AXL Not Smelling Like A Rose To Fans

Several disappointed GUNS N' ROSES fans spoke to the Portland Press Herald about the group's cancellation of its concert at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland Monday (Nov. 6),2 1/2 hours before the event was scheduled to begin.

The unexplained cancellation angered fans, many of whom pinned the decision on GUNS N' ROSES lead singer Axl Rose, who has a reputation for calling off shows.

"I got all dressed up; I went all out for this concert," said 17-year-old Misty McAuliffe of Rockland, standing across the street from the civic center in a tight black outfit and a GUNS N' ROSES belt buckle.

Fans like McAuliffe turned a section of Free Street behind the civic center into ground zero for Rose-bashing Monday night.

While fans griped outside, a crew of dozens worked inside the civic center to take apart the stage, which was show-ready - lighting, amplifiers and all — by 5:30 p.m., when GUNS N' ROSES' promoter told the venue's manager the show was off.

Steve Crane, the civic center's general manager, said the band's promoter, AEG Live, did not give a reason for the decision.

Crane, who has worked at the venue for 29 years, said he could remember only one or two other times when a show was called off so close to the scheduled starting time.

He said he scrambled to tell local television and radio stations about the decision in hopes some fans would get the word before leaving for the concert.

Approximately 3,400 fans bought tickets for the show; Crane said the venue could've accommodated around 6,500 spectators Monday. Tickets were $65, and vendors will give refunds beginning today at the box office.

Chris Kirby, 39, of New Gloucester said a parking garage attendant in Portland told him the show was canceled. Kirby brought his son, stepson and one of the boys' friends with him to the show.

The four stood outside the civic center around 6:15 p.m. Monday when a passerby jokingly asked, "Where's Axl?"

"He better be far, far away," Kirby said, laughing.

Jonni Tegarden, 58, of Rumford said she attended the show at the Meadowlands Sunday and couldn't believe the Portland concert was canceled.

"(Rose) was in a really good mood last night," said Tegarden, who was once president of California-based Ruthless Management and said she has known the singer for years.

Rose, who has been going from city to city by plane during the tour, did not come to Portland, the civic center's Crane said.