Up Close and Personal Tour (Guns N' Roses)

Background

On January 20, guitarist Bumblefoot talked about a possible theater tour taking place in February. Guns N' Roses later announced shows in United States.

The shows themselves varied considerably in comparison to the recent Chinese Democracy Tour. All of the North American shows took place in smaller-scale clubs, rather than a large arena or stadium. All pyrotechnics were removed from the shows.

The European leg of the tour will begin approximately one month after the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The circumstance regarding a new album is unknown, however lead guitarist DJ Ashba recently stated that the band have many demos recorded, and are planning on discussing 'how they are going to create the best album possible.'

On June 24, guitarist Richard Fortus gave an interview to the French music site Rock N' Live, which reveals that the band will not go more with the tour this year, more should go into the studio to work on the next album by the end of the year. "Right now I'm very focused on Guns N' Roses. We are preparing ourselves to return to the studio, so that is why I want to stay focused. That's all that I think by the end of the year.", said.

Line up

The band line-up has remained the same since the 2008 release of Chinese Democracy. Co-founder Axl Rose fronts the band, which also includes long-term keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman. DJ Ashba and Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal remain lead guitarists, while the rhythm section consists of Richard Fortus on rhythm guitar, Tommy Stinson on bass and drummer Frank Ferrer.

Tour dates

Festivals and other miscellaneous performances

^A This concert was a part of "Hellfest"^B This concert was a part of "Gods of Metal"^C This concert was a part of "Graspop Metal Meeting"^D This concert was a part of "Seerock Festival"^E This concert was a part of "Tuborg GreenFest"^F This concert was a part of "Unirock Open Air Festival"^G This concert was a part of "Sofia Rocks"^H This concert was a part of "Topfest"^I This concert was a part of "Exit Festival"^J This concert was a part of "Festival Internacional de Benicàssim"

Setlists

Guns N' Roses' set-list has also shown evidence of some change from those of Chinese Democracy concerts, although remaining fairly consistent. Major hits such as "Sweet Child O' Mine", "November Rain", "Estranged" and "Don't Cry" remain a staple, as well as newer songs such as "Chinese Democracy" itself, "Better" and "This I Love".

"Welcome To The Jungle" was played as set-opener for the first time since 2007, although this was just a one-off. Similarly, "You're Crazy" also kicked off one show, which in recent time only has occurred when the band has played 'surprise' acoustic shows like the Paris, France show at L'Arc. "Used To Love Her" also saw a return to the set.

Personnel

Axl Rose – lead vocals, piano, tambourine

Dizzy Reed – keyboards, piano, percussion, backing vocals

Tommy Stinson – bass, backing vocals, lead vocals

DJ Ashba – lead guitar, rhythm guitar, snare drum

Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal – lead guitar, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals

Richard Fortus – rhythm guitar, lead guitar, slide guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals

Chris Pitman – keyboards, samples, backing vocals

Frank Ferrer – drums, tambourine