On This Day: September 13, 1992 – Guns N’ Roses Rock Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium with Faith No More Opening…Read More
Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium was the epicenter of rock energy on September 13, 1992, as Guns N’ Roses brought their Use Your Illusion world tour to Canada, delivering a night of explosive music, showmanship, and raw power. With the renowned Faith No More opening the evening, fans were treated to a marathon showcase of talent, attitude, and unforgettable moments.
The night kicked off with Faith No More, who had already built a reputation as one of the most unpredictable and musically adventurous bands of the early ’90s. Their blend of funk, metal, punk, and alternative rock set the tone for the crowd, warming up the stadium with hits and fan favorites. Mike Patton’s eccentric stage presence and the band’s tight musicianship provided the perfect primer for what was to come.
When the lights dimmed and Guns N’ Roses took the stage, the atmosphere erupted. The band opened with their signature anthem, Welcome to the Jungle, instantly electrifying the packed venue. From there, the setlist carried fans through a rollercoaster of hard-hitting classics and Use Your Illusion-era highlights. Tracks like It’s So Easy and Mr. Brownstone kept the adrenaline flowing, while their thunderous cover of Paul McCartney’s Live and Let Die showcased the band’s ability to reinterpret a classic with their own gritty edge.
In a surprise twist, the band included Attitude, a Misfits track that allowed Duff McKagan to step up vocally and bring a punk-infused punch to the performance. Bad Obsession followed, complete with its bluesy swagger and harmonica-driven energy, offering a reminder of the band’s deep musical roots beyond straight-ahead hard rock.
The crowd roared as Double Talkin’ Jive unfolded, its snarling lyrics and menacing riffs highlighting Izzy Stradlin’s influence even in his absence from the touring lineup. Then came Civil War, a politically charged epic that stretched the band’s dynamic range, combining delicate acoustic passages with full-throttle explosions of sound. The track resonated deeply with the Toronto audience, many of whom swayed and sang along to its haunting refrain, “What’s so civil about war, anyway?”
Among the standout moments of the night was the performance of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, a Beatles nod that reflected the band’s willingness to pay homage to their influences while keeping fans on their toes with unexpected choices. The interpretation was raw and loose, dripping with the band’s rebellious personality.
Throughout the show, Axl Rose was in his element—darting across the massive stage, shifting from ferocious growls to soaring vocals, and engaging directly with the audience. His unpredictable charisma, coupled with Slash’s fiery guitar solos, created an electric chemistry that anchored the night. Meanwhile, Duff and Matt Sorum held down a thunderous rhythm section, with Dizzy Reed adding flourishes on the keyboards to expand the sonic landscape.
The Toronto crowd fed off the band’s energy, chanting, singing, and thrusting fists in the air during the show’s peaks. Exhibition Stadium, a venue with a history of hosting massive concerts, seemed barely able to contain the intensity of the night. For many fans, the experience was not just a concert but a cultural moment—an opportunity to witness one of the biggest rock bands of the era at the height of their power.
The concert also carried with it the larger-than-life aura of the Use Your Illusion tour itself, known for its length, unpredictability, and sheer spectacle. With elaborate stage setups, fiery visuals, and marathon setlists that often stretched late into the night, these shows were both exhausting and exhilarating. Toronto’s stop was no exception, cementing its place in the memories of those lucky enough to attend.
As the night drew to a close, fans left the stadium buzzing, their voices hoarse but spirits high. For many, it was an affirmation of why Guns N’ Roses had become not just a band but a phenomenon—reckless, ambitious, and unforgettable.
September 13, 1992, remains etched in Toronto’s concert history as the night when Guns N’ Roses, supported by Faith No More, transformed Exhibition Stadium into a cathedral of rock, delivering a performance that blended chaos and brilliance in equal measure.
