Guns N’ Roses at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, Philippines for their Manila leag concert ‘Not In This Lifetime Tour’ Call it a throwback but still, it was “the” major rock and roll event of the year when Guns n’ Roses (GnR) played the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan over the weekend. Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan – three of the original members of the legendary Los Angeles-based hard rock band – reunited for the ongoing “Not In This Lifetime Tour” which marks the first time the three original members played together since wrapping up the 1993 “Use Your Illusion Tour.” Guns n’ Roses fused punk, blues rock, and a whole lot of attitude that made them the biggest poster boys of ’80s glam and hard rock back in the late ’80s and the mid-part of the ’90s. They were also the most volatile rock and roll group of the time. Axl was at the center of every news story that involved the band: From trashed dressing rooms and feuds with other rock stars (remember that thing with Metallica); to late starting concerts (because he was watching a “Teenage Ninja Turtle” movie, so one story goes). But there were none of those last Sunday. For starters, it, well, started on time. It is not only a big deal for a GnR concert (at least from their previous reputation), but it is also quite rare for any show held here in Manila. This means a good chunk of attendees operating on “Philippine time” missed the opening song. A killer version of “It’s So Easy” kicked off the show and it was awesome, because finally, Guns n’ frickin’ Roses! This writer was so excited that I didn’t know what to take in first. Tall Duff McKagan looking fit and cool playing his memorable bass riffs being played in front of me. Or when Slash with his Gibson’s Les Paul guitar slung low, took to his side of the stage where one of his signature “Cry-Baby” wah-wah’s was stationed, and segued to “Mr. Brownstone.” Then there’s Axl Rose who was a right sight to see and hear live as he aced the vocals for the first two classic tracks from their breakout debut album “Appetite For Destruction.” Axl might have acquired a bit of body heft, but he can still wail, no problem. This he showed as he led the band through “Chinese Democracy.” Then the arena right about exploded into joyful frenzy as Slash and Axl teamed up on “Welcome To The Jungle.” The words “You’re In the jungle, Manila, you’re gonna die...” was never met with so much enthusiasm as Axl and the rest of Gunners dropped one hit track after another: “Double Talkin’ Jive,” “Estranged” with its singing guitar solo, “You Could Be Mine,” personal favorite “Civil War,” and their cover of Wings’ “Live And Let Die” definitely brought back memories of the early ’90s. I used to play the “Use Your Illusion” album so much that I wore down the ribbon of that cassette. And there it was being played live. Guns N’ Roses (Photos from their official Facebook page) Guns n’ Roses certainly made up for lost time on this tour. There was nary a low moment. Among the highlights were Slash’s guitar solo that took hi from bluesy noodling, to a Chuck Berry instrumental, then peaked at “The Godfather” Theme (“Speak Softly, Love”) – only to segue to “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” Axl also brought out the grand piano for “November Rain” natch! The vocalist was gracious that night. He frequently bowed and said thanks to the appreciative audience and even (gasped!) smiled (he was “congenial” as Francis Reyes of The Dawn put it on a Facebook post). But man, the dude looked tough and has in his eyes, a don’t-mess-with-me-look. Duff McKagan sang in a solo spot as well, but not before exhorting (in American twang) “Manila… tongue inna!” There were some surprise covers. First was Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” which was mainly a springboard for Slash and co-guitarist Richard Fortus’ guitar solo exchanges. Then there’s Axl and the gunners tribute to Glen Campbell and Chris Cornell with “Wichita Lineman” and “Black Hole Sun,” respectively. And the hits just kept on coming: “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” and “Patience” prompted the endearing/dreaded Pinoy sing-along. Ditto rocking on “Don’t Cry,” “Night Train,” and another personal favorite, “Rocket Queen.” Guns n’ Roses had played so many songs on a jampacked three-hour set and they still had room for four legit hits on their encore including the closing song “Paradise City.” And to think that this tour almost didn’t happen. We’ll spare you the details, but if you’re a fan, you can look it up. But we sure thank the day Axl patched things up with Duff, and eventually Slash to make these shows possible and “Not In This Lifetime Tour” finally unfold. It took Guns n’ Roses, oh just 31 years to get to Manila, but the wait was certainly worth it. “Not In This Lifetime Tour” was brought to Manila by MMI Live and Prestige Worldwide.