VR better than GNR live: My Maxim Bash review

[K-Rock]

I'll start by saying that this was the greatest live performance I have ever seen.  I've been to over 20 rock concerts over the last 20-plus years.  I've seen the best (Kiss, Van Halen, Ozzy, AC/DC, Metallica, Ted Nugent, Aerosmith, Rush, Judas Priest, etc.).

I've seen GN'R live 4 times:
- First in '88.
- Then once at the beginning of the UYI tour, months before both records were released.
- 2 more times during the UYI tour

I've watched countless GN'R concerts via video, TV and watched 2 performances from this 2002 tour via DVD.

Velvet Revolver blew the doors off of every other live performer.......yes including GN'R.

First off, Slash & Duff were sober.  I've NEVER seen them rock like they did.

Matt was unbelievable.  He's obviously spent the last 10 years getting MUCH better.  Dave was the anchor.....rock solid all the way through.

Now Scott.  My, my, my did he own that fuckin stage.  I got a message for Axl........."You need to step it up a notch when you get back out there cuz Weiland moved & sang like no other.  He outperformed you.......better than any performance I've seen you on."

The best way I can describe Scoot is that he slithered all over the fuckin place.  The music pulsated through him.

Axl has always been my favorite since the first day I saw him.  Amazingly....and I am shocked I'm saying this.........REALLY SHOCKED.......Scott is better live!!!.  Scott Weiland has taken over the throne as best live frontman performer.

The order may be off but here's the set list:

Sucker Train Blues
Do It For The Kids
(cover) Sorry I don't know what song it was.....maybe Negative Creep or Bodies........."Coming Home" was in the chorus
Headspace
Illegal i Song
Fall To Pieces
It's So Easy
Big Machine
Set Me Free

Oncore:
Used To Love Her
Slither
Sex Type Thing

2nd Oncore:
Mr. Brownstone

Highlights:
An all-out jam session occured in the middle of Illegal i & Set Me Free.

At one point Slash walked over to Matt...gave him a signal, the walked over to the mic and did a 5-minute solo using the voice-box (I forget what it's called...somebody help me....he hummed into the mic during his solo).  It was the best I've ever seen.

Slash was off on the first solo in Sucker Train Blues but NAILED EVERYONE AFTER THAT!!!

At the end of Set Me Free, Scott, Slash, Duff & Dave were all up front jamming.  Scott was doing a free-style voice solo.  AWESOME.

Slash even acknowledged how great the vibe was saying, "Man this is a great gig."

This concert was an all-out jam session that lasted 1 1/2 hours.....alot of it jamming outisde of the bodies of each song.  Prior to Mr. Brownstone, Matt launced into the opening of You could Be Mine before opening up Mr. B.

Slash & Scott ineracted with the crowd speaking to them often.  At one point Slash asked an audience member what his shirt ("Blame Canada") meant.

On a side note, the hottest women around were all over the  place because of the model searches going on for Maxim & Stuff.  There were countless famous people there.  A WWE pro-wrestler (don't know his name) was there.  I'm pretty sure I saw Dee Snider in the crowd.

Hands down the best rock concert I have ever seen.

P.S.  Hoobastank was actually good.  They rocked as well.

[Izzy]

I'm sorry

Elsewhere in the board we are talking about threads that contribute nothing

And low and behold

ANOTHER THREAD COMPARING VR AND GNR

Why can't u just say it was a great concert - why does it have to be comapred with GNR - why not Metallica? Why not Britney Spears?

Can't we keep VR in one section and GNR in another?

This thread is simply designed to be controversial and will end in more bad blood between certain members

[Johnnyblood]

Izzy I understand what you are saying about how threads that deal with VR and GNR turn into pissing matches. However, I was pretty interested to read K-Rock's comparison. This is a real world assessment of two bands that he's actually seen live. The fact that VR made such an amazing impression -- even if it's the heat of the moment and may change -- is worth posting, in my opinion. Having read K-Rock's posts over that past few years I was legitimately surprised by his statement, and definitely it adds to my curiosity to see VR live. If message boards are not supposed to do that, then what exactly are they supposed to do? It's not K-Rock's fault if/when other people start tossing molotov's at one another with nothing interesting or objective to say. His post was provocative, but not inflammatory.

[Izzy]

Izzy I understand what you are saying about how threads that deal with VR and GNR turn into pissing matches. However, I was pretty interested to read K-Rock's comparison. This is a real world assessment of two bands that he's actually seen live. The fact that VR made such an amazing impression -- even if it's the heat of the moment and may change -- is worth posting, in my opinion. Having read K-Rock's posts over that past few years I was legitimately surprised by his statement, and definitely it adds to my curiosity to see VR live. If message boards are not supposed to do that, then what exactly are they supposed to do? It's not K-Rock's fault if/when other people start tossing molotov's at one another with nothing interesting or objective to say. His post was provocative, but not inflammatory.

As soon as certain posters arrive you'll see how this thread degenerates.

I'm just sick of every thread being a comparison to GNR - its perfectly possible to talk about how good the concert was without taking pot shots at other bands.

[D]

of course its the greatest concert u've seen because its new, its fresh it just happened

i saw prince april 22nd and it was the greatest concert id ever seen at the time, but now a few months later i cant say it was better than the bon jovi concert i was at in 2001 or the kiss concert i saw in 2000 or the other prince concerts ive seen because they were all special and i felt a certain way

im sure after each GNR show u were sayin it was the greatest thing u've ever seen

just as if u went and saw another band u love 3 months from now it would probably be the fav

u cant compare a feeling 13 years ago to a new one u just felt, its just not possible

but im sure VR are fuckin amazing live! and id love to see a boot

[K-Rock]

Before I address the negativity and the pathetic remarks about "in the moment" and "how I can't compare how I felt"..........

Rachel Perry from VH1 was there.  I was close enough to hear her say that the Behind The Scenes and the VR in the making show were postponed to include footage from this concert.  So I'm guessing you all might get a taste of this show.  And maybe a recent interview.  She was backstage.

Scott stated that he wrote the lyrics to Fall To Pieces when he was in a "real bad way" and that he feels that it is the best song he has ever written, that it has the best lyrics, best riffs and solo on Contraband.

He also said that he was accused of never writing a positive song in his career and said that Headspace was a positive song.

I'm not making this a VR vs. GN'R thread.  All of you might.  I've been going to concerts most of my 34 years on this planet.  And I don't say after each concert......."that was the best".

Maybe the performance was greater than any of GN'R that I have seen because it was the first time I've seen Slash & Duff play sober.

Do you agree that those 2 playing sober could be 2 of the best ever?

And my opinion won't change.........and yes I can compare how I felt back then because I was there and remember everything like it was yesterday.  Rock 'n' roll runs through my veins.  My heart responds to it.  I don't forget the feelings......at all.

And afterthe 1st Gn'R show I saw, I felt that they sucked live.  The next was incredible with the 2 following being better than the first yet not as good as the second.

Again, Scott Weiland shocked me.  Every song.....every note played.....pulsated through him.  He didn't let up and his voice was "better" than on the disc.  You could tell he was on top of the world every second he was on stage.

Furthermore, Slash's performance on guitar was the greatest ever.  Eddie Van Halen & Ted Nugent were my top prior to this performance.  And yes, they were better than the 4 prior Slash performances I witnessed live.

So I guess that blows your "in the moment" or "most recent viewed" theory.

It always has and always will amaze me when people question other people's "expressions" or "feelings".

I'm sure you're such an expert on who you are and how you feel in any given situation therefore you must know me and what I'm thinking.

Maybe I'll witness a greater performance in the future but one thing is for sure, I hadn't wintessed one prior.

Edited to add:  This is not a thread critical of Axl and what he's been doing.  What you can take from my thread is that I STRONGLY suggest you see this band if they come anywhere near you.

One last thing:  While at the concert I kept thinking how glad I was that the original GN'R split up which allowed me to experience what I experienced last night.  It was that good.  And these guys together on the same stage ARE THAT GOOD.

[Doc Emmett Brown]

Again, Scott Weiland shocked me.  Every song.....every note played.....pulsated through him.  He didn't let up and his voice was "better" than on the disc.  You could tell he was on top of the world every second he was on stage.

Hey K-Rock, I have to grudgingly admit that Scott Weiland, live is a force to be reckoned with.  I am a VR fan, but I tend to be stingy with giving respect to Scott W for reasons that are rather complicated.   I remember Slash did the voice box thing at the LA show as well - it was awesome to see that.

But... about your VR vs. GNR comparisons:

And afterthe 1st Gn'R show I saw, I felt that they sucked live.  The next was incredible with the 2 following being better than the first yet not as good as the second.

So you saw GNR run its course (I envy you for seeing that with your own eyes).  

You witnessed GNR from its meteoric beginning to its sad end, and right now you have only seen VR's beginning.  It is fair only to compare the beginnings of both bands. Let's wait and see if VR's live performances remain top-notch after they have settled into their new identity.  

VR is also a mature band whereas the original GNR squandered most of their talent on the 'perils of rock n' roll indulgence'   I dont expect them to come to their concerts drunk or wasted (like they did in many of the UYI shows) because they are wiser now.  

[K-Rock]

You witnessed GNR from its meteoric beginning to its sad end, and right now you have only seen VR's beginning.  It is fair only to compare the beginnings of both bands. Let's wait and see if VR's live performances remain top-notch after they have settled into their new identity.  

VR is also a mature band whereas the original GNR squandered most of their talent on the 'perils of rock n' roll indulgence'   I dont expect them to come to their concerts drunk or wasted (like they did in many of the UYI shows) because they are wiser now.  

Fair enough.

I'm just surprised is all.  I didn't expect them to put on the greatest concert I've ever witnessed with them being so "new" together.

And I will be sure to see the "new" GN'R when they hit the road.  If they put on a better show, than so be it.  But they'd better bring their "A" game.  If they do, and they're better than VR was last night, I'll most certainly state so.

[chineseilusions]

cover) Sorry I don't know what song it was.....maybe Negative Creep or Bodies........."Coming Home" was in the chorus

Crackman

[D]

i dont question your feelings, if thats your opinion then thats great but goin by my personal experiences i cant place one concert over another cause they were all great on the same level

after the last prince concert i said "that was the greatest concert ive ever been to"

but reflecting now i cant say i was moved anymore or any less than the bon jovi concert, but at the time it was the greatest thing ever

Scott is great Slash and Duff are great, i dont really see what bein sober has to do with anything,the GNR boots i have they play fuckin incredible and move around like crazy and run and jump etc etc, so i dont see what bein sober could do to enchance that,maybe be more crowd friendly i suppose, but tokyo 92 slash runnin thru the crowd durin paradise city, i mean its easy to forget some great moments

and i disagree with scott fall to pieces arent his best lyrics im sure STP fans would agree with me, hell in myopnion they arent the best on contraband,i think YGNR's lyrics are way better but thats my opinion

im glad GNR split also, now we get two great bands

i love VR they are my fav band right now and i think they are awesome and id love to see them live or a boot of their show

when i see them ill be the first to admit if im wrong

but if he compares to axl circa 91 runnin all over the place dancin jumpin etc etc that is amazing, but its still  on a "i have to see it to believe it" level with me

[Izzy]

Before I address the negativity and the pathetic remarks about "in the moment" and "how I can't compare how I felt"..........

D made a perfectly valid point and to call it pathetic is...well, pathetic

I'm not making this a VR vs. GN'R thread.  All of you might.  I've been going to concerts most of my 34 years on this planet.  And I don't say after each concert......."that was the best".

Ur not? - so these comments below were...accidents?

I got a message for Axl........."You need to step it up a notch when you get back out there cuz Weiland moved & sang like no other.  He outperformed you.......better than any performance I've seen you on."

Axl has always been my favorite since the first day I saw him.  Amazingly....and I am shocked I'm saying this.........REALLY SHOCKED.......Scott is better live!!!.  Scott Weiland has taken over the throne as best live frontman performer.

U came here to start shit - i'm pleased to see no one has risen to the bait

I would love to read about your views on the VR show - i love the band too and will see them live - but i am NOT interested and no one here is interested in another VR vs GNR battle - we have 100,000 threads on them already.

For the last time - VR and GNR are too different bands - why the incessent need to get 'one up' on the other band? If u really want to bitch about how shit GNR are go to a VR board - hell thats all they do there

Coming to a GNR board to say they aren't as good as another band is frankly pathetic - do u go to Metallica boards and say how Buckethead could 'own' Hammett?

[K-Rock]

Scott is great Slash and Duff are great, i dont really see what bein sober has to do with anything,the GNR boots i have they play fuckin incredible and move around like crazy and run and jump etc etc, so i dont see what bein sober could do to enchance that,maybe be more crowd friendly i suppose, but tokyo 92 slash runnin thru the crowd durin paradise city, i mean its easy to forget some great moments

You're kidding right??  You don't see how somebody's performance could be better when sober aka reactions, motor skills, thought process. etc. are much quicker or more in-tune with their mind.

Think of driving while sober vs. driving drunk.

I've seen Slash drunk many times.  Last night was his best work that I've witnessed.  Coincidence that it was because he sober.  Maybe so.  And yes, Slash was all over the stage playing his guitar hanging low......straight up in the air........behind his head.....sitting down with his back against his stack of Marshall speakers......on his knees leaning back on his heels.....standing on the small platform with his guitar on his knee.......standing on top of his speakers.

Slash truly is The Lord Of The Strings

[K-Rock]

U came here to start shit - i'm pleased to see no one has risen to the bait

The only person starting shit is you.  You seem like a very angry and miserable person.

I can't wait for CD to come out.  If it's better than Contraband than I will have 2 incredible cds in my cd player.

You need to face facts.  The world will be comparing the 2 once both bands are touring the planet.  My stating that Axl needs to step it up a notch is not a "shot" at him.

Coming to a GNR board to say they aren't as good as another band is frankly pathetic - do u go to Metallica boards and say how Buckethead could 'own' Hammett?

I've been on this board for 2 years now.  I don't go to any other boards other than the VR board once in awhile.  So, no is the answer to your question.

And this may be a GN'R board but it seems to me I posted this in a Velvet Revolver section.  Maybe if I posted this in the GN'R section it would warrant such negativety and anger from you....although I still think not.

Be sure to spew your anger in this thread as long as you wish cuz unfortunately the reply button will not disappear on your screen.  

If this thread angers you so much, and you continue to feel the need to make it something other than it is.......I suggest you don't read any longer......your day might be a little more relaxed.

To continue the theme of my "positive" thread:
I doubt anyone will ever replace Axl as my favorite studio-voice.  He is still my favorite singer off all time.  I've now seen better live.  And I'm still shocked and "high on life" after last night's performance even though some are trying......yes, trying.....to bring me down....or rain on my parade.

For those who appreciate my sharing of my experience, I'll respond or those who have "insightful & peaceful" remarks/debates......as random and I shared......I'll respond.

[axls#2]

I am in total agreement with izzy here, the fact that your signature says, contraband 13 chinese democracy 0 says alot, why can't you just say contraband rocks, instead of comparing it to an album that you haven't heard? And i would comment on your review, but i'll take izzy's advice and not hook myself to that one.

[Johnnyblood]

The funny thing is that the so-called "keep the peace" people ("why do you have to compare") are the ones starting shit. K-Rock may have poured the gasoline, but y'all are the ones who put a burning match on this thread. And you don't even notice that you're doing it.

[Izzy]

The funny thing is that the so-called "keep the peace" people ("why do you have to compare") are the ones starting shit. K-Rock may have poured the gasoline, but y'all are the ones who put a burning match on this thread. And you don't even notice that you're doing it.

Oh i am fully aware - i admit i am making a somehat desperate attempt to end this endless VR v GNR battle so i can enjoy the VR and GNR sections of the board

I feel driven to this because it has become IMPOSSIBLE to read any thread without it appearing

Just wait untill certain other posters join in - this thread will become what all the other thread have turned in to, i was simply hoping i could do something to finally end this - and if this thread doesn't become another war zone i will know in some way i have helped this.

To K-rock, thanks for all the kind words u have for me, appreciated

U post to intentionally annoy people then attack those that critice you for it? I'm ''miserable''? - i don't feel the need to login just to annoy people

[D]

oh dude u are preachin to the choir here

slash is the greatest guitarist to ever pick up a guitar, he is the greatest ever my hero the reason i play guitar

im sure slash was amazing when u saw him and yeah i guess sober counts for drivin a car but i dont know bout music

i like that signature actually, its pretty clever!

however LTA is a great fuckin song i cant say otherwise and is the best ballad in my opinion

but scott sells himself short sayin fall to pieces is the greatest song hes ever done cause if thats so, his greatest isnt better than axl's worse

i love Velvet Revolver i listen to the cd everyday while im joggin or biking and i really dont like comparing the two cause i love both groups i love scott as a frontman and vocalist

but if people were dogging slash and suckin axl's balls i take up for slash, also if someone is dogging axl i take up for axl

scott may come close on his best day to axl on his worst day but if they are both on do we really wanna have that comparison?

thats like sayin richard fortus is better than izzy just cause he *was rockin harder and movin arond more* that isnt the case

axl's style of music is 5 times harder to sing than scotts which is why scott only does the easy gnr songs
so for axl to do what he does and still sing pretty decently he wins the debate

u have to factor in all those variables which u are not doing

id love to see scott try to sing welcome to the jungle and run around and shit, he couldnt do it
so scott cant be better, he's great, he's better than everyone out right now *except A kiedis of the chili peppers, but he isnt on axl's planet as of rightnow

[Dizzy]

I never saw GNR live, but judging based on the shows I've seen on video, such as the Ritz show, the UYI DVDs, I'll say this....

I don't think VR is better live than the original GNR was 1988, though I think VR is infinitely better live than the half-complete GNR band of 1992.  Many people at other sites with whom I have spoken who saw GNR live in 1992 say the show really sucked, the band had lost all chemistry (I won't even comment on the "new" GNR's live performances so as not to spark a furor).  And I saw VR live in Philadelphia, and they just flat out kicked ass.

 

[the dirt]

I never saw GNR live, but judging based on the shows I've seen on video, such as the Ritz show, the UYI DVDs, I'll say this....

I don't think VR is better live than the original GNR was 1988, though I think VR is infinitely better live than the half-complete GNR band of 1992.  Many people at other sites with whom I have spoken who saw GNR live in 1992 say the show really sucked, the band had lost all chemistry (I won't even comment on the "new" GNR's live performances so as not to spark a furor).  And I saw VR live in Philadelphia, and they just flat out kicked ass.

 

It's funny how the band lost all chemistry. Shoud'nt a band that had great chemistry to begin with only get better?
The lead guitarist, singer, and basist remained...

[Booker Floyd]

Many people at other sites with whom I have spoken who saw GNR live in 1992 say the show really sucked, the band had lost all chemistry

Axl himself said basically the same...

"For me, when I hear certain things on the "Use Your Illusion" tour, I... on that record, it's... since I'm in it, I can hear a band dying. I can hear when Izzy was unconsciously over it. I can hear where the band was leaning away from what Guns N' Roses [had] originally been about."