A series of visual clues have been left by Guns N’ Roses, suggesting that 2016 could see the imminent return of the rock group.

Guns N' Roses: 'Rock’n’roll is like an aphrodisiac for people who have everyday jobs' Read more

The band made several online updates over the Christmas period: the home page of their official website is now adorned with their original artwork – the old logo of silver revolvers and red roses, while their Facebook page has been updated with a new profile photo of a live crowd, which could point towards an upcoming reunion tour. Those shots appear to be taken from the same footage that was reportedly trailed before some screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. According to a number of eyewitnesses, including one editor at Ultimate Classic Rock, three brief clips of Welcome to the Jungle have been played over black-and-white crowd footage during the film begins.

The last time the original lineup performed together was in 1993, at a show in Argentina on 17 July. Guitarist Slash left the group in 1996. Earlier this year, it was reported that Axl Rose and Slash were on speaking terms once more, however, and, according to a music insider at Dish Nation, “verbally agreed to get things together again and reform the original band”.

While some of these new clues point towards a live return, back in July 2015, Guns N’ Roses guitarist Richard Fortus said the group had a stash of new material – enough for “two or three albums”. Fortus told French online magazine VerdamMnis that he looked forward to releasing “a new album as soon as possible”. However Dizzy Reed suggested that when the music would be released was another matter: “We just don’t know yet,” he said. “Only Axl [Rose] knows and he’s very secretive.”