Here Today... Gone To Hell!

i'm getting really excited for this show, so figured i'd start a thread. curious to see if anyone on this board will be there. i'm taking my 9-year-old daughter to her first GnR show. her b-day is a few days later so it's an early celebration.

Philly has an interesting history with this band. Axl had some issues here back in the late 80's. the June 1991 show had one of the best crowds I've ever seen/heard at a guns show. Axl even commented about how crazy it was that night ("world's largest kegger"). Duff described a crazy story he had in Philly where he was looking for drugs in a bad neighborhood (he's lucky he didn't get killed). Then you had the 2002 cancellation/riot.

GnR came back (across the river) in 2011 and did played an awesome show. Then they played the Electric Factory 2-3 months later, which only holds about 2,500 people, and Axl addressed the cancellation and took some responsibility for it and apologized. Then in 2016 they played what may have been their best show on this entire reunion tour. They came out fired up, and Axl put 110% into that show. High energy and he sounded incredible, on a night that was close to 100 degrees in the stadium. he again alluded to the 2002 cancellation by saying something like "thank you for being here; I would certainly understand if you chose not to come." Not coincidentally, they played Sorry for the first time that night, so philly fans got see the first time Slash played those iconic riffs and solo.   

Now they are kicking off their NA arena tour in Philly. it should be an epic night. since the reunion, they have not played many arenas. there was Vegas and a few others earlier this year (along with the Apollo and Troubadour). So this is unbelievable having this band play smaller areas all over the US during the next couple of months. should be an awesome string of shows!  :beer:

I'm going.

What's the deal on a start time?  Is there an opening act?

Considering it's so soon, seems like there isn't.  ???



/jarmo

Well, I'm not so sure I'm hating that.

They are playing 3 hour shows these days.  Better to just get on with it.

I agree. getting the show started by 8-8:30 would be great.

they have added openers late in the game in the past though, so I wouldn't be surprised. but it seems like a lot of big acts coming through arenas have not been bringing openers in recent years.

i'm assuming we are looking at the same set list, but it would be nice if they change things up just a little bit. especially since many attending these shows saw them last year.

I imagine they'll go on at 7.30, maybe even 7, with no support act.

I can't see many setlist changes happening now really.

I don't think there will be much change to the setlist either. Coming around to playing the same cities in South America again now with the same setlist, I expect the same in North America.

It seems to be the end of the tour though, and in one way it has been a consistency throughout. NITL has been a "comeback greatest hits tour", let's hope they'll build on the reunion and go in the studio come 2018.

I tend to agree... while I type this I go man I hope they change it up a bit... but when I am there at the arena I won't care...it'll be a blast.

Being that I am going to three shows at the same venue... I am sure they will mix it up a little bit each night.

they just released some $49 tix in Philly. previously, the cheapest was $69. many tix that were previously $109, are now $69. some very good 2nd level seats available for $69.

Yeah, it'll be fun for you whatever they do. Half of me would be surprised if they did the same set for three shows at the same venue, the other half would be surprised if they didn't!

Struggling for sales I assume?

big time. unfortunately, they are not on ticketmaster so you cannot see what's available. but I've been keeping an eye on tickets and doing searches in all price levels and there are a lot of seats available.

I think the prices are just too high. all 1st level were initially $150 and up, with most being $250. all good 2nd level were over $100, close to $150 with the fees.

I've heard this show advertised on various radio stations, and I know a lot of people that are going. many of which went in 2016, so there is definitely interest in this. i think with the reduced price, they will sell a good bit more. 

I've been looking a bit, out of interest, at other shows and I'd agree- sales seem slow. Combination of factors: price, casual fans have ticked the box and aren't bothered again being the main issues I think.

I'll be at this show also. I originally got tickets during the resale. The tickets I got were $149 but after they fees they were like 172. Tickets for these shows have been really expensive, but thats the going rate for all concerts these days I guess.

I got seats for me and Dad.  $254 a pop, up to $600 total with fees.

I don't ever bitch about what things cost, but that is nuts.  I would never pay that for anyone else.  And even this, I feel a little silly.

I believe my 2 tickets to see them in the Linc last summer was literally half that for 2 seats in a club box.

I wonder if we'll get a Tom Petty cover at this show, and the rest on this tour.

Aside from performing together in 1989, and the fact that they both live in Malibu, any other connections between them?

So many covers, what's one more?!

But really - I think it would be cool if they dropped any of the other covers in place of a Tom Petty song.

 ::)

We were all thinking it, he was just the one to say it...

I believe we will get some sign of respect
Everyone respected Petty and their Duo was cool

I was thinking/hoping that he would bring Billy Joel out at MSG for tune as well -

I would gladly swap out 'Wichita Lineman' for a Petty tune.

I think we will see that in the shows. Axl singing some TP

Any idea who?s going to open?

Since you've mentioned it, it'd be a killer if they'd do another covers album :D

1)Black Hole Sun
2)KOHD redone
3)LALD redone
4) The Seeker
5)Wichita Lineman
6)Free Fallin ( acoustic)
7)Wish You Were Here(instrumental)
8)Whole Lotta Rosie ft Angus Young

Quick and easy cover EP  :hihi:
 

Just called Wells Fargo Center.  Woman I got was zero help.

"The promoter" has not provided them with any info regarding an opening act for Sunday.  But she also said it was listed "to be announced".

I take that to mean that it's someone.  In other words, it's not that there is no opening act.

What is your read, folks?  Think that is right?

Would seem that if they were looking to push ticket sales that they would announce an opener because a decent one could bring a few extra folks in to  see the entire show...maybe..idk

Or maybe they're going the local route and giving some lucky bands their big break

I'd take out KOHD & LALD, Switch BHS with Seeker, no Free Fallin or Rosie - keep it short and sweet ep ;)

Would have loved a covers album alright as I?d take anything at this stage
Hopefully include Marseille by the Angels and Don?t let it bring you down

Liqour and whores  :P

that's interesting. you might be right. thanks for the info.

I wouldn't be surprised if they end up NOT having any for this leg of the tour. if they are playing 3+ hour shows and starting on time, it might be better to have them start as close to 8PM as possible. adding an opener probably won't sell many more tix, unless its somebody really good (but then it might not make financial sense anyway assuming you have to pay them a half decent amount).

they have added openers pretty close to shows in the past, so there is definitely still a chance for this show. we'll see. wouldn't be surprised either way. if I was a vegas oddsmaker, i'd have to set this at even money. lol.

I'm just trying to figure out when to head down and how much NFL I can squeeze in.

yeah, I hear ya. i'm planning on heading down and watching the Birds at Xfinity. i'll hang there for the 4 o'clock game as well and probably head inside around 7.

I'd go with:

Speak Softly Love (Godfather theme)
The Seeker
Black Hole Sun
Don't Let It Bring You Down
Witchita Lineman
Wish You Were Here
Whole Lotta Rosie
Motivation (with Tommy)
Sonic Reducer (with Tommy)
Riff Raff
I Feel Good
Free Fallin'

Bonus track: Liquor and Whores

The Eagles are playing across the street....

Well Eagle fans will be hearing Don't Cry when the Eagles  lose.  :hihi: :hihi: Sorry, but as a Giants fan I'm still bitter for that loss due to the field goal. :)

What about the other 3 losses ?

During the tour last year, people were always posting venue info like when the doors opened, when the opener came on, and when GNR came on.

Where were they finding that stuff?  Stuff like this :

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CnWQ03AVMAAHum-.jpg)

These are for the band and crew. Posted at the venue by the GN'R production crew.




/jarmo

Hmm.  Thanks, Jarmo.

Well, looks like we are going to be flying blind here, gang.  I have no idea when the fuck to roll down there.

someone on another board said DJ from 6:30 to 7:20 and GnR on stage at 7:30 sharp, and wrapping up around 10:30. no link was provided, but he said he got it from Wells Fargo.

I plan to call on sunday early afternoon to get the set time to confirm.

Doors at 6:30PM.

According to the venue web site.




/jarmo

Wow.  No shit?

I better have my ass there.

MGK just played SCOM and after the song the DJ said showtime is 8pm tomorrow. She sounded like she knew what she was talking about. With doors at 6:30, that seems reasonable. I'm guessing they come in around 8:15 or 8:30. But i plan to play it safe and be in there near my seats around 7:15.

I hope this is true for the MSG show. I  like the fact that there is no opening band considering I have to take NJ Transit back home.

Doors 6:30PM
GN'R 7:30PM




/jarmo

Hope they play TWAT tonight!

Like to see them do Free Fallin'....I know it is obvious but Axl owns it.

A nice segway would be after encore - a Free Fallin into Patience - would be a cool vibe

Thanks, buddy.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLn1fGcUQAAiqVa.jpg:small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLpBSQmW4AAx_m4.jpg:small)

That poster is FANTASTIC.

Arena stage setup

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLpv4fvU8AUse52.jpg)

He's on fuckin fire!!!!!!!!

Dont care what anyone watching youtube says, he sounds incredible!!

Standard setlist so far. On RQ now.

Maddy!!!!!!
First song of the encore.

TWAT!!!!!

saw them in philly last year, but now i regret not going again. looked like a decent set list for tonight.

think they will come around again, or is this whole NITL tour ending at the forum next month?

EPIC!!!
Everyone i was with was blown away. Loved it. Axl sounded great.
Awesome set list.

Unreal. This was the GNR show I?d alwas want to be at, amazing setlist, first time they played Madagascar and then TWAT in the same encore. Very happy right now.

Madagascar?! Now we're talking!!

Maddy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP2HyCmATww

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP2HyCmATww

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiBBnpNIuIM

What a setlist!

Maddy is back! Slash adds some interesting licks to it, it was missing a third guitar if you ask me, especially a that '' free them so that they may know, that is never too late'' part.


Best version on TWAT with this lineup id say.

Waching these makes me admire Tommy Stinson even more, he gave a these songs a unique feel.

Nice 😀

Been off the board a week or so...come back to find they played Madagascar and TWAT! Amazing. My jealousy of anyone going to the shows is fully back in place.

The show was incredible. 

Three and a half hours.  Thank god they started at like 7:50.  And that there was no opening act.  When I saw them in 2011 is was also 3 hours, but they hit the stage at 11:15.  Guess we are all getting older, fans and band alike.

But they really brought it the whole time.  The show never really dragged.  Well, one exception.  'Wichita Lineman' has to go.  Everyone around me sat down and there was just no juice as it was played.  Not sure why that is an every night staple.

'Madagascar' was solid.  'There Was A Time' was even pretty good, and that's usually totally hit or miss with Axl's vocals.

All in all, a great time.  And if this winds up being the last tour they ever do, I'm glad I got to see it twice.

Don't know what they were doing guitar-wise with Madagascar... Richard didn't really do his usual great solo and Slash just played rhythm the whole time and drowned out the clips... would have liked to have watched Slash have a crack at the solo or Richard do his usual thing

Listening to TWAT now.. Axl should just give up with this song at this point. He cannot sing it and messes up the words constantly

This set has be really excited for this Wednesday at MSG. Always special in NYC I think we see some legendary showed this next week!

Really don't get why he struggles with the vocals on TWAT as badly as he does.  That doesn't seem like a tough song to sing.

Oh, and for all you 'Seeker' haters out there, the whole section was singing along.

Now, was that just a case of the band wearing them down over the past few years?  Maybe.  But this narrative that everyone hates it might not be reality.

It also, hate to say it, tends to be one of Ax's better vocals most nights.

Given the new Pit setup....what do you think is the best seat in the house now?  Is it Floor Centre in the first few rows, or is the Pit still the place to be?

Mic must have been Centre row 15-20ish I'm guessing from the video I saw.

Nice call!

Best setlist Ive ever seen them play live.

Seeker does sound fantastic live- they make a really good job of it.

wow amazing  :o

Guns N' Roses - Paradise City (Wells Fargo Center) Philadelphia,Pa 10.8.17

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD6jo8-s2R4

very good quality ty markit aneight   :love: :beer:

I think it was  a good perfomance this night even scom sounded good  : ok:.

Judging from videos I'm not really hearing struggling on TWAT. Sounds pretty good to me. And Maddy was awesome.

Wow, i am impressed and gladly surprised! Two great news about this philly gig:

- 2 of the greatests songs GNR has ever recorded were included in the setlist after a loooong time!
- 1 of them had ZERO Slash participation (Maddy)  :beer:

I hope the band is starting to give Fortus the role he deserves. He has to be lead more and more.

After seeing almost every song on YT,the whole band's performance was excellent.

  I was just reading a review written by someone at the Philly Inquirer that basically dismissed Dizzy and completely dismissed Richard, Frank, and Melissa. " The trio backed by longtime keyboardist Dizzy Reed and a handful of assisting musicians " and he didn't mention Fortus at all for Wish You Were Here.. Called it Slash's rendition. I stopped reading after that lol

 On a more positive note, I'm glad I had to switch going to the Montreal show August 18th for the Toronto show the 29th!  ( although being able to go to both would have been amazing) I was hoping for Attitude, but if they rotate them every night I'm screwed :hihi: I just can't wait to finally see GNR again after 7.5 long years!!

No one knows who Richard Fortus is.  And that's on Axl, if you want to get right down to it.

I never heard of the girl that wrote that review. it was awful. just a very poorly written piece. felt like it came from a high school student. and she said Axl can't hit the notes. i'm thinking what show were you watching.

it's a shame what the Inky has turned into.

Not sure what his usual thing is, in the video that I'd seen it looks like he did great, totally loved it (although I'm not sure what Slash was doing..) and yes, what happened to the solo? ???

Oh well, I'm just happy to hear this tune again :D

 While I don't think they should give it up, - I thought it sounded good - I'm quoting you because I missed a mistake in the first line until I read a comment on Youtube. Axl sang " Broken glass and registers" instead of " Broken glass and cigarettes". I didn't pay attention for others. As I said, I thought it was a good performance, especially considering how seldom they play it live. I'm just glad to see it in a set list.

Maybe they should play it more, that way he can get a better feel for how to sing it live  :peace:

Some songs are not made for a live setting
TWAT would qualify
Great tune - but doesn't seem right - perhaps in a smaller/acoustic setting it could kill

Heres my shot from Philly

Rocket Queen


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WzKewZftHs&t=6s

Some random thought on this show:

- it was incredible. they delivered again in my hometown. playing Maddy for the first time, TWAT, and all the GnR songs that sometimes get skipped, was so incredible to see. the show was a full 3 and a half hours. the first cords of ISO were played at 7:50 and PC ended at 11:20.

- it was really loud, but not in a bad way. the sound was clear. awesome sound. (at AC/DC, it seemed a little louder. still clear, but almost too loud.)

- Axl sounded incredible. I know some were saying his voice was shot, but he had tons of rasp in many songs. in others, he wasn't as high pitched as he sometimes seems to be. and i'll just say that even when he is more high pitched, it doesn't sound bad in person. youtube videos cannot capture the full sound of the band, but in person, they sounded phenomenal.

- the energy from the band was great. again, I heard some suggesting that they seemed tired at times in SA. not the case at all.   

- it looked very close to a sell out. although many seats were available a few days before the show, the stadium was packed. looking around I saw very few empty seats.

- I had tickets in the 2nd level row 1, straight away from the stage. a few weeks ago, I had similar seats for Lady Gaga, but someone working at the venue was walking around the 2nd level concourse giving out 1st level seats near the stage so they could "fill the seats". since my 9-year-old was with me, we got upgraded. so for GnR, I went looking for this guy and sure enough I found him. I asked if he could upgrade me and my family celebrating my daughter's 10th bday and he said he'd give me the best seats he had. 6 tickets in Section 113, Row 7 (which is one section over from the stage). incredible seats. figured i'd mention that since they probably do this in many venues and with the best seats going for $250, there may be some empty.

- everyone I was with was blown away. my sister saw them for the first time and she couldn't believe how great Axl sounded, and how great of a show they put on. she is a huge U2 fan and said this was just as good as their best shows. my brother is an Axl-hater. saw them in '91 and was at the '02 riot and he swore never again. he finally broke down (cause a buddy of mine backed out) and he loved the show. this was my daughter's 3rd concert - she loved gaga and said this was way better. she did a show n tell at school on Monday and talked about the show.

- the lithogram was killer for this show. lines were too long when I walked past the merchandise, so I was not able to buy anything. but some drunk guy handed my daughter a poster of it during the show. that was really cool. it's already hanging in her bedroom.

- I loved the screens they still have behind the stage. the opening video right after the guns are firing is really cool too.

- not much else I can say that hasn't already been said about this band that hadn't already been said. they are still firing on all cylinders. Axl sounds incredible and still puts on a great show. Slash is a madman on guitar and this set list really showcases his abilities. Duff is cool as ever. and the rest of the band are great - Frank is killer and I've always been a fan of fortus. Melissa bring a cool vibe as well and does some good stuff on various songs, and dizzy is still doing his thing really well.   

I sat first row second level to see Pink at Wells Fargo and I thought that seat was stellar.  I actually try for that location now.

I agree. unobstructed view of the whole stage. can't beat that.

how was the sound for GnR where you were sitting? I read a review on PhillyMag and they said the sound was not good. I was shocked.

I was in 101.  Great seats.

I only found the sound so-so, to be honest.  More Axl than the band.  Thought the band all sounded good.

Also agree with you about AC/DC being almost TOO loud last September.  But I'd have rather had Axl's mix on Sunday be a bit more like it was last September with Angus and the boys.

the mix at AC/DC was perfect. you could hear Axl loud and clear. and it may have been the best I ever heard him sound.

I was directly on the other side from you (Section 113). I thought Axl sounded clear. could have been a tad louder, but it wasn't an issue. maybe its just a little different on different sides of the stage.

I was about to type somrthing along the lines of 'you went to see pink?!?!'......then i see she joined them onstage last night at msg. That's a fucking weird coincidence!