Axl Sits Out GnR's London Encore

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 17:44:24

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Axl Rose bailed out of the encore set of the Guns N' Roses reunion show at London's storied Wembley Arena on Sunday night, citing low blood sugar. The band soldiered on by thrusting former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach up to the microphone for "Paradise City" and "Night Train." For those keeping score, that means the closing moments of GnR's European reunion tour featured no original members of the band. Also, the full set list for the evening reportedly included zero songs from the legendarily forthcoming Chinese Democracy, although new songs have been appearing throughout the tour.

Rose later explained that he had been diagnosed with low blood pressure and low blood sugar following a late-night acoustic set the night before.

"We have had an amazing tour and it has been fantastic for the band and I to experience this," Rose said. "I approached this last show with equal parts determination, obligation, responsibility, and insanity. It was an amazing night. I want to thank everyone in Europe and the U.K. for inspiring us and for giving us the opportunity to play for them. We are now looking forward to the U.S. in September."

GnR have never been a sure bet for showing up on time -- or at all -- for their live shows, so the disappearing act couldn't have taken fans completely by surprise. Rose had even previously delayed one of the reunion shows until he was fed roast lamb.

Regardless, by the time they'd finished with Europe, Axl and his revamped band had played for upwards of 700,000 people.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
08.02.06