Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' Tour By the Numbers

 

Guns n' Roses ' first tour supporting Chinese Democracy technically started in 2001. The album didn't actually come out until 2008, however, and Axl Rose and his latest lineup — which of course features no other original members — didn't make their way to American arenas until October 2011. The bloated, three-hour show isn't without its flaws, but it's also thoroughly entertaining. There's plenty of pyro. Axl still has a slouchy guitarist with a limp cigarette dangling from his lips (DJ Ashba). Rose energetically sprints across the stage and nails all the high notes. But a full third of the set is comprised of songs by artists other than Guns N' Roses. And Rose does do a lot of mysterious vanishing. Here's how last night's show at New Jersey's Izod Center breaks down:
Time opening band Asking Alexandria shouted, "Guns N' Roses up next!": 9:55 p.m.
Time Guns N' Roses took the stage: 11:00 p.m.
Time until first explosion of pyro: 2 minutes
Time Guns N' Roses took their final (of four!) bows: 1:52 a.m.
First time Axl Rose trotted into the curtained-off area at the rear of the stage: 11:05 p.m.
Number of such trips offstage: 29
Longest amount of time Axl was onstage without interruption: 11 minutes (from 12:41 a.m. to 12:52 a.m., during which time Rose riffed on Elton John on a grand piano, then played "November Rain")
Number of guitarists who split up Slash's epic "November Rain" solo: 3
Number of songs on set list: 31
Number of the Who songs on set list: 2 ("My Generation" sung by bassist Tommy Stinson, "Baba O'Riley" performed by pianist Dizzy Reed)
Number of Chinese Democracy songs on set list: Too many. Oh, but a real number? 7
Number of Appetite for Destruction songs on set list: 7
Number of GN'R Lies songs on set list: 1 ("Patience")
Number of guys spotted in the crowd dressed up like Slash: 1 brave soul
Number of guys spotted in crowd who looked exactly like Kid Rock: 1. Eerie.
Number of times Axl spoke to the crowd: 9, including the gem, "It's nice to be back here. I had my doubts too if I'd make it."
Number of bizarre backing videos featuring women in bikinis: 1, during "Rocket Queen," and it was weird.
Number of Axl Rose wardrobe changes: Many. All involving different permutations of hat/bandanna/sunglasses/leather jacket, with the exception of one brief appearance in a longer topcoat.
Estimated fullness of arena by the time the show ended: 45 percent
Number of times Rose threw his mic stand: 5
Time the venue stopped selling beer: Too early.

Myleene Klass flies the flag for M&S in corset dress at Silver Clef Awards

Myleene Klass proved to be a fitting ambassador for Marks & Spencer today as she wore one of their designs to the Silver Clef Awards.
The TV presenter, 32, showed off her figure in a £49.50 grey corset dress, from the high street chain's summer collection, and a £335 pair of nude and camel Miu Miu leather platforms.
Although dropped from M&S's fashion campaigns earlier this year, she was flown to Barbados in February to shoot the advertising for M&S Money.

How apt: Myleene Klass wore a silver corset dress to the Silver Clef Awards in London this afternoon

The ex-Hear'Say singer was one of the more glamourous arrivals at the annual industry bash at the London Hilton.
Klass was joined at the afternoon ceremony by American singer Kelis, who was bang on trend in her nautical navy shift dress and pearls.
The flamboyant star gave her smart look at quirky twist with a pair of neon pink heels and multi-coloured nail varnish.
The mother-of-one, who recently hit the charts with her song Acapella, won the Raymond Weil International Award.

Musical guests: Kelis (left) picked an International award, while Lisa Stansfield attended

Another American honoured today was singing legend Tony Bennett, 83, who received a Lifetime Achievement accolade.
Ahead of the ceremony, the I Left My Heart In San Fracisco crooner thanked the organisers: 'I feel I've joined a very special club. I am a great believer that music can be a powerful healing force and I applaud all the fantastic work that Nordoff-Robbins has implemented over the past 50 years.'
Proceeds of today's luncheon, which was hosted by Sharon Osbourne, raises money for the Nordoff Robbins charity.

Legendary crooner: Tony Bennett with his Lifetime Achievement award

Posh lunch: The event was hosted by Sharon Osbourne (left), while Dame Vera Lynn accepted the Icon Award

English band Muse also picked up the Silver Clef Music Award, after turning it down the year before.
A group statement said: 'We are delighted to be presented this year’s Nordoff Robbins Silver Clef and join the ranks of such Artistes as Robert Plant, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Elton John & The Who.
'Nordoff Robbins is an exceptional charity that has a positive impact on so many people’s lives, and we are very proud to be recognised by them in this way.'

This beats winning the X Factor: Boy band JLS received the prestigious Best Newcomer accolade

Rock 'n' roll: English band Muse (L-R) Matt Bellamy Dominic Howard and Christopher Wolstenholme accept the Silver Clef Award

Also honoured was former  Guns n' Roses guitarist Slash with the Ambassador Of Rock and X Factor boy band JLS with the Newcomer Award.
The rocker was presented the award by Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood.
Slash, who was born and brought up in England until moving to Los Angeles when he was 11, said: 'I'm more than honoured to be the recipient of the Hard Rock Ambassador of Rock Award! Feels sort of like being Knighted, sort of. Cheers to Nordoff Robbins.'

Smart: Cilla Black (left) and Gloria Hunniford dressed up for the afternoon bash