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Guns N` Roses

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Band Timeline

1985

Formation of Guns N' Roses

Guns N' Roses was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1985 as a merger between two local bands: L.A. Guns and Hollywood Rose. The classic lineup consisted of Axl Rose (vocals), Slash (lead guitar), Izzy Stradlin (rhythm guitar), Duff McKagan (bass), and Steven Adler (drums). This collaboration marked the start of what would become one of the most influential hard rock bands of the late 20th century.
1987

Debut Album: Appetite for Destruction

Guns N' Roses released their debut album 'Appetite for Destruction' in 1987 under Geffen Records. Initially the album charted poorly, debuting at number 182 on the Billboard 200. However, the single 'Welcome to the Jungle' gained traction through grassroots campaigns and heavy MTV rotation, propelling the band into mainstream success. Hits like 'Welcome to the Jungle,' 'Paradise City,' and 'Sweet Child o' Mine' became iconic, with the latter reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The album sold approximately 30 million copies worldwide, establishing Guns N' Roses as a leading act in rock.
1988

Release of G N' R Lies

Following their debut, Guns N' Roses released 'G N' R Lies' in 1988. This album combined their earlier EP, 'Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide' with new acoustic tracks. It reached number two on the Billboard 200 and sold around 10 million copies globally. It featured the top 5 hit 'Patience' and the controversial track 'One in a Million,' which sparked significant debate due to its lyrics. This release solidified their presence in the music industry and showcased a broader range in their musical style.
1990

Lineup Change and Touring

Due to Steven Adler's drug addiction, he was fired from the band in 1990 and replaced by Matt Sorum. The band also added keyboardist Dizzy Reed, expanding the group's sound. This lineup change occurred during a period of intensive touring which helped sustain their growing fan base and prepared them for their most ambitious projects ahead.
1991

Use Your Illusion I & II and Major Tour

Guns N' Roses released their third and fourth studio albums, 'Use Your Illusion I' and 'Use Your Illusion II,' simultaneously in September 1991. These albums featured a mix of rock styles including power ballads and political themes, debuting at numbers two and one on the Billboard 200, respectively. The release was supported by the extensive Use Your Illusion Tour from 1991 to 1993, one of the highest-attended tours in history. During the tour, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin abruptly left and was replaced by Gilby Clarke.
1993

'The Spaghetti Incident?' and Band Changes

'The Spaghetti Incident?' was released in 1993 as an album of punk rock and glam rock covers. It was the last Guns N' Roses release to feature Stradlin and Sorum and the only one with Gilby Clarke. Although it was generally well-received, it was the band’s lowest-selling studio album. No supporting tour was held. Afterward, tensions grew within the band leading to major lineup changes in the following years.
1994-2008

Long Development of Chinese Democracy

Following the Use Your Illusion era, Guns N' Roses entered a period marked by creative differences, personal conflicts, and frequent lineup changes. Original members Slash and Duff McKagan left the band, and new members such as Paul Tobias, Robin Finck, Buckethead, and others joined across the decade. Axl Rose led the band through a long, costly recording process for 'Chinese Democracy,' which took over a decade to complete due to label issues and artistic perfectionism. The album, released in 2008, was the most expensive rock album ever produced, receiving mixed reviews but achieving commercial success.
2016

Slash and McKagan Rejoin the Band

In 2016, original members Slash and Duff McKagan rejoined Guns N' Roses, marking a partial reunion of the classic lineup. This rejuvenated the band’s live performances and recording activities. A new keyboardist, Melissa Reese, also joined, replacing Chris Pitman. This marked a significant milestone in the band’s long and tumultuous history, reuniting two pivotal creative forces from their heyday.
2021-Present

Recent Activities and Releases

Starting in 2021, Guns N' Roses began releasing re-workings of songs from the Chinese Democracy sessions, including tracks such as 'Absurd' and 'Hard Skool.' Further releases in 2023 included 'Perhaps' and 'The General.' The band's activities demonstrate a blend of their classic and modern phases, continuing to engage fans worldwide with both new material and nostalgic performances. Their career spans over three decades, highlighting their enduring influence in rock music.

Albums

guns-n-roses_1st_album
Appetite for Destruction
12 tracks
1987
guns-n-roses_2nd_album
G N’ R Lies
8 tracks
1988
guns-n-roses_3rd_album
Use Your Illusion I
16 tracks
1991
guns-n-roses_4th_album
Use Your Illusion II
14 tracks
1991
guns-n-roses_5th_album
“The Spaghetti Incident?”
12 tracks
1993
guns-n-roses_6th_album
Chinese Democracy
14 tracks
2008

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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Slash

2016

Electric guitar

Duff McKagan

2016

Electric bass guitar

Axl Rose

1985

Lead vocals

Frank Ferrer

2006

Drums (drum set)

Richard Fortus

2002

Dizzy Reed

1990

Keyboard

Melissa Reese

2016

Keyboard

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Matt Sorum

1990
1997

Drums (drum set)

Josh Freese

1997
2000

Drums (drum set)

Steven Adler

1985
1990

Drums (drum set)

Buckethead

2000
2004

Electric guitar

Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal

2006
2014

Guitar

Bryan “Brain” Mantia

2001
2006

Drums (drum set)

Chris Pitman

1998
2016

Duff McKagan

1985
1997

Electric bass guitar

Robin Finck

1997
2007

Electric guitar

Rob Gardner

1985
1985

Tracii Guns

1985
1985

Electric guitar

Izzy Stradlin

1985
1991

Electric guitar

Slash

1985
1996

Electric guitar

Tommy Stinson

1998
2014

Electric bass guitar

Gilby Clarke

1991
1993

Electric guitar

Paul Huge

1994
2002

DJ Ashba

2009
2015

Guitar

Background vocals

Ole Beich

1985
1985

Story of Guns N` Roses

Guns N' Roses: From L.A. Streets to Rock Legends

Born from the fiery fusion of Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns in 1985, Guns N' Roses emerged as a force of nature from the heart of Los Angeles. Their "classic lineup," featuring the incendiary vocals of Axl Rose, the blistering guitar of Slash, the gritty rhythm of Izzy Stradlin, the thunderous bass of Duff McKagan, and the relentless drumming of Steven Adler, ignited a firestorm that shook the rock world.

After signing with Geffen Records, the band's debut album, "Appetite for Destruction" (1987), initially met with lukewarm reception. But a grassroots movement fueled by the infectious "Welcome to the Jungle" video catapulted the album into the stratosphere. The world was introduced to the band's signature blend of punk, blues, and heavy metal, a potent cocktail that redefined mainstream rock, pushing it away from the glam metal excesses of the era. "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Paradise City" became anthems, while "Sweet Child o' Mine" soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, cementing the band's iconic status. With over 30 million copies sold worldwide, "Appetite for Destruction" became the best-selling debut album in the US and a defining record of the 80s.

Guns N' Roses weren't content to rest on their laurels. "G N' R Lies" (1988) followed, a powerful blend of raw live energy and introspective acoustic tracks. The album's hit, "Patience," showcased the band's versatility, while the controversial "One in a Million" reflected their raw honesty and willingness to push boundaries. "G N' R Lies" solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with, achieving commercial success and critical acclaim.

Guns N' Roses weren't just about scorching riffs and rebellious anthems; they revitalized the power ballad, proving their ability to craft deeply emotional and melodic music. Their music became the soundtrack of a generation, reflecting the raw energy, rebellion, and complexities of a world on the cusp of change. Through it all, Guns N' Roses remained a constant, a testament to the power of raw talent, relentless passion, and a refusal to be confined by genre or expectation.

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