SPAC Surge: When Shareholder Rights Get SPAC-tacularly Serious – Johnson Fistel, LLP Digs Deep into Potential Wrongdoings!

Hong Kong’s SPAC Aquila Acquisition Stops Beating Around the Bush, Bets Big on Struggling Online Steel Trader ZG Group

TLDR:
– Aquila Acquisition Corp. is set to acquire ZG Group, a domestic online steel trading platform in Hong Kong, despite the company’s continuous losses and high debt.
– ZG Group has potential for growth in the industry’s shift to digital channels, but requires a cash infusion to boost trading volume and reduce debt.

Well folks, we’ve got ourselves a modern steel fairy tale. After a courtship that felt longer than a pandemic lockdown, Aquila Acquisition Corp., Hong Kong’s first special acquisition purpose company (SPAC), has finally found its Cinderella to take to the ball. The belle of the ball, ZG Group, is set to become the first real company to be acquired by a Hong Kong SPAC. Doesn’t it just warm your heart?

Now, this isn’t just any ordinary Cinderella story. The glass slipper in this tale is a domestic online steel trading platform that seems to have a knack for losing money. In the past three years, ZG Group has made continuous losses totaling a whopping $169 million. Just this year, they reported a loss of $6.9 million in the first quarter. That’s more red than a stoplight convention.

But let’s give them some credit. They have been dealing with a steel market that’s been more unstable than a three-legged table. The pandemic, coupled with a downturn in China’s real estate market, hasn’t exactly made it easy. Even China’s economic recovery has been about as fast as a snail in a marathon, leading to a drop in steel prices.

Now, even though they’re in a pickle, ZG Group seems to have a few aces up their sleeve. They’re positioned to capitalize on the industry’s shift to digital channels, which could help reduce transaction costs. In fact, their platform has seen rapid growth since 2019, with steel trading increasing from 8.1 million tonnes to 36.2 million tonnes. The transaction value also saw a rise from $5.3 billion to $24.9 billion. Who knew steel could be so exciting?

However, to grow bigger and boost their trading volume, ZG Group needs a cash infusion. The company’s net debt as of March was a staggering $978 million, with cash and cash equivalents totaling only $69 million. But this is where the knight in shining armor, Aquila Acquisition, swoops in to save our damsel in distress. They’re not alone either. Ten Private Public Enterprise Investment (PIPE) companies have agreed to pump in $77 million into ZG Group, valuing the company at $1.3 billion.

But here’s where the plot thickens. This valuation is on a company that’s still losing money. Talk about a leap of faith. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off and if ZG Group can transition from a steel underdog to a steel titan.

This whole saga is expected to wrap up in the fourth quarter, at which point ZG Group will officially become a listed company in Hong Kong. The company’s major shareholders, led by the three co-founders, will own around 19.1% of the combined company’s stock and voting rights. The deal will also transition ZG Group from a two-class share structure to a single-class one.

In essence, this merger represents an opportunity for ZG Group to bolster their business and secure the necessary capital to ramp up trading volumes. It’s a high stakes game, but with their position in the steel market and growth potential, ZG Group could just be the underdog story we need in these trying times.

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Beam Me Up, Scotty: ScanTech’s Groundbreaking Merger Skyrockets Valuation and the Future of Identification Tech

TLDR:
ScanTech Identification Beam Systems LLC is going public through a merger with Mars Acquisition Corp, with a valuation of nearly $150 million. Their identification beam system has the potential to transform logistics, medical, and security operations.

Well, strap in folks, because the world of technology is about to take a wild, whizz-bang ride on the roller coaster of financial marketplaces. The Georgia wonder, ScanTech Identification Beam Systems LLC, has decided to stop hogging the techie limelight all to itself and is set to go public through a merger with Mars Acquisition Corp. And we’re not talking about a basement operation run by guys in polyester pants. With a valuation that’s a hair shy of $150 million, ScanTech is not your Aunt Sally’s knitting club.

Now, what makes ScanTech so special, you ask? Well, it’s their eye-popping, jaw-dropping identification beam system. This is not your run-of-the-mill laser pointer that your cat chases around. No, this fancy gadget could transform logistics, medical, and security operations. Imagine, never misplacing a shipping container or a kidney again.

Not to mention the security applications. At this rate, even Superman will be out of a job soon. And helping this technology wonder-wagon to the finish line is none other than Mars Acquisition Corp – because what’s a revolutionary tech company without a space-themed partner?

This merger is no ordinary one. It’s like a cosmic collision that creates a new star in the tech galaxy, a star that would not just light up our world, but illume our future. And as we know, the future can always use a little extra light, or at least a decent flashlight.

The merger is more than a business deal; it’s a testament to human ingenuity. It sparkles with the beauty of a thousand LED screens. And what’s more, it’s made right here on Earth. In an era where we are more likely to get news of billionaires launching themselves into space, it’s reassuring to know that some of our brightest minds are still here, toiling away in Georgia, to make something that truly matters.

In the end, all we can say is that the future is looking pretty slick with ScanTech Identification Beam Systems LLC in the driver’s seat. Their merger with Mars Acquisition Corp is not just a game changer, it’s the new game in town. The combination of their advanced technology and the financial muscle of Mars Acquisition Corp is like the peanut butter and jelly of the tech world – an odd pairing perhaps, but one that tastes awfully good.

And so, as we stand on the precipice of this new tech era, one thing is clear – the future may be uncertain, but at least it’ll be well lit, thanks to the beacon that is ScanTech. So here’s to hoping this merger is as successful as the hype suggests, and that we all get to enjoy the glow.

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“No Coffee Shop Needed: Financials Acquisition Corp. Brews £1 Billion Plan to Crack Open Lloyd’s of London for All”

TLDR:
Financials Acquisition Corp announced a $1.25 billion stimulus to disrupt the Lloyd’s of London insurance market and open it up to all investors.
This move by Financials Acquisition Corp will revolutionize the financial industry and create new opportunities for investors.

In news that has the insurance industry quaking in their proverbial boots, Financials Acquisition Corp, a daringly innovative, financial industry disruptor, announced its decision to stir the old pot with a massive $1.25 billion stimulus. Aimed squarely at the stubborn, age-old walls of the elite Lloyd’s of London insurance market, this injection is as subtle as a wrecking ball at a garden party. Financials Acquisition Corp, in a move reminiscent of a modern-day Robin Hood (but with more paperwork), intends to dismantle the exclusivity barrier that’s been the bane of investors for decades.

The implications of this move are staggering. It’s as if the financial industry equivalent of the Berlin Wall has been torn down, only this time, the wall was made of cash, and instead of freedom, it’s the Lloyd’s insurance market that’s been liberated. This paradigm shift is as unprecedented as it is ground-breaking, opening doors that were previously as accessible as a bank vault without the combination.

Financials Acquisition Corp’s leadership, a visionary group with relentless pursuit for excellence, appears to be on a mission to redefine the future of the financial industry. The conventional has become the unconventional, the impossible now a reality. Sure, it’s an audacious move, but it’s audacious in the way that putting a man on the moon was audacious. This is not a company that believes in half measures.

Now, thanks to Financials Acquisition Corp’s bold move, every investor can get a slice of the Lloyd’s of London pie, a pie that was previously guarded by a dragon named exclusivity. Imagine the scene: a once impenetrable fortress, flung open to the public. The common investor, previously standing in the cold, peering in through the windows, now has a seat at the table. It’s democracy, financial industry style.

In the grand game of business chess, Financials Acquisition Corp has made a checkmate move. The industry stalwarts can only watch as the status quo crumbles around them. The winds of change are blowing, and they’re ushering in a new era of opportunity and innovation, all thanks to the relentless pursuit of excellence by a company that’s not afraid to shake things up. So, investors, buckle up. The financial industry roller coaster has just hit a major twist.

Make no mistake, the financial industry will never be the same again. As the dust settles, the old guard will be left scrambling to pick up the pieces, while the rest of us marvel at the new financial landscape. So, raise your glasses, investors. Here’s to a brave new world of opportunities, courtesy of Financials Acquisition Corp.

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Delaware Ruling Exposes SPAC Scandal: The Smoke, Mirrors, and Pinball between 26 Capital and Okada Manila

TLDR:
– Hedge fund manager Alex Eiseman secretly received 60% of Jason Ader’s stake in 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., a SPAC attempting to merge with Okada Manila casino.
– Ader sold a portion of his SPAC stake for $25 million, leading to a separate lawsuit by the billionaire’s family office questioning the deal.

Well, folks, here’s a tale that proves once again that high-stakes finance can be just as thrilling as any spy movie. 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) backed by gaming industry analyst and investor Jason Ader, tried to merge with a ritzy casino in the Philippines, the Okada Manila. But the courts have called ‘game over’ on that plan, due to some sneaky double-dealing that smelled fishier than a seafood buffet on a hot day.

Here’s the deal: A Manhattan hedge fund manager, Alex Eiseman, was hired by Universal Entertainment Corp., the Japanese company behind Okada Manila, to find a SPAC to acquire the casino. But Eiseman, instead of doing his best Vanna White and finding the best deal possible, decided to go for a bit of personal gain. Our judge, J. Travis Laster, ruled that Eiseman got 60% of Ader’s stake in 26 Capital – a deal that was kept as secret as grandma’s biscuit recipe. Universal and the SPAC’s shareholders were left in the dark until the pretrial discovery phase of the Delaware case.

As if it couldn’t get more interesting, Ader didn’t even wait for the ink to dry on the deal before selling another slice of his SPAC stake for a neat $25 million. That’s a lot of chips to put on red. The judge noted this, along with the fact that Ader and his mother pocketed the sum. Ader insists the payout was proper, but there’s a separate lawsuit by the billionaire’s family office he sold to, questioning the deal.

Despite all this drama, the shares of 26 Capital SPAC are down only 3% since the judge’s ruling, sitting at $11.15. Ader, in a statement as well-crafted as a poker face, said they were disappointed with the ruling, but would explore all available strategic options. Meanwhile, Eiseman seems to be playing his cards close to his chest, declining to comment on the case and stating he will tell his side of the story in a New York fraud lawsuit brought about by the casino owner.

Universal Entertainment Corp. has pulled up the drawbridge on the SPAC deal, and their lawyer, Grant Mainland, has stated that they’re ready to defend themselves if 26 Capital pursues monetary damages. All in all, folks, it’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse that shows us, once again, that in the SPAC market, what you see isn’t always what you get. As the Securities and Exchange Commission gears up to vote on new SPAC rules to improve transparency, let’s hope this sorry saga serves as a cautionary tale. After all, casinos are for gambling, not the stock market, right?

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SPACs in Snack: As Court Rumbles, the era of ‘Fly-by-night IPOs’ is on the Brink!

TLDR:
– Delaware Court of Chancery is scrutinizing SPAC deals, leading to legal challenges and potential consequences for sponsors.
– SPACs face an avalanche of litigation as their popularity and transactions increase, signaling the end of fast and loose deals and the need for accurate disclosure.

Well, well, well. It seems like the SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies) are getting a taste of their own medicine. You know, those magical entities that have no tangible assets, no business operations, yet somehow manage to raise a fortune through Initial Public Offerings for the sole purpose of acquiring an existing company—like some financial Frankenstein’s monster. Once the darlings of the finance industry, they’re now facing an onslaught of legal challenges. You’d almost feel sorry for them… if they weren’t made of money.

The Delaware Court of Chancery, the judicial equivalent of your high school English teacher with an unhealthy obsession with red pens, is scrutinizing these SPAC deals. They’re bringing down the hammer on questionable disclosures and hastily arranged mergers. Like a disappointing season finale, the honeymoon phase for SPACs is over, and the divorce proceedings are just getting started.

The recent court decisions underline the uphill battle defendants may face in SPAC-related lawsuits, especially when breach of fiduciary duty claims are involved. It’s like the court is saying “You wanted to play in the big leagues, now deal with the big league problems.” So, for the SPAC sponsors who are responsible for administering these financial behemoths, it’s probably not the best time to start planning that yacht purchase.

In 2021, SPACs were responsible for over 30% of all transactions that took companies public. That’s a lot of money being thrown around, and just like your eccentric uncle at the family reunion, it was only a matter of time before they drew attention to themselves. Now they’re facing the consequences of their popularity: an avalanche of SPAC-related litigation.

But let’s look on the bright side. The landscape of SPACs is evolving. The expectations and obligations for those involved are changing, much like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. But instead of wings, they might grow a pair of litigious antennae. The days of fast and loose SPAC deals are coming to an end.

In this brave new world of finance, accurate and complete disclosure will be the name of the game. It’s like a new episode of a reality show: Will SPACs survive this transition and emerge stronger? Or will they descend into obscurity, relegated to the annals of financial history alongside the likes of tulip mania and the dot-com bubble? Stay tuned, because one thing is for sure: SPACs as we know them are evolving, and we’re all just spectators in this riveting drama.

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Phish Throws a Wizard of a Show at SPAC: Munchkin Hair, Ozzy Jams, and a Whole Lot of Good Vibes!

TLDR:
– Fish performed a charity concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, incorporating improvisation and references to The Wizard of Oz.
– The band showcased their musical skills and engaged with the audience while raising funds for flood cleanup efforts.

In the grand tradition of rock and roll, the legendary jam band Fish took to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center for a concert that was a mix of charity, improvisation, and a whimsical nod to The Wizard of Oz. Opening their first stage act since 2019 with the rousing ‘Kill Devil Falls’, the band, known for their fluid musical transitions, seamlessly slid into the ‘Moma Dance’. The audience was caught in the musical current as guitarist Trey Anastasio mixed riffs with the dexterity of a cocktail bartender during happy hour.

The show, which was more of an improvised musical journey, drew on the band’s extensive catalog, with performances of “Ocelot,” “The Wedge,” and “Maru,” which displayed drummer John Fishman’s hi-hat playing skills. The band also threw in a quirky rendition of “Sand,” featuring the theme from The Wizard of Oz. Sprinkling sections of “We Welcome You to Munchkinland” throughout the jam added a layer of playfulness to the performance that was more refreshing than a cold beer on a hot summer’s day.

The concert marked the 84th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, and the references to the film were as plentiful as the notes Anastasio strummed on his guitar. The connection to the classic film wasn’t just musical. Fishman sported a munchkin-inspired hairstyle for the second set, proving that not all drummers are satisfied with just beating skins and crashing cymbals. He also donned a custom water drop muumuu, adding to the theatricality of the performance.

The band’s second set was a testament to their ability to navigate complex musical landscapes. Starting with “Evolve,” the set included a performance of “A Wave of Hope” that showcased the band’s improvisational skills. The performance of “Simple” featured bassist Mike Gordon’s exploratory bassline and Anastasio’s intricate sonic layers, creating a soundscape that was as fantastical and dark as a Tim Burton film.

Packed with memorable moments, the concert served as more than just a night of entertainment. It was a fundraising effort for flood cleanup in Vermont and upstate New York. The band called upon fans to donate, providing the free webcast of the show as an incentive. From engaging performances of fan-favorite songs to playful nods to a cinematic classic, Fish showed they can still create a sense of connection with their audience while, simultaneously, doing their part in responding to environmental disasters. Now, if only more bands could do the same. Rock on, Fish.

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“VinFast’s Speedy Ascent meets Rocky Roads: Stock Stumbles, Billionaire Chairman Bets House”

TLDR:
– VinFast, the Vietnamese electric car startup, experienced a decline in market value and faced challenges in the electric vehicle market.
– The lifting of lockdown restrictions for certain stocks caused an overreaction in the stock market, resulting in a nosedive in prices.

So, here is the latest buzz folks. VinFast, the Vietnamese electric car startup, has been riding a roller coaster lately – minus the fun, I guess. After causing a frenzy with its $40 billion market value, the buzz has fizzled out faster than a flat soda. The electrifying market is quite a tough cookie to crack and VinFast’s ambitious expansion seems to have given it some serious heartburn. But hey, let’s not lose all hope, the CEO promises to pump all profits back into the company. So, either we’ll witness a miraculous comeback, or it’ll just be a flash in the pan. Stay tuned, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

Meanwhile, the stock market’s acting like a teenager given the keys to a car. It’s confused, panicky, and all over the place. Following the announcement of the lifting of lockdown restrictions for some stocks, markets reacted like someone just announced free beer at the bar – wildly and with a fair amount of overreaction. The result? Prices took a nosedive faster than my interest in a dieting program.

Now, let’s talk about this whole VinFast and SPAC backers situation. If you thought your Monday was tough, try being VinFast right now. Its SPAC backers are doing the reverse moonwalk, right out of the picture. It seems that the company’s market value of $40 billion was a bit too fantastical, even for the hardcore believers. But here’s the silver lining – with the stock about to be easier to bet against, the investors might be in for a lucky break.

The company’s recently released second-quarter results were as interesting as watching paint dry. But wait, there’s more. Last week, VinFast filed documentation with the Securities and Exchange Commission to release lockup restrictions on 3.1% of its shares, totaling about $1.25 billion. And as luck would have it, the shares were down 7% in morning trading – talk about a rough morning!

Now, here’s the kicker, the sponsors of the special-purpose acquisition company that took VinFast public can potentially sell at a very healthy profit. Even the entities belonging to the billionaire chairman, Pham Nhat Vuong – Vietnam’s richest man, can cash-in. But, Mr. Vuong has pledged to put any profit back into the company. So, while VinFast has burned through $890 million of cash in the first half of 2023, they’re still optimistic.

So, what’s the moral of this story? Well, the electric vehicle market is as predictable as a cat high on catnip and VinFast’s fortunes are as volatile as a bottle of nitroglycerin in a trampoline park. But at least we know one thing for sure, the CEO is committed – or maybe he should be committed. Only time will tell.

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Trump’s Media Merger Gets an Unlikely Lifeline: Year-Long Extension Saves it from the Brink of Collapse

TLDR:
– Shareholders of DWAC agree to extend merger deadline, saving the proposed merger with Trump Media.
– DWAC and Trump Media face challenges from fraud allegations and misplaced quarterly reports, but have an opportunity to prove themselves and reshape the social media landscape.

In a twist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, the proposed merger of Donald Trump’s media company with the Blank Check Company, affectionately known as Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC), was saved from certain doom. The gallant shareholders of DWAC, in an eleventh-hour decision, agreed to extend the merger deadline by a whole year. I bet they’re all breathing a sigh of relief, except for the ones who wanted their popcorn moment of watching the company meet its untimely demise.

The journey of the DWAC and Trump Media merger has been more of a roller coaster than a romantic cruise. When DWAC announced its intentions to merge with Trump Media in 2021, the stock market reacted like a teenager at a rock concert. DWAC shares soared to an incredible $175, fueled by the promise of the Trump Media’s Truth Social platform becoming the new darling of conservative social media. Sadly, the honeymoon phase didn’t last.

Fraud allegations against DWAC from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) were the first storm to hit this love boat. Although DWAC managed to settle these charges, they left a stain on its reputation that even the strongest bleach couldn’t remove. Soon after, DWAC misplaced its quarterly report, putting the company’s shares on thin ice with the risk of being kicked out of the Nasdaq exchange club. Amidst all this turmoil, DWAC had to convince its shareholders to agree to the extension and save the company from liquidation.

With the extension approved, DWAC and the Trump Media & Technology Group can now take a deep breath and map out their next moves carefully. They have been handed a golden opportunity to prove they can navigate the choppy waters of regulatory oversight from the SEC and the Department of Justice. The road forward involves reassuring investors and the public that transparency and sound business practices are not just buzzwords in their corporate dictionary.

For DWAC, the immediate priority is to ensure that its quarterly reports are filed promptly and that it doesn’t misplace them again. On the other hand, the Trump Media & Technology Group has to make sure that Truth Social lives up to the hype and meets its audience’s expectations. The stakes are high, and the next 12 months will determine if this merger has the potential to reshape the social media landscape.

In conclusion, the tale of the DWAC and Trump Media merger is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite the setbacks they’ve faced, they’ve managed to secure an extension that gives them a chance to realize their vision. It’s a story that Steve Jobs would have admired. Only time will tell if they can deliver on the promise of a conservative social media platform. So stay tuned, folks, the next chapters of this saga promise to be nothing short of riveting.

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“LatAmGrowth SPAC: Presses Pause on EGM, Eyes Calendar Shuffle and Coin Purse Raid in Winding-Up Saga”

TLDR:
– LatAmGrowth SPAC has postponed their Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) until September 28th and will be discussing the business combination closing date and using $100,000 from the escrow holdings for a party.
– September 26th is the deadline for stockholders with Class A common stock to tender their shares for redemption.

So, in the latest episode of “As the SPAC Turns,” we find the Latin American darling, LatAmGrowth SPAC, in quite the predicament. They’ve decided to hit the pause button on their Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) set for September 21, 2023, and play hard-to-get until September 28. Why the sudden cold feet, you ask? Only the shareholders and the company’s crystal ball might know.

The EGM, which will now be as virtual as a teenager’s social life, will focus on two crucial matters. First, should they make like a band-aid and rip off the business combination closing date? And second, should they siphon off a cool $100,000 from the escrow holdings to cover the party tab? These are the burning questions that will keep LatAmGrowth SPAC’s stockholders up at night.

But, fear not, dear shareholders! If you had the foresight to cast your vote before this twist in the plot, you can rest easy. Your voice has been heard, and you are free to kick back, relax, and watch the drama unfold. However, if you sit on a pile of Class A common stock, you might want to mark September 26th on your calendar with a big red X. That’s the deadline to tender your shares for redemption.

For those with a keen eye for business and a knack for navigating the fast-paced world of Latin American markets, this could be the start of an exhilarating journey. After all, LatAmGrowth SPAC is all about leveraging the high growth potential of Latin American companies with technological prowess and those catering to the emerging middle class. But remember, nobody said this ride would be smooth.

Now, we come to the cliffhanger. What will the EGM conclude? Will the company liquidate and wind up early? Will the date for the business combination be pushed forward? Will they dip into the interest earned on the trust account to cover dissolution expenses? These are the questions that will keep us, the humble spectators, on the edge of our seats until the EGM unfolds on September 28.

In the meantime, stockholders can indulge in a little light reading by perusing related documents available on the SEC’s website. And if you decide to engage in some friendly persuasion of fellow stockholders, remember you are considered a party to the solicitation of proxies. But hey, who doesn’t enjoy a good party, right?

At the end of this saga, remember one thing: this isn’t an offer to sell or a solicitation of an agent. It’s just another day in the vibrant, chaotic, and utterly captivating world of business. So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and let the drama unfold.

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Not in This Lifetime: Guns N’ Roses Prove They’re More Classic than Antique in Saratoga Spectacle

TLDR:
– Guns N’ Roses put on a three-hour set full of bombastic riffs and attitude, showcasing their enduring legacy and proving they are still a significant force in rock and roll.
– Frontman Axl Rose’s voice was in good shape, and Slash’s guitar solos were a standout, leaving the crowd wild with excitement.

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center was recently a witness to a spectacle that could only be described as – “Guns N’ Roses showing the kids how it’s done.” Frontman Axl Rose, notorious for his sense of time that seems to operate in a parallel universe, took the stage at exactly 7:25 PM. Perhaps he’s finally downloaded a clock app.

The three-hour set, full of bombastic riffs and attitude, was a reminder that the band is not just a group of geriatric rockers trying to make a quick buck. They proved to be a vibrant force in rock ‘n’ roll, with all the booming riffs and badass attitude that made them one of the most important acts of the past 40 years. If you were looking for a perfunctory cash grab, you should’ve gone to the bingo night down at the local pub.

The evening kicked off with “It’s So Easy,” a cheery opener that set the mood for a night of surprising, yet seamless musical blend. The way Slash and Duff McKagan put their own stylistic imprint on the GN’R track “Chinese Democracy,” a song that emerged during their 21-year hiatus from the band, was even odder. Following it with a rendition of “Slither,” the hit 2004 single from Slash and McKagan’s mid-aughts band Velvet Revolver? It was like trying to find a coherent plot in a David Lynch movie.

Despite his dysphonia, Rose’s voice was in good shape, belting out songs with a force that could rival a freight train. The 61-year-old frontman continued to run, dance and move across the stage with the energy of a toddler on a sugar rush. It was clear that while Axl Rose may have made nice with his bandmates, elements of his volatile nature were still in play.

Slash’s guitar solos were the star of the show, with the crowd going wild for his performances on “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Civil War,” and “November Rain.” Imagine the frenzied response if he’d busted out “Free Bird.” The chemistry between Slash and second guitarist Richard Fortus was as palpable as the tension in a Tarantino flick as they traded lead turns on “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”

Before Guns N’ Roses took the stage, the audience was warmed up by rising hard-rock band Dirty Honey. Fronted by Niskayuna native Marc LaBelle, the band delivered a performance that felt like a lovingly crafted homage to an Aerosmith album that never was. Their set included a scorching take of “Won’t Take Me Alive,” a promising indicator of their forthcoming album. After all, who needs a heater when you’ve got those fiery riffs?

In conclusion, Guns N’ Roses’ performance at Saratoga Performing Arts Center was a testament to their enduring legacy. With a sold-out crowd roaring all night long, it’s clear that their music will continue to resonate with fans. And as for the band itself? They proved that they’re still a significant force in rock and roll, capable of delivering a performance that could blow your socks off, even if they are of the compression variety.

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