latest record. Maybe the music critic was asleep while writing the review.
And Yes, my ears are still ringing as well. One great show !!
Hope they don't wait five more years before they tour the U.S. again.

[Green]

Going to see the Urge in St Louis instead of GnR seems like a wise choice! The Urge rocked, those guys still have it and all the energy!!!

[J.G.]

I was at the Beaumont enjoying The Jayhawks, which was quite nice albeit a bit sloppy in spots.

[Ricco]

From what I was able to gather from folks the room Axl kept going to contained oxygen, humidifier and a big TV. Made sense to me being as he really was stretching his voice.

[Musical Justice]

In case anyone else wondered if you could play the Beaumont Club's tendency to rush bands on stage so that they can clear the bar by 11 PM on a Saturday night against G'N'R's legendary tardiness to see both in the same night... the answer is yes. Saw the entire Jayhawks set including encores, then hustled down to Sprint Center and was down on the floor before the end of It's So Easy. Sorry to have missed Jungle and I'll be the first to admit that I'm not that much of a Guns fan, even though I have all their records. In fact, my wife had to educate me on some of their classic non-hit deeper tracks. But I have to say that this was one of the best rock shows I've seen in awhile.

The energy of the band never waned for the entire 3 hour performance. While it could have been edited down to a super tight 2 hour show, I appreciated the choice to showcase each member in the band as if to reinforce the fact that they didn't need any of the missing original members. The epic sprawl and excess seems about right for this band. Axl's voice was strong all night and a couple of the notes he hit in the encores were vintage 80's caliber stuff -- impressive after wailing for 2 1/2 hours.

Just guessing that the Jayhawks were a better opening act than Adelita's way...

[lagr08]

Actually they played 6 Chinese songs. CD, Sorry, This I love, Better, Madagascar, Street of Dreams

[Nick]

I had a good time at the Guns N' Roses show,the band sounded tight plus the sound system was really loud and clear.the next time we see them should be the reuion tour...

[Chest Rockwell]

Too many ballads, too many covers (especially when they have a good catalog of their own stuff). I mean, Pink Panther? WTF? If 1990 Axl saw that, he'd start a riot. Shoulda rocked harder. Maybe it's because the last time I saw them, they were with Metallica @ Arrowhead and they had most of the original line-up.

[Bubba]

Chest Rockwell, I do see your point - but I for one believe that GUNS N' ROSES did a total (was it?) of six covers to give the fans on this particular tour a little something different.

Let's see - two AC/DC covers, two WHO songs, a BOB DYLAN tune and a FLOYD cover. Boy, that is more than most other bands do - but THEN again they were on stage for nearly three hours.

[pellboy]

Don't forget the McCartney/Wings cover.

[Geordan]

Having gone to The Jayhawks show, I was a little curious about this other Saturday night show, thinking it would probably be a train wreck. Hell, like 'Musical Justice' states here, I could have made it down to the Sprint Center and caught most of this show, although I was never a major fan of this band. But I will say that I caught some clips of this show on YouTube and was surprised of how good most of it sounded. It's also good to see Bassist Tommy Stinson rocking a stage again.

[Alexander Tiedemann]

I play bass in our band, and I would like to be a Richard Fortus one day. Guns N' Roses is considered as one of the most influential bands in the music industry. We try to emulate them as much as we can and stay together as a group, just like what this band did!