GUNS N’ ROSES – WORLD TOUR – LIVE @ FENWAY PARK

By Joe Perusse

The third of my four Boston area shows was the one I was most looking forward to the most as Guns N’ Roses was bringing their World Tour to Fenway Park. Unlike the old days of the band they took the stage before 8pm with Axl Rose (Vocals) strutting across the stage as the band ripped into “It’s So Easy”. Chrissie Hynde from opening band The Pretenders joined on harmonica for “Bad Obsession” and Slash (Lead Guitar) had the finger slide out.

“Chinese Democracy” was next and then as Rose was belting out the lyrics to Velvet Revolver’s “Slither”, ” yeah, here comes the water, It comes to wash away the sins of you and I“, the skies opened up and the rain began. Rose asked after the song who needed their sins washed away and got a lot of takers. “Welcome to the Jungle” followed.

After the show my son, Jagger and I were discussing if they planned it. We guessed it had to be early during the downpour when it was just survival mode in the park. A ton of people left their seats to try and find cover but we stuck it out. I think I have been drier while swimming because at least my head is out of the water. “Hard Skool”, “Reckless Life” and “Pretty Tied Up” were next and Rose mentioned all sins should be washed away at this point so feel free to go out and commit a few more.

“Double Talkin’ Jive” led into the new release “Perhaps” which sounded very good live. After “Absurd” the rain let up just slightly for “Rocket Queen”, featuring solo’s from Dizzy Reed (Keys) and Richard Fortus (Rhythm Guitar). Slash also brought out the talk box for the first time tonight. “You Could Be Mine”, “Estranged” and “Live and Let Die”, a Wings cover with a good light show, followed.

Duff McKagen (Bass) took a turn on vocals for The Stooges “T.V.Eye”. Next was “This I Love” and then Slash brought out the talk box again for “Anything Goes”. Slash had the double neck guitar for “Civil War” which also included band intros at the end. Slash amazed as usual with his guitar solo, being joined at the end by Duff and Fortus, before ripping into the classic lead into “Sweet Child o’ Mine”. The phones were out filing on masse, probably for two reasons. One, a great song and two, first time in a while the rain had let up enough to take the phones out.

Rose sat at the piano for “November Rain” during which ironically there was no rain. The whistle intro to “Patience” was done live and Slash and Fortus sat on the drum riser strumming along peacefully. Slash brought the double neck back for Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” and Fortus treated the crowd to a fantastic solo mid song. “Nightrain” and “Paradise City” closed out the evening with Slash performing the later on his knees. Frank Ferrer (Drums) and Melissa Reese (Keys/Backing Vocals) round out the lineup. My shoes didn’t dry out for four days but I would happily stand through the rain anytime GNR wants to return to the area.

The Pretenders opened to a sparse crowd right at 5:30. I felt for them a bit though as much as Chrissie Hynde tried, tonight’s crowd was all about GNR. I thought it was a strong 14 song set and brought me back to high school hearing those songs.

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