Guns N’ Roses surprised fans during their recent performance at Monsters of Rock Brazil in São Paulo by playing the song “Bad Apples” live for the first time in 35 years. The track originally appeared on their 1991 album Use Your Illusion I and had only been performed live twice before, both times in the same year. This rare live appearance delighted long-time followers of the band, showcasing a deep cut from their early 1990s catalog.
The April 4 show marked just the third occasion Guns N’ Roses brought “Bad Apples” to the stage since its release. The song was last played in May 1991 at Los Angeles’ Pantages Theatre, a warm-up for the band’s Use Your Illusion Tour. Fans in São Paulo were treated to this unexpected addition alongside other classic hits, demonstrating the band’s willingness to blend familiar favorites with less frequently heard material.
In addition to “Bad Apples,” the band included other seldom-played tracks from Use Your Illusion I, such as “Dead Horse,” which has appeared only a few times in recent years. The setlist also featured “Rocket Queen” from Appetite for Destruction and a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Junior’s Eyes,” which they debuted during Ozzy Osbourne’s Back to the Beginning show last summer.
The concert was part of Guns N’ Roses’ extensive 2026 world tour that began in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 28. This tour has taken them across Latin America, with multiple stops in Brazil before heading to Florida later in April. The tour will continue through North America, Europe, Australasia, and Singapore until December. Supporting acts on the tour include The Black Crowes, Public Enemy, Pierce the Veil, Ice Cube, and Barbarians of California.
Guns N’ Roses have expressed plans to release a package of songs they have been re-recording, followed by an album of entirely new original material. Guitarist Slash mentioned that once they finish revisiting older tracks, their focus will shift toward creating fresh music. This mix of revisiting classic songs and introducing new work keeps fans engaged while honoring the band’s rich musical history.
The reappearance of “Bad Apples” highlights how rock music often draws inspiration from themes involving monsters and dark imagery. Songs about monsters have long been a part of rock’s storytelling tradition, blending metaphor and myth to explore complex emotions and fears. Guns N’ Roses’ choice to revive this particular track adds depth to their setlist and connects with listeners who appreciate songs that explore darker themes through powerful rock music.
