Guns N’ Roses have announced a sweeping 2025 tour that will see the legendary hard rock band return to Europe and the Middle East, forging new territory and reconnecting with longtime fans across the globe. Set to begin on May 23 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—marking the group’s first-ever performance in the Kingdom—the tour stands as one of the most significant itineraries for GNR since their reunion with Slash and Duff McKagan back in 2016. With over two months of shows in major cities and at premiere festivals, the run will wrap up on July 31 at Germany’s world-renowned Wacken Open Air, a pinnacle event for heavy music aficionados.

The year 2025 holds particular promise for Guns N’ Roses, as the band continues to leverage the chemistry that has fueled their recent tours. Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff have proven that their creative spark and onstage charisma remain undiminished. While the band’s classic hits—“Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” and “November Rain”—remain crowd favorites, the group has not shied away from working on new material in recent years. Although new album rumors frequently circle, fans attending these concerts can be certain of a dynamic setlist that honors the past while pointing toward the future.

One of the most talked-about aspects of this tour is the diverse roster of special guests. On selected dates, Guns N’ Roses will be joined by Public Enemy, one of hip-hop’s most influential groups, bridging the gap between the worlds of hard rock and rap. Their politically charged energy and iconic sound will surely bring a unique dimension to these concerts. Another key highlight involves the Sex Pistols, or rather three-quarters of the original British punk pioneers—Steve Jones (guitar), Paul Cook (drums), and Glen Matlock (bass)—joined by British rocker Frank Carter in place of John Lydon. The decision to spotlight this particular incarnation of the Sex Pistols signals GNR’s interest in curating a lineup that acknowledges the rebellious spirit and raw energy that both bands’ early fans adored.

For other dates, the California-based blues rock revivalists Rival Sons will open, promising a captivating warm-up set infused with soulful vocals and guitar-driven grooves. The presence of Rival Sons further underscores Guns N’ Roses’ commitment to celebrating a broad spectrum of rock’s subgenres, ensuring that audiences enjoy a multi-layered experience from start to finish.

The journey begins in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a first for GNR. This inaugural performance in the Kingdom reflects the changing dynamics of international touring and the band’s willingness to play for new audiences in regions previously unvisited. From there, the band heads to the United Arab Emirates before dipping into Georgia, Turkey, and Portugal. With each stop—be it at an outdoor stadium, a cultural festival, or a massive sporting arena—GNR seems intent on bringing their massive stage production and iconic stage presence into territories both familiar and novel.

After blazing through Southern Europe—hitting Barcelona’s Estadi Olímpic and Florence’s legendary Firenze Rocks festival—the band will navigate through Central and Northern Europe. Stops in the Czech Republic’s Rock For People, Munich’s Allianz Arena, and London’s historic Wembley Stadium (a site the band knows well from their stadium-filling heyday) promise unforgettable nights. Northern Europe won’t be left out, as dates in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Lithuania ensure that the metal-loving corners of the continent will have their chance to witness Axl’s high-octane vocals and Slash’s soaring guitar solos in the flesh.

From Warsaw’s PGE Nardowy stadium to Budapest’s Puskás Aréna and Belgrade’s Ušće Park, the tour threads a path through Eastern Europe, a region where GNR have often found enthusiastic crowds and deep fan devotion. The journey then continues into Sofia, Bulgaria, and culminates with a set of shows in Austria, Luxembourg, and ultimately Germany’s hallowed Wacken Open Air, one of the most prestigious metal gatherings in the world. Ending at Wacken underscores the band’s standing within the metal pantheon, as few rock groups are regarded with as much awe and respect in the heavy music community as Guns N’ Roses.

Considering the variety of locations, support acts, and festival appearances, Guns N’ Roses’ 2025 tour looks to be more than just a nostalgic victory lap. Instead, it’s poised to stand as a major chapter in the band’s post-reunion legacy. Fans can expect the classic hits that have defined GNR’s sound for decades, as well as surprises that might take their performance into new creative directions. The presence of Public Enemy and the Sex Pistols members signals a bridging of genres and eras, while Rival Sons’ inclusion brings fresh energy. For many, this tour will be a celebration of the unbreakable spirit of rock and roll, delivered by a band that continues to honor its storied past while forging ahead into new territory.

Select concerts will feature support from Public Enemy and members of the Sex Pistols, including Frank Carter stepping in on vocals.