Despite not releasing a record for eight years – and prior to 2008's Chinese Democracy, a GnR album hadn't come out since 1993 – the band still has the popularity to draw big crowds. Their influence and appeal remain strong, as demonstrated by their recent tours that have captivated fans worldwide.
The Phenomenal Success of the "Not In This Lifetime" Tour
Just look at its "Not In This Lifetime…Tour." Playing 25 shows in 21 cities from June 23 to August 22, Guns N' Roses made $116.8 million. That’s an average of about $4.68 million PER SHOW, showcasing their ability to continue attracting large audiences.
Adding in a couple of April shows, plus appearances at Coachella Music Festival and two shows at the Foro Sol in Mexico, GnR has made more than $132 million this year. They are also scheduled to play 11 shows in Latin America this fall, with Asian and Australian dates lined up for early next year. When all is said and done, this tour could bring in more than $200 million.
The Return of Iconic Band Members
This is the first time Guns N' Roses members Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan have appeared onstage together since 1993. Fans eagerly pay as much as $280 per ticket to see hits like "Sweet Child O' Mine," "Paradise City," and "Welcome to the Jungle." The chemistry between these classic members creates an unforgettable experience for concertgoers.
However, not all that money goes directly to the band’s members. There are crew members to pay, and the production costs alone have been rumored to cost around half a million dollars per show. Despite these expenses, ticket sales and merchandise profits contribute significantly to the band’s earnings.
Financial Insights into the Reunion Tour
One band member who will not be getting any of that money is former guitarist and co-founder Izzy Stradlin. He elected not to participate in the reunion, tweeting that the band "didn't want to split the loot equally." While it's unconfirmed how much per show Guns N' Roses offered Stradlin, hopefully, he's not regretting his decision after seeing these earnings.
The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, where the classic lineup – Rose, Slash, McKagan, Stradlin, and Steven Adler – along with newer members Dizzy Reed and Matt Sorum, are forever immortalized. The Hall commemorates their impact with the message, "Mainstream hard rock wasn't the same after the members of Guns N' Roses sank their teeth into it."
Record-Breaking Performances Across the Country
Just take a look at the cities that hosted more than one performance to get an idea of some of the ridiculous draws the band had:
- Artist: Guns N' Roses & Lenny Kravitz
- Venue: East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
- Date: Jul. 22nd-23rd, 2016
- Gross Sales: $11,687,391
- Attendance/Capacity: 100,177 / 100,177
- Ticket Prices: $280, $45.50
- Artist: Guns N' Roses & The Cult
- Venue: Los Angeles, CA – Dodger Stadium
- Date: Aug. 18th-19th, 2016
- Gross Sales: $8,917,758
- Attendance/Capacity: 84,634 / 87,917
- Ticket Prices: $275, $45.50
- Artist: Guns N' Roses & Alice In Chains
- Venue: Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
- Date: Jul. 01st, 03rd, 2016
- Gross Sales: $8,843,684
- Attendance/Capacity: 82,172 / 96,088
- Ticket Prices: $250, $44.50
- Artist: Guns N' Roses & Lenny Kravitz
- Venue: Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium
- Date: Jul. 19th-20th, 2016
- Gross Sales: $8,302,575
- Attendance/Capacity: 65,472 / 71,099
- Ticket Prices: $280, $50.50
The financial success and the band’s ability to attract massive crowds illustrate their status as a rock legend, even after years without new music. Guns N' Roses remains a powerhouse in the music industry, capable of drawing fans from all corners of the globe.
