Guns N' Roses play shortened Abu Dhabi gig due to Axl Rose being 'severely ill'
Guns N’ Roses played a shortened set in Abu Dhabi last night (Sunday 25th November) due to Axl Rose being “severely ill.”
Speaking to the audience at the start of the performance, Axl said he had been very sick all day but wanted to press ahead with the show for the fans.
He explained: "They've got me on IVs (intravenous drips) and a bunch of injections, 'cause I got sick today, I've been throwing up for about the last five hours. So, instead of cancelling, I'm gonna do the best show we can for you."
With Axl battling on, Guns N’ Roses went on to play a 17-song set at the 35,000 capacity du Arena instead of their usual sprawling setlist of 30 plus songs. Tracks omitted included ‘Night Train’, ‘Patience’ and traditional set closer ‘Paradise City’.
Last night’s gig followed the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and closed the current Asian leg of the record-obliterating Not In This Lifetime… Tour.
Taking to Twitter afterwards, Slash wrote: “Abu Dhabi, you guys were f*cking great tonight! Axl was severely ill. But you all were hugely supportive. Thanks for that. We'll see again next time! Cheers!”
Duff McKagan tweeted: “Thank you Abu Dhabi! @axlrose pulled a damn miracle...the man was beyond ill, and pulled off something I've never seen in my 40 yrs of playing. You all pulled him thru. Til next time!”
Guns N’ Roses are scheduled to play at Johannesburg FNB Stadium on Thursday (29th November) and Honolulu’s Aloha Stadium on 8th December.
The Not in This Lifetime... Tour is currently the fourth highest grossing tour of all time with gate receipts of over £375million.
Guns N' Roses' setlist in Abu Dhabi was as follows:
It's So Easy
Mr. Brownstone
Chinese Democracy
Welcome to the Jungle
Double Talkin' Jive
Better
Estranged
Attitude
Shadow of Your Love
Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
Rocket Queen
Slash Guitar Solo (incl. "Johnny B. Goode" jam)
Speak Softly Love (Love Theme From The Godfather)
Sweet Child O' Mine
Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd cover)
November Rain
> Thank you Abu Dhabi! @axlrose pulled a damn miracle...the man was beyond ill, and pulled off something I've never seen in my 40 yrs of playing. You all pulled him thru. Til next time! > > — Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) November 25, 2018
> Abu Dhabi, you guys were fucking great tonight! Axl was severely ill. But you all were hugely supportive. Thanks for that. We'll see again next time! Cheers! iiii]; ) ' > > — Slash (@Slash) November 25, 2018