Guns N’ Roses – Wembley Stadium, London – 2025

Last night, Wembley Stadium trembled under the weight of raw, unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll as Guns N’ Roses stormed the stage for a jaw-dropping, career-defining performance. Three hours and fifteen minutes of unrelenting sonic firepower proved that not only are GN’R far from finished—they may very well be in the form of their lives.

From the moment the iconic opening riff of “Welcome to the Jungle” hit, the 80,000-strong crowd knew this wasn’t going to be just another nostalgia trip. Axl Rose, often maligned in recent years for inconsistent performances, silenced every doubter with a voice in razor-sharp form—piercing, snarling, and, at times, beautifully unhinged. His energy was boundless, darting across the stage with the swagger of a man half his age, commanding the crowd like a seasoned general of rock warfare.

But the night belonged just as much to Slash, whose guitar work was nothing short of volcanic. Every solo was sculpted with purpose, every riff hit with venom. Whether it was the eerie slide intro to “Bad Obsession” or the transcendental extended solo in “November Rain,” the top-hatted titan reminded us all why his fretwork is burned into the DNA of rock history.

A key part of the evening’s success was the contribution of GN’R’s new drummer, Isaac Carpenter, whose explosive yet precise style added a thunderous new dynamic to the band’s sound. There was more punch, more swing, more unpredictability—a rhythmic shot of adrenaline that elevated every song without losing the swagger that makes the band unique.

But what truly set this night apart was the boldness of the setlist. While stadium-sized singalongs like “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, “Civil War” and “November Rain” hit with expected power, it was the deep cuts that truly electrified the hardcore faithful. “Reckless Life” sounded like a Molotov cocktail hurled into the present from their Sunset Strip roots—furious, unfiltered punk energy. “Anything Goes” was downright filthy in the best way, with Slash bending sleaze-drenched notes like it was 1987 all over again. And “Dead Horse” was a left-field highlight—its clean-ish guitar opening a moment of deceptive calm before erupting into a grunge-tinged onslaught that sent the stadium into a frenzy.

Between the hits and rarities were moments of genuine connection, of musicians who’ve survived decades of chaos coming together tighter, fiercer, and more professional than ever. Duff was rock-solid as always, his basslines gritty and essential, while Dizzy, Melisa and Richard Fortus brought a texture and discipline to the band’s sound that kept things sharp without losing the edge. By the way Richard Fortus is a monster guitar player that can and goes toe-to-toe with Slash, magnificent.

By the time of the closing bars of “Paradise City,” Wembley was a sea of sweat, joy, and disbelief. Guns N’ Roses, 2025, aren’t just going through the motions—they’re reclaiming their crown with a vengeance.

This wasn’t just a concert. It was a statement.

And the message was loud and clear: Guns N’ Roses are still one of the greatest rock bands on Earth.