Dr. Rock's Music Adventures: October 2017

One of the classic rock bands that I had yet to see was Guns 'N' Roses. When Axl Rose was being joined by Slash and Duff McKagan from the classic lineup AND they announced a Cleveland, Ohio date, I knew I was gonna find a way to go.
VENUE: Quicken Loans Arena is primarily the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it also hosts quite a few concerts throughout the year. I have seen Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band there four times. I had a ticket for the 7th row in Section 125, close to the stage in the lower bowl.
MERCHANDISE: GNR had quite a few nice tee shirts and other items.
THE SHOW: Guns 'n' Roses had a large stage setup with two keyboards and the drummer on the riser, Richard Fortus on rhythm guitar (and some lead), then Duff McKagan on bass, Slash on lead guitar, and Axl Rose on lead vocals. There was a large video board behind the band, some flames, and confetti at the end of the night. A really good stage show.
The band played all the hits during the set and they sounded great - "Patience", "November Rain", "Welcome To The Jungle", "Sweet Child O' Mine", and "Paradise City" all were terrific. What surprised me, considering I had not checked this tours set lists, were the covers played by the band. "Live And Let Die" (Wings), "Attitude" (the Misfits), "Wichita Lineman" (Jimmy Webb/Glen Campbell), "Wish You Were Here" (Pink Floyd), "Black Hole Sun" (Soundgarden), "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" (Bob Dylan), and "The Seeker" (The Who) were played during the set. And they really added to the show.
How did the musicians sound? Really good. The guitar solos were great, the band clearly was in good sync, Duff McKagan and Frank Ferrer (drums) laid down a good groove. Axl Rose was in good voice for the first and last third of the show. During the middle section, his voice sounded pretty rough. Some magic concoction must have been drank or gargled because the vocal cords sounded much better afterwards.
A cool note: Duff McKagan went to Cleveland's The Christmas Story House before the show and picked up a tee shirt that with a movie quote "You Used Up All The Glue On Purpose" - hilarious!
MY RATING: A really good show! A solid 4 out of 5 stars.