Fri. . Dec. 3

In times when superstar bands like, say, Pink Floyd don't tour much more than once an eon and other superstar bands like, say, Guns N' Roses, are barely a band at all (to say nothing of not touring - well, they are planning a stadium tour this summer, but, really, it ain't done 'til it's done) it opens the market wide up for "tribute" bands, a term more in vogue than the somewhat disparaging "cover" band. Lord knows, there are hundreds of cover bands out there from the semi-obscure, Motorhead, to the obvious, Tool, AQerosmith. Guns N' Roses is really the ultimate band to pay tribute to, even though I doubt anyone can name the myriad embers of Guns N' Roses through the decades. We all know Axl - the remaining Gunner, the creator of that centuries-in-the-making "Chinese Democracy" CD. And most of us could recall the early days of Axl, Slash, Duff, Izzy, Sleepy, Doc and Wheezy. We know there was Buckethead along the way. We know Axl is still Axl - a obsessive-compulsive perfectionist/problem child. And we can't think a Guns N" Roses will ever really be assembled and be on the road. But we can tell you Appetite for Destruction, will be on stage at the Middle East Downstairs Friday Dec. 3, welcoming you to their jungle.
     Here's their promise: an Appetite For Destruction show is like traveling back in time to see Guns N’ Roses in their prime. From the moment you hear the words “You know where you are? You’re in the Jungle baby…” until long after the drive home, you’ll feel as if you got a glimpse of how it was in Los Angeles circa 1987. That is, they'll focus on that classic hard rock first album, the one that even got punk fans like me going, "Damn this is old school hard rock, but pretty damn good." AfD promises "aural and visual authenticity" meaning they should look and sound like that original lineup.

Song material is drawn from "Appetite for Destruction" through "Use Your Illusion 1 and 2," including "G N' R Lies" and The Spaghetti Incident?" with stage banter derived from a variety of live shows and videos. (Yep, they copy the banter.) Expect "Sweet Child o’ Mine," "Paradise City," "Patience" and many, many more. Tickets are $12, Show starts at 9. Opening: My New Disaster.

472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-864-3278 www.mideastclub.com