[Updates] July 19, 2016 Foxboro, MA @ Gillette Stadium

[C0ma]

Here is a local radio station review and apology:

http://www.waaf.com/blogs/mike-hsus-blog/im-sorry-guns-n-roses-64646

WAAF Blog - Mike Hsu


"You like to have me jump and be good
But I don't want to do it
You don't know why I don't act the way you think I should
You thought they'd make me behave and submit"

"Sorry"- Guns N Roses

When Guns N Roses played this last night for  only the third time with original members Slash and Duff McKagan, I was trying to figure out if Axl Rose was projecting it towards them or us.  And by us I mean the bitchy skeptics who over the past 20 years have been pining for Axl to get over himself and get the band back together.  The doubtful masses who suffered through the "Scabs N Roses" version of the band going on three hours late if at all.  The fans who were continually fed a steady stream of "never", "No comment", and "not in this lifetime".

When I heard that Slash and Axl had made nice and were being coaxed out of their hole, ever so delicately, like Punxsutawney Phil on February 2, I took it in with a grain of salt.  The mix of ego and animosity, to me, would make that train derail once somebody looked at someone the wrong way.  But much like the Trump campaign, at first I laughed, then I wondered, and then the overriding emotion was disbelief.  Especially after Axl taking on the impossible gig of filling in for Brian Johnson in ACDC and kicking ass.  It seemed to only make him stronger.

It never mattered how much we moaned about it.  The guys were going to make it happen when THEY were ready.  After seeing their show at Gillette Stadium last night, they were more than ready.

They were on a f***ing mission!  AND ON TIME!

My biggest doubt was with Axl and his voice.  I was embarrassingly wrong.  From the menacing proclamation of opener "It's So Easy" to the grand pyro filled finale of "Paradise City" Rose's voice easily wrangled the entire spectrum.  His scream during the intro to "Welcome To The Jungle" made the hair on the back of my neck stand up as well as frighten away any wildlife in a 20 mile radius of the area.  He tore up scorchers like "Out Ta Get Me" and "Nightrain" to the vocal gymnastics involved in "Better" and "You Could Be Mine".  Any doubters were laid to waste.

Slash's fingers moved like a tarantula on meth up and down the fretboards of his many guitars.  Feeling out the groove for the right notes which came fast and furious and slow and easy when needed.  His reading of "Speak Softly Love(Love Theme From The Godfather)" was sadly sweet and the segue into "Sweet Child Of Mine" was seamless. 

My GNR rule has always been, "Anything over seven minutes sucks".  But I have to admit,  the epic "November Rain" was incredibly powerful especially with the instrumental second half of Derek And The Domino's "Layla" as an intro and reference point.  There were many acknowledgements to the classics during the show with covers of "The Seeker" by The Who, a touch of "Voodoo Chile" by Jimi Hendrix at the end of "Civil War", the instrumental take on "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd, and the little acoustic jam of "Angie" by the Rolling Stones before going into "Patience". Bassist Duff McKagan also got some spotlight time with his cover of The Damned's "New Rose". 

I was amazed.  It was a phenomenal show.  Their mission was accomplished.  They spent two and a half hours telling bitches like me to shut the f**k up.  I'm sorry Guns N Roses.  I was wrong.  I am very happy to admit that.

[Jbat81]

First 3 mins of Sorry cuz the mother of my kids decided to FaceTime me and killed the recording... 
https://youtu.be/HHgIngDr0QI

[MrMojoRa]

Here is a local radio station review and apology:

http://www.waaf.com/blogs/mike-hsus-blog/im-sorry-guns-n-roses-64646

WAAF Blog - Mike Hsu


"You like to have me jump and be good
But I don't want to do it
You don't know why I don't act the way you think I should
You thought they'd make me behave and submit"

"Sorry"- Guns N Roses

When Guns N Roses played this last night for  only the third time with original members Slash and Duff McKagan, I was trying to figure out if Axl Rose was projecting it towards them or us.  And by us I mean the bitchy skeptics who over the past 20 years have been pining for Axl to get over himself and get the band back together.  The doubtful masses who suffered through the "Scabs N Roses" version of the band going on three hours late if at all.  The fans who were continually fed a steady stream of "never", "No comment", and "not in this lifetime".

When I heard that Slash and Axl had made nice and were being coaxed out of their hole, ever so delicately, like Punxsutawney Phil on February 2, I took it in with a grain of salt.  The mix of ego and animosity, to me, would make that train derail once somebody looked at someone the wrong way.  But much like the Trump campaign, at first I laughed, then I wondered, and then the overriding emotion was disbelief.  Especially after Axl taking on the impossible gig of filling in for Brian Johnson in ACDC and kicking ass.  It seemed to only make him stronger.

It never mattered how much we moaned about it.  The guys were going to make it happen when THEY were ready.  After seeing their show at Gillette Stadium last night, they were more than ready.

They were on a f***ing mission!  AND ON TIME!

My biggest doubt was with Axl and his voice.  I was embarrassingly wrong.  From the menacing proclamation of opener "It's So Easy" to the grand pyro filled finale of "Paradise City" Rose's voice easily wrangled the entire spectrum.  His scream during the intro to "Welcome To The Jungle" made the hair on the back of my neck stand up as well as frighten away any wildlife in a 20 mile radius of the area.  He tore up scorchers like "Out Ta Get Me" and "Nightrain" to the vocal gymnastics involved in "Better" and "You Could Be Mine".  Any doubters were laid to waste.

Slash's fingers moved like a tarantula on meth up and down the fretboards of his many guitars.  Feeling out the groove for the right notes which came fast and furious and slow and easy when needed.  His reading of "Speak Softly Love(Love Theme From The Godfather)" was sadly sweet and the segue into "Sweet Child Of Mine" was seamless. 

My GNR rule has always been, "Anything over seven minutes sucks".  But I have to admit,  the epic "November Rain" was incredibly powerful especially with the instrumental second half of Derek And The Domino's "Layla" as an intro and reference point.  There were many acknowledgements to the classics during the show with covers of "The Seeker" by The Who, a touch of "Voodoo Chile" by Jimi Hendrix at the end of "Civil War", the instrumental take on "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd, and the little acoustic jam of "Angie" by the Rolling Stones before going into "Patience". Bassist Duff McKagan also got some spotlight time with his cover of The Damned's "New Rose". 

I was amazed.  It was a phenomenal show.  Their mission was accomplished.  They spent two and a half hours telling bitches like me to shut the f**k up.  I'm sorry Guns N Roses.  I was wrong.  I am very happy to admit that.

Best fuckin review ever!

[Spirit]

Another excellent review: http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/guestlisted/2016/07/last_best_show_guns_n_roses_at_gillette_stadium


Some cool things:

The hired guns can wail (in 99 percent of the bands on earth, Richard Fortus would be the lead guitarist). But Slash is sublime.

This band is in fighting shape. It?s time to put them in a room, give them a month -- no more! -- and force them to make a record.

[D-GenerationX]

It's so great reading one great review after another.

Really seems like every town has gotten a great show.  Guys really bring it every night.

[sofine11]

It's so great reading one great review after another.

Really seems like every town has gotten a great show.  Guys really bring it every night.

Axl, Slash, Duff and even Fortus are all seasoned pros at this point, seemingly at the height of their powers on this tour.  It's such an incredible joy to witness, and to say that I caught them twice on this tour. They may continue touring for years after this, and maybe even shock us by collaborating on new music, but this initial reunion tour will always be one for the books.

[D-GenerationX]

My show will be almost impossible to top.

But I'm damn sure buying a ticket if there's a next time.  And I bet I have more takers on who else is in.

[sofine11]

My show will be almost impossible to top.

But I'm damn sure buying a ticket if there's a next time.  And I bet I have more takers on who else is in.

My buddy who went with me and I are both longtime die-hard GNR fans.  A GNR reunion was always at the top of our concert bucket list, but was always followed by "Yeah, but that'll never happen..." whenever brought up. After the Chicago show, we walked out joking about how we can't go to concerts anymore because we basically just saw what in our minds was the "end all, be all" of concerts.  How do you go and catch, oh say, Aerosmith or Def Leppard after this? 

[faldor]

Still in recovery mode after that epic show last night. Can't really add much more to what's already been said. It was awesome seeing Slash and Duff back with the band, it really did add a special feel to the whole experience. I thought they sounded great all night. I LOVED hearing The Seeker, yes that's right. In part because I knew they were up against the curfew when the encore started. I thought we might only get 2 songs, but once I heard them start The Seeker I knew we had another song to go. I just didn't want the night to end.

My only gripe would be, the last time I saw GNR in 2011 I paid $90 for pit tickets and was 10' from the stage. Last night I paid double that and was 250' away from the stage. I understand the reason why obviously, supply and demand. But I enjoyed the previous lineup, so that experience was fantastic and much easier on the wallet. I would've loved to have been in the pit last night but I'm not sure I could've convinced the 5 friends I went with to spend $300 or whatever they are. Not complaining, just laying it out there. Ultimately, my seats were pretty good considering. We were near midfield in the lower section. I bought 2 tickets during the presale and sold those to a friend after we were able to get 6 tickets together during the general sale. Those 2 tickets were on the opposite side of the field, a little closer to the stage. She said the seats were great and absolutely loved the show.

All fans I spoke to had nothing but rave reviews. A couple critical notes from some of my friends who are casual fans. These are there views, and I honestly don't agree with any of them, but I figured I'd share. They thought the lack of interaction onstage between Axl and Slash was telling. They probably had those thoughts heading into the show, so since they didn't hug or high five each other, they still sensed some friction. I told them that they have had their warm moments at previous shows, so I wouldn't read anything into that. The CD songs were not as well received, though they did get a good reception, just not as good as the classics. But that's to be expected. They did like the jams like Layla, Wish You Were Here, and The Godfather Theme. Coma got a thumbs down from one of my friends. Too long for him. I get that, but it was a highlight for me and most fans. Lastly, a few of them commented that they felt Axl's voice got weaker as the night went on. I didn't notice this. I thought he was very strong throughout. I'm a little biased though, so I'm not sure if anyone else noticed that last night or at other shows. One more thing I forgot to add. They felt the pacing of some of the songs were sped up. Now this I do agree with it, and I know it's been a big topic of conversation as to who/how/why. I think it's planned. I know some people like to blame Frank, but I honestly feel that's the pace they want to play the songs, not that Frank is mistakenly speeding up the pace and screwing everyone up. Last night, they felt Paradise City especially was sped up. I didn't notice it, but it's quite possible that they were up against the curfew so they tried to get through it as quick as possible.

All in all, it was an awesome night! I had to keep telling myself that it wasn't a dream. It's just amazing too see where the band has come over the last few years. Go see them. It's well worth the price of admission, if you can swing it.

[GypsySoul]

This is Better I recorded from floor A1... Right before I was able to start periscoping
https://youtu.be/QnPkgMEoLKc

I just downloaded from my iPhone since my boy is driving in this traffic  lol

Quick question: You bring an extra battery charger in with you and do you get any grief for it if you do?

I've got a Galaxy S6 and MIGHT try to do some scoping Saturday. But I know it will chow my battery down quick. I have an external charger that holds like 10 charges that I could hook up to and drain that, but I don't want to deal with hassle at bag check.

I brought my charger to the show in DC and it's about the size of a magic marker, didn't get any grief for it bringing it in!

Mine's a bit bigger. It's about 6 inches by 3 inches (and heavy as fuck).

Just a suggestion:  You might want to use the charging wire that came with your phone to tether to the external battery charger.  They're usually between 3 to 4 feet long so there won't be a need to actually hold the charger.  Another suggestion is to wear a belt so you can secure the charger between the belt and the outside of your jeans/pants.  I would NOT suggest placing the charger in your pocket while in use in case it gets very warm/hot.  We don't want our pilferk to get burned!!! 

[GypsySoul]

I hadn't seen a topic started for this show yet so I figured I'd get one going.  Who's going and if anyone is going early, where are going to be at? I'll be in section A5 Row 15.  See you there!
-Larry

Hope you had an awesome time last night.

Could you please edit this first post and copy n' paste the setlist into it.

Thanks.

[C0ma]

Last night, they felt Paradise City especially was sped up. I didn't notice it, but it's quite possible that they were up against the curfew so they tried to get through it as quick as possible.

They were right up against it! When Axl walked up to the front of the stage just before Nightrain, I looked at my watch and it was like 11:05. When the final fireworks blew it was 11:21 by my watch... so even if my watch was a little fast, they cut it pretty close (and Axl made a comment about the time near the end).

[stvyrayvhn]

Slash and Duff just make everything better...  I wish Axl hadn't rolled up in his car at the last minute and walk right to the stage... But he nailed it...  Great show...  I'm still recovering and I didn't even have much to drink, 2 beers?

[GypsySoul]

(and Axl made a comment about the time near the end).

I could be mistaken but I believe Axl was joking with Frank about if "the train" was on time ... the NIGHTRAIN!!! 

[faldor]

(and Axl made a comment about the time near the end).

I could be mistaken but I believe Axl was joking with Frank about if "the train" was on time ... the NIGHTRAIN!!! 

Yeah, that's what I heard too.

[Spirit]

(and Axl made a comment about the time near the end).

I could be mistaken but I believe Axl was joking with Frank about if "the train" was on time ... the NIGHTRAIN!!! 

I guess he could have meant "Is the "Nightrain" on time in the set? To beat the curfew".

[C0ma]

(and Axl made a comment about the time near the end).

I could be mistaken but I believe Axl was joking with Frank about if "the train" was on time ... the NIGHTRAIN!!! 

At that point of the show I was about 100% deaf in my left ear, so he really could have said anything at that point ...

[stvyrayvhn]

I think there was concern because Axl was late and that was his response...  The state police didn't even have time to search his car (they did while he was on stage)...  The band was all standing to the right waiting, Axl came in, they mic'd him up really quick and he went right out.  He didn't have time to even talk to anyone. 

[Spirit]

Axl from last night, I had to check twice if this was a picture from the UYI tour or not.. lol

[tim_m]

Still in recovery mode after that epic show last night. Can't really add much more to what's already been said. It was awesome seeing Slash and Duff back with the band, it really did add a special feel to the whole experience. I thought they sounded great all night. I LOVED hearing The Seeker, yes that's right. In part because I knew they were up against the curfew when the encore started. I thought we might only get 2 songs, but once I heard them start The Seeker I knew we had another song to go. I just didn't want the night to end.

My only gripe would be, the last time I saw GNR in 2011 I paid $90 for pit tickets and was 10' from the stage. Last night I paid double that and was 250' away from the stage. I understand the reason why obviously, supply and demand. But I enjoyed the previous lineup, so that experience was fantastic and much easier on the wallet. I would've loved to have been in the pit last night but I'm not sure I could've convinced the 5 friends I went with to spend $300 or whatever they are. Not complaining, just laying it out there. Ultimately, my seats were pretty good considering. We were near midfield in the lower section. I bought 2 tickets during the presale and sold those to a friend after we were able to get 6 tickets together during the general sale. Those 2 tickets were on the opposite side of the field, a little closer to the stage. She said the seats were great and absolutely loved the show.

All fans I spoke to had nothing but rave reviews. A couple critical notes from some of my friends who are casual fans. These are there views, and I honestly don't agree with any of them, but I figured I'd share. They thought the lack of interaction onstage between Axl and Slash was telling. They probably had those thoughts heading into the show, so since they didn't hug or high five each other, they still sensed some friction. I told them that they have had their warm moments at previous shows, so I wouldn't read anything into that. The CD songs were not as well received, though they did get a good reception, just not as good as the classics. But that's to be expected. They did like the jams like Layla, Wish You Were Here, and The Godfather Theme. Coma got a thumbs down from one of my friends. Too long for him. I get that, but it was a highlight for me and most fans. Lastly, a few of them commented that they felt Axl's voice got weaker as the night went on. I didn't notice this. I thought he was very strong throughout. I'm a little biased though, so I'm not sure if anyone else noticed that last night or at other shows. One more thing I forgot to add. They felt the pacing of some of the songs were sped up. Now this I do agree with it, and I know it's been a big topic of conversation as to who/how/why. I think it's planned. I know some people like to blame Frank, but I honestly feel that's the pace they want to play the songs, not that Frank is mistakenly speeding up the pace and screwing everyone up. Last night, they felt Paradise City especially was sped up. I didn't notice it, but it's quite possible that they were up against the curfew so they tried to get through it as quick as possible.

All in all, it was an awesome night! I had to keep telling myself that it wasn't a dream. It's just amazing too see where the band has come over the last few years. Go see them. It's well worth the price of admission, if you can swing it.

I can understand a casual fan not being into Coma. That's always been a favorite among the hardcore fans.