What We've Learned from the Guns N' Roses Tour So Far
Since it was launched, the Guns N' Roses' Not in This Lifetime... tour seems to have held been nothing short of a success.
In fact, additional concert dates around the US have been added recently which will keep the band playing at least until November. One thing's for sure: there's no telling when it will stop.
Taking into account the continued success of the rock act's ongoing project, here are some of the things we've learned about the world of rock as well as the music industry in general.
The right timing is crucial
Guns N' Roses are not the first – nor will they be the last –group that broke up and reunited. In fact, there were many iconic bands that have gone down the same route before as mentioned by Billboard, and they include the likes of Velvet Underground, The Monkees, and The Who.
What also contributed greatly to the present longevity of GNR's tour, however, is the timing of their reunion, according to Rockshot Magazine. Had they done it earlier, they might not have generated enough buzz. The 20+ year hiatus has only furthered their legacy as a band.
Conversely, if it had been done much later, many of the loyal fans who have been captivated by the band's glory days might not have been around to see the recent tour. This demographic is crucial, as they are the ones who are now introducing new audiences to the rock act through their sons, daughters, and other likeminded individuals.
This also applies to the band members, as they are at an age of maturity wherein they grew from each of their experiences separately, but still not old enough to be unable to dish out electrifying concerts. Although it's not entirely on the same level as earlier GNR concerts, the band can certainly still mix it with the best of them.
Nostalgia is a powerful force
Like mentioned in the previous section, GNR are still playing to sold out crowds because of their diehard fanbase.
These fans have waited a long time to watch and hear the band play once again. The nostalgia from remembering the "good ol' days" is enough to make fans line up outside the stadiums.
This is not a simple emotion. The Sydney Morning Herald tackled the relationship between nostalgic music and the listener's mental state, and it was found that the phenomenon can even induce an enhanced sense of self-worth and evoke other positive feelings.
Showmanship is just as important as talent
Most – if not all – rock acts have their own stage antics, and GNR is no different. There's no doubt that the members of GNR are a talented bunch, but there's a noticeable difference now as compared to their prime, especially with regards to the vocal ability of their frontman, Axl Rose. Nonetheless, he still maintains the intensity of the crowd during their concerts through his unmatched showmanship, complimented by the impeccable guitar and bass playing of Slash and Duff McKagan, respectively.
It's about listening to the audience's needs
Last, but not the least, GNR make good use of their repertoire. Compared to other artists or groups who have more than a dozen albums spread across a number of decades, the band has relatively limited work.
In this case, however, quality tops quantity and GNR's Appetite for Destruction is definitely their biggest asset, along with their other chart-topping albums: G N' R Lies, Chinese Democracy and the two-part Use Your Illusion. Many of their tracks have been immortalized throughout the years, most notably their debut album's songs which have been adapted for countless other projects, from being entrance theme to the Philadelphia Flyers to background music in the Guns N' Roses video slots game on gaming platform Slingo.
Regardless of whether Appetite for Destruction was released back in the 80's, the album's tracks and GNR's current touring line up has still drawn in thousands of spectators, which is a testament to how big the band still are, and has ultimately made Not in This Lifetime... tour a huge success.
All things considered, what GNR has going on is far more than just musical performances. They bring back experiences and memories – intangible treasures that audiences consider priceless. Certainly, you're not going to get another reunion tour like this, or at least, not in this lifetime
