Generation Sex @ La Défense Arena, Nanterre - July 13th, 2023

 

In theory, this punk-rock supergroup should have been the perfect opener for this Guns N' Roses show. It has everything to deliver a top-notch performance: one of the world's most famous frontmen in the person of Billy Idol, the greatest purveyor of punk-rock riffs to ever have picked up a Les Paul in the person of the great Steve Jones, and a badass rhythm section comprised of bassist Tony James and drummer Paul Cook: something of a dream line-up for everyone with even a passing appreciation of '77 British Punk. And, of course, a catalog of absolute classics from their legendary bands Generation X and Sex Pistols.

So it was puzzling to see this show, performed by this assortment of legendary players, just fall absolutely flat for nearly an hour. Despite Idol's energy and enthusiasm and despite Jones' best efforts and killer riffs, the whole thing juste never gelled for nearly an hour until they blew out the P.A. When the power returned, something happened and things finally came together during the last barrage of classics. But this was a little late in the game, and for their last show on this tour (and possibly their last show period), Generation Sex left the audience with a bitter taste of unfulfilled promises. In that regard, it was absolutely the most punk rock way to leave the stage.

Experience or re-live the concert by playing the setlist in the embedded Apple Music player below

Click on the banner above to listen to sign up for Apple Music and get one month of streaming for free