September 27, 2002 — Guns N' Roses entered the music scene in 1985, complete with frenzied rock-n-roll energy, extreme behavior, and exciting live performances led by singer Axl Rose. They have since sold more than 80 million records. Currently, they're returning to the scene with the "Chinese Democracy" World Tour, their first full tour since 1993. The shows will feature a mix of classic GN'R songs and new material from their forthcoming album.

Nearly nine years have passed since Guns N' Roses embarked on their last world tour. Fortunately, the most important piece is still in place, and for people wondering where Axl Rose has been, he's been busy writing and recording a new album, Chinese Democracy. Keyboard player Dizzy Reed has been in GN'R since 1991 and along with Axl is the holdover from the band's previous line-up. New to the fold are three guitarists: Robin Finck, formerly of Nine Inch Nails, guitar phenomenon Buckethead, and Richard Fortus. Rounding out the all-star line-up is bassist Tommy Stinson from the Replacements, a second keyboard player Chris Pitman, and Brian "Brain" Mantia formerly of Primus on drums.

The band is fresh from the first six dates of the "Chinese Democracy" World Tour in China, Japan, Europe, and the U.K., where they set attendance and merchandise records in Tokyo (Chiba Marine Stadium-35,000 plus), Osaka (WTC Stadium-25,000 plus) and Leeds (Leeds Festival-52,000 plus). They also made a much-talked-about surprise appearance at this year's MTV Video Music Awards in New York last month.

When asked about the speculation of Guns N' Roses performing, Axl Rose replied: "To the ones who are negative and want to see either myself or the new band fall on their faces, personally I can't pass up an opportunity to upset so many of them in one quick swoop. I get misty-eyed just thinking about it. I feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside! But seriously ... this is our tour. This is a collection of performances I've agreed to. That I have personally authorized not someone else's good intentions gone awry or a reckless promoter's personal agenda. These shows are important to us and for better or worse we'll be there. For those who've had my back and are down by us with even a modicum of understanding we hope to give you our best, and look forward to seeing you on this little intro jaunt."

Current North American itinerary is as follows. More dates will be added soon. All dates are subject to change:

THU 11/7 – Vancouver, BC, Canada – GM Place
FRI 11/8 – Tacoma, WA – Tacoma Dome
MON 11/11 – Boise, ID – Idaho Center Arena
THU 11/14 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
FRI 11/15 – Fargo, ND – Fargodome
SUN 11/17 – Moline, IL – The Mark
MON 11/18 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
TUE 11/19 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
THU 11/21 – Detroit, MI – The Palace
FRI 11/22 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
SUN 11/24 – Cleveland, OH – Gund Arena
TUE 11/26 – Buffalo, NY – HSBC Arena
WED 11/27 – Albany, NY – Pepsi Arena
FRI 11/29 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada – AirCanada Centre
SAT 11/30 – Uniondale, NY – Nassau Coliseum
MON 12/2 – Boston, MA – FleetCenter
TUE 12/3 – Hartford, CT – Civic Center
THU 12/5 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
FRI 12/6 – Philadelphia, PA – First Union Center
SUN 12/8 – Wilkes Barre, PA – First Union Center
MON 12/9 – Washington, DC – MCI Center
WED 12/11 – Greenville, SC – Bi-Lo Center
FRI 12/13 – Tampa, FL – TBC
SAT 12/14 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – TBC
THU 12/19 – Biloxi, MS – Gulf Coast Coliseum
SAT 12/21 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Arena