Dec 7th - Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place [discussion/updates]

[kyrie]

The Edmonton Journal has a reveiw also but since I don't subscribe I can't access it.

[zod]

I read the Edmonton Journal article.. it was a little on the negative side.. not sure if it was the sound guy or axl's voice that totally became unaudible on some songs.  Blamed alot on the late start, said the solos from each guitar player kinda took the wind out of the arena (which i thought was kinda true).  Mentioned a dew dozen people left about halfway into the show.. trying make it look like that was a big deal, when in reality when there are 13000+ people in an arena it makes for a small percentage.  Allthough they did mention most people stayed to see if the rumors of bubbles showing up were true.  I know i noticed after that there was a steady stream leaving the arena.

Also lambasted the new songs for sucking the wind out of the place as well.  Then again thats the way unreleased songs are when most peope don't know them.

I still thought the show was pretty good, i agreed with some of the author points, but I think people started to leave half way through to catch the last LRT trains and buses.  How were they supposed to know, they left some trains on duty to bring us home when the concert was over   Way to go edmonton transit!

[slashsaxl]

I read the Edmonton Journal article.. it was a little on the negative side.. not sure if it was the sound guy or axl's voice that totally became unaudible on some songs.? Blamed alot on the late start, said the solos from each guitar player kinda took the wind out of the arena (which i thought was kinda true).? Mentioned a dew dozen people left about halfway into the show.. trying make it look like that was a big deal, when in reality when there are 13000+ people in an arena it makes for a small percentage.? Allthough they did mention most people stayed to see if the rumors of bubbles showing up were true.? I know i noticed after that there was a steady stream leaving the arena.

Also lambasted the new songs for sucking the wind out of the place as well.? Then again thats the way unreleased songs are when most peope don't know them.

I still thought the show was pretty good, i agreed with some of the author points, but I think people started to leave half way through to catch the last LRT trains and buses.? How were they supposed to know, they left some trains on duty to bring us home when the concert was over ? Way to go edmonton transit!

ya the edmonton journal was harsh, too harsh in my opinion.  they made a big deal at the little things that didn't go right and didn't focus too much on what was good about it. but all the critics in the edmonton journal, you must take with a grain of salt. one of my friends says, if the edmonton journal says a movie is horrible and don't waste your money, best bet it'll be one of the best movies you'll watch all year. 

the edmonton sun i believe did it more justice.  as for the journal, i just personally read it after every show i go to to see how bad they thought it was. i believe the journal called the new songs 'mediocre', which made me laugh. cause i thought those performances rocked. the only time a show gets great reviews from the journal is when the opera is in town.


rock n' roll

[DeadHorse]

 A hoy hoy gnag, I thought I just add a few notes that I forgot to mention b/f.

For me, the sound was great. But I was also directly in front of the speakers on the left side of the stage. I only noticed twice when Axl was singing that there was no sound, but hey what can you do.

A couple of things I didn't see mention here so I thought I would.

During Ron's solo of the Canadian Nation Athem he ran to each side of the stage, put his hand over his heart and got everybody to stand while hey was playing, I thought that was pretty cool.

When Bubbles came on stage the place went nuts. Bubbles then began flexing like Hulk Hogan used to do, and surprisingly Axl new exactly what he was doing. The band loved Bubbles, I noticed Ron and Tommy giving him a big hug when he left the stage. That was Bubble's last performance with the guys, at lest for a while anyways.

Also this time rather than just Axl singing the song with him ( as he did when I saw the show in Halifax), I seen both Ron and Tommy singing the courus as well. Ron was also doing a "jig" dance with Axl when playing this song. To me it seemed as if all of the band member really enjoyed playing this song.

During Baz's set he went off on Ted Negent, it was pretty funny. He said it was all right for Ted to go on " Ice capades" and kill baby seals but it was wrong for him to drink. He then began to laugh when he realized what he said. He meant to say "Ice caps", god that guy cracks me up. He then said "fucked that I lied", and if he wanted to drink a Labbatt's Blue he was going to. For those of us that got to see Baz man I was so surprized that he never hit himself with the mic when he spins it around? his head.

Thanks to the Sucide Girls they completey ruined air travel for me. I travel between Edmonton and Halifax every 4- 6 weeks. For those who didn't see the girls they do a flight attendant skit. They do the whole safety sequence with the safety booklet, air mask, ect. It was pretty cool and need I say sexy, yeah it was definitely sexy.

I truely think Axl is a lot happier now than when I first saw him in 2002 in Toronto. He was in a great mood in Halifax too and I was glad to see he still is.? The band is really tight, much better than when I saw them in 2002.

Before the show I saw both Dizzy and Frank out watching the opening acts. Frank was out for Helmet and Dizzy was out for the Sucide Girls and Baz. He had that really cool G n' R jacket on too. It was funny b/c where he standing he was directly in front where people were seated, and I don't think any of them noticed him.

I'm sorry I didn't get to meet any of you forum members. I did go to the pub across the road but I guess it kinda to hard to meet up with people when you don't know what they look like or what they were wearing.? Next time I should say I'll meet you at the bar.

If any of you where there I was the guy sitting by himself drinking beer. I say that b/c I was the only guy there drinking by himself. No worries though b/c I left for show eariler and I know if I had to meet you guys I would of stayed and drank a lot more beer. Not that that is a bad thing?

Cheers,

Blair



 

[TrixAreForKids]

I read the Edmonton Journal article.. it was a little on the negative side.. not sure if it was the sound guy or axl's voice that totally became unaudible on some songs.? Blamed alot on the late start, said the solos from each guitar player kinda took the wind out of the arena (which i thought was kinda true).? Mentioned a dew dozen people left about halfway into the show.. trying make it look like that was a big deal, when in reality when there are 13000+ people in an arena it makes for a small percentage.? Allthough they did mention most people stayed to see if the rumors of bubbles showing up were true.? I know i noticed after that there was a steady stream leaving the arena.

There was a lot more people than 13 thousand to when GnR' took the stage. 15% left at 2am. I saw a lot of people exhausted on the rails by 12am, and I could understand as the GA people that got there at 7pm.

Also lambasted the new songs for sucking the wind out of the place as well.? Then again thats the way unreleased songs are when most peope don't know them.

I thought IRS was the only one that was weak out of the bunch. Better and The Blues got big pops.?

I still thought the show was pretty good, i agreed with some of the author points, but I think people started to leave half way through to catch the last LRT trains and buses.? How were they supposed to know, they left some trains on duty to bring us home when the concert was over ? Way to go edmonton transit!

I didn't think they would, but Edmonton suprises me every day. Got home at 4am because we thought the transit wouldn't run and looked for a cab instead.

Axl had a cold and was blowing his nose constantly. His voice seemed tired throughout and that caused the vocals to be inaudible at times. However, when it was on like on songs WTTJ, Live and Let Die, Better, November Rain, and Patience (to name a few) his voice sounded strong.

I thank GnR' for closing out the Canadian tour in Edmonton and we (I speak for all Edmontonians) hope we see them again.?

[JeffK]

What an AMAZING weekend!! I got to see my all time favorite band (GNR) live for the first time on thursday night, and they were AWESOME!!! Then on saturday night I got to see my second all time favorite band (Motley Crue) for the second time, and they kicked ass too!! Both bands put on dare I say perfect shows. The only thing that could've been better is if the Crue were able to play a longer set...I found Aerosmith to quite boring after seeing GNR and the Crue. I wish I could press rewind and relive this weekend. Can't wait 'til next time!! Anybody else from Saskatoon here?

[axlrosehunny]

I read the Edmonton Journal article.. it was a little on the negative side.. not sure if it was the sound guy or axl's voice that totally became unaudible on some songs.  Blamed alot on the late start, said the solos from each guitar player kinda took the wind out of the arena (which i thought was kinda true).  Mentioned a dew dozen people left about halfway into the show.. trying make it look like that was a big deal, when in reality when there are 13000+ people in an arena it makes for a small percentage.  Allthough they did mention most people stayed to see if the rumors of bubbles showing up were true.  I know i noticed after that there was a steady stream leaving the arena.

There was a lot more people than 13 thousand to when GnR' took the stage. 15% left at 2am. I saw a lot of people exhausted on the rails by 12am, and I could understand as the GA people that got there at 7pm.

Also lambasted the new songs for sucking the wind out of the place as well.  Then again thats the way unreleased songs are when most peope don't know them.

I thought IRS was the only one that was weak out of the bunch. Better and The Blues got big pops. 

I still thought the show was pretty good, i agreed with some of the author points, but I think people started to leave half way through to catch the last LRT trains and buses.  How were they supposed to know, they left some trains on duty to bring us home when the concert was over   Way to go edmonton transit!

I didn't think they would, but Edmonton suprises me every day. Got home at 4am because we thought the transit wouldn't run and looked for a cab instead.

Axl had a cold and was blowing his nose constantly. His voice seemed tired throughout and that caused the vocals to be inaudible at times. However, when it was on like on songs WTTJ, Live and Let Die, Better, November Rain, and Patience (to name a few) his voice sounded strong.

I thank GnR' for closing out the Canadian tour in Edmonton and we (I speak for all Edmontonians) hope we see them again. 

I think Ax;s voice cutting out a few times had to do with his mic or the audio and not a cold.  You cold see his lips moving, but nadda for sound...    So ya.  It was a great show

[thesloth]

I think the sound issues has more to do with them pushing the equipment they have as far as it can go and sometimes more then it can go.  Also might have something to do with having so much wireless equipment running at the same time on one stage. 

As for the reviews talking about the time the show starts is irrelvent.  This show is about an all night rock and roll party.  Everyone at the Winnipeg show seemed to get that.  I truly think that part of the reason the Candian dates are doing better is over all the audiences seem to be more into just having a good time no one booed any of the bands at the Peg show and I truly think that helps.  It is way more fun for everyone if the crowd is good to all the bands. 

[asmoboba]

What an AMAZING weekend!! I got to see my all time favorite band (GNR) live for the first time on thursday night, and they were AWESOME!!! Then on saturday night I got to see my second all time favorite band (Motley Crue) for the second time, and they kicked ass too!! Both bands put on dare I say perfect shows. The only thing that could've been better is if the Crue were able to play a longer set...I found Aerosmith to quite boring after seeing GNR and the Crue. I wish I could press rewind and relive this weekend. Can't wait 'til next time!! Anybody else from Saskatoon here?

I'm from Saskatoon...made the trip for the GNR show...and yes it was definitely amazing...Axl Rose is clearly still RIGHT NOW one of the top frontmen out there...I hope they get the album out sometime and he can take advantage of everything he still has left as a performer...

As for the Crue, I saw them in '04 and they were great...though Vince Neil, no disrespect to him because I still think he's cool, is not even in the same realm as Axl(or Steve Tyler for that matter.)

[SDMF]

seeing gnr then seeing motley crue showed me a few things
1. motley crue has to hide behind there stage show
a)so much pyro
b)ugly strippers
c)huge stage
2. vince neil cannot ing one lick, it was listening to someone scratch a chalkboard for an hour
3.crue sings about looks that kill because thats all they are, a fake soulless band
i would have punched that fat powderpuff straight in the mouth if i would have seen him after.
for gnr
1.they dont need a massive stage with 5 000 000 lights
2. the mebers can acttually play
3. axl still has the best voice in the biz
4.gnr has soul and substance

[dallasgel]

Another Saskatooner who made the show in Edmonton, I was most impressed with how on fire GNR were.  Right off the bat they came out guns ablazing.  The crowd was ready for it and showed their appreciation.  If you ever get the chance to see a rock show go to Edmonton.  The crowds are always loud and ready to party.  I think the band really fed off the energy because it seemed like they played all the option songs.  In some ways I regret being on here all the time because I knew most of what was going to happen before it did.  However, I was amply prepared for the wait. 

Now for my review:  Suicide Girls were kind of interesting but not enough for me to sit through.  One of the chicks looked like Robin on the first tour in 2002!  I didn't want to see her take her clothes off!  So my brother and I went and got a drink and some food.  We got back in time to catch the last song and the chocolate sauce.  Then there was a 30 break for Helmet.  When they came on I remembered why it was that I sold the couple albums I had!  Just a wall of atonal sound.  Not a very interesting band but that's okay.  So we wandered out and got another drink.  We came back after they were done. 

There was another 30 minute wait for Bach.  I was looking forward to hearing him from the comments I had seen on the board.  I never was into Skid Row back in the day but his set gave me a new appreciation for his music.  The venue closed all the concession stands before his set so the arena was full.  I thought this was a great idea because it gave him a full house to perform for.  It elevated the atmosphere in Rexall and made it feel like a great classic rock show.  Even my bro liked his set which is saying something since he was joking about the Gilmore Girls before.

GNR came on a bit before 12:00.  I was so ready for them after having attended the Vancouver show in 2002.  This was finally my opportunity to see the band I've been listening to since 1991 in the seventh grade.  The band can play the hell out of these songs.  You easily forget about the other original members when these guys are on stage.  Some of the guitar solos took a bit of energy out of the room but Ron's went over really well, especially playing "O Canada."  Dizzy's may have gotten the biggest applause when he played "Angie" and he seemed really appreciative of all the cheering.  Seeing these guys in concert, though, could make any hater change their mind.  They have a good stage presence.  I really enjoyed Fortus' moves, especially his slashing motion at his guitar.  Frank is a great drummer and works hard at getting the crowd into it.  I still don't know what Pittman does besides tip his keyboard and make goofy sounds! They are all so interesting and different.  I cannot wait to see what these guys do on Chinese Democracy(or whatever it will be).  They are top notch players and have a really good rapport with each other and it definitely feels like a band.

Axl was really strong all night and getting to see him perform finally was something I've been waiting to see for 15 years.  It was worth the wait!  He was really talkative throughout the night which was a good sign.  He still seemed to be sick as he would blow his nose from time to time and get a drink.  When he stopped Mr. Brownstone part way through to get the audience to move back I got worried at first.  Luckily though he was just worried about peoples' safety and somebody didn't do something stupid like throw something at him.  The show went on without a hitch from there but I'm glad I got seats right on the boards by the stage.  I was able to get up and get drinks throughout the earlier shows without worrying about losing my spot.   

I can't complain about the setlist because it would be impossible to play everything I would want to hear.  The new songs fit well into the setlist.  They feel like a natural progression for the band.  Unfortunately during Madagascar Axl's mic was giving him problems so some of the impact of the song was lost.  My brother, who is a casual fan, enjoyed the new songs but because he wasn't familiar with them didn't get into them as much.  He was probably more annoyed by the fact that I, along with the people behind me, was singing along with them.  It was cool having people around me know the songs.  The guy behind me had made the comment on the board here about "wait till Axl gets to Edmonton and sees the cold" which Axl specifically mentioned.  This obviously points to the fact that he reads these boards which is a cool thought.  If Chinese Democracy was out now it would have helped familiarize people with the new songs but I suppose new songs are never that popular with concertgoers.  Most people go to hear the songs they are really familiar with, hence most of AFD.  It doesn't bother me, though, since it is my favourite album...so far.
 
There were sound problems with Axl's mic but his singing was awesome-when you could hear it.  A few times when he went off stage to change or get a drink or whatever, he would run back out and start singing and there would be no sound.  Sebastian Bach didn't have these problems in his set and it has everything to do with the fact that he uses a corded mic - not that he is a better singer as some journalist noted. 

If these guys are ever within a one day drive from where you live, get off your computer, stop bitching about all the old songs being played, get to the concert and witness the re-birth of Guns n' F'n Roses.  You will become a believer.

P.S.  I got to meet Bubbles after the show.  He was totally f'd up.  It may have had something to do with wearing those glasses for a while plus some liquor consumed.  Awesome.   

[DeadHorse]

It was cool having people around me know the songs.? The guy behind me had made the comment on the board here about "wait till Axl gets to Edmonton and sees the cold" which Axl specifically mentioned.? This obviously points to the fact that he reads these boards which is a cool thought.?

Man I totally forgot about that and was meaning to mention it. It was in the " G n' R on Tour? Edmonton Thread" if memeory serves me correct.

Also I don't think this has been posted yet but here is a link to the videos posted on you tube from the concert.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=guns+n%27+roses+edmonton&search=Search

Cheers,

DH

[TrixAreForKids]

It was cool having people around me know the songs.? The guy behind me had made the comment on the board here about "wait till Axl gets to Edmonton and sees the cold" which Axl specifically mentioned.? This obviously points to the fact that he reads these boards which is a cool thought.? ?

Were you in Sec 136 Row 1? If you were I was was the guy behind you (in row 2.) It was my lady and I singing throughout the show, a little embarassing now that I think of it.

I also made a comment on the Edmonton thread in the tour section about the -30 weather, and for Axl to bring a parka. I felt special that he mentioned it.