GN'R confirmed for Rock In Rio 2011 (October 2)

[requiem156]

I personally think that he hurts his vocals during Live and Let Die when he screeches as long as he does, and it effects the rest of the performance. Don't get me wrong, I also think he still sings awesome, I just wonder if it could be like it used to be if they drop LALD.

Look, what people don't realize about Axl's voice is that it's always been like this at the first few shows... 

Rio 2001, Monterrey 2007 and now Rio 2011. This is the start of a long tour, so Axl's voice has to take shape and work it's way around to his signature state. Axl hasn't been putting on 2 and a half hour rock concerts regularly for a long time, so it's just got to work to get there.

Is it just me?  But, if I were a lead singer in a famous band, about to be starting a long tour, especially starting in a place like Rio, I'd have my voice in shape already and already worked around to its signature state before I even got on stage for the first show.  Plus, how can you forget words to songs you've been doing for years?  Happens once in awhile, but, come on.....

Are you a singer?

I ask because while I agree that vocal exercises can greatly improve your vocal conditioning level, in all honesty, I don't know if any vocal exercise or amount of vocal exercises can ever mimic the rigors of a live show and touring schedule. 

There isn't anything that actually mimics a live performance. Rehearsing your show is probably the closest approximation.

[gnr-4-ever]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16GCwEuASk4

Estranged @ soundcheck!

[Ali]

I personally think that he hurts his vocals during Live and Let Die when he screeches as long as he does, and it effects the rest of the performance. Don't get me wrong, I also think he still sings awesome, I just wonder if it could be like it used to be if they drop LALD.

Look, what people don't realize about Axl's voice is that it's always been like this at the first few shows... 

Rio 2001, Monterrey 2007 and now Rio 2011. This is the start of a long tour, so Axl's voice has to take shape and work it's way around to his signature state. Axl hasn't been putting on 2 and a half hour rock concerts regularly for a long time, so it's just got to work to get there.

Is it just me?  But, if I were a lead singer in a famous band, about to be starting a long tour, especially starting in a place like Rio, I'd have my voice in shape already and already worked around to its signature state before I even got on stage for the first show.  Plus, how can you forget words to songs you've been doing for years?  Happens once in awhile, but, come on.....

Are you a singer?

I ask because while I agree that vocal exercises can greatly improve your vocal conditioning level, in all honesty, I don't know if any vocal exercise or amount of vocal exercises can ever mimic the rigors of a live show and touring schedule. 

There isn't anything that actually mimics a live performance. Rehearsing your show is probably the closest approximation.

Rehearsing is the closest, agreed.  But, as you may know, even when you rehearse, you aren't usually expending the same energy you do when you're in front of a crowd.

It's like in basketball, no amount of windsprints or suicides or even practices can ever really mimic the exertion and demands of a full-out game.

Ali

[requiem156]

I personally think that he hurts his vocals during Live and Let Die when he screeches as long as he does, and it effects the rest of the performance. Don't get me wrong, I also think he still sings awesome, I just wonder if it could be like it used to be if they drop LALD.

Look, what people don't realize about Axl's voice is that it's always been like this at the first few shows... 

Rio 2001, Monterrey 2007 and now Rio 2011. This is the start of a long tour, so Axl's voice has to take shape and work it's way around to his signature state. Axl hasn't been putting on 2 and a half hour rock concerts regularly for a long time, so it's just got to work to get there.

Is it just me?  But, if I were a lead singer in a famous band, about to be starting a long tour, especially starting in a place like Rio, I'd have my voice in shape already and already worked around to its signature state before I even got on stage for the first show.  Plus, how can you forget words to songs you've been doing for years?  Happens once in awhile, but, come on.....

Are you a singer?

I ask because while I agree that vocal exercises can greatly improve your vocal conditioning level, in all honesty, I don't know if any vocal exercise or amount of vocal exercises can ever mimic the rigors of a live show and touring schedule. 

There isn't anything that actually mimics a live performance. Rehearsing your show is probably the closest approximation.

Rehearsing is the closest, agreed.  But, as you may know, even when you rehearse, you aren't usually expending the same energy you do when you're in front of a crowd.

It's like in basketball, no amount of windsprints or suicides or even practices can ever really mimic the exertion and demands of a full-out game.

Ali

I agree. Presumably, that's why Bruce Dickinson used to rehearse for Maiden shows on rollerblades. Failing that though, rehearsal of some sort is probably advisable.

[Hale]

quick question: what happenend at NR?

During the show, equipment started to malfunction. Dead guitars etc...during NR I think it was monitor-issues.

He doesn't need a monitor to sing NR. There's no monitor close enough for him to read while singing NR, which made it even more sad when he lost it and tried looking for a monitor.

Rehearsing is the closest, agreed.  But, as you may know, even when you rehearse, you aren't usually expending the same energy you do when you're in front of a crowd.

It's like in basketball, no amount of windsprints or suicides or even practices can ever really mimic the exertion and demands of a full-out game.

Ali

Michael Jordan was known for practicing, practicing and practicing. It's what you do to get better, and it builds confidence too (which Axl was clearly lacking in the Rio performance).

[Ali]

quick question: what happenend at NR?

During the show, equipment started to malfunction. Dead guitars etc...during NR I think it was monitor-issues.

He doesn't need a monitor to sing NR. There's no monitor close enough for him to read while singing NR, which made it even more sad when he lost it and tried looking for a monitor.

Rehearsing is the closest, agreed.  But, as you may know, even when you rehearse, you aren't usually expending the same energy you do when you're in front of a crowd.

It's like in basketball, no amount of windsprints or suicides or even practices can ever really mimic the exertion and demands of a full-out game.

Ali

Michael Jordan was known for practicing, practicing and practicing. It's what you do to get better, and it builds confidence too (which Axl was clearly lacking in the Rio performance).

Oh, I know.  I'm a huge MJ fan.  But, rehearsal is akin to practice in that it never replicates the demand of the actual game or live show/tour.  I can't even count how many NBA players I've heard/read say that game shape is something else entirely and that their conditioning improves during the course of the season.

Ali

[wight gunner]

quick question: what happenend at NR?

During the show, equipment started to malfunction. Dead guitars etc...during NR I think it was monitor-issues.

 

He doesn't need a monitor to sing NR. There's no monitor close enough for him to read while singing NR, which made it even more sad when he lost it and tried looking for a monitor.

Rehearsing is the closest, agreed.  But, as you may know, even when you rehearse, you aren't usually expending the same energy you do when you're in front of a crowd.

It's like in basketball, no amount of windsprints or suicides or even practices can ever really mimic the exertion and demands of a full-out game.

Ali

Michael Jordan was known for practicing, practicing and practicing. It's what you do to get better, and it builds confidence too (which Axl was clearly lacking in the Rio performance).

Oh, I know.  I'm a huge MJ fan.  But, rehearsal is akin to practice in that it never replicates the demand of the actual game or live show/tour.  I can't even count how many NBA players I've heard/read say that game shape is something else entirely and that their conditioning improves during the course of the season.

Ali

Nothing in life prepares you for the real thing, so many variables, some predictable some not so... Do I think parts of the show were less than great, from a PC vantage point, yes, but those at the show said otherwise. 

Axl has walked for what has been less understandable reasons than a soaking stage with all that electricity but he stuck with it.  You also have to look beyond the performance, no doubt the band were pumped up for this show, the adrenaline will have been flowing and yet that will have had to be reigned in to avoid slipping to the point that serious injury could have happened, rendering the TOUR at risk of cancellation.

Remember the front of the stage had puddles that are splashing up on Axl as his moved around, clearly with so much at risk and with every thing that Rio threw at the band I would cut them some slack and perhaps a bit of humility and empathy in getting a show at all is in order. Yes practice may have produced a more polished performance, but then GnR have always been more trailer trash than cultured, and would you really want to change that.

[Loaded NightraiN]

@ omg great to hear it again... Sounds slot more rock guitar driven that at rir 3

@ estranged rehersal, damn Tommy is always boss on bass... It sounds like the albums bass playing!

[richwoman]

quick question: what happenend at NR?

During the show, equipment started to malfunction. Dead guitars etc...during NR I think it was monitor-issues.

He doesn't need a monitor to sing NR. There's no monitor close enough for him to read while singing NR, which made it even more sad when he lost it and tried looking for a monitor.

well i guess it`s how you interpret these things i`m 100% sure it was to do with his earpeace he couldn`t hear if he and the band were at the same part thats why he looked at the moniter. Isn`t it time to start moving on now theres a new show to look forward to tomorrow i can`t wait

[tHeElEcTrIcSiNtAr]

it wasnt a horrible performance. The band sounded great!!! and Axl had his moments. And of course Estranged was a highlight.

that being said, being an Axl fanatic and seeing countless performances both live and just watching live on the internet or otherwise, there was clearly something up with him the other night. He exumed none of the charisma or stage presence that has made him one of the greatest frontmen of all time except for a few brief instances. his whole vibe seemed very weird. from forgetting verses and lyrics (which he rarely ever does) to the way he even wore his clothes. I have never seen Axl have his leather jacket zipped up and he had all his jackets zipped up for the whole show, seems weird to me. Granted it was probably cold from the rain, but the other guys in the band were in tshirts. i dont ever harp on his appearance, but it just seemed odd to me.

His mood was in and out. There were some moments of his funny charm and then his pissed off antics, which is normal for him but....i have never seen Axl look like he did at the beginning of Heaven's Door, or the beginning of Paradise City with that blank stare and look of utter defeat. He usually exumes a presence with such confindence. it was just really hard to watch and i felt bad for the guy. There was this feeling of not knowing what was gonna happen next, but in a bad way. not the usual bad ass Axl way.

As for his voice, we all know he doesnt rehearse and the first shows are pretty hit or miss. He wasnt absolutely terrible. But he should of maybe showed up at a few rehearsals at least, like he did for the Hammerstein shows. You think with how big this show was, not just cause of it being Rio and playing for 200,000 people, but because it was going to be great promotion for US tour coming up with it being broadcasted on youtube he would have wanted to make sure his voice was in good condition.

Now i know it was raining, and that does have a major affect on vocal chords. Singing in the cold is definitely NOT good for a singer...so i do have mucho respect for Axl gettin up there and singing for 2 and half hours under those conditions. Big ups!! and we also know how wet the stage was, there were literally puddles and we all know how much Axl moves around, so that definitely hindered his performance.

Idk im not worried about the upcoming tour, i think he's gonna bounce back and its gonna be great!! But there was definitely a weird vibe to this show that i have never seen before, especially with Axl.

thats just my two cents. hope it makes sense. ha.

[Six Strings]

Are you people crazy? The show was fuckin' great even watching it on the crappy youtube link. I really can't understand you. You wanted Chinese Democracy as a opener, they started playing Chinese Democracy as a opener. People claimed for Estranged (which was fuckin' brilliant) and they played Estranged. It will be always something that they need to do more and more for you. The worst is that you will be still complaining and not appriciating it. Have you been there? Most of you haven't. So shut up. Start talking when you see it live!

[norway]

iI have never seen Axl have his leather jacket zipped up and he had all his jackets zipped up for the whole show, seems weird to me. Granted it was probably cold from the rain, but the other guys in the band were in tshirts. i dont ever harp on his appearance, but it just seemed odd to me.

I liked it, looked really cool with his hats and glasses. Almost like a Jim Morrison-vibe.

i have never seen Axl look like he did at the beginning of Heaven's Door, or the beginning of Paradise City with that blank stare and look of utter defeat. He usually exumes a presence with such confindence. it was just really hard to watch and i felt bad for the guy. There was this feeling of not knowing what was gonna happen next, but in a bad way. not the usual bad ass Axl way.

He would have walked in these conditions, he didn't.

It's his artistic integrity

[requiem156]

It will be always something that they need to do more and more for you. The worst is that you will be still complaining and not appriciating it.

How do you read the comments in this thread as not appreciating something?

[tHeElEcTrIcSiNtAr]

iI have never seen Axl have his leather jacket zipped up and he had all his jackets zipped up for the whole show, seems weird to me. Granted it was probably cold from the rain, but the other guys in the band were in tshirts. i dont ever harp on his appearance, but it just seemed odd to me.

I liked it, looked really cool with his hats and glasses. Almost like a Jim Morrison-vibe.

i have never seen Axl look like he did at the beginning of Heaven's Door, or the beginning of Paradise City with that blank stare and look of utter defeat. He usually exumes a presence with such confindence. it was just really hard to watch and i felt bad for the guy. There was this feeling of not knowing what was gonna happen next, but in a bad way. not the usual bad ass Axl way.

He would have walked in these conditions, he didn't.

It's his artistic integrity

Like i said, i give him major major props for sticking around, and playin 2 and a half hours. Not a lot of musicians would do that.

[westcoast_junkie]

I personally think that he hurts his vocals during Live and Let Die when he screeches as long as he does, and it effects the rest of the performance. Don't get me wrong, I also think he still sings awesome, I just wonder if it could be like it used to be if they drop LALD.

Look, what people don't realize about Axl's voice is that it's always been like this at the first few shows... 

Rio 2001, Monterrey 2007 and now Rio 2011. This is the start of a long tour, so Axl's voice has to take shape and work it's way around to his signature state. Axl hasn't been putting on 2 and a half hour rock concerts regularly for a long time, so it's just got to work to get there.

look, even though what you said it's true, i don't think that's a good thing... i have tickets for the next saturday show and i didn't spend a lot of money to see him warming up for the us tour, i wanna see him in top form (maybe not at 100%, but at least at 80%)

What the fuck...

Mate, your going to see Axl Rose, a living legend, and Guns N' Roses the most iconic rock band ever. You should feel honoured to be in GN'R's presence, let alone complain about stuff.

If this is the attitude of some so called fans, just don't go to the shows, and let the true fans gain access to the tickets. 

(FACEPALM) 

Oh My God, ryanb964. What a demanding thing to say. You gonna see GnR perform live, and probably Estranged beeing on the setlist. And maybe even OH MY GOD!!! Don't worry....be happy.....and enjoy it comrade

[rendestroi95]

I LOVED the concert but some things were very clear to me

1? Axl has to start doing some exercises to improve your breath while the band is not on tour (it is not impossible that he hasn't time, he was not seen in public since the last show in Abu Dhabi! He spent all this time doing what?)

2? He has to go to the rehearsals and soundchecks with the rest of the band! Like all the bands do! He missed the lyrics of This I Love, Patience and November Rain,  (thats what i remember, can be more haha)

This is my opinion...

Your opinion is ignorant and careless. You think Axl has an oxygen tent on stage at every show since the 90's all so he can compensate for laziness? We've seen his exercise equipment that he takes with him while on tour, we've seen him on a bike before a show (forgot which on). Have you ever heard of exercise induced asthma?

And now per your second ignorant and careless 'opinion', Axl is human and besides of all the shows since 2001, I don't remember anything like this happening. I blame it on the teleprompter and rain situation. He obviously relies on them and couldn't at RIR4. So when you write and perform the multitude of songs like Axl/GnR does, of course you are going to have mishaps once in awhile.

And this was my opinion...

He takes exercise equipment? Well, I confess I didn't know it. But about the soundchecks and rehearsals??

[gcluskey]

Just listen to Axl's voice here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgX6SWfC_Gc&feature=related .He has much more control over the vocal and doesn't sound as breathless or strained at all. The man is talented no doubt but he struggled a bit during that show. Looking forward to following the tour though and looking forward to Axl getting his proper singing voice back.

[requiem156]

Just listen to Axl's voice here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgX6SWfC_Gc&feature=related .

I would say that he was having some serious problems with his high range in this clip. No ability to pull back the rasp.

He's a better singer in terms of technique now than he was then. I think something weird was going on the other night.

[reayj2003]

This is the power and control I want to see when i go to the USA! Just a shame the world did not witness this at Rio!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y_FHkqxTAI&list=FLK0mOvpc24SgN-SRyXcPPNQ&index=6

[One.In.A.Million]

Loads of singers' voices go through different stages, and it generally does happen every 2-3 years. That's what I was saying about Rio 2001 and also Mexico 2007, these are fine example of Axl having a different tone of voice, simply because it had been a while since those vocal chords had been used extensively.

Just look at Toshi from X Japan, he has gone through periods when singing the simplest of songs was a huge strain on his voice, and it sounded very high pitched. This is the same for every singer, it's just a matter of warming up.

I don't know why people are getting their panties in a twist...

It was only a bad night because everything was against GN'R, and it happened all at one go. It rained for the entire show, meaning Axl couldn't see the lyrics on the monitors. It was the first show of a tour, which included a song which GN'R hadn't played in 18 years. So with all of these factors considered, I would say that GN'R did a pretty amazing job in still putting on a superb rock show worthy of closing the festival.