As the American hard rock band are set to return to the country for only the second time this weekend in Mumbai, Mumbaikars and fans from all over the country are very excited
Guns N' Roses last performed in India in Mumbai at MMRDA in December 2012. Photo Courtesy: Veeraj Shenoy
Veeraj Shenoy is “absolutely buzzing” at the thought of watching American rock band Guns N’ Roses (GnR) live in Mumbai this weekend at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. He explains, “It’s been a long wait, and the energy is already through the roof. GnR coming back after over a decade is like a dream rekindled. For fans like me, it’s not just a concert—it’s a full-circle moment. I’m counting down the days!” The Mumbaikar’s excitement is palpable and infectious because he is not alone. There are many thousands of people who are waiting to watch the band. While for some it is the first time, others including this writer have watched them perform in December 2012, and even Shenoy is no stranger to the performance.
The 44-year-old shares, “The last time they played in Mumbai in 2012, the moment ‘November Rain’ started —it was pure magic. You could feel the entire crowd hold their breath and lose themselves in the music. It wasn’t just a performance; it was an experience that etched itself into memory. I also bumped into my school buddies who grew up together on the rebellion of GnR and the entire ethos of songs fitting every scenario in coming of age.”
Ask Shenoy if he could be considered as one of their biggest fans and he is humble about it. He shares, “I wouldn’t claim the title, but yeah—I’ve lived and breathed their music for years.” Being a fan is an understatement for the Mumbaikar because he boasts of not only not only posters and t-shirts but also a funko pop of Slash, AFD Slash Edition Epiphone 2, mugs and plectrums too. “I first heard Appetite For Destruction as a teenager, and that was it. From there, it was a deep dive into their entire discography. Their raw sound, rebellious spirit, and emotional depth shaped a huge part of my musical identity. It’s been a journey of nostalgia, connection, and catharsis—and it’s still going strong. The Slash Epiphone AFD 2 guitar kit with GnR merchandise, was gifted to me by my team members, knowing my love for the band AXL and Slash.”
‘Been a fan since their 1991 album Appetite For Destruction’
Elsewhere in Mumbai, Siddharth Bangera has been a Guns N’ Roses fan since 1991. He shares, “What draws me to them is the complex song writing drawn from the people they knew and their personal experiences. ‘Estranged’ always brings tears to my eyes, whenever they play it. Axl’s piano mastery has to be seen to be believed! The support band members and backup singers are also kick ass.”
While he was still in school when he became a fan, Bangera says he has been to four of their concerts. “My first was in Mumbai 13 years ago. Although Slash was absent, I was excited to see the others. What stood out for me was Axl's voice was on point, and they performed for a solid 2.5 to 3 hours.” Being a true fan, he says the disappointing part was the lack of knowledge from the majority of the audience who only knew one or two of their songs.
Ever since then, he has not only watched them in India but also across the world. “I attended the second concert in Dubai, where the experience was awesome because I got VIP tickets to view from an elevated podium along with food and drinks. Slash was present this time and didn't disappoint. Audience was more knowledgeable about the tracks, may be because they were a large expat population.” The last one was in Abu Dhabi and this time with the complete lineup including Duff McKagen. Now that he is watching them for the fourth time, Bangera is very excited and easily one of many who are going to soak in every single moment.
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