Guns N’ Roses Performs on Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1991)
In 1991, Guns N’ Roses performed at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of their expansive and eventful Use Your Illusion Tour. This tour was marked by numerous memorable and sometimes controversial moments, including the infamous Riverport riot, which occurred after Axl Rose, the band’s frontman, spotted a fan filming the concert and leaped into the crowd, leading to a chaotic scene and Rose’s subsequent legal troubles for inciting a riot.
The tour continued through various locations worldwide, with notable performances including a record-breaking show in terms of duration at the L.A. Forum and a significant concert in Montreal, Quebec, where a riot broke out due to late start times and technical issues. Amidst these tumultuous events, the band saw lineup changes, such as the departure of rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin and the introduction of Gilby Clarke as his replacement.
Despite these challenges, the band’s performances, including their set at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness, showcased their significant impact on rock music and their ability to draw massive audiences. Their concerts often featured an extensive setlist, including hits like “Paradise City” and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” and their shows were characterized by a blend of high energy and unpredictability, cementing their status as one of the era’s most iconic rock bands