Portugal Diario Review
Axl set the World Stage on fire on day two of the Rio In Rio festival. Thankful to the crowd for showing their support, the vocalist showed an energy not seen since the successful early days of the band. Always controversial, Axl Rose came close to breaking the rules after being late onto stage.
Eventually though, after half an hour, Axl and his band came onto stage with the familar opening scream of "You know where you are. You are in the jungle". They had arrived at their jungle, which today, was Rock In Rio.
"It's So Easy" followed, which it certainly wasn't when Guns N' Roses played Alvalade 14 years ago. Today though, Axl did not stumble and ran to all sides of the stage without any problems. Axl's old dress sense has also never been forgotten, today though he is a singer with a new look and a re-enegised spirit which was felt by the crowd.
Axl's first words were, "You are all amazing. Thank you for coming. Thank you for supporting us, and thank you for supporting me.". Axl was speaking to fans who had waited a long time for him and Guns N' Roses to return
In a concert lasting more than two hours long, Axl sang with a renewed voice reminiscent of the early days. "Live And Let Die" set the stage on fire, literally, with fireworks going off on both sides of the stage. The crowd were ecstatic.
"Knocking On Heavens Door" brought back old memories. The singer called on the crowd to join in and they willingly responded, singing the newer and calmer version of the song.
In "Out Ta Get Me", Axl delighted fans at the left side of the stage causing them to surge forward. After that we then heard, among others, "Sweet Child Of Mine", "Patience", and a burst of "Don't Cry" which pleased the crowd immensely.
The tremendous night ended with "Nightrain" and then "Paradise City", which was a fitting farewell from a band who had given one of their greatest concerts in recent times.
