Axl laid all rumors about being a jumped up prima donna and ruining every gig to rest by appearing on stage in the RDS spot on 8 o'clock, and from this point on the new line-up Guns N Roses treated the Dublin crowd to a 2 hour set filled with the bands most famous songs.

Opening with 'Welcome to the Jungle' Axl skipped around the stage and looked as though he was genuinely enjoying himself. His vocals have not changed much from the 'Use your illusion tour' and from the way he looked and sounded on stage, I would dispute any rumors about breathing problems. He developed a rapport with the crowd, the way that only experienced front men can and as they launched into 'It's so easy' it seemed as though we were going to be treated to a great show.

It was however marred but a few minor things. Firstly, during the first hour and a half or so of the show Axl spent long periods of stage and a pattern of sing one song, then leave the rest of the band to entertain the crowd for 15 minutes, began to emerge. I have to say by the third solo I was beginning to find this a little tedious.

Secondly, whilst I did not have a problem with it not being the original G N R line-up I did have a problem with the fact that the guitarist's were simply not as good as Slash, this was particularly evident during 'November Rain'.

It was nice to see that the new songs from Chinese Democracy went down as well with the crowd as the older tracks and a few people were even singing along (Thank God for illegal downloads).

We were alos lucky enough to be treated to the special guest appearance from Sebastian Bach during 'My Michelle'.

Other highlights of the gig were 'Patience' and the whole crowd singing along with Axl to 'Knockin on Heavens door' there was a great atmosphere in the RDS and everyone went crazy when Axl jumped of the stage and ran along the front row of the crowd.

After playing for over 2 hours the band returned with 'Paradise City' and during the encore the crowd were covering in confetti!!

Overall, what I would have expected, a solid show with plenty of crowd pleasers, although I think people will be more enthusiastic about the new album... upon its release.
7.5/10
Kerri