The Night Axl Rose Stormed off Stage in Rockford

April 29th of 1988, I was in the 8th grade and super excited to see Guns N' Roses in Rockford.

The Coronado was the location for today's birthday boy Axl Rose and company, to rock Rockford. Sweet Child O' Mine was the big hit at the time, and GNR was on a path to super stardom.

There were two opening acts, U.D.O. and Zodica Mindwarp and the Love Reaction. But obviously 8th grade me and a packed house at the Coronado wanted to hear the hits off of Appetite for Destruction.

I made it from Freeport to Rockford in my friend Jeremy's maroon station wagon and we were ready to rock.

The setlist for the Guns N' Roses show in Rockford was:

• It's So Easy
• Move to the City
• Mr. Brownstone
• Out Ta Get Me
• Rocket Queen
• Patience
• Used to Love Her
• My Michelle
• Welcome to the Jungle
• Sweet Child O' Mine
• Knockin' on Heaven's Door
  (Bob Dylan cover)
• You're Crazy
• Nightrain
• Don't Cry
• Mama Kin
• Paradise City

Late into the show, someone in the crowd threw a bottle or something at Axl and he stormed off stage. Slash got on the mic and made the crowd chant his name to get him return. It worked, Axl came back and finished the show.

Happy birthday Axl, you are welcome back to Rockford anytime.