Last night, the current incarnation Guns N' Roses continued their string of intimate, small-venue shows with a stop at Philadelphia's Electric Factory.
During the show, frontman Axl Rose took the opportunity to explain and apologize for an incident that took place in the city in 2002. As the story goes, Rose was a no-show for the gig, which infuriated fans, eventually ending in a riot and a handful of people being sent to the hospital.
Speaking to the crowd last night in Philly, Axl explained, "I did cancel the first show at six in the morning, but my manager told me he cancelled it and then didn't. And then Clear Channel wanted us to fuck up because they wanted to end the tour."
He continued, "I got really sick. It had nothing to do with fur coats or basketball games."
For the full speech -- and a performance of "You Could Be Mine" -- check out the video below.
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Josh Hart is a former web producer and staff writer for Guitar World and Guitar Aficionado magazines (2010–2012). He has since pursued writing fiction under various pseudonyms while exploring the technical underpinnings of journalism, now serving as a senior software engineer for The Seattle Times.
“His rhythm playing is tight and in tune in a way that’s rare, and his intonation is stunning”: Joe Satriani and Steve Vai have detailed the full SatchVai Band lineup – and Pete Thorn is handling rhythm guitar
“This is on a level of Live Aid, mid-'80s”: John Mayer and Dave Matthews to perform as a duo for the first time at L.A. FireAid benefit concert, alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joni Mitchell and Green Day