Guns N’Roses proved they still have what it takes when they opened their 2026 North American tour in Raleigh, North Carolina, on July 23rd with a marathon 29-song performance at Carter-Finley Stadium. The setlist packed eight classic tracks from their groundbreaking 1987 debut“Appetite for Destruction,”including“Welcome to the Jungle”and“Paradise City,”alongside covers that showcased the band’s deep musical roots. From Bob Dylan’s“Knockin’on Heaven’s Door”to Black Sabbath’s“Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,”the band demonstrated their ability to honor the artists who shaped their sound while keeping the energy electric for the crowd.
What made Thursday night especially memorable were the moments that went beyond music. Guitarist Slash turned 61 during the performance, and the entire stadium joined in singing happy birthday to the rock legend. The band also paid a moving tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, projecting the metal icon’s image on screens while performing“Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”just one day after the anniversary of his passing. These moments reminded everyone that rock and roll isn’t just about the songs, it’s about community and honoring the people who came before.
The tour continues through mid-September with a stellar lineup of support acts rotating throughout the dates, including Public Enemy, Ice Cube, Pierce the Veil, and The Barbarians of California. Public Enemy opened the Raleigh show with their own 10-song set featuring classic hits. If you’re thinking about catching Guns N’Roses this summer, what song from“Appetite for Destruction”would you most want to hear live?
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
