Never count out Guns N’ Roses.
Led by the temperamental front man Axl Rose, the band — undoubtedly the most successful of the 1980s hair metal acts — is reuniting some of its most famous members 30 years after the release of its debut EP.
While plenty of groups stay together for decades, GNR seemed bent on self-destruction for years, making its current reunion all the more impressive. The group’s long list of hits, including “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “November Rain” and “Paradise City,” made their mark in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
But infighting led to the band’s famed founding members, including big-haired guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan, leaving the band. Those men are now back on the road with Axl as part of the band’s Not in This Lifetime tour. They will play CenturyLink Field at 7:30 tonight, Aug. 12.
Expect to hear the band’s biggest hits, along with some of Axl’s less famed material from the long-in-the-works album “Chinese Democracy,” when the group roars into Seattle.
Tickets are $59 to $760 at ticketmaster.com or 800-745- 3000.
This weekend will also see the return of 107.7 The End’s annual festival, Summer Camp, which will take over Marymoor Park on Aug. 13 and 14.
The two-day alt-rock festival features its usual blend of buzzed about bands, with headliners this year including AWOLNATION, Young the Giant, Kongos, Big Data, the Dandy Warhols and Miike Snow.
Tickets are $84 ot $199.50 at axs.com.
That’s not the only festival heading to the Northwest, however. The Van’s Warped Tour will hit the White River Amphitheatre, with bands starting to play at 11 a.m. today, Aug. 12.
The annual collection of punk, ska and hardcore acts includes long-running acts such as Less Than Jake, New Found Glory and Reel Big Fish, along with dozens upon dozens of up-and- coming bands.
Tickets are $39.50 at ticketmaster.com or 800-745- 3000.
Band of Horses also will return to its old stomping grounds when it plays the Paramount Theatre in Seattle at 8 p.m. Aug. 18.
The folk-tinged indie rockers got their start in the Northwest on Sub Pop Records, carving out a deeply loyal fan base with intimate anthems such as “Is There a Ghost” and “The Funeral.”
While the band lost some fans when it made a jump to the major labels, its latest album, “Why Are You OK,” has been heralded as a return to form for the group, led by singer Ben Bridwell.
Tickets are $36.20 at stgpresents.org or 877-784- 4849.
Speaking of folk rock, Jackson Browne will headline the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville at 7 tonight, Aug. 12, and Aug. 13.
Browne may be best known for this 1978 hit “Running on Empty,” although the singer’s breezy, smart catalog is hardly limited to that single. His sharp songwriting made him a steady presence on the Billboard charts during an impressive 20-year run in the 1970s and 1980s.
Tickets are $50.50 to $270.50 at ticketmaster.com or 800-745- 3000.
Next week, 311 will play the Showbox SoDo in Seattle at 8 p.m. Aug. 17.
While the Omaha band’s often-imitated sound now seems commonplace, its blend of reggae, rap and alt-rock made it stand out during its early days on the charts in the 1990s.
The group remains a reliable act for fans, churning out a fresh album every few years, with rumors of a new album expected in 2017. That means concertgoers may get to hear some new material, along with old hits such as “Amber,” “Transistor,” and “Down.”
Tickets are $39.50 at axs.com.
A couple of shows also will keep the Neptune Theatre in Seattle busy in the coming days.
First up is a visit from the Edgar Winter Band at 8 tonight.
Winter’s theatrical take on blues rock is probably best known thanks to the single “Free Ride,” a hit for Winter in the 1970s. The acclaimed Texas native has kept busy ever since his heyday, however. His 2008 album, “Rebel Road,” found him teaming with everyone from Slash to country singer Clint Black.
Tickets are $33.50 to $53.50 at stgpresents.org or 877-784- 4849.
And Broods also will play the Neptune Theatre, hitting the venue at 8 p.m. Aug. 17.
The aptly named group features the brother-sister duo of Georgia and Caleb Nott. Together, the New Zealand pair has begun to turn heads with its take on electro-pop. It’s touring now behind “Conscious,” which was released to acclaim this July.
Tickets are $22.50 at stgpresents.org or 877-784- 4849.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
