In March last year I had the rare opportunity to witness a live performance by one of music’s most controversial bands, Guns N’ Roses.

I bought my $80 ticket knowing very well that this could be a hit or miss experience since the band is notorious for being a no show. However, I was one of the lucky ones who, after almost 20 years since the release of “Appetite for Destruction,” listened as the lights went out, the crowd roared and the opening chords of “Welcome to the Jungle” penetrated the ear drums of a drunken crowd of die hard fans.

Axl Rose and company proceeded to crank out their classics from “Appetite for Destruction” and “Use Your Illusion 1 and 2” much to the pleasure of the fans. However, the greatest thrill of the night was the chance to watch and listen as the band performed nearly every song that may appear on one of the most highly anticipated albums of all time, “Chinese Democracy.” From what I heard it is well worth the wait.

Ok, I understand that some of you may be thinking that I’m stretching the truth when I say that I’ve seen Guns N’ Roses. Yes, the “new” Guns N’ Roses only features two remaining members from the original band--Axl Rose and Dizzy Reed (keyboards)--but in my opinion Axl has always been the creative mastermind behind Guns N’ Roses, and witnessing the new band perform live only reinforced this belief.

Robin Finck (ex-Nine Inch Nails), Robin Thal aka Bumblefoot, and Richard Fortus share guitar duties in the reformed band, and Finck can light up the strings with the same ferocity as Slash did in previous years. Finck displays his talents on the title track “Chinese Democracy,” reminiscent of the previously mentioned “Welcome to the Jungle,” and is sure to become an instant classic with its no-holds-barred riff and heart-pounding drums. The three guitarists really compliment each other well.

Tommy Stinson of the legendary 1980s alternative rock band The Replacements takes Duff McKagan’s place as bassist. Stinson brings plenty of energy to the band and his abilities shine on the track “I.R.S.” Fran Ferrer (drums), ex-Love Spit Love member, Dizzy Reed, and Chris Pitman (synths) round out the rest of the new incarnation of Guns N’ Roses. The collectivity of the band is strongest on the mellow “Madagascar.” Believe it or not, Axl has done the unthinkable and put together a stronger act than the original Guns N’ Roses.

On “Chinese Democracy” Axl shows off his talent as a songwriter. The song “Better” has recently appeared in a Harley Davidson commercial and is one of the many highlights on the forthcoming album. In “Better” Axl writes, “So bittersweet, this tragedy won’t ask for absolution/This melody inside of me still searches for solution.”

What exactly is Axl searching for? Hopefully, an actual release date for the album. There has been a lot of speculation and false release dates for this album for the past two years and fans may be growing impatient. But believe me when I say that the wait will be well worth it when the album releases, debuts at #1, and outsells “Appetite for Destruction.”

The supposed tracklisting is as followed:

1.         Better

2.         Catcher in the Rye

3.         Chinese Democracy

4.         I.R.S.

5.         Madagascar

6.         The Blues

7.         There Was A Time

8.         Silkworms

9.         Rhiad

Return to Home -- Return to Features