After Tuesday's stellar show the band was hard pressed
to top their previous efforts but they didn't
disappoint. In the holiday spirit Richard Fortus'
guitar solo included a rendition of "Have Yourself a
Merry Little Christmas" while Bumblefoot led the crowd
in a sing-along of "Mr. Grinch" during his solo.
Having already seen the band numerous times it was
pretty much a by-the-book show with no real surprises
but that didn't mean it wasn't any less spectacular.
For me, the highlight was the encore. You could really
tell Axl let loose while singing "Chinese Democracy,"
"I.R.S." and "Madagascar" back to back. He seemed so
comfortable and energized singing the new songs. I
think anyone who wasn't familiar with those songs (if
that's even possible) must have been won over. And
maybe because it was the tour's last show Axl and
Sebastian Bach really let it all hang out during a
turbo charged "My Michelle" (with special guest
Bubbles from the Trailer Park Boys) that almost
brought the house down.
It was also great seeing Izzy Stradlin back onstage
during these last three shows. Always the quiet,
laidback member of GNR this time around Izzy stalked
the stage like he owned it - climbing the staircase to
the drum riser or standing tall center stage. I'm sure
the bona fide rock star response from the crowd and
the band didn't hurt. Every night Tommy, Ron, Richard
and Robin would surround him, play alongside him and
almost look at him in awe. Afterwards Robin would
usually bow down before him. After all, Izzy did help
pave the wave for these guys.
Before the show I got to speak with new drummer Frank
Ferrer who was happily guaranteeing a great show.
Although he didn't know if he's officially in the band
to stay he was still laughing about almost going up in
smoke the night before. Gunners Tommy Stinson, Dizzy
Reed and Robin Finck were celebrating before the show
along with guests Ron Jeremy and Danny Bonaduce. It's
great to see how genuinely excited these guys are to
playing in Guns N' Roses.
Hopefully we'll have our hands on Chinese Democracy
come March and hear even more new songs on future legs
of the tour. Until then, Happy New Year everybody!
--Jose Martinez
SETLIST:
Welcome to the Jungle
It's So Easy
Mr. Brownstone
Live and Let Die
Better
(Robin solo)
Sweet Child O' Mine
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
You Could Be Mine
Blues
Rocket Queen
Down on the Farm
(Richard Fortus solo)
Out Ta Get Me
November Rain
Think About You (with Izzy)
Used to Love Her (with Izzy)
(Bumblefoot solo)
My Michelle (with Sebastian Bach)
Patience (with Izzy)
Nightrain (with Izzy)
Encore:
Chinese Democracy
I.R.S.
Madagascar
Paradise City (with Izzy)
