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Re: What's Different this time?
Correct me if I am wrong, but it just seems this tour has done better than any other GNR Tour since new lineups started...
So why does it seem, the crowds are way more into this band now??
Or have they always been and I am just now realizing it??
Re: What's Different this time?
It sounds to me that so far the band have managed to put on pretty decent shows and Axl is apparently in pretty good form. If that continues then I could see no reason why the whole tour couldn't go well.
Hopefully late starts or other things don't derail it at any point. I also have no idea how the shows have been selling?
Maybe the crowd is more into it because it's been so long since the US had a Guns tour?
I just hope the whole tour goes well as if that happens I would think Axl is more likely to break out a new song and then perhaps even some more new music after the tour? I know that's probably a longshot, but it's more chance of happening after a good tour than an abortion of a tour.
Re: What's Different this time?
Peoples expectations are beginning to synthesize. He's being accepted more for what he is. At the end of the day he's always delivered a decent show. Now he's doing great shows. With how people are connected socially these days any "unique" happening will carry a lot of weight and travel fast. People are tired of mediocrity. Axl at the top of his game offers an increasing rarity.
As to why he's putting on such good shows. I'm guessing he's become more comfortable with his position. CD is done, a few big lawsuits are settled and he's surrounded by quality musicians.
Re: What's Different this time?
As to why he's putting on such good shows. I'm guessing he's become more comfortable with his position. CD is done, a few big lawsuits are settled and he's surrounded by quality musicians.
True maybe he is actually touring this time because he wants to not because he needs to finanically so much (which is what I have guessed some of the past tours have been about).
That must be a much better head space to be in.
- monkeychow
- Rep: 661
Re: What's Different this time?
I think it's going better because:
1. DJ plays parts closer to slash than Robin did. I know there's people who deeply love robin so don't mean to bash him - just I think the average punter wants classic AFD sounds - and this is closer to it.
2. There's not yet been any real late starts - cancels - riots - or the shit that gets the crowd into a pissy mood with Axl and then the media starts on Axl - then Axl gets mad and things go downhill.
3. It's a guess - but maybe Axl's personally in a happier place at the moment - the CD got released, he finally sorted out whatever was stopping the USA tour (Azoff or whatever the details) - maybe it's just a good time.
4. Popular culture is shifting to a place where rock is cool again in a retro way - and classic rock bands - Ac/Dc, U2, Bon Jovi, Metallica and others - are now being looked upon warmly the way people look back on movies like Ghostbusters. we've come full cycle - there's the inital boom, the period where a new trend has come and the old is somewhat tragic, and then the later stage of acceptance and recgonition that fads aside some things were really important sociologically and to enterainment history.
5. I think expectations are settling. loads of people still want a reunion - but people are getting used to the idea that it isn't happening. The image of Slash in VR and the Slash band - and the seperate image of Axl and the Chinese logos and bumble and DJ and stuff. It's sort of out there better now.
I think people who go now know what they're getting more, sure many of them go cos they liked the AFD era...but it's not the same as it would be in the 1990s when it was only recently you had a vivid memory of Axl/Slash together to contrast stuff with. I think except this for what it is more...sure they want a reunion..but they also arn't really expecting it at present.
Re: What's Different this time?
The OP poses an interesting question.
It's only a few weeks ago that some guys on the forums were 100% sure that the tour would be a failure. And some of us (me included) were a bit nervous.
Monkey touches on some good explanations.
I thought of another thing.
When you get older (like in your early 30's), 5 years doesn't seem THAT long ago. I mean, almost all of us remember clearly what went down in the world of GNR around '06.
But stop and think for a minute. Trunk noticed that a large portion of the audience were very young. I don't know what he conciders young. But let's say 18-19 yrs. Those guys were 13-14 yrs last time GNR toured the US and most likely weren't allowed to attend the shows back then. And when your 13-14, that's usually the age when you start to settle in on your genre of music. So it's safe to say that these kids have prolly been itching to go see Axl/GNR and hear all these great songs performed live. And maybe even some of them got really into ChiDem. At least from the videos I've seen, the ChiDem-songs seems to be recieved well at the shows!
- Intercourse
- Rep: 212
Re: What's Different this time?
What's different this time is that the gap between what the crowd has always wanted and what is being offered (for now) has finally been closed.
GNR are putting on a show.
Axl is singing his ass off, better than ever. He's talking to the crowd, and that means a lot to many in the crowd who have idolised the man for decades. They want to hear what he has to say.
The 'look' of the band is easier to embrace as the guys are modern rock and that's cool. The Bucket look, the dancing and nunchucks, the Robin outfits..it was all too much for many of the older fans back in the day.
The band are playing amazingly well, which to me means they are happy and comfortable. Bands only make mistakes on stage when they are either drugged/drunk, uncomfortable or spooked. Look at Axl in Rio, his head was elsewhere and he fucked up NR. That seems to have been left behind now.
We are in the middle of the shittiest time in our recent economical history, lots of people in the crowd (me included) are struggling to cover their bills and they desperately need to disappear down memory lane and get a fix of the songs they grew up to. They need to drink beer, rock out and forget. The last thing they need is more disappointment and frustration with late starts, a pissy mood Axl or a spooked band not playing with passion.
At last they are getting value for money - something none of us are getting in our daily lives.
Mix that all together and you have a great tour folks. All I hope for is that Axl stays bright and breezy and up for the fight until the end. Unlike Bono, John Bon Jovi and James Hetfield etc he doesn't appear to be able to 'switch it on' for the crowd like a seasoned pro. Axl has to 'feel it', which is all fine and dandy for him but a pisser for those of us who must 'switch it on' in some dreary office or warehouse every day or else go homeless.
If Axl finally gets that and decides to dig deep and blow a hole in the US with this tour, he may just win the day with this new band. People are up for giving him that chance and that's why the tour is going so well.
