I took some time last fall to assemble my bucket list. It was then that I realized the first third of the list was live music-related. I love concerts, festivals, all of that stuff, but I have not had a reliable live music partner-in-crime in DC. When I think about it, I miss living in Austin when I could go down to Antone’s and hear something so good that it would change my life. So of 10 music related items on my list, I have checked off two in the first half of 2016 and will be able to check off two more in the second half.

Go to Coachella, see Guns N’ Roses, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen.

I went to Coachella in April and saw Guns N’ Roses for the second time this year last Sunday. I’ll be seeing Billy Joel and the Boss by Labor Day. This is an abnormal year of amazing concerts, so I’m trying to make the best of it. And man, this GNR show delivered. First of all, I ended up with my old boss in the FedEx Owner’s Suite. 50 yard line, sushi bar, barbecue, open bar, private bathroom… and swag. I was spoiled. Check out this view.

Like in case you can’t see Axl’s underwear, here are some binoculars. Here’s a little recap of the show last weekend:

Looney Tunes Intro – brief and cute.
The Equalizer (Harry Gregson-Williams song) – abbreviated, walk-up song for the band.
It’s So Easy – this is probably my favorite GNR song. And it’s the perfect way to start the show. Total panty dropper.
Mr. Brownstone – Perfect segue to keep the party going.
Chinese Democracy – I had given up on GNR for this album, but not a bad song.
Welcome to the Jungle – Classic!
Double Talkin’ Jive – Found this to be an odd addition, I would have enjoyed something else from Use Your Illusion I or II.
Estranged – I’m slightly obsessed with this song. It is probably one of the few songs that can make me cry, so loved hearing it.
Live and Let Die (Wings cover) – I wish I could figure out hoe to upload these videos properly. My descriptions are lame compared to the real deal.
Rocket Queen – Good choice from Appetite.
Raw Power (Iggy and The Stooges cover) (with “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory” intro) – Not for me, great time to potty if you need to.
You Could Be Mine – Love this, reminds me of Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
This I Love – From the album when I’d given up on GNR, but it’s not a bad song.
Civil War – Great choice from Use Your Illusion.
Coma (With band introductions) – Surprisingly long choice from the Use Your Illusions.
Speak Softly Love (Love Theme From The Godfather) (Andy Williams cover) – It wouldn’t be a complete concert without this solo which segued into…
Sweet Child O’ Mine – Again, classic
Better – Eh.
Out Ta Get Me – Good way to bring the energy back up.
Slash & Fortus Guitar Duet (“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd) – This was new from Coachella and I was glad to hear it again. But new for this show, it ended with the outtro solo from…
Layla (Derek and the Dominos cover) (Instrumental, with Axl on piano) – Amazing and great transition into…
November Rain – Beautiful and breathtaking.
Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover) – It wouldn’t be a complete concert without this either.
Nightrain – Hard-hitting finish.

Encore:
Patience – in other shows, they played Don’t Cry. I got the two shows where they played Patience. Honestly I would have preferred Don’t Cry at least once.
The Seeker (The Who cover) – Good choice and Axl does it well.
Paradise City – Again, classic and perfect finish. With fireworks and confetti. And a curtain call that makes you want to cry because you really think, this may not happen in my lifetime again. So I’m grateful that I got to see it twice.

I can’t wait to “see” Billy Joel in July! If you live in or around DC and want a concert friend, let me know.