Everyone’s favourite top hat supporting, bad ass guitarist is in Dublin! No matter how many times Slash visits this country, the excitement of knowing he’s here never seems to wane and he isn’t shy about turning up. Ireland has been fortunate to receive him with Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver and now with his solo project, Slash (featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators). Ireland loves Slash and by a happy coincidence, Slash seems to love us too. The fact that he gets on stage every time he pops over and plays a mean set of mother f**king rock ‘n’ roll is just a bonus. Tonight’s crowd in the Olympia are a resounding endorsement of that love.
No matter what style of music you favour, job you have, hipster trend you follow or back alley you like to sleep through your hangover in, you’re represented here (I will volunteer to speak for the latter). The venue is rammed very soon after opening time and everyone is gasping with excitement and anticipation. Opening band, The Treatment, leap on stage and blow the crowd away with some good old fashioned 80’s sleaze cock rock. The whole band throw themselves into the performance and explode with heavy riffs, sing-along, hair metal boldness and alluring choruses. Supporting someone like Slash is a daunting task and it’s easy to ignore the support but The Treatment manage to get everyone on board tonight. Closing with ‘Shake the Mountain’, the band depart conquering heroes and for a moment you could almost forget the night is only starting.
Well, Charlie Sheen isn’t here – but we got those losers from Sunday night beat. In attendance tonight we have the legendary Martin ‘Eddie Durkan’ Maloney of Hardy Bucks fame in the house. Many pics were taken, many a scene played out. No warm Castletown intro for headliners unfortunately, but you can’t have it all. All of a sudden the houselights go dark, the PA kicks in and it’s time for the main event.
Slash arrives on stage to the throng of 1,600 voices screaming. The sight of the legendary axe man sends the Olympia into hysterics with people clamouring to squeeze as close to the barrier as possible as the band kicks off with ‘Halo’, from last year’s Apocalyptic Lovealbum. The band sound great and considering this is the final date of a very long tour European tour, they’re still bursting with energy and charisma. Like or loath Myles Kennedy, the man knows how to get a crowd going and tonight he’s working overtime. Every note from Slash’s guitar rings loud above everything else as they blister through ‘Nightrain’, ‘Ghost’ and ‘Back From Cali’, the second single from his self-titled debut. Everything is getting an airing tonight from GN’R, Slash’s Snakepit to Velvet Revolver and his solo material and they’re in no rush to wrap things up quickly. ‘By The Sword’ sees the energy continue to grow in the band and crowd alike before bassist, Todd Kerns takes over vocals for ‘Dr. Alibi’ and Guns classic, ‘You’re Crazy’. I don’t know if Alter Bridge fans will forgive me, but Todd sort of blows Myles Kennedy off stage as his voice lacks the clean safety that Myles has and instead delivers a grittier, harder take on the tracks.
Not speaking much, Slash let’s his guitar do the talking but does take enough time to thank the crowd and speak about the tour wrapping up. The epic ‘Civil War’ solidifies the crowd’s devotion before an extended jam laden rendition of ‘Rocket Queen’ blows the place apart, helped by a good five+ minute solo from Slash. It’s here that Myles can genuinely deliver a Guns song as he perfectly hits every note with perfection. Returning to his two solo albums, Slash knocks out ‘No More Heroes’, ‘Starlight’, ‘Anastasia’ and ‘You’re A Lie’ before closing the main set with fan favourites; ‘Sweet Child O’Mine’ and Velvet Revolver’s ‘Slither’. Over an hour and a half and we’re still hungry for more. They return to finish us off with ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ (again featuring Todd on vocals) and ‘Paradise City’, complete with exploding confetti and all. This part of the night gets blurry for yours truly. A lethal concoction of Guinness, Jack N’ Cokes and Slash left me hell for leather in the midst of sweat, booze, head banging and sing along pit behaviour.
Two hours of classics, icons and good vibes. There’s not a lot €40 buys you in Ireland these days, but Slash knows how to deliver value for money and you couldn’t have asked for better value tonight. Come back soon Slash, you’re welcome anytime.
We promised you’d hear more about these guys and it’s time to deliver. Since we last checked in on them, Adlerhave gone and released this perfectly excellent debut album – how dare they?. For those of you who aren’t up to speed (like us insanely super sexy glam rock fanatics), Adler is made up of former Guns N’ Roses/Adler’s Appetite sticksman, Steven Adler, Jacob Bunton (x- Mars Electric – lead vocals), Lonny Paul (x- Lynam guitar/vocals) and Johnny Martin (Bass/vocals). Anyone with any pre-notions about this album should get ready to leave them at the door.
Back From The Dead is one of the best glam rock records we’ve heard in years. Steven hasn’t tried to steer the band towards Appetite for DestructionIsland in search of some remaining buried treasure they can capitalize on. Instead, Jackob Bunton and Lonny Paul have written a very impressive collection of punchy hits that deliver the perfect mix of heaviness, attitude, punk rock and hair sprayed appeal. There’s scarcely a moment to breathe on Back from the Dead as you’re pounded with one guitar driven assault after another.
Opening with the title track, you’re immediately cast into seedy California as the song attempts to convey a message Steven wants to make very clear – he is back. ‘Own Worst Enemy’ and ‘Another Version of the Truth’ continue with the ass kicking style. The album’s first single, ‘The One That You Hated’ still sounds as fresh and exhilarating as it did last year and all fears are gone when it isn’t the only stand out moment on this release. Former Marilyn Manson / current Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 adds his unique touch on ‘Good to be Bad’ (and someone adds an excellent ‘should have been Axl’ backing to the chorus). While former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash lends a hand on ‘Just Don’t Ask’ (we’re assuming the wonderful Spanish guitar intro and of course his signature style solo).
‘Blown Away’ brings us well into the second half with another ballsy hard rock anthem before Adler attempt ballad territory with ‘Waterfall’. I’ll leave you to make your own minds up on that one, it will not be mentioned again here. ‘Habit’ sends us rocketing back on course followed swiftly by another ballad attempt, ‘Your Diamonds’ which is a drastic improvement on the previously mentioned effort. Finally we come to ‘Dead Wrong’, an all out warrior of wall shaking bass lines and ravenous guitar riffs and solos. An excellent closer for Back from the Dead, so good in fact you’ll just want to start all over again.
Whatever about the last twenty off years of Steven’s life, there’s no denying he has something real to hold onto here. Adler could probably have chosen another name if they wanted to be completely removed from their most famous member’s previous associations, but the name be damned. There are almost no traces of GN’R on this record. Instead you have a new band with experience behind them and an albums worth of absolute mind blowers for you. Go to Spotify, find it, listen and enjoy.
Well, we weren’t going to mention this but we decided not to take the Perez Hilton approach and only report the good but our benefactor (speaking of which, where’s the check Mr. Rose?) has decided it’s finally time to sue Guitar Hero III. Well, he’s suing the makers of the game Activision for $20 Million (Yikes)..
Legal Mumbo-jumbo from Skip Miller, Rose’s attorney- “This lawsuit is about protecting Guns N’ Roses and ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ and is about holding Activision accountable for its misuse of these incredibly valuable assets.” He further adds, “The relief we are seeking is disgorgement of profits and compensatory and punitive damages.”
They’ve also got some other stuff in there about Sweet Child O’Mine being used in Guitar Hero II and something along the lines of Slash’s character not being allowed to associate himself with Guns N’ Roses..I don’t know, who cares? It’s good old uncle Axl doing what he does best, pissing people off.
Personally, we at Tickets There think this is a message to anyone who thought the Duff McKagan reunion in London may become more widespread. If we hear anymore, we’ll let ye know (expect a Wikipedia update in 5 years that the case was settled out of court and a comment from Slash either saying ‘I don’t know what Axl’s doing’ or ‘I Can’t comment on that’)
Tim Chester over at the English music scenes answer to a cheap gossip rag, New Musical Express has posted a question based piece entitled, ‘Axl Rose – Asshole or Hero?’. Now normally the NME isn’t worth reading, replying to or taking any notice of at all, well not unless you want to know which shop Pete Doherty just walked out of or what brand of cigarettes Amy Winehouse smokes (Thanks Daily Gossip!). But this time Tickets There is taking the liberty of branding the author, the magazine and their staff a bunch of over the hill, raised on camp indie bullshit-artists, with as much right to write about Rock N’ Roll as a Nazi has to a fair hearing.
The Facts: Reading 2010
Guns N’ Roses played Reading on Friday night. In the week leading up to the event, NME spearheaded reporting a speech from Reading /Leeds organizer Melvin Been that the Guns had been issued a warning that their stage times must be adhered to after local councils and police made a similar warning to Melvin a co.
The band were scheduled to arrive on stage at 09:30pm, eventually arriving at 10:30 -an hour late. Their original cut off time was 11:30pm and they managed to play on until 12:00. When the band tried to return for an encore, their sound was cut so the band staged a sit in protest after leading the crowd through an ‘acoustic’ rendition of Paradise City, which saw nearly 90,000 fans singing along and chanting ‘Let Them Play‘ and ‘Fuck You Reading‘(Not a secret, watch the videos). They eventually left the stage after Axl made a comment the band would not play Leeds after the treatment they received at Reading by ‘those responsible’
Coming on Late Ain’t right is it?
For the past twenty years, Guns N’ Roses have had a very obvious, very public, well documented and very much lampooned and hated reputation for showing up late by heritage fans and the music press. In fact, the writer shows a knowledge for this by highlighting (as usual) the low points and incidents of previous GN’R tours, in no great detail or context off course as that might involve some real journalism on their behalf – God forbid. For anyone to act surprised or angry at the group for turning up late has a vendetta because Axl Rose and the band have never done anything to make you think they’ve changed.
Do these people still act surprised when they get wet in the shower? Because they seem to have no comprehension for the flippin’ obvious.
Our Response – Axl Rose – Asshole or Hero?
Rock music has lost it’s way – Rock is now dead. Rock N Roll hall of fame, award shows – heritage bands reuniting, greatest hits set-lists, staying together for the ‘career’, money, album after album of repeated glory day styles, follow the rules, adapt to the industry’s expectations, the fans expectations, pander to the press, bad mouth your band mates and still stick together because there’s no-where else to go. Bands are old, rock is old and it’s fans, it’s bands and the industry built around them to exploit and drain what ever profits it can has finally destroyed what was once a perfect machine for encouraging rebellion. A style designed to give kids a voice to express their views, their difference of opinion and the things the mean the most to them.
Rock N’ Roll, Punk, Rap, Heavy Metal all evolved in each generation to suit new fans, new young people and their lives but the spirit of rock n roll has always been carried over and that message is simple – Don’t Follow The Rules and fuck society, fuck the industry, the government and fuck you, I’ll do what I want.
That message has become a cliché, a punch line for the marketing and advertising industry every time a twenty two year old college grad is given the new Motorhead album to push. The people running things, the bands involved and the new breed of fans, raised on ageing fogies playing greatest hits tours every year while struggling younger bands repeatedly get passed up so rich musicians can make more money. These days bands have to sound like Coldplay or Arcade Fire to get ahead, music that your gran, neighbours and teachers can sit back with, sip wine to and discuss the banking crisis. Very rock n’ roll eh.
Then you take Guns N’ Roses. Old Guns N’ Roses. Slash, Duff, Axl, Izzy and Steven and Appetite for Destruction. Sweet Child O Mine, Welcome to The Jungle and Paradise City. massive. Then Later with Don’t Cry, November Rain, Live and Let Die, You Could be Mine…just as massive. They had it all and could still be out there today, like every single other heritage rock band making money, touring Appetite for Destruction and a choice selection from what ever Appetite rip off they released that year and pandering to the fans every whim and wish. The so called ‘Most Dangerous Band‘ could be there in the O2, top hat, American flag shorts and all, like nothing ever changed in the past twenty years.
Wake the fuck up, things change and people move on.
Slash is gone, playing American anthems to stadiums, selling guitars for Gibson, living up in every respect to the stereotype cast on him. Discussing reunions and his love for Axl. Duff is around, playing in second rate punk bands, writing for Playboy (he’s a journalist now don’t ya know) and still playing with Slash and Matt Sorum in Guns N’….sorry, I mean Velvet Revolver. He likes to discuss reunions occasionally aswell. Steven, poor Steven plays in Adler’s Appetite, a band that until recently exclusively played Appetite For Destruction at every show. Again, he mentions the idea of a re-union at every given opportunity.
Axl does not discuss reunions, he does not give interviews, he does not play national anthems to baseball stadiums full of 40/50 year old Americans who point and remember he was the guy who sang Sweet Child O’ Mine. He keeps the band fresh. He works on his music in his own time, he tours and plays shows ranging from 2.5-3.5 hours with a new band of incredibly tight musicians playing half hits and half new material. He goes on stage when he’s ready, he releases his music when he’s ready and he does what he likes, when he wants to do it. Not when people tell him he should do it.
He makes no secret of this and anyone that tries to argue that is an opinionated, but faceless moron following the sheep and the lead taken by people set out against Axl for personal grudges. Ya see, musicians who don’t pander to the press become enemies. People who won’t do what they’re told become a nuisance. and people who tell you to fuck off after you’ve devoted yourself to them for years on end get pissed off.
Axl Rose does what he likes when he likes. He doesn’t set out to piss off fans or anyone else but anyone turning up at a Guns show expecting to see the band on time is a straight up retard and fuck knows where they’d get the idea that was going to happen. It might, it’s not like they never turn up on time but you only hear of the occasions when they don’t. It’s not like every other band in the world always turn up on time, but then again – they don’t make as interesting reading as Axl.
He doesn’t pander to press, to fans, to x-band mates, to record companies or to anyone who else who tells him what he should be dong. He’s nearly 50 years old and he knows very well what he’s doing and how he wants it done. he knows when he’s ready to walk on stage to give the best performance he can and he knows when his musics ready. The Press, managers, fans and no-one else knows this because they all suck off the ‘product’ he’s giving the world. if you don’t like it – fuck off, if you question it – fuck off and if you have a problems guess what – Fuck Off!
Rock N’ Roll is rebellion and Axl Rose rebels against pretty much every rule in the book, whether it’s the industry making them, Society making them, the fans making them or his band making them. He will give you a fantastic show as long as you don’t throw shit at him (by the way, how many of you would remain in your chairs at work if customers came along throwing bottles and coins at you with a spot light in your face blocking your view?? Ya, fuck off!).
Axl Rose is the last true hero of rock n roll because he’s the only one famous enough still telling pressure and rules to go fuck themselves and anyone that can’t see that has no business being a fan of rock in the first place. Fuck off and listen to Radiohead and leave Rock N Roll alone for people with some balls.
Moving On:
Guns N’ Roses play Belfast on Tuesday, Dublin on Wednesday. Don’t go if you want Slash, don’t go if you have somewhere to be after. Go if you want to see the last true icon of a rotting genre, that once gave people alot of hope before it’s originators, it’s fans and it’s spokespeople were absorbed back into the system the movement set out to defy in the first place. He might also play a few cracking tunes while you’re there.
NME – Stick to reviewing The Kings of Leon, The Libertines and The Klaxons. That seems to be as much danger as ye can handle. I hear there’s a fat, squirrel eating lesbian naked somewhere – go quick, there’s a cover due!
Ex-Guns N’ Roses and current (apparent) Velvet Revolver axe legend Slash is nearly ready to release his much anticipated debut solo album. The record, entitled Slash, is coming to all good music shops and, strangely enough, newsagents on May 10th in the UK (April in the States).
As well as a standard record release, Slash, Roadrunner Records and Classic Rock magazine have teamed up to release a special feature magazine dedicated to Slash’s career that will come with an bonus version of the album.
Slash has been recording the album over the last year and he’s recruited half the recording industry to make it happen. Each track features a different guest vocalist and Slash is confident it’s the best project he’s ever been involved in.
While Tickets There would like to remain confident, his recent work, namely Velvet Revolver and his first solo single, Sahara (not featured on the album thank Christ!) leave little to be desired. Hopefully this album will produce the miraculous turnaround all his fans want to see him make and restore him to his former credibility.
Tracklist
01. Ghost (Ian Astbury, feat. Izzy Stradlin) (3:34)
02. Crucify The Dead (Ozzy Osbourne) (4:04)
03. Beautiful Dangerous (Fergie) (4:35)
04. Promise (Chris Cornell) (4:41)
05. By The Sword (Andrew Stockdale) (4:50)
06. Gotten (Adam Levine) (5:05)
07. Doctor Alibi (Lemmy) (3:07)
08. Watch This Dave (Dave Grohl, Duff McKagan) (3:46)
09. I Hold On (Kid Rock) (4:10)
10. Nothing To Say (M. Shadows) (5:27)
11. Starlight (Myles Kennedy) (5:35)
12. Saint Is A Sinner Too (Rocco De Luca) (3:28)
13. We’re All Gonna Die (Iggy Pop) (4:30)
Tickets There knows full well we should not be reviewing this, so we’ll keep it brief. Let us tell you right now, we hate both of these songs (yes, even Paradise City. It’s not a classic anymore. Instead it’s become…well, let’s save that for a little further down).
Sahara, featuring Koshi Inaba from Japanese hard rock outfit, B’Z (who’ve actually had something like forty odd consecutive number one singles and sold 78 million albums in Japan alone!!) Is one of the worst songs Slash has ever been associated with. We say one of the worst but honestly, we can’t think of anything else as bad, as boring, as shit as this track that Slash has worked on. It’s sooo boring, it doesn’t have any trace of rock n roll about it and the whole thing just reeks of ‘Gimmie Mo Money bitches!!’. With this single, Slash has sold out almost every ounce of credibility the famous living room guitarist had left. There isn’t even that many guitar moments in the bloody song so what’s the fucking point!!
As for the B-Side!. For a man complaining and whining about being asked about Guns N Roses all the time, it’s a wonder he didn’t stop and think that a cover of Guns N Roses classic, Paradise City would stir a few more GNR relaxed questions and conversations into the mix. Then again, let’s be honest. Slash was a great guitar player in Guns N Roses when he had Izzy, Axl and Duff helping out with the song writing, the singing, the composing, the attitude, the balls to pull it off and the chemistry to make it all work. On his own, with this album and it’s 1,000 page list of ‘guest musicians’, he’s just lost the plot.
Actually, I take that back. The plot for this album all along has been ‘Cash In!’ and that’ll probably work. Unfortunately it might just push Slash out of the musical limelight only die-hards and X-Factor viewers hold him I now.
Tickets There says shite but doubtless enough there’ll be some twat complaining about how unique, special, warm hearted, diverse and spiritual these mockeries are. Let me tell you right now, Tickets There doesn’t want to hear it.
Oh and Koshi, Hard Rock singers aren’t meant to sound like a guy who just got kicked in the balls with steel toe boots. They’re meant to sound like the guy that kicked him. Ask Lemmy!
CLICK HERE to see the latest Guns N Roses articles on Tickets There!
***UPDATED – 30/11/2010 – Guns N’ Roses: TO TOUR USA IN 2011? ***
Rumours are flying high that Guns N’ Roses will be touring the US in the spring of 2011 with the possibility of a new album (or remix album with a DVD) and…(yes, there’s more ) some new material being played at the shows. Whether or not the new songs will be played at the bands December shows is unclear but rumours generally have some basis in the Guns business (trying our best not to shit a brick laughing at that last comment).
According to Guns N Roses News, a source, the same that leaked the lyrics to sorry a year before they were released has divulged the following information.
“From what I’ve heard through some of my band contacts, 2011 should be a very cool year for the fans. Axl really wants to get Chinese Democracy’s follow-up out there, they’d like to tour the US (unfortunately lawsuits may prevent them), and we may even get that remix CD album bundled with an official DVD release that they’re working on.
Also, don’t be surprised if you hear a previously unreleased song or 2 played live for the first time. From what I hear, Axl is wanting to test the waters. Keep your fingers crossed that it is either “Forgotten” or Atlas Shrugged”. Whatever it is, you can be sure that it will be sweeeeeeeet!”
So, if anything more comes about this, we should be in for a fun filled Guns N’ Roses 2011. It’s too soon and too little for breath holding but where there’s light..etc. When we hear more, we’ll tell ye!
***UPDATED – 22/10/2010 – Guns N’ Roses Announce Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates December Show***
No word on Israel yet (thank-god!) but Guns N’ Roses have announced a show in the United Arab Emirates capital, Abu Dhabi!. Penciled in for December 16th, the date follows Guns Australian shows earlier in the month. For a full list of confirmed 2010 dates, please see below.
Dec. 1st: Guns N’ Roses live in Townsville, QLD, Australia
Dec. 4th: Guns N’ Roses live in Sydney, NSW, Australia
Dec. 7th: Guns N’ Roses live in Adelaide, SA, Australia
Dec. 11th: Guns N’ Roses live in Perth, WA, Australia
Dec. 16th: Guns N’ Roses live in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
***UPDATED – 14/10/2010 – DUFF McKAGAN PLAYS WITH GUNS N’ ROSES IN LONDON*** Can barely believe it myself folks but original Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan got up on stage with the band tonight to play You Could Be Mine, Lies favourite Nice Boys, Knockin’ On Heavens Door (featuring Duff on Guitar) and Patience (featuring Duff on Tambourine) at the second sold out night in London’s O2 Arena.
Apparently Axl Rose announced “There Was This Guy At The End Of My Hallway Playing All This Loud Music & Shit. Who The Fuck? Oh! It’s Duff!”. So it seems Mr. McKagan was staying at the same hotel as Axl and the two decided on giving their UK fans a little treat.
This is mega for anyone underestimating the significance. It’s the first time since 93 that Duff and Axl have played together live and might signal an end to the bitterness and rivalry at last. No-ones calling for a reunion, but it would be nice if those guys could patch things up. They did great work together and should get along. Fair play to both Axl and Duff tonight and to Tommy and the rest of the guys for standing back and letting the crowd lap it up. Christ I’d give almost anything to have been there!
Duff ain’t the only X-guns to take the stage with the new line-up. Original guitarist Izzy Stradlin played several shows with Guns in 2006.
Set-list with full Duff details (thank-you Blabbermouth)
01. Intro
02. Chinese Democracy
03. It’s So Easy
04. Mr. Brownstone
05. Sorry
06. Shackler’s Revenge
07. Richard Fortus Solo
08. Live And Let Die
09. Instrumental Jam
10. This I Love
11. Better
12. Rocket Queen
13. Dizzy Reed Solo
14. Street Of Dreams
15. You Could Be Mine (w/ Duff McKagan on bass)
16. The Ballad Of Death
17. Sweet Child O’Mine
18. Another Brick In The Wall (Part II)
19. Axl Piano Solo
20. November Rain
21. Bumblefoot Solo
22. I.R.S.
23. Nice Boys (w/ Duff McKagan on guitar)
24. Knocking On Heaven’s Door (w/ Duff McKagan on guitar)
25. Nightrain
Encore:
26. Don’t Cry
27. Madagascar
28. Patience (w/ Duff McKagan on tambourine)
29. Whole Lotta Rosie
30. Waiting On A Friend (jam)
31. Paradise City
***UPDATED – 13/10/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES Play London O2 Arena Tonight*** Tickets There wishes Guns the best of luck tonight when they return to the UK for the first time since the whole Reading / Leeds thing. This side of Europe mistreated rock royalty in August and early September, so hopefully things will go smoothly on this leg of the tour and the UK will get to see the band in full blazing glory.
***UPDATED – 10/10/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES to perform in Israel?***According to YNetNews, Guns N’ Roses are likely to play 2 shows in Israel this December.
The dates are slated to take place on the 18th and 19th. No city, venue or official confirmation has been announced as of yet but rumours seem to be king for this tour and Guns are stopping at every port in the sea (aside from the one over yonder). These shows follow the Australian ones taking place in Early December.
On a personal note, Tickets There isn’t delighted to see Guns break the boycott of Israel that many others have signed up to but then again, they’re musicians, not politicians. Hopefully the nukes won’t drop on The Knesset until after Guns finish up their show.
***UPDATED – 04/09/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES ROME SHOW UNDER-WAY*** Several Twitters, forums and Mr. Del James have confirmed Guns are on-stage in Rome!!!!
We’ll let ye know how things go when we have an update.
Same set-list as always, apparently the crowd are going nuts (in a good way). Guns are Back on form!!!
Rome show is over, everything went brilliantly!!! Tomorrow night, let’s see them do it again!!
***UPDATED – 02/09/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES Dublin & Belfast Review Now Posted***
Well, by now the entire GN’R world (and Beyond) has heard the media’s version of last nights show in Dublin, now it’s time for TT to have our final word on the subject.
***UPDATED – 29/08/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES ARRIVE IN BELFAST***
Well folks, no word on those extra Australian shows yet but good news for Irish Gn’R fans, The band have arrived in Belfast and they’re reading and willing for tomorrow night. Please excuse Tickets There for the next few days but after tonight, we’ll be binging in some good old fashioned Gn’R!
***UPDATED – 29/08/2010 – Axl Rose – Asshole or Hero? NME Ask The Question!*** Well, seems to folks over at NME are carrying on with their typical Bullshit. They posted a piece entitled ‘Axl Roses – Asshole or Hero?‘ and Tickets There has answered.
***UPDATED – 29/08/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES: LEEDS IS LOVIN’ IT *** Well folks, Queens of the Stone have finished and Leeds is waiting. We’ll let ye know as soon as they’re on.
***21:32 – Word is it’s Starting!!!***
***21:38 – Guns N’ Roses are on stage at Leeds. Welcome to The Jungle definitely played – more than likely Chinese Democracy aswell***
***22:04 – Best source for Leeds Festival news is GunsNRosesNews On Twitter. According to them, the following songs have been played so far,
“Chinese Democracy”, “Welcome To The Jungle”, “It’s So Easy”, “Mr. Brownstone”, “Sorry”, Richard Fortus Guitar Solo (James Bond Theme) & “Live And Let Die”, “This I Love”, “Rocket Queen”, Dizzy Reed Piano Solo (Ziggy Stardust) & “Street Of Dreams”, “You Could Be Mine”. “DJ” Ashba Guitar Solo (Ballad Of Death) & “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, “November Rain”, “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”, “Nightrain”played so far!
***23:11 – Right, crack time. Curfew for Leeds was 23:00 and we’re 12 minutes past. Let’s see what happens!***
***23:22 – According to GunsNRosesNews On Twitter, the Leeds organizers have told the band the show must end now. Waiting for an update.
**23:30 – Here Today Gone To Hell have confirmed the Leeds show is now over. Standing by to hear how it ended.***
***23:32 – According to GunsNRosesNews On Twitter, Axl made the following comment on stage “Coppers & Organisers Want To Fuck With Us & You. I Mean We’re In The Middle Of Nowhere In A Field“. Dead right, it’s a fucking festival for christs sake, leave them be!***
***UPDATED – 29/08/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES: AXL CONFIRMS LEEDS APPEARANCE *** Good news Leeds fans, Axl Rose has updated his twitter account to confirm the band will be playing Leeds tonight and they’re in negotiations to ensure that fans attending the show get their moneys worth.
He has also stated that fans deserve an apology from the Reading organizers, or to not mis-quote the legend “from those responsible” for ‘this nonsense’ (the way the last show was cut short). See both tweets below,
“We r in constant talks to ensure the fans attending Leeds get what they paid for w/out undue bureaucratic interference. We thank you for your understanding. Peace!! “
“In regard to Reading we feel at the very least the fans deserve an apology from those responsible for the nonsense. We’d also like to thank the fans for being so great, singing along n’ not tearing the place apart!!“
These updates will come as a sense of relief to the thousands of fans at Leeds today hoping to see Guns N’ Roses close the festival tonight.
***UPDATED – 28/08/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES: LEEDS FESTIVAL APPEARANCE STILL GOING AHEAD DESPITE AXL’s SPEECH ***Photo Taken From BBC.co.UK!
Well folks, if the word of NME and the Reading/Leeds organizers is anything to go by, Guns N’ Roses will still play their headlining slot tomorrow.
So far, none of the band has commented on Axl’s speech at last nights Reading show but Guitarist DJ Ashba has posted a twitter message branding the organizer, Melvin Benn a “money grubbing prick” and rightly pointed out that Melvin knows guns n roses show and if he wasn’t prepared to take them as they come, he shouldn’t have booked them.
We’ll post an update as soon as we hear it.
***UPDATED – 28/08/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES: LEEDS FESTIVAL APPEARANCE CANCELLED?*** Photo Taken From BBC.co.UK!
Not many reports about this so far, but Tickets There was just watching a video of Axl speaking to the crowd at Reading last night after the bands sound had been cut by festival organizers and Axl clearly says (0.21 seconds in)
“…so unfortunately due to tonight, WE WILL NOT BE AT LEEDS“
This was followed by the crowd chanting ‘Fuck You Reading‘. No-one from Leeds, Reading or Guns N’ Roses has commented on Axl’s speech so far leaving things very much up in the air for tomorrows headlining appearance. Watch the video below.
Good news for fans around Europe, Axl Rose has updated his twitter account for the first time in three months to announce,
‘Bkstage at Reading. Tour’s ON! Our apologies 4 any inconvenience. Peace!‘
He has also removed the previous hacked comment about the tour cancellation.
***UPDATED – 28/08/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES: READING FESTIVAL ENDS***
Well folks – I’m sorry. Went for after work pint…ended up as cocktails, pints and shots and low n behold, a full blown session but, I was watching GN’R updates the whole time and finally it’s 100% official – Guns N’ Fucking Roses are in Europe!!!!
Tonight,the Guns played Reading and in typical, Rock ‘N’ Roll fashion, they turned up late, giving a two finger salute to the so called ’11.30pm’ curfew bullshit. Axl and co played until 00:00 and the pulled was literally pulled. Not liking this, the band did a sit in with the crowd chanting ‘Let Them Play‘ when finally, drummer Frank Ferrer led the crowd into a massive sing along for Paradise City with Axl-The Legend-Rose signing vocals through a megaphone!
There were reports that due to the band arriving an hour late on stage (an hour, BIG FUCKING DEAL!!), the crowd turned pretty hostile but in all fairness, people are sacks and half the audience is an NME crowd out for blood. Pass no heed and look at the positive notes. The Reading audience wouldn’t know rock N Rill if it jumped up and beat the living hell out of them!
No riots, no cancellation, no no-shows, Guns N’ Roses played, time for Reading to appreciate that. Their set was as follows,
Chinese Democracy’
‘Welcome To The Jungle’
‘It’s So Easy’
‘Mr. Brownstone’
‘Sorry’
‘Richard Fortus Guitar Solo’
‘Live And Let Die’
‘This I Love’
‘Rocket Queen’
‘Dizzy Reed Piano Solo’
‘Street Of Dreams’
‘You Could Be Mine’
‘DJ Ashba Guitar Solo’
‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’
‘Instrumental Jam’
‘Axl Rose Piano Solo’
‘November Rain’
‘Night Train’
***UPDATED – 27/08/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES: READING FESTIVAL BEGINS***
Tonight is the night and Tickets There is giving up our Friday evening relaxation time to being you live highlights from Guns N’ Roses headlining slot at the Reading Festival. We won’t be there in person but god damn it we’ll bring you the updates one way or another!
Keep an eye on this post for the go ahead. Stage Time: 21:30 GMT
And remember, it’s not too late to get tickets for their Irish shows next week (Belfast Aug:31st / Dublin Sept. 1st). Banner below.
***UPDATED – 27/08/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES: More Australian Shows Announced?***
Well, rumour seems to be fact rather than fiction these days in the Guns N’ Roses camp so an announcment from AMP – Andrew McManus Productions that GN’R are set to play two extra dates in Australia with KoRn as special guests may come true.
In a posting on AMP Presents Official Website, they’ve announced Guns and KoRn will play shows in Townsville (December 1st) and Adelaide (December 7th). Tickets go on sale September 7th.
These shows will happen around Guns already confirmed show at the Sydney 500 V8 Supercars street race on December 4th. No official confirmation has come from Official Facebook Page but we’ll let ye know when it does.
***UPDATED – 25/08/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES: 2nd London Date Official*** Yep it’s true, Guns N’ Roses have confirmed a second date at London’s O2 Arena on October 14th on their Official Facebook Page. Sebastian Bach of Skid Row is set to support the band on all October UK dates.
The band are currently in the UK preparing for their European tour which kicks off at the Reading Festival this Friday. Twitter updates from several band members have confirmed their safe arrival and pre-tour tour activities starting. To follow the guys, check out a list we made on Twitter that follows most of the main GN’R players,
By the looks of things, CD.com also have word there’ll be another date announced for Oct.29th, although there’s no country mentioned. Also, HTGTH have just posted on Twitter that Sebastian Bach will support GN’R on their October UK Tour. This would tie in with a recent re-tweet on SB’s Twitter.
***UPDATED – 19/08/2010 – GUNS N’ ROSES TOUR STILL ON***
Well folks, looks like every things A-ok! Guns N’ Roses guitarist Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal has confirmed on his Facebook Page that the band are leaving for the U.K. on Monday.
“Leaving for the UK on Monday, for the GNR TOUR. NOT quitting GNR, don’t listen
to any trolls and dweebs pretending they have a clue.“
Once we hear they’ve arrived, we’ll let you know!
***UPDATED – 16/08/2010 – (Even More official) AXL ROSE TWITTER ACCOUNT WAS HACKED***
More reports are flooding in that this whole thing is the result of some prick arse hacker. Official sources are still contacting the world to confirm this was a hack but no-ones updated the official GN’R Facebook or websites yet and no band members have commented. Some of the sources that have confirmed this was a hack are as follows,
***UPDATED – 16/08/2010 – (Almost official) AXL ROSE TWITTER ACCOUNT WAS HACKED***
News that will come as a relief to thousands, it appears Official sources are desperatly trying to contact all press and booking agents to inform them the scheduled Guns N’ Roses dates are not cancelled and Axl Roses Twitter account has been hacked.
***UPDATED – 16/08/2010 – ALL GUNS N’ ROSES TOUR DATES CANCELLED?***
According to Axl Rose’s Twitter Account – “All upcoming Guns N’ Roses dates are officially cancelled”.
Is this true? Tickets There is hoping not. All other entries were made via IPhone and this one has been made via MobileWeb so with any luck it’s a hacker (bastard if it is).No official announcment has come from MCD or the Guns N’ Roses camp so stay tunned for updates as we have them.
TT has fingers crossed left right andf centre that this is a hack. Belfast and Dublin were so close .
**UPDATED – 03/08/2010 – UK TOUR CONFIRMED – Zaragoza & Barcelona Dates Re-Scheduled**
It’s official, Guns N Roses have confirmed the UK Tour dates on their Facebook Page. The date’s in Spain have been re-scheduled for the 22nd/23rd of October. Guns N’ Roses Official Facebook Page has added the three UK dates to their touring schedule.
October 13th – The O2, London
October 17th – LG Arena Birmingham
October 18th – MEN Arena, Manchester
Updated list of tour dates is below,
08.31 – Belfast, Northern Ireland @ The Odyssey Arena
09.01 – Dublin, Ireland @ O2 Arena
09.04 – Rome, Italy @ Palalottomatica
09.05 – Milan, Italy @ Mediolanum Forum
09.08 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Hallenstadion
09.10 – Amneville, France @ Le Galaxie Arena
09.13 – Paris, France @ Bercy Arena
09.16 – Genebra, Switzerland @ Arena Geneva
09.18 – Vienna, Austria @ Wiener Stadthalle Arena
09.21 – Bucharest, Romania @ Romexpo
09.23 – Belgrade, Serbia @ Belgrade Arena
09.24 – Zagreb, Crotia @ Arena Hall
09.30 – Antwerpen, Belgium @ Sportpaleis
10.02 – Lille, France @ Zenith
10.03 – Arnhem, Netherlands @ GelreDome XS
10.06 – Lisbon, Portugal @ Pavilhao Atlantico
10.09 – Madrid, Spain @ Palacio de Vistalegre
10.10 – San Sebastian, Spain @ Velódromo de Anoeta 10.13 – London, England @ The O2
10.17 – Birmingham, England @ LG Arena
10.18 – Manchester, England @The MEN Arena
10.22 – Zaragoza, Spain @ Pabellón Príncipe Felipe
10.23 – Barcelona, Spain @ Palau Olímpic de Badalonagland
**UPDATED – 03/08/2010 – European Tour Expanded to included UK**
Guns N’ Roses have expanded their European tour in include three dates in England, with the possibility of more to come. So far shows have been announced in London, Manchester and Birmingham for this October. Please see date sbelow,
October 13th – The O2, London (TBC – Conflicts with Spanish Dates)
October 17th – LG Arena Birmingham
October 18th – MEN Arena, Manchester
08.31 – Belfast, Northern Ireland @ The Odyssey Arena
09.01 – Dublin, Ireland @ O2 Arena
09.04 – Rome, Italy @ Palalottomatica
09.05 – Milan, Italy @ Mediolanum Forum
09.08 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Hallenstadion
09.10 – Amneville, France @ Le Galaxie Arena
09.13 – Paris, France @ Bercy Arena
09.16 – Genebra, Switzerland @ Arena Geneva
09.18 – Vienna, Austria @ Wiener Stadthalle Arena
09.21 – Bucharest, Romania @ Romexpo
09.23 – Belgrade, Serbia @ Belgrade Arena
09.24 – Zagreb, Crotia @ Arena Hall
09.30 – Antwerpen, Belgium @ Sportpaleis
10.02 – Lille, France @ Zenith
10.03 – Arnhem, Netherlands @ GelreDome XS
10.09 – Madrid, Spain @ Palacio de Vistalegre
10.10 – San Sebastian, Spain @ Velódromo de Anoeta 10.13 – Zaragoza, Spain @ Pabellón Príncipe Felipe / London, England @ The O2 (Clashing Dates)
10.14 – Barcelona, Spain @ Palau Olímpic de Badalona
10.17 – Birmingham, England @ LG Arena
10.18 – Manchester, England @The MEN Arena
NME now have the story and they’ve missed the fact that the 13th is a conflicting date. Still no official word from the GN’R camp but since the date appear in Ticketmaster, there’s a good chance there’s something behind them.
**UPDATED – 20/07/2010 – USA – Rock N’ Rev Show Announced** Guns N’ Roses are going stateside!! They’ve announced an American show for August 13th at the Rock ‘N Rev Festival in South Dakota.
**UPDATED – 14/07/2010 – Australia – Sydney 500 V8 show announced**
Guns N’ Roses are heading down under. The band have announced they’ll play the Sydney 500 V8 Supercars street race on December 4, at ANZ Stadium.
Axl Rose himself has been quoted by The Daily Telegraph announcing his excitement of the prospect of Guns playing the show,
**UPDATED – 04/07/2010 – Romania and Rock In Rio 2011 shows announced**
September 21st, Guns N’ Roses are going to Romania. Last week, the band confirmed yet another date for their growing European tour so if you’re about, Bucharest, Romania September 21st
Also in the news, today I’ve seen all the members have been pushing the tag #GNRROCKINRIOBRAZIL2011 on Twitter meaning the band have plans to appear at next years Rock In Rio festival in Brazil. No further details yet.
Also, Dublin and Belfast shows haven’t sold out yet so to all you douche bags sitting on your arse thinking abut it, hurry the f**k up and get your tickets!!! If it sells out fast enough, they might announce another show
That’s right folks, EURO 2010 LEG OF THE TOUR IS almost CONFIRMED
08.31 – Belfast, Northern Ireland @ The Odyssey Arena
09.01 – Dublin, Ireland @ O2 Arena
09.04 – Rome, Italy @ Palalottomatica
09.05 – Milan, Italy @ Mediolanum Forum
09.08 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Hallenstadion
09.10 – Amneville, France @ Le Galaxie Arena
09.13 – Paris, France @ Bercy Arena
09.16 – Genebra, Switzerland @ Arena Geneva
09.18 – Vienna, Austria @ Wiener Stadthalle Arena
09.21 – Bucharest, Romania @ Romexpo
09.23 – Belgrade, Serbia @ Belgrade Arena
09.24 – Zagreb, Crotia @ Arena Hall
09.30 – Antwerpen, Belgium @ Sportpaleis
10.02 – Lille, France @ Zenith
03.10 – Arnhem, Netherlands @ GelreDome XS
10.09 – Madrid, Spain @ Palacio de Vistalegre
10.10 – San Sebastian, Spain @ Velódromo de Anoeta
10.13 – Zaragoza, Spain @ Pabellón Príncipe Felipe
10.14 – Barcelona, Spain @ Palau Olímpic de Badalona
Oh yeah baby!!!
**UPDATED – 04/06/2010 **
GUNS N’ ROSES have announced two Irish shows. The legendary hard rock band will bring their Chinese Democracy World Tour to Belfast and Dublin, August 31st and September 1st respectively. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 11th
This is the moment Tickets There has been waiting for, for about 18 years!!!! Read more by Clicking Here
** UPDATED -013/ 06 / 2010 **
Guns N’ Roses have confirmed a date in Austria for September 18th. Vienna – Stadthalle. Detials @ GNRDaily.com.
This is more than likely the first of a string of European dates that are sure to include inclusions for Germany, Italy, France and hopefully Ireland .
** UPDATED -01/ 06 / 2010 **
They’ve done it, Guns have completed the first show of the Chinese Democracy Tour, European Leg in Norway. Setlist below!
1. Chinese Democracy
2. Welcome To The Jungle
3. It’s So Easy
4. Mr. Brownstone
5. Live And Let Die (Paul McCartney cover)
6. Sorry
7. This I Love
8. Rocket Queen
9. Street Of Dreams
10. You Could Be Mine
11. Sweet Child O’ Mine
12. November Rain
13. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover)
14. Nightrain
Encore:
15. Madagascar
16. Better
17. Paradise City
** UPDATED -31/ 05 / 2010 **
Today’s the day folks. Guns N Roses kick off their European Tour tonight in Norway. off course Tickets There has posted a wee piece about it and we’ll be updating the post later with the set-list, notes and any pics we can find (steal, ahem).
Rumors of Guns N Roses European Tour being canceled have been branded as false by the Guns Tour Manager, Rod MscSween. A few days ago it seemed the dates that have been announced so far were all in jeopardy but a mail from Rod to GNRDaily.com has confirmed all is well and Guns are kicking off their European tour on May 31st as scheduled.
The dates fully confirmed are as follows,
May 31 – Bergen, Norway
June 2 – Oslo, Norway
June 5 – Helsinki, Finland
June 6 – St. Petersburg, Russia
June 8 – Moscow, Russia
June 12 – Norje, Sweden
June 14 – Aalborg, Denmark
August 27 – Reading, UK
August 29 – Leeds, UK
** UPDATED -21/ 04 / 2010 **
The legends @ GnrDaily.com have confirmed Guns N Roses European Tour plans for 2010.
May 31 – Bergen, Norway
June 2 – Oslo, Norway
June 5 – Helsinki, Finland
June 6 – St. Petersburg, Russia
June 8 – Moscow, Russia
June 12 – Norje, Sweden
June 13 – Aalborg, Denmark
June 15 – Berlin, Germany
June 16 – Arnhem, Netherlands
June 18 – Vienna, Austria
June 20 – Zagreb, Croatia
June 21 – Belgrade, Serbia
June 23 – Prague, Czech Republic
June 26 – Dessel, Belgium
June 28 – Zurich, Switzerland
June 29 – Milan, Italy
August 27 – Reading, UK
August 29 – Leeds, UK
** UPDATED -20/ 04 / 2010 **
Looks like Guns are heading to Moscow on June 8 to play the city for the very first time. Venue – Olympiysky Stadium. More details @ Blabbermouth.
Also on the radar for European fans, it;s being strongly rumored that GNR will headline Graspop Nothing definite it yet but it’s more than likely they’ll join already confirmed names Aerosmith and KISS to celebrate Grasp[op’s 15th anniversary.
** UPDATED -04/ 04 / 2010 **
The owner of Slane Castle in Ireland has confirmed there will be No Slane Festival in 2010 as they were unable to secure an appropriate headliner. This means the guessing game continues for a Guns N’ Roses show in Ireland in 2010. A date in the RDS or O2 Arena now seems likely for either June or August.
Also, ChineseDemocracy.com have removed the refrence to the Italian God’s of Metal Festival from their website.
** UPDATED -31 / 03 / 2010 **
According to ChineseDemocracy.com, these are the latest dates for GNR’s European Tour,
June 5th, 2010: Helsinki, Finland @ Käpylän Urheilupuisto (Helsinki Live 2010)
June 6th 2010: New Ice Arena, St.Petersburg, Russia
Јune 22th 2010: Belgrade Arena, Belgrade, Serbia
June 12th, 2010: Sweden Rock Festival
June 13th, 2010: Aaborg Denmark
Aug 27th, 2010: Reading Festival
Aug 29th, 2010: Leeds Festival
With a possible appearances ay the Italian Gods of Metal and Ireland’s Slane Castle
** UPDATED – 29 / 03 / 2010 **
Guns N’ Roses have been confirmed as this years headliners of the 2010 Reading and Leeds Festivals. Click the orange text for more details!
** UPDATED – 25 / 03 / 2010 **
English Fans, get ready! It seems the Guns are tipped as favorites to land the coveted Reading / Leeds Festivals Headlining spots.
Axl Rose has just confirmed new South American dates via his Twitter Account. Please find them below,
Apr 4 – Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Apoteose
Apr 7 – Panama City, Panama, Estadio Figali
Apr 9 – San Jose, Costa Rica, Estadio Ricardo Saprissa
Apr 11 – San Salvador, El Salvador Estadio Cuscatlan
Apr 13 – Guatemala City, Guatemala Estadio Del Ejercito
Apr 15 – San Juan, Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Coliseum
*UPDATED – 23 / 12 / 2009*
Rolling Stone Magazine have announced that Guns N Roses will play Five Dates in Brazil in March 2010. Guns N Roses website shows space allocated fror South American in October 2010. Which one will turn out to be true?? Who knows, now go and read some of the other stuff on Tickets There. This fecking article!!!
The dates are rumored to take place on the following dates, (Venues TBC)
March 07 – Brasilia
March 10 – Belo Horizonte
March 13 – Sao Paulo
March 14 – Rio de Janeiro
March 16 – Porto Alegre
** Original Post **
I’m sure we’re all very familiar with the long history Guns N’ Roses have of bogus announcements. Well, this might be another one for the pile but word on the net is Guns N’ Roses will tour in 2010. Not only that but a string of Asian and Canadian dates have already been announced.
A few weeks ago, four concerts were announced in Taipei, Seoul, Osaka and Tokyo. Without any official confirmation it seemed these shows, like the Indian ones reported earlier this year were bullshit. Now, thirteen more dates have been announced starting in January 2010 and ending in early February with many, many more expected to be announced in the coming weeks and throughout 2010.
Axl Rose, the only remaining member of the original Guns line-up, has taken some serious flogging over the last few years but Tickets There hopes the band make the comeback his loyal fans all hope they do. If he doesn’t??? Changes nothing. Axl Roses is a fucking legend. Deal with it, Boi!!
December 11 – Taipei
December 13 – Seoul
December 16 – Osaka
December 19 – Tokyo
January 13 – Winnipeg
January 16 – Calagary
January 17 – Edmonton
January 19 – Saskatoon
January 20 – Regina
January 24 – Hamilton
January 25 – London
January 27 – Montreal
January 28 – Toronto
January 31 – Ottawa
February 1 – Quebec City
February 3 – Moncton
February 4 – Halifax
Due to phenomenal demand, I’ve decided to create a much easier quiz as a follow up to yesterdays that you all loved so well. However, heed my warning. This quiz isn’t all fun and games, oh no! It’s a mind bendingly difficult little slice of musical penetration. Possibly the second hardest quiz in the world…after my first one.
Only Eyes: Can you name this rock star using only this small, hard to see image of their eyes?
Hats off!: Name the owner of this destructive and ‘illusioned’ and Velvet hat (if you please)?
Oh yes, Tickets There fooled you all. This quiz is much, much harder than my previous one. Once again Tickets There claims victory!!
The man on the left is former U.S. president, Richard Nixon. Who is the man on the right?
Mask Attack: Name this famous King of Pop who is cleverly disguised?
Irish Bonus Round: Name all four singers from this Eyebrowy sketch?
Well, Well, Well. Once again Tickets There got ya. Spent the evening watching Vince Vaughn’s latest movie (with an introduction from the man himself in Dublin’s Savoy) so please forgive the complete lack of humour.
The legend behind the iconic Gibson Les Paul has just passed away and Tickets There wanted to commemorate his passing by showing a handful of our favourite guitarists that have used his guitar. I never knew a whole pile about Mr. Paul but I’ve loved his guitar since I fist saw a picture of Slash from a live show many, many years ago. In fact, I think the reason I started playing guitar in the first place was so one day I’d be worthy of purchasing and owing a Studio Classic model (that day hasn’t come yet but I did buy a lovely Epiphone LP).
Anyway, R.I.P. Les, you gave rock N roll one of it’s finest assets.
There is one band in the world that has always come close to beating Def Leppard to the top spot in my all time favorites. A band that I consider to be the greatest hard rock band of all time. I first discovered Guns N Roses in 1992, just a couple of months after Def Leppard when an older brother of one of my friends leant me the Use Your Illusion 1I& II albums in boarding school. Knowing that I was a Leppard and Meatloaf fan, I think he wanted someone else to share the mighty Guns with since everyone else had never heard of any rock bands. I remember trying Use Your Illusion I first because I preferred the cover and was instantly blown away by the sher force of the Axl’s voice and the guitars. I’d never heard anything like this and all of a sudden Leppard didn’t hold the holier than though pedestal I’d placed them on. Shortly after I managed to get copies of the alums from a traveller outside Mullingar at a wee market at some roadside restaurant like the covert and Guns were firmly brought into my life.
Aside from Adrenalize, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to an album so much in my life. Use Your Illusion I oozes sleazy Rock N Roll and as I got older, I understood more and more of the ands lyrics an hidden connotations. It was like an album that grew more and more mature with age and that’s the prime reason it never got left on the shelf when new bands came into my life. Despite being as big of a fan as I was, I’d never even heard about Appetite for Destruction or Lies and wouldn’t discover them for another eight or nine years. Even when Appetite did come along, it’s never managed to replace Illusion 1 as my favorites; even now I can listen to that album and enjoy it as much as I ever did.
Before getting into the songs (and honestly, I don’t write these to try and review the greatest songs in my life. If you don’t know them there isn’t much point in you reading these), I should say that to appreciate the Guns, you really need to look at their career rather than just their music. Think of them like The Sex Pistols and you will understand Rock N Roll like the Pistols make you understand the true meaning of punk. Rock n Roll is meant to be an attitude more than the music. It’s that attitude that defines real rock n roll rebellion. It’s not anarchy, it’s lazy. It’s about doing what ever you like and not letting anyone tell you otherwise. Yeah it sounds cliché but that’s what it’s all about and if there is one man in rock who lives up to every single word of that, it’s W. Axl Rose.
Axl has never and will never do what record companies, fans, and mates, family or the press expect, pressure or beg him to do. Yes I’m sure there are all these underground guys who do the same but I’m sorry, Axl is the one with the millions under his belt and he still does what he likes and makes it work at his level. He didn’t give up after the Illusion and release one watered down alum after another for the following twenty years. He also didn’t go out of his way to keep the classic line-up happy and he continued Guns N Roses in his own way with the whole world laughing at him. Even the rock press and diehard fans failed to see the brilliance behind his methods and still today the fans that claimed to stand behind him still bitch log and beg for tours, special edition albums and music videos all the while their forgetting that none of these things will make the bands latest album Chinese Democracy any better. Axl is a musician who’s quite happy to let the music speak for its’ self. If anyone else did it and said that’s what they were doing, the world would cherish them and praise their musical integrity but unfortunately for Axl, they lampoon him.
Well I hope you will read this and look on Axl more favorably. He is not a front man interested in keeping old fans happy by travelling the world selling a decaying shell of a once great line-up, who’s former members have gone on to destroy their legacy’s and tarnished their images as the rocks leading hell raisers (except Izzy). He’s doing what he wants, how he wants to do it and any fan of rock n roll out there who criticizes, laughs or attacks him for this hasn’t got fucking clue what rock n roll is all about. You’d be better of buying your Motorhead t-shirts in Top Shop and singing along with Summer of 69 when it’s one and leave it at that because Rock has enough posers already.
Anyways, Use Your Illusion I eh, great album. What else can I say?
Velvet Revolver landed in Ireland this month to play two sold out nights at the Ambassador Theatre in Dublin and Tickets There decided that Slash’s presence in Ireland deserved a mention (personal favourite ya see).
We wouldn’t really call ourselves Velvet Revolver fans. Their first album was half decent and we remember being pretty excited buying it just before heading to Alice Cooper in the Olympia a few years ago. The first full length collaboration with Slash, Duff Makagan and Matt Sorum, since the last Guns N’ Roses album (The Spaghetti Incident). The excitement managed to cover up the obvious flaws in the album for a few months. By the time their second album came out we’d had lost much of the original interest. We’d spent months following the silent goings on in the Guns N’ Roses world and the new Velvet Revolver album was the enemy, another barrier between the new Guns N Roses and the former band mates.
Liberty turned out to be one of the most over hyped pieces of rubbish we have ever had the displeasure of buying. Every song was a repetition of the track listing from the first album. Big Machine became She Builds Quick Machines whileFall to Pieces became Gravedancer’. It was so bad, it promoted us to write one of our first pieces, a short but scathing attack……and here we go again (thankyou Mr. Coverdale)
The gig was sold out, but there was no atmosphere. The crowd was at least 70% male and made up of ageing Guns N Roses rockers, extreme studiers (you know what we mean, the kind of guys who paid E175 to meet the band pre-show and get every album cover signed), Emo’s (four really annoying ones in particular) and kids…lots of kids.
Support was provided by Year long Disaster. At first they seemed like…well we don’t know what, just another post millennium metal band. Slow, meaningful lyrics, backed up hard, slow and BORING riffs. However, halfway through their set they really kicked things off, spiralling into classic Les Paul jams and spur off’s. ‘Y.L.D. proved to be pretty good considering…..considering they leave the nonsense metal out of it. Slayer did it as well as it can be done already so what’s the point?
VR came on stage about 9.30 hammering straight into Let it Roll, the first track from the last album. Let It Roll had all the trademarks of an incredible fast paced, slap in the face, rock anthem except it fails to deliver, much like the rest of the their catalogue.
I wouldn’t even bother describing the rest of the set song by song as it was all the same. Slash managed to get the loudest cheers every time he’d come to the front of the stage, Duff a close second, Then Scott. Rhythm guitarist Dave Kushner was seen occasionally hanging around while Matt tried desperately to perform strong enough so Slash and Duff wouldn’t wake up and realize their not in Guns N Roses anymore. Each song was delivered exactly the same except a quiet moment or two for the acoustics to be brought out. Even renditions of Guns N’ Roses classics It’s so Easy, Mr Brownstone and Patience didn’t manage to impress (us anyway, lots of other people were having a great time). We felt more disgusted that Slash and Duff would let Scott sing three of their greatest works.
There were a few highlights of the night. Firstly the presence of Slash and Duff McKagan (have I mentioned them yet?), Slash playing a double neck guitar during patience, The Ambassador’s smoking area and …..well, I’m sure there was any more.
Even the final song of the night Slither, their classic first single, was too far into the set to save the night. We’d already visited the cloak room before they had left the stage.
Set List: Velvet Revolver, Dublin, March 12th/2008,
Everyone’s favourite top hat supporting, bad ass guitarist is in Dublin! No matter how many times Slash visits this country, the excitement of knowing he’s here never seems to wane and he isn’t shy about turning up. Ireland has been fortunate to receive him with Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver and now with his solo project, Slash (featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators). Ireland loves Slash and by a happy coincidence, Slash seems to love us too. The fact that he gets on stage every time he pops over and plays a mean set of mother f**king rock ‘n’ roll is just a bonus. Tonight’s crowd in the Olympia are a resounding endorsement of that love.
No matter what style of music you favour, job you have, hipster trend you follow or back alley you like to sleep through your hangover in, you’re represented here (I will volunteer to speak for the latter). The venue is rammed very soon after opening time and everyone is gasping with excitement and anticipation. Opening band, The Treatment, leap on stage and blow the crowd away with some good old fashioned 80’s sleaze cock rock. The whole band throw themselves into the performance and explode with heavy riffs, sing-along, hair metal boldness and alluring choruses. Supporting someone like Slash is a daunting task and it’s easy to ignore the support but The Treatment manage to get everyone on board tonight. Closing with ‘Shake the Mountain’, the band depart conquering heroes and for a moment you could almost forget the night is only starting.
Slash arrives on stage to the throng of 1,600 voices screaming. The sight of the legendary axe man sends the Olympia into hysterics with people clamouring to squeeze as close to the barrier as possible as the band kicks off with ‘Halo’, from last year’s Apocalyptic Love album. The band sound great and considering this is the final date of a very long tour European tour, they’re still bursting with energy and charisma. Like or loath Myles Kennedy, the man knows how to get a crowd going and tonight he’s working overtime. Every note from Slash’s guitar rings loud above everything else as they blister through ‘Nightrain’, ‘Ghost’ and ‘Back From Cali’, the second single from his self-titled debut. Everything is getting an airing tonight from GN’R, Slash’s Snakepit to Velvet Revolver and his solo material and they’re in no rush to wrap things up quickly. ‘By The Sword’ sees the energy continue to grow in the band and crowd alike before bassist, Todd Kerns takes over vocals for ‘Dr. Alibi’ and Guns classic, ‘You’re Crazy’. I don’t know if Alter Bridge fans will forgive me, but Todd sort of blows Myles Kennedy off stage as his voice lacks the clean safety that Myles has and instead delivers a grittier, harder take on the tracks.
Not speaking much, Slash let’s his guitar do the talking but does take enough time to thank the crowd and speak about the tour wrapping up. The epic ‘Civil War’ solidifies the crowd’s devotion before an extended jam laden rendition of ‘Rocket Queen’ blows the place apart, helped by a good five+ minute solo from Slash. It’s here that Myles can genuinely deliver a Guns song as he perfectly hits every note with perfection. Returning to his two solo albums, Slash knocks out ‘No More Heroes’, ‘Starlight’, ‘Anastasia’ and ‘You’re A Lie’ before closing the main set with fan favourites; ‘Sweet Child O’Mine’ and Velvet Revolver’s ‘Slither’. Over an hour and a half and we’re still hungry for more. They return to finish us off with ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ (again featuring Todd on vocals) and ‘Paradise City’, complete with exploding confetti and all. This part of the night gets blurry for yours truly. A lethal concoction of Guinness, Jack N’ Cokes and Slash left me hell for leather in the midst of sweat, booze, head banging and sing along pit behaviour.
) some new material being played at the shows. Whether or not the new songs will be played at the bands December shows is unclear but rumours generally have some basis in the Guns business (trying our best not to shit a brick laughing at that last comment).
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