Guns N’ Roses is set to make a big impact this Friday at SPAC. The iconic lineup, including Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan, is making their long-awaited return to the Capital Region after reuniting in 2016 for a global stadium tour.
While much has been said about their legendary 1988 SPAC performance, where they outshined headliner Aerosmith, people tend to forget about their last appearance in the 518. It happened on November 27, 2002, at the Pepsi Arena in Albany. This was Rose’s controversial revamp of the Gn’R name, and only a fraction of the crowd that witnessed the original lineup at SPAC showed up for it.
The new lineup, which Rose announced with a bizarre performance at that year’s MTV Video Music Awards, featured Tommy Stinson from The Replacements on bass and Robin Finck from Nine Inch Nails on guitar, among others. This eccentric lineup, coupled with Rose’s unique appearance – with his braided hair and leather pants – led many to perceive Guns N’ Roses as a mere sideshow.
The Albany show was initially met with skepticism, as the tour had already faced cancellations, delayed start times, and mixed reviews. As tensions rose among the restless crowd, it seemed like a riot was about to break out. But at around 10:30 PM, the lights went out, and Guns N’ Roses took the stage, setting the crowd on fire with their classic hit, “Welcome to the Jungle.”
Over the course of two hours, the Rose-led version of Guns N’ Roses delivered a powerful performance, showcasing songs from their influential album “Appetite for Destruction,” hits from “Use Your Illusion,” as well as unreleased tracks from their mythical “Chinese Democracy” album. Buckethead, the enigmatic guitarist sporting a white mask and KFC bucket on his head, wowed the crowd with his technical guitar solos and even entertained them with breakdancing and toy giveaways.
Rose, true to form, charmed the audience with his signature shimmy and impassioned singing. Despite the late start and all the drama surrounding the tour, he engaged in lively banter and offered insights into his relationship with the media and his former bandmates. The Albany show marked a turning point, sparking a surge in ticket sales and positive reviews for subsequent gigs. Unfortunately, the tour came to an abrupt end when Rose failed to appear at the Philadelphia concert, resulting in another riot and the cancellation of the remaining shows.
Looking forward to the Guns N’ Roses concert at SPAC this Friday, I anticipate an unforgettable evening filled with punctuality and awe-inspiring three-hour sets, as they have become known for in recent years. It’s a chance to witness the greatness of rock music through some of their most iconic songs.
However, the 2002 Pepsi Arena show will always hold a special place in my heart. It raises intriguing questions about what could have been if Rose hadn’t disrupted the momentum and credibility they had gained. Would Slash and Duff have rejoined the band? And would fans have still cared if they hadn’t? As the chorus of their song “My Michelle” goes, “Well, well, well, you just can’t tell.”
In conclusion, Guns N’ Roses’ upcoming performance at SPAC promises to be a memorable event, uniting fans of all generations in celebration of their timeless rock music.
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