Menu

Exit 111: A little cold didn’t slow Guns N’ Roses from a fiery festival close – Tennessean

October 14, 2019

, Nashville Tennessean Published 12:39 a.m. CT Oct. 14, 2019 | Updated 6:13 a.m. CT Oct. 14, 2019

Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Stephen Carpenter, left plays lead guitar as Chino Moreno sings as the Deftones perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
The crowd cheers as the Deftones perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
A person surfs the crowd in a devil costume as the Deftones perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
The crowd waits for the Deftones to take the stage during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Stephen Carpenter, left plays lead guitar for the Deftones as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones jumps on stage as Stephen Carpenter plays lead guitar in the background during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Sergio Vega plays bass for the Deftones as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Seth Morrison plays lead guitar with Skillet as the lead singer John Cooper pretends to kick him in the face as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Fans cheer as Skillet takes the stange during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Dexter Murphy and Brittany Brown look at their phones as they wait for the performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Korey Cooper on rhythm guitar with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
John Cooper, right on lead vocals and bass, left and Seth Morrison on lead guitar with Skillet perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Trever Michalek, of South Dakota, shows off his Zakk Wylde, the lead singer of the Black Label Society autograph as he waits for Skillet go perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Korey Cooper on rhythm guitar with Skillet and Seth Morrison on lead guitar with Skillet perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Mason Frost, a Guns N' Roses fan waits for the Deftones to take the stage followed by Guns N' Roses during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Fans listen to the sound of the Deftones as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Stephen Carpenter, left plays lead guitar as Chino Moreno sings as the Deftones perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Security hypes up the crowd before the Deftones take the stage during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
A person is held up as she surfs the crowd as the Deftones perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Matt Cannelis waits for the Deftones to take the stage followed by Guns N' Roses during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Sergio Vega plays bass for the Deftones as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Stephen Carpenter, left plays lead guitar for the Deftones as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Stephen Carpenter, left plays lead guitar for the Deftones as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Dexter Murphy and Brittany Brown look at their phones as they wait for the performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
John Cooper on lead vocals and bass with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
John Cooper, right on lead and his wife Korey Cooper, left on rhythm guitar with Skillet perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Seth Morrison on lead guitar with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
John Cooper on lead vocals and bass with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
John Cooper on lead vocals and bass with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Korey Cooper on rhythm guitar with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Korey Cooper, left on rhythm guitar and John Cooper on lead vocals and bass with Skillet perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
John Cooper on lead vocals performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Jen Ledger on drums with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Melissa Salatto, left and Jonathan Helmes, at the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Fans watch as Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
John Cooper on lead vocals and bass with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Rickey Medlocke (right) and Mark Matejka of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Fans dance to Lynyrd Skynyrd during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Fans watch Slayer perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
A fan crowd surfs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
The Paranormal Cirque performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Mark Matejka of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Fans dance to Lynyrd Skynyrd during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Mark Matejka and Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
A fan crowd surfs while Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
People walk around during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Gary Holt of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Fans watch Slayer perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Gary Holt of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Fans cheer during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
A fan walks through the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Kyle Mathis holds Mertin, 3, during a nap at the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
The Paranormal Cirque performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
The Paranormal Cirque performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Mark Matejka and Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Fans walk around during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Fans walk through the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Kerry King of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Dan McCarl and Alesia Pennington cheer for Anthrax during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Fans watch Slayer perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Gary Holt of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Brandon Moore and Jolie Henson cheer for Anthrax during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.
Gary Holt of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.

Replay

  • Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.1 of 97
  • Stephen Carpenter, left plays lead guitar as Chino Moreno sings as the Deftones perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.2 of 97
  • The crowd cheers as the Deftones perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.3 of 97
  • A person surfs the crowd in a devil costume as the Deftones perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.4 of 97
  • The crowd waits for the Deftones to take the stage during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.5 of 97
  • Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.6 of 97
  • Stephen Carpenter, left plays lead guitar for the Deftones as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.7 of 97
  • Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones jumps on stage as Stephen Carpenter plays lead guitar in the background during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.8 of 97
  • Sergio Vega plays bass for the Deftones as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.9 of 97
  • performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.10 of 97
  • Seth Morrison plays lead guitar with Skillet as the lead singer John Cooper pretends to kick him in the face as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.11 of 97
  • performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.12 of 97
  • Fans cheer as Skillet takes the stange during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.13 of 97
  • Dexter Murphy and Brittany Brown look at their phones as they wait for the performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.14 of 97
  • Korey Cooper on rhythm guitar with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.15 of 97
  • John Cooper, right on lead vocals and bass, left and Seth Morrison on lead guitar with Skillet perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.16 of 97
  • Trever Michalek, of South Dakota, shows off his Zakk Wylde, the lead singer of the Black Label Society autograph as he waits for Skillet go perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.17 of 97
  • Korey Cooper on rhythm guitar with Skillet and Seth Morrison on lead guitar with Skillet perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.18 of 97
  • Mason Frost, a Guns N' Roses fan waits for the Deftones to take the stage followed by Guns N' Roses during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.19 of 97
  • Fans listen to the sound of the Deftones as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.20 of 97
  • Stephen Carpenter, left plays lead guitar as Chino Moreno sings as the Deftones perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.21 of 97
  • Security hypes up the crowd before the Deftones take the stage during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.22 of 97
  • Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.23 of 97
  • A person is held up as she surfs the crowd as the Deftones perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.24 of 97
  • Matt Cannelis waits for the Deftones to take the stage followed by Guns N' Roses during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.25 of 97
  • Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.26 of 97
  • Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.27 of 97
  • performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.28 of 97
  • performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.29 of 97
  • Sergio Vega plays bass for the Deftones as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.30 of 97
  • Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.31 of 97
  • Stephen Carpenter, left plays lead guitar for the Deftones as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.32 of 97
  • Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.33 of 97
  • Chino Moreno the lead singer for the Deftones performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.34 of 97
  • Stephen Carpenter, left plays lead guitar for the Deftones as they perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.35 of 97
  • Dexter Murphy and Brittany Brown look at their phones as they wait for the performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.36 of 97
  • John Cooper on lead vocals and bass with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.37 of 97
  • John Cooper, right on lead and his wife Korey Cooper, left on rhythm guitar with Skillet perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.38 of 97
  • Seth Morrison on lead guitar with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.39 of 97
  • John Cooper on lead vocals and bass with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.40 of 97
  • John Cooper on lead vocals and bass with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.41 of 97
  • Korey Cooper on rhythm guitar with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.42 of 97
  • Korey Cooper, left on rhythm guitar and John Cooper on lead vocals and bass with Skillet perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.43 of 97
  • John Cooper on lead vocals performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.44 of 97
  • Jen Ledger on drums with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.45 of 97
  • performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.46 of 97
  • Melissa Salatto, left and Jonathan Helmes, at the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.47 of 97
  • Fans watch as Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.48 of 97
  • John Cooper on lead vocals and bass with Skillet performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn.49 of 97
  • Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 50 of 97
  • Rickey Medlocke (right) and Mark Matejka of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 51 of 97
  • Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 52 of 97
  • Fans dance to Lynyrd Skynyrd during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 53 of 97
  • Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 54 of 97
  • Fans watch Slayer perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 55 of 97
  • A fan crowd surfs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 56 of 97
  • The Paranormal Cirque performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 57 of 97
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 58 of 97
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 59 of 97
  • Mark Matejka of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 60 of 97
  • Fans dance to Lynyrd Skynyrd during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 61 of 97
  • Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 62 of 97
  • Mark Matejka and Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 63 of 97
  • Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 64 of 97
  • A fan crowd surfs while Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 65 of 97
  • People walk around during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 66 of 97
  • Gary Holt of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 67 of 97
  • Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 68 of 97
  • Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 69 of 97
  • Fans watch Slayer perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 70 of 97
  • Gary Holt of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 71 of 97
  • Fans cheer during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 72 of 97
  • Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 73 of 97
  • A fan walks through the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 74 of 97
  • Kyle Mathis holds Mertin, 3, during a nap at the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 75 of 97
  • The Paranormal Cirque performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 76 of 97
  • The Paranormal Cirque performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 77 of 97
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 78 of 97
  • Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 79 of 97
  • Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 80 of 97
  • Mark Matejka and Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 81 of 97
  • Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 82 of 97
  • Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 83 of 97
  • Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 84 of 97
  • Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 85 of 97
  • Fans walk around during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 86 of 97
  • Fans walk through the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 87 of 97
  • Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 88 of 97
  • Kerry King of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 89 of 97
  • Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 90 of 97
  • Dan McCarl and Alesia Pennington cheer for Anthrax during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 91 of 97
  • Fans watch Slayer perform during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 92 of 97
  • Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 93 of 97
  • Gary Holt of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 94 of 97
  • Tom Araya of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 95 of 97
  • Brandon Moore and Jolie Henson cheer for Anthrax during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 96 of 97
  • Gary Holt of Slayer performs during the Exit 111 Rock Festival at Great Stage Park Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Manchester, Tenn. 97 of 97

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

CONNECTCOMMENTEMAILMORE

Manchester, Tenn. — Not in this lifetime, eh?

How about not once or twice, but three times — in four years? 

Guns N’ Roses returned Sunday to Middle Tennessee to headline the final night of Exit 111, a carnival of headbanging hard rock held at Great Stage Park in Manchester (aka the beloved Bonnaroo ‘Farm’). 

It marked the band’s third Volunteer State appearance on the marathon “Not In This Lifetime” tour, which reunited estranged members Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagen in 2016.

And — considering the band played at Nissan Stadium in July 2016 and an indoor Bridgestone Arena in November 2017 — it was probably the chilliest Tennessee show for the riff-tossing rock staple in recent memory. 

Don’t fret, though. A 45-degree bite didn’t slow Slash and company from nearly three hours of rock ‘n’ roll excess. After all, who needs a jacket when “Mr. Brownstone” can keep you warm? 

More: Exit 111: 4 highlights from a new music festival on the Bonnaroo Farm

“You buncha frost bitten (expletives),” Rose jested as the band churned through an extended take of its “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” cover. 

With Rose howling and Slash shredding, GNR played mostly to what the weather-worn audience needed as three nights of fist-raising exuberance came to a close on The Farm. The set showcased all of GNR’s roller coaster history, from the murky to the revered to the side projects in-between.  

Sure, the polarizing “Chinese Democracy” made an appearance. But, so did seven cuts off “Appetite for Destruction,” the band’s time-tested debut album that remains lauded as a must-hear concoction of blues guitar guitar, punk aggression and rock melody. 

More: Exit 111: Seether frontman brings suicide awareness to Tennessee festival

With a familiar howl, Rose and the band opened with the blistering “It’s So Easy” before soon riding into the aforementioned “Brownstone” and modern sports anthem “Welcome To The Jungle.” 

“OK, we’re gonna calm things down a little,” Rose joked as he introduced the not-so-calm “You Could Be Mine.” “We’re gonna live you the smooth, love sounds of WGNR.”  

Second only “Appetite” was the band’s taste for cover songs. They knocked out the expected cuts (“Live and Let Die,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”), offered something a little off the beaten path (“Black Hole Sun,” “The Seeker”) and hit a few nice surprises (“Slither,” an acoustic rendition of “Wichita Lineman). 

Rose danced and dodged his bandmates as he switched between snarl and shriek, leading rose-nosed onlookers through “November Rain” and “Nightrain.” Slash — with guitar playing that’s arguably worth the price of a day’s admission alone — entertained with poise through the extended 1991 epic “Civil War” and boisterous cornerstone “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” 

Fans who didn’t let a toe-nibbling cold end their show early were treated to a twangy “Paradise City” and blaze of fireworks to close Exit 111 — a final shot of musical warmth against the chill that waited to take over. 

  • It’s So Easy
  • Mr. Brownstone
  • Chinese Democracy
  • Welcome To The Jungle
  • Double Talkin’ Jive
  • Better
  • Estranged
  • Live And Let Die
  • Slither
  • Rocket Queen
  • You Could Be Mine
  • Shadow of Your Love
  • Attitude
  • Civil War
  • Locomotive
  • Slash solo
  • Sweet Child O’ Mine
  • Wichita Lineman
  • November Rain
  • Black Hole Sun
  • Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
  • Nightrain
  • Encore:
  • Don’t Cry
  • The Seeker
  • Paradise City

CONNECTCOMMENTEMAILMORE

Read or Share this story: https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/10/14/guns-n-roses-exit-111-festival-review-setlist-alx-rose-slash-bonnaroo-farm/3897123002/

SEO by Stephen Skills