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Guns N' Roses Defend Late Set at Rock in Rio

Band insists they showed no disrespect to fans

October 13, 2011 8:40 AM ET
'Guns N' Roses'
Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses performs on stage during a concert in the Rock in Rio Festival on October 02, 2011
Buda Mendes/LatinContent/Getty Images

Guns N' Roses have defended themselves against claims by Rock in Rio festival organizer Roberto Medina that the band showed a "lack of commitment" by going on stage late at the event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on October 2nd.

"Guns N' Roses would like to set the record straight on Rock In Rio. The festival's inadequate production and the downpour of rain delayed the event," the band's publicist told Blabbermouth.net. "GN'R walked onstage at 2:40 a.m. and played for two-and-a-half hours in the pouring rain. GN'R would never seek to intentionally disrespect anyone, especially their fans."

Photos: Guns N' Roses Through the Years
Guns N' Roses have a long-standing tradition of showing up late to their own gigs. This wasn't even the first time the band hit the stage late at the Rock in Rio festival. Back in 2001, the group arrived onstage two hours late for their headlining set.

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