Guns N’ Roses have reclaimed their rightful place in the rock ‘n’ roll spotlight, triumphantly returning to the stage at Detroit’s Ford Field for their debut show on the “Not in This Lifetime” tour.
Frontman Axl Rose (back in full force after suffering a broken bone in his foot earlier in the year) and original members Slash and Duff McKagan were first to emerge on stage, followed by new members Richard Fortus on guitar and Dizzy Reed and Melissa Reese on keys. Together, they brought down the house of 40,000 eager fans that have waited years for a reunion they never thought possible.
“I’ve been playing with Guns N’ Roses for 15 years now and the work ethic these guys have is amazing,” Fortus told Gretsch Guitars. “I think I’ve rehearsed more this year in that band than I have in the previous 14 years together. It’s been really intense and very focused. It’s a great learning experience and a great honor.”
Those rehearsals apparently have paid off as GNR put on a tight and epic two-and-a-half-hour performance that kicked off with “It’s So Easy” and included hits “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Chinese Democracy” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” GNR closed out the thrilling show with fan favorite “Paradise City.”
Guns N’ Roses will tour through August with a star studded opening lineup on select dates that includes The Cult, Alice in Chains, Lenny Kravitz and more. Dates here.
Check out fan footage from the concert below.