By Doug Miller/GunsNRoses.com
Over 17,000 fans braved a typhoon and packed into the Makuhari Messe Hall in Chiba City to witness the first concert by Guns N' Roses in Japan in five years.
From the opening strains of "Welcome to the Jungle" until the last explosion of the final encore, "Paradise City," GN'R had the sold-out crowd screaming for more. So Axl gave them what they wanted. After the sweat-drenched band had taken its final bow and was walking to the dressing room, Axl called a spontaneous audible. Axl and guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal went back to the stage and did a rare duet of "Don't Cry." Despite the nasty weather, the two-hour set was a smashing success.
Japanese fans of the band have been waiting with patience and anticipation for Guns N' Roses to return to Japan for the concert dates that had been postponed earlier this year because of an injury suffered by bassist Tommy Stinson.
There is another concert scheduled for the Makuhari Messe on Sunday night. The tour then moves to Nagoya on Tuesday, July 17, for a show at Nippon Gaishi Hall, Wednesday at Budokan Hall in Toyko, and the final show is set for Saturday, July 21, at the Osaka-Jo Hall in Osaka. |