Live Review: Guns N Roses at Banc Of California Stadium

This pandemic has been extremely difficult. We all know the hardships of it. One of the biggest things throughout the whole thing so far has been the inability of bands to tour and all of us to go to shows. So, when the opportunity presented itself amongst all the craziness recently to go see Guns N Roses, you know I had to. Not a bad way to start going back to shows. And as this review will show, Guns N Roses is still one hell of a live band and those songs, still hold up so damn well. Armed with my vaccination and mask, the night was about to begin…

It was a perfect clear night in Los Angeles and at a little before 8pm, the lights came down, the intro started and the shadow figures took the stage to a roaring and thunderous crowd. Then, it all starts with “It’s So Easy” and from that it was a barrage of great songs after another. The songs from Chinese Democracy that were played (“Better,” “Chinese Democracy,” and “Madagascar”) sounded so good. Way better than the album versions and having Duff and Slash playing on them changed them just enough that it sounded the way it should’ve when first released. I got to hear my all time favorite GnR track quite early on in the evening. “Estranged” live was everything I hoped for and more. It was beyond epic and there might have been a few tears dripping from my eyes. Throughout the rest of the night, more and more awesome songs were played like “Rocket Queen,” “You Could Be Mine,” “Civil War,” “November Rain,” and “Don’t Cry.” Even the choices of covers were outstanding. We were graced with a very extended version of “Knockin On Heaven’s Door” that knocked it out of the stadium. Also very awesome versions of The Who’s “The Seeker” and The Stooges “I Wanna Be Your Dog” with Duff on lead vocals. One of the coolest parts of the show and set were the way they extended the songs with little snippets of other songs like when they played “Civil War” they included Jimi Hendrix’s “Machine Gun” as part of the outro or Alice Cooper’s “Only Women Bleed” as part of “Knockin On Heaven’s Door.”

For the 3 hours that GnR was on stage, it’s almost as though time stood still. Everyone in the band was on their A game and looked like they were having a blast on stage. Axl was making jokes, running around, playing around with his bandmates and was on fire with his vocals. The chemistry also between the band was outstanding. Richard Fortus is a very great addition to the band. He’s one hell of a guitar player that gives Slash a run for his money but, he knows his role. Frank Ferrer is a monster on the drums. Dizzy Reed is such an underrated part of GnR. His ability to accompany the songs with the right keyboard/piano parts are so good. Melissa Reeves provides great backing vocals for Axl, especially the high notes that might be a little difficult. And of course you have the core 3 of Axl, Slash and Duff who sound better than ever together. The only thing I have to critique is the background videos they had playing. They just seemed a little outdated but, who really needs to pay attention to that with what you have on stage. Guns N Roses is back and hopefully for good. I am very intrigued by the possibility of them releasing new music. The song “Absurd” isn’t the best new song but, live it did sound good. All in all what a great show and night. My friend I was with, he and I couldn’t believe how awesome the show was. The GnR hangover lasted all weekend long too. Definitely would go see them again!

Opening the show was Mammoth WVH, Wolfgang Van Halen’s band. They were a solid opening band. Their set was a little over 30 minutes and they were able to connect with part of the crowd but, you could just tell the audience just wanted Axl and company. This was also the bands first tour and performances ever. Pretty tall order to be opening for a band like GnR but, they did a really good job.

Guns N Roses Setlist:

01) It’s So Easy
02) Mr. Brownstone
03) Chinese Democracy
04) Slither (Velvet Revolver Cover)
05) Double Talkin’ Jive
06) Welcome To The Jungle (w/ Link Wray’s “Rumble” intro)
07) Better
08) Estranged
09) Live And Let Die (Wings Cover)
10) You’re Crazy
11) Rocket Queen
12) You Could Be Mine
13) I Wanna Be Your Dog (The Stooges Cover w/ Duff on vocals)
14) Absurd
15) Civil War (w/ Jimi Hendrix’s “Machine Gun” outro- Band Intros)
16) Slash Guitar Solo (Muddy Waters “Mannish Boy” jam)
17) Sweet Child O’ Mine
18) November Rain
19) Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb/Glen Campbell Cover)
20) Patience
21) Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan Cover w/ Alice Coopers Only Women Bleed intro)
22) Nightrain

Encore:

23) Madagascar
24) Don’t Cry
25) The Seeker (The Who Cover)
26) Paradise City

F You Songs: Guns N Roses- Get In The Ring

I think this one will be a fun topic. There are so many F You songs out there. Some are quite the F YOU and others are a little more subtle. Let’s have fun with this one. If you think of any that should be featured, comment, send me a message or email me.

The first one that came to mind was “Get In The Ring” by Guns N Roses. This song was a verbal assault on music critics with some publications and writers by name. Hit Prader, Kerrang, Spin and Circus magazines. Musically it’s a pretty rocking song. Interestingly too, this song was originally written by bassist Duff McKagan with the title of “Why Do You Look At Me When You Hate Me.” Axl then added his touch to it and we now have the end result. I have to say that the line “Why Do You Look At Me When You Hate Me” to start the song was the perfect opening line. Over the years too, every time I’m a bit frustrated with someone, this song always has a nice feel to it and when you sing along, it does make you feel a bit better, especially when you get to the end!

Guns N Roses- Get In The Ring:

Guest Vocalist: Ozzy Osbourne

The other day Ozzy celebrated his 70th birthday. Funny enough, while I was on my way home that day, I had my iPod on random and the Rob Zombie song “Iron Head” came on and there was Ozzy singing on it. I had totally forgotten about Ozzy guesting on that song, so of course when I got home I looked up all the songs he’s guested on over the years. So, here’s a bunch of those songs.

 

Rob Zombie- Iron Head (from The Sinister Urge):

 

 
Black Label Society- Stillborn (from The Blessed Hellride):

 

 

 

Coal Chamber- Shock The Monkey (from Chamber Music):

 

 
Slash- Crucify The Dead (from Slash):

 

 

Tony Iommi- Who’s Fooling Who (from Iommi):

 

 
Alice Cooper- Wake The Dead (from Along Came A Spider):

 

 
Ringo Starr- Vertical Man (from Vertical Man):

 

 
Busta Rhymes- This Means War (from E.L.E.- The Final World Front):

 

Cover Song: White Zombie (Kiss)- God Of Thunder

I’m still hoping that one day White Zombie will get back together for at least one show. But at least there is still the music. One of my favorite Kiss songs “God Of Thunder was covered by White Zombie way back when. It’s definitely an interesting cover. Enjoy it!

 

White Zombie- God Of Thunder:

 

Kiss- God Of Thunder:

 

Rob Zombie, Slash, Scott Ian, Tommy Lee, Ace Frehley, Gilby Clarke (from VH1 Rock Honors)- God of Thunder:

Guest Musician: Dave Grohl

Dave Grohl is one of the busiest and most collaborative musicians that have come around in a long time. I’ve been wanting to do a Guest Musician post about Dave for some time, and now seems like the great time to do it. Here are a slew of the songs Dave has guested on over the years.

 
Tony Iommi Solo Album- Goodbye Lament (Vocals/Drums):

 

David Bowie- I’ve Been Waiting For You (Guitar):

 

Pete Yorn- For Us (Drums):

 

Garbage- Bad Boyfriend (Drums):

 

Slash Solo Album- Watch This (Drums):

 

The Prodigy- Run With The Wolves (Drums):

 

Nine Inch Nails- Getting Smaller (Drums):

 

Nine Inch Nails- The Collector (Drums):

 

Nine Inch Nails- Sunspots (Drums):

 

Nine Inch Nails- The Line Begins To Blur (Drums):

 

Nine Inch Nails- Every Day Is Exactly The Same (Drums):

 

Albums Played On:

Queens Of The Stone Age- Songs For The Deaf, Like Clockwork
Tenacious D- Self Titled, The Pick Of Destiny, Rize Of The Fenix
Juliette And The Licks- Four On The Floor
Killing Joke- Self Titled

And so many more…

 

 

Guest Vocalist: Ian Astbury of The Cult

Way back when I was a little lad I remember seeing the video for The Cult’s “Fire Woman” and thinking that the guy singing was outstanding. So naturally I had my parents take me to go buy their album Sonic Temple. Over the years I’ve really noticed I love Ian Astbury’s voice. In the past few years The Cult has come back and are delivering the goods. Their last two albums, Choice Of Weapon and Hidden City are fantastic, and have that classic edge the band has always had. Ian’s voice has always been distinct and when you hear it on other band’s songs, it brings something special out of those songs. Here are a few songs that Ian has guested on over the years.

 

Tony Iommi w/ Ian Astbury- Flame On:

 

Slash w/ Ian Astbury- Ghost:

 

Circus Of Power- Shine:

 

Boris-Teeth and Claws:

Video Rank: Guns n Roses

Last night I was sitting at home watching TV and out of the blue Guns N Roses Estranged popped into my head. Then I proceeded to look up the video for the sing, which got me thinking about all their videos. So I thought today would be ideal to do a top 10 ranking of their best videos.

10) Live And Let Die:

9) Since I Don’t Have You:

8) Sweet Child O’ Mine:

7) Welcome To The Jungle:

6) Paradise City:

5) You Could Be Mine:

4) Patience:

3) Don’t Cry:

2) Estranged:

1) November Rain:

List: Overrated Guitarists

I really enjoy talking to my friends that are musically inclined and have discussions about this and that. One of the constant things that always comes up is who we think are overrated in terms of players, bands, etc. Today I thought I’d focus on creating a list of those that are overrated guitarists. I’m not saying they aren’t good players, just that they aren’t all that “Great.” Keep in mind that this is just my opinion and it’s ok that you don’t agree…I won’t get mad! I’m sure there are others as well, so go ahead and add them in the comments.

1. Slash
2. Eddie Van Halen
3. Dimebag Darrell- Pantera
4. Kerry King- Slayer
5. Kirk Hammett- Metallica
6. Synster Gates- Avenged Sevenfold
7. Zacky Vengence- Avenged Sevenfold
8. Pete Townshend
9. Joe Perry