If you want to hear Guns N’ Roses play live, you better give Axl Rose his beer. Fans in Portland, Maine were shortchanged this week when the band canceled a scheduled concert at the Cumberland County Civic Center due to a no-drinking order issued by state officials.

According to Stephen McCausland of the Maine Public Safety Department, the band wanted to knock back some beer, wine and Jagermeister on stage. When the state fire marshal’s office told Guns N’ Roses that doing so would violate state law, the band canceled the show altogether.

In a press release from the band, a Guns N’ Roses spokesperson said the fire marshals made it “making it impossible for the band to perform their show to the usual high standards that their fans deserve.”

Frontman Axl Rose added on the band’s official website, “It was important for us to play there and it is a shame that what should have been a great night for all of us was not possible due to the actions of two people.”

I agree with, and ultimately take responsibility for, the end decision not to jeopardize the safety of the fans, the crews, the bands and myself as a result of the methods of these particularly draconian authorities. We hope to find another way to play for you in the future.”

Maine’s state law prohibits performers from drinking while on stage. Fans can get refunds for the concert at point of purchase.






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