Guns n' Roses Kicks Off Residency at Hard RockBy Brian Loftus, Traffic Anchor
By Bill Roe, Photojournalist
LAS VEGAS - Legendary rock band Guns n' Roses has landed in Las Vegas on a brand new stage at The Joint at the Hard Rock. Fans are coming from far and wide to see the band once considered "The Most Dangerous Band in the World".
"The guy is a legendary singer," said fan Gary Blake about lead singer Axl Rose. "He's got that unique quality to him."
Guitarist D.J. Ashba says the goal of the band is simple. "Give the fans the ultimate Guns n' Roses experience," he said.
For keyboardist Dizzy Reed, it's all about the music. "It goes back to the songs," he said. "They mean a lot to a lot of people."
The band has played all over the world, but the crowds in Las Vegas are unique.
"They don't sleep," Ashba said.
That helps when the band is finishing its last encore at approximately 3 a.m.
"Vegas represents fun. It's the place you come to have a good time," Reed said.
Wherever the band goes, controversy seems to follow. A painting used for promoting the residency offended many people. The painting depicts a woman who appears to be the victim of a sexual assault.
"Sometimes, it feels like we're getting targeted when other bands can get away with whatever," Reed said.
Local women's advocacy groups demanded the ads be modified.
"The recent Guns n' Roses advertising in our community depicting a violent attack on a woman helps to foster an acceptance towards violence against women," said Safe Nest Associate Director Kathleen Brooks.
The posters have since been changed. Even with the controversy, the show has received rave reviews, with most saying Rose can still scream on key.
"He's a living legend in rock n' roll," Ashba said.
For now, the band is enjoying their reign in November in Las Vegas.
"I ride my Harley? Red Rock Canyon, ride for days," Ashba said.
"(I'm) doing some golfing," Reed said.
You can catch the band live at the Hard Rock through November 24th. The three-hour show starts at 11:45 p.m.
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