American hard rock legends Guns n Roses have finally gotten round to their 2022 UK Tour; after it was delayed for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many fans were more than happy to finally get the payoff for their tickets, many were left disappointed after sound issues and uncomfortable rumours built quite an interesting atmosphere before and during the 2 dates at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Friday and Saturday (June 1^st and 2^nd).

One epic night deserves another! London, let’s go again pic.twitter.com/8FPHYq0ZOP

— Guns N’ Roses (@gunsnroses) July 2, 2022

Back in 2017, GnR made massive headlines when they did the last thing anyone thought they would… reform with a (mostly) original lineup. Axl Rose on lead vocals, Slash on lead guitar, and Duff McKagan on the Bass. The “classic” lineup still lacks Izzy Stradlin and Steven Adler; which most fans would argue makes the lineup incomplete… but, come on guys, this is probably enough. The big problem with this tour, however, wasn’t who did or didn’t show up, but the severe lacking of UK dates. They did 2 nights at the London Stadium in 2017… and that’s it. Other than a brief appearance at Download festival the next year, many fans were left waiting. So, when the European tour of 2022 was announced, the band had something to prove.

Now, after 2 more years of delays, the shows have arrived (again, only 2 dates in London and a festival appearance, but at least it’s actually happening now). The band’s initial plan to open doors was set for 4:30pm, enough time to allow fans a bit of time to buy beers and merch and then amble over to, support act, Gary Clarke Jr. The doors didn’t actually open until 2 hours later, no longer allowing time for Gary Clarke Jr’s slot, and bringing rumours of Rose’s bout of anxiety causing him to pull out of the performance. The show did eventually go ahead, but many fans immediately noticed problems with the band’s sound. Claiming they could hardly hear Rose’s vocals. That night they only played 22 songs, significantly shorter than the usual 27, and ignored fan favourites: “You Could Be Mine” and “Coma”.

The band’s second night wasn’t much better. Rose told the crowd a number of times that he was “having issues” with his voice after the 7^th song of the show “Estranged”, this was probably a factor of the show’s, very brief, 19-song setlist. Fan classics “Rocket Queen” and “November Rain” were dropped from the setlist for the first time since 2014 and 2016 respectively. Watch footage from “Estranged” below.

Tomorrow, Guns n Roses are set to hit Glasgow Green and many fans are worried about the band showing up. While it’s still full steam ahead today, Scotrail issues have led to an urge to travel to the show early, and prepare for alternate means of escape. I’m not sure that they do it on purpose… but Guns n Roses really know how to make touring as hard as physically possible.