Axl Rose to bring guns, roses to Vancouver
Let’s hope that the ticket prices to Guns ‘n Roses Dec. 17 show don’t incite another GNR riot.
Axl Rose won't bring Slash, but he'll bring pit stains, to the Pacific Coliseum. Edvill/Flickr
By Jacob Zinn
[contributor]
Axl Rose is returning to B.C. to finish what he never started.
What he never started was the opening date of Guns N’ Roses’ 2002 Chinese Democracy tour in Vancouver.
Fans who rioted outside then-General Motors Place now have a second chance to see GNR at the Pacific Coliseum this Saturday. (Or riot if he no-shows again.)
In the band’s first Vancouver show in 18 years, Rose will (fingers crossed) perform a three-hour setlist of old and new GNR along with covers of Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney and AC/DC.
Accompanied by bandmates Dizzy Reed, Richard Fortus and newcomer DJ Ashba, the siren-voiced lead singer will welcome Vancouverites to the jungle.
It’s not the 1987 Appetite for Destruction line-up, but it’s enough to get a long-time hold-out into one of the Rink on Renfrew’s 17,500 seats.
Original members Slash, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin and Steven Adler will be absent, though being only months shy of induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this may (somewhat ironically) be the last opportunity to see the revolving door that is currently named “Guns N’ Roses.”
Expect a late start to the show – Rose has consistently taken the stage between 10:45 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. at previous dates – but if you’re concerned he’ll go on early, get there on time and bring a book.
The wait will be worth it. Rose is still screaming at the top of his lungs, and he’ll keep screaming ‘til he’s brought to his sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na knees.
Axl Rose brings seven guys who aren’t Slash to the Pacific Coliseum on Dec. 17. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster for $36.00 to $145.75.
