Gunner Axl Rose a little hit and miss
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Axl Rose at Perth Arena last night. Picture: Tom Davidson
Source: News Limited
ARE Guns N' Roses days as a live band knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door?
Kicking off their national tour at Perth Arena last night, legendary frontman Axl Rose, the only remaining original member of the hard rock band, delivered a hit and miss vocal performance.
While there is little doubt the band, who formed back in 1985, know how to make an entrance – literally exploding onto the stage in a burst of pyrotechnics and launching straight into Chinese Democracy – the singer struggled to hit all the right notes.
However, the band, which includes DJ Ashba on guitar, Dizzy Reed on keys, Tommy Stinson on bass, Richard Fortus on guitar, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal on guitar, Chris Pitman on keyboards and Frank Ferrrer on drums, were undeniably tight as they made their way through hits including Welcome To The Jungle, Estranged, Better, Live and Let Die and I Used To Love Her.
Each member proved to be a true showman, playing to the crowds for a set which featured impressive guitar solos from Ashba, Thal and Fortus, as well as a moment in the spotlight for Reed, seated at a piano in the centre of the stage.
The Gunners kicked of their Australian tour in Perth. Picture: Tom Davidson
And while something seemingly indescribable was missing on stage, the enthusiastic audience rocked out to the performance, particularly during songs like Sweet Child O’ Mine, with Rose’s vocals barely audible over the crowd screaming the lyrics at the top of their lungs.
Seated at a piano, dressed in a long black trench coat, Rose sang a cover of Pink Floyd’s Another Brick In The Wall before continuing into November Rain, Don’t Cry and by far the strongest vocal performance of the night, Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door, during which Rose was a force to be reckoned with.
After closing with Night Train and disappearing briefly from the stage, Guns N’ Roses returned for an encore including Patience, which featured a beautiful acoustic intro, and Paradise City, which unfortunately ended the evening on a low note, with Rose’s signature vocals repeatedly faltering.
Earlier in the night, Texan trio ZZ Top took to the stage oozing an effortless cool and delivering an excellent set featuring songs such as Jesus Left Chicago, I Gotsta Get Paid, Gimme All Your Lovin’, My Head’s In Mississippi, Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers and Sharp Dressed Man.
Guns N Roses opened the show with Chinese Democracy. Picture: Tom Davidson
Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill rocked sunnies, sparkling jackets and their trademark long, silver beards, on stage with drummer Frank Beard, who is oddly the only member without such prominent facial hair.
The bluesy guitar riffs and deep vocals were to-die-for and hits like She’s Got Legs, Tube Snake Boogie and La Grange were standouts.
The night had kicked off with a performance by Aussie rockers Rose Tattoo.
The bands next jet to Sydney to perform before appearances in Newcastle, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Axl Rose, the only remaining original member of Guns N’ Roses at Perth Arena last night. Picture: Tom Davidson
