The temperature was as hot as our current political climate.
Miami was fuego in anticipation for one of the biggest reunion tours of all time, the “Not In This Lifetime… Tour” headlined by metal icons Guns N’ Roses.
Boasting the original lineup, sans drummer Steven Adler, the group has been touring the globe to much acclaim. After an Orlando stop in July of 2016, it seemed as if Florida residents that missed the Camping World Stadium concert might never get to see the often-volatile group from Los Angeles. But late in 2016, the group announced a return to the Sunshine State, albeit not in the Tampa Bay area but in the newly built Marlins Park in Miami.
Begrudgingly, I headed to the only place that could make Tampa rush hour seem like a breeze.
With temps in the high 90s, over 35,000 fans crowded into Marlins Park for a chance to see one of the most polarizing rock groups of all time. Fan excitement had to be tempered however, since operations at the newly commissioned Marlins Park staff put a…spell…on things. After I had my ticket scanned at the entrance, I was greeted by a half hour line INSIDE the venue. In line in front of me was a Marlins season ticket holder who confided to me that the staff and service at the venue were notoriously lackadaisical with ushering fans into the venue and unhelpful inside.
This was only reiterated inside, when an agitated beer vender poured me a $14 cup of Heineken after having to repeat himself over the loud buzz of the crowd.
Nevertheless, the inept staff could do little to take away from the main stage attraction Guns N’ Roses, who just recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of its 1987 album, Appetite For Destruction.
At 8:30 p.m., the lights shut off in Marlins Park, which admittedly is a marvel to stare at thanks to three-tiered deck and retractable roof. The crowd erupted as Axl & co. hopped onstage. Whether it was from a year of touring or natural cohesion, it was evident this group still packs a punch.
Axl Rose, who over the years has endured numerous public meltdowns and endless scrutiny for his antics, was forceful in his stage presence. Donning a wide-brimmed, leather fedora, shades, and dozens of skull-y metal jewels, Axl flew around the stage. Running in between band members, he glided from each side of the stage eager to greet fans itching to see the group for the first time in over 20 years. He was so active that despite as many as five outfit changes, he was seen numerous times wringing sweat from his shirt.
For many, the biggest questions of the night surrounded Axl’s vocals (have they held up over the years?) and the group itself (how would it play together after a reunion that was once dubbed to happen, “not in this lifetime.”)
The first question was definitely answered by song four, the crowd favorite “Welcome to the Jungle.” As Slash — decked out in his top hat and curls — kicked up the bustling guitar intro, Axl hustled down the catwalk and belted the famous, “You’re in the jungle baby!”and then told the overwhelmingly large crowd, “You’re gonna dieeeeeeeee!”
With the musicality of the group in check, Guns N’ Roses cruised through some of the most popular metal/hard rock tunes of all-time during its 30-song set. While diehards like myself were entranced by Use Your Illusion cuts “Civil War” and “Estranged,” GNR also brought out the songs that brought it worldwide acclaim like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Paradise City.” The band even dusted off covers of rock classics like “Wish You Were Here” and “Black Hole Sun,” a tribute to the late singer Chris Cornell.
The question of the group’s chemistry was perhaps the biggest question mark on the night. The original lineup was broken up amidst its prime in the late 90s due to the volatile relationship between guitarist Slash and frontman Axl Rose. After years of public dissention towards each other, Slash and Axl were finally brought together after setting their differences aside (and the offer of millions in return for their collaboration on a world tour — the jaunt has raked in close to $100 million.)
While the pair’s interaction with each other was limited on Tuesday night, the boys at least showed an admiration for each other at times and appeared fine performing next to each other. When it was the time for Slash’s guitar solo (during which he performed his famed Godfather theme,) he was introduced by Axl.
“From the depths of the unknown,” Axl proclaimed, before only muttering the name the crowd knew too well, “…Slash.”
Before rounding out the almost three hour set, there was an interesting moment during the song “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” Midway through the song, while the band jammed on, Axl told the crowd to sing along because, “This may be the last time we get to sing this.” He elaborated that he was referring to the ongoing conflict between North Korea and President Donald Trump, who threatened to show “fire and fury this word has never seen.”
Axl nonchalantly, if not chillingly, hoped with us that “cooler heads may prevail.”
This looming global conflict did little to affect Guns N’ Roses nor the spirits of those in attendance. The band showed it has still go in it. Let’s hope, in the case of GN’R, that “cooler heads” also prevail and that the boys can and keep on rockin’.
This article appears in Aug 10-17, 2017.
