Veeraj Shenoy is “absolutely buzzing” at the thought of watching American rock band Guns N’ Roses (GnR) live in Mumbai this weekend at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. He explains, “It’s been a long wait, and the energy is already through the roof. GnR coming back after over a decade is like a dream rekindled. For fans like me, it’s not just a concert—it’s a full-circle moment. I’m counting down the days!” The Mumbaikar’s excitement is palpable and infectious because he is not alone. There are many thousands of people who are waiting to watch the band. While for some it is the first time, others including this writer have watched them perform in December 2012, and even Shenoy is no stranger to the performance. 

The 44-year-old shares, “The last time they played in Mumbai in 2012, the moment ‘November Rain’ started —it was pure magic. You could feel the entire crowd hold their breath and lose themselves in the music. It wasn’t just a performance; it was an experience that etched itself into memory. I also bumped into my school buddies who grew up together on the rebellion of GnR and the entire ethos of songs fitting every scenario in coming of age.” 

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Ask Shenoy if he could be considered as one of their biggest fans and he is humble about it. He shares, “I wouldn’t claim the title, but yeah—I’ve lived and breathed their music for years.” Being a fan is an understatement for the Mumbaikar because he boasts of not only not only posters and t-shirts but also a funko pop of Slash, AFD Slash Edition Epiphone 2, mugs and plectrums too. “I first heard 'Appetite For Destruction' as a teenager, and that was it. From there, it was a deep dive into their entire discography. Their raw sound, rebellious spirit, and emotional depth shaped a huge part of my musical identity. It’s been a journey of nostalgia, connection, and catharsis—and it’s still going strong. The Slash Epiphone AFD 2 guitar kit with GnR merchandise, was gifted to me by my team members, knowing my love for the band AXL and Slash.”