Flashback: Guns N' Roses Rise From the Ashes at Rock in Rio 2001

[Sosso]

A great deal of mystery surrounded Guns N' Roses when they emerged from an eight-year hibernation in January 2001 to play Brazil's Rock in Rio and a warmup gig at the House of Blues in Las Vegas. Axl Rose had been almost completely off the grid since the end of the Use Your Illusion Tour in 1993, popping up in the press only when he parted ways with members of the band and when he got arrested at the Phoenix airport in 1998 after threatening a security worker. There were reports he was working on a new album, but the only thing to emerge was the underwhelming "Oh My God" from the End of Days soundtrack in 1999.

GN'R fans were ecstatic when they learned the group was going to play Rock in Rio, and tickets for the Las Vegas show disappeared within seconds. Even with Slash, Duff McKagan, Steven Adler, Izzy Stradlin, Matt Sorum and Gilby Clarke out of the band, people were just happy that Axl Rose was going to play live again and they were curious to see this new lineup. It included Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson, drummer Bryan "Brain" Mantia and guitarists Robin Finck and Buckethead, who played with a mask over his face and a KFC bucket on top of his head.

Contrary to much speculation, the Axl Rose who emerged from the shadows for these shows wasn't bald or fat. He stormed onstage at Rock in Rio at 2:00 a.m. in front of 190,000 screaming fans that had just sat through sets by Papa Roach and Oasis. "I know that many of you are disappointed that some of the people you came to know and love could not be with us here today," Rose said. "Regardless of what you have heard or read, people worked very hard to do everything they could so that I could not be here today. I am as hurt and disappointed as you that unlike Oasis, we could not find a way to all get along."

Their 25-song set opened up with "Welcome to the Jungle" (which you can watch right here) and focused largely on the groups hits, though they did preview three Chinese Democracy tracks that wouldn't be officially released for eight years. While everybody missed the old lineup, critics were largely impressed by the show.

"About 10 minutes into their set, it became clear that the new GN'R is a rock & roll event of the sort that a lot of people (well, me, anyway) have been waiting for for a long, long time," Kurt Loder wrote. "Where the reigning rap-metal acts of the moment ? Korn and Limp Bizkit and their ilk ? get over quite successfully on murk and muscle and pure sonic wallop, the new GN'R ? with only one-month's worth of rehearsal (this was their second gig) ? already played with a passion and precision that's unlikely to be matched in any other quarter anytime soon."

They could have used this momentum to launch a world tour, but instead they disappeared until a pair of shows at the Joint in Las Vegas nearly a year later. There wouldn't be an actual tour until the summer of 2002, and despite repeated assurances, Chinese Democracy was still a long ways away. By the time it came, the lineup of the group had already shifted around quite a bit. Like Axl says, it's too bad they find a way to get along as well as those guys in Oasis.

Source: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/flashback-guns-n-roses-rise-from-the-ashes-at-rock-in-rio-2001-20150324

[D-GenerationX]

Pretty amazing night.

I scoured Kazaa and WinMX like a motherfucker in the weeks after trying to get all the tracks.

Jesus, I'm old.  Who here even remembers those services?

[Bridge]

I scoured Kazaa and WinMX like a motherfucker in the weeks after trying to get all the tracks.

Jesus, I'm old.  Who here even remembers those services?

Oh I do.  I was on Kazaa 6 times a day back then looking for rare stuff.

[jarmo]

Did you find My Fellow Americans or Cat's In The Cradle?

 




/jarmo

[D-GenerationX]

Did you find My Fellow Americans or Cat's In The Cradle?

Hahahaha

And that well known Guns N' Roses tune 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn'.

[Sosso]

Rock in Rio III was just amazing. The band delivered a tight performance and the audience was epic. One of my favourite GN'R gigs.

[Spirit]

Pretty amazing night.

I scoured Kazaa and WinMX like a motherfucker in the weeks after trying to get all the tracks.

Jesus, I'm old.  Who here even remembers those services?

Damn, I had totally forgotten about WinMX. It's all coming back to me now... 


I DO remember downloading video from RIR in .rm (RealMedia) format. Not exactly HD..

Exciting times however.

[sky dog]

I didn't know hardly anything about the internet back then so I went to my friend's house to hear whatever I could. Needless to say, I was blown away by Madagascar. Still my favorite performance of that song...studio or otherwise. Bucket kills and the rest of the band is just spot on....fuck, they all killed it. Reminded me so much of hearing Civil War at Farm Aid for the first time. Just awesome....maybe one day they could be AC/DC! Ha...suck it!

[TheBaconman]

I still show this concert to anyone that will watch....  Usually have to feed and give them drink   haha.   

But it is my example of how this band should of been......

[NaturalLight]

Even today I still hear "never mind" when I play the studio version of The Blues (SOD). LOL. They really gave it their all for this show (not they don't usually, but I think they really stepped it up).

[D-GenerationX]

I didn't know hardly anything about the internet back then so I went to my friend's house to hear whatever I could. Needless to say, I was blown away by Madagascar. Still my favorite performance of that song...studio or otherwise.

Me too.  I was hooked right from those opening chords.

My favorite version as well.  When I make playlists, I use this.

[Sosso]

I hate the fact that recordings from the December 2001 shows are not available.

[D-GenerationX]

I hate the fact that recordings from the December 2001 shows are not available. 

Really weird they never came out.  Either show.

First one sounded like it was a clusterfuck, but that second one would be awesome to have.

[GNR2014]

The 2001 lineup was like having King Kong, Godzilla, Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster all on the same stage.

[Ginger King]

What a great night!  The story (assuming it's true - not sure where I read about it) of Axl flying above in the helicopter and being in awe that so many people came out to see him is awesome.  And, all things considered, the jungle scream is one of my favorite.  The speech with Beta at the end speaks for itself.  Very heartfelt and amazing.

[italian queen]

He screamed so much that then he sang the rest of the sing in a bad way

[TheBaconman]

Robin has his best ever solo durring this concert

Best ever guns line up ever

Last time I saw Axl runnimg the stage with a open shirt

Best band of this weekend was silverchair.   And unlike you all seem to be.  I was very keen to the Internet in the early 2000s.  And had many babes at my knees.   To the song miss you love.     Perfect song   Perfect setting

[TheBaconman]

I am still watching it right now

The crowd is is still bouncing 1 hr 30 mins in. 


Def not a concet from the USA    M. M

Rio gets it

[TheBaconman]

Ok I fast forward kohd

Can't stand that song

[sky dog]

I love that version...nice and simple...to each his own. 

[Spirit]

Yeah, the Rio 01 KOHD is one of my favorites. Nice Bucket solo.

[Sosso]

Yeah, it was closer to the original than the UYI version.

[JAEBALL]

I have always preferred the version from the Illusion tour... the cut from the Live Era CD is how the song should be played... for me.

Going forward if the band would drop it from the set list for a CD or CD2 song... that would be A OK with me... 

[rebelhipi]

Rio was epic indeed. Not my favorite. To be exact it has only gotten better since.

The sound must have been awful onstage. Tommy said he only heard an echo of the music and Axls mike, mostly audience noise, that shows in my opinion, Brain is completely lost during YCBM. the band stops Oh My God Too soon. The Tempos were too fast for many songs.

Many breaks during the show to talk to the crowd, its understandable with it being the first major gig in 7 years.

My highlights are. Robins Sossego, Silkworms, Robin and Bucket duo solo.Robin was flawless on that gig He stands out on that one for me.


And yes heavens door from 2001 is the worst version of that song for me. Im not too into the version they did in the 80s either. I like the current +10Minutes version And the ones during the illusion tour with the backing singers. Paris 92 is a good one.

[WAR41]

I remember this night so well.  I was trying to get that damn live stream to work, but it wouldn't.  I remember when Axl called out Xozi and everyone freaked.  If I remember correctly, Xozi was totally playing it down like it was not a big deal.  Cannot believe how long ago this was.  

I still wonder why Oh My God never made it back into the set list and if there are any plans to release an updated version of the song. 

[D-GenerationX]

The sound must have been awful onstage. Tommy said he only heard an echo of the music and Axls mike, mostly audience noise, that shows in my opinion, Brain is completely lost during YCBM. the band stops Oh My God Too soon. The Tempos were too fast for many songs.

All true.  YCBM is pretty much a mess.

But I think the 'Oh My God' flub worked in their favor.  I think it sounded cool with Axl delivering that last line after the music stops.  Not the plan, obviously, but I think it worked.

[rebelhipi]

I remember this night so well.  I was trying to get that damn live stream to work, but it wouldn't.  I remember when Axl called out Xozi and everyone freaked.  If I remember correctly, Xozi was totally playing it down like it was not a big deal.  Cannot believe how long ago this was.  

I still wonder why Oh My God never made it back into the set list and if there are any plans to release an updated version of the song. 

Do you remeber what kind if bs this Xozi wrote?

[JAEBALL]

It was just amazing to see and hear the man again... after so many years... and then to hear some of the new stuff...

The quality of the performance is almost secondary.

[rebelhipi]

When i first started using internet in around 2005, i learned that Guns still exists, i thought that they broke up after the spaghetti incident and that was the end. I found videos from Rio, the first i saw from the ''new'' band was Outta Get Me. I was disappointed that there was no old members. It took me about half way of outta get me when i got it that guns are still kicking ass, and that the ''new'' guys are great. If not as good as the old guys.

After that i have never wished a reunion. Im against it.

[italian queen]

I still feel sad fot that show..
the first without the old memebers.
I will never accept it.. 

[jarmo]

It wasn't the first.... Las Vegas was.

Still, you've had 14+ years to come to grips with this fact.... 




/jarmo

[C0ma]

I will never forget sitting in front of the computer waiting for the stream of the show to start. Not knowing what to expect after having not seen the band since 1993. Wondering how they would look... not so much appearance, but stage presence and interaction between members.

Also having heard all the rumors of Axl taking guitar lessons over the previous years, I wondered how much that would play into the show... Let's just say I'm happy the snake dance while playing a PRS has since been retired

The show didn't disappoint, and like others the 'flubs' all seemed to fit. In fact those early versions of the new tracks almost spoiled some of the more 'touched up' versions that showed up 7 years later on CD.

It's almost crazy to think that it's been nearly as long from this Rio show to now as it was between Argentina 93 and Rio 2001.

[AxlsMainMan]

I watched and enjoyed the shit outta' this show back in the day. Still remember spending a good 3 days trying to download the entire show on dial-up internet

[HBK]

Robin & Bucky Solos, amazing, Think About You, Rocket Queen, My Michelle, EPIC.. Intro+Welcome Kick Ass

 

[Spirit]

It's almost crazy to think that it's been nearly as long from this Rio show to now as it was between Argentina 93 and Rio 2001.

Actually it's been nearly twice that time. 

[Sosso]

Comparing every RIR gig from GN'R I would that that RIR 2001 and Rock in Lisboa 2006 were the best.

[WAR41]

I remember this night so well.  I was trying to get that damn live stream to work, but it wouldn't.  I remember when Axl called out Xozi and everyone freaked.  If I remember correctly, Xozi was totally playing it down like it was not a big deal.  Cannot believe how long ago this was.  

I still wonder why Oh My God never made it back into the set list and if there are any plans to release an updated version of the song. 

Do you remeber what kind if bs this Xozi wrote?

Ugh, I wish I remembered specifically what it was.  No one really liked her on the forums (except Queenie).  If somebody else remembers specifically please feel free to chime in, but I believe she was just talking about what GNR was going to do and she was telling people that it factual.  She claimed she knew the band and was spreading rumors.  She has the distinction of being Axl's first Internet troll! 

Hey Axl, if you're reading would you like to tell the story? 

[jarmo]

Make haste!

Jeez, that brings back some memories of how things were on the GN'R fan boards back then.

I don't remember what she said, but around that time, there as a board on the official GN'R site as well, GNRonline....




/jarmo

[ITARocker]

Rio was epic indeed. Not my favorite. To be exact it has only gotten better since.

the band stops Oh My God Too soon. oor from 2001 is the worst version of that song for me.

It Was just an axl's mistake (started singin late during the song)...they didn't stop the song "too soon"

I never liked that performance ... Love Wttj intro, LALD, Think About You, CD ... PC was embarassing

[D-GenerationX]

Rio 2001 is absolutely very hit or miss.  Some great performances, and some you can barely make it through.

Which, is natural for a band only playing their second show.  It just happens to be in front of over 100,000 people.

[C0ma]

Make haste!

Jeez, that brings back some memories of how things were on the GN'R fan boards back then.

I don't remember what she said, but around that time, there as a board on the official GN'R site as well, GNRonline....




/jarmo

I still have my gnronline.com t-shirt

[C0ma]

It's almost crazy to think that it's been nearly as long from this Rio show to now as it was between Argentina 93 and Rio 2001.

Actually it's been nearly twice that time. 

Good point... I was actually doing math from 93 to the CD release and 2001 to now... funny how time seems to disappear following this band though the years

[norway]

I remember this. Saw gnr in classic rock mag and was like 'omfg' oO

then I remember I talked to mom about it and stuff she said axl still looked well.

[WAR41]

Make haste!

Jeez, that brings back some memories of how things were on the GN'R fan boards back then.

I don't remember what she said, but around that time, there as a board on the official GN'R site as well, GNRonline....




/jarmo

I actually do not remember you from those days Jarmo.  Was 'Jarmo' your user name on GNRonline back then as well?  I have such fond memories of GNRonline as I've mentioned here before.  It was the wild wild west of the Internet in those days.

[jarmo]

I don't even remember if I posted anything on GNRonline....




/jarmo

[Spirit]

I have such fond memories of GNRonline as I've mentioned here before.  It was the wild wild west of the Internet in those days.

I vaguely remember reading that forum. Wasn't Axl posting there as well, or am I mistaken?

[WAR41]

I have such fond memories of GNRonline as I've mentioned here before.  It was the wild wild west of the Internet in those days.

I vaguely remember reading that forum. Wasn't Axl posting there as well, or am I mistaken?

I know there were always rumors of that, but I have not idea how true they were.  I am quite certain that board was shut down after some one posted Axl's home phone number.  I remember how disappointed I was when I went to visit that board and it was gone without warning. 

[jarmo]

Unmoderated message board? Now that's a great idea.... 



/jarmo

[rebelhipi]

I have such fond memories of GNRonline as I've mentioned here before.  It was the wild wild west of the Internet in those days.

I vaguely remember reading that forum. Wasn't Axl posting there as well, or am I mistaken?

I know there were always rumors of that, but I have not idea how true they were.  I am quite certain that board was shut down after some one posted Axl's home phone number.  I remember how disappointed I was when I went to visit that board and it was gone without warning. 

Crazy.
When i got in this game, the closest thing to a official gnr website was Here today . I kinda remember the gnronline main page. but there was no info on anything. Just a gnr logo and a text saying online store coming soon. Or at least thats what i remember.

[norway]

 I also remember buying the 'end of days'-soundtrack and cranked out omg daily. i was so psyched lol

[Spirit]

Live Era was promoted on the front page of GNRonline for a good while. I remember you could stream a couple of the songs as well, It's Alright was one of them I think.


Do you guys remember the short period where they had the Chinese restaurant themed webpage? I can't remember if it was gnronline or gunsnroses.com.

The graphics was professionally done, I liked it. Anywhere one can see some screenshots of that?

[EmilyGNR]

I have such fond memories of GNRonline as I've mentioned here before.  It was the wild wild west of the Internet in those days.

I vaguely remember reading that forum. Wasn't Axl posting there as well, or am I mistaken?

I know there were always rumors of that, but I have not idea how true they were.  I am quite certain that board was shut down after some one posted Axl's home phone number.  I remember how disappointed I was when I went to visit that board and it was gone without warning. 

I was a lurker there for quite some time, so many rumors have gotten blown all out of proportion about events and posters.

The IP wasn't hidden, so they had a field day- don't remember any phone # being posted.

I thought the trolling was bad then