DVD Review: Use Your Illusion I and II – World Tour, 1992

During 1992, Guns n’ Roses were traveling the globe, supporting the massively successful Use Your Illusion I and II. The “Get in the Ring” tour became a giant spectacle of costume changes, stage risers, backup singers and extra musicians. The tour made Guns n’ Roses a fortune – and it cost just as much. This was also the catalyst that really started to rip the band apart. You’ll recall that Axl Rose rarely started shows on time – and sometimes never showed up for gigs at all. At any rate, there were nights when the band was literally on fire. Guns n’ Roses released two DVDs from the tour – called Use Your Illusion I and II – World Tour, 1992 (Geffen). The footage was shot in Tokyo.

The live action captured in both DVDs is basically the Guns n’ Roses we all know and love. Sure, Izzy Stradlin and Steven Adler are missing, but the band members that remain have a special chemistry that will likely never be recaptured. Here is the set list for both DVDs:

1. "Introduction"
   
2. "Nightrain"
3. "Mr. Brownstone"
4. "Live and Let Die"
5. "It's So Easy"
6. "Bad Obsession"
7. "Attitude"
8. "Pretty Tied Up"
9. "Welcome to the Jungle"
10. "Don't Cry"
11. "Double Talkin' Jive"
12. "Civil War"/"Voodoo Child"
13. "Wild Horses"
14. "Patience"
15. "November Rain"
    
    
16. "Introduction"
17. "You Could Be Mine"
18. "Drum Solo & Guitar Solo"
19. "Theme from "The Godfather""
20. "Sweet Child o' Mine"
21. "So Fine"
22. "Rocket Queen" (w/ "It Tastes Good, Don't It?")
23. "Move to the City"
24. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
25. "Estranged"
26. "Paradise City"

Obviously, there are highlights and lowlights. “Estranged,” “Paradise City” and “Pretty Tied Up” are excellent. This is also true of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” and “Double Talkin’ Jive.” I don’t care for the performance of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” so much because Axl screeches through the extended intro and therefore kills his voice for the song. I don’t like “Wild Horses” as much either. I feel like the band should have put “Yesterdays” in the set instead.

The cinematography here is pretty excellent. Sure, there are some awkward camera pans, but overall, the crew does a good job of catching GnR in action – and this is no easy feat. Everyone, save Matt Sorum, run around the stage constantly – especially Axl. During this frenzy, the capacity crowd inside the Tokyo Dome basically just stands there, watching. Sure, there is more movement during “Welcome to the Jungle” and the fans really seem to enjoy when Slash runs around the security area during his solo on “Paradise City” but, for the most part, the crowd is just attentive. There’s no pushing, shoving or death here – just respect. In a way, I think that’s fitting for a band that was about to implode.

The cost of each DVD alone is around 15 to 20 bucks, depending if you support a local shop or buy from Amazon. With these horrific economic times, you’re probably thinking a little harder about your unnecessary purchases. Should you spend your hard-earned money on the live Use Your Illusion concert DVDs? If you are a Guns n’ Roses fan, then yes. These DVDs are probably the closest thing we’re ever going to get to a concert featuring most of the original members and at about forty bucks for both, it’s cheaper than going out to a show. Plus, you get to skip backward and forward as many times as you want to get to your favorite songs.

Here's the video for "Pretty Tied Up"

Guns N Roses - Pretty Tied Up

Comments

[Todd]

Unless, they've been re-released, the only reason I don't have these is the shows are done in 2.0 sound. Not 5.1.

There's the argument that 2.0 is how music should be presented but I have a load of money invested in my home theatre and am disappointed with a 2.0 release.

I haven't seen these since I bought them on VHS many years ago. Fun review that makes me want to watch them again.

[MotleyCrue666]

i had this dvd for a day and returned it. i was very dissapointed.

[Rob Rocker]

I had them on VHS back in the day and recently bought the DVD's to find that it's still a boring concert. The sound is limp and there really is no stage show beyond the band members, and the "zombie" crowd doesn't help. Although I don't think it's ever been officially released?, the Ritz show with the original line-up is still the best recorded show I seen of the band.

[don]

japanes crowds as a rule do not go nuts like they do here in the states or in europe. they are normally very restrained and polite especially in comparison to us. it's not like they are not enjoying the show it's just a cultural thing.

[don]

okay i meant japanese.

[Wilksey]

While these are great offical releases of Gn'R during the Illusions World Tour, for me the best representation of them from this period is the bootleg video/DVD of them Live in Paris entitled Oui Oui, Mother-Fuckers.

For purists, it doesn't feature Izzy (sadly) Gilby Clarke does a great job however. But for rock fans in general it's a real feast. The guests include Lenny Kravitz for Always on the Run (with a huge Slash solo at the end) and Steven Tyler & Joe Perry for Train Kept a Rollin and Mama Kin. What more could you ask for?

[Wilksey]

And if the purists want to see the band in their original 'state', the Ritz show from '88 is easily them at their absolute best.

[britt harlow]

Great idea, someone should put out the Ritz show on DVD !!!!!

[flogworth]

I have the tokyo show & I think its great!
I also have the ritz 88 show on dvd its good,
its gn'r raw but the audio sux! some good shows to
see if you can find them are noblesville IN. &
the st.louis "riot" show, both shows include Izzy.

[Marcos Fedato]

I agre with don, oui oui mother fuckers is fucking amazing and smels less mecanical and more inspirated than that ones in tokyo.

Aways on the run is just amazing i can almost feel the extasis of gilby and duff at the end of the track.