For the last decade, Guns N’ Roses fans have had to endure a series of reincarnations of their favorite band. The band’s last album, “Chinese Democracy,” only featured Axl Rose from the original lineup, as did the touring band.
And while 2016 has been something of a tragic year thus far, for music fans with the deaths of Lemmy, David Bowie and Paul Kantner, the reforming of Guns N’ Roses at least comforted some. The first announcements that Axl, Slash and Co. would be reuniting first broke in 2015, with a slew of high-profile festivals looking for the Los Angeles band to headline.
However, in somewhat surprising fashion, news broke on Consequence of Sound that the band would be recording a new album in 2016 and would likely include Izzy Stradlin in the process. Although, the guitarist won’t be joining the band on tour due to him having “other commitments” at this time.
With hardcore fans unsurprisingly stoked about the news, it has been reported that merchandise sales have gone through the roof, especially those featuring the original lineup. Additionally, gaming websites have even started featuring their own Guns N’ Roses titles in an attempt to join the hype train and cash-in on the band’s popularity.
The last show that core members Axl Rose and Slash played together was in Buenos Aires on July 17, 1993. A staggering 23 years later, and the band will return at Coachella on April 15 this year.
The band is reportedly asking for $3 million a show, and the tour comprises of North American football stadiums, like what they used to play at the height of their fame. And although there’s been no definite date for their upcoming album release, 2016 looks like being a very profitable year for Guns N’ Roses and everyone involved with putting the original lineup back together.
– Staff Report