Guns N’ Roses Take Back Los Angeles in a Triumphant Homecoming

Stephanie Hernandez

Not many rock bands can imagine what it’s like to sell out the 56,000 seat Dodger Stadium, let alone what it’s like to do it twice back to back. But this is exactly what G and F’in R have just done. Announcing their “Not In This Lifetime” tour with a surprise show at the Troubadour just last April, our favorite crew of iconic rock and rollers embarked on what will soon become a history making event. Originally bred in Los Angeles itself, it makes sense why the attachment to Guns N’ Roses is so strong here and exactly why their two night take over of Dodger Stadium is awe inspiring in an of itself. The Hometown boys returning to a sold out crowd in their town’s most prized venue is the stuff rock dreams are made of and it’s exactly what GNR deserves.

Both shows opened with eagerly anticipated sets from The Cult. Starting promptly at 6:30pm, The Cult took the stage with a no frills ten song set, playing one tune after another their 50 mins was just enough to get the crowd going for the main event. Then, after a few moments the classic GNR logo appeared on the back drop and a deafening collective scream filled the air, the seven band members took their positions with wide smiles knowing exactly what they were about to unleash. And with the first chord of “It’s So Easy’ sweeping over the massive crowd, the show had begun. Lasting just under three hours GNR took no breaks, plowing through the hits while laying down some rarely heard tracks for their most loyal of fans. As has become tradition through this tour, GNR worked in a few covers as well, allowing for breathtaking solo and instrumental moments that put the focus on a new member of the group each time. One of these special moments came when “Yesterdays” off of “Use Your Illusion II’, was banged out, a rare outing for the track, fans nearly lost their minds at their chance to sing along. Following the end of “Mr. Brownstone,” Axl stopped, looked out at the crowd and said, “Los Angeles, my neighborhood. What a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” like the goddamn Mr. Rogers of Rock and Roll, everyone was feeling the hometown pride. GNR made it very obvious that the night was about a big show, decimating hits like “Welcome to the Jungle” with not only their instrumental prowess, but with eye catching futuristic imagery behind them. Slash’s signature precision though an expectation was also a highlight, especially on the band’s cover of “Live and Let Die.”  GNR was also allowed to use as much pyro as they saw fit without restrictions, because, well it’s GNR, meaning that the visual element to the shows was kicked up a notch than what is usually seen at the stadium. The fireworks flew, most brilliantly with the band’s closing number “Paradise City,” reminding the audience and anyone within a 100 mile radius that GNR was still alive and kicking.

If nothing else was proven by this two night extravaganza it’s that Axl, Slash and Duff are at their best when together. No rock fan could have ever imagined a reunion quite like this one ever happening, let alone it actually happening and the quality of the music being on par with their expectations. With a name like ‘Not In This Lifetime,” it’s clear GNR knew they had something to prove and they set out to do it right. Performing each night for about three hours, the original members as well as their newer additions truly delivered. Recovered from his broken foot attained at the Troubadour show, Axl seemed keen to run about all night while still managing to melt faces with his iconic high notes. Keep in mind there was an over 20 year span between Slash leaving the group and rejoining it this year, making GNR’s triumphant return all the more astonishing. For those lucky enough to have witnessed it, we doubt anyone left unsatisfied. Rock on brothers.

Guns N’ Roses played Dodger Stadium Aug. 18 and 19.