Archive for May 16th, 2006

This weekend began the four-show run at Hammerstein of Guns ‘N Roses. While each show was sold out in minutes, and a barrage of press hyped the triumphant return of this generations greatest rock band, it was unclear if Axl and company could reclaim their previously held stature. After GNR 2.0 in ‘02 ended in disaster, much was at stake as the curtain lifted on Friday night.

And did they perform up to the standards of greatness? Yes. What we saw was a vintage rock show - an amazing performance by an iconic frontman, backed by an incredibley skilled band playing geniusly crafted songs. Was it the Guns ‘N Roses that we came to know, love, and sometimes hate? Not at all. As with many fallen dynasties, the differences are in the subtitles. Guns ‘N Roses (the original), was so appealing because they captured the essence of every great act since the invention of the distortion pedal. From Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, to Deep Purple, Aerosmith, and Guns ‘N Roses, it was a formula of their bluesy guitar playing and loose rhythms that made these larger-than-life bands more than the sum of their parts. Axl’s decision to replace the ever melodic Slash’s with the more technically proficient Buckethead, (and now Ron Thal), and the loose feel of original drummers Steven Adler and Matt Sorum with the more punchy and cerebral Brian ‘Brain’ Manita of Primus has erased the bluesy-throwback aesthetic which was the impetus for the original lineup’s superstardom.

Fear not, Guns fans, for an alternative exists to Axl’s cover band. Mr. Brownstone, who, unlike Axl, actually claim to be exactly what they are: a Guns ‘ N Roses tribute band. At new LES hotspot Fontana’s on Saturday night, this collection of clowns recreated what I’m sure every GNR fan hopes to see: a drunken rock mess that both delights, entertains, and leaves you with a wicked hangover. Be sure to see them at Bowery on Sat June 10th!