Guns N' Roses detonated a sonic bombshell at Download Festival 2026 as they tore through a three-hour UK exclusive set that left fans in Donington Park utterly breathless. Twenty years on from their last headlining appearance, Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan proved the band still pack the same explosive punch as when they first stormed the festival.
The setlist was a masterclass in rock 'n' roll eclecticism, kicking off with the iconic 'Welcome to the Jungle', which sent shivers down the spines of even the most hardened festival veterans. From there, the band careened through a dizzying array of fan favourites, including 'Sweet Child o' Mine', 'Don't Cry', and the majestic 'November Rain', each one delivering its own brand of pyrotechnic energy.
But it wasn't all about the hits – Guns N' Roses also showcased their adventurous spirit by dusting off some newer material, with 'Nothin'' and 'Atlas' getting a live debut in front of an adoring crowd. And if that wasn't enough, they threw in a few curveballs, including a blistering cover of Velvet Revolver's 'Slither', Wings' classic 'Live and Let Die', and even a take on the Sex Pistols' punk anthem 'Black Leather'.
Of course, it wouldn't be Guns N' Roses without some lineup changes – drummer Frank Ferrer is no longer with the band after nearly two decades of service, while keyboardist Melissa Reese has taken a temporary hiatus due to personal reasons. But if anything, these tweaks have only strengthened their live show, which remains an unstoppable force in rock music.
And Guns N' Roses aren't done yet – they've got more dates lined up across Europe and North America, cementing their reputation as one of the most enduring and electrifying live acts on the planet. Donington Park may have been buzzing with excitement last night, but it's clear this band still has plenty left in the tank.