Guns N' Roses played an abbreviated 17-song set, as opposed to their 28-song set they usually tackle, during their appearance in Abu Dhabi on November 25. According to frontman Axl Rose while on stage, he fell "severely ill" prior to the show but didn't want to cancel.
"They've got me on IVs and a bunch of injections, 'cause I got sick today, I've been throwing up for about the last five hours. So, instead of canceling, I'm gonna do the best show we can for you."
The band omitted such hits as "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," "Patience" and "Paradise City" which pissed some fans off. Here's the setlist, courtesy of Setlist.FM, as well as footage of Rose explaining the situation to the fans and some Twitter reactions. Given the setlist, I think the band might've just been better off rescheduling the show rather than performing, or at least cut off the covers and do just the original hits.
I mean seriously, that setlist is over one quarter cover songs.
- It's So Easy
- Mr. Brownstone
- Chinese Democracy
- Welcome to the Jungle
- Double Talkin' Jive
- Better
- Estranged
- Attitude (Misfits cover)
- Shadow of Your Love
- Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
- Rocket Queen
- Slash Guitar Solo (incl. "Johnny B. Goode" jam)
- Speak Softly Love (Love Theme From The Godfather) (Nino Rota cover)
- Sweet Child O' Mine
- Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
- Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd cover) (Slash and Richard Fortus guitar duet)
- November Rain ("Layla" intro, Axl on grand piano)
Abu Dhabi, you guys were fucking great tonight! Axl was severely ill. But you all were hugely supportive. Thanks for that. We'll see again next time! Cheers! iiii]; ) '
— Slash (@Slash) November 25, 2018
Thank you Abu Dhabi! @axlrose pulled a damn miracle…the man was beyond ill, and pulled off something I've never seen in my 40 yrs of playing. You all pulled him thru. Til next time!
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) November 25, 2018
Agree!! Shouldve stayed in his sick bed! How many hits!? and 1 1/2 hours to play Sweet Child & then Eric Clapton!! Glad I didn’t pay otherwise I’d be asking for a refund!! @gunsnroses https://t.co/erPtJ5kThq
— AppearanceAesthetics (@appearances4u) November 25, 2018
So that’s how you end a tour @Slash @DuffMcKagan @axlrose @gunsnroses ? No patience, night train or paradise city? Disappointed! And you played so well!
— Bob Hoomans (@bobhoomans) November 25, 2018
