Guns N' Roses is an iconic American hard rock band hailing from Los Angeles, California. The group was formed in 1985 and initially consisted of vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer Steven Adler. When they signed with Geffen Records in 1986, their rise to fame began.
Their debut album, "Appetite for Destruction" (1987), soared to the top of the charts a year after its release, fueled by hit singles like "Welcome to the Jungle," "Paradise City," and the timeless "Sweet Child o' Mine." This album has sold a staggering 30 million copies worldwide, with 18 million units sold in the United States alone, solidifying its status as the country's best-selling debut album and the eleventh best-selling album overall.
Guns N' Roses followed up with the release of "G N' R Lies" (1988), which reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart and sold ten million copies worldwide. It featured the popular hit "Patience." In 1991, the band unleashed their ambitious double album project, "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II." These albums debuted at number two and number one, respectively, on the Billboard 200. Together, they have sold a combined 35 million copies worldwide, with memorable tracks such as "You Could Be Mine," covers of "Live and Let Die" and "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," and a trilogy of epic ballads: "Don't Cry," "November Rain," and "Estranged," all accompanied by high-budget music videos. The subsequent Use Your Illusion Tour (1991-1993) was a massive undertaking that spanned the globe.
After the release of the covers album "The Spaghetti Incident?" in 1993, creative differences and personal conflicts within the band hindered progress on a new album. By 1998, only Axl Rose and keyboardist Dizzy Reed remained from the original lineup. Determined to explore new musical directions, Rose assembled a diverse lineup of musicians, including punk bassist Tommy Stinson, virtuoso guitarist Buckethead, and synth player Chris Pitman, among others. A decade later, Guns N' Roses released their highly anticipated sixth studio album, "Chinese Democracy" (2008), which featured the title track as its lead single. The album, with an estimated production cost of $14 million, debuted at number three on the Billboard 200. Although it received positive reviews, it fell short of industry expectations.
In 2016, Slash and McKagan reunited with Rose, marking a significant moment for the band. Their reunion tour, named "Not in This Lifetime... Tour," became one of the most successful concert tours in history, grossing over $584 million by its conclusion in 2019. The band's legendary status was recognized in 2012 when the classic lineup, along with later members Dizzy Reed and drummer Matt Sorum, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
With over 100 million records sold worldwide, including 45 million in the United States alone, Guns N' Roses has rightfully earned its place among the best-selling acts in history. Known for their early rebelliousness and wild lifestyles, they were often dubbed "the most dangerous band in the world." Their timeless music continues to resonate with fans across generations, solidifying their legacy as one of rock and roll's most influential and enduring acts.
