Also just want to point out in reference to a reunion being only Axl and Slash and that you could introduce Tommy as Duff and nobody would know that I think it's pretty wide of the mark. Slash and Axl are the figureheads of a reunion and would be the guys the media would want to talk to but there's no way references to Duff and Izzy wouldn't be made if they weren't involved.

At the Manchester show on Monday guess who got the loudest cheer during band intros? Dizzy, by some distance. Not that the others didn't get cheered but Dizzy's was the loudest. Dizzy's a bit part player but simply his association with the old band got him a louder cheer than the others.

Top show last night, the guys were on fire, spoiled only by the piss poor seats I had. A lesson learned I suppose. I had such a 'side' view I was almost behind the stage, about 8 rows back nearly level with Franks drums, so in a sense it was a great view at times when DJ or Axl were on that side but you also felt a bit removed from the show when nobody was there, having to rely on the screen.

Baz was ok, entertaining, but kinda cheesy. I can't imagine anyone more annoying to be stuck in a lift with. I suspected we'd be in for a long wait when Baz ended his set with YGW then announced he'd fucked up his timings and they had two more songs to play (hmmm). Then as he introduced the final song said 'This is going to be our last song....I think'. I also noticed DJ watching the show from the side of the stage. Baz went off around 8.30 and the wait began. Mostly good natured until 10 when booing began. The crew then sprung into life around 10.10 which seemed to ease things but the band didn't hit the stage until 10.30. I was prepared for the wait and had today off work so I wasn't too bothered but it is fucking boring if nothing else.

Anyhow once the show began the crowd seemed to forget the wait and the atmosphere was great. I'm going over old ground now but they were in top form, my major concern was Axl, 4-5 songs in I thought he sounded to be really struggling. His voice was sounding more and more strained with every word and given his comments the night before I thought we might be lucky to get to 10 songs. Then all of a sudden he was sounding fine again and belting out the tracks like it was 1989 and he only got stronger as the night went on. He was quiet though not really saying an awful lot between songs but that seems to be the way of it these days.

DJ is a major asset, works the crowd really well and plays great, he looks like he belongs there. Massive credit to him for turning round and acknowledging us poor souls in the shit seats as well, he even turned round to face us for the main SCOM solo which was cool. The solo spots are also a major improvement over 06 and much less of a momentum killer. In fact I'd say DJ's is a real highlight.

Also very noticeable the arena was still pretty full right to the end, in 06 people were leaving in droves come the encore but last night this was much less apparent.

Overall a top night, really good to see them again after 4 years, especially sounding so good. Nice to finally see CD songs get cheers from the crowd when they're played as well. Hopefully it's not a 4 year gap before they hit these shores again.

Please stick around til Monday Duff!!!

Ummm nope

It's still a popular song but people don't just strike up chanting the riff in bars. Then again you're on the continent and they're a funny lot