Starbusters’ patrons rode the wild Nightrain Saturday night.

Elgin-based Guns N’ Roses tribute band Nightrain packed Starbusters, 930 Pappas Drive, with a crowd thirsty for GN’R but willing to settle for the next best thing.

After being pumped and primed by opening band Hooked On Sonics, the rowdy, rapidly growing crowd chanted, “Axl, Axl, Axl.” After a sound check by five normal-looking guys and another 15-minute wait, it finally got what it wanted.

Clad in GN’R costumes from head to toe, the band stormed the stage. Axl’s mimic wore the signature red-bandana headband (on top of a long red-haired wig), white T-shirt, red plaid kilt, black leather jacket and black combat boots with white socks peeking out above. Besides the clothes and the hair, Nightrain’s Axl had the stage demeanor GN’R fans love.

“Wake up, f*ckers!” shouted Axl, saluting the screaming crowd.

With the crowd worked into a frenzy, the band started rocking to “It’s So Easy.” The next song, “Mr. Brownstone,” prompted one courageous partyer to crowd surf. There seemed to be all the makings of a mini-GN’R show.

But what GN’R anything would be complete without showing a little skin? After shedding his leather coat and skirt, Axl pranced around in too-tight-for-comfort biker shorts. The rocking continued with “Sweet Child of Mine,” after which Axl reasoned with the audience that for this to be a true GN’R tribute show, he would have to see some breasts. Whether it was the liquid courage or the excitement of pleasing a near-rockstar, there were a few flashy complies to the request.

With Axl running around like a maniac and Slash weighted down under all that hair, Nightrain continued to churn out those beloved GN’R tunes. The crowd helped sing on “Live and Let Die” and even started a GN’R-worthy mosh pit. Axl proved his animal magnetism when he flew into the crowd during the electric guitar solo on “Welcome to the Jungle.” After a substantial ride atop the banging heads of fans, Axl was deposited back on stage, never missing a beat.

The band ended with a duet with the crowd, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” The crowd’s unison screaming actually was louder than the band piped through the sound system.

Nightrain promised to come back soon. With the last call for alcohol, this ride was over.

After only six months together, Nightrain is musically tight and portrays the characteristic high energy found at a GN’R show.