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Legendary rock band Guns N’ Roses have launched their much-anticipated 2025 world tour, titled “Because What You Want & What You Get Are Two Completely Different Things.” The tour began with a fiery opening show on May 1 in Incheon, South Korea — their first performance in the country in 16 years — and is set to culminate on July 31 at the iconic Wacken Open Air festival in Germany.
From Seoul to São Paulo, this global trek marks one of the most ambitious and diverse tour schedules in the band’s storied history. With over 20 dates spanning Asia, Europe, and the Americas, Guns N’ Roses are not just reigniting their sound but reaffirming their status as titans of rock.
A Triumphant Return to Asia
The choice of Incheon, South Korea, for the opening night was a symbolic one. The band had not played in South Korea since 2009, and the anticipation was palpable. Fans packed the venue hours before showtime, many clad in vintage GNR tour shirts, waving banners, and singing classic hits in unison. The band delivered a blistering set that included staples like “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and “November Rain,” alongside newer, unreleased material that has sparked speculation about a future album.
Adding to the excitement was the debut of the band’s new drummer, Isaac Carpenter, who replaced longtime member Frank Ferrer in March 2025. Carpenter’s drumming has drawn praise from fans and critics alike for his tight, groove-driven style that echoes the band’s early years. His chemistry with bassist Duff McKagan has already proven magnetic, giving the rhythm section a revitalized feel.
An Eclectic Lineup of Special Guests
This tour isn’t just about Guns N’ Roses — it’s also a celebration of rock’s diverse legacy. Special guests on the tour include legendary rap group Public Enemy, bluesy hard rockers Rival Sons, and a reimagined version of the Sex Pistols featuring original members Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock, with Frank Carter stepping in for Johnny Rotten (John Lydon).
This bold combination of genres and generations underlines the band’s commitment to both musical integrity and cultural evolution. It’s not just a concert — it’s a high-octane rock summit.
The Mystery of New Music
Perhaps the biggest surprise so far has been the inclusion of unreleased tracks in their setlist — songs that reportedly date back to the infamous Chinese Democracy sessions. Guitarist Slash has been hinting at a vault of hidden gems for years, and now fans are finally getting a taste. In a recent interview, Slash teased, “We’ve been sitting on some material for a while now. It’s music that’s never seen the light of day, and we’ve decided that this is the perfect time to share it with the world.”
The new material blends seamlessly with the classics, combining the aggression of early Guns with the layered production of their later work. Though no official release date has been announced, the response to the new songs has been overwhelmingly positive, leading many to speculate that an album drop might coincide with the end of the tour.
A Climax at Wacken Open Air
It’s fitting that the tour will conclude at Wacken Open Air — Europe’s premier heavy metal festival held annually in northern Germany. Known for its massive crowds and iconic status in the rock and metal world, Wacken is the perfect stage for Guns N’ Roses to bring their global odyssey to a roaring close.
Wacken organizers have confirmed that GNR will headline the final night, with a set expected to run over two hours. Special stage production, surprise guest appearances, and a retrospective video montage are rumored to be part of the performance.
Fans from all over the world are expected to descend upon Wacken for this grand finale. Tickets sold out within minutes of the announcement, and the anticipation is so intense that the festival’s official site crashed multiple times due to high demand.
Beyond the Music
This tour is more than just a victory lap for a band that has weathered internal turmoil, lineup changes, and industry evolution. It’s a statement that great rock music not only endures — it thrives.
Axl Rose, despite his unpredictable reputation, has been in peak form. His vocals, once thought to be past their prime, have returned with surprising power and range. Slash remains a guitar god, thrilling crowds with blistering solos, while McKagan anchors the performances with cool confidence.
Meanwhile, the band has embraced a more fan-focused ethos. From backstage meet-and-greets to livestreams and behind-the-scenes footage, they’re bringing fans closer than ever to the tour experience.
Final Thoughts
With their 2025 tour, Guns N’ Roses have done more than revisit their golden years — they’ve proven that their legacy continues to evolve. The fusion of past, present, and future in their performances is a reminder of what rock can still be: raw, real, and resonant.
As they prepare to bring it all home at Wacken, one thing is clear — Guns N’ Roses are far from finished. They’re just getting started against
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