The Tentative Return of Guns 'n' Roses

Only time can reveal the fate of Guns'n'Roses' newest incarnation, but their recent tours of Europe and America have already proven a couple of things. First, the legacy that the first lineup established almost twenty years ago attracted a fervent following - a good part of which has remained faithful to this day. In addition, the mystique surrounding Axl Rose and his bandmates has attracted the interest of a whole new generation of hard rock fans. Perhaps these people have grown bored with the commercial music posing as outlaw expression that dominates so much of the Nu Rock scene and feel drawn now to a band that has always embodied real danger and unpredictability.

Or maybe it's simply a response to the incredible energy and vitality of their live shows. Whatever the reason, Guns'n'Roses have already generated fervor to nearly equal the impact of their first emergence on the rock scene so many years ago.

"Chinese Democracy" is, of course, one of the most anticipated albums in rock history. This nearly mythic album has purportedly been in the works for at least a decade, and has involved a revolving cast of players throughout that time (one of the most memorable being Buckethead, who played with the band on a few dates, including Las Vegas and Rock in Rio). What struck me the most about the new songs that the band previewed in concert - particularly "Madagascar" and "The Blues" - was the way in which they showcased Axl's voice so beautifully. The material that the Guns'n'Roses of the new millennium have worked up is an ideal vehicle for his range, both vocally and emotionally.