Rose Bowl

LIVE REVIEW: GUNS N ROSES AT ROSE BOWL

The last time Guns N Roses played the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, it was 1992. Fast Forward thirty four years and here they are again. It’s unmistakable the influence Guns N Roses has had on musicians and bands for over forty years now. The debut, Appetite For Destruction is still very much talked about.The Use Your Illusion albums have gone on to live in infamy for their great songs, arrangements and who can forget those videos (“You Could Be Mine,” “Don’t Cry,” “November Rain” and “Estranged”). And then there is Chinese Democracy. I’m probably one of the few out there that enjoy it. Take away the over produced aspects and some of the electronic elements, a couple songs and you’ve got one hell of a good album with some spectacular songs (“Better,” “Street Of Dreams,” “There Was A Time,” “Sorry,” “Madagascar,” and “Prostitute”). It’s been since 2021 when I saw GnR last, and on a whim myself and my friend Justin of Sinister Reviews, decided to head out to the Rose Bowl to see what Guns N Roses are up to.

At about 7:50pm, as the sun was almost completely set, the house music turned off, the lights off and the roar of tens of thousands of people, Guns N Roses took the stage and immediately made sure we knew where we are with “Welcome To The Jungle.” Still one of the best track one’s of all time. Over the course of the next three hours and twenty eight more songs, you knew you were in for a night. Jumping into “Bad Obsession” next was a treat. Such a good bluesy number to get things shaking a bit more as “It’s So Easy” and “Mr. Brownstone” were right after. One of the highlights of the show was when they played “Chinese Democracy.” The newer arrangement on the song plus this band, really makes this song shine. Another big highlight was “Don’t Cry.” What a song it still is and this evenings performance of it was top notch. A slew of other classics and fan favorites like “You Could Be Mine,” “Rocket Queen,” “Think About You,” “Civil War,” and “Yesterdays” were played. The three newer songs they played “Hard Skool,” “Nothin'” and “Atlas” sounded good and are definitely from the Chinese Democracy era. The encore was just a sweep of hits from “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “November Rain,” “Nightrain” and of course “Paradise City.”

There is one aspect of this whole night that has left a bit of a sore spot with me. I’m not saying this wasn’t a really good show but, the inclusion of SEVEN COVER SONGS is too much. While I get to a point the need to play “Live And Let Die” and “Knockin On Heaven’s Door,” there is no need for anymore than that. Yes, The Spaghetti Incident exists and yes they have been playing covers since their start but, come on already. I’m sure the majority of people in the audience would have rather heard “Pretty Tied Up,” Locomotive,” “Dust N Bones,” Coma,” “Dead Horse” or like me more from Chinese Democracy, over a The Damned cover, one from Rose Tattoo (wish you a speedy recovery Angry Anderson), two Black Sabbath covers and “Slither” from Velvet Revolver. Thats five songs right there that should have been original songs. Instead of Duff singing a cover, let him sing his song “So Fine.” What’s so hard about that?! You wrote the songs! PLAY THEM!!

Axl still sounds good. While there are certain higher notes he can’t hit anymore (and he still tries), it’s nice to know he still has the passion and care to want to deliver. The songs though that featured a lower register vocal, sounded amazing. When they got to “Estranged” that’s when you could really tell how good this side of Axl still is. “Estranged” has been my favorite Guns song since I was eight years old, and to still be able to hear it live and this damn good, made my night. Just a thought, if it’s too much for Axl to hit all these notes across a three hour show, consider shortening the show! I mean it would still be a great show and then you get two openers that are really good on and you have yourself a stellar night. The band was on fire all night. Slash did Slash things and sounded great. Duff was right in the pocket all night and added a great rhythmic flair. New drummer Issac Carpenter was superb. He actually plays more like Steven Adler than any other drummer that’s sat back there. But it’s two other members that really need to get the due respect they deserve. Dizzy Reed is a gem in the band. His piano/keyboards add the right amount of texture and dynamic to the songs. There’s really a special charm with Dizzy. As well as longtime guitarist Richard Fortus. What a talent too. Great playing, great style and swagger. He fits in this band like a glove. Plus he kind of looks like Izzy Stradlin, bonus for everyone missing Izzy.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Ice Cube was the opening act. I don’t know whose idea that was (probably Axl, as he was always a fan) but, come on! Know your audience. The Black Crowes have been out with you for a few shows, they would’ve been a better choice. That’s not to say Ice Cube wasn’t good. He was fine. He did his thing up there and a chunk of the crowd was dancing and shaking their asses a bit. It’s just this wasn’t the right time or audience for that.

Guns N Roses are not about to go anywhere. It’s great to have them back and out there. Now it’s time to really work on some new music. The want is there and if done right, this could be quite the record. GnR still knows how to put on a great show. The Rose Bowl was filled with people of all ages and from different generations which makes it more fun to share the night with. Provided they aren’t obnoxious or drunk. Let’s hope that the next time Guns N Roses comes through, things are a bit different. And while they’re at it, let’s ditch the silly background images playing behind the band Pretty sure most were from five years ago too. Just show the band, that’s what the people want to see!

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

By: Brian Lacy

GUNS N ROSES SETLIST:

01) Welcome To The Jungle
02) Bad Obsession
03) It’s So Easy
04) Mr. Brownstone
05) Slither (Velvet Revolver Cover)
06) Chinese Democracy
07) Live And Let Die (Wings Cover)
08) Nice Boys (Rose Tattoo Cover)
09) Yesterdays
10) Shadow Of Your Love
11) Double Talkin’ Jive
12) Hard Skool
13) Estranged
14) Knockin On Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan Cover)
15) You Could Be Mine
16) Nothin’
17) Junior’s Eyes (Black Sabbath Cover)
18) Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Black Sabbath Cover)
19) Rocket Queen
20) Don’t Cry
21) New Rose (The Damned Cover- Duff Singing)
22) Think About You
23) Atlas
24) Civil War (with snippet of Jimi Hendrix “Voodoo Child”)
25) Slash Guitar Solo
26) Sweet Child O’ Mine
27) November Rain
28) Nightrain
29) Paradise City

LIVE REVIEW: OASIS AT ROSE BOWL

Oasis is one of those bands that I’ve been hoping would get back together for years. The last time I saw them was in 2008 on what would be their very last tour. For almost 20 years this silly feud between Liam and Noel lasted. Thankfully, that’s behind them now (fingers crossed) and we can all get to experience one of the best pure rock bands from the last 30 years. There is no denying the great songs, albums and performances throughout the years. This time around though, it’s different. It feels like a renewed sense of purpose and the songs have taken on a whole new meaning. Seriously, the world needs Oasis right now and this show was definitely proof of that!

At 8:45pm, the lights went down and the video countdown on the screen appeared, then a short little montage of clips from their career started and then to a roaring applause, Liam and Noel walked out on stage hand in hand to even more of a roar, and then immediately kicked off with “Hello,” which I have to say, was the perfect way to start the set. “Acquiesce” would follow right after along with “Morning Glory.” “Morning Glory” was a highlight for me. I’ve always loved that song so much, and this version they played had a bit of an extra edge to it. Other highlights included “Some Might Say,” “Cigarettes and Alcohol,” “Fade Away,” “Little By Little,” “Stand By Me” this song had sooo many people singing along and swaying in unison. Quite the sight to see. When one of my all time favorite Oasis songs ever in “Slide Away” was played, it sent me into the stratosphere. Even my daughter who was with me was singing her heart out throughtout the night but, especially on this song. Proud dad moment right there. Also before they played the song, Liam dedicated the song to “all the lovebirds in the house but, not in the Coldplay way. Love who you want, we don’t care.” I love the dig at Coldplay because well, Coldplay sucks! Yeah I said it! Then not too long after, I heard my all time favorite in “Live Forever.” I don’t care how many times I’ve heard that song, I will never get sick of it. It’s such a beautiful song. And it was another one that my daughter was singing her heart out at. Closing the main set was “Rock n Roll Star” another fan favorite and this was quite the rock version of the song. For the encore we got four songs and they were all sung so loudly by the audience. 100,000 plus people singing along to “The Masterplan” but especially “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” “Wonderwall” and “Champagne Supernova.” It was like a whole city singing along. The glow of cell phone lights and cameras was a sight to see as well. Though I do miss the sea of lighters more! A stellar set list and performance all together.

Now comes the part of the review where it flips. I’m not sure who’s idea it was to have Cage The Elephant be direct support for Oasis but, that was a really bad choice. First of all in the UK and Europe, they got Richard Ashcroft of The Verve. That right there with Oasis is how this should have been as well. Instead we got one of the most boring, overhyped, third rate Nirvana wannabes I’ve ever seen live. Seriously, they had zero energy. Almost to the point of soul sucking. Their stand still nature on stage was drab and just full of “when is this going to end.” I’ve seen so many bands in my life that, I can tell when a band is trying to hard to be something they are not, and Cage The Elephant is a prime example. You are not a rock band. You are an indie band that needs to stay in your lane and leave the rock to those that actually do rock! Seriously, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who, both of which are in their later 70’s, have more energy on stage than this band combined. Needless to say, I was not impressed. Also, there was another opener, Cast. They are an old school Brit-Pop band from the 90’s. Again nothing special and frankly a waste of time. Who the hell is picking these bands to open these shows? Come on! Do better!

The whole night was all about Oasis anyways. The set was nothing but hits, fan favorites and choice deep cuts. For two glorious hours the world stopped and everyone in attendance felt infinite. Oasis means a lot to so many people. People were traveling from all over the world to be there this evening. It was one of those truly special shows. Having Liam and Noel back together again just feels right. I did enjoy both of their respective solo careers and albums but, this is where they need to be. Both of them sounded better than ever along with the whole band. Plus it was great to have Bonehead and Andy Bell back on stage with the Gallaghers. Welcome back Oasis! Please stay around this time!!!

Show Rating: A- (lost points for the openers)

Review/Photos By: Brian Lacy

Oasis Set List:

01) Hello
02) Acquiesce
03) Morning Glory
04) Some Might Say
05) Bring It On Down
06) Cigarettes & Alcohol
07) Fade Away
08) Supersonic
09) Roll With It
10) Talk Tonight
11) Half The World Away
12) Little By Little
13) D’You Know What I Mean?
14) Stand By Me
15) Cast No Shadow
16) Slide Away
17) Whatever
18) Live Forever
19) Rock N Roll Star

Encore:

20) The Masterplan
21) Don’t Look Back In Anger
22) Wonderwall
23) Champagne Supernova (with a fireworks show at the end)

Oasis Photos: