Text by: David Araújo
Aboard the Boeing 757-200, dedicated to their Brazilian tour, Guns N' Roses landed in Salvador last Monday, April 13th. For many, that sentence alone seemed like a dream come true, but it was last Wednesday, the 15th, at Arena Fonte Nova, that the band made an epic moment a reality for 40,000 people who experienced it firsthand.
The promise of major international concerts in the capital of Bahia is an old one. Looking back to the not-so-distant past, Arena Fonte Nova was responsible for opening the doors to this new phase, hosting Elton John (2014), Paul McCartney (2017), Roger Waters (2018), and A-HA (2022) in recent years.
This time, none other than Guns N' Roses joined that hall of fame. Judging by the audience's anticipation, it's perhaps not an exaggeration to say that Axl Rose, Slash , and Duff McKagan was even more anticipated than a Beatle. The success of this show in Salvador was already evident from ticket sales alone, with all standing and seated sections sold out several days in advance.
Changes to the setlist and a surprise with "Patience"
The show started a few minutes late, nothing significant. Right from the introductory video on the screen, the audience was already buzzing with anticipation. During the band's performance, the fans were finally able to let out a scream they'd been holding back for years: It was happening!
The band launched into the traditional “Welcome to the Jungle,” sending the audience into a frenzy in seconds. In a brief comment, Axl said: “What a lovely night, isn’t it? And what a beautiful place you have here!” He was right: the Land of Music had become a stage for the highest level of world rock.
Compared to previous setlists in Brazilian cities, Salvador initially saw changes in the order of some songs, for example, "Civil War," played towards the end of the last shows, appeared much earlier. Then, a beautiful tribute to Ozzy Osbourne appeared on the screen, and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" was performed with such precision by the tight-knit band.
Everyone displayed fantastic energy that no Bahian could fault: Axl, Slash, Duff and company made it very clear how much they enjoyed being on stage. And Axl's effort and passion in his vocals were also surprising; while they're not the same as they were 40 years ago, we can certainly say they were at a high point that night.
Without a doubt, one of the show's greatest highlights was the breathtaking sequence of "Patience," "You Could Be Mine," and "Don't Cry," as if they were piling hit after hit. Any one of those songs alone would have been the pinnacle for fans, but we have to talk about "Patience," which became even more magnificent by marking its debut on the setlist of this Brazilian tour, precisely in Salvador!
No less anticipated, “Sweet Child o' Mine” and “November Rain” signaled that the show was drawing to a close, and with that, it was clear that “it finally sunk in” for many people. It wasn't uncommon to see incredulous fans at those moments, a feeling justified by the long promise and wait for a dream to come true. “Paradise City” closed the night in the Capital of Joy, living up to its affectionate nickname, and the audience left the Arena Fonte Nova clearly satisfied with the show.
The Guns N' Roses show in Salvador marks a historic event and the fulfillment of many fans who grew up dreaming of seeing them up close. A sold-out stadium days in advance shows that the capital of Bahia is far from being limited to axé and pagode music, and has an audience of all ages, loyal and dedicated to rock.
READ ALSO: Guns N' Roses concert in Campo Grande plagued by logistical failures and death.
