Guns'n'Roses front man, and only original band member, Axl Rose performs on stage at the Perth Arena. Picture: Tom Davidson Source: The Sunday Times AT the end of a set that seemed to veer between being a car crash and an endurance rally, Axl Rose tossed his microphone into the crowd. He could have chucked it out there at almost any point of the preceding 150 minutes with very little negative effect. For the majority of the show the Guns N' Roses front man and lone remaining founding member could barely be heard above his seven hired hands. There were moments, particularly on some of the evening's ballads like November Rain (which featured Rose on grand piano) and Patience, and on the playfully dark I Used To Love Her, when his piercing voice cut through the night but for the most part he was all but inaudible. Gunners classics like Welcome To The Jungle, It's So Easy and Mr. Brownstone were lost opportunities to truly connect with the crowd. GNR signature tune Sweet Child O' Mine was rescued by the enthusiastic vocals of the audience. Because Rose could not be clearly heard, the set struggled for momentum. There were highlights but far too many flat spots. This was brought into focus from the off because Guns N' Roses followed veteran Texan trio ZZ Top who looked, sounded and rocked just as expected. The Top powered on with one classic after another, raising expectations for the headliners. The choice of support only made it all the more disappointing. In sharp contrast to their last tour, Rose and his admittedly tight band (including Dizzy Reed and three guitarists Bumblefoot, DJ Ashba and Richard Fortus) hit the stage early. The days of tardy arrivals may finally be behind him but he still gives the sense of being a prickly personality. While the video set-up was sharp and went to town on close-ups, particularly on the guitarists who were each given extended solo spots, Rose himself was only seen in mid-shot. This meant to those up the back of the arena he was as clear to see as he was to hear. This scenario was quite perplexing as Rose appeared to be having a good time and the setlist was light on the material from their latest, underwhelming, album Chinese Democracy and heavy on hits. Guns N' Roses' best songs are proving to be enduring and they deserved better treatment than Rose gave them on Saturday. It was a long way from terrible but, unfortunately, it was just as far from great. Guns N' Roses play Allphones Arena, Sydney, tomorrow; Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Wednesday; Sidney Myer Music Bowl March 16-17; Brisbane Entertainment Centre, March 20.