Here’s a glimpse of what fans can anticipate from Guns N’ Roses at the upcoming “Aerosmith + Friends” shows, according to Slash.
The guitarist discussed the performances with Eddie Trunk during a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation. Although he was reluctant to reveal too much about what Guns N’ Roses have planned, he shared some insights about what fans might hear from the band on Oct. 29 and Nov. 1 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
What Did Slash Say About the ‘Aerosmith + Friends’ Shows?
As Trunk noted during the interview, Guns N’ Roses are the only other band featured in enlarged font on the flier for the shows aside from Aerosmith themselves — the other artists are listed individually toward the bottom in smaller print.
Slash confirmed that Guns are performing at both shows “as far as I know” and mentioned that they have a “mini setlist” planned for each performance. He also revealed that when he first heard about these shows a few months ago, he intended to perform onstage with other musicians, similar to how many rockers did during supergroup jams at Black Sabbath’s Back to the Beginning concert last summer.
However, Guns N’ Roses were later added as a full band. Regardless, Slash is uncertain about how the rest of the concert will be structured production-wise or how the performances will unfold.
What Songs Will Guns N’ Roses Play at the ‘Aerosmith + Friends’ Shows?
Trunk inquired whether Guns’ set will consist entirely of Aerosmith covers or if they’ll perform their own songs.
“I don’t want to say… I mean, it’s definitely going to be one or the other,” Slash replied with a laugh. “We’re certainly going to do Aerosmith songs and then I’d imagine they’ll want us to perform at least a couple of our own songs. But we haven’t really discussed that yet.”
READ MORE: Now We Know Why Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose Was Recently Photographed in the Studio
Slash admitted there is a specific Aerosmith song he wishes to play — but declined to name it — and he’s quite certain they will perform it. Trunk pressed further, asking if the song is from Rocks (1976), which is one of Slash’s favorite albums.
“You know what, Eddie? Stop,” Slash said before sipping his coffee, putting a damper on any potential spoilers.
What Is Guns N' Roses' Connection to Aerosmith?
Guns N’ Roses opened for Aerosmith during the band’s Permanent Vacation tour in 1987 and ’88. They frequently covered the Aerosmith hit “Mama Kin” on tour in the ’80s and ’90s and also recorded a version that appears on the 1988 album GN’R Lies.
Slash has cited Aerosmith as a significant influence on his guitar-playing sound numerous times over the years.
“There’s an Aerosmith song called ‘Nobody’s Fault’ off the Rocks record… It was one of those songs that when I first picked up the guitar, that particular album, and hearing it at that time greatly influenced how I ended up where I am. And [that song] was probably one of the most heavy hard rock songs — very indicative of the ’70s and very indicative of Aerosmith at that time,” the guitarist told WMSC radio station in 2022 [via Blabbermouth].
Slash Interview WMSC (2022)
See where Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith rank in our list of the best hard rock albums of each year since 1970 below.
The Best Hard Rock Album of Each Year Since 1970
Going year by year, exploring the best albums in hard rock since 1970.
Gallery Credit: Loudwire Staff
