4/1: GUNS N’ ROSES MANIA IS UPON US

Guns N’ Roses mania is now in full swing! The club show tonight at The Troubador kicks it all off. Finally all the questions and rumors should be answered. As I’ve said all along I believe the lineup will be the last version of GnR with Slash in for the departed Ashba and Bumble, and of course Duff on bass who subbed for Tommy Stinson toward the end of the last Guns tour. This entire thing has been built around Slash, Duff and Axl. That is the only thing being sold and promised and for most that is plenty good enough. Yes some will grumble about no Izzy (who already said he’s out) and maybe no Adler (not sure but likely out, we will know tonight), but those are the same people that grumble about no Michael Anthony or Bill Ward but still go see Sabbath and VH. I also always would like the original guys, but the fact is every band knows who the key guys that draw and the mainstream knows are. That moves the needle, that rakes in the bucks, and with Guns it’s clearly Slash and Duff.

Now Guns has announced the dates and cities for a US stadium tour. Did anyone really think they would go through all of this and not tour? The way they have done all of this is very smart and kind of old school. Info only as needed, let the world speculate, no interviews, then when any news comes at all it’s a major deal. It’s going to be fun to watch and I think it’s good for rock for sure. I also think they will announce some major support acts for these stadium dates probably soon. Make it even more of an event. But they may wait to see how the dates sell to decide what is needed. I’ve known all the guys in GnR past and present for a long time. Some are good friends. I’m glad they were able to pull this off and wish them luck. Like I said, this is all good for our kind of music. It will be fun to watch and see how it all goes no doubt, and it will also be great to finally put an end to all the non stop speculation and see a show actually happen tonight! See you in Vegas next weekend if you are going..