What started as an excited trip to Vegas quickly turned into the ultimate trip for me once I saw Guns n Roses were playing at the Hard Rock AND that I could still get tickets. The venue was amazing, slightly restricted view from my original seating assignment it has to be said, but a quick shift down to stand at the balcony offered amazing stage-side views of one the bands that I had still to check off my list of "must sees" and had somehow managed to always miss when they toured (Pearl Jam is next on that list having ticked off Soundgarden earlier this year) and masterfully supported by local band Adelitas Way, who were very good and an ideal energetic warm-up act.
While some will point to the fact it isn't the real G'n'R any more, it's still the same songs sung by the same guy with what is a very good backing band with a little of their own style but delivering a knock-out performance that I will always remember. This was the last night of their residency and they all aimed to go out with a bang (allegedly before hitting the studio for a new album...sooner than it took for Chinese Democracy we are assured).
Opening with the titular song off the latest album, the crowd were subjected to all the best of G'n'R from Sweet Child O' Mine to Patience and everything in between, all to bright lights, pyrotechnics, flame bursts and the occasional acrobatics display. While some may say Axl Rose isn't ageing well, (which I think his voice has actually gotten better), this was all about a true Rock concert and the stage show was every bit the spectacle to go with the hit songs we all love. Even former band member Izzy Stradlin came out for a few numbers which added to the feeling this was a special set and a night to remember.
This is what live performances are about.....more than just listening to the band as if I were home in my living room. Throwing in some slightly more obscure songs from past albums along with some careful choice of covers of Another Brick in the Wall among others and it's clear to see where the 3 1/2 hours went, but it was worth every minute. We can only hope the original band lineup gets their differences sorted out for future performances but even if they don't this is still one band I would see again.
The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas @
- Las Vegas @
, NV @
- Sat, Nov 24, 2012 @
Favorite moment: Original line-up member Izzy Stradlin joining the band on stage. @
Setlist: Opening with Chinese Democracy they played for over 3 1/2 hours so as you can imagine they went through pretty much every song you wanted to hear and too many to list here in full. Rest assured if it was popular they played it. @
Opening act(s): Adelitas Way @