Music Events on Earth

Guns N' Roses Rock Rome

Maral Valipour
July 2023

The iconic Circo Massimo, an ancient chariot-racing stadium in Rome, Italy, transformed into a rock 'n' roll paradise on July 8th at 20:45 as Guns N' Roses took the stage for a mind-blowing concert that left the crowd craving more.

With a lineup featuring Duff McKagan on bass, Frank Ferrer on the drums, the seasoned keyboardist Dizzy Reed, the lovely and talented Melissa Reese, who joined the band in 2016, the fiery guitarist Richard Fortus, and of course, the iconic Slash, the stage was set for an unforgettable evening of pure rock 'n' roll magic!


If you want a taste of the magic, tune into this playlist - the perfect accompaniment to the review to come 🤘

The iconic riff of It's So Easy and Axl Rose's voice, still as powerful as ever, cut through the night air, I see your sister in her Sunday dress and the night started! A sonic blast from their groundbreaking debut album, Appetite for Destruction, released on June 15, 1987.  

With Axl Rose's raw and raspy vocals echoing through the ancient walls, 'I get up around seven, get outta bed around nine.' Mr. Brownstone followed, the crowd was transported back in time to the glorious era of the late '80s, when Guns N' Roses took the music world by storm with their rebellious spirit and infectious tunes.

As the night unfolded, Guns N' Roses showcased their musical prowess with a carefully curated selection of hits, taking the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

The opening notes of Chinese Democracy filled the night. Slash took center stage, switching to his green B.C. Rich Bich, his fingers dancing across the fretboard, while Richard Fortus was playing the red Falcon delivering a sonic assault that resonated deep within our rock 'n' roll souls.

A moment of pure rock ecstasy erupted when Guns N' Roses unleashed Slither, a blistering track from Velvet Revolver's debut album, Contraband. The convergence of past and present, as Guns N' Roses paid homage to their own musical roots, creating a sonic force that shook Circo Massimo to its very foundation.

As the night continued, the crowd was in for a surprise that sent shivers down their spines. The familiar notes of Live and Let Die reverberated through the stadium. Guns N' Roses' cover of the iconic Bond theme was nothing short of awe-inspiring, leaving the audience in a state of rock 'n' roll euphoria. Guns N' Roses surprised us once more with a punk rock delight, Down on the Farm, originally by UK Subs.

And, oh, the highlights continued! "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "November Rain" were nothing short of magical. We all held our breath as Axl Rose took the spotlight, playing the piano of "November Rain" on a Yamaha grand piano.

Guns N' Roses left us craving more with their cover of Bob Dylan's Knockin' on Heaven's Door. From Use Your Illusion II, the song carried a poignant weight and took us on a reflective journey. But the party didn't end there, Nightrain pulled us back into the infectious rhythm, the perfect tribute to their wild early days of cheap wine and high spirits.

But the true climax awaited, and in a crescendo of adrenaline, the opening chords of Walk All Over You by AC/DC shook the ground. The crowd's energy reached its zenith, and we danced and sang, begging the night never to end. The epic closing song was none other than the memorable Paradise City, just as you already imagined!

The concert's highlights were as diverse as the band's musical journey, and every song held a unique place in the hearts of the fans. From their explosive beginnings with Appetite for Destruction to the punk rock rebellion of Spaghetti Incident?, Guns N' Roses proved that they are more than just a band, they are an institution in the world of rock.

Maral Valipour
Here in celebration of our shared love for music, and the mesmerizing power of lyrics. Let's ride this sonic magic wave together!
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