London, England, july 2nd

[Gavgnr]

Just wanna say I was at last nights gig and had an amazing time. I think it was my 8th GnR show and was definitely my favourite of them all 🤘

[jarmo]

My point is more than that jarmo and you know it. They probably know they can't do two nights, so why do it.

So if you're too sick to work one day of the week, does that mean you're not ok to work for five days a week on a regular basis? No, it doesn't.

These weren't normal circumstances, and you telling yourself otherwise is just you wanting to believe whatever you're telling yourself.





/jarmo

[PermissionToLand]

I think Axl should consider doing the low register for the bulk of every live show. Think about it; on the albums, he frequently put a low register harmony in, so it's not even like he's changing the songs, just singing a different layer. Listening to Civil War, Melissa doing the highs while he did the lows worked really well. His low register is still really strong.

[Spirit]

I do agree that Axl has a great voice singing in the low register. I wouldn't mind if he did more songs like this, it sounds great!

He did a lot of songs (most) with elements or totally in a high register, which makes live performances in the lower register sound a little different. But... Axl in the lower register still sounds like Axl - vintage Axl.

[Ali]

I think Axl should consider doing the low register for the bulk of every live show. Think about it; on the albums, he frequently put a low register harmony in, so it's not even like he's changing the songs, just singing a different layer. Listening to Civil War, Melissa doing the highs while he did the lows worked really well. His low register is still really strong.

I am sorry, but this is a terrible idea. He can still access the vast majority of the notes using his head voice. He doesn't use the vocal fry or Broadway Belt/Overdrive because it's very taxing on his voice. That is good decision. The only thing that he could stand to do is blend his head and chest voice a little more in the middle of his range. But, that is a challenge for every singer.

Als, he is known for his range. You are essentially suggesting he significantly change his professional identity.

Ali

[Spirit]

I think Axl should consider doing the low register for the bulk of every live show. Think about it; on the albums, he frequently put a low register harmony in, so it's not even like he's changing the songs, just singing a different layer. Listening to Civil War, Melissa doing the highs while he did the lows worked really well. His low register is still really strong.

I am sorry, but this is a terrible idea. He can still access the vast majority of the notes using his head voice. He doesn't use the vocal fry or Broadway Belt/Overdrive because it's very taxing on his voice. That is good decision. The only thing that he could stand to do is blend his head and chest voice a little more in the middle of his range. But, that is a challenge for every singer.

Als, he is known for his range. You are essentially suggesting he significantly change his professional identity.

Ali

Axl using his lower register... that's a cool voice.

[Executioner]

I think Axl should consider doing the low register for the bulk of every live show. Think about it; on the albums, he frequently put a low register harmony in, so it's not even like he's changing the songs, just singing a different layer. Listening to Civil War, Melissa doing the highs while he did the lows worked really well. His low register is still really strong.

The AC⚡️DC  tour really screwed up his voice those songs really pushed his voice to the absolute limit particularly the higher register ,if you look back at some of his performances of songs such as Thunderstruck,Back in Black or Let there be Rock (which were incredible) must have damaged his vocal chords as they are such demanding songs to nail live ,I'd like to  hear him singing more in the lower register as it suits him better and is less demanding on his voice.

[ITARocker]

I think Axl should consider doing the low register for the bulk of every live show. Think about it; on the albums, he frequently put a low register harmony in, so it's not even like he's changing the songs, just singing a different layer. Listening to Civil War, Melissa doing the highs while he did the lows worked really well. His low register is still really strong.

I am sorry, but this is a terrible idea. He can still access the vast majority of the notes using his head voice. He doesn't use the vocal fry or Broadway Belt/Overdrive because it's very taxing on his voice. That is good decision. The only thing that he could stand to do is blend his head and chest voice a little more in the middle of his range. But, that is a challenge for every singer.

Als, he is known for his range. You are essentially suggesting he significantly change his professional identity.

Ali

You miss the point: his head voice, which is not even a head voice but more of a falsetto kind of thing cause it totally lacks of breath sustain, is really bad. Unfortunately for him, in that range, with that style, his voice is terrible, really ugly. It's not a shannon hoon kind of voice if you know what i mean. If he can't push his voice using rasp or at least with strong breath sustain (like in 2002 and 2006 - think about "sailing" or incredible vocal performances of i used to love her: that's GREAT head voice) he should just sing in a lower key. it doesn't matter if u can hit a note, it matters how you it that note. I've been saying this for years, he doesn't have to prove anything, we all know he can (or could) hit those notes... But father time hits everybody, his voIce is totally shot and the more he tries the worse it gets. Today it looks like  he is more focused on "making voices" (trying to resemble the old axl) than singing and it just doesnt work. Just sing, in a way that it doesn't destroy you and in a way that's listenable.

[Ali]

I think Axl should consider doing the low register for the bulk of every live show. Think about it; on the albums, he frequently put a low register harmony in, so it's not even like he's changing the songs, just singing a different layer. Listening to Civil War, Melissa doing the highs while he did the lows worked really well. His low register is still really strong.

I am sorry, but this is a terrible idea. He can still access the vast majority of the notes using his head voice. He doesn't use the vocal fry or Broadway Belt/Overdrive because it's very taxing on his voice. That is good decision. The only thing that he could stand to do is blend his head and chest voice a little more in the middle of his range. But, that is a challenge for every singer.

Als, he is known for his range. You are essentially suggesting he significantly change his professional identity.

Ali

You miss the point: his head voice, which is not even a head voice but more of a falsetto kind of thing cause it totally lacks of breath sustain, is really bad. Unfortunately for him, in that range, with that style, his voice is terrible, really ugly. It's not a shannon hoon kind of voice if you know what i mean. If he can't push his voice using rasp or at least with strong breath sustain (like in 2002 and 2006 - think about "sailing" or incredible vocal performances of i used to love her: that's GREAT head voice) he should just sing in a lower key. it doesn't matter if u can hit a note, it matters how you it that note. I've been saying this for years, he doesn't have to prove anything, we all know he can (or could) hit those notes... But father time hits everybody, his voIce is totally shot and the more he tries the worse it gets. Today it looks like  he is more focused on "making voices" (trying to resemble the old axl) than singing and it just doesnt work. Just sing, in a way that it doesn't destroy you and in a way that's listenable.

It's not a falsetto. Axl very rarely uses a falsetto.

Ali

[jordinho]

Having seen them three times now in just over two weeks (Stavanger + London x 2), just thought I'd post some random thoughts.

In Norway I was in the golden circle and just a few rows back from the stage, in London I was just outside the circle and also wandered around a bit to get beer/go to the toilet (a neverending cycle  ). The sound mix wasn't great at any of them. It felt like you could hear more of both Richard and Axl in Norway, but other than Slash doing his solos it was hard to pick out the other members at any of the shows. The guitar tone didn't sound quite right either, but it's live and it's loud so I could just be me. Could barely hear what Carrie Underwood was singing, so it wasn't just Axl. His voice is still there though as you can hear the power in it on some songs, but he tends use his Better voice more and more later in the show. Duff's vocals on I Wanna Be Your Dog was fine as far as I can recall. There's a big difference in the two venues of course, Stavanger basically being an open field and Tottenham's stadium being specifically designed to keep noise in. Great for football matches (I go there quite often to see those), but having the sound bouncing around isn't always great for music. Since they use the same rig in several different places during a tour they obviously won't always have time to do the necessary fine tuning or even be able to get it right.

Being a huge Spurs fan it was obviously a massive bonus to be able to walk around on the pitch. Technically it was the NFL pitch covered in plastic and the proper football pitch was safely hidden away, but still cool. Bought a specially made for the occasion Spurs shirt with Guns N' Roses on it. I got to see Jason Momoa. Michael Monroe was great. Running around in the pit, climbing the barricades and next thing you know he's ten meters above the stage. Gary Clark jr. I still haven't warmed to. Standing in line for almost two hours on Friday without a word why, not so great. A little disappointed to miss out on Coma on both London nights. In Stavanger I ended up hearing most of it with very poor sound as I was off to the side answering nature's call when they came back out and started playing. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a great venue. It's big, but feels intimate. The facilities are top notch (food, drinks, toilets). Really hope they're able to work out any issues caused by the venue itself for future concerts.

Fun, but also not so fun, story to end this. Having been to Judas Priest the day before gnr hit Stavanger, me and my friend who I shared a room with had just gotten up and were on our way out for some breakfast. Out the door, around a corner and the first person we meet is Richard Fortus. Since he was wearing long sleeves and running shoes and I wasn't quite awake yet I didn't realise it was him until just after I had passed him and seen his face and noticed the tattoos on his fingers. Just as I come to my senses and turn around he's running off. 

[PermissionToLand]

I am sorry, but this is a terrible idea. He can still access the vast majority of the notes using his head voice. He doesn't use the vocal fry or Broadway Belt/Overdrive because it's very taxing on his voice. That is good decision. The only thing that he could stand to do is blend his head and chest voice a little more in the middle of his range. But, that is a challenge for every singer.

Als, he is known for his range. You are essentially suggesting he significantly change his professional identity.

And yet, the majority of people clearly do not like the sound of his head voice without rasp. And while he may be able to access the notes, there's very little power behind them.

I would disagree though, I think he's known for his emotive delivery and rasp more than his range. He's no Rob Halford where the first thing that comes to mind is insane falsetto. His singing on Don't Cry is just as iconic as WTTJ. People recognize him for that raspy, nasal tone more than anything.

Ultimately, his voice has changed beyond his control. His professional identity has already been changed beyond his control. I'm suggesting he make the best of it by adapting.

[Ali]

I am sorry, but this is a terrible idea. He can still access the vast majority of the notes using his head voice. He doesn't use the vocal fry or Broadway Belt/Overdrive because it's very taxing on his voice. That is good decision. The only thing that he could stand to do is blend his head and chest voice a little more in the middle of his range. But, that is a challenge for every singer.

Als, he is known for his range. You are essentially suggesting he significantly change his professional identity.

And yet, the majority of people clearly do not like the sound of his head voice without rasp. And while he may be able to access the notes, there's very little power behind them.

I would disagree though, I think he's known for his emotive delivery and rasp more than his range. He's no Rob Halford where the first thing that comes to mind is insane falsetto. His singing on Don't Cry is just as iconic as WTTJ. People recognize him for that raspy, nasal tone more than anything.

Ultimately, his voice has changed beyond his control. His professional identity has already been changed beyond his control. I'm suggesting he make the best of it by adapting.

The majority of people? Based on what? You and all the message board trolls?

He can sing with as much power as ever when he chooses to. He simply chooses not to for obvious reasons to anyone who has followed the band's history.

His voice and professional identity have not changed beyond his control. What you are suggesting is idiotic.

Ali

[PermissionToLand]

The AC⚡️DC  tour really screwed up his voice those songs really pushed his voice to the absolute limit particularly the higher register ,if you look back at some of his performances of songs such as Thunderstruck,Back in Black or Let there be Rock (which were incredible) must have damaged his vocal chords as they are such demanding songs to nail live ,I'd like to  hear him singing more in the lower register as it suits him better and is less demanding on his voice.

You could definitely hear his voice cracking sometimes with AC/DC, which is a sign he was pushing too hard. It's the same thing that happens with the bridge in Better. That absolutely damages his voice.

Coincidentally, Brian Johnson struggled with his voice changing constantly and I think Axl could learn something from how Brian adapted. He always found a different register and made it work. I can illustrate the changes:

He sang Back in Black differently on tour in 1980/1981 than he did on the album. On the album, he was hitting insane high notes (being pressured by the producer, who cut his best takes together word by word so Brian never stood a chance to pull it off live).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQywr-PBR_o

Notice he's in a lower register than the album, but it still sounds great.

In 1983, he was really struggling. This is one of the better performances but you can tell in the chorus he's flat.

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

His voice recovered for a while, but again by 1991 he had to find a different register to sing in:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vImyP5EYc8

And then by 2000 his voice was getting really shot but he always found a way to make it work:

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

[PermissionToLand]

The majority of people? Based on what? You and all the message board trolls?

He can sing with as much power as ever when he chooses to. He simply chooses not to for obvious reasons to anyone who has followed the band's history.

Dude... you're just in straight up denial of reality.

There's a reason fairweather fans and mainstream audiences were impressed with his 2016 performances and are not so much anymore. It's not just trolls, it's mainstream rock fans and fans of his own band. You're equating me to a troll as if I have some desire to insult Axl when I'm a huge fan of him. Come back to Earth.

If he could sing with as much power, he would. He picks and chooses spots to give it extra gas because he cannot sustain it. The scream in LALD still works for him because it happens to be a specific note that he can still put power and rasp behind reliably. Most of the rest of the set proves that is the exception to the rule.

He "chooses" not to because he knows he can't sustain it. It's like me saying I "choose" not to deadlift 600 lbs.

His voice and professional identity have not changed beyond his control. What you are suggesting is idiotic.

It's idiotic to suggest that he's sustained vocal damage in his career? Something almost every singer deals with on some level, much less ones who sing in a method that every vocal trainer will tell you is destructive?

What are these unspecified "reasons obvious to anyone who has followed the band's history" you refer to? Could it be the well-documented vocal damage he sustained on the UYI tour?

[Ali]

The majority of people? Based on what? You and all the message board trolls?

He can sing with as much power as ever when he chooses to. He simply chooses not to for obvious reasons to anyone who has followed the band's history.

Dude... you're just in straight up denial of reality.

There's a reason fairweather fans and mainstream audiences were impressed with his 2016 performances and are not so much anymore. It's not just trolls, it's mainstream rock fans and fans of his own band. You're equating me to a troll as if I have some desire to insult Axl when I'm a huge fan of him. Come back to Earth.

If he could sing with as much power, he would. He picks and chooses spots to give it extra gas because he cannot sustain it. The scream in LALD still works for him because it happens to be a specific note that he can still put power and rasp behind reliably. Most of the rest of the set proves that is the exception to the rule.

He "chooses" not to because he knows he can't sustain it. It's like me saying I "choose" not to deadlift 600 lbs.

His voice and professional identity have not changed beyond his control. What you are suggesting is idiotic.

It's idiotic to suggest that he's sustained vocal damage in his career? Something almost every singer deals with on some level, much less ones who sing in a method that every vocal trainer will tell you is destructive?

What are these unspecified "reasons obvious to anyone who has followed the band's history" you refer to? Could it be the well-documented vocal damage he sustained on the UYI tour?

And yet, they still back stadiums and arenas. You are trolling and wrong, plain and simple, trying to support your argument with some handwaving "mainstream rock fans" argument. The vast majority of people who attend shows are not on message boards and YouTube. Your weightlifting argument is asinine. He can sing the songs with whatever technique he wants, be it vocal fry, Broadway Belt, or some combination of those and or other techniques. He's quite literally using those techniques on this tour, most notably during Back in Black.

The issue is not whether or not he can. The issue is whether or not it is worth the cost. Clearly, he has decided that it isn't worth the cost in the long run.

It seems like you and some fans are under the illusion that something has changed beyond some natural, age-related changes. The truth is, he could never sing that way without incurring a significant cost. The difference is he clearly isn't willing to incur the cost.

Obviously, I am referring to the litany of issues he had during the UYI tour. Shows were affected by these issues in the summer of 1992.

People say that they want him to sound like he did in 1992. I think people have a selective memory and only remember some of the shows and live recordings, and not the issues that went along with some of the shows during that era.

Ali

[alex_arg]

I think we have to wait an oficial report of what is the real problem with Axl´s voice. May be it is only a question of rest the voice some days, a lot of singers use to have problems in some time. Too many shows.
As I said a time ago, may be they should give a 2 hours shows, get out some dificult songs. We can´t ask to Axl sing in another way, and i dont think it´s the solution. May be not to make tours too long and with dates so next one from another.

   

[Nightrain7]

You cannot fault Axl's commitment here. Hope he gets well soon with whatever the problems may be.

The lower register worked- and sounded pretty damn good,  if thats what it takes moving forward with only the occasional highs(in the hits he has to sing high)- I'm sure the shows will still be a success.
LOW REGISTER
-EASY
-BROWNSTONE
-CD
-LIVE AND LET DIE (can be done low)
-ESTRANGED
-DOUBLE TALKIN JIVE
-YOUR CRAZY
-ABSURD
-PATIENCE
-HEAVANS DOOR
-CIVIL WAR (Sounded great in the low register)
-NIGHTRAIN (Sounded great in the low register)
-DONT CRY - (can be done just in low register)

If he can save the highs for and a few others depending on if he's up for it- it would still be a 2 hour show
-JUNGLE
-SCOM
-PARADISE

No one expects him to sing like he used to!

[AXLRIVERS]

I kinda agree and disagree with the lower register remark. Whilst I want Axl to sing how he wants I think there are some strange song choices made. Whilst not a singer myself obviously but being in a band I'd say songs like 14 years, pretty tied up, dust n bones, yesterday's, the garden (all great songs considered but maybe in the lower register?) must be easier to sing than the likes of back n black, shadow of your love and reckless life. Seems strange.

[PermissionToLand]

And yet, they still back stadiums and arenas. You are trolling and wrong, plain and simple, trying to support your argument with some handwaving "mainstream rock fans" argument.

"Anyone who disagrees with me is a troll!", said the troll.

Yeah, you're obviously not interested in good faith discourse here.

[PermissionToLand]

Look at that, all the comments are praising his low voice. They must all be "trolls" though, huh? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTu-e9Y9FzY