ottosporteman wrote:

Richard solo was NOT the James Bond theme and had the band backing him up.

Bumblefoot solo was also different, containing parts of Danny Boy.

There Was A Time was played. Civil War returned.

Pretty different than the shows on Russia.

I guess the band is aware they are playing for people that already saw this show (Russia didn't, only received a private show) and they are changing things up.

Also: I find amusing when people come to the boards saying "oh but Axl has been playing the same setlist since 2001". Fuck me, he's not!

2001/2002 was way different from 2006 that was different from 2010 that is different from 2012.

There are things that won't change. You won't go to a concert where GNR doesnt play Jungle, ISE, Sweet Child, November Rain (even if Axl plays only the first half ), etc.

But the sets have changed, songs have been added, after CD release the whole album was played, some songs more often than others.

Perhaps the sets aren't changing the way we, the hardcores, want or expect, but to deny they are changing is another thing.

1) I like that new solo spot by Richard.

2) On the setlist complaints.  Obviously they haven't been playing the same setlist since 2002.  That's an exaggeration by anyone who says that.  They've added new songs or made changes each time out.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  When people complain about the setlists, they're really complaining about the lack of new material.  Playing CD songs, or different UYI tracks doesn't cut it with some people anymore.

I do think we'll get some new surprises on this tour.  TWAT was a good start.  Oh My God could get played somewhere down the line.  Maybe another UYI track.  And MAYBE, just maybe, they'll break out a new song like Going Down.  If that happens though, I'd expect it to be more towards the end of the tour, so they can then head into the studio and finish up work on the follow up album.  That's in a perfect world of course.

Sky Dog wrote:

you have to admit that is cool....we all know the shortcomings but it is nice to see some self reflection and honesty.

Oh I totally think it's cool. But here's the deal; I wonder if "management" agrees with who Axl is. I envision Axl to be a cool, humble, eccentric dude who knows where he stands in the world but "management" keeps telling him otherwise.