Possible opening bands

[stvyrayvhn]

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.

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

[C0ma]

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

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.

[Spirit]

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

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.

[overmatik]

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. 

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

[damnthehaters]

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. 

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

[OscarAxl22]

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

[overmatik]

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.

[alexander]

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

[TheBaconman]

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

[Spirit]

I like Weezer.

[ericy210]

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.

[Jeramy]

I kinda like the reunited Skid Row idea

[sandman]

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. 

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

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.

[The Wight Gunner]

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

[damnthehaters]

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. 

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

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.

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

[sandman]

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. 

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

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.

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. 

[123191]

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

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?!?!

[123191]

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. 

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.

[COMAMOTIVE]

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

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?!?!

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

[eyemojo]

Black Crowes or Queens of the Stone Age