The band has announced their first U.S. tour since 1993. Of course, GNR 2002 is considerably different than the ‘90s version but the drastic lineup change seems only to have added to the mystique.

The touring band comprises Rose; guitarists Robin Finck, Buckethead and Richard Fortus; bassist Tommy Stinson; keyboard players Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman; and drummer Brian “Brain” Mantia.

GNR has had a chance to test out their live show this summer with six concerts in China, Japan, Europe, and the U.K.

The North American tour starts November 11 in Vancouver, B.C., and plays arenas well into December, with a scant few days off. The band promises to deliver a “full-bang, high-octane Chinese Democracy world tour production. Fans will witness the sonic assault of the ‘Guns N’ Roses experience,’ that will feature a mixture of classic GNR songs and new material from their forthcoming album.

Oh yeah, the “forthcoming album.” Even though this is the Chinese Democracy World Tour, don’t expect Chinese Democracy the album to surface before the tour starts. We’re not saying that the looooong awaited disc isn’t on the way; just don’t go getting your hopes up.