When frontman Axl Rose debuted a new Guns N’ Roses lineup and some new songs in 2001 at the band’s first show in eight years, it was in Las Vegas. Since then, the band has played New Year’s Eve shows in town several times, and held mini-residencies at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel in 2012 and 2014. So it makes sense that the first shows featuring the reunited lineup of Rose, pictured, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan should take place in Las Vegas as well. Before headlining Coachella in Southern California, the trio will play two shows at the brand-new T-Mobile Arena on April 8-9, marking their first performances together since 1993.
Although their initial collaboration lasted less than a decade, Rose, Slash and McKagan produced some of the most popular, influential rock of the last 30 years, with hits like “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Paradise City” and “November Rain.” They’ve worked continuously since the end of their ’90s partnership, but they haven’t quite captured the excitement of the original Guns N’ Roses. It’s fitting for the return of that excitement to begin here in Vegas.
T-Mobile Arena, 9:30 p.m. April 8-9, sold out. 888.929.7849
