Toronto Concert Discussion

[GypsySoul]

I find it amazing how the crew can disassemble the stage, pack up the gear n' equipment, load n' transport and then reassemble and set up everything so quickly and efficiently.

THE GNR CREW ROCKS!!!  
THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!!! 

[Malcolm]

Ya Montreal and Toronto is a good 8 hours+ away...Just woke up though...going to get the van washed n everything ready to go...headin out round 1 with Crowebar...cant wait till the show starts...2nd time seeing GNR...Hopefully they change the set a little bit tonight...WHOLE LOTTA ROSIE or NICE BOYS would be absolutely sick...they sound amazing live

[mr_yoshimaroka]

What time is Danko supposed/usually hit the stage?

[Spirit]

What time is Danko supposed/usually hit the stage?

7:30 has been the norm

[neon2002]

Looking forward to the show tonight! To bad it looks like the weather is going to suck, it's actually been pretty good lately.

Are we expecting GN'R to hit the stage around 10:30PM tonight?

[Malcolm]

Weather is shit in Ptbo..Hopefully everyone gets there safe..Holiday Inn party before or after show for whoevers staying there..and Would be cool if Axl kept us around a bit longer cause of the weather lol...Just thinking...anyways headin out now so everyone enjoy...Hopefully we got Nice Boys, Whole Lotta Rosie and RQ

[downzy56]

Ya Montreal and Toronto is a good 8 hours+ away...Just woke up though...going to get the van washed n everything ready to go...headin out round 1 with Crowebar...cant wait till the show starts...2nd time seeing GNR...Hopefully they change the set a little bit tonight...WHOLE LOTTA ROSIE or NICE BOYS would be absolutely sick...they sound amazing live

8 Hours?  What's your mode of transport, horse and buggy?  You can easily make the trip in five hours, I've done it in four and a half.

I would love to see either one of those songs played; though I'm hoping for Catcher and Prostitute.  Hopefully with tomorrow off and the ACC sold out we'll get a longer set.  Either way I'm sure it will be awesome and good times to be had by all.

Cheers,

Andrew

[ppbebe]

apparently many people from the board are going. have the time of your life, everyone 

Looking forward to the show tonight! To bad it looks like the weather is going to suck, it's actually been pretty good lately.

Are we expecting GN'R to hit the stage around 10:30PM tonight?

i wouldn't expect anything as gnr is unpredictable but afa i can gather at any moment between 10:00 and 11:00pm

What's your mode of transport, horse and buggy? 

in a blizzard? canada sounds like a helluva romantic place.

[Eazy E]

Anyone else suspect that JD Salinger's death might inspire them to play Catcher in the Rye tonight?  Quite possibly my favourite GNR song... fingers crossed.

[AC]

Anyone else suspect that JD Salinger's death might inspire them to play Catcher in the Rye tonight?  Quite possibly my favourite GNR song... fingers crossed.

I doubt it.

[ppbebe]

i do. they've nailed it already in asia  why not?

[Hammer1]

heading down tonight about 8 from Newmarket, just north of T.O - taking a limo and bringing my 2 kids...they are so excited. 16, and 12....HUGE GNR fans.  They saw them in 06' aswell.  Was at the Hamilton show it rocked 5 rows up from the side right next to the stage!

8 of us going and 4 are under 20...ha ha this is my 10th GNR show....

no more front row for me.....lol   great to see Axl back in action this is definitely the old Axl but not quite as angry!

although Hammerstein was pretty awesome, front row at the CNE was pretty sweet too....I was 18 and threw roses on the stage and axl picked them up took a wiff and threw them on an amp!....   woulda been kicked out these days....

Enjoy everyone!!


Cheers

[PCM2267]

I can't make it due to an illness (damn flu) but,my 19 year old nephew learned from the best. He's already down there with his bud and will update me on the show. Did I mention (this hurt's but,going to a great cause) they are center stage floor seat's. Have a blast Steve. Hopefully,pic's will follow too.

[neon2002]

Danko Jones (opening band) Tweeted earlier today that Tonight's Toronto Show has Sold Out.

I just went on Ticketmaster.ca and I could Not find any tickets.

[GnR-NOW]

Is Richard Fortus playing like an animal on this tour or what ?! 

[superstarmc]

There were still quite a bit of tickets left on ticketmaster earlier today at all three price levels.

[faldor]

I just got home.  Show hasn't started yet?

[Farid Bak]

not yet

[cuddergnr]

wow , hasnt started yet eh

[faldor]

Any idea when Baz might've finished?

[GypsySoul]

IT'S ON!!!! 


It's funny how quickly we all got spoiled.  It wasn't that long ago that 11:30 was early!!! 

On a serious note:  I hope Ron is feeling better.  He posted earlier on twitter that he wasn't feeling well.

[GypsySoul]

sorry about the time delay

Got a little carried away jumping off stuff last night


I tried to warn you about climbing on the furniture but would you listen?  NO!!! 

[faldor]

Late start tonight.  I can already hear the "reporters" typing away at their keyboards.  Better late than never, right?  And like Gypsy said, there was a time when 11:30 would be about average.  At least Axl acknowledged and appologized.  That should count for something.  But I'm sure it won't in most "reporters" eyes.

[GypsySoul]

Axl says a DJ on the radio said the band was expected to be on stage at 2am. "so I'm early"

At least he can laugh about it.

Not that they went on that late but isn't this Ashba's first experience with this situation?
Nice to get his 'cherry busted' with a sold-out show crowd.   

[gunns1]

i believe the term is 'cherry popped' 

mabye Riad tonight? 

[HBK]

Maybe... CATCHER IN THE RYE ?

[Giantrobott]

Haha saw that comin, that's awsome hope to hear or see some good stuff from this performance!

[GypsySoul]

Were gonna do this for JD Salinger who passed away today

this is catcher in the rye


R.I.P. Mr. Salinger

[gunns1]

Dj Ashba Guitar Solo

SCOM

[Giantrobott]

Getting late in T.O, wonder if the crowd is thinning out.

[Christos AG]

Wow... I was thinking about posting some lyrics of CITR yesterday on Facebook cause it's probably my all time favorite song and I was listening to it again yesterday after a looooong time, cause it brings out so many emotions...

And now I read that J.D. is dead and GN'R have just dedicated this song to him...

WTF? 

[GypsySoul]

Axl says he remembers the show last night but not the time after

Richard says he saw axl at the bar

Come on, Richard!!!  You gotta be quick on your feet.  The man said he doesn't remember.  That was the perfect opportunity to make up some really funky shit about Axl and that hockey playing bear from the Labatt commercials!!! 

[GypsySoul]

during Madagascar Axl puts a bra on bumbles mic stand, bbf puts the bra on Richards guitar neck and Richard plays with the bra hanging from the guitar neck for a while

So I take it that Ron's Jen is there and Richard's Jen is not? 

[Apollon]

Another long show, with a (huge) delay. But Axl talking and apologizing is more than I expected. He seems to be in such a great mood these times. Axl you fucking rock! 

[GypsySoul]

Sounds like they had another great show and a lot of fun!!!

THANKS FOR THE UPDATES JARMO!!! 

[helenluna]

during Madagascar Axl puts a bra on bumbles mic stand, bbf puts the bra on Richards guitar neck and Richard plays with the bra hanging from the guitar neck for a while

So I take it that Ron's Jen is there and Richard's Jen is not? 

Poor Ron, Axl screwed with him, I hope Jen understands... I think who threw the bra wanted Axl or maybe Ashba to have it??

Anyway, great concert!
Now I gotta go to bed, catch up later on the pics and videos...

[Hammer1]

it was my bra....lol  we threw it on the stage on Dj's side while bumblefoot was there, he picked it up and played with it on the end of his guitar and then put it on the mike stand....it was meant for whoever....we sat right beside the stage and right beside sabastian bach and Rachel Hunter and a few girls.  Dj smiled and gave a head nod to my 12 year old son a few times and he shook hands with bach....so awesome for him...he is in heaven and still talking about it cant get him to go to sleep!!

awesome concert.....great seats beta was beside us too....

[Boromir]

Is there a photo of axl's foot on the piano?

[kyrie]

Might have some photos to post later as a few friends got shots.

Great show. Axl was chatting all night. Talked about basically going to Asia without management and more or less how it's the same on this tour. Mentioned partying in Montreal. Fortus speaks! Never heard him on the mic before, he was joking with Axl about Axl dancing drunk the night before. Axl also referenced jumping off shit (the piano in Montreal the night before?), being late, and in a really nice moment in Knockin' On Heaven's Door, talked about really wanting to play in Canada and how hard it was to get the tour together (this is where he mentioned management).

Also, he had an awesome Bubbles story - said a friend of Bubbles really wanted to be at the Toronto show but had to be in Europe on business. Bubbles texts Axl this story - the friend walks into a bar and meets Jimmy Page. Says she's from Canada and Page says "really? Do you know this show with these three trailer trash guys?" and she says "yeah I'm texting Bubbles right now" and Page got all excited

The band looked like they were having a blast! A lot of jokes. To quote Axl, "Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke"

Played Catcher and dedicated it to J.D. Salinger.

The Bras on guitars were cute - there was actually two I believe and one got passed around.

Great crowd. Slaughtered Hamilton - I thought the Hammer was a rock n' roll town?

This I Love goes over great live. So does DJ.

Ron playing two guitars on If the World is cool, and surprisingly - since I'm not a big fan of it on the album - it goes over really well live also.

I'm sure I'm forgetting stuff. Everyone I went with had a great time. In fact a few non-fans who were tagging along really had a good time with the shows I've been to this tour.

[MrMojoRa]

Bumble is a soldier for not calling off sick.

The band is fucking tight!

Axl sounds BETTER than he EVER has!!

His chops are crisp, his melody in tune, his moves fluid.

Fuckin' masterpiece this band is.

Axl has entrusted the GNR Legacy with a crew that can more than handle the huge responsibility.

And Fortus, I've never said much about him, but he is a first class performer. 4tus has LOTS of style & swagger.

[ppbebe]

thanks for the reviews

The Bras on guitars were cute - there was actually two I believe and one got passed around.

and that's Hammer1s?

so, not every throwing-stuff is a no no. 

[Lesley]

At the end of the song DJ had one of the bras and Axl said "DJ says his is bigger."

[Derby Greg]

Another awesome show. Band are right on top of their game.

Big shout out to everyone I met, its been a blast. Sadly, now back to the UK for me.

GREG

[Hammer1]

thanks for the reviews

The Bras on guitars were cute - there was actually two I believe and one got passed around.

and that's Hammer1s?

so, not every throwing-stuff is a no no. 

ha hahhah  it was hard not to when people beside me said do it,    I was right next to DJ's side of the stage it went over the security guards head and landed on the stage and sat there till Ron walked over and (poor sick guy) actually bent over checked it out and played a long solo with it on the neck...  I was freaking out and so was Bach, who was sitting infront of me and totally high fiving my son! awesome...  in 91" at the CNE  i was front row and threw a dozen roses up there and axl grabbed them.  i made sure no one was near....

[Malcolm]

Anyone else mention that Axl came onstage in a wheelchair? lmao...at the start of Cd...he rolled to the end of the middle catwalk,spun around,rolled back to the drum riser, jumped out, ran back to the middle and tore into CD lol

[ppbebe]

yep thank god it was a prank. altho from the sound of your post he would be able to run around the stage even in a wheelchair.

ha hahhah  it was hard not to when people beside me said do it,    I was right next to DJ's side of the stage it went over the security guards head and landed on the stage and sat there till Ron walked over and (poor sick guy) actually bent over checked it out and played a long solo with it on the neck...  I was freaking out and so was Bach, who was sitting infront of me and totally high fiving my son! awesome...  in 91" at the CNE  i was front row and threw a dozen roses up there and axl grabbed them.  i made sure no one was near....

nice shots!

[Vicious Wishes]

Anyone else mention that Axl came onstage in a wheelchair? lmao...at the start of Cd...he rolled to the end of the middle catwalk,spun around,rolled back to the drum riser, jumped out, ran back to the middle and tore into CD lol

Axl doing his Willy Wonka impersonation.

[Jude]

Anyone else mention that Axl came onstage in a wheelchair? lmao...at the start of Cd...he rolled to the end of the middle catwalk,spun around,rolled back to the drum riser, jumped out, ran back to the middle and tore into CD lol

Axl doing his Willy Wonka impersonation.

Hopefully we get video clip from this soon 

watching the clips from this show and i gotta feeling that they are getting better and better on each night.

[Crowebar]

Anyone else mention that Axl came onstage in a wheelchair? lmao...at the start of Cd...he rolled to the end of the middle catwalk,spun around,rolled back to the drum riser, jumped out, ran back to the middle and tore into CD lol

Axl doing his Willy Wonka impersonation.

Hopefully we get video clip from this soon 

watching the clips from this show and i gotta feeling that they are getting better and better on each night.

Lame-ass that I am, I missed the wheelchair bit. Hope somebody got it on video. 

[Lou]

Link: http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/01/30/guns-n-roses-defy-logic-in-toronto-128/

...and, for those of you who don't want to click the link, here's the review....

When you go to a Guns N? Roses concert, like I did on Thursday, January 28 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, there are a couple of things you can count on. Seeing copious amounts of bandanas and tasselled leather, for one. The possibility of a riot breaking out any night. And whatever the incarnation, the near-ironclad guarantee that the band will take the stage later than anticipated.

Even knowing all this going in, I wasn?t expecting what the guesstimated 15,000 or so fans at the ACC did when it became obvious that GN?R weren?t going to start until 11:30 PM at least, something I can?t say I?ve EVER heard at a concert before.

They began booing. LOUDLY.

And I?m talking vicious, Maple Leafs-winless-in-six-games catcalls. Not even quick shots the two video screens kept displaying of women flashing their bras and thongs were enough to keep the restless crowd entertained.

Once Axl Rose and his new friends emerged through the pyrotechnics accompanying opener ?Chinese Democracy?, all seemed forgiven. It was fleeting, though, as fatigue had definitely set in. The familiar riff to ?Welcome to the Jungle? that followed kept folks awake, but it was only for one more song.

I give ?Guns N? Roses 2010? full marks for trying their darness to put on a good show despite everyone in the building going comatose all at once. They were very good, better than I thought they?d be. I KNOW I would have enjoyed them a heck of a lot more had they gone on an hour earlier!

What guitarists Richard Fortus, DJ Ashba, and Ron ?Bumblefoot? Thal may be lacking in live recklessness compared to the original lineup is more than made up for in musical professionalism. (Late start time aside!)

Not only did they breathe new life into ?classics? such as ?You Could Be Mine? and even ?Sweet Child o? Mine?, each was given an opportunity to shine in the spotlight while Axl changed outfits more times than Beyonc? or C?line Dion combined!

Ashba, in particular, was on fire during his solo. (Seriously, there seemed to be some kind of smoke emitting off of him as he rocked out!)

I didn?t even mind listening to most of the songs from Chinese Democracy, although nine out of a setlist of 25 songs was a little too much for my liking. A nice touch was when Axl dedicated ?Catcher in the Rye? to the author he named the track after, J.D. Salinger, who had passed away earlier in the day at age 91.

Not to be outdone, Axl provided a serious highlight of the night (Or would that be morning?) by covering Elton John?s ?Someone Saved My Life Tonight? on piano before segueing into ?November Rain?, complete with oversized sparklers!

While certainly impressive at times, I couldn?t help saying to myself repeatedly how this just wasn?t worth staying up for. Sorry Axl; I know you probably don?t care that my kids had school the next day, or that I?d have to take a cab because the buses and subway in Toronto stop running at 1:30. Not many of us get to sleep in like you do, you know?

Mercifully, we DIDN?T get a 3 hour performance, as the band has been doing with surprising frequency since embarking on this Canadian tour a few weeks ago ? Making my way out as ?Paradise City? sent us all home into the night just before 2 AM as confetti and streamers went off was MORE than enough for this old-time rocker, thank you very much!

I was really, really hoping that I would be convinced that Axl Rose?s ?new and improved? version of GN?R deserved my support. I?ve been a fan since 1988, but I?m not someone who continuously pines for the names of yore, the ones we all know and love ? Slash?Izzy?Duff?Adler? Get over it folks; a reunion with Axl ain?t never gonna happen, and not for all the money in the world, apparently.

Maybe it?s my tiredness that?s still talking, but the payoff just wasn?t there for me. That?s not to say there isn?t potential ? Get your $#!% together, Axl, stop jerking us around, and start your shows at a decent time. You have a lot of fans who?d be willing to give you one more chance, myself included.

Setlist:
Chinese Democracy
Welcome to the Jungle
It?s So Easy
Mr. Brownstone
Sorry
Better
Richard Fortus Guitar Solo (James Bond Theme)
Live and Let Die
If the World
Dizzy Reed Piano Solo
Street of Dreams
Rocket Queen
Catcher in the Rye
DJ Ashba Guitar Solo
Sweet Child o? Mine
Axl Rose Piano Solo (Someone Saved My Life Tonight by Elton John)
November Rain
Bumblefoot Guitar Solo (The Pink Panther Theme)
You Could Be Mine
Knockin? on Heaven?s Door
Nightrain

Encore:
Shackler?s Revenge
Madagascar
This I Love
Paradise City

****

I'm not sure if this has been posted already - if it has, please delete it.

I just had the urge to post it because I'm still mystified at how people can still be surprised at how the band goes on stage late! This is Rock 'n' Roll! Live a little... rebel... it'll be fun...

[russtcb]

Always good to see a unbiased "journalist" throw in remarks like:

"...Axl Rose and his new friends...

?Welcome to the Jungle? ...kept folks awake, but it was only for one more song.

They were...better than I thought they?d be.

I didn?t even mind listening to most of the songs from Chinese Democracy

While certainly impressive at times, I couldn?t help saying to myself repeatedly how this just wasn?t worth staying up for. Sorry Axl; I know you probably don?t care that my kids had school the next day, or that I?d have to take a cab because the buses and subway in Toronto stop running at 1:30. Not many of us get to sleep in like you do, you know?

Mercifully, we DIDN?T get a 3 hour performance

I was really, really hoping that I would be convinced that Axl Rose?s ?new and improved? version of GN?R deserved my support"

[superstarmc]

It makes me wonder how old these people are writing the reviews.  They act completely shocked that guns came on late and write as if Slash and Duff left the band yesterday.  Slash has been gone for 14 years, Duff 13 and the rest of the guys longer than that.  There?s people in the band that have been there longer than the original members.

[Lou]

Always good to see a unbiased "journalist" throw in remarks like:

I didn?t even mind listening to most of the songs from Chinese Democracy

That bit got me too! What did they expect? CD is the band's current album (and a fuckin' amazin' one at that!)! 

[One.In.A.Million]

I've just got to say people, ignore these negative reviews. I was there for this show from the UK and it was one of the best shows I've seen from GN'R and now I've seen 14. I was also sitting so I could sit back and really have a look and watch carefully. As I said in the 'on tour' section, seeing axl in a wheelchair at the start of CD and spinning around was hilarious. Then all the speeches and amazing songs just made this a superb show. I remember also being blown away by YCBM, it just sounded really mean with Franks drums pounding the chorus. I heard about J.D Salinger passing away in my hotel room and new axl would probably make a reference at one point. DJ also impressed me alot, I like how he seems to want to please the fans and make sure they have a good time. I was waiting for This I Love and low and behold it came and rocked, this song really stood out again because everyone seemed to pause and just listen to this amazing song.

The only thing I would say about the show was that the crowd seemed a bit lackluster, especially some in the seating sections. Even Sebastian Bach had to stop a song at the beginning and say basically I want to see people rocking out. Axl even looked at me at one point because just as madagascar was finishing all the people around me was sitting down, so I made a point to make as much fuss as I could so I stood up and waved my arms at axl (and I'm quite tall) and I could see axl gaze up at me in my section and look at me for about 5 secs before the lights dimmed.

But the floor seemed lively and so it should, the show was outstanding and well worth the flight and 4 days in Toronto. I just needed to see this band and since there was not yet any sign of any UK dates I had to fly over and see them in Toronto. Thank you jarmo for welcoming me when I went over to you in the Loose Moose and also all the other people I met on my trip.
 

Lee

[bailyrose]

This is'nt a Toronto Sun review is it?

[inlikeflynn420]

Had a great time in Toronto> It was great meeting up with some of you at the Loose Moose (Jarmo, Mr. Brownstone -- both of who i met in Baltimore a few years ago and we all remembered each other, which was really fuckin'cool! -- Derby Greg, Downzy -- thanks for the Underground Garage tip! Got to drink $3 PBRs in Toronto -- a little bit of home! and others whose names elude me.) I only wish i would've gotten to the bar a little earlier -- you were all very cool. GnR fans are awesome -- the pre-show get togethers are a great idea -- can't wait for the next one! Got to the show for the last Danko Jones song and caught all of Baz's show. That guy is still a rock n' roll wildman! Good thing, too -- i don't know what else he could do! I thought he looked and sounded much better than last time around. I think he's a lot of fun to watch and he seemed pretty psyched to be playing Toronto. After he was done i walked around a bit and talked to a bunch of people sitting in my section. A lot of them hadn't seen GnR before but seemed to really love the new album, which i thought was pretty cool. There were a lot of teenagers there and they were all pretty excited about the show. That's good that they were about to see what a REAL rock star was like -- Axl is the last of a dying breed.

[inlikeflynn420]

Oops -- wasn't done yet. hit the wrong button (sitting here doing shots of Patron right now). Anyway, not too many people around me seemed to mind the wait between bands. And if there were any, all was forgiven once the lights went down. For me, that anticipation at a Guns show is part of the fun -- when are they going to go on? (In the case of Philly '02, they never did -- so i think for me and anyone else at that show it adds a little more to the wait). The band sounded fucking awesome right from the first note. When Axl rolled out and then jumped to his feet -- THAT is a fuckin' rock star right there! What charisma! And his voice sounded better than ever! It's hard to believe that his voice just keeps getting better and more powerful -- but it's true! The entire show fucking rocked but i'll just hit a few of the highlights for me -- i was really impressed with how all of the classic material sounded. The band was tight and as i mentioned, Axl sounded better than ever and had incredible energy.  Rocket Queen has always been one of my favorites, so i really loved hearing that one. ALL of the "Appetite" stuff just kicked ass! I remember the first time i saw Guns they sounded really raw, like a rock n' roll punk band, but now with this group of incredibly talented musicians i thought the songs still had that in-your-face feel, just played better and with heavier guitars. i could hear people around me commenting on how blown away they were by Axl's voice. I loved all of the jams and solos between songs. This is definitely a BAND (sorry, haters) and they were obviously having a good time up there. "November Rain" (and the intro) sounded incredible -- sorry if i keep using that word -- and i thought it was great at the end when Axl was going off on the keys and playing with his foot. Kinda reminded me of Jerry Lee Lewis (The Killer!). I thought every song from "Chinese Democracy" was incredible (there's that fuckin' word again! Maybe i should dig out my thesaurus)  It was very cool to hear "Catcher In The Rye" on the day J.D. Salinger died -- those of us at that show are the only ones who can say they heard that "Strret of Dreams", "This I Love", "Sorry"... every one of them -- infuckingcrebible!!! The one new song that stood out the most for me was "If tthe World". I love the song but man i thought it sounded MUCH heavier in concert. The shots n' roses at the end were a class move as well. After the show i asked some of the first time GnR concertgoers what they thought and they were ALL blown away. The guy next to me (probably around 50 and looked like a pretty low key dude-- but he was on his feet pumping his fist the whole time) said it best. I asked what he thought. He looked at me kinda stunned and wild-eyed and said "That was simply amazing! EVERY note was perfect. I can't think of one thing they could've done better!" 
I don't know if i'll make it to the inevitable European tour, but i will hit as many U.S. shows as possible (yes Derby Greg, i DO think the U.S. deserves a tour! And i expect to see you at the pre-show party!)
Again, had a great time in T.O., met some cool fuckers up there, and can't wait to meet more of you in the future.
I'm gonna do another shot in honor of the band -- and another for the HTGTH family.
ROCK ON!!! And remember -- FUCK 'EM IF THEY CAN'T TAKE A JOKE!

[estebanf]

Just heard TIL from this night's bootleg.

Axl's vocal level is just superlative.

Best TIL so far. DJ Ashba rocks it in the solo.

[Lou]

Just heard TIL from this night's bootleg.

Axl's vocal level is just superlative.

Best TIL so far. DJ Ashba rocks it in the solo.

Agreed - the band just keeps getting better with each performance of TIL.... and, the more I see/hear DJ, the more I admire him. A truly great guitarist and showman!

[kukol1978]

Link: http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/01/30/guns-n-roses-defy-logic-in-toronto-128/

...and, for those of you who don't want to click the link, here's the review....

When you go to a Guns N? Roses concert, like I did on Thursday, January 28 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, there are a couple of things you can count on. Seeing copious amounts of bandanas and tasselled leather, for one. The possibility of a riot breaking out any night. And whatever the incarnation, the near-ironclad guarantee that the band will take the stage later than anticipated.

Even knowing all this going in, I wasn?t expecting what the guesstimated 15,000 or so fans at the ACC did when it became obvious that GN?R weren?t going to start until 11:30 PM at least, something I can?t say I?ve EVER heard at a concert before.

They began booing. LOUDLY.

And I?m talking vicious, Maple Leafs-winless-in-six-games catcalls. Not even quick shots the two video screens kept displaying of women flashing their bras and thongs were enough to keep the restless crowd entertained.

Once Axl Rose and his new friends emerged through the pyrotechnics accompanying opener ?Chinese Democracy?, all seemed forgiven. It was fleeting, though, as fatigue had definitely set in. The familiar riff to ?Welcome to the Jungle? that followed kept folks awake, but it was only for one more song.

I give ?Guns N? Roses 2010? full marks for trying their darness to put on a good show despite everyone in the building going comatose all at once. They were very good, better than I thought they?d be. I KNOW I would have enjoyed them a heck of a lot more had they gone on an hour earlier!

What guitarists Richard Fortus, DJ Ashba, and Ron ?Bumblefoot? Thal may be lacking in live recklessness compared to the original lineup is more than made up for in musical professionalism. (Late start time aside!)

Not only did they breathe new life into ?classics? such as ?You Could Be Mine? and even ?Sweet Child o? Mine?, each was given an opportunity to shine in the spotlight while Axl changed outfits more times than Beyonc? or C?line Dion combined!

Ashba, in particular, was on fire during his solo. (Seriously, there seemed to be some kind of smoke emitting off of him as he rocked out!)

I didn?t even mind listening to most of the songs from Chinese Democracy, although nine out of a setlist of 25 songs was a little too much for my liking. A nice touch was when Axl dedicated ?Catcher in the Rye? to the author he named the track after, J.D. Salinger, who had passed away earlier in the day at age 91.

Not to be outdone, Axl provided a serious highlight of the night (Or would that be morning?) by covering Elton John?s ?Someone Saved My Life Tonight? on piano before segueing into ?November Rain?, complete with oversized sparklers!

While certainly impressive at times, I couldn?t help saying to myself repeatedly how this just wasn?t worth staying up for. Sorry Axl; I know you probably don?t care that my kids had school the next day, or that I?d have to take a cab because the buses and subway in Toronto stop running at 1:30. Not many of us get to sleep in like you do, you know?

Mercifully, we DIDN?T get a 3 hour performance, as the band has been doing with surprising frequency since embarking on this Canadian tour a few weeks ago ? Making my way out as ?Paradise City? sent us all home into the night just before 2 AM as confetti and streamers went off was MORE than enough for this old-time rocker, thank you very much!

I was really, really hoping that I would be convinced that Axl Rose?s ?new and improved? version of GN?R deserved my support. I?ve been a fan since 1988, but I?m not someone who continuously pines for the names of yore, the ones we all know and love ? Slash?Izzy?Duff?Adler? Get over it folks; a reunion with Axl ain?t never gonna happen, and not for all the money in the world, apparently.

Maybe it?s my tiredness that?s still talking, but the payoff just wasn?t there for me. That?s not to say there isn?t potential ? Get your $#!% together, Axl, stop jerking us around, and start your shows at a decent time. You have a lot of fans who?d be willing to give you one more chance, myself included.

Setlist:
Chinese Democracy
Welcome to the Jungle
It?s So Easy
Mr. Brownstone
Sorry
Better
Richard Fortus Guitar Solo (James Bond Theme)
Live and Let Die
If the World
Dizzy Reed Piano Solo
Street of Dreams
Rocket Queen
Catcher in the Rye
DJ Ashba Guitar Solo
Sweet Child o? Mine
Axl Rose Piano Solo (Someone Saved My Life Tonight by Elton John)
November Rain
Bumblefoot Guitar Solo (The Pink Panther Theme)
You Could Be Mine
Knockin? on Heaven?s Door
Nightrain

Encore:
Shackler?s Revenge
Madagascar
This I Love
Paradise City

****

I'm not sure if this has been posted already - if it has, please delete it.

I just had the urge to post it because I'm still mystified at how people can still be surprised at how the band goes on stage late! This is Rock 'n' Roll! Live a little... rebel... it'll be fun...

i was at madrid show in 2006.he was late 2h30min the show started 00.20 after 4 h of being stand up.And was one of the best concerts ive ever been ( the other is maiden).
Buy,iobiously you are an old band line up fan.I love both.

[Lou]

Link: http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/01/30/guns-n-roses-defy-logic-in-toronto-128/

...and, for those of you who don't want to click the link, here's the review....

When you go to a Guns N? Roses concert, like I did on Thursday, January 28 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, there are a couple of things you can count on. Seeing copious amounts of bandanas and tasselled leather, for one. The possibility of a riot breaking out any night. And whatever the incarnation, the near-ironclad guarantee that the band will take the stage later than anticipated.

Even knowing all this going in, I wasn?t expecting what the guesstimated 15,000 or so fans at the ACC did when it became obvious that GN?R weren?t going to start until 11:30 PM at least, something I can?t say I?ve EVER heard at a concert before.

They began booing. LOUDLY.

And I?m talking vicious, Maple Leafs-winless-in-six-games catcalls. Not even quick shots the two video screens kept displaying of women flashing their bras and thongs were enough to keep the restless crowd entertained.

Once Axl Rose and his new friends emerged through the pyrotechnics accompanying opener ?Chinese Democracy?, all seemed forgiven. It was fleeting, though, as fatigue had definitely set in. The familiar riff to ?Welcome to the Jungle? that followed kept folks awake, but it was only for one more song.

I give ?Guns N? Roses 2010? full marks for trying their darness to put on a good show despite everyone in the building going comatose all at once. They were very good, better than I thought they?d be. I KNOW I would have enjoyed them a heck of a lot more had they gone on an hour earlier!

What guitarists Richard Fortus, DJ Ashba, and Ron ?Bumblefoot? Thal may be lacking in live recklessness compared to the original lineup is more than made up for in musical professionalism. (Late start time aside!)

Not only did they breathe new life into ?classics? such as ?You Could Be Mine? and even ?Sweet Child o? Mine?, each was given an opportunity to shine in the spotlight while Axl changed outfits more times than Beyonc? or C?line Dion combined!

Ashba, in particular, was on fire during his solo. (Seriously, there seemed to be some kind of smoke emitting off of him as he rocked out!)

I didn?t even mind listening to most of the songs from Chinese Democracy, although nine out of a setlist of 25 songs was a little too much for my liking. A nice touch was when Axl dedicated ?Catcher in the Rye? to the author he named the track after, J.D. Salinger, who had passed away earlier in the day at age 91.

Not to be outdone, Axl provided a serious highlight of the night (Or would that be morning?) by covering Elton John?s ?Someone Saved My Life Tonight? on piano before segueing into ?November Rain?, complete with oversized sparklers!

While certainly impressive at times, I couldn?t help saying to myself repeatedly how this just wasn?t worth staying up for. Sorry Axl; I know you probably don?t care that my kids had school the next day, or that I?d have to take a cab because the buses and subway in Toronto stop running at 1:30. Not many of us get to sleep in like you do, you know?

Mercifully, we DIDN?T get a 3 hour performance, as the band has been doing with surprising frequency since embarking on this Canadian tour a few weeks ago ? Making my way out as ?Paradise City? sent us all home into the night just before 2 AM as confetti and streamers went off was MORE than enough for this old-time rocker, thank you very much!

I was really, really hoping that I would be convinced that Axl Rose?s ?new and improved? version of GN?R deserved my support. I?ve been a fan since 1988, but I?m not someone who continuously pines for the names of yore, the ones we all know and love ? Slash?Izzy?Duff?Adler? Get over it folks; a reunion with Axl ain?t never gonna happen, and not for all the money in the world, apparently.

Maybe it?s my tiredness that?s still talking, but the payoff just wasn?t there for me. That?s not to say there isn?t potential ? Get your $#!% together, Axl, stop jerking us around, and start your shows at a decent time. You have a lot of fans who?d be willing to give you one more chance, myself included.

Setlist:
Chinese Democracy
Welcome to the Jungle
It?s So Easy
Mr. Brownstone
Sorry
Better
Richard Fortus Guitar Solo (James Bond Theme)
Live and Let Die
If the World
Dizzy Reed Piano Solo
Street of Dreams
Rocket Queen
Catcher in the Rye
DJ Ashba Guitar Solo
Sweet Child o? Mine
Axl Rose Piano Solo (Someone Saved My Life Tonight by Elton John)
November Rain
Bumblefoot Guitar Solo (The Pink Panther Theme)
You Could Be Mine
Knockin? on Heaven?s Door
Nightrain

Encore:
Shackler?s Revenge
Madagascar
This I Love
Paradise City

****

I'm not sure if this has been posted already - if it has, please delete it.

I just had the urge to post it because I'm still mystified at how people can still be surprised at how the band goes on stage late! This is Rock 'n' Roll! Live a little... rebel... it'll be fun...

i was at madrid show in 2006.he was late 2h30min the show started 00.20 after 4 h of being stand up.And was one of the best concerts ive ever been ( the other is maiden).
Buy,iobiously you are an old band line up fan.I love both.

I just wanted to make this clear - that wasn't my review - I copied and pasted it from another site to show anyone who was interested (see the link at the start of my post).

Unfortunately I wasn't at the show... I lack the funds to travel to Canada at the moment

However, I have now listened to the Air Canada Centre bootleg a couple of a times and it sounds like it was a phenomenal show. I'm truly envious of anyone who got to see it

[kukol1978]

Ups! Sorry i didnt realize....


 

[Lou]

Ups! Sorry i didnt realize....


 

That's ok - just wanted to clear that up

[damnthehaters]

I've read this a couple times on different sites.  Can someone confirm to me that Axl actually came out in a wheelchair when they started the show??    And if so, I've heard that something with regards to that was a reference to Cobain???  What was it?

[innocuous1]

I've read this a couple times on different sites.  Can someone confirm to me that Axl actually came out in a wheelchair when they started the show??    And if so, I've heard that something with regards to that was a reference to Cobain???  What was it?

He did - it was I think the one and only thing that wiped the smile off my face during all of last week (I saw Hamilton, London, Toronto)....but he was just clowning.  idk about Cobain reference.

[Lesley]

He did arrive in a wheelchair, but jumped out before he started singing. 

Cobain apparently appeared at a festival once in a wheelchair.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_and_Leeds_Festivals

It was an awesome show, even with the wait!