Here Today... Gone To Hell!

So, if this stadium tour indeed happens, what are your best bets on opening bands?

Is it more likely to be a "bigger" band than normal due to the size of the venues, or do you think they figure GNR can draw full houses completely on their own?

I wonder if the names Axl and Slash together have enough 'industry cred' to pull a band that could typically headline an amphitheater tour who would be willing to take a back seat to GnR just to be along for the ride.

I also wonder if the crossover nature of songs like Sweet Child, Patience, and Paradise City would attract a more 'mainstream' top 40 like act that would also put asses in seats. I feel like anyone that would buy a ticket to a B or C level rock act is already going to buy GnR comeback tickets... BUT could you pull another 20K if you get someone like Adam Levine and Maroon 5 (who will really never play a Stadium Tour) to open... his crowd will know SCOM and will open the classic band up to a whole new audience and generation.

Again I'm not saying Maroon 5, I'm just thinking would a band with a huge following who plays in a slightly different segment of the industry help make the tour a success and potentially get them more/different press at times.

With a few rare exceptions a Skid Row fan is probably already a GnR fan, and will already be there anyway. 60-70K tickets a night is going to be a tall order.

Probably, if it was one of those "changing opening acts" thing. I wouldn't be surprised if one of those bands did a few shows. Why not?




/jarmo

I think the bands will be bigger names.  If your going big, go BIG. 

I can't see Skid Row being anything other than a 3rd string opener.

Much like 2006, I feel Guns will go for a more modern band (which will have to be bigger than Papa Roach was that year). I can see a more contemporary band like the Black Keys (who have plenty of cred with all age groups), Fallout Boy, Imagine Dragons, or even someone like Vampire Weekend. There has to be a hook, Axl and Slash are both savvy and I expect them to show that with their choice

Like I said in the previous thread, I would love to see Halestorm as  the opening act. They did cover Out Ta Get Me. Also Lizzy has played with Slash and Myles. I saw Halestorm at the Starland Ballroom  a few years ago. They were amazing!

Faith no more.... Anyone?  No?  Ok how about:
Van Halen
The Cult
Soundgarden
Alice in chains
A7X
Rage against the machine
Bodycount

That's the issue though, what's Starland hold? 1500 people? I just think a 60K+ seat Stadium Tour is going to need a bigger opener than that. I like the Imagine Dragons idea from The New Fiona Apple, they are pop influenced rock band that would add people that wouldn't normally buy a GnR ticket which is what I think is going to be needed to sell their first Stadium Tour of the US in 23 years. Plus if Universal decides to release a larger retrospective Greatest Hits that also includes a new track or two, they 'diverse' audience could lead to greater radio play, streaming, and downloads which would lead to better things in the future...

How about no opening bands and a 3-hour GNR set? Please not more than one opener!!

If this was an arena tour, sure... I just don't see any one of those adding many more tickets than what GnR would do themselves (the share similar audiences). Did you see DLR during the last tour, I would't want him and that circus in the same city as GnR never mind sharing a stage.

I feel like there are two separate questions at play... who do you want to see open? and who is the best business decision as an opener?

Possibly AX7 - good fit crowd wise...but in no way shape or form do I see Axl wanting the Maroon 5 crowd a part of this

Give me someone with some bite to them - preferably someone who is on the verge of exploding and respects all that is/was Gn'r

Typically, for a stadium show, you'd get 2 support slots. Sometimes 3.

Ghost!

Halestorm would be a good fit in the 1st support slot. They are good with the crowd.

I mentioned a bunch of other possibles for the 2nd (main) support slot in the other thread. Afi, my chemical romance, disturbed, paramore, muse, avenged sevenfold, panic at the disco....theres a bunch more that would fit, too.

Coma - Van Halen was always a circus with DLR - that was the beauty of it... Full on party time band, if you miss the point thats your problem haha besides, outside of hardcore fans, GnR has been more like a touring circus the last 10 years to a lot of people and top it off with a residency in vegas, pole dancing girls and flying piano... to accuse VH being a circus as a diss is quite amusing but then seriously mentioning Maroon 5, you have to be having a laugh!  :)

In rock?

The pickings are slim, in terms of acts like that (the last bit, on the verge), that would actually draw at a stadium show.  If we were back in the 90s....the cup would runneth over.

I think vh gets left off the list because of the previous crap with Azoff and the tour that wasn't.  Maybe not, but.....thats my gut instinct.

Im thinking it will be in the same template as guns, metallica, faith no more tour - with like a decent opener and a double header with guns going on last. I could actually imagine foo fighters doing it, i know their was animosity in the past but if dave grohl can possibly get any more publicity for himself he will whore himself out regardless of if his band is a bigger draw than gnr in recent years.

Van Halen couldn't open for Guns though right?

If anything it would've been as co-headliners.

I saw them around 2010/2011/2012. It was the earlier part of this decade.  Since then, they have played in Rock in Rio and Central Park.

Then? Yes.

Now? I mean...maybe you bill them that way, to make vh happy, but guns closes the show and would be the chief co-headliner. ;)

Van Halen "wouldn't" open for Gn'r

ID be good with The Pretty Reckless,they have new album coming this yr I believe, AX7 .I think those 2 would work well .

No not circus like that... DLR is fucking joke... he does't even sing all of the lyrics to their songs anymore (and I question whether or not he knows them). They did the Jimmy Kimmel thing to kick off their last tour and he broke his own nose using the mic stand like he was Steven Segal in 'Above the Law'... his band looks at him mid show like he is their senile grandfather using the 'N' word.

Sometimes a very famous person can tour as a solo and not command the audience that his band could...so here's a thought (Dream actually)

I hear Jimmy Page is going to go all solo, put out an album...tour a bit........

I'd be happier than pig in shit

I also think GNR is bigger, but VH is so close as to not wanting to open for anybody. Well, with a couple of exceptions maybe.

Foo Fighters is one that popped in my mind, but I have to wonder about history... There was bad blood with Nirvana, and I remember a few different cases where he bad mouthed Axl/NewGNR on stage (I remember a fan yelling about getting on stage and he said something like what does this look like Lynyrd Skynyrd or Guns N Roses, we know how to play I don't need a third guitar player we are fine with two).

Edit: The quote might be from the late 90's very early 2000's, still trying to find it... but if Axl can change opinions on Slash from 2012 to now, then Grohl might have changed his opinion in 15+ years. I know he is friends with Duff though.

The Pretty Reckless is one of the best recomendations.   

Royal Blood is another.
Stone Sour is possible Cory already knows most of theband.
Silver Sun pickups would be interesting as well.   

Red Sun Rising as the 3rd band would fit with a strong rock show.

Ugly Kid Joe would be perfect if you ask me.

I for once would love for it to be Alice Cooper and Skid Row, but I think they will get a new band to bring some young kids and hipsters to the gigs.

Oh yeah, what about The Cult? They have just released a new album.  :beer:

Foo Fighters would be good, but don't see it happening.  
Pearl Jam would be great but don't see it happening.
Metallica would be insane but don't see it happening.  

Maybe
Alice In Chains
Muse
Kid Rock

Something like this...
1) Muse or Alice In Chains
2) Kid Rock
3) GNR

Reunited Skid Row. They fired whoever sang.

Then Alice IN Chains then GNR Headline

DLR is currently out of VH contract (and more interested in reuniting his '85 solo band than doing more VH), doubt opening for GN'R would work for them anyway.

Why not Alice Cooper? Or his current "cover band" Hollywood Vampires with Johnny Depp and Joe Perry.

Not too ridiculous, considering Brian May opened for GNR during the UYI Tour...

Biffy Clyro.

Backyard Babies  : ok:
Michael Monroe
Alice in Chains
Rival Sons
Danko Jones
Bumblefoot

The darkness
SixxA AM
Skid row

Some version of Hollywood Vampires. If Alice was happy to support Motley fucking Crue I'm sure he'd be happy to support Guns. Then you could have Matt there to sit in with Guns for a couple of Illusions songs too.

Mastodon, Alter Bridge, Bumblefoot, Wolfmother...

Many of these bands I've seen posted in this thread are probably fun to watch, but wouldn't exactly bring people in.

So depending what the goal is, it might not make sense...





/jarmo

It depends... If you think people will fullfill stadium just because of gnr you can open even with a fuckin karaoke...but if you think that 250/300 $ ticket it's a little too much, you have to bring in something big. I don't like them but foo fighters could be the right choice =)

Foo Fighters are bigger than GNR these days.
plus, I don't see Dave doing anything with Axl.

maybe they can have Smashing Pumpkins and/or Marilyn Manson, but it's difficult
to find big relevant names who has no problems with Axl or Guns in general

A few people mentioned Halestorm... that would be awesome as the first opener..

Then an act like Linkin Park who has a little bit of a different fan base than us to bring in more butts in the seats. ( Of course if they wanted to) We all know Chester is a fan.

Would be great imo.

Cheap Trick all the way!  :beer:

I think a more modern act makes sense since they are trying to fill up very big stadiums.

kid Rock would be good

Offspring

Bush for 45 mins

Kid rock for 60 mins

Guns for 3 hrs

I don't think there's anything bigger than GN'R reunited... We are talking about a stadium tour.. What other fan base is talking about something like that? I don't think anybody is doing it.. We are lucky, very lucky this time..
Suddenly GN'R is the biggest rock band in the world again..

That isn't a bad idea, they all fall under the 'rock' flag, but do have audiences that don't overlap. Kid Rock has gone onstage with GnR (Hammerstein) so I think he would be on board. The first Bush album was one of my favorites late in high school. I think Machinehead might be the only song now at NFL games (at least Patriots games) that gets played 1/10th as much as Jungle.

Edit: another thought though to mix up the lineup would be to kick Gavin (Bush) off the tour and replace him with his ex-wife (No Doubt)... you are adding a host from The Voice which would tap into a large US audience which from a business perspective helps to put asses in the seats. 25 nights of 60k+ seats for the first time in 23 years is going to be a tall task, at least through the first handful of shows while people get comfortable that this tour isn't going to be plauged by the very very small number of very very high profile issues that have hit this band (in most forms) over the last 30 years. If this tour starts on the West Coast and wraps East I think it will pick up steam and absolutely pack Met Life, Gillette, and Lincoln Financial after there is a nightly track record of success.

Alice Cooper would be a good shout, I think.  I'm pretty out of touch with current rock music so I don't really know any up-and-coming bands, so no suggestions or speculation from me on this.

It's such a pity the Hellacopters split up - they would have made an excellent opening act, methinks.

I saw Budh live a couple of years ago.   It's pretty much just Gavin's band now, but honestly it was one of the best shows I have ever seen

Pumpkins would be great. Billy's had a lot of kind words for Axl the last few years. That said, his first kid's just been born so maybe he won't be touring this year.

Alice in Chains or Body Count would be a dream

Saw AIC open for them in 2006 and they were shite to be honest.

Avenged Sevenfold? I can't really think of any good young rock bands to open for them that would fit with GN'R's vibe. The Sword might be a good choice.

For the record foo fighters are a little better nickelback. Fuck them

Can't believe you said it.

 :no:


/jarmo

Sounds nuts, and its my dream... but Oasis opening for Gn'R would be amazing.

it will never happen but cool to think about. They are rumored to be reforming soon themselves.... that would DRAW HUGE... not so much for Oasis in USa but still.

On a serious side...

Rage would be amazing... or SOundgarden maybe? I don't know.

Love the idea of Oasis.  Also cool would be Jane's Addiction. 

I was going to say Bush... but didn't as I was afraid I'd get flagged on here lol

I love Bush.

Let them do a 1 hour set man. I've seen them live 2 times under "Bush" and Gavin solo once and Institute once. Amazing each time.

Bush isn't just Gavin's band now... original drummer is there, and the guitarist that took over during the last 2002 tour is still there... so its 1/2 of the original band.

Plus Traynor is better that Pulsford anyways.

Now that shit ain't right Jarno hahahahah

The Glorious Sons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojWJgOTGkgI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojWJgOTGkgI)

Best. Post. Crop. EVA!!!!

Kudos on that though hahaha. Nice crop.

Alright you're banned...

Let's be as realistic as possible,  who can sell tickets that legit is a possibility.

What about Avenged Sevenfold and Shinedown? I don't like Shinedown but seem popular

I don't think you need opening bands that can
"Sell tickets"

I think they should have bands that guns n roses fans would like.   

The tickets will sell themselves

Nirvana

Am I the only one that could give a shit who opens for GNR?  I don't mean come off as degrading to any of you (except the Nickelback and Bush guys) but I don't generally like shows with two headliners unless I'm somewhat into each band.  The shows tend to take away from the band you're there for.  IMHO

That's kind of how I felt about that statement as well...

Ha!  Why don't you just get Mot?rhead as well?

Sixx AM would be my choice...but a long shot. Nikki is really good friends with Duff and Slash, DJ is friends with everyone in GNR except Slash...everyone in the two bands are friends. Sixx AM is now a full time band putting out 2 albums this year and embarking on a 2 year world tour...would be HUGE exposure for them to open up the first bunch of shows before summer...they're already booked solid through the summer doing festivals all over the world.

I say this in all seriousness, but in the sprit of reconciliation and with what happened recently, how about The Eagles of Death Metal?

Well if we are talking 50 thousand seat football stadiums for 200 dollars, couple bands that could bring in 20k isn't a bad idea.

Co-Headliner with Metallica  : ok:

Some comparable situations:

2015
AC/DC on the "Rock or Bust Tour" had Vintage Trouble and The Hives opening at stadiums.


2009-2011
U2 on the "360? Tour" had Snow Patrol, Kaiser Chiefs, Muse, Black Eyed Peas, Interpol, Jay-Z, The Fray, Lenny Kravitz and Florence and the Machine opening at stadiums.


2010
Bon Jovi on "The Circle Tour" had OneRepublic, Kid Rock and Gavin DeGraw opening at stadiums.



Many of these won't fit on a bill with Guns, but this is purely in terms of popularity.

If this actually happens, you are going to be looking at huge crowds that are buzzing with excitement found at no other rock concert.  I don't think it would be conducive to the show to have an opening act, unless Axl is pulling his old shtick of showing up hours late.  But assuming he shows up at a reasonable time, there's no need for an opening act.

Several people suggested Halestorm, and I love them too, but I worry about how any opening act would be treated by the crowd, even if it's a good band.  Unfortunately, Guns N Roses fans don't exactly have the reputation of being the most polite fans in the world, so again, maybe it's better that they don't have an opening act.

I think Avenged Sevenfold would bring in some of their fans. They have a pretty loyal and large fan base and they are fans of Guns themselves. Kid Rock is an interesting choice too. I think that'd be a pretty good bill and help fill some seats.

Avenged Sevenfold would be a great fit. They already have a history with both Axl and Slash.

They are also much bigger now than when they opened for Guns in 2006.

Dead on accurate...  Seriously there's going to be too much anticipation for GNR to have ANY opening act...  This is too big...

No to put them down due to what happened in France,  but I don't think (as Axl called them)  the pigeons of shit metal will share a stage with Axl ever again.

I also think the people who think GnR are going to sell out 60-70k+ seat stadiums in the US need to have a quick reality check.  Yes this is huge news in rock,  but rock isn't huge any more. They will need help filling seats. These aren't 15k seat arenas. The additional people who are going to fill those seats have a very limited knowledge of what this band has been up to over the last 20 years,  and for some of them the only news they remember is bad news. They are going to worry about no shows, walk outs,  riots,  late starts, etc... This why why I think this tour needs to 'break the mold'  it can't be mildly popular rock bands,  and certainly can't be 80's and 90's retreads. If this falls flat early on it could cut it short. Not to say the US dates would get cancelled,  but future dates may be hurt.

The tour promoters use market analyzers to determine demand before they book tours. These people know what to look for and can in most cases give good predictions on ticket sales. The support acts will also count in a predicted total draw.

If they are booking a GNR stadium tour, it won't be just because they are hopeful people will buy tickets.

Rock N Roll as a mainstream genre is dead in America, period. The buzz generated by the band's reunion has been massive and it will only increase, but there is absolutely no way GNR can do a Stadium Tour in America by themselves, not a chance.  :no:

Yes, Kiss did it, but this isn't 1996 anymore. They'll need a big co-headliner or a new band that can attract kids and hipsters. Of course, there are stadiums of all sizes and shapes so it may well be smaller ones, perhaps.

Have a look at the top 25 tours of 2014 in America: http://www.billboard.com/files/media/bb42-charts-touring-top-25-tours-2014-billboard-960.jpg

I agree.  If they want to pack stadiums, they need another popular act who is relevant.  Skid Row for example is NOT one of those.  Of the older bands who are relevant, your talking Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Metallica, and a few others.  If it's not an older band who is relative today, than I think it's got to be a newer band.  Maybe someone like Muse, but not sure they are big enough.  And if they aren't, which newer rock band is?  Maybe nobody...that's how bad rock is

Personally I'd like it to be a double act Chilli Peppers would be great IMO and the fan base demographic would be similar

The Peppers last major tour was in 2012 and they averaged 13072 people per concert, so a joint tour would easily average 35 to 40k per concert, I'd guess...

We should also consider as a great possibility any of the guys that played on Slash's solo album, specially the more pop ones.

Rishloo......... and I would die happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I am a huge Weezer fan.  They put on a good live show as well.  They also have a new album coming out. 

So...

My updated set is. 

Bush 45 mins
Weezer 45 mins
Kid Rock 1 hr
Guns N Roses 3 hrs

I like Weezer.

I suspect promoters will want a huge opener, maybe almost a doubly eyeliner.
For that size of an investment, and with plans to sell out stadiums (I assume), having a major draw would be good insurance for potential soft asked.

I kinda like the reunited Skid Row idea

About 10 of the top 25 on that list are rock bands. I wouldn't say rock is dead as a mainstream genre in america.

GnR with Slash back in the band will fill stadiums. Promoters do their research. They know this.

Replacements, Hookers and blow and dead daisies combo.  Rewarding um for their commitment for keeping the band alive. : ok:

They are mainly older bands.  The point is, there is very little good NEW rock.  That list proves that there is a craving for good rock n roll

Actually, i just realized that list is worldwide ticket sales. Not america only. Cause no way did justin timberlake play 111 shows in america in 2014. My guess is that a list of american tours would look similar though with a healthy dose of rock (mostly older classic rock, gnr's exact category), a number of pop acts, and some country.

Despite what some have argued over the years on this board, the live concert business is strong in the U.S. 

Van Halen and the Cult are not opening for a "reunion" tour for GNR.  Mike Patton said the tour with GNR and Metallica was a shitshow.  FNM is out. Soundgarden might do it as they opened on the UYI tour.  AIC without Layne doesn't generate enough interest or audience.  A7X, who cares? Rage hasn't played in a few years. Bodycount isn't the same now that most of the original members are gone. So, Soundgarden by default?!?!

1. The Cult album does not get released until February
2. Ian and Billy are purists.  They don't want or need to open for anyone.

Soundgarden likely would have no interest in opening for Gn'r

Black Crowes or Queens of the Stone Age

So far I have only seen stadiums and arenas as a possibility. Given it is speculated as a summer US tour, has anyone considered amphitheaters as a viable option? Seem more appropriately scaled.

Regarding the opener, I have never seen an opener as a draw to buy tix (unless it is a co-headliner). Thus not a consideration for me.

Not at smaller concerts no. Openers are usually smaller, sometimes unknown bands.

But when we're talking about stadium shows with a pretty sizable opener, it would help to draw people. Especially if ticket prices are high. Casual fans sitting on the fence might have an incentive to go then if they feel they get more bang for the buck.

You mentioned a key difference. I assume we are not casual fans - I certainly am not. Thus I have little interest sitting through hours of openers I could care less about while "fighting" casual fans for quality tix in a 60,000 person venue.

I guess I have been spoiled seeing them in small venues such as The Joint, HOB, and Metropolis. Travelling to the US to see them in a stadium environment is difficult to stomach.

Yeah, I was speaking in general while you saw it from your (our) perspective I suppose.  :)

Point taken.

That said, If I have to take time off work and spend thousands of dollars to travel from Canada to see my favourite band, I selfishly see things from my perspective.

Oh there's no doubt you, me and pretty much everyone here will probably stretch far in order to attend shows. Hopefully we'll get pre-sale privileges on gunsnroses.com (and I can get access to my account there in time for that... haha).

Yep, you're right, that's worldwide. That's the one for America only, and there's 200 instead of 25. Not much difference, though, look at the average attendance for the rock acts:

http://www.pollstarpro.com/files/charts2014/2014YearEndTop200NorthAmericanTours.pdf

http://www.nme.com/news/acdc--2/90552

If AC/DC can be the No 1 act for selling the most tickets, I'm sure GNR can do this as well.

After Cornell's solo tour they are going to spend 2016 working on a new Soundgarden album.

Doubtful they would open in 2016 although we can certainly have wet dreams of a SG/GNR tour in 2017.

Ugh. I hope Ashba stays a light year away from GNR.


I agree 1000%

Same here. It's the only current rock band I know.  :hihi:


Yeah just do it like the Stones have on previous tours. That would open it up to a wide range of acts.


If/when doing UK dates I wish they could talk Elastica into doing a brief reunion.

GNR reunion and Elastica reunion are at the top of my music bucket list.

A band from Ohio called Electric Citizen would be good.

Avenged Sevenfold would be a good choice. They are fans of GNR and have a solid fan base.

Not that i think any of these bands will do it but would love to see:

Volbeat
Sevendust
Killswitch engage

I like Volbeat. Another new band that has a god deal of popularity. At least they did last I checked.

Volbeat has come on strong here in the states they have opened for metallica and i love their music it s like johnny cash meets metallica when they were good only problem with them though is their bassist either was fired/quit so unfortunately highly unlikely

Maybe they bring along limp bizkit since good ole fred was the one who brought them back together right?  :hihi:

Volbeat would be a good call. They may be a little too big to be an opener, but I'd be pretty happy with this band being a part of this.

Biggest diffrence is GnR has to prove themselves to the masses that the shows will happen. 

GnR did a good job getting the fans out between 2006-2013 but there is still a ton of negetive feelings regarding GnR no shows from decades past.  And even at those shows there are those who were very angry at the late start times especually in 2006. 
Personally I loved it but I also knew to expect it.

I would not be shocked to see soft ticket sales at a few of the venues until a few shows actually happen and people see the shows happening.  Espcially for those looking to travel. 

Damn, it seems a Skid Row reunion will never happen. I mean, if they don't get together to open for Guns in their reunion tour what will it take?  >:(

New SKID ROW Singer Rumor: Ex-DRAGONFORCE Vocalist ZP THEART

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/new-skid-row-singer-rumor-ex-dragonforce-vocalist-zp-theart/#4FbVQvm4quqp8pmy.99 (http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/new-skid-row-singer-rumor-ex-dragonforce-vocalist-zp-theart/#4FbVQvm4quqp8pmy.99)

Too big?  I've never heard of them....maybe I've heard them

maybe Velvet Revolver, or Buckethead, or Tommy Stinson or Sixx AM :O

I think it really depends where the shows are. I guess the shows in Europe will be with a different opening bands than the ones in the US, Canada, South America etc. Unless it's a very big name like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Rage Against The Machine etc. (something I really can't see happening), safe bet will be with a different opening band according to the destination. I'm reading here about bands that are most probably very popular in the US and I know nothing about. I'm sure it will go the other way around if I load a list with good bands around Europe. :D

I think a lot of people need to consider whether a given band needs to be an opener. Soundgarden, Alice in Chains etc. play arenas on their own and there would be no real advantage for them to open for GNR even for stadium shows.

Weezer could work because of the past association with Axl/GNR. A band like Bush (mentioned earlier in the thread) or even something like Filter or Deftones - bands around a while but not packing arenas on their own - could work also.

I'd be shocked if this tour had a co-headliner because it would take away from the "big news" of this reunion or whatever you want to call it.

Revolving openers is an option though. That's where a band like a7x could come in. They're too big to open a full tour but a show or two? Sure.

I certainly wouldn't expect a co headliner, but a big act that fills arenas routininely could still be called upon to open. Kid Rock, for example has opened for Bon Jovi in stadiums before.

Having seen Judas Priest recently I can say that they would be a "Big Act" that could do the job, lots of well known songs that can get the crowd pumped up.

True.

But, you forgot the exposure that comes from that kind of gig. Like when GN'R opened for the Stones.



/jarmo

would be a nice gesture to have Eagles of Death Metal back

I would like to see MEAT LOAF. Saw his Vegas show when I was in Vegas at the at the last GNR residency. he still rocks!

If you read a music magazine, and see the young rock bands. It's kinda difficult to pick which one would make sense to open for GN'R.

 :confused:



/jarmo

i dont see a reunited Skid Row being that big a draw for GnR tbh - maybe thats just me..

I think Royal Blood could do it as an opener, they're still a hot new-ish ticket -
then
QOTSA - someone else mentioned, that could def work or
The Dead Weather
and long shot for main support -
Aerosmith????
or Radiohead??
or Tool??


I think Faith No More could do it well - but 1) - the last time they toured together wasn't a highlight for either party by the sounds of it! (but i like to think relations would be cool now) and 2) FNM have just toured pretty extensively with Sol Invictus, I dont see them hitting the road again this year.

I don't know whether its been mentioned, but The Pretty Reckless : ok:

Im pretty sure they are influenced by GNR.

Pearl Jam, Bush would be great.

Bush is very probably I think. They are open for whatever, and have a nice following still. They play a great live show too. I could see that.

Avenged Sevenfold are a fucking joke.

I was at the show in Ohio where the Pigeons of Shit Metal played.  They left the show early and the Suicide Girls had to fill in until GNR took the stage.  It was quite a circus watching the Suicide Girls fill up the time twirling hula hoops and stuff.  Very dramatic start to the show.

TENACIOUS D

Sixx: A.M

N.W.A reunion

Guns

I like the idea of The Pretty Reckless myself.  Good band. 

However, for me, the chance to see GN'R again would be more than enough to quench my thirst and the supporting band/s would pretty much be insignificant in the lead up to the main event.

How about he Dead Daisies? Richard pulled double duty when Thin Lizzy opened for GnR. I haven't seen the DD in concert yet, but I've heard from other people that they put on a great show.

What about Monster Truck and like some others said Faith No More would be very cool!

I saw Monster Truck with Slash 2014 and they're really rockin' the house.

Five Finger Death Punch???

The Black Keys
Dead Moon
Baby Woodrose

I know the last two groups are somewhat eclectic...

Out on a WIIIIIIRRRE!!   :beer:

They'll be busy touring the world.




/jarmo

Devil City Angels (with Tracii Guns)
Black Label Society

Honestly id love to see him pull a bruce springsteen and have no opening band and they just play for 3hrs

I wouldn't want to See Sixx AM open, not my taste in music at all.

I wouldn't mind Sixx Am, but I don't think that is gonna happen anyway.

Maybe Daft Punk?  Ok, no, but I needed an excuse to post this, which I think is really cool:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_5sUcMpFXk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_5sUcMpFXk).  I think some of you may especially like Guitarist #5. 

Alter Bridge?

Newer band like Heavens Basement I wouldn't mind seeing.

Actually not too bothered, hard work was getting a GNR lineup together!

Maybe Dj's ElectroMusic

 :)

The Pretty Reckless would be cool, or

Disturbed
Chickenfoot/The Circle
The Cult
The Sheepdogs
Eric Church
anything to do with Queen/Brian May

I think Sixx AM would be a great opener!

Mix Master Mike

Yeah, rock fans will knock the door down early to get in for that

He was light years better than CKY who also opened on the same tour with GnR... Christ I watched a homeless man play buckets in New York before a band that was equally as shitty as CKY... Just because it's rock, doesn't make it good. Some people need to broaden their horizons a bit.

I can tell you firsthand they eventually grow tired of it.

And protest it with EXTREME prejudice.

Because no one was coming after him...

He killed in in Boston a few days earlier.

Was only a comment on what band would be fitting for this incredible tour that is happening.
This act worked ok when it was Axl re-starting the engine with new faces and a bit of a different sound
This tour does not need and the fans who will be flocking to see Axl and Slash perform together again won't want any part of this again

Within Temptation or In This Moment

Excelent Band

 :)

Bush as been said before.

Bush?

Bush?

Perfect opening band.

Today's Country music is the big stadium "classic rock" of today- larger than life, over the top productions with anthemic sing along songs and iconic musicians; therefore, they need Carrie underwood- her GNR covers are amazing and she has the pipes to do Axl justice.
Despite their dangerous, raw, sleazy image, GNR have always been more of a mainstream rock n roll band with a pop sensibilty who were more luring to pop fans than metal fans. In other words, their eclectic style has a universal appeal.
Carrie underwood and Jason Aldean and Kenney Chesney would be good choices.
Face it- GNR are pop cultural icons who have more in common with Elvis, Beatles, Katy Perry, frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson,  Madonna, Lady GaGa than Metallica, iron maiden, black sabbath, etc

Lets be honest outside of the Guns N Roses and Metallica tour from years gone by although granted after that there wasn't much of an opportunity too but very few times has GNR gone on tour with a band or artist as big or as close to as big as they are and i doubt they are going to start now. Look for bands that are popular just not as big as GNR A7X would be a legitimate good opening band. Your not gonna get some top level country singer or judas priest no matter how big of a reunion this is and we don't even know how long of a potential tour there will be you might have multiple opening bands pending on where they play not just one.

            Buckcherry would be a nice opening band to see for this. Maybe we could see Josh Todd and Axl Rose perform a song together. Be damn cool.

Buckcherry would be great!

Steel Panther  :rofl:

Ok, so that's a bit of a joke, BUT, can you imagine the fun they'd bring to a gig in the lead up to GN'R??

Already been done, Los Angeles in 2011.....



/jarmo

I really should get to know more new bands. I don't know 90% of yours suggestions.

Nah don't worry about it. Most people just name little underground bands, because if you like something that isn't mainstream yet it makes you hip and cool apparently.

Lame.

Just throwing out bands I like for the hell of it. Not saying they're even remotely possible. Some are on hiatus, others might not even exist at present.  :hihi:

The Afghan Whigs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C5et72znyw)
Arctic Monkeys (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpOSxM0rNPM)
The Black Keys (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yCIDkFI7ew)
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abKjC7EX2Zs)
Burning Brides (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT3xJXlSFP8)
Grinderman (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuDP7c3Zd8I)
The Gutter Twins (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEUmdjgW-r0)
Jack White (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s92smjLq_38)
Manic Street Preachers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfEoVxy7VDQ)
Marilyn Manson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdV1Zc_PFdg)
Mark Lanegan Band (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQnfgZr8JIc)
The Prodigy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1AaKBbNGkk)
Queens Of The Stone Age (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxJFjttqV4I)
Rival Sons (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abyOSwKgsCM)
Sex Pistols (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6GDdKrQ8EI)
Soundgarden (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQOOgQtLI4M)
The Stooges (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgJ62mu4DqM)
The Twilight Singers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCxUW1MFHSk)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmRI3Ew4BvA)




/jarmo

The fanbases are too different for it to happen, but in my ideal fantasy scenario, Oasis also reunite and go on a joint tour with GNR. And hell, if Axl and Slash can kiss and makeup, I'm pretty sure Liam and Noel could too. :)

Backyard Babies wrote this(follow by their winter tour dates):

"Coachella this and Coachella that...these are the only dates you need to know about before the summer 😉. @bbabiesofficial @dregenofficial @pedercarlsson @jb_basisten #byb16 #tourbytour @officialduffmckagan @slash @axlrose #gnr16 @gunsnroses"

Wishful thinking or something in the air?

I was thinking about them as well. They're huge fans of GNR, They're all buddies. Backyard Babies reunited last year. Hell Dregen even auditioned for the part that sadly Ashba got. I', not that into them anymore but it would be very cool for a casual fan and a Swedish point of view.

I think they are basically saying stop talking about Guns N Roses/Coachella and pay attention to the fact that we are touring across Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

http://backyardbabies.com/tour/ (http://backyardbabies.com/tour/)

I'm sure you were scanning twitter for Guns N Roses references... so their tweet worked, their tour is now being talked about.

Edit: I see you are from Norway so more likely you are following them on twitter.

Just my thoughts that BB probably don't need much help promoting their next tour so that was just a funny joke.  I've followed them since "Total 13" came out.  They are friends with a bunch of GN'R guys and have joked around before.  When I met Frank Ferrer a few years back I asked him about them and he mentioned Dregen playing with Michael Monroe at the time.  Would love to see Backyard Babies open some USA dates but they have not had the big success they've had elsewhere.  In USA I saw them once on a headlining tour where they played small clubs and some other friends saw them on tour opening Social Distortion.  Those were the only times they came over 10+ years ago.

As far as the topic goes...anyone but Halestorm.  They could probably add 3,000-4,000 sales in some markets but the less heard from them the better. 

I've never really been into the Backyard Babies, but Dregen's earlier band, The Hellacopters, were truly truly excellent classic rock.  One of the best European rock bands, in my opinion.  If they got back together, they'd be an excellent opening act for Guns N' Roses for a European tour... but since that's unlikely, what about Imperial State Electric? 


People keep talking about country music being the stadium filler in North America these days... I wonder what odds you'd get on a Garth Brooks/ Guns N' Roses double headliner  :hihi:

Also a fan of The Hellacopters.  When they came to Philly some friends and I can be seen in a little clip that ended up on the "Goodnight Cleveland" DVD.  Saw them again in 2006 "Rock & Roll Is Dead" tour...great band.  They would definitely be a big name opener in Europe if they played again!

Pop country is very big but the bigger names are selling 10,000-20,000 tickets on their own.  It's another world I'm glad to not be a part of!!  hahaa
A bunch of bands others mentioned are also selling 10,000-20,000 tickets on their own. 

Well, I don't scan twitter,  I come here to check the news instead. Love BB so I follow them.

I was thinking more of "before the summer", hinting to something possibly happening this summer. And as someone pointed out, BB don't do America very often, so Babies n Guns together in Europe?

Hellacopters with Dregen are actually getting back together. Only for one show in 2016 as of now but who knows what the future might bring. I however much prefer Hellacopters without Dregen. ISE opened for GNR in 2010 in Europe. Thought Nicke ANdersson said something negative about it in the press but I can't find it at the moment so I could very well be wrong.

Nicke Andersson has been speaking about his dislike of Guns N' Roses before so that doesn't surprise me.

Ah, I hadn't heard about that.  Still, totally stoked if they are getting back together themselves.

You apparently missed my Edit which said I'm sure you are following them.

As far as 'Touring Europe' I don't see them jumping on the BB Tour of 18 shows in a little over a month in places that hold about 1500-2000 people. So I'm assuming you are saying GnR would go on the road in May-June/early July in Europe?

Did you read that bolded part? Of course he's not talking about Backyard's spring dates.

Love some early 2000s Hellacopters work. Still hear all the time songs like No Song Unheard, Throw Away Heroes and Toys and Flavors. Think they would be an awesome open act for GNR for sure.

Jarmo posted some bands.. Just would like to mention how QOTSA would be perfect, but they would never agree. And Yeah Yeah Yeahs is awesome but the crowd wouldnt get it at all.

That's exactly right. Many bands have been mentioned because people like them, but it's not necessarily dealing in reality.
Must find a band that "needs" to land a gig like this, has respect for Gn'r legacy and unfortunately, doesn't have any bad blood or vibes regarding Axl

Monster Truck and Skid Row!

Both have done excellent jobs in the past.  If GNR can Get back together, there might be hope for Skid Row.  And Monster Truck is hell of a good time!

Yeah, most of the bands aren't exactly party rock.

Another one I forgot to add is Monster Magnet.



/jarmo

They don't need some new little stupid band to open for them.

They need someone noteworthy and more rock than that... damn

Social Distortion

Royal Blood

I discovered some good stuff from your list, Never heard of the Afghan Whigs or Yeah yeah yeahs, great tracks.

I say screw rock, let's just go totally metal and get Slayer (new album is sick) and God's Hate (new hardcore band that are out of control) on the bill.  Let's see some death before GNR even hits the stage! 

Has anyone been confirmed to open the Vegas concerts ?
I hope not Sebastian Bach again.Being that big of a deal this regrouping is,the support act/acts must be at the same size.
I'd like to see Alice in Chains among other bands. Volbeat as well.

my guess is no opening acts or just a no name band.....the Vegas shows should just be about Guns and no one else.....as for stadium they need a solid act

I don't want some stupid dumb band opening for them.

Just a known under the radar band. For the stadiums that is.

They don't need anyone to open for the arena stuff.

Bush is perfect. I'm telling you. THey are going out on the road this summer. It makes perfect sense.

I think Green Day would be a good choice if you feel the need to "diversify" to help fill a stadium.

I would also really like to see Queens of the Stone age as other posters have mentioned numerous times.

I liked the Black Crowes suggestion however they are broken up.

Is Vegas going to have an opening band? 

Green Day is too big to be an opening band for a whole tour.  If they do different bands in each city I could see a band as big as Green Day doing a one off, like how Metallica opened for the Stones that one night a few years back.  I think having different acts in each city would be awesome.

Avenged Sevenfold or Alice Cooper would be cool. I agree with Jarmo in regards to Jack White. Jack White's band, "The Dead Weather" would be cool too.

The fact that the ticket says 930 on them... leads me to believe there is no plans for an opening band in vegas.

I love Jack White, but he has an ego the size of the Titanic.  Not sure he'd take an opening slot, even for a reunited GNR.

That's what I'm thinking as well.  Can't see Slash taking the stage close to midnight, but what do I know? Maybe he's making an exception for Vegas.

I wouldn't roll out Slash going on stage around midnight. As long as it's pre-decided. It becomes weary when you're scheduled at 10 pm and the waiting begins. When you're just killing time (with drinking)

(http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view2/1177025/person-smoking-crack-o.gif)


 :hihi:    :peace:



I never would've thought of them in a million years. Points for originality.

I agree with those saying Vegas unlikely to have any opening acts. The opening act would have likely been confirmed at this point.

If they rotate opening acts like the Stones for a stadium tour, literally anything is possible.

I think an opening act, especially if it's only for a couple of shows, could be announced on short notice. That has happened many times in the past.

And 2007 ?

Zombie and John 5

I'm probably being sentimental, but Sebastian Bach. I like him. 8) Especially for the first shows in Vegas.

It would be very very cool if Skid Row would get their stuff together and get the originals back.

Back/Bolan/Snake/Afuso (that his name?)

Skid Row opening for Gn'R would just be awesome. it won't happen though. Why can't they work it out?

I agree...but maybe I'm an old fart...there just isn't that many ROCK bands out there :(   
But I wouldn't mind a cross-over act that can get me dancing

I already said so earlier in the thread, but I think A7X is the perfect fit for GN'R.

They're quite big now also, it would help on stadium ticket sales.

. They played the big stage right before GnR at Rocklahoma in 2013.......you are correct.     Perfect!!!

Juliette and the Licks!!!

These are high profile gigs, so anyone would be lucky to play them.  Hopefully we get some big names.

I'm really hoping Halestorm opens  at MetLife.  They are really good!

Nope

Still say I have the best requests

James Toseland?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ivbQTn6-aM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moYpWjt-5-0 - Life is Beautiful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmc659kMiK0 - Renegade

No please! I fell asleep with A7X opening for Metallica at Foro Sol  ;D

 :peace:

Audrey Horne would be a great opening band for GNR

Someone at gunsnroses.com indicated that Monster Truck will be opening the Vegas shows.

Quite underwhelming.

I don't know, haven't heard anything by them yet.

Gonna check them out.

Canadian rock band.  I have seem them a couple of times.  They opened for slash up here   So I am sure he had some say

Looks like Alice In Chains and The Cult will be opening some shows....Great selections

The Dead Dasies would be awesome too  :peace:

I'd like Volbeat as opener.

Alice In Chais & The Cult

My Dream

 :hihi: :rofl: :hihi:

So far...

Alice In Chains
The Cult

Great bands.

I would love to see Jane's Addiction in San Diego.

New York Dolls
or
The Strokes,
even just a few shows.

I saw GNR in Cleveland in 2006.  Eagles of Death Metal (aka POSM) opened. Maybe they will return as an opening band?  Along with the Suicide Girls!

I had no luck in buying tickets yesterday.  :'( so I will have to wait till Friday. It kept saying processing, ugh.

Been saying it forever, Bush....

they are doing a big tour and album this year. Makes sense. They draw 2-4k people, would be a nice little thing. I mean they wouldn't draw anyone to a show like this, but it would mix well with Gn'R.

Bush still on the go? Yes I would love to see them

The fact they put these on sale with no opening act named leads me to believe it won't be that big a name.

Which is odd to me, because if you are trying to sell out stadiums, its all hands on deck.  You try and grab that person that is leaning towards going to see GNR but not married to it.  But then they can rationalize it because they also like the opener.

Look at what happened once AIC was announced for Vegas.  We had people saying they'd have bought, if they knew.

I still think they will wait to see how the public sale goes. If they wait until the initial rush is over, they can announce a good opener that can help sell additional tickets. I don't think an opening act announcement helps anything sales-wise at the moment.

Monster Truck has opened for GNR before in Canada.

They fuckin rock!  Although they are touring Europe right now.....

Part of the reason I opted for Club Box was so that I could skip the opening band if need be.

When I saw them in Camden in 2011, they have a nice huge lobby where you can mingle and have some drinks.  I didn't even leave the lobby and head to my seat until the lights went out.  I probably wasn't in my seat more than 5 minutes before the intro to 'Chinese Democracy' started.

If I somehow wind up with an Alice In Chains or someone of similar stature, great.  I'll give it a listen.  If I have no interest, I will hang back.

Yeah, that's how I am. If I don't like the opening band I'll just fizzle. I'm not one of those in your seat types every second.

Like when Zak Wylde was opening up for gn'r, I checked out a couple songs, then chilled out until he left. Just didn't care that much.

Randy Rhoades? What?

Possible bands:

Black Label Society

The Dead Daisies

Alter Bridge

Korn

And this is why I had zero interest in general admission.  I like to be able to roam around.  

Not set up shop the second the doors open and bear down and defend my turf for 5-6 hours.  

Would it be cool to be closer?  I guess.  But not if that's the trade off.  I want to relax, not battle.

I saw Monster Truck open for them in Buffalo. I didn't really care for them. I would be disappointed if it was then again. My personal choice would be Filter.  I'm guessing though since it's a stadium show and a relatively early start time that there will be two openers. Maybe an up and coming band and some one with more name recognition.

Monster Truck was rumored for the Vegas shows. It turned out to be Alice In Chains.

As far as I know they haven't been mentioned as a possibility for the stadium tour, no bands have been linked to those shows so far I think.

at least 2 openers I assume. how about an up and coming band and a solo set from Sebastian again?

Bach wraps up his US tour on June 3rd, while he has a one-off scheduled in the UK on July 23rd. It's a possibility.

Alter Bridge would be awesome... a kinda new band and we could se Miles jamming with GNR and Slash jamming with AB!  : ok:

Reunited Skid Row would be the perfect match, however Rachel Bolan decided to bury the band legacy and likes playing food truck festivals with temporary singers.

what sucks is this tour was announced so late. so a lot of bands that would of been perfect fits are all already booked. I would like to have seen a band like "In This Moment" open. but yeah, i'm keeping my fingers crossed on Bach as doing a short set at least

They might have a deal in place for a band already though, awaiting to announce it.

Insist:

EVANESCENSE

Monster Truck and The Cult

I saw them open up for GNR in Rock in Rio 2011...I cant stand Amy's voice live...unbearable. :drool:

If I got to pick,

Smashing Pumpkins and Soundgarden.

all great choices!

don't think Soundgarden are together anymore. a solo set by Cornell would be cool though

They are together.

great choice then...would love that! still would like a more modern up and coming band with them like In This Moment. how about Papa Roach as a choice also? saw them on a five finger death punch bill and they were surprisingly good

This is getting rumoured - and would explain that jacket she was wearing. Thoughts?

Personally I'm a fan of her but I think she would be a terrible choice-especially in stadiums.

You mean this rumor? I found it on mygnr

http://www.nme.com/news/lana-del-rey/93055

I opted for club box so I could skip the opener, if need be.

If this is true, I made the right call.

God help me, I have a soft spot for this chick....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bag1gUxuU0g

She has a real big fan base... would be a great way to move extra tickets... I think.

I have her album Born To Die on vinyl.  I've always dug her....But I can see how some of the older rock vets might not be in love with this idea.

I love her and her music. She has such a haunting voice and she is a HUGE GNR fan. :beer:

Well maybe they just need to think outside of the box. : ok:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgV6254WcAIpSFy.jpg)

https://twitter.com/gnrla/status/722118401343234048

FAITH NO MORE and I will die a happy man

David Allan Coe
Axl once cited DAC as his favorite artist of all time, even above Queen and Elton John.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xsyl1GLJwQ

.....given the past I imagine it's more likely the pope would support them than FNM. That hairdryer story. Bleak.

Could Sixx AM?? I think they'd be a brilliant opener.

God I hope not.....The Cult and Alice in Chains....triple header of Big Old School Rock!

AIC was great in Vegas.  I really don't see Sixx AM as a viable option.  Not really sure that DJ's vision of world domination involves opening for the band he just left.

At Cochella this past weekend- I ran into someone that was clearly with the band (all access pass - GnR jacket etc.)  I asked about opening bands --- while not remembering his exact words he strongly hinted at Lenny Kravitz.

that would be good as well....

GUNS N' ROSES
LANA DEL REY'S IN WITH THE BAND ... But NOT Opening Act

http://www.tmz.com/2016/04/18/guns-n-roses-lana-del-rey-opening-act/

Bad news for any Guns N' Roses fans hoping to see Lana Del Rey warm up crowds on their tour.

The moody indie singer is NOT opening for GNR despite a flurry of rumors after Lana posted a pic wearing a jacket that read "Lana Del Rey Guns N' Roses 2016 Tour."

We're told Axl Rose gifted the personalized satin tour jackets to his friends and family. Lana was one of a couple dozen who got the hookup. Sources close to the unexpected pals tell us they've been tight for years.

We're told Lana met Axl through a mutual friend -- her ex-boyfriend Justin Murdock, billionaire heir to the Dole Food Company.
Lana ditched Murdock in 2012, but she obviously got Axl in the breakup.

(http://ll-media.tmz.com/2016/04/18/0418-lana-del-rey-gnr-instagram-3.png)

Can anyone make out the rest of the names on those jackets I see Lana's sadly i can make out kylie jenner as one as well the others can't tell. All ya need in there is a justin bieber one and you will have all of satan's children there. Nothing against lana though i think shes beautiful and actually has talent.

A small point- notice the jackets all say 2016 tour, rather than world tour? A suggestion this might not run past these dates this year?

u drunk?

I see Cara Delavigne

Lana del rey I get- we know they are friends. The others? Why would Kylie jenner get one? Can't be right surely. I can't see any link.

The other people who got one are probably her friends that she gave their names to have the proper credentials for special access areas or something like that.

Those jackets are beautiful!

Probably a gift to young, pretty, cool girls that have a BIG appeal to younger generations.
If they use the jacket and make it hype, it will help to sell a lot of tickets.
Just PR. And Lana is Axl's friend.

I'm sure for the stadium tour we'll get two openers. Lenny Kravitz has been mentioned and I have to admit he's a near perfect choice. He's well know and of the same era, yet different enough from GNR to where he can have his own space. The problem with a Pumkins or Soundgarden type is the vibe is much different that it clashes in a bad way. For those who remember, Soundgarden had it very rough on the UYI tour, and Faith No More was a disaster. Mike Patton hates Axl... I know times have changed though... Heck, maybe Alice In Chains will come back for the US tour...

Faith no more invited duff on stage fairly recently. Time heals all wounds as we've learned. Patton and Axl are 2 of the best singers ever

Just No :no:

Sixx Am would be trash can deluxe

I think Meat Loaf would be kinda cool.

Meatloaf would be awesome

I have no idea who might open for them but being the magnitude of this type of tour im sure whoever the opening band or bands are probably going to be a well known. not like in the past years where on some of these tours you never really heard of them. No disrespect to danko jones or some of the other ones i can't even remember which is the point. I mean look they had AIC open thats a pretty big band may not be what they once were without layne but still a well respected band. I think getting bands with that type of recognition are what you can expect from an opener.

I think it would be cool to have different openers at each concert. The Rolling Stones did this last year.

Does anyone like The Black Keys?  I wonder if they could get a band like that to open?  Seen them a few years back in Nashville and it was a full arena and they put on an awesome show!

Axl's a fan of them also.

Well, I did like the White Stripes, so...

Really? Did not know that.
I love them.

Smashing Pumpkins and Alice in Chains

Hasn't chris pitman got a new band?  Bet they're available!

If you are saying the two bands are interchangeable, please don't insult Jack White like that.    But if  you are making fun of The Black Keys for ripping him off(poorly by the way),  carry on!

DICE,DICE,DICE!!!

The Sex Pistols

I'm serious

Sure! And the Hologram Sid Vicious and hologram Ole Beich could do a wicked dueling bass solo :p

Right but Sid didn't play on the albums and they've done reunions with Glen Matlock the original bassist (who wrote Pretty Vacant and other songs) in the 96,2002-2004,2007-2009.

Also, I didn't see Hologram Lane Stanley when I was in Vegas a few weeks ago. Sup? :)

To be this late into it and still not hearing a name, what do you think?

I tend to lean more towards the side that it will be underwhelming.

I'm thinking they don't need to announce anything since tickets are selling without them doing so.

Alice In Chains and The Cult were announced when the shows were pretty much sold out already.
Both are cool bands, but they didn't need to announce them early with hopes of selling more tickets.


Edited to add: It's a pretty high profile gig for any band. So I'm sure GN'R can pick and choose...


/jarmo

I agree.

I don't know how the pay structure works for opening acts.  Do bigger names get bigger bucks? 

If that's the case, then you are right.  Why spend on a bigger name when you are moving tickets just fine without even knowing who it is?

I doubt it mattered to any of us.  We were all going, regardless.  But they aren't filling stadiums with die hard message board people only.  Seems even the casuals give no fucks.

Depends what you're after.
Plenty of big bands have opened for other big bands. Not because the headliner needed help selling tickets, but for other reasons.

It can create buss, publicity and so on.

Also, it can be a great opportunity for quite a popular band who's currently not touring to get out and play some shows just for fun, without all the "pressure" of booking their own tour/shows.



/jarmo

Still hoping for the Glorious Sons in Toronto  8)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojWJgOTGkgI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojWJgOTGkgI)

Yep. Sell as many tickets as you can before you decide how much you need to spend on support.

Public Enemy! Rival Sons (but they are buy with Sabbath) or Buckcherry...Speaking of B-cherry would there remake "say f*#k it" be perfect as a GNR song?

There's a great band out of Atlanta called "The Biters" that I think would be a cool opening act. 
Or Buckcherry?
Or Andrew WK?

AIC has been announcing tour dates and have some that conflict with GnR shows in mid-to-late July. so they can't do the whole thing. could maybe do the first few dates if GnR is thinking about having different openers, as they have done in the past.

Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators  :beer:

The Black Keys get my vote.  : ok:

Saw on MYGNR that MSL is claiming some sort of inside knowledge.

Can't go into it, of course.  But this it very important to make clear that he does know something.  Do want to make sure we are all on the same page about that part.

For UK/Europe future gigs I'd be happy with The Virginmarys opening, followed by Backyard Babies then Guns N' Roses. As both bands have connected with Guns N' Roses or Gun N Roses band members in the past.

 :hihi: Again? SO he says he knows who'll be opening but can't say who they are. And then when they're announced he'll say 'Yeah, I knew'. :rofl: :rofl:

No he said or inferred however you want to take it... that it will be The Conspirators w/ Slash pulling double duty.

I really like the Conspirators...but I don't want to see Slash on stage until its time for the main event. So I hope it's not true.

Does seem like that is the implication, I agree.

And I could not agree you with you any stronger on your point.  You can't have your main event player also working the undercard.

Yeah, The Conspirators would be a terrible choice.  I am never a fan of having anyone from the main band on the stage before showtime, it's overkill.  There are a million great young bands to choose from, and when you are doing a stadium you can even go to the older more established acts that wouldn't normally open a show.  Dream scenario for me is one of Jack White's bands. 

My dream scenario is no opening act at all.

Totally agree that the dream scenario is no one at all. 

If Slash is willing to do it I say go for it.  I understand the argument about not having some one from the main band playing with the opening act, but if I can have double the Slash in one night, I will gladly take it.  My question is will the Conspirators be covering any GNR if they were to open?  : ok: Slash could be playing SCOM twice in one night haha. 

If it's Myles & the Conspirators...that'll give me more time to pick out a tshirt. Can't stand Myles' voice. And I think it would be a terrible idea for Slash to pull double duty. Like someone else said, I don't want to see him on stage til the main event. It's not the same as Richard opening with Thin Lizzy and then coming back out with GnR.

It could be that they open a couple of shows only... in that case... I wouldn't mind if Slash went out there early.

We shall see.

Bit of a long shot, but I would love to see Red Fang opening for Guns N' Roses.

Why not?  It's not like having no opening band is going to get GNR on stage any sooner.  I have seen hundreds of bands in my life, but somehow never saw Alice in Chains, now, thanks to Vegas I can cross them off the list.  I am always a fan of opening bands, which I guess is ironic since I do skip a lot of them.  :hihi:   But to get a really good opener, or someone you would't necessarily go out of your way to pay money to see is always cool.  You are going to be in the building anyway.


However, if the opener is going to be anything Myles Kennedy related I am with you with the whole no opener thing.  It's not that I don't like Myles, even though I don't really like the stuff he has done with Slash.  I have seen him live at least 6 times at this point, both with Alter Bridge and The Conspirators, so I'm all set on that.  But don't be surprised if this "general audience" which is what we are going to be getting at stadium shows, eat that stuff up.  They would love having Myles play and having Slash do double duty.

Not Slash with Myles, BBF or DJ or both  :P

The Misfits with Glenn Danzig!  Apropos in multiple ways!

That would be incredible.

Volbeat, Hellyeah, or Papa Roach would set the tone as openers for Gn?R.  They all are in rotation on Octane with new material and all have a heavy-hitting back catalogue.  These bands, besides setting a tone, would also provide friendly competition for Gn?R to hit the stage with extra attitude.

If these bands have already booked summer gigs, then maybe Eagles of Death Metal?   :beer:

Not sure what they're up to these days, but when System of a Down went on hiatus they said (joked) that they would reconvene if GNR reunited and open for them. They've since gotten back together, but maybe their offer still stands.

I thank you for the useful post :hihi: : ok:

Papa Roach opened for Guns in 2006. Saw them at MSG. I thought they were pretty well received as far as GNR openers go. Would love Volbeat, Hellyeah is a good choice too.

I second that on the volbeat recommendation i came across them a few years back and have been hooked since. i have seen them 4 times live and would be a great opening band for them.

Volbeat would kill it as an opener.  I?m glad so many others have such fine taste!  After just looking, unfortunately, Volbeat already has gigs lined up this summer across the ocean.  I guess that makes me mentioning Volbeat kind of like the kid who says he can get you into the bar, then when we show up at the back door it's locked.

Avenged Sevenfold could do it, that is if they are interested in opening a full tour.  The only tour date they have that could conflict with the GNR tour is the show they are playing with Metallica on August 20.  They are probably the biggest hard rock band of the past decade with their last 2 records topping the Billboard charts.  They are  big  GNR fans so I could see them being into it. 

Its tough, hard rock is in the gutter the past 10 years, with very few exceptions.  When bands like Five Finger Death Punch and Hellyeah headline festivals you know its bad.   :hihi:

It doesn't have to be a strict hard rock band either, they could go with another genre of music.  I remember seeing Alanis Morisette open for the Rolling Stones.  When you are at the level of Guns N Roses playing stadiums, you can pretty much pick any kind of opener you want, you have more freedom.

Rival Sons, The Temperance Movement

Smashing Pumpkins, Sebastian Bach, AC⚡️DC, Alice in Chains, Pantera, Rolling Stones, Metallica, Wolfmother, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, Foo Fighters, Chili Peppers... any of these

Sebastian Bach, Alice in Chains, and Wolfmother are the only opening level bands on this list  The rest are all headliners.    Pantera is also not a band anymore. 

Of that group of bands I could actually see Smashing Pumpkins doing it though, that is a good suggestion for sure.

Even if a band usually is a headliner, they could still open shows for bigger artists. I think it all depends on how big the band is in relation to the headliner. Remember, in 2006 GN'R was scheduled as an opening band themselves.

In addition to the ones you picked out, I could also see Soundgarden and RATM filling an opening slot for GN'R, especially for stadium-sized concerts. Chris Cornell is touring himself during the GN'R tour though.

yeah totally, I agree that headliners could open as special guests when you are doing a stadium tour.  I could see RATM or Soundgarden, just having a hard time seeing Metallica or The Stones doing it.

It would be really cool (although I don't know how possible it is) to have different openers depending on the city they are in.  Like Jack White for Detroit and Nashville since he resides in both, Chili Peppers or something for LA, Fall out Boy for Chicago, Misfits for New Jersey and so on.  Those are just examples, but you get the idea.  I have no idea the logistics of this, or the cost of doing something like that,  but it would be pretty cool. 

I just about blew a wad when I saw Alice in Chains is opening both Chicago shows.  Easily my second favorite band, and if I were ten years younger they'd be my favorite. 

Guns N Chains.  Dream come true.

RATM isn't active, but the band minus its singer allegedly has a new project called Prophets of Rage.

Soudgarden would be cool. Seems like they're on a hiatus at the moment as well...



/jarmo

For a future european tour, Kvelertak would be an awesome opening act. They are among the best up an coming metalbands for the moment!

Looks like Chris Stapleton for the Nashville gig.

Yeah: http://www.livenation.com/events/553551-jul-9-2016-guns-n-roses-not-in-this-lifetime



/jarmo

What a great choice for Nashville! He has a great voice. Still waiting on Dallas though...  ???

Shit.  I was hoping there would be no one for Philly.

Though it didn't make much sense, really.  How could there be openers at some shows but not all?

Per The Cult's instagram, they'll be supporting Atlanta, Orlando, New Orleans and Arlington.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGufzr7m4EV/?taken-by=officialcult

One would think he has a huge following in Nashville ... Hopefully that fills up a bunch of seats.

Nothing for Philly?


Anybody hear of any rumored openers for Philadelphia?


I'd be cool with Stapleton to continue to open after Nnashville through July 14th!!

anyone know who may do Pittsburgh?

The Cult? Well i'll be taking my time getting into AT&T stadium. zzzzzzzzzzz

Yep! Very good move! Stapleton will really help push some tickets, and he is a good fit. I said from day one that GNR should hook up with a new country act, something with a more outlaw flavor. Chris Stapleton is a modern day outlaw who loves big stadium shows. New country's hard rock influence can be felt all over Nashville, right now. I've been saying this for years-- GNR may be hard rock, but they are part of a breed of outlaws in the same vein as David Allan Coe, Waylon, Hank Sr. Willie, Haggard, Jones. The same fans who dig Johnny Cash, Hank, Jones, Waylon, etc. are often fans of GNR. The past decade has seen many country music fans embrace GNR and their raw, pure, and honest style of hard rock. Country fans are drawn to the outlaw spirit, the honesty of the lyrics, the raw power of Axl's vocals, his bluesy groove and raspy growl. Country music has always been about honesty, and people can detect it in GNR. GNR have always had a honky-tonk, country sensibility to them-- Dust N Bones, Yesterdays, You Ain't the First, Used to Love Her, Patience, 14 Years, Dead Horse, Dead Flowers, Wild Horses, Knocking on Heaven's Door, Civil War, etc. Carrie Underwood's cover of Paradise City brought down the house at the 2013 CMA festival, Jason Aldean's GNR medley is a show stopper. Brantley Gilbert wrote a a song alluding to GNR,"My Baby's Guns N Roses," Shovels and Rope just covered Patience and Keith Urban's new hit "Wasted Time" makes strong allusions to GNR. GNR are highly respected and admired by many country fans.



And Slash's soulful solos weep, moan, bend, and cry as good as any steel guitar in a George Jones or Merle Haggard song. I've always said this-- GNR were different than other heavy metal and hard rock bands because, like classic outlaw country, they sang "to us" and not "at us." There was an intimacy, texture, and immediacy to GNR's music that was absent in hard rock. Like country, GNR became like a "family" to its fans and their self indulgent music and strong self-conscientious music and videos made them accessible to fans. They made them seem as people to the fans. We felt as if we knew them. Patience has the intimacy, warmth, and texture of an old school honky tonk song. That is something you will never hear in Led Zeppelin, Def Leppard, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, etc.
Aerosmith had it a little.

Below are some links that show how adored GNR are from modern day country fans:
http://www.savingcountrymusic.com/how-country-was-the-original-guns-n-roses/
http://www.onecountry.com/jason-aldeans-guns-n-roses-medley-tore-down-the-house-in-2007-and-now-1648216383.html
http://k99.com/what-is-with-all-the-guns-n-roses-references-in-country-songs-lately-video/
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/carrie-underwoods-11-greatest-eighties-covers-20160511/paradise-city-guns-n-roses-20160511
http://www.fashionnstyle.com/articles/10357/20130816/axl-rose-vs-carrie-underwood-country-singer-covers-guns-n-roses-paradise-city-cma-music-festival-who-sang-better-video.htm
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/flashback-carrie-underwood-channels-axl-rose-at-cma-music-fest-20140601
http://www.cmt.com/news/1760546/carrie-underwood-has-axl-rose-on-her-bucket-list/
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-keith-urbans-vibrant-new-single-wasted-time-20160329
Shovels and Rope's cover of Patience = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFyzsUQa04s

They should get the tragically hip for Toronto their tour starts a few days after the show. The singer is dying of cancer and is touring one last time. They are huge here in Canada

Chris Stapleton to Open for Guns N' Roses in Nashville
Modern-day outlaw country singer will join the reunited L.A. rock band at July 9th Nissan Stadium show

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/chris-stapleton-to-open-for-guns-n-roses-in-nashville-20160616

Who is going to open in Philly? I'm going to DC and Philly. Already saw AIC open in Vegas. Wasn't impressed other than "wow he really sounds like Layne". Didn't like them the first time around (my roommate back then was obsessed with them, got a tattoo of their logo and everything -- which he later got covered up.) I REALLY hope it's someone else , ANYONE else, in Philly (dare I even say Skrillex...?) If it's AIC again I hope it'll be a cool parking lot scene, because I'll be heading in late

AIC has dates on july 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26.

and the dates on July 12 and 15 are in Denver and Wisconsin. So it's highly unlikely they would come all the way out east to open one more GnR show on the 14th.

it could truly be anyone at this point. I have not heard of any rumors or anything. tix sold well in philly, so there's no need for a big name or anything. although I believe the Pitt and Cincy dates could use some help moving tix though.

my wish for Philly is Ghost. just cause I'm a fan so it would be great to see them again (and I was disappointed to see they are not playing Philly during their Fall tour). and they have a 2-3 week gap in their touring schedule between July 2 and July 23, so the timing would work.

Skrillex?!

I pity the poor bastards that have to sit through that in Houston.

I last heard Skrillex when two children of 8 years old played it me as they said 'it was really cool'. I had no idea adults would ever listen to something as basic as that!

Very well said, I agree!  I love all the outlaw country artist you listed....I'm real excited about Chris Stapleton in Nashville, I'm a big fan and have seen him before.  Never thought he would open for Guns N' Roses lol.  I'm still waiting on who will open in Cincinnati.  Pretty sure it won't be Chris Stapleton...so I'll probably get to see 2 different opening bands!!

They would be the perfect opener for Toronto. Certainly a better choice than Billy Talent.. :nervous:

Billy Talent aren't a bad choice. They're huge in Canada, have a new album coming out, and they've shown they're willing to win over hostile crowds (i.e. playing HeavyTO).

The Hip would be awesome but I don't see them wanting to play second fiddle on their final tour with Gordie dealing with cancer. Their last tour should be all about them.

Huge is a bit of an overstatement. Rival Sons, Glorious Sons, or Monster Truck are all infinitely bigger (and better) bands, IMO. I honestly was blissfully oblivious to them even still existing until I heard they were opening for Guns' :-X

Guns N' Roses - Special Guest: SKRILLEX
August 05, Houston, TX, United States @ NRG Stadium

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvhUkScuCqw



 :beer:

I was forced to listen to a terrible rock station in Calgary while working out of the office a couple of weeks ago and this band came on and I couldn't remember which band it was that had such an annoying try hard lead singer, then the accounment happened for the rest of the opening bands - oh fuck, Billy Talent. I guess we won't have to rush down for the opening band after we land in Toronto that day...

It's not an overstatement at all. None of those have sold nearly as many albums as Billy Talent (whose last 3 albums were #1 here). Billy Talent does arenas on their own and have sold out the ACC several times. I like Monster Truck myself but they're not doing that. They're a festival act whose biggest chart showing was 6th and currently opening for (ugh) Nickleback. Glorious Sons/Rival Sons aren't anywhere near as big either. If BT has a style you don't like that's one thing but in terms of success they're one of the biggest acts we've got.

huh. yeah i hate that shit too. id show up late.

Billy Talent?   :-\   I would have much preferred Lenny Kravitz....   Never really cared for their music that much, the best thing about their band is that they are named after the Hard Core Logo guitar player.   : ok:

MixMaster Mike Play Whit GNR In 2002

 :smoking:

Has anyone seen the opening band for Philly?  Seems to be missing from the list, unless I just missed it.

Not announced yet I think.

Wolfmother was just announced for Philly, awesome band!  : ok:

Just seen that Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown are opening in Cincinnati on July 6th....never heard of them?  Gonna check them out later when I get off work.

They are good. They are AC/DC's support in Europe.

Really?!? That's awesome! I think they're great!

God bless the Club Box.

Billy Talent is an excellent choice. Kicks the shit out of generic rock radio of Monster Truck....just need my tix still, coming up soon now..

David Brent to open in the UK when they come there would have been both hilarious and genius.

I would love to see Buckethead as one of the opening acts?

I'm still hoping we get AIC in Seattle.  Out of all the openers so far, that's been my favourite.    I noticed they skipped san fran/seattle when posting openers to the website.  AIC played Seattle last night, so I figured if they're opening Seattle, they might want to have waited until after the sold out their own headlining show...

Someone said there are 2 opening bands in Philly. Anyone else hear that?

Yes, a local band called Mach22 is opening. There was a contest on 93.3 WMMR where you could vote for one of a few bands to open the show and they won.

Then Wolfmother.

Just a wild gues on set times....7, 8, 9:20. Will definitely be looking for something more official on thursday.