They came from the LA underground and took the world by storm. Then, they flamed out. In between, they wrought destruction and changed the direction of popular music. GnR emerged at the right time. They were dirty, gritty, and edgy while everyone else used aquanet. “Welcome to the Jungle” was the first nail in the coffin of the 1980s pop music scene and pushed audiences away from Warrant, Winger, and Whitesnake. In the early, 90s, they released the “Use Your Illusion” albums and became one of the biggest bands in the world while other 80s bands died off.
During their rise, they did everything to excess. Hotel rooms were smashed, riots started, drugs consumed at an alarming rate, and in the middle of it all, Axl Rose lost his mind. After releasing a punk cover album, the band disintegrated.
Controversy followed the band. Axl liked to wear Charles Manson t-shirts. They have been attacked for misogyny, homophobia, racism, and sexism. The recording of “Rocket Queen” contains a recording of Axl having sex with Steven Adler’s girlfriend (she got a bottle of Jack in return for allowing the recording for the album). On top of it all, Axl’s antics led to all out rioting in St Louis and Montreal.
In late 2008, Axl returned without the original lineup. The disappointing “Chinese Democracy” album was 15 years in the making. A reunion of the original band is off the table according to Axl.
Rock n Roll Moment: Which riot should we discuss here?
Essential GnR:
Appetite for Destruction (1987)
Use Your Illusion I (1991)
GnR’s Top 10:
Sweet Child o Mine
Patience
Paradise City
Welcome To The Jungle
You Could Be Mine
Don’t Cry
November Rain
It’s So Easy
Yesterdays
Rocket Queen
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