Music
Everything we know about the Guns N’ Roses reunion so far
With news that Guns N’ Roses will headline Coachella this April, we’re officially one step closer to the rumours of the original line-up reforming being confirmed.
Although music critics have been speculating since the end of December – suggesting 2016 will see the first time singer Axl Rose and guitarist Slash have performed together under the Guns N’ Roses banner since 1993 – it’s yet to be 100% confirmed by the festival or band.
#GnFnR pic.twitter.com/vbn5Uh57pg
— Guns N' Roses (@gunsnroses) January 5, 2016
Guns N’ Roses have famously continued touring without Slash, who left the band in October 1996 claiming it was difficult to work with the notorious singer.
That said, Slash is a household name in his own right and a regular on the main stage billings of our biggest festivals.
So the prospect of seeing both Axl and Slash share a stage in 2016? Well, it’s already blowing the minds of rock fans everywhere.
Axl was due to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight (5 January) to address the rumours but has since pulled out, according to a source quote from LA Times published yesterday, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Axl is no longer scheduled to be on Kimmel tomorrow.”
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) January 5, 2016
Still, it’s done little to dampen expectations that Axl and Slash WILL reform with bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum (possibly?!) for festival dates AND a possible headline tour in 2016.
Axl was the only original member to be included in the most recent incarnation of Guns N’ Roses, which saw them take up a Las Vegas residency in 2014.
Meanwhile, Billboard’s insiders estimate the band is asking for around $3 million (USD) per performance. Around 25 stadium shows in North America are also rumoured, along with a string of European shows.
By the looks of Slash’s Facebook page – and the latest Guns N’ Roses / Coachella photo shared – rumours that he will be burying his long-running feud with Axl Rose to reform the LA rock legends this year are very, very likely.
Update 6/12: Guns N’ Roses confirm return of Slash and Duff McKagan in a press release issued today, reports NME.
The press release states: “Upholding a three-decade tradition of breaking ground, creating trends, and forever changing the face of rock ‘n’ roll, Guns N’ Roses announce the most significant and anxiously awaited musical event of this century. Founder Axl Rose and former members Slash and Duff McKagan will regroup to headline the Coachella Music & Arts Festival.”
So there we have it, he Guns N’ Roses reunion is ON! What do you think? Hoping for UK dates? Let us know @TicketmasterUK.