Guns N’ Roses delivered a major surprise to fans during their performance at the Monsters of Rock in São Paulo on April 4, 2026, they brought back the deep cut “Bad Apples” for the first time in an astonishing 35 years. The song, originally featured on their 1991 album *Use Your Illusion I*, has long been a hidden gem in the band’s catalog—rarely discussed and even more rarely performed.
What made the moment even more special is just how uncommon this performance was. “Bad Apples” had only been played live twice before in the band’s history, both in 1991. Its live debut came during the legendary Rock in Rio, one of the most iconic rock events of its era. The band later performed it again on May 11, 1991, at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, during a series of warm-up shows leading into their massive Use Your Illusion Tour. Since then, the track had completely disappeared from their setlists—until now.
The São Paulo show marked the third stop on Guns N’ Roses’ highly anticipated 2026 world tour, which kicked off just a week earlier at the Tecate Pa’l Norte in Monterrey, Mexico. Even in its early stages, the tour is already shaping up to be one of the band’s most dynamic and unpredictable runs in years.
One of the defining features of this tour so far has been its willingness to dig deep into the band’s catalog. Alongside “Bad Apples,” the band has revived other lesser-played tracks such as “Dead Horse,” another *Use Your Illusion I* cut that has only appeared sporadically in their live shows over the past several years. These inclusions have thrilled longtime fans who have followed the band’s evolution and appreciate the deeper layers of their discography beyond the biggest hits.
At the same time, Guns N’ Roses are also looking forward. During their opening night at Tecate Pa’l Norte, the band performed their newest songs, “Atlas” and “Nothin’,” live for the very first time following their release in December 2025. The inclusion of new material alongside classic tracks and rare cuts highlights the band’s effort to balance nostalgia with creative momentum.
Covers have also played a notable role in the tour’s early setlists. During the São Paulo performance, the band revisited “Junior’s Eyes,” a song originally by Black Sabbath. Guns N’ Roses first performed the track during Ozzy Osbourne’s “Back to the Beginning” show the previous summer, and its reappearance adds another layer of variety to their live performances.
Another noteworthy aspect of the 2026 tour is a lineup change. The band is currently performing without second keyboardist Melissa Reese, who is sitting out the tour due to unforeseen personal reasons. While her absence is felt, the band continues to deliver powerful and tightly executed performances.
Looking ahead, Guns N’ Roses have an extensive global itinerary planned, with dates scheduled across Latin America, North America, Europe, Australasia, and Singapore through December 2026. The tour also features a diverse range of opening acts, including The Black Crowes, Public Enemy, Pierce the Veil, Ice Cube, and the Barbarians of California—bringing together a wide mix of rock, hip-hop, and alternative influences.
If the first few shows are any indication, Guns N’ Roses are not just revisiting their legacy—they’re actively reshaping it. By blending deep cuts, fresh material, and unexpected covers, they’re proving that even decades into their career, they can still surprise audiences and keep their live performances exciting and unpredictable.