Guns N’ Roses Deliver Epic Night in Milwaukee with Hits, Covers, and Surprises
Milwaukee, WI – September 18, 2021
Rock legends Guns N’ Roses returned to the stage at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, delivering an unforgettable night of music, nostalgia, and raw rock energy. The Saturday night concert, part of their rescheduled U.S. tour, proved that even decades into their career, Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan, and company still know how to hold an audience captive with their electrifying blend of classic hits, fan favorites, and surprising covers.
From the opening chords of “It’s So Easy,” the band set the tone for what would be an extended journey through their catalog, punctuated by tributes and fresh twists. Milwaukee fans were on their feet from the first note, roaring with approval as Axl strutted across the stage with his trademark charisma, supported by the searing guitar work of Slash and the steady, commanding presence of Duff McKagan.
The early stretch of the setlist was a showcase of Guns N’ Roses’ gritty roots and their later experimentation. “Mr. Brownstone” followed quickly, evoking the raw swagger of the band’s Appetite for Destruction era, while “Chinese Democracy,” a track from their long-delayed 2008 album, reminded the audience of the band’s complicated but fascinating evolution. The inclusion of “Slither,” a Velvet Revolver cover, was a special nod to Slash and Duff’s post-GNR years, and it landed as a highlight that seamlessly bridged eras of their careers.
One of the first standout moments of the evening came with “Double Talkin’ Jive,” followed by the iconic “Welcome to the Jungle.” Introduced with a fiery instrumental snippet of Link Wray’s “Rumble,” the song ignited the amphitheater, as fans screamed along with Axl’s piercing wail. The transition into “Better” and the sprawling epic “Estranged” reminded the crowd just how diverse the Guns N’ Roses sound has always been—equal parts aggression and melancholy, chaos and beauty.
Their rendition of “Live and Let Die,” the Wings cover they’ve long made their own, was as bombastic as ever, complete with pyrotechnics and Axl’s theatrical flair. A slowed-down version of “You’re Crazy” added a surprising twist, showing the band’s willingness to experiment with arrangements even of their oldest songs. “Rocket Queen” and “You Could Be Mine” returned the show to full-throttle rock territory, thrilling the audience with their blend of speed, attitude, and classic riffs.
Fans were treated to some unexpected covers and tributes throughout the night. Duff McKagan stepped into the spotlight for a raw and fun version of The Stooges’ “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” while the newer track “Absurd” gave the setlist a modern jolt of punky chaos. “Civil War,” extended with a haunting outro nodding to Jimi Hendrix’s “Machine Gun,” served as both a musical statement and a showcase for each band member, introduced one by one during the performance.
Slash took center stage next, delivering a masterful guitar solo that morphed into a jam based on Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy.” The bluesy, improvised interlude was a reminder of the guitarist’s timeless skill and deep musical roots.
Of course, no Guns N’ Roses show would be complete without their most beloved anthems. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” drew one of the loudest singalongs of the night, followed by the majestic “November Rain,” performed with all its sweeping grandeur. Axl, seated at the piano, delivered the song’s emotional weight while Slash’s solo soared into the Milwaukee night air.
In one of the evening’s most tender surprises, the band performed “Wichita Lineman,” Jimmy Webb’s ballad made famous by Glen Campbell. The delicate performance was a sharp but effective contrast to the band’s heavier material, showing their versatility and appreciation for songwriting outside their usual wheelhouse. “Patience” and their iconic take on Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”—introduced with a haunting nod to Alice Cooper’s “Only Women Bleed”—carried the crowd into the final act of the main set, capped off by the rowdy “Nightrain.”
After a brief break, the band returned for a four-song encore that balanced deep cuts, fan favorites, and more surprises. They opened with “Madagascar,” preceded by a moody instrumental jam, proving they were willing to dive into less obvious territory. “Don’t Cry” followed, tugging at the audience’s emotions with its heartfelt lyrics and timeless melodies. A cover of The Who’s “The Seeker” provided an energetic tribute to another generation of rock pioneers before the band closed with the explosive “Paradise City,” confetti cannons and fireworks lighting up the stage as the crowd roared in celebration.
The nearly three-hour set was a reminder of just how broad Guns N’ Roses’ legacy has become. It was a show that balanced the rebellious spirit of their earliest days with the maturity and showmanship that comes from decades of experience. Milwaukee fans witnessed not just a concert, but a living history of rock, delivered by a band that refuses to fade into nostalgia.
In the end, the night proved once again that Guns N’ Roses remain more than just survivors of their own chaotic history—they are still one of the greatest live acts in the world. Their September 18, 2021 performance at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater will go down as a night when the past and present collided, and the result was nothing short of spectacular.
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