So, after all the rumours, the confirmation that a 'Guns N' Roses' of some sort would headline Coachella and the cancelled appearances: it's official - the classic line-up will be reforming. Sort of.
A statement put out by the band announces that Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan will be present at the Coachella show.
But there's no word on whether original rhythm guitar Izzy Stradlin will be present, nor who will play drums - Steven Adler played on Appetite For Destruction before drug and alcohol problems led to his sacking, while Matt Sorum played on the Use Your Illusion albums. The Axl plus others version of Gn'R have had various sticksmen, but Frank Ferrer has been in the seat for the last ten years.
Meanwhile, we have no idea whether the band will stick to classic material, or include any of the songs from 2008's Slash-and-Duff-free Chinese Democracy.
There's also no update on whether this is a one-off, or the start of a longer tour. As ever with Guns N' Roses, nothing is ever straightforward.
The full statement is below:
“Upholding a three-decade tradition of breaking ground, creating trends, and forever changing the face of rock ‘n’ roll, Guns N’ Roses announce the most significant and anxiously awaited musical event of this century. Founder Axl Rose and former members Slash and Duff McKagan will regroup to headline the Coachella Music & Arts Festival (April 15-17 & April 22-24) - as announced last night!
“For months, critics and audiences alike have generated immense excitement and speculation over the possible regrouping of the iconic line-up. The April performances will mark the first time since 1993 the Gunners will share the stage for what is certain to be an explosive event. For more information please visitwww.gunsnroses.com.
“Following the group’s 1985 formation, Guns N’ Roses injected unbridled, unrivalled, and unstoppable attitude into the burgeoning Los Angeles rock scene. The spirit went on to captivate the entire world with the release of their 1987 debut Appetite for Destruction –the best-selling U.S. debut ever, moving 30 million copies globally. In 1991, the seven-time platinum Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II occupied the top two spots of the Billboard Top 200 upon release.
“Over the course of the past decade, Guns N’ Roses have performed sold out shows and headlined festivals worldwide following the critically acclaimed release of 2008’s RIAA platinum-certified Chinese Democracy. Six studio albums later, Guns N’ Roses are one of the most important and influential acts in music history and continue to set the benchmark for live performances connecting with millions of fans across the globe.”
