Guns N Roses Perform at The Pepsi Arena

by Rebecca Clark and Rachel Golden

The new and better than ever Guns-n Roses are currently on their first American tour in 13 years, GN’R made a pit stop in Albany, NY at the Pepsi Arena on the night of November 27. A packed full venue of energetic fans eagerly waited for their appetizer of classic rock and a night of Axl before Thanksgiving dinner. There was much diversity of artist to perform that night and heat up the stage, preparing the audience for their extra helping of Guns N’Roses.

First up was CKY, a heavy modern rock band that knows how to get a crowd going. CKY’s heavy guitar riffs echoed through the arena as audience members watched in awe and seemed to show a lack of interest of their music. Although the crowd did not seem too responsive, CKY played on and performed a short but very enjoyable set for the fans that were in the audience.

Next up was Mix Master Mike, with his techno beat and talent for mixing songs, he also had a tough time getting the GN’R hungry fans going. The crowd was tough and left no mercy and rarely got into his dance groves and beats. It was evident that the crowd was there and eagerly waiting for Axl and company to hit the stage.

The whole GN’R history may be confusing to the new fan, so we are going to go back into time to when it all began and fill you in on some GN’R history.

GN’R’s original line-up when they signed with Geffen Records in 1986 was rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, lead guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, drummer Steven Adler and lead singer, W. Axl Rose.

Their first album, “Live Like a Suicide,” was recorded in 1986.

Their debut 1987 album, “Appetite for Destruction”, introduced the band’s raw heavy rock music that was accompanied by blunt screaming lyrics to young metal kids around the world.

This album was quickly followed by the mostly acoustic “GN’R Lies” in 1988.

Despite the covers on one side and the acoustics on the other, Axl proved that he could scream and screech to any instrument and make your head bang.

In 1990, GN’R replaced some and added others.  New drummer Matt Sorum, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and new rhythm guitarist Gilby Clarke joined the band to later produce a same-day release of two CDs, “Use Your Illusion I” and “Use Your

Illusion II.”

In 1993, a cover-song album, “The Spaghetti Incident,” was released.

The energy from these last three albums gave no hint that Axl would not be heard from for another nine years.

Now back in the saddle again Axl and Reed are back and have added a few new members to the band, including three new guitarist: the notorious Buckethead, Richard Fortus, and former Nine Inch Nails guitarist Robin Finck. Also added to the new line up is former drummer of Primus Brian Mantia, The Replacement’s bassist Tommy Stinson and additional keyboardist Chris Pitman.

To the surprise of no one, it took GN’R about an hour to take the stage. The crowd was getting restless and started to entertain themselves by encouraging girls to degrade themselves. Girls began stripping and fighting for the spotlight so they could flaunt their stuff on the big screens hanging in the arena.

Suddenly the lights went out and the crowd began screaming. GN’R ripped into their set with “Welcome to the Jungle,” the crowd went wild. Fans jumped up and down with the rhythm of the music and finally let loose and got their faces away from the beer to enjoy every minute of GN’R’s music. It is definitely a site to see all of the new guys along with Axl rocking it out on stage. Their set was amazing. Their stage set up was colorful and exciting. A mixture of pyros and later on confetti filled the arena for the duration of their two hour long set. GN’R played all of their old notorious songs such as “November Rain,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” Patience,”  “Knocking on Heaven Door,” and “Live and Let Die.” Coming back for an encore GN’R closed their set with “Paradise city.”

Overall GN’R delivered an incredible and exciting night for all fans, new and old. GN’R’s show was a great treat, leaving the audience pleased and stuffed full of great live music for the holiday. Axl has proved that he still has what it takes to be a brilliant musician. Be sure to go check out the new and improved GN’R when they roll into a town near you.