Guns ‘n’ Roses kicked off their North American tour in style by cancelling a date and causing a riot. The initial explanation for the cancellation was that inclement weather in LA was preventing Axl Rose from flying out to Canada, a later announcement said a malfunctioning airplane was to blame. Other local media reports said Rose had missed his flight, was on his way or already in the city.
Either way he didn’t get there and when cancellation notices were posted outside the venue at the last minute violence broke out among the 8000 fans already queuing outside. Windows were smashed, a ticket kiosk trashed and firecrackers thrown at security. The police quickly arrived and retaliated with pepper spray and batons. A little later the rest of the band, who were already in the venue, were carefully ushered out of the building by security.
Axl made it to subsequent dates this weekend, and we now await word on whether the Vancouver show will be rescheduled.