Guns N' Roses to rock Dubai

The classic Guns N' Roses line-up featuring frontman Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash and bass guitarist Duff Mckagan is getting together after 23 years to perform at the Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai on March 3. The only member from the original line-up who's going to be missed at the concert is rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Izzy Stradlin. The other band members are Dizzy Reed (keyboard), Richard Fortus (rhythm guitar), Frank Ferrer (drums) and Melissa Reese (keyboard).
"GNR are flying in to Dubai straight after finishing their gig in Bangkok. The Dubai concert is the last leg of their Not In This Life Time tour. Fans are in for a great time as you can expect the band to belt out some of their famous hit songs," said Thomas Ovesen, CEO of 117 Live.
"It's a great venue (near Outlet Mall). It has a 30,000 capacity and we are expecting a full house. There's ample parking space, but we urge fans to come early to avoid any road jams. Concertgoers can also avail of the shuttle service," he told City Times.
While rock fans in Dubai are all excited to see their rock heroes on stage, we give you five reasons why you should go to the concert tomorrow.
> When GNR were in their peak, they were better than any other rock act around. Their raw energy, stage antics, and high-decibel rock is a sheer pleasure to watch. It will have even the quietest rock fan screaming like a fan-girl. Don't believe us? Check out their '90s live concerts on YouTube right now. Maybe, you could even pick up a few sing-along chorus lines ahead of the gig.
> Their Dubai set list is sure to feature some of their greatest hits. Yes, Guns N' Roses are known to rock stadiums around the world with originals like November Rain, Welcome to the Jungle, Sweet Child O'Mine, Paradise City and some songs from their best-selling debut album, Appetite for Destruction.
> Perhaps this could be your best chance to catch the legendary Slash and Axl Rose performing together on stage. The rockers have parted ways earlier due to various reasons, and who knows, they might do it again. So catch them before they disband forever.
> Mainstream rock bands like Guns N' Roses don't come our way too often. And when you have a legendary rock act performing in your neighbourhood, there's every reason for you to be there, unless you happen to be living under a rock.
> It's all for a good cause. If you happen to buy F&B coupons at the concert and don't use all of them, you could donate the remaining ones for a noble cause. The funds will go to the Autism Research Trust (ART), which works to understand the cause and effects of autism. So while you are getting the chance to enjoy a great concert, remember you also have the opportunity to give back to society.
Dubai band to open for GNR
Local rockers Point of View too are excited with the opportunity to open for Guns N' Roses in Dubai. The band, fronted by Mumbai lad Nikhil Uzgare, who recently made news after making his Bollywood debut as a vocalist with the title track of Hindi film,'Irada'.
 "Overwhelmed. Humbled. Anxious. Excited. But more than anything else, I'm feeling content about the fact that all these exciting years (10 years to be precise) that I put into this wonderful project called Point Of View has borne the desired fruit. This gig is the band's reward for all the hard work that's gone into staying relevant for over a decade. And more than anything else, it's our reward for staying true to our love for hard rock music despite all the odds," Uzgare told City Times.
Tickets starting at Dhs400 can be bought at dubai.platinumlist.net or visit www.117live.com Gates open at 4pm, kids under 12 must be accompanied by adults.
michael@khaleejtimes.com