Some singers take a glass of water onstage, but Axl Roses and his Guns'N'Roses bandmates insist on beer, wine and Jagermeister.

So when the police in Portland, Maine, told them this week they couldn't drink the alcohol onstage, the band canceled the performance.

Inspectors from the state fire marshal's office gave the band the no-drinking order when they came to look over the pyrotechnics planned for Monday's scheduled concert at the Cumberland County Civic Center, said Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Public Safety Department.

BAND'S STATEMENT

A band spokesperson blamed fire marshals for "making it impossible for the band to perform their show to the usual high standards that their fans deserve."

The press release, however, did not give a specific reason for the pullout.

AXL ROSE'S STATEMENT

"It was important for us to play there and it is a shame that what should have been a great night for all of us was not possible due to the actions of two people," said Rose, referring to the fire marshals.

"I agree with, and ultimately take responsibility for, the end decision not to jeopardize the safety of the fans, the crews, the bands and myself as a result of the methods of these particularly draconian authorities," Rose's statement said. "We hope to find another way to play for you in the future."

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