During their electrifying performance in Saudi Arabia, the extreme heat was so intense that Guns N' Roses‘ guitars literally began to melt, an unprecedented occurrence for the legendary rock band.
Photographic evidence confirms this astonishing event.
Stunning Photos Reveal the Melting Guitar Incident of Guns N’ Roses
Richard Fortus, the talented guitarist for Guns N’ Roses since 2002, has witnessed numerous unforgettable moments throughout his career, including the recording of the band’s acclaimed album, Chinese Democracy, in 2008. Yet, his experience in Saudi Arabia during their recent concert was unlike anything he has ever encountered before.
Having performed onstage for over twenty years, Fortus has indeed braved the heat, but the melting wax incident was truly a first for him and the band.
Axl Rose and Richard Fortus of Guns N’ Roses performing
This week, Fortus took to Facebook to share revealing photos that depict the aftermath of their scorching performance in Saudi Arabia.
“Well, this is a first,” Fortus remarked. “It was so hot in Saudi Arabia that the wax in my pickups melted.”
One of the striking images shows clear streaks of melted wax running down the body of his guitar, a surreal sight for both fans and musicians alike.
Understanding the Extreme Temperatures During Guns N’ Roses’ Saudi Arabia Performance
The heat wave in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Guns N’ Roses performed on May 25, was absolutely unforgiving.
According to AccuWeather, the temperature soared to a staggering 109 degrees Fahrenheit on the day of their concert, with forecasts predicting a rise to 114 degrees the following day. After their blistering performance in Riyadh, the band traveled to Abu Dhabi, where temperatures also reached an uncomfortable 106 degrees during their show.
Fortunately, there is some respite on the horizon as the band heads towards Eastern Europe, where they are scheduled to perform in Georgia, where temperatures are expected to be a much more manageable 60 degrees.
Guns N’ Roses Surprises Fans with a Live Cover Performance
The setlists for the ongoing Guns N’ Roses tour have been as unpredictable as the soaring temperatures at each concert location, keeping fans on their toes.
During their performance in Abu Dhabi on May 27, the band treated fans to an unexpected live cover of the New York Dolls classic “Human Being,” marking its first-time live performance. This track originally appeared on Guns N’ Roses‘ 1993 covers album, The Spaghetti Incident?
Additionally, the setlist that night featured “Used to Love Her,” a fan favorite from the 1988 album G N’ R Lies, which hadn’t been played live in nearly seven years—a thrilling surprise for long-time fans.
Exploring the 25 Most Controversial Moments in Guns N’ Roses History
From chaotic riots to battles with substance abuse, Guns N’ Roses has been at the center of numerous controversies throughout their storied career. Despite these challenges, the band has remarkably endured, with many original members still active. Here, we delve into the 25 most destructive moments that have shaped the legacy of GnR.
Gallery Credit: Graham Hartmann, Matthew Wilkening
