MUMBAI: Over 20,000 Mumbaikars fulfilled their dreams of seeing one of the greatest bands ever in rock music as the iconic Guns N’ Roses led by often troubled frontman Axl Rose gave a high-octane performance at the MMRDA Grounds on Sunday (9 December). The band covered all their hits from their classic albums from ‘Appetite for Destruction’ (1987) to ‘Chinese Democracy’ (2008).
The band opened the show with the title track from ‘Chinese Democracy’ immediately followed by ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ to a roar of approval from the packed venue. The show then set off at a blistering pace to ‘Mr Brownstone’, ‘Estranged’ and ‘Live & Let Die’. They slowed down a bit for the piano and guitar solos that were all performed with aplomb and finesse.
Armed with four guitarists including the bass, keyboardist, percussion and keyboards, and drums, the band had more than adequate firepower to the demands of the songs and expectations of the fans.
The man of the night was Axl Rose, the last remaining member from the original G N’ R- wearing ten gallon hat, Stetsons and bandana in turns with shades- showed why he is considered one of the best singers in the industry by flawlessly delivering his trademark high notes and holding them for as long as it took.
The band’s professionalism showed in the ease that they switched gears- from guitars – and parts in between songs. They posed, strutted and jumped around but never lost their footing.
The crew too seamlessly slid in grand pianos in and out of the stage without ever letting the pace slacken or interrupting the flow.
The highlight of the three-hour show came in the middle when the band belted out ‘You Could Be Mine’, ‘Sweet Child of Mine’ and ‘November Rain’ in quick succession.
Dedicating ‘Knockin on Heaven’s Door’ to the city and late Freddie Mercury (of British rock band Queen) Rose said, “I dedicate the song to India, Mumbai, Bombay and Freddie Mercury. We have been trying to get here for the last 27 years.”
After a brief lull with ‘Patience’ the finished the show with ‘Night Train’, ‘Nice Boys Don’t Play Rock n’ Roll’ and another favourite ‘Paradise City’ which left the audience out of breath and very satisfied.