Paris, Paris La Défense Arena, July 13 2023

American rock icons Guns N' Roses set the Paris La Défense Arena alight tonight with an unforgettable concert, marking their grand return to the French stage. Nearly four decades after their formation, the band proved they are still masters of the stage, delivering a breathtaking show that electrified a packed arena of rock'n'roll-hungry fans.

French fans had been looking forward to this moment for over a decade. Guns N' Roses returned to a French venue for the first time since their legendary concert at Paris Bercy on July 13, 1993. This time it was at the Paris La Défense Arena, Europe's largest venue, with a capacity of 40,000, that the rockers chose for their only French performance. The excitement was palpable as fans flocked from all corners of France to relive the raw energy and magic of this iconic band.

The evening kicked off with an energetic opening set by Generation Sex, a band featuring such notable members as Billy Idol and Steve Jones. However, anticipation was running high as the lights went down, leaving the arena buzzing with anticipation and excitement. At precisely 7.52pm, Guns N' Roses took to the stage to a thunderous ovation. Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan, the band's iconic original members, were on hand, accompanied by other talented musicians who helped recreate the timeless magic of their music.

The concert was a true musical epic, spanning over 3 hours and 30 minutes of captivating performance. Axl Rose, although the years may have had an impact on his voice, proved that he was still able to channel the soul and energy of his younger days. Slash, with his trademark style, mesmerized the audience with virtuoso guitar solos, taking the music to a new level. Duff McKagan and the other band members brought their own infectious energy, creating a perfect symbiosis between the different elements of the performance.

The setlist was a journey through timeless Guns N' Roses classics, with highlights including Estranged, Prostitute, Civil War, November Rain and Coma. Each song was greeted with cheers and chants from the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere that transformed the arena into a veritable rock shrine. Giant screens on either side of the stage allowed fans to enjoy striking close-ups of each band member, adding an immersive visual dimension to the experience.

Despite occasional sound problems, the band kept the audience enthralled throughout the evening. Even quieter moments, such as the ballads Patience" and Don't Cry, were greeted with palpable emotion and active participation from the crowd. The downpour that accompanied "November Rain" added a touch of theatricality to the performance, reinforcing the song's emotional impact.

Ultimately, Guns N' Roses succeeded in capturing the timeless spirit of rock'n'roll, offering fans a musical experience that will remain etched in their memories. Their triumphant return to France confirmed their status as living rock legends, capable of transcending generations and uniting fans of all ages around a common passion for music. As the lights went down and the music dissipated, the audience left the arena with unforgettable memories and the certainty that the rebellious spirit of Guns N' Roses continues to burn as brightly as it did in their early days, nearly forty years ago.

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