It's complete horseshit to suggest they are winging setlists or in fact don't have a setlist like the early UYI shows... it's not true and all the click tracks/samples and graphics would be pre-programmed at any rate. It's disingenuous to say the least

I attended 2 shows within days this past December; they were identical setlists (songs/order/solos etc...) bar Slash not doing the Only Women Bleed intro for KOHD the second show

I think the main thing in the legal wranglings was getting hold of the session files of the new stuff that she had possession of. Session files are multitracked - so you can easily isolate each instrument including the vocals. Cornell had a state of the art home studio so there is no concern from me that they can't complete these songs properly and have them sound state of the art - fleshing out the music around the existing vocals

Good news - hope the remaining members get to do what Kim said in a previous interview - flesh their parts out , record in proper studio etc and it’s not just released as a pile of demos

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/musi … 10236/amp/

2 GN'R shows in 3 days for me...

Both were great shows with identical setlists (which was a shame) - bar Slash not playing Only women Bleed intro before KOHD in Auckland. Both 3 hours 15 min marathon sets. Wellington was bathed in sunshine, Auckland brought the rain with an absolute downpour just prior to GN'R taking the stage.

First off, GN'R are a tight, well-oiled machine at this point - noticeably more so than when I saw them in 2017. A true stadium monster act.

Slash was more focussed and his tone and playing were more on point - although there was still plenty of meandering improvisational noodling. All in all though, he was much more engaging and focused than when I saw him on the 2017 leg.

Fortus was again impressive although his rhythm parts are too quiet in the mix overall which I'm guessing is to appease Slash which is sad especially on the Appetite songs which cry out for that twin approach. His lead playing while admirable technically, for me is over the top a lot - too showy for a band like Gn'R and alot of his playing just feels like wankery and one-upmanship. I guess I'm just an Izzy fan.

Duff puts in a solid shift and keeps things on lock as usual. Melissa, Dizzy and Frank did just fine.

MVP across both shows was Axl - he definitely sounds a hell of a lot better in person than on youtube clips. Songs like Shadow, Reckless Life and Whole lotta Rosie he absolutely excels on - faster, rockier ones with the rasp.  His voice was strong throughout - some of the more mickey moments are the slower higher pitched songs - but he puts so much energy in and on the whole sounds fantastic. He was in a great mood both nights too - chatting and laughing throughout.

I'll reiterate what many have said already - the show is just too long. 3 hours and 15 mins is a marathon and while impressive, it is wholly unnecessary. Alot of the songs and solos the crowd are zoning out. They could also mix the setlist up - a Dead Horse or Yesterdays or something different from the 2 shows would have made a big difference.

Highlights:
ISE
Brownstone
Jungle (enjoyed the Link Wray intro too)
Live and let die
Estranged
Sorry
Patience
Reckless Life
Shadow of your love
Civil War
Wichita Lineman
Whole lotta Rosie
The little snippet of Blackbird leading into Patience was lovely

In no universe does Coma belong as an encore - its a hardcore fan favourite and Axl can't sing that outro anymore (he oscillated between singing and speaking it). The song needs to be retired. YCBM is also another obvious one he struggles with.

Cut down the length of Rocket Queen and Heavens door. They go on far too long. And Paradise City I am just sick to death of but you realistically can't not play that.

Ultimately, I missed the band in their heyday due to being too young and the reformation has given me the chance to experience something I never thought I would be able to experience. I have had more than my fill now. I would only  see them again  on the following conditions:

a) they radically change the show/setlist/production up
b) release new music
c) shorten the show to no more than 2 hours
d) are playing in my hometown or somewhere I happen to be anyway

I'm 45 and this past year I have got myself back in the best shape I've been since my early 30's.
A 6 year on and off relationship (the love of my life) coming to an end that did a number on me earlier this year was either going to send me into a tailspin of booze and neglecting my physical health or getting fighting fit - I'm glad I chose the latter.
So much so that I'm playing football (soccer) again for the first time in 8 years.

Th secret has been stopping running. I used to run a lot of half marathons and would run most days.
With the exception of football games, I don't run at all, and I am injury free bar a few minor aches and pains. I used to think I had to run to maintain cardio fitness but over lockdowns I invested in an indoor stationary spin bike, and it has been life changing. Running is so hard on the joints and body. Whereas when i was playing football earlier I could hardly walk the following days after a game, now I am much better conditioned and get out of bed the next day with only minor aches and pains.

I have signed up to the Apple Fitness plus online classes where I also do the strength, core and the odd yoga session. Highly recommend. High intensity interval training or HIIT is also great either on the bike or guided.

Diet wise, loads of leafy greens while moderate on the carbohydrates and sugar with loads of protein is the way to go, I find...