03/06/18 Berlin Olympiastadion, Germany (Supporting Guns 'N' Roses)

[Europa Gluten Free]

Jesus I doubt that James or the band has actually spoken to anyone from the band apart from Duff for 5 minutes. I’m sure they all arrive and leave at different times.

[savemejebus]

After the limp wristed set that they chose for the gig they should just be thankful that Axl didn't rip them a new one a la his 'pigeons of shit metal' comment in 06. I had contemplated shelling out for this, thinking it might be a special gig but wow, i feel bad for anyone that went to this for the manics.

Would rate it barely adequate from the setlist and the videos i've seen.

[jenvidg]

Originally Posted by savemejebus

After the limp wristed set that they chose for the gig they should just be thankful that Axl didn't rip them a new one a la his 'pigeons of shit metal' comment in 06. I had contemplated shelling out for this, thinking it might be a special gig but wow, i feel bad for anyone that went to this for the manics.

Would rate it barely adequate from the setlist and the videos i've seen.

You might want to reconsider all that given the circumstances. Besides, who gives a flying **** about a support slot for some 80s-90s-whatever has-beens when there's a very recent death in the family. I mean it's incredible they even showed up in the first place.

[still_unfashionable]

Originally Posted by jenvidg

You might want to reconsider all that given the circumstances. Besides, who gives a flying **** about a support slot for some 80s-90s-whatever has-beens when there's a very recent death in the family. I mean it's incredible they even showed up in the first place.

I agree with your sentiment to a certain degree. I fully understand why Nicky couldn't make these gigs (again, my sincere condolences to him) and am surprised that James and Sean soldiered on without him, I was expecting them to cancel the support gigs. But..."has beens"...the GNR? Oh please.

[jenvidg]

Originally Posted by still_unfashionable

But..."has beens"...the GNR? Oh please.

So when did GnR last release a new album? Right, 10 years ago. And the one before that...? So yeah, as much as I personally like Appetite For Destruction, in my books they're definitely not relevant in any way and very much riding on former glories. But I'm not here to talk about them so that's it from me.

[savemejebus]

You know, you're right, my comment was insensitive. I'd fully forgotten about Nicky's mum, it must have been terrible. I'm sorry for that.

However, I'd be pretty sure that even if the tragedy hadn't happened, the set would have been similar, if not the exact same, and just as mediocre. If they were planning on doing a set like that they should never have bothered accepting the offer to open in the first place.

GNR aren't the only ones riding on former glories.

[Routine Builder]

Originally Posted by still_unfashionable

and am surprised that James and Sean soldiered on without him, I was expecting them to cancel the support gigs.

I think they probably planned for this? I don't want to sound maudlin, but even with a parent with declining health, life moves on, bills need to be paid. The band do have a strong work ethic as well. When they cancel gigs, it's because they (or James or Sean anyway) literally can't perform.

I imagine Nick will show up for the last date (is it today?), due to the process being so slow in the UK, it'll be a month or so before the funeral.

[still_unfashionable]

Originally Posted by jenvidg

So when did GnR last release a new album? Right, 10 years ago. And the one before that...? So yeah, as much as I personally like Appetite For Destruction, in my books they're definitely not relevant in any way and very much riding on former glories. But I'm not here to talk about them so that's it from me.

That's right, GNR haven't released any new material for quite some time but I don't think that makes them irrelevant really. If they were, they wouldn't be doing a massive sold-out world tour with millions of people flocking to see them. They have such a fantastic back catalogue of classic songs/albums and massive success that 99% of bands can only dream of. Personally, I'm happy I got to see them last year and I thought they still had something to say.

Oh well.

[Dancing Kirby]

Originally Posted by Routine Builder

I imagine Nick will show up for the last date (is it today?)

Nope, GNR are headlining Download this weekend. I think the next show is the 12th.

[still_unfashionable]

Originally Posted by Routine Builder

I think they probably planned for this? I don't want to sound maudlin, but even with a parent with declining health, life moves on, bills need to be paid. The band do have a strong work ethic as well. When they cancel gigs, it's because they (or James or Sean anyway) literally can't perform.

I imagine Nick will show up for the last date (is it today?), due to the process being so slow in the UK, it'll be a month or so before the funeral.

I have no idea whether they planned for this or not and that is not something I would really like to speculate on. I am aware the band have a strong work ethic but I thought they might want to cancel under such dire circumstances. It's up to them of course.

[starfucker]

I've personally been a fan of both bands for a long time and when I heard the news that the Manics were supporting GNR my initial reaction was one of immense excitement for James, Sean and Nicky. They idolised GNR growing up and, having seen some of my friends' bands supporting some of their heroes, I have a tangible experience of how they must have been feeling when they got that phone call.

I really feel for Nicky about his personal situation. It would have been tragic enough whenever the passing of his mother happened but, to happen on the eve of something this massive for the band is really unfortunate for all involved. I'm sure James and Sean must have been suffering from inner turmoil about whether to do the gigs or not without Nicky. On the other hand, there must have been a joint meeting, including consulting Nicky, whether to play them or not. I don't think they would have done them if Nicky hadn't insisted, "The show must go on." Of course all this is just speculation from some random person on the internet, but I do feel I know enough about them to join in this conversation.

I can imagine James in particular being gutted that one of his oldest friends wasn't able to make it to a show they must have DREAMED of playing as kids. I really hope Nicky can make the third show and he's doing as well as he can in this unfortunate and sad situation.

[ata]

I take a bit of comfort in the fact that neither band has the original line-up, so... it doesn't really count, does it ?

[UEF]

Music-wise, as we've seen you can get another bassist in to play the parts so it doesn't make sense not to do it.

[wireintheblood]

There may also have been a contractual obligation to go ahead with the gigs. To GnR I doubt they cared whether that meant using a stand in bassist as I doubt they're much informed about the Manics