19 July 2016 (gig)
19 July 2016
The undeniable Rock reunion tour story of 2016 has been the reformation of Guns N' Roses. Since word leaked out that original members Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan, had officially reformed, the tour has been the center piece of this summers concert scene.
The band, who performed to a sold out crowd at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts on July 19, 2016, (the first of a two night residency at the Stadium), dished out a near 3 hour marathon set.
GNR opened the show powerfully with a duo of staples from their classic “Appetite for Destruction” album, “It's So Easy” and “Mr. Brownstone,” before tearing into “Chinese Democracy,” and dispelling any fallacy that the band has lost any or their power as a live act (they are just as dynamic as they were in their late 80's - early 90's heday). Lead guitarist Slash then teased the crowd with a few riffs before he banged out the iconic opening riff to “elcome To The Jungle.” “Jungle” also was proof that Rose still has his singing chops in place and is clearly able to hit all high/screeching notes required for “Jungle”.
The band worked together as a well oiled unit and their onstage chemistry was on full display all night.
A first rate cover of “Live and Let Die” was spellbinding and made the way for frantic takes of “Rocket Queen” and 1991's “You Could Be Mine” (from the “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” film).
Rose then turned the mic over to bassist McKagan, who shined on his medley of Johnny Thunders' “You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory” and “New Rose,” a cover the Punk pioneers The Damned, which was featured on GNR's “Spaghetti Incident” record in 1993.
Thunders and The Damned were only a couple of the performers that GNR paid tribute to during the night as they more than gave a nod to their influences. The a fore mentioned “Live and let Die” was originally done by Paul McCartney, while an instrumental guitar jam with Slash and rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus etched out a atmospheric take of Pink Floyd's “Wish You Were Here.” This led into a performance of the latter
part of Derek and The Dominos “Layla,” with Rose now manning the piano. “Patience”
was performed after another instrumental cover of The Rollings Stones' “Angie”, and GNR also whipped out a dizzying nod to The Who with their explosive version of “The Seeker”
While there sadly was no guest appearance from original drummer Steven Adler this night (as he had recently joined GNR twice of the current tour), the band still pulled out the songs he had guested on “Out Ta Get Me” “My Michelle” more marvelous tunes from “Appetite.”
While Rose was most impressive during the night, Slash, (still one of of Rock's greatest guitarists) was also on his A game as well. The reported old tensions between the two are just a memory as they worked together impeccably and just seeing the two sharing a stage together again (a sight many thought would never happen again) was priceless.
The set ending “Knockin' on Heaven's Door” (another cover...Bob Dylan this time) and “Night Train were phenomenal before GNR returned for a three song encore of “Patience,” “The Seeker,” and a mind blowing “Paradise City” which was capped off with fireworks and was a great ending to a near perfect night.
