‘Appetite’ Returning With More GNR Classics

Get ready for the sweet melodies and rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse of Guns N’ Roses tribute band, Appetite for Destruction, set to play another show at The Paramount on May 6.

By Jano Tantongco
jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

Appetite for Destruction will be returning to The Paramount on May 6 to cover the sweet lyrics, intense energy and obscene solos of Guns N’ Roses.

Appetite recreates the style of Guns N’ Roses through sound and sight, delivering a punchy, hard rock sound coupled with iconic costumes representing G N’ R’s iconic style.

In the image of G N’ R lead singer Axl Rose is Rob Pfeffer, of Brooklyn; John Ricotta, of Lindenhurst, plays renowned top-hatted guitarist Slash; Mike Ficalora, of Lindenhurst, plays bassist Duff McKagan; Andrew D’Amato, of Amityville, is Izzy Stradlin on rhythm guitar; and Shawn Callahan, of Massapequa, is drummer Steven Adler.

Ficalora recounted last year’s “amazing” show at The Paramount.

“It was an amazing show. It was so great to play in front of so many Long Islanders and have everybody get into the show,” he said. “I refer to it like a Guns N’ Roses fan club. It’s like a meeting of all the fans, all getting together, they all just love G N’ R.”

The band’s even more amped up now after seeing Gun N’ Roses live the following July.

Appetite for Destruction first formed and played its first show in 1998 after a stint of playing together at parties. The tribute band has gained steam ever since, regularly headlining at BB King’s in Times Square. Appetite has even previously performed with current Guns N’ Roses keyboardist Dizzy Read and former guitarist Gilby Clarke.

Ficalora said next month they’ll be playing the classics, the newer fare and the rarities from the legendary band. He added he enjoys playing “Estranged” for its multitude of changes, “Coma” for its elaborate arrangement and “My Michelle” for the reaction it evokes from the audience.

“We’re trying to keep everyone happy. Some people like to hear the deep cuts. Some people like to hear the big hits,” Ficalora said. “We like to try to do a little bit of everything. We’re pulling out all the stops for this show.”

Doors are set to open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m. Opening for the band will be Bottoms Up!, a Van Halen tribute band. Tickets are available at Paramountny.com or at the box office for $10-$35.