witsandnuts

Being up close with the living legends is a night to remember.

I was barely 6 years old when Guns N’ Roses was born. I never thought I would ever watch them perform live. They have never been to Manila and I do not think I could have ever afforded a concert ticket then as student if they have flown there.

When the group disbanded, people did wish that they would at least reconnect to perform for a show no matter how brief it will be. In 2009, Axl Rose had been quoted declaring that either him or Slash (lead guitarist whom he had a huge misunderstanding, as strong as the Great Wall of China) would die before a reunion. In another interview in 2012, when he was again asked if there would be a reunion, he said, “… not in this lifetime”. Fast forward to last night, it was no surprise that it was aptly called as ‘Not in this Lifetime Tour’.

Guns N’ Roses performed at Autism Rocks Arena in Dubai. We have got the golden circle tickets (that was the next level to the indeed expensive Fat Pit). Just like the other concerts that we attended, it was a standing one/ no reserved seating. It was the first time that we were watching a concert in this venue, hence, we made sure we arrived reasonably early since we were driving from Abu Dhabi and to secure a good spot. The concert gate opened at 4:00 PM and we arrived at few minutes past 5:00 PM. We liked the environment because people/ fans were quite ‘chill’. There were hundreds of people already that time (several thousands of patrons came soon) when we arrived at the parking. (Exiting from the parking lot post-concert was chaotic though. This arena needs better management on this aspect.)

Axl joked about losing his Dubai Desert virginity (aka DDV).

The concert started at few minutes past 9:00 PM and ended with a midnight fireworks. The almost 3-hour concert was awesome. Indeed, great value for money. The reunion was so worth the wait. It was delightful to see Axl and Slash performing so close to each other. Every minute was a favorite, the most striking to me which were giving me sort of Last Song Syndrome was Live and Let Die and of course, Sweet Child O’Mine, Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover) and November Rain.

Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door

Sweet Child O’Mine

When I was re-watching some of the videos I took with my camera phone, I found myself most amused and repeatedly listening to Slash’s solo performance of Theme of Godfather – Speak Softly Love (a Nino Rota cover). Yes, I loved all The Godfather movies. Slash was brilliant, all throughout the concert.

Axl has aged, of course, as well as the other members. When you see them performing, you would be transported to the era and moment that you resonate most with them. You find yourself exclaiming, “oh, nothing much has changed!”

Here is the set list. So amusing that it started with Looney Tunes.

• Looney Tunes
• The Equalizer

1. It’s So Easy
2. Mr. Brownstone
3. Chinese Democracy
4. Welcome to the Jungle
5. Double Talkin’ Jive
6. Better
7. Estranged
8. Live and Let Die
9. Rocket Queen
10. You Could Be Mine
11. New Rose
12. This I Love
13. Civil War
14. Coma
15. Slash Guitar Solo
16. Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from the Godfather)
17. Sweet Child O’ Mine
18. My Michelle
19. Wish Your Were Here (Pink Floyed cover)
20. November Rain
21. Yesterdays
22. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover)
23. Nightrain

Encore

• Patience
• The Seeker
• Paradise City
• Far Away Eyes