Hard Rock veterans from LA, GNR set the mood last saturday night at Mumbai. Supported by Girish and the Chronicles, they delivered a nostalgic setlist filled with crowd-favourite numbers for their loyal Indian fanbase.
They came, they played, and they conquered! Yes we are talking about none other than the legendary hard rock band Guns N’ Roses who made a jaw-dropping and thunderous return to India marking an end to the long wait of the fans for about twelve years. This performance at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse took place on May 17, 2025 as part of the band’s ongoing world tour, “Because What You Want & What You Get Are Two Completely Different Things.”
As it was the band’s first show in the country since 2012, the excitement of the fans leading up to the event had been building for months and it is highly understandable because it was a chance to witness the iconic members, Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan back on stage together. Thus, what unfolded was a night that delivered a mix of nostalgia, the raw energy of rock music, and some special moments that die-hard GNR fans are going to cherish for a long time.
A concert worth remembering for the fans of classic rock music!
The very start of the gig was perhaps the perfect warm-up for the audience as Girish and the Chronicles, one of India’s most prominent rock bands were the opening-act and their highly energetic performance set the mood just right for what was going to come.
Guns N’ Roses were the next to take the stage and by that time the venue was completely packed with the audience and when the band finally appeared, the roar from the crowd said it all as they opened their set with the all-time hit track, Welcome To The Jungle. From there on, the band kept belting out the classics like Mr. Brownstone, You Could Be Mine, Locomotive, which was in fact the tour debut, and of course, the much-awaited tracks like Sweet Child o’ Mine and November Rain among many others. In a way, for many, it was not just a concert but rather a reunion with the soundtracks of their youth.
Because What You Want & What You Get Are Two Completely Different Things
Guns N’ Roses may not be the flawless act they once were, but their legacy is still very much alive, and this gig in Mumbai proved that when it comes to heart, soul, and sheer presence, there’s only a few who can probably match them.
Slash was in his top form like always with his electrifying solos soaring high, especially his performance during the song Estranged which was a particular highlight as it showcased the kind of precision and soul that fans associate with his playing.
Duff McKagan along with the band’s new drummer Issac Carpenter and rhythm guitar player Richard Fortus held the foundation of the band’s soundscape as a tight, steady, and pretty cool rhythm section. The longtime GNR member Dizzy Reed along with Melissa Reese did a commendable job on the keys.
While Axl Rose’s was understandably a bit weathered at times, still had the power, style, and grit that is needed to carry the performance. There were definitely a few missed notes here and there, but given the intensity, power, and length of the set, the effort was extremely commendable, and together, the band simply showed that even after decades in the world of music and performance, they could still rule the stage with an ocean of fans witnessing their artistry.
Welcome To The Jungle, We’ve got some Delays and Pain
Thousands of fans from across the country poured into the Mahalaxmi Race Course, braving the weather, long queues, and frustrating access issues to witness Guns N’ Roses live. The show besides being one worth remembering for a long time wasn’t without its glitches. As several audience members mentioned that getting to the venue itself turned out to be an adventure.
Fans reported having to walk close to about a distance of four kilometers just to reach the security checkpoints, all due to poor management and limited access points. The organisers failed to provide clear directions or dedicated VIP entry lanes, leaving even VIP ticket holders stuck in long queues. This also resulted in several audience members missing out on the opening act’s performance.
Even inside the venue, things weren’t much better. The bars and merchandise stalls were chaotic, and very basic amenities like restrooms were hard to access. Although musically the night had so much to offer, these flaws from the organisers’ end certainly dampened the experience for many attendees.
A rocky start, but definitely a roaring finish!
Despite the organisational setbacks, the music won over the hearts of those who attended the concert. The emotional weight of witnessing and hearing the legendary Guns N’ Roses live was extremely special for the crowd. As the final notes of Paradise City rang out and the sound and excitement filled the air, fans stood still for a moment, losing themselves to something that they knew was a rare event. For many fans, the memories of the logistical hurdles will fade, but the sound of Slash’s guitar ripping through their hearts and the overall sound of each and every song of the set list of Guns N’ Roses will stay with them for a long time.
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