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Re: Secret show: April 1, L.A.?
I know people probably missed the article in the other thread, but some of those videos from the side were recorded by Kate Hudson supposedly.
Re: Secret show: April 1, L.A.?
Have no idea who wrote this review, found it from Jim.
It is simply impossible to fairly provide an account of Guns N’ Roses momentous and long-storied return. It was instant history, the type that occurs once in a lifetime.
When GNR took to the stage Friday at the Troubadour, it was the final release of many years of pent up speculation, prayers and concern of a long-in-the-tooth, yet absolutely devoted fan base.
As if out of scenes of the most genuine rock-n’-roll movie ever made, the energy inside and outside the venue was downright visible. Santa Monica Boulevard on a Friday night is always hectic.
But on this night, it could have been shut down to accommodate the desperate faithful who had not gained access via an in-person presale earlier in the day.
Though there was much whispered discussion of the pop-up show, no proper confirmation ever surfaced. That did not deter hundreds of fans who lined up–starting at 8pm Thursday–to buy tickets at the old Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard.
Those that braved a night on the sidewalks of the Strip were rewarded at day break, when they learned that $10 tickets to a show at the nearby Troubadour would become available at noon.
Fast forward to 10am. The overnight gathering had evolved in to a true modern happening. Social media was lit a fire by the band’s morning announcement of a forthcoming tour, but more importantly, of the show that night at the tiny, storied Troubadour. Helicopters flew overhead and news outlets began to assemble. Late comers raced up the hill of Horn Avenue, hoping to still have a chance.
By noon, the particular destinies of the fans began to come clear. About 250 people in line (ultimately, those who had joined the queue from 8pm the night before, to about 7:30am the morning of) were granted access to buy rock n roll’s golden ticket.
Set at merely $10–a price probably similar to that for GNR’s original appearance at the Troubadour circa 1987–they were scooped up instantly, leaving the hundreds of late comers hungry and desperate.
With wristbands affixed to weary arms, the question of “Will I get in?” shifted to, will the music match the moment? Specifically, would the chemistry of a band that authored a ridiculous portion of today’s musical canon, thrive as it once did?
There are those that view similar reunions as nothing but a so-called money grab. But something felt different on this day. The money will assuredly follow, but this performance was about redemption. This performance was a chance to reappear on the scene as a vibrant, relevant, kick-ass band. It was an impossible task, but that is exactly what Guns N’ Roses did.
For 23 years anticipation, curiosity and hope built up to this very moment. Now just past midnight, the crowd began to chant for the band. Axl Rose’s trademark red foam microphone had just been placed on stage, when those on the left side of the house may have been able to see through a small opening the members of GNR emerge from an alley behind the stage.
It is intoxicating to wonder from where they came. Rehearsals? A debaucherous pre-show gathering, or maybe a shitty ’90s limousine? Regardless, the band members entered the building from the alley through a side door, and immediately on to the stage. The energetic sense of urgency was absolutely palpable. This is the stuff of legend.
The lineup of the band alone caused endless pre-show chatter online. In the end, the group included Axl, Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, Use Your Illusion-era keyboardist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus, drummer Frank Ferrer, and the first female member of GNR, Melissa Reese.
Opening with “It’s So Easy,” it was immediately apparent that the band–and Axl–were prepared. Rose affably greeted the front row attendees with mid-song high fives and handshakes, almost immediately putting to rest any concern about the mercurial front man’s current state of temperament.
The opener seamlessly faded in to the filthy and famous intro to “Mr. Brownstone.” Halfway through the song, Axl, who was standing on an amp, fell backwards on to the stage. Some held their breath. Would this be the immediate derailment that cynics have batted about for months? No. Axl rose from the floor, gathered himself, and marched on.
It was surprising to hear the title track from 2008’s Slash-less Chinese Democracy played by Slash himself. The infamously arduous album never gained traction among the masses. Nevertheless, it felt a part of the performance.
Cockily remarking, “You might know this one,” Axl and the band launched in to the battle cry intro of “Welcome to the Jungle.” Set in the city for which it is widely known, the soaring song was as powerful and devastating as it was in 1987 on the beyond-iconic Appetite for Destruction. Never more so than when Axl brought it full circle, singing the infamous refrain, “Do you know where you are? You’re in the Troubadour baby. You’re gonna diiiiiiiiiiie.”
In the songs that followed, Axl would occasionally depart the stage, maybe to provide Slash the chance to play uncrowded. But after “Double Talkin Jive,” GNR’s first performance of the song since 1993, Axl perhaps tellingly thanked the audience: “Glad you could stop by to see me.”
“Live and Let Die” was one of five covers played of seventeen total songs. Allowing an opportunity for Rose to air out his trademark shriek vocals, the Wings number’s lyrics rang particularly true. “What does it matter to ya / When you got a job to do / You gotta do it well / You gotta give the other fellow hell.” Amidst the yeoman’s work of the band, the song seemed to speak volumes about Guns N Roses rise from the ashes.
“Rocket Queen” started with a Slash distorted vocal intro. Later, it saw guitarist Richard Fortus fall to his knees and lock eyes with an audience member. Flashing white hot strobe lights, though primitive by today’s standards, created visual snapshots reminiscent of 1980s analog glory.
By the end of the song, Axl and Slash stood side by side on monitors at the front of the stage. It was a moment that felt democratic, and one that later gave away to an outright endorsement by Axl when he introduced Slash by saying, “The man who needs no introduction, but will get one anyways…”
A Spanish guitar-sounding introduction bled in to one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in modern music: the intro to “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” The song included Axl executing his very own shuffle dance, ushering himself effortlessly from stage right to left. Like much of the night, the die-hard heavy crowd sang with reckless abandon, backing their beloved band. Slash, his guitar perpendicular to the floor, then took center stage to absolutely shred the song’s final section.
After Dylan’s excellent “Knockin on Heaven’s Door,” Axl candidly engaged the audience once again, testifying, “See? I’m agreeable. I am an agreeable person,” perhaps revealing another glimpse in to his own (and perhaps our own?) mind as he embarks on a precarious, large-scale tour with his long lost band. Almost 90 minutes in to the show, “Nightrain crushed as a set closer. A prototypical Guns anthem, it evoked another welcome burst of nostalgia.
Following a rendition of The Who’s “The Seeker” to start the encore, the show ended appropriately with “Paradise City.” Similar to “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle,” the song has become an undeniable piece of nearly all rock lovers’ musical DNA. Like the entire experience, it is damn near impossible to translate in print the emotional weight with which such a song was delivered.
Many in the audience will in all likelihood never love a band like they do Guns N’ Roses. Their songs represent a time and an attitude past that cannot be replicated. To see the band reunited on the precipice of their reemergence, in a city and venue from whence they came, at an event where omnipresent cellphones were thoughtfully banned by organizers, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to revisit the simpler – and dirtier – bygone days of 1987.
Setlist
It’s So Easy
Mr. Brownstone
Chinese Democracy
Welcome to the Jungle
Double Talkin Jive
Live and Let Die
Rocket Queen
You Could Be Mine
Speak Softly Love
Sweet Child O’ Mine
New Rose
Better
Knockin on Heaven’s Door
My Michelle
Nightrain
Encore:
The Seeker
Paradise City
Re: Secret show: April 1, L.A.?
Have no idea who wrote this review
- Smoking Guns
- Rep: 330
Re: Secret show: April 1, L.A.?
The opener seamlessly faded in to the filthy and famous intro to “Mr. Brownstone.” Halfway through the song, Axl, who was standing on an amp, fell backwards on to the stage. Some held their breath. Would this be the immediate derailment that cynics have batted about for months? No. Axl rose from the floor, gathered himself, and marched on.
1,5 songs in, Axl fell on his ass. Audience gasped. Axl rose. 
It was surprising to hear the title track from 2008’s Slash-less Chinese Democracy played by Slash himself. The infamously arduous album never gained traction among the masses. Nevertheless, it felt a part of the performance.
Recall any Better?
By the end of [Rocket Queen], Axl and Slash stood side by side on monitors at the front of the stage. It was a moment that felt democratic, and one that later gave away to an outright endorsement by Axl when he introduced Slash by saying, “The man who needs no introduction, but will get one anyways…”
Hardly a talkative Axl we have here.
- Smoking Guns
- Rep: 330
Re: Secret show: April 1, L.A.?
Killer Review... MUST READ!!!
Posted this in the review thread as well:
Okay just got home from work...idk how well written this will be, still cant really find the words to grasp how amazing this night was...to start the vibe was just really positive all around. The security was letting us drink outside the venue waiting for the doors to open. All they said was if the sheriffs come by just get rid of it so we dont get in trouble ha. Inside the venue the place just buzzing, it was electric. I ended up getting front row on Slashs side right in front of the monitor. Doors opened a little after 10pm and the lights when down a little before midnight. No intro (which i totally thought it was gonna be McBob) Slash walked out first and everybody followed, crowd erupted and Duff launched into Its So Easy. And from there the band didnt stop firing. Slash jumped up on the monitor during Easy for the first time and everyone around me lost it. Slash couldnt help but smirk at our reaction. The band was killing it and they knew it. They were all smiles and i just remember Duff looking up one point at Lenny Kravitz with a face like "yeah, we're back motherfucker!"
Axl sounded the best he has since 2010. He had the fire in his belly and that look in his eye. Rasp was everywhere to be seen. The song i paid most attention to vocally was YCBM cuz i know thats one he hasnt done good on for the last 5 years and he nailed it. He slayed the "breakin down my back" section! He was in a great mood and was definitely slimmer than he has been and he was not out of breath. Slash was very focused but he was rocking out for sure. To see him rocking out HARD to the chorus of Better was so surreal! It was just mindblowing to see him playing these songs and standing on stage next to Axl, i really couldnt believe it at some points. He was in top form and nailed every solo. At first they didnt interact too much but by the middle of the set Axl was throwing his arm on Slashs shoulder, he leaned up against his back rocking out during some solos and they exchanged a couple laughs between some songs.
As the setlist is out there, here is some highlights that stood out.
-Axl lost his footing during Brownstone and ended up ripping his jeans in the crotch. During the solo he walked over to the side of the stage and pointed up at Lenny Kravitz and back down at his crotch and said "Penisgate" or somethin to that effect and they both started laughing.
-Frank started a long countoff on the hihat and Slash launched into the Chinese Demoracry riff. I was like no way are they fucking playing this right now. It was very raw and punk rock sounding. It was pretty awesome and Slashs spin on the solo was great.
-Double Talkin' Jive!! Holy fuck was it awesome to hear that live. The band killed it and Axl sounded mean!!! He did the "i got...lies" part just like he sounded on the record.
-before the slide solo in Rocket Queen Slash did an extended talkbox solo, when he finished it Axl had a huge smile on his face and looked at us and said "you missed that, didnt you?"
-Godfather Theme was awesome! Before he started it Axl said "Heres a man that needs no introduction, but gets one anyways. Ladies and Gentlemen, Slash."
-Seeing Slash play the Sweet Child solo right up front and him and Axl doing that outro right next to each other was just insane. I remember looking back and Jim Carrey had the biggest smile on his face and i remember thinking "all is right in the world." Haha.
-Better had a whole new intro. It was this really heavy riff that just kept building and we're in the crowd goin holy shit theyre playing a new song. The riff kept building until it somehow came to a crash with Duff starting "no one ever told me when..." It was epic and strange seeing Slash completely rocking out in the chorus. Again he did a killer solo and did a cool slide part in the last verse. Again Axl slayed the "i never wanted you to be so full of anger" section.
-before Michelle Axl and Duff were talking and into the mic Axl goes "im goin by your guys' list tonight. Im follwing your lead" Duff starts laughing and Axl goes "thats very rare for me. I mean you guys know im an agreeable kinda guy. Im like Trump, i consult with myself." Funny moment.
-Heavens Door was probably the most special moment of the show. Axl starts the first sing along section and then right when he looked like he was gonna start the 2nd he kinda stopped himself and looked around the stage and said "this is the first time in 23 years us 3 have been on stage together, 1993, July i believe it was" the crowd just erupted. He did another sing along section and after that one he said "we worked very hard with the city to make this show happen, and we worked hard with the sheriffs and that in itself took 24 years" and laughed. It was amazing to see him almost taken back and acknowledging the magnitude of the night.
-another cool moment was Nightrain when they kicked into the first verse. It was "Look out" and both Axl and Slash started the foot stomp, gliding across the stage, stoping for a brief second in front of each other, and spinning off. It was bad ass!
-During Paradise City the crowd was getting crazy and after the first chorus Axl started yellin to the crowd "you guys gotta step back people in the front are getting crushed.... (crowd didnt really move).....i said you people need to step the fuck back now!" They finally did and Axl signaled the band to keep going and he jumped into the next verse. Reminded me of somethin that would happen back in the day haha.
Im probably missing a bunch of stuff and its really hard to convey my emotions throughout the night. But this show will go down as the best show i have ever seen in my life. Just to see the first time Axl and Slash back together and have it be in such an important club to the bands history and to be right up front is just magical. I truly feel so lucky to have witnessed it. Im so looking forward to Vegas next weekend! See you guys there! You will not be dissapointed!!!
And for celebrities i saw: Lenny Kravitz, Kate Hudson, Nic Cage, Jim Carrey, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Kushner, John 5, Colin Hanks, Norman Reedus, Sean Kinney, Bubbles, Bradley Cooper, the sports guy in Anchorman. Im sure there was way more, hard to make out everyone in the VIP section.
- Smoking Guns
- Rep: 330
Re: Secret show: April 1, L.A.?
Just read that over on HTGTH. Great insight! Looking forward to the differences in the CD songs. Hoping we get a few more too. Slash tearing up NR solo will be epic, Estranged too. Lots to look forward to.
Yeah man, makes me want to hear the intro to CD and Better so bad as well as the solos.... Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!
- Smoking Guns
- Rep: 330
Re: Secret show: April 1, L.A.?
before the slide solo in Rocket Queen Slash did an extended talkbox solo, when he finished it Axl had a huge smile on his face and looked at us and said "you missed that, didnt you?"
Awesome. I want to hear the new Better now.
Me too!!! That review has me so jacked up, I may just spontaneously combust! HAHA. VEGAS IS GOING TO BE OUT OF CONTROL. 2 NIGHTS OF GNR GLORY!!
