When the newly reunited Weapons N’ Roses headlined Coachella in 2016, it felt inconceivable.
Once they returned to the Empire Polo Membership seven years later to shut the primary evening of Energy Journey, it felt inevitable.
Like Iron Maiden proper earlier than them, Weapons N’ Roses included no surprises of their Friday evening efficiency. However that’s to not say they didn’t kick up a beautiful racket throughout their three-hour set, delivering a vigorous, exhausting mixture of hits, deep cuts, covers and new tunes.
You may see the complete set record under.
Deep Cuts Dominated the Day
Highlights of GN’R’s 2023 set record embrace classic deep cuts “Dangerous Obsession,” “Fairly Tied Up” and “Something Goes,” again for the primary time in many years. All three offered thrills at Energy Journey, notably the primary two, which arrived early within the set and allowed Axl Rose to flex his still-powerful chest voice.
The frontman additionally sounded fired up on the band’s cowl of Wings’ “Reside and Let Die” and the Chinese language Democracy reduce “Higher,” and his banshee wail on “Reckless Life” was practically transportive. That inimitable sandpaper rasp that after made Rose probably the most harmful frontman on the earth solely exhibits up about half the time on a great evening now — however for those who can reside with these odds, you’re in for a hell of a great time.
READ MORE: Weapons N’ Roses Reside Surprises: Debuts and Rarities From 2023 Tour
That’s as a result of, even when they’re displaying their age, Weapons N’ Roses don’t telephone it in. Rose stomped and strutted his approach throughout the Energy Journey stage all evening, eyes nonetheless filled with fiery willpower and satisfaction when he landed a great scream. Slash dazzled throughout a frenetic, improvisational solo on the finish of “Double Talkin’ Jive,” the notes virtually flying out of his fingers like mini lightning bolts. Duff McKagan, an image of self-preservation, delivered rock-solid backing vocals alongside keyboardist Melissa Reese and proved his personal frontman mettle with a canopy of the Stooges’ “T.V. Eye.”
Weapons N’ Roses Performed Lengthy — Perhaps Too Lengthy
It was every part you possibly can need from a Weapons N’ Roses set — after which some. The band delivered most bang for buck, but in addition loads of bloat. “Rocket Queen,” as soon as one in all their most menacing songs, obtained a hammy, Vegas-style makeover with dueling guitar solos, piano and auxiliary percussion. A gradual throng of followers within the basic admission part flocked to the exits all through the second half of the set, which included back-to-back covers of Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” and Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”
Droop your cynicism although, and Weapons N’ Roses nonetheless delivered a gargantuan rock present, warts and all, that reminded viewers why they belong on the Energy Journey lineup. They may not be the identical wildly unpredictable band of yesteryear, however the truth that they’re right here in any respect is value celebrating.
Weapons N’ Roses, 10/6/23, Energy Journey, Indio
1. “It’s So Straightforward”
2. “Dangerous Obsession”
3. “Chinese language Democracy”
4. “Slither” (Velvet Revolver cowl)
5. “Fairly Tied Up”
6. “Mr. Brownstone”
7. “Welcome to the Jungle”
8. “Exhausting Skool”
9. “Absurd”
10. “Double Talkin’ Jive”
11. Reckless Life”
12. “You May Be Mine”
13. “Estranged”
14. “Reside and Let Die” (Wings cowl)
15. “Down on the Farm” (UK Subs cowl)
16. “Rocket Queen”
17. “T.V. Eye” (Stooges cowl, Duff McKagan on lead vocals)
18. “Higher”
19. “Something Goes”
20. “Civil Battle”
21. Slash guitar solo
22. “Candy Youngster O’ Mine”
23. “November Rain”
24. “Wichita Lineman” (Glen Campbell cowl)
25. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” (Bob Dylan cowl)
26. “Endurance”
27. “Coma”
28. “Nightrain”
29. “Paradise Metropolis”
Weapons N’ Roses Lineup Adjustments: A Full Information (We Suppose)
Few bands have impacted rock ‘n’ roll the way in which they’ve, and even fewer have weathered as many modifications.
Gallery Credit score: UCR Employees
