In a thrilling update for rock fans worldwide, Guns N’ Roses have officially unveiled the definitive set list for their upcoming “Shield of Pain” Farewell Tour, marking the 35th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, Appetite for Destruction
In a thrilling update for rock fans worldwide, Guns N’ Roses have officially unveiled the definitive set list for their upcoming “Shield of Pain” Farewell Tour, marking the 35th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, Appetite for Destruction. The revelation follows the band’s explosive mid‑May kick‑off and is sure to energize fans ahead of the multi‑leg tour wrap‑up this summer.
A Fresh Opening and Fan-Favorite Classics
The tour launched in Incheon, South Korea, on May 1, where the band dramatically shifted gears by restarting with “Welcome to the Jungle”—a choice not seen since 2012 (reddit.com, ultimateclassicrock.com). This electrifying opener set the tone for a set list rich in nostalgia and rare deep cuts.
The debut show also showcased the new drummer, Isaac Carpenter, who took over following Frank Ferrer’s departure in March (ultimateclassicrock.com).
From their seminal 1987 debut, Appetite for Destruction, the band delivers seven of the album’s 12 tracks, including:
- “Welcome to the Jungle”
- “Mr. Brownstone”
- “It’s So Easy”
- “Sweet Child o’ Mine”
- “Nightrain”
- “Rocket Queen”
- Closer “Paradise City” (ultimateclassicrock.com, youtube.com)
Altogether, that’s a near-full immersion into the album that catapulted them to global superstardom.
Balancing Nostalgia and Evolution
The set list reflects a careful balance. Tracks from Use Your Illusion I and II include powerhouse staples like:
- “Bad Obsession”
- “Coma”
- “Double Talkin’ Jive”
- “November Rain”
- “Estranged”
- “Yesterdays”
- “Civil War” (ultimateclassicrock.com, setlist.fm)
From their controversial 2008 era, the Chinese Democracy selections aren’t skimpy either: the band performs the title track and “Better,” along with “This I Love” and “Sorry” in some shows (setlist.fm).
New material also gets a spotlight: “Perhaps,” premiered during their 2023 tour and recorded on their 2023 single, continues to feature in the nightly run (en.wikipedia.org).
Memorable Covers and Rare Gems
True to their live legacy, Guns N’ Roses pepper the show with eclectic covers spanning radio classics to underground gems:
- Live and Let Die (Paul McCartney & Wings)
- Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan)
- Slither (Velvet Revolver)
- Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb)—a surprise tour debut during the Barcelona stop (setlist.fm)
Additionally, the “Shield of Pain” tour reintroduces seldom‑performed covers like “I Wanna Be Your Dog” (The Stooges) and “Catcher in the Rye”, both debuting in Georgia’s Shekvetili show (setlist.fm). Duff McKagan even takes lead vocals on Misfits’ “Attitude” on select nights (setlist.fm).
Tour Highlights & Notable Moments
So far, standout moments include:
- A rare launch of “Welcome to the Jungle” as opener, breaking more than a decade’s precedent (ultimateclassicrock.com).
- The European leg, spanning shows in Barcelona, Florence, and Düsseldorf, featuring a 31–33 song marathon—with fan‑pleasing “Catcher in the Rye” and “Don’t Cry” additions .
- Iconic solos, including a Slash guitar feature and the return of “This I Love” after years of dormancy (setlist.fm).
Set List Rundown: What You’ll Hear
A typical “Shield of Pain” set list opens with:
- Intro tape
- Welcome to the Jungle
- Mr. Brownstone
- Chinese Democracy
- Bad Obsession
- Out Ta Get Me
- Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
- Absurd
- Live and Let Die
- Double Talkin’ Jive
- You Could Be Mine
- Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
- Hard Skool
- Yesterdays
- Rocket Queen
- Better
- Coma
- Attitude (Misfits cover)
- It’s So Easy
- Civil War
- Slash solo
- Sweet Child o’ Mine
- November Rain
- Wichita Lineman
- Patience
- This I Love (tour debut)
- Down on the Farm (UK Subs cover)
- Estranged
- Nightrain
- Paradise City (setlist.fm, en.wikipedia.org)
Looking Ahead & Legacy
The European and Middle Eastern chapters will conclude late July at Wacken Open Air (July 31, 2025) (pitchfork.com). A Latin American leg, including stops in Mexico City, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires, follows in October and November .
While the tour is billed as a farewell, the meticulously curated blend of classic hits, deep cuts, new material, and surprise covers offers a comprehensive journey through the band’s explosive 35‑year legacy—from Appetite’s riff‑driven roots to the evolving soundscape of Chinese Democracy.
Frontman Axl Rose and guitarist Slash, joined by bassist Duff McKagan, embody a reunion fueled by creative resurgence. This tour confirms that if this is indeed their final bow, they’re once again delivering a career‑spanning spectacle worthy of their enduring mythos.
Why It Matters
At a moment when nostalgia blends with new expression, Guns N’ Roses manage to honor their past without dismissing their evolution. The “Shield of Pain” set list is a testament to their resilience: keeping Appetite for Destruction central, revisiting Use Your Illusion epics, validating Chinese Democracy, showcasing new work, and peppering in covers that reflect both homage and influence.
For concertgoers, it’s not just a show — it’s an immersive, 35‑year retrospective with rare gems and fresh takes. And if parting ways is truly on the horizon, Guns N’ Roses is ensuring they leave the stage on their own terms: loud, unfiltered, and unforgettable.
Whether you ride with the reverb of a battered Fender or catch a virus‑powered opening chord, the “Shield of Pain” tour is shaping up not just as a farewell—but as a final statement that refuses to fade quietly.
