Guns N' Roses Revives "Bad Apples" After 35 Years at Sao Paulo Concert

Guns N' Roses made a significant return to their musical roots during their concert at the Monsters of Rock Brazil festival in Sao Paulo on April 1, 2023. The band performed "Bad Apples" live for the first time since 1991, marking a notable moment in their ongoing 2026 world tour. This performance was particularly special as "Bad Apples" had only been played live twice before, with its debut occurring at Brazil’s Rock in Rio festival over three decades ago.

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In addition to "Bad Apples," the Sao Paulo concert featured the return of "Dead Horse" and "Rocket Queen" to the setlist, showcasing the band's willingness to explore their extensive discography. The tour opener in Mexico also included the live debuts of "Atlas" and "Nothin'," indicating a trend of incorporating lesser-known tracks into their performances. Reports suggest that Guns N' Roses may have additional surprises in store, as they soundchecked "Right Next Door to Hell," another song from their *Use Your Illusion I* album, which has not been performed live since 1991.

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Following their performances in Brazil, Guns N' Roses are set to return to the United States in May for Hollywood’s Hard Rock Festival and Daytona Beach’s Welcome to Rockville. The North American leg of their tour is scheduled to commence on July 23 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and will conclude on September 9 in Atlanta.

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While the revival of "Bad Apples" has been met with enthusiasm from fans, some critics argue that the band should focus on new material rather than revisiting older songs. This perspective highlights a divide among fans regarding the balance between nostalgia and innovation in live performances.

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Guns N' Roses have not issued specific statements regarding the setlist changes or the significance of performing "Bad Apples" after so many years. However, the excitement surrounding their performances suggests a positive reception from the audience.

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• “Bad Apples” was played live for the first time in over 35 years. — Rolling Stone

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As Guns N' Roses continue their 2026 world tour, fans can anticipate more surprises and potential live debuts of songs from their extensive catalog. The upcoming concerts in the United States will likely further showcase the band's commitment to both their classic hits and lesser-known tracks.

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