Guns N’ Roses Ignite Firenze with a Blazing “Welcome to the Jungle” at 2025’s Most Explosive Rock Set

Guns N’ Roses stormed the Ippodromo del Visarno at Firenze Rocks on June 12, 2025, ripping open their set with a scorching rendition of “Welcome to the Jungle.” This marked their 1,000th live performance of the song—a testament to its enduring power since debuting in 1987. The opening chords hit like a punch in the gut, and from the first scream of “Welcome,” the band seized the crowd’s full attention, turning the festival into their personal jungle for nearly five electrifying minutes.

Axl Rose’s voice, though refined over decades, still channels raw desperation and punk-tinged venom. Mid-song, his voice trembled with exhilaration, matching the growl of Slash’s guitar. Slash himself, spotlighted center stage, unraveled his iconic riff with precision and flair reminiscent of 1987’s Appetite for Destruction days. The chemistry between Axl and Slash, occasionally interrupted over the years, re-ignited fully in Florence, demonstrating that the magic of the classic lineup remains unbroken.

Behind the scenes, this tour marks a major milestone. June 12 was not just another date—it was “Welcome to the Jungle” milestone performance number 1,000. This rare achievement had fans buzzing long before the band even hit the stage, and the performance did not disappoint. Depending on archival counts, this show marked either the 999th or 1,000th play, adding emotional weight to an already intense night.

Firenze Rocks has hosted some of rock’s biggest names, but Guns N’ Roses commands a unique energy. Their setlist was a perfect blend of nostalgia and surprise, opening with “Jungle” and interspersing classics like “Chinese Democracy” and a rousing cover of “Live And Let Die.” But it was the opening number that set the tone—monthlong climaxes of dual-neck interplay and thundering drums from Isaac Carpenter, the new pulse behind the kit.

The Firenze crowd was visibly electrified. Fans’ reactions captured on social media described “a blast” and noted that the band “still has it,” even teasing about moments when the mic was pulled back to let the guitars and crowd take over. The communal roar at the line “I wanna watch you bleed” became a stadium-wide chant, reaffirming that even in 2025, this song is a primal, visceral anthem.

It is striking that a track rooted in 1980s Los Angeles sweeps across Europe and still resonates so deeply. Axl’s lyrics, born from those neon-lit streets of Hollywood, still grip audiences worldwide. In Florence, a city steeped in classical history, the band’s urban jungle anthem felt like a cultural collision—rock’s raw energy meeting centuries-old artistic tradition.

Technically, the performance stands out for its production values. Firenze Rocks leveraged massive LED backdrops, pyrotechnics, and a well-balanced mix that let the guitars growl without overpowering the vocals. The introduction of Isaac Carpenter on drums brought a fresh dynamic—tight, yet explosive, allowing the rest of the band to roam free. The result: a performance that was both muscular and masterfully paced.

For fans old and new, the moment was a reminder of why “Welcome to the Jungle” remains the band’s definitive track. Like a heavyweight entering the ring, GNR reasserted their presence, showing they can still lead with their most ferocious anthem. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s a living force that still rattles the bones.

Slash’s solo in Florence was particularly memorable. Emerging from the stage smoke, he delivered the iconic riff with ferocity, his expression locked in and joyful. It’s in these moments that you glimpse the artist behind the icon—someone who still feeds on the thrill of every bend, every squeal, every note forged decades ago in a Sunset Strip rehearsal room.

Behind the scenes, the band’s European tour has been a major undertaking. After launching their “Because What You Want & What You Get…” trek in South Korea in May, they’ve been moving across continents with Florence serving as one of the standout stops. The scale, ambition, and execution show a band still firing on all cylinders, refusing to fade quietly.

Even the surrounding festival atmosphere helped elevate their presence. Firenze Rocks is renowned for its eclectic headliners, but when Guns N’ Roses hit the stage, it was clear they were in a league of their own. Fans waited all day—many with early-access passes—to secure their spot up front. When the first notes of “Jungle” hit, their patience paid off in pure adrenaline.

This performance reinforced just how iconic and bulletproof “Welcome to the Jungle” is. Since its 1987 release, it has scaled charts, scored films, and inspired countless artists. VH1 once called it the greatest hard rock song of all time, and judging by the reaction in Florence, that honor still holds weight nearly four decades later.

Compared to earlier tours, this set felt closer in spirit to their wild Appetite era than some of the more polished reunion runs. The rawness was there, not as a gimmick, but as genuine energy. The crowd wasn’t just watching a show—they were part of a shared experience that bridged generations.

“Welcome to the Jungle” has always been more than just a concert opener. It’s a manifesto, a warning, and a promise all in one. In Florence, it did exactly what it was always meant to do—pull fans into the chaos, challenge their senses, and set the stage on fire. Its themes of hunger, survival, and madness are as relevant now as ever.

By the time the encore closed with “Paradise City,” there was a sense that something monumental had just happened. The Florence performance of “Welcome to the Jungle” was not just a nostalgic moment—it was a reaffirmation of the band’s continued legacy. It proved that even after 1,000 performances, the jungle still roars.