‘Anything Goes’: Guns N’ Roses Switch Up Setlist With Rarities Galore At 2023 Tour Opener

Guns N’ Roses kicked off their 2023 World Tour last night in Abu Dhabi, where they filled the setlist with deep cuts and premiered a Stooges cover. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers busted out four songs they hadn’t played in decades as they began a trek that will hit Europe and North America later this year.

2023 marks eight years since frontman Axl Rose reunited with guitarist Slash after a 23-year feud. The band has been touring consistenly from 2016 to the present besides a pause caused by the pandemic. GN’R likely wanted to give fans a reason to see them live again by making major changes to the setlist.

The biggest surprise on Thursday night at Etihad Arena in the Capital of the United Arab Emirates was the inclusion of Appetite For Destruction cut “Anything Goes,” last played on August 1, 1988 according to Setlist.FM. GN’R also trotted out songs from the Use Your Illusion studio albums. “Bad Obsession” off Use Your Illusion I saw action for the first time since February 6, 1993, while Use Your Illusion II gem “Pretty Tied Up” returned for the first time since April 6, 1992.

Guns N’ Roses swapped in a few different covers as well. Bassist Duff McKagan led the way on the band’s debut performance of The Stooges’ “T.V. Eye” and “Down On The Farm” by UK Subs was busted out after nearly 17 years on the shelf. Additionally, originals “This I Love” and “My Michelle” were dusted off for the first time since 2018 and 2017 respectively and the band brought back a take on “Nice Boys,” a Rose Tattoo song last played in 2017.

The 32-song performance also featured plenty of classics including “Welcome To The Jungle,” “Mr. Brownstone,” “November Rain,” “Patience” and “Paradise City.” GN’R represented their current era by playing 2022 singles “Hard Skool” and “Absurd.”

Watch fan-shot videos from Guns N’ Roses’ 2023 Tour opener below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuetYJy8GcM&pp=ygUbZ3VucyBuJyByb3NlcyBhbnl0aGluZyBnb2Vz