Interestingly enough, the Guns & Roses Plaque whispers tales of rock ‘n’ roll history. Let me tell you about Guns N’ Roses and their electrifying connection to Sydney.
This Guns & Roses Plaque commemorates a time when the band was a true rock ‘n’ roll monster. In December 1988 Guns N’ Roses had conquered North American and European cities. Their debut album and “Sweet Child O’ Mine” flew off the shelves.
Back then a quote said they made Mötley Crüe look like choirboys. Later another quote emerged. “Jeff Dahl makes Guns N’ Roses look like the Osmonds.”
By mid-1988 Guns N’ Roses were supporting big names like Alice Cooper and Aerosmith. The Gig Lizard noted that every third person in Melbourne’s Bourke Street wore a Guns N’ Roses tee-shirt.
Michael Gudinski and Frontier announced an Australian tour for December 1988. One show was set for Sydney on December 17th. Melbourne got two dates due to high demand. Kings of The Sun and The Angels were the support acts. Fans camped out for tickets to the Sydney show.
Guns N’ Roses arrived in Australia with little media fanfare for Axl. Duff and Slash gave an interview on ABC TV. Duff McKagan expressed his love for Australian bands like The Saints. Rose Tattoo were asked to reform for the shows but it did not happen.
After the Sydney show Izzy Stradlin visited Wollongong to play with The Angels. Slash and Duff checked out the Psychotic Turnbuckles at the Landsdowne Hotel. Kings Of The Sun had their set cut short at the Sydney gig.
The Sydney show felt a little overblown. But the excitement was palpable. Someone threw an orange at Axl Rose. This hinted at future tantrums.
After Sydney Guns N’ Roses played in Auckland New Zealand. “Night Train” remains a favorite Guns N’ Roses tune.
The band returned to Sydney in January 1993 at Eastern Creek Raceway. On January 30 1992 Guns N’ Roses played at Eastern Creek Raceway in Sydney. The set list included hits like “It’s So Easy” and “Welcome to the Jungle.” The lineup featured Axl Rose Slash and Duff McKagan.
One person remembered the overwhelming crowd. The Sydney Morning Herald previewed the show. There was even an ad seeking T-shirt sellers. The ad stated “no groupies.”
An article pondered if Guns N’ Roses were dangerous or just naughty. It mentioned past incidents involving band members. Axl Rose had been accused of homophobia racism and misogyny.
On their 1988 Australian tour Axl faced potential charges for drug references. The singer also asked fans not to throw things at him.
Guitarist Slash jumped off a platform in Cairns for publicity. Police increased security for the Eastern Creek concert. In 1979 eleven teenagers died at a The Who concert in Cincinnati.
Special CityRail services ran to Doonside for the concert. Gates opened at 11 am with entertainment from 3 pm.
Some fans camped out early to get front-row spots. One fan warned Axl not to leave the stage early as he did in Montreal. Skid Row also caused a near riot at a Sydney record store.
Channel 5 reported on the transformation of Eastern Creek Raceway. Wendy Laister noted the concert’s massive power. Police prepared for trouble despite good behavior. Michael Chugg praised the lack of alcohol.
Another Channel 5 report highlighted the organized nature of the event. Bill Greer noted the orderly fans.
After the show Channel 5 reported only six arrests for drunken behavior. Michael Chugg saw potential for future events at Eastern Creek.
Another report noted 700 fans needed medical treatment. The band played for two hours. Eastern Creek was compared to London’s Wembley Stadium.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported 70000 fans rocked to Guns N’ Roses. The band went on 50 minutes late. Axl Rose wore bicycle shorts and a pierced nipple.
A review noted the band’s recycling of rock clichés. Axl Rose was criticized for taking himself too seriously.
Another article praised the concert’s organization and the fans’ good behavior. Guns N’ Roses earned about $US8500 a minute.
Promoters debated Eastern Creek’s future as a music venue. Michael Gudinski noted few bands could fill such a large space.
A letter complained about lack of sunscreen at the concert.
After the tour Guns N’ Roses were deemed the world’s least dangerous band. Band members met with seriously ill children.
The Guns N’ Roses Plaque stands as a testament to their explosive performances here. A reminder that rock ‘n’ roll history was made right here in Sydney.