Fans were disappointed by the massive delays that Guns N’ Roses experienced when trying to take the stage at Rock in Rio. Since Axl Rose is notorious for showing up late to his own concerts, he took most of the heat. Recently, the band has attempted to set the record straight.
Guns N’ Roses showed up later than expected for their headlining performance at the Rock in Rio on Sunday, October 2 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time this has happened for Guns N’ Roses at this very festival. After showing two hours late to 2001’s Rock in Rio, the vice president of the festival made Guns N’ Roses agree to paying a fine if they were late once again, out of fear of fans starting riots. This did not seem to deter the band from repeating history.
When GN’R took the stage this year, once again two hours late, they had to do more apologizing than usual. In a post revealed from the band’s Blabbermouth page, the band said, “GUNS N’ ROSES would like to set the record straight on Rock In Rio. The festival’s inadequate production and the downpour of rain delayed the event. Anyone who was there knows that SYSTEM OF A DOWN did not leave the stage until close to 1:15 in the morning. SYSTEM‘s extensive stage production did not finish coming offstage until 1:45 a.m. GN’R‘s production was up and ready to go at 2:15 a.m. Axl [Rose, GUNS N’ ROSES lead singer] got to the venue before 1 a.m. and he came ready to go onstage. The inadequate cover of the Rock In Rio stage caused a further delay when the soundboard went down due to water damage and was replaced as quick as possible. GN’R walked onstage at 2:40 a.m. and played for two-and-a-half hours in the pouring rain. GN’R would never seek to intentionally disrespect anyone, especially their fans.” Although the post simultaneously apologizes and seems to blame both System of a Down and the producers of the festival alike for GN’R’s perceived tardiness, the simple truth is that the band is going to have to start being more accountable if they intend to be invited back to these types of festivals.
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