TACOMA, Wash. (GNR Fans Website) - You didn't think we'd be here, did you?" singer Axl Rose asked fans during what turned out to be the first
Guns N' Roses U.S. tour in nine years on Friday (Nov. 8) in Tacoma, Wash.
Holding true to the reckless, volatile attitude that propelled GNR into the most popular hard-rock band of the '80s, the revamped lineup was coming off a cancelled performance the night before in Vancouver, British Columbia that ignited a riot with an estimated $100,000 in damages.
As a matter of circumstance, the show at the cavernous Tacoma Dome became the first North American date of the Chinese Democracy Tour. Playing to an energetic audience, it was apparent that many on hand were anxiously awaiting the return of one of rock's most charismatic performers, while others, too young to have seen Guns in their heyday, wanted to see the mercurial singer for themselves.
After an energetic blitzkrieg by upstarts CKY, and a DJ set by the Beastie Boys' Mixmaster Mike that managed to ground the evening's excitement to a halt, the stage was set for the return of Axl Rose. Starting off with "Welcome to the Jungle" (immediately followed by "It's So Easy" and "Mr. Brownstone"), Rose and Company did not disappoint.
Gone are all original members, including fan favorite Slash, but GNR 2002 (featuring keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman, former Primus drummer Brian "Brain" Mantia, bassist Tommy Stinson, and guitarists Buckethead, ex-Nine Inch Nails Robin Fink, and Richard Fortus) has become a cohesive group apt to perform alongside one of rock's best frontmen. Sure it's easy to shine while playing the old hits, but the band really takes off when playing new songs from their upcoming album Chinese Democracy (rumored for a February release). During the inspired ballad "Madagascar" and the uproarious title track, as well as on "The Blues," it is obvious this is a contemporary band to be reckoned with.
A spirited performer with a propensity to speak a lot in between songs, Rose didn't say much this night. But it was apparent he was in a good mood during "Patience" when a fan tossed up two KFC side order containers, which the singer immediately put on his head in homage to the curious Buckethead. Rose laughed through most of the song beaming with a giant smile.
Although the show was far from a sellout (it was about half-full), it was curious watching Guns N' Roses play before a young, rabid crowd that at times just didn't' seem to get it -- too busy moshing to "Sweet Child o' Mine." But at the same time it was a refreshing welcome to the unscripted elements of rock that can prove dangerous, as they were in Vancouver, but also rewarding when it comes to seeing the power of rock first-hand.
Because people love to lump the "new generation" of rock bands such as the Hives, the Vines, the Strokes, and the White Stripes together, they should all be forewarned that the illusive and dangerous Axl Rose is back. And he's not concerned with wearing cute matching suits or sounding like everyone else.
It seems for now, if Rose can finally finish Chinese Democracy and stay out of trouble, that the rock milieu may be looking up.
