2021.09.16 - Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL, USA

Source: Del James.

Hard School soundcheck uploaded by Slash:

From Instagram:



Earlier today, Rose shared the following message via the GN'R Twitter account: "A note to Chicago… I got to the show feeling great, but started getting sick pretty early on. It progressed to where I was throwing up & was light headed. Wouldn't have been surprised if I'd fallen off the front of the stage. I'd b fine then not, fine again then not all night. Was pretty crazy but the crowd was great n’ I was in a great headspace n' we had fun. Luckily the COVID test was negative. Def messed with my vocals in places. Just glad we got thru it n' it didn’t mess with the show too bad. I'm a lot better now. Seems most likely to be food poisoning.

"Looking forward to Milwaukee!"

https://blabbermouth.net/news/axl-rose-says-probable-case-of-food-poisoning-affected-his-vocal-performance-at-guns-n-roses-chicago-concert

wow, this is so NOT like Axl to do this. Is it me or he seems to be communicating way more in the past week(s)?

Someone over at mygnrforum wrote something like, "a professional show by a professional singer", referring to Axl soldiering through the disease. "Professional" is not exactly something Axl has been called a lot - and he hasn't been. But he has changed over the years and I have been noticing it for a while and glad other fans are acknowledging it. It wouldn't be the first time he played while sick, either, the Neil Young Benefit shows come time mind. And doing benefit shows is also professional, btw, and shows a compassion. Speaking of which, it still annoys me that so many fans just think of Axl's bad performance on one of those nights when they think about those shows, and not how great it was that they were doing it, interacting with those kids and giving them a good time, and doing it despite being sick. There's got to be a hierarchy of what you put emphasis on, with doing a benefit show for kids coming way, way, way up higher than not performing at our best because you are sick.

Soulmonster wrote:It wouldn't be the first time he played while sick, either, the Neil Young Benefit shows come time mind. And doing benefit shows is also professional, btw, and shows a compassion. Speaking of which, it still annoys me that so many fans just think of Axl's bad performance on one of those nights when they think about those shows, and not how great it was that they were doing it, interacting with those kids and giving them a good time, and doing it despite being sick. There's got to be a hierarchy of what you put emphasis on, with doing a benefit show for kids coming way, way, way up higher than not performing at our best because you are sick.

good point, agree 100%

what annoys me in axl voice-wise is to see him choosing to use his clean-mickey-beegees-falseto (whatever you wanna call it) voice instead of his good Axl voice (or GNR voice). That truly, truly annoys me. That voice s annoying as fuck. I couldn't care less if he sounded bad doing his "good" voice.

ludurigan wrote:

Soulmonster wrote:It wouldn't be the first time he played while sick, either, the Neil Young Benefit shows come time mind. And doing benefit shows is also professional, btw, and shows a compassion. Speaking of which, it still annoys me that so many fans just think of Axl's bad performance on one of those nights when they think about those shows, and not how great it was that they were doing it, interacting with those kids and giving them a good time, and doing it despite being sick. There's got to be a hierarchy of what you put emphasis on, with doing a benefit show for kids coming way, way, way up higher than not performing at our best because you are sick.

good point, agree 100%

what annoys me in axl voice-wise is to see him choosing to use his clean-mickey-beegees-falseto (whatever you wanna call it) voice instead of his good Axl voice (or GNR voice). That truly, truly annoys me. That voice s annoying as fuck. I couldn't care less if he sounded bad doing his "good" voice.

Many people think he has to sing that way to preserve the voice. That adding a lot of "rasp" or distortion hurts him. So he uses it sparingly. That could be true. It could also very well be that he prefers the thinner voice without all the rasp. Who knows with Axl.

Personally I prefer his early voice from the 80s. He didn't add much rasp then, but was really good at belting out tones and making them sound "full" despite not adding the distortion. The chainsaw voice from the 90s, that so many love, just feels grating to me and the nuances got lost in the distortion. I also don't like the thin voice he uses so often these days, the "mickey" voice. But it does work here and there; it depends on the song - or maybe more to what extent I am expecting rasp on particular songs. The main issue I have wit his singing these days is probably more when he wobbles between singing styles, like trying to do something but can't make it so he tries to make it work somehow. Like at the beginning of the tour there were many such rough spots. Now he seems to have warmed up and I don't hear that much.

Despite that, all in all I am quite amazed that he can still pull off the things he do vocally on a regular basis. We fans tend to focus on the bad things, the moments where he doesn't live up to our expectations, and forget that what he does is still pretty impressive for a 59 year old. Most GN'R songs cover a wide range and demands sustained screams and various techniques.

Soulmonster wrote:Many people think he has to sing that way to preserve the voice. That adding a lot of "rasp" or distortion hurts him. So he uses it sparingly. That could be true. It could also very well be that he prefers the thinner voice without all the rasp. Who knows with Axl.

Yeah, that could be true. I think he only uses his Axl/GNR voice (or whatever is left of it) in special occasions, which to me seems to be 1) when he is playing with AC/DC; 2) when he is playing with a special guest or guesting in someone's show; or 3) when he is drunk and/or high and feeling loose onstage (those seem also to be the occasions where he talks onstage).

Soulmonster wrote:Personally I prefer his early voice from the 80s. He didn't add much rasp then, but was really good at belting out tones and making them sound "full" despite not adding the distortion.

agree!

Soulmonster wrote:The chainsaw voice from the 90s, that so many love, just feels grating to me and the nuances got lost in the distortion.

I agree for 1992 and 1993. Specially about the nuances. To me Axl changed completely in 1991 and something got lost. It seemed like he wasn't onstage anymore, that he just playing a part -- of being Axl. Up until 1991, it seemed like he was actually feeling the songs and enjoying himself onstage. I didn't see much more of that after 1991. His voice followed suit, meaning his voice reflected that 9and his body language, everything). In 1991 it was that chainsaw voice but it was an out of control chainsaw, wild and crazy, alll over the place. In 1992 and 1993 it was chainsaw but like you said there were no nuances, it was monotonous.

Soulmonster wrote: Despite that, all in all I am quite amazed that he can still pull off the things he do vocally on a regular basis. We fans tend to focus on the bad things, the moments where he doesn't live up to our expectations, and forget that what he does is still pretty impressive for a 59 year old. Most GN'R songs cover a wide range and demands sustained screams and various techniques.

good point

Review, Chicago Sun-Times, Sept. 17, 2021:

*
Guns N’ Roses revisit the past with plenty of gusto in Wrigley Field concert
If finally acknowledging the past in front of a live audience is the band’s way of heading into the future of Guns N’ Roses, then we’re here for it.

By Selena Fragassi

It’s been five years since the three main founding members of Guns N’ Roses reunited, but it still took a minute to process it all as they took the stage on Thursday night at Wrigley Field.

The band’s history of interpersonal clashes, incredible displays of excess and record-breaking releases were the stuff of “behind the music” legend that caused what many thought to be irreparable fissures when they parted ways some 25 years ago.

To this day, the larger-than-life personas of frontman Axl Rose, guitarist extraordinaire Slash and bassist Duff McKagan live on so strongly that people still come dressed up in red bandanas, blonde mullet wigs and black top hats to pay homage. That was very much the case on Thursday night as the rock star idolatry was in full effect at Wrigley Field for the Chicago stop of the “We’re F’N Back!” tour that has been gracing stadiums since early August (and various iterations since the group shockingly re-banded in 2016).

With their stadium show clocking in at an epic three hours, the ensemble — also featuring drummer Frank Ferrer, guitarist Richard Fortus, keyboardist Dizzy Reed and synth player/programmist Melissa Reese — ripped through a labyrinth of hits (“Paradise City,” “November Rain,” “Mr. Brownstone”) that was a reminder of just how much Guns N’ Roses created the rock music nomenclature. Who knows what could have been if not for their prolonged breakup?

The concert hinted at this as well, particularly in a peculiar back-to-back pairing of the loaded song “Chinese Democracy” (from the infamous same-named album) and the rock gem “Slither,” from McKagan and Slash’s offshoot Velvet Revolver, both of which were birthed in the interim years.

But if finally acknowledging the past in front of a live audience is their way of heading into the future of Guns N’ Roses, then we’re here for it. Especially if there are more tracks like “Absurd” coming our way; the group’s only new song (released this past August) was a highlight of the set, tapping into a heavier punk rock influence that plays to the strength of Rose’s voice and Slash’s guitar mastery.

The ‘80s balladry in more downtempo numbers like “Civil War,” “Patience” and the cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” (ending as a tribute to the anniversary of 9/11) were greeted with earnest approval, too, and it was in these songs where Rose felt most at home.

But the singer struggled often during the night to tether himself to a comfortable vocal range, especially straining to hit notes in his top register for the arena showdowns like “You Could Be Mine” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” Rose gave it his all in the marathon set and perhaps pushed himself a bit too far to deliver what he thought the audience wanted to hear.

The other main attraction of GNR is the we’re-not-worthy guitar pageantry of Slash, the show pony of this night with numerous spotlight-stealing solos stretching out the 25-song set. Not that anyone was complaining.

The solo in “November Rain” may still be rock music’s trophy-holder, but the true scene-stealing moment came as Slash played homage to Chicago blues legend Muddy Waters with a down-and-dirty jam session of “Mannish Boy.” Props also go out to Duff McKagan, who nailed a cover of The Stooges “I Wanna Be Your Dog” with his vocals.

Individual assets aside, what’s impressive in Guns N’ Roses 2.0 is the group holds tight to the chemistry that made them such a magnet in their Sunset Strip heyday. In a night of few surprises (no pyro or fireworks, no stage hijinks, no guest stars), that camaraderie was perhaps the biggest surprise of all.

The night’s opener, newbies Mammoth WVH, were a perfect juxtaposition to the later classic rock onslaught, and those who got to Wrigley Field early to experience the set are likely talking as much about them post-show.

There’s been a lot of buzz for the rock group since officially debuting last year, most notably for featuring Wolfgang Van Halen in the starring role, as well as for their first single, “Distance,” which came out in November shortly after the passing of his father, guitar great Eddie Van Halen.

The gripping song was one of the most memorable of the set on this night, not only an incredible tribute to the late elder guitar man and resonating with anyone who has had suffered great loss, but also stylistically emulating how much Wolfgang is keen on forging his own sound as a musician.

Sure, Wolfgang has the heritage dexterity on guitar, but Mammoth WVH’s songs are crafted to be part of the modern rock cannon with Wolfgang’s incredibly clean vocals making him a standout in the genre.

Quite the musical savant — he wrote and played all parts for the debut album — Wolfgang’s touring lineup includes a great range of personnel including drummer Garrett Whitlock (formerly of Tremonti) and guitarist Frank Sidoris, who is also in Slash’s solo project with singer Myles Kennedy.

Other standouts of the set included the hard hitter “Don’t Back Down” and the layered pop allure of “Ephipany” that shows a big creative range. Expect to hear a lot more from this project.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/9/17/22679190/guns-n-roses-wrigley-field-review-chicago-music-slash-axl-rose-wolfgang-van-halen

(Source: Meegan and Susan on Instagram).

Barstool Sports, Sept. 17, 2021:

*
Review: Guns n Roses Live at Wrigley Field

Last night one of the greatest living rock bands of all time took the stage at one of the greatest historical landmarks and sporting venues in the world, Wrigley Field.

It was a makeup show from what was originally scheduled for July 26, 2020, and then again July 21, 2021 but cancelled and postponed due to Covid.

And it couldn’t have worked out better. It was a perfect 80 degrees, with clear skies and next to no humidity.

It marked the 11th time I’ve got to see the band perform since officially reuniting in December 2015, and announcing their first official tour in March 2016. White Sox Dave and our camera guy Tom both love the band but had never been to a show so this was their first.

I fell in love with the band as a kid. My childhood friend Nathan’s older brothers, who I thought were the coolest guys on the planet, introduced us to the Illusion albums and I was hooked. When my mom forbid me from listening to them (“you are not to listen to this rubbish”), I became an even bigger fan.

I’ve read everything I could get my hands on about them. With Steven Adler’s autobiography, Slash’s autobiography being the two best. And prayed for ever that they would get back together so I could just see one show live.

I didn’t get to see them at Coachella (I hate that festival), and didn’t get to see their Vegas kick-off show (tickets were impossible to get, and going for like $500 on stub hub). But I went to the next show which was in Detroit at the new Little Caesars Arena (a bad ass fuckin arena btw). Followed that up with a couple shows at Soldier Field, Gillette Stadium, Milwaukee, Cleveland, St. Louis, and ACL.

Those first few shows back in 2016 left me in awe.

For a band that had been touring disjointedly, before Duff and Slash rejoined, they were extremely tight. And polished. There was zero rust. It seemed like they never broke up.

And Axl’s voice was amazing. He looked like a lesbian version of Carrot Top, but his pipes were off the charts.

I saw them at ACL a couple of years ago followed by their United Center show and you could tell Axl was showing signs of fading. It wasn’t bad by any means, but he wasn’t going after those high notes like he used to.

Heading into last night's show I mentioned how epic of a night it was going to be on Twitter and the boo birds came out.

   “Axl’s voice sucks bro”

   “Wait til you hear how bad Axl sounds”

   “Axl sucks bro”

I’m a glass half full kinda guy so I brushed them off as miserable people who just love to bitch doing just that. But I'd be a crazy person, or stubborn bitch if I didn't admit they were right.

But before we get to that, we got to the park around 6:30 because I wanted to catch some of Wolfgang Van Halen and Mammoth's set. I was shocked at how big he is, and how big his voice is. A few of our friends in the group had no idea he was the son of Eddie Van Halen (r.i.p.) and commented on how good he sounded which was a good litmus test.

Their set wrapped up around 7. We had half an hour to get sauced up and down to the pit before Guns n Roses took the stage.

The band took the stage promptly at 7:30 and started things off with "It's So Easy". Which was ironic, because it was apparent from the jump that it was not going to be an easy night for Axl Rose.

Things only got worse during their next song, "Mr. Brownstone" where it became crystal clear that his vocal chords are struggling.

The mix also seemed off. So with Axl’s voice struggling, it didn’t help that his channel seemed way lower than everything else in the mix.

It was rough but I wouldn't have rather been anywhere else in the world.

And neither would White Sox Dave or Tom.

When Slash began showcasing what a fucking monster he is Dave was captivated. Beaming from ear to ear.

He couldn't stop commenting on how incredible Slash was, and I just kept telling him to wait til later in the show when his mind would really be blown.

(Which he was when Slash pulled off the best solo in rock history in “November Rain”. Don’t @ me)

The band found their footing and Axl got in a groove as they began busting out “Chinese Democracy” and underrated banger “Slither,” from Duff and Slash’s offshoot Velvet Revolver.

They also played their new song they dropped in August, “Absurd”. I thought it was a pretty awful song when it came out, but hearing it live it actually kind of went off.

Highlights of the show for me, because they seemed like Axl's best performances of the night, were “Civil War,” “Patience”, and “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”.

Another was when Slash payed homage to Chicago blues legend Muddy Waters with an epic ten minute jam session of “Mannish Boy.”

(On Yom Kippur no less!)

Duff (who might be the hottest guy on the fucking planet by the way) also CRUSHED a cover of The Stooges “I Wanna Be Your Dog”.

All in all, the band ripped off 25 songs over their usual 3 hour set.

Was it the best Guns n Roses show I've ever seen? Not even close. But you know what? Who fucking cares? It was Guns n Roses, live and in the flesh. At Wrigley fucking field on a gorgeous summer night. It was one of the greatest song writers and vocalists of all time, with two of the greatest guitarists of all time, all on stage, playing together again. And it was THREE HOURS of live music.

I can think of way worse places to be and things to be doing on a Thursday night.

I will say that as hard as it is to, I legitimately feel bad for Axl Rose. The guy is cashed. 5 years of touring non-stop, doing 3 hour shows has clearly taken a toll on his vocal chords. He needs a break. I know the money has got to be insane right now, and the chemistry with the band looks like it's never been better. But a year off to rest and recharge (maybe finish writing a new album?) would work wonders for their live shows.

https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/3384317/review-guns-n-roses-live-at-wrigley-field

Credit: HTGTH