Guns N' Roses

"Guns and Roses" redirects here. For other uses, see Guns and Roses (disambiguation).
Guns N' Roses

Six Members of a band are visible on stage. A singer with a black hat and leather jacket with torn jeans sings into a red microphone, his image is projected onto the large screen hanging from the venue. Red and blue spotlights beam around the stage, a darkened crow is in the forefront. Video screens to the left and right display animated dancers. A man in a red shirt is playing a white guitar center stage while two men in black shirts on keyboards flank him to either side of the stage. a drummer is at his kit on stage, risen above the rest of the stage.

Guns N' Roses onstage in Sofia, Bulgaria, in July 2012
Background information
Also known as G N' R, GnR
Origin Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres Soft rock
Pop rock
Hard rock
Heavy metal
Years active 1985–present
Labels
Associated acts
Website gunsnroses.com
Members
Past members See: List of Guns N' Roses band members

Guns N' Roses are an American hard rock band from Los Angeles formed in 1985. Their classic lineup, as signed to Geffen Records in 1986, consisted of lead singer Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer Steven Adler. The current lineup consists of Rose, Slash, McKagan, keyboardists Dizzy Reed and Melissa Reese, guitarist Richard Fortus and drummer Frank Ferrer. The band has released six studio albums, accumulating sales of more than 100 million records worldwide, including shipments of 45 million in the United States, making Guns N' Roses one of the world's best-selling bands of all time.

Guns N' Roses' debut album, Appetite for Destruction (1987), reached number one on the Billboard 200 a year after its release, on the strength of "Sweet Child o' Mine", the band's only single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The album has sold approximately 30 million copies worldwide, including 18 million units in the United States, making it the best-selling debut album of all time in the US, as well as the eleventh best-selling album in the United States. The success of the debut was followed by the eight-song album G N' R Lies (1988) which reached number two on the Billboard 200. The twin albums Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II (1991) debuted at number two and number one on the Billboard 200 respectively and have sold a combined 35 million copies worldwide, including 14 million units in the United States. The cover album "The Spaghetti Incident?" (1993) was the band's last studio album to feature Slash and McKagan.

After more than a decade of work and several lineup changes, Guns N' Roses released the long-awaited album Chinese Democracy (2008) which, at an estimated $14 million in production costs, is the most expensive rock album to ever be produced in music history. It debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 but undersold industry expectations, despite mostly positive critical reception. Classic era members Slash and McKagan both rejoined the band in 2016.

Guns N' Roses has been credited with reviving the mainstream popularity of rock music, at a time when popular music was dominated by dance music and glam metal. Its late 1980s and early 1990s years have been described as the period in which the group brought forth a "hedonistic rebelliousness" reminiscent of the early Rolling Stones, a reputation that had earned the group the nickname "the most dangerous band in the world". The band's classic lineup, along with later members Reed and drummer Matt Sorum, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, in its first year of eligibility.

History

Formation (1985–1986)

Main articles: Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns
Guns N' Roses are based in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.

In 1984, Hollywood Rose member Izzy Stradlin was living with L.A. Guns member Tracii Guns.[1] When L.A. Guns needed a new vocalist, Stradlin suggested Hollywood Rose singer Axl Rose.[1] Guns N' Roses was formed in March 1985 by Rose and rhythm guitarist Stradlin, along with lead guitarist Tracii Guns, bassist Ole Beich, and drummer Rob Gardner of L.A. Guns.[2] The band coined its name by combining the names of both previous groups. Rejected names for the band included "Heads of Amazon" and "AIDS".[3] After a short time, during which the band reportedly played two or three shows, Beich was fired and replaced by Duff McKagan.[4] Tracii Guns left the band after an argument with Rose, leading to his replacement by Rose and Stradlin's one-time Hollywood Rose bandmate, Slash.[1] Gardner quit soon after and was replaced by another former Hollywood Rose member, Steven Adler.[5][6] Slash had also previously played with McKagan and Adler in Road Crew.[6]

"We had a singer (Mike Jagosz) that our manager didn't like, so we fired him. So then I asked Axl to join L.A. Guns and he was in the band for about six, seven months. The same manager ended up hating Axl and he wanted to fire him. We're all living together at this point and Axl and I sat down and went 'What are we going to do?' So we both said 'Fuck that', and came up with the name Guns N' Roses, which was going to be just a record label that we'd put singles out on."

Original guitarist Tracii Guns[1]

In June 1985, four days after the lineup was finalized, the band embarked on a short, disorganized tour of the West Coast, from Sacramento, California, to McKagan's hometown of Seattle, Washington.[7] The so-called "Hell Tour" settled the band's first stable lineup, with McKagan later commenting, "This trip had set a new benchmark for what we were capable of, what we could and would put ourselves through to achieve our goals as a band."[8]

Through the band's increasing presence on the Hollywood club scene – playing famed bars such as The Troubadour and The Roxy – Guns N' Roses drew the attention of major record labels.[3][9] The group was signed by Geffen Records in March 1986, receiving a $75,000 advance.[3] In December of that year, the group released the four-song EP Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide, designed to keep interest in the band alive while the group withdrew from the club scene to work in the studio. The EP contained covers of Rose Tattoo's "Nice Boys" and Aerosmith's "Mama Kin", along with two original compositions: the punk-influenced "Reckless Life" and the classic rock-inspired "Move to the City." Although billed as a live recording, the four songs were taken from the band's demo tapes and overdubbed with crowd noise. Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide was released on the Geffen subsidiary Uzi Suicide, with production limited to 10,000 vinyl copies.[10]

Breakthrough and mass popularity (1987–1989)

Slash in 2010.
Axl Rose on stage in Tel Aviv, Israel, 1993
Guitarist Slash (left) and lead singer Axl Rose (right) were the band's most public faces during its late 1980s-early 1990s heyday

Appetite for Destruction

Guns N' Roses' debut album Appetite for Destruction was released July 21, 1987.[11] The album underwent an artwork change after the original cover design by Robert Williams, which depicted a surrealist scene in which a dagger-toothed monster vengefully attacks a robot rapist, was deemed too controversial.[12][13][14] The band stated the original artwork was "a symbolic social statement, with the robot representing the industrial system that's raping and polluting our environment."[12] The revised cover was done by Andy Engell, based on a design by tattoo artist Bill White Jr., who had designed the artwork for a tattoo Rose had acquired the previous year.[15] The artwork featured each of the five band members' skulls layered on a cross.[12]

In the U.S., "Welcome to the Jungle" was issued as the album's first single, with an accompanying music video. Initially, the album and single lingered for almost a year without performing well, but when Geffen founder David Geffen was asked to lend support to the band, he obliged, personally convincing MTV executives to play "Welcome to the Jungle" during the network's after-hours rotation.[16] Even though the video was initially only played once at 4 a.m. on a Sunday, heavy metal and hard rock fans took notice and soon began requesting the video and song en masse.[17] The song, written in Seattle, was about Los Angeles. The music video took place in New York. According to Rose, the inspiration for the lyrics came from an encounter he and a friend had with a homeless man while they were coming out of a bus into New York.[18] Trying to put a scare into the young runaways, the man yelled at them, "You know where you are? You're in the jungle baby; you're gonna die!"[18][19] The song was featured in the 1988 Dirty Harry film The Dead Pool, starring Clint Eastwood, and members of the band had a cameo appearance in the film.[20][21]

Steven Adler in 2012
Matt Sorum in 2012.
Steven Adler (left) was the band's drummer from 1985 to 1990, when he was replaced by Matt Sorum (right). Sorum was fired from the band in 1997.
Guns N' Roses "Welcome to the Jungle" (1987)
Sample of "Welcome to the Jungle" from Appetite for Destruction, the album's opening track and the band's first single in the United States.

Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Sweet Child o' Mine" was the album's second U.S. single, a love song co-written by Rose as a poem for his then-girlfriend Erin Everly, daughter of Don Everly of the Everly Brothers.[22][23] Due to the growing grassroots success of the band and the cross-gender appeal of the song, "Sweet Child o' Mine" and its accompanying music video received heavy airplay on both radio and MTV, becoming a huge hit during the summer of 1988 and reaching the top of the charts in the U.S.[23] Slash later commented, "I hated that song with a huge passion for the longest time, and it turned out to be our hugest hit, so it goes to show what I know."[22] The song was released in Japan as part of the EP Live from the Jungle, which also featured a selection of live recordings from the band's June 1987 dates at London's The Marquee, the group's first shows outside the United States.[24][25] The song is the highest charting Guns N' Roses song, and is the group's only to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.[26]

After the success of "Sweet Child o' Mine", "Welcome to the Jungle" was re-issued as a single and reached No. 7 in the U.S. By the time "Paradise City" and its video reached the airwaves, peaking at No. 5 in the U.S., Appetite for Destruction had reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200. To date, the album has sold in excess of 30 million copies worldwide,[27][28] including 18 million units sold in the United States, making it the best-selling debut album of all time in the U.S, in addition to being the eleventh best-selling album in the United States.[29][30][31][32]

Guns N' Roses toured extensively in support of the group's debut album, embarking on the 16-month-long Appetite for Destruction Tour.[33][34] In addition to headlining dates in Europe and the U.S., the band opened North American shows for The Cult, Mötley Crüe, and Alice Cooper throughout the second half of 1987. During the 1987 tour, drummer Steven Adler broke his hand in a fight, and was replaced for 8 shows by Cinderella drummer Fred Coury.[35] Bassist Duff McKagan missed several shows in May 1988 to attend his wedding; Kid "Haggis" Chaos from The Cult filled in.[36] Don Henley of The Eagles played drums for the band during the 1989 AMA show while Adler was in rehab.[37]

The band proceeded to tour the United States, Australia and Japan, while serving as opening acts on North America shows by Iron Maiden and Aerosmith.[38][39] Tim Collins, Aerosmith's then-manager, remarked, "By the end of the tour, Guns N' Roses were huge. They basically just exploded. We were all pissed that Rolling Stone showed up to do a story on Aerosmith, but Guns N' Roses ended up on the cover of the magazine. Suddenly, the opening act was bigger than we were."[40][41]

G N' R Lies

Izzy Stradlin was the band's rhythm guitarist from 1985 until 1991.

Guns N' Roses' next album, G N' R Lies, was released in November 1988. It included the four recordings from the band's 1986 EP Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide, as well as four new acoustic tracks. "Patience", the only single released from G N' R Lies, peaked at No. 4 in the U.S., while the album itself reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200. The album cover, a parody of tabloid newspapers, was modified after initial pressings to remove the headlines "Wife-beating has been around for 10,000 years" and "Ladies, welcome to the dark ages".[42]

The song "One in a Million" raised accusations of racism and homophobia.[43] Rose denied that he was a racist and defended his use of a racial slur, claiming that "it's a word to describe somebody that is basically a pain in your life, a problem. The word nigger doesn't necessarily mean black," although he later conceded that he had used the word as an insult towards black people who had tried to rob him.[44][45] In response to the allegations of homophobia, Rose stated that he considered himself "pro-heterosexual" and blamed this attitude on "bad experiences" with gay men.[44]

Guns N' Roses' late 1980s shows were often eventful for more than just the band's performance. During a November 1987 show in Atlanta, Rose assaulted a security guard and was held backstage by police, while his band mates continued playing with a roadie singing.[46][47] Riots nearly broke out during two August 1988 shows in New York State. At England's Monsters of Rock festival, held that same month, two fans were crushed to death during the group's set by the slam-dancing crowd.[17][48][49] During the first of four October 1989 dates opening for the Rolling Stones at the L.A. Coliseum, Rose announced that the shows would be the group's last if certain members of the band did not stop "dancing with Mr. Brownstone," a reference to the band's song of the same name about heroin.[50] Events such as these helped earn Guns N' Roses the moniker "The Most Dangerous Band in the World."[50][51]

International success and band turmoil (1990–1993)

Use Your Illusion I and II

In 1990, Guns N' Roses returned to the studio to begin recording the band's most ambitious undertaking yet. Drummer Steven Adler was briefly fired from the band over his drug use, but he was reinstated after signing a contract in which he vowed to stop taking drugs.[52] During the recording session of "Civil War", Adler was unable to perform well due to his struggles with cocaine and heroin addiction, and his difficulties in the studio caused the band to do nearly 30 takes.[53] Adler claimed at the time he was sick from taking opiate blockers to try to kick his addictions.[53] Adler was fired on July 11, 1990 as a result, and later filed a lawsuit against the band.[53][54] Adler recalled the reason for the lawsuit and recapped his firing in a 2005 interview:

Doug Goldstein called me into the office about two weeks later. He wanted me to sign some contracts. I was told that every time I did heroin, the band would fine me $2,000. There was a whole stack of papers, with colored paper clips everywhere for my signatures. What these contracts actually said was that the band were paying me $2,000 to leave. They were taking my royalties, all my writing credits. They didn't like me anymore and just wanted me gone. That's why I filed the lawsuit - to get all those things back.[53]

Martin Chambers (Pretenders) and Adam Maples (Sea Hags) were considered for the vacant drum position.[55] The position was filled by drummer Matt Sorum, who had played briefly with The Cult.[56] Slash credited Sorum with preventing the band from breaking up at the time.[56]

Duff McKagan was the band's bassist from 1985 until 1997, returning in 2016.

In response to an interviewer's suggestion that replacing Adler with Sorum had turned Guns N' Roses from a rock 'n' roll band into a heavy metal one, Stradlin responded, "Yeah, a big musical difference. The first time I realized what Steve did for the band was when he broke his hand in Michigan. Tried to punch through a wall and busted his hand. So we had Fred Coury come in from Cinderella for the Houston show. Fred played technically good and steady, but the songs sounded just awful. They were written with Steve playing the drums and his sense of swing was the push and pull that give the songs their feel. When that was gone, it was just ... unbelievable, weird. Nothing worked."[57]

Guns N' Roses "November Rain" (1991)
Sample of November Rain from Use Your Illusion I, the longest song to reach top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.[58][59]

Problems playing this file? See media help.

A few months prior, keyboardist Dizzy Reed became the sixth member of the group when he joined as a full-time member.[60] Reed was previously bandmates with Matt Sorum in Johnny Crash.[61] The band fired its manager, Alan Niven, replacing him with Doug Goldstein in May 1991.[62] According to a 1991 cover story by Rolling Stone magazine, Rose forced the dismissal of Niven (against the wishes of some of his band-mates) by refusing to complete the albums until he was replaced.[62]

With enough music for two albums, the band released Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II on September 17, 1991.[63][64] The tactic paid off when the albums debuted at No. 2 and No. 1 respectively in the Billboard charts, setting a record as the band became the only group to achieve this feat until hip-hop artist Nelly accomplished the same in 2004.[65][66] The albums sold 770,000 units (Use Your Illusion II) and 685,000 units (Use Your Illusion I) in first week sales.[67] Both albums spent 108 weeks on the chart.[65] The two albums have sold a combined 35 million copies worldwide,[68] as well as 14 million sold in the United States.[29]

Guns N' Roses accompanied the Use Your Illusion albums with many videos, including "Don't Cry", "November Rain" and "Estranged", some of the most expensive music videos ever made. The hit ballad "November Rain" (No. 3 US) became the most requested video on MTV, eventually winning the 1992 MTV Video Music Award for best cinematography. It is also the longest song in US chart history to reach the Top Ten, clocking in at 8:57. During the awards show, the band performed the song with Elton John accompanying on piano.[69]

Both prior to and after the release of the albums, Guns N' Roses embarked on the 28-month-long Use Your Illusion Tour. It became famous for both its financial success and the many controversial incidents that occurred at the shows. The tour had 92 dates in 27 countries, with over seven million people attending concerts.[70] It is considered the 'longest tour in rock history'.[70]

Use Your Illusion Tour

The Use Your Illusion World Tour program included a guitar solo from Slash based on The Godfather theme, a piano-driven cover of "It's Alright" by Black Sabbath, and an extended jam on the classic rock-inspired "Move to the City", where the group showcased the ensemble of musicians assembled for the tour.[71]

Many of the successful performances during the tour were overshadowed in the press by riots, late starts, and outspoken rants by Rose. While the band's previous drug and alcohol issues were seemingly under control, Rose was often agitated by lax security, sound problems, and unwanted filming or recording of the performances. He also used the time between songs to fire off political statements or retorts against music critics or celebrity rivals.

Main article: Riverport Riot

On July 2, 1991, at the Riverport Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, Missouri, just outside St. Louis, during a performance of "Rocket Queen", Rose discovered that a fan was filming the show with a camera. After asking the venue's security to take away the camera, Rose decided to take it himself, jumping into the audience and tackling the fan. He had a heated confrontation with the fan before physically assaulting him. After being pulled out of the audience by members of the crew, Rose said, "Well, thanks to the lame-ass security, I'm going home!", threw his microphone to the ground and stormed off the stage. The angry crowd rioted, injuring dozens. Footage was captured by Robert John, who was documenting the entire tour. Rose was wanted by the police for inciting the riot, but police were unable to arrest him until almost a year later, as the band went overseas to continue the tour. Charges were filed against Rose, but a judge ruled that he did not directly incite the riot. In his defense, Rose stated that the Guns N' Roses security team had made four separate requests to the venue's security staff to remove the camera, all of which were ignored, and that other members of the band had reported being hit by bottles launched from the audience, while the security staff was refusing to enforce a drinking limit.[72] As a result, Use Your Illusion's liner notes featured a hidden message amidst the Thank You section: "Fuck You, St. Louis!"[73]

Dizzy Reed joined the band as keyboardist in 1990.

Rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin abruptly quit the band on November 7, 1991, after a repeat of the St. Louis incident nearly unfolded during a concert in Germany.[74][75] Stradlin cited a combination of Rose's personal behavior, his mismanagement of the band, and difficulties being around Slash, Sorum, and McKagan, due to his new-found sobriety and their continuing alcohol and substance addictions.[75][76][77] Stradlin later commented, "Once I quit drugs, I couldn't help looking around and asking myself, 'Is this all there is?' I was just tired of it; I needed to get out."[78] Slash commented on finding a replacement, saying, "When Izzy left, we realized that we either had to find a new guitarist in three weeks or cancel a bunch of gigs. I had a piece of paper with about 30-odd candidates listed. Duff was looking around and Axl had his ideas, but nobody seemed right. For a while it looked like Dave Navarro from Jane's Addiction was going to join, but he couldn't get it together, so that never happened."[79] Stradlin was eventually replaced by Los Angeles-based guitarist Gilby Clarke, whom Slash credited for saving the band.[80]

During many shows throughout the tour, Rose introduced Clarke to the audience, and Slash and Clarke would then play "Wild Horses", a Rolling Stones cover.[79] In late 1991, the band added a touring ensemble, which included a horns section and several background vocalists.[81] In 1992, Clarke broke his arm in a motorcycle accident during the tour, and was replaced for several weeks by Stradlin.[82]

In 1992, the band appeared at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, performing a three-song set.[83] Because of the controversial song "One in a Million", activist group ACT UP demanded that the band be dropped from the bill, and urged other artists to shun the group and the crowd to boo it.[83] Members of Queen dismissed the activists, with guitarist Brian May stating "People seem so blind. Don't they realize that the mere fact that Guns N' Roses are here is the biggest statement that you could get?"[83] Slash later performed "Tie Your Mother Down" with the remaining members of Queen and Def Leppard vocalist Joe Elliott, while Rose performed "We Will Rock You" and sang a duet with Elton John on "Bohemian Rhapsody".[84] Their personal set included "Paradise City" and "Knockin' on Heaven's Door". When the band returned to the US for the second leg of the Use Your Illusion Tour, Brian May opened the shows with The Brian May Band.[85] Rose had originally wanted the grunge band (and Geffen labelmates) Nirvana to open the band's Use Your Illusion Tour, but frontman Kurt Cobain refused.[86]

Later in the year, Guns N' Roses went on the Guns N' Roses/Metallica Stadium Tour, with American metal band Metallica, being supported by Faith No More, Motörhead, and Body Count. During a show in August 1992 at Montreal's Olympic Stadium, Metallica frontman James Hetfield suffered second degree burns to his hands and face after malfunctions with a pyrotechnics blast.[87] Metallica was forced to cancel the second hour of the show, but promised to return to the city for another performance. After a long delay, during which the audience became increasingly restless, Guns N' Roses took the stage. However, the shortened time between sets did not allow for adequate tuning of stage monitors, resulting in members of G N' R not being able to hear themselves. In addition, Rose claimed that his throat hurt, causing the band to leave the stage early.[88] The cancellation led to another audience riot, with three police officers and 10 rioters injured. Police made at least a dozen arrests related to the incident.[89]

The pyro incident and riot can be seen on video in A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica.[90] In a segment on the video, Hetfield mocked Rose and read his personal tour rider, making fun of various items on the list.[90] Rose responded by addressing the crowd during a later concert, labeling Hetfield a racist for his decision to pull Body Count from the tour, and called him a 'stupid little cocksucker' while bashing the rest of the band.[90] On VH1's Behind the Music documentary about Metallica, Hetfield stated that "We couldn't relate to Axl and his attitude." Other members of Metallica and Rose himself both stated that the two groups 'never really gelled'.[91]

In mid-1993, former drummer Steven Adler's lawsuit against the band was settled out of court; Adler received a back-payment check of $2,250,000 and 15% royalties for songs he recorded.[92][93]

The Use Your Illusion tour ended in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on July 17, 1993. The tour set attendance records and lasted for 28 months, in which 194 shows were played. The show in Buenos Aires marked the last time that Sorum and Clarke would play a live show with Rose. It was also the last time Slash performed with Rose until rejoining the band in 2016.[94]

"The Spaghetti Incident?"

Gilby Clarke replaced Izzy Stradlin as rhythm guitarist, playing from 1991 to 1994.

On November 23, 1993, Guns N' Roses released a collection of punk and glam rock covers entitled "The Spaghetti Incident?"[95] Izzy Stradlin's recorded guitar parts were replaced by Gilby Clarke.[96] Many of the tracks were recorded during the same sessions as the Illusions albums, which were originally intended to produce 3 or 4 albums.[97] Initially, the band was going to release a covers EP in 1992 or 1993, but decided on making a full album and recorded more songs.[98] Bassist Duff McKagan sings on many of the album's tracks and Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe appears on "Ain't It Fun" as a guest vocalist. Slash described the recording of the album as "spontaneous and unpainted".[96] The title of the album is an inside joke referring to a food fight that occurred between Axl Rose and Steven Adler. During his lawsuit against the band, Adler's attorney described the food fight as "the Spaghetti Incident". The meaning was explained by drummer Matt Sorum in a 1994 interview with Much Music and confirmed by Slash in his autobiography, Slash.

An unadvertised cover of the Charles Manson song "Look at Your Game, Girl" was included on the album.[99] The track was kept secret, and was not included on advance tapes sent out to reviewers.[99] Band manager Doug Goldstein stated "There is a bonus track on the album, but Axl wants it to speak for itself," and that "It wasn't done for the critics or anybody else. It was a bonus for the fans."[99] The inclusion of the song caused controversy, with law-enforcement and victims-rights groups expressing outrage.[100][101]

Rose claimed "the reason we didn't list that song on our album is we wanted to downplay it. We don't give any credit to Charles Manson on the album; it's like a hidden bonus truck [sic]."[102] The band considered removing the song from new pressings of the album, and David Geffen stated in a phone interview, "I would hope that if Axl Rose had realized how offensive people would find this, he would not have ever recorded this song in the first place. The fact that Charles Manson would be earning money based on the fame he derived committing one of the most horrific crimes of the 20th Century is unthinkable to me".[103] Slash mentioned that the song was "done with naive and innocent black humor on our part".[100] Rose stated he would donate all performance royalties from the song to a nonprofit environmental organization.[102][103] Slash stated that the group intended to remove the song before the band decided to keep it after learning that royalties from the song would be donated to the Bartek Frykowski, the son of Wojciech Frykowski, a victim of Manson during the Tate Murders.[100][104] Geffen Records released a statement mentioning that the label's share of royalties would be donated to the Doris Tate Crime Victims Bureau.[100] Years later, Rose said the song would be removed from new pressings of the album, claiming that critics and the media had misinterpreted his interest in Manson.[105] Rose can be seen wearing a Manson shirt in the video for "Estranged" and during a concert in Milton Keynes, England, in 1993. Rose explained wearing the shirt as "trying to make a statement" because "a lot of people enjoy playing me as the bad guy and the crazy. Sorry, I'm not that guy. I'm nothing like him."[102] Despite the statement that the track would be removed, "Look at Your Game, Girl" is still featured on pressings of the album.

The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard charts, and sold 190,000 copies its first week.[101] Despite initial success, "The Spaghetti Incident?" did not match the sales of the Illusion albums and its release consequently led to increased tension within the band.

Member departures and sporadic activity (1994–1999)

Interviews with Guns N' Roses band members suggest that between 1994 and 1996, the band sporadically began to write and record new material, most of which, according to Slash, had been written by Rose.[106] Rose has stated the exact opposite in the open letter on the official Guns N' Roses website in 2008, saying that the album was mostly a "Slash album" and Rose was allowed very little input into the album.[107] According to Matt Sorum, in 1996, the band had recorded 7 songs, with 7 more in the writing stages, and intended to release a single album with 10 or 12 songs, with a release date of Spring 1997.[108] Sorum also mentioned that Slash's Snakepit's debut album, It's Five O'Clock Somewhere, "could have been a Guns N' Roses album, but Axl didn't think it was good enough."[108]

"We still needed the collaboration of the band as a whole to write the best songs.
Since none of that happened, that's the reason why that material got scrapped."

Axl Rose[109]

In May 1994, Gilby Clarke mentioned in an interview that there was "no 'next' Guns N' Roses album" adding, "We started working on one, and it got canned."[110] Sorum described the would-be album as "not as sophisticated as Illusion, but not as wild as Appetite".[108] The album was also described as consisting of "up-tempo rock songs" with "no ballads", according to Duff McKagan.[111] In a 2002 interview, Rose complimented the guitar work Slash had layed down, saying it was the "best playing [he's] done at least since Illusions".[112] Rose mentioned the material was scrapped due to the lack of collaboration between band members.[109] He later told USA Today in a 2012 interview that he didn't write any music "for years" in the mid-1990s because of criticism from bandmates Slash and Duff McKagan, as well as ex-fiancee Stephanie Seymour.[113]

In January 1994, Rose inducted Elton John into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and later that night performed a duet with Bruce Springsteen on a cover of The Beatles song "Come Together".[114] It was Rose's final public performance for six years.[114] Also in 1994, all of the members of the band at the time contributed to Gilby Clarke's debut album, Pawnshop Guitars.[115]

In December 1994, Guns N' Roses released a cover recording of the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil".[116] The song appeared in the films Interview with the Vampire and Fallen. The song was also released separately as a single. Entertainment Weekly stated that the 'note-for-note remake works up a decent lather but seems utterly bankrupt'.[117] It is the final Guns N' Roses track to feature Slash on lead guitar, Duff McKagan on bass, and Matt Sorum on drums. The song also featured Rose's childhood friend and Hollywood Rose collaborator Paul "Huge" Tobias on rhythm guitar.[116] Tobias's presence on the track and in the band created tension, reportedly Slash had '(both) creative and personal differences' with Tobias.[118] A 2001 interview revealed Slash told his bandmates in September 1996, "I'm going to confront it. Either Paul goes, or [I go]."[119]

Guitarist Zakk Wylde played with the band for several weeks and was considered as a potential second guitarist in 1995.

Gilby Clarke's contract was not renewed and he was gone from the band by 1995.[116] Slash stated in his book that Rose fired Clarke without consulting anyone, claiming he was only a "hired hand".[120] Clarke was not involved in the recording of 'Sympathy for the Devil', stating "I knew that that was the ending [of Clarke's involvement in Guns N' Roses] because nobody told me about it. Officially I was in the band at that time, and they did that song without me".[121] Clarke also mentioned that before the final show of the Use Your Illusion Tour, Rose came up to him and told him "Hey, enjoy your last show".[121] Clarke later sued the band over the use of his likeness in Guns N' Roses Pinball.[122]

In 1996, Rose, Slash, McKagan, and former member Izzy Stradlin all appeared as guests on The Outpatience debut album Anxious Disease, a band featuring Guns N' Roses collaborator West Arkeen.[123]

The recording of "Sympathy for the Devil", as well as tension between him and Rose, led Slash to quit the band officially in October 1996.[124] Rose sent a fax notifying MTV of Slash's departure, with Slash responding "Axl and I have not been capable of seeing eye to eye on Guns N' Roses for some time. We tried to collaborate, but at this point, I'm no longer in the band."[125] Slash also stated, "Axl's whole visionary style, as far as his input in Guns N' Roses, is completely different from mine. I just like to play guitar, write a good riff, go out there and play, as opposed to presenting an image."[126]

Slash was replaced by Nine Inch Nails touring guitarist Robin Finck in January 1997, who signed a two-year contract with the band in August 1997, making him an official member.[127] Finck was originally recommended by Matt Sorum to Rose a year earlier as a possible second guitarist to complement Slash.[119] Slash's departure was followed shortly thereafter by Matt Sorum in April 1997, who was fired by Rose after getting in an argument about Tobias's inclusion in the band.[128] Sorum later stated Tobias was the "Yoko Ono of Guns N' Roses".[119] McKagan was the last of the Appetite lineup to leave, resigning as bassist in August 1997.[129] McKagan had recently become a father and wrote about his decision to leave in his autobiography, stating "Guns had been paying rent on studios for three years now—from 1994 to 1997—and still did not have a single song. The whole operation was so erratic that it didn't seem to fit with my hopes for parenthood, for stability."[129] McKagan was replaced later that year by former Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson.[130] An actual break-up of Guns N' Roses never occurred, as new players were brought in as the old ones left. Rose reportedly purchased the full rights to the Guns N' Roses name in 1997.[126][131] Slash claimed he and bandmates signed over the name in duress, stating "Axl refused to go onstage one night during the Use Your Illusion tour in 1992 unless the band signed away the name rights to the band. Unfortunately, we signed it. I didn't think he'd on stage otherwise."[132] Rose denied the claim, saying "(it) Never happened, all made up, fallacy and fantasy. Not one single solitary thread of truth to it. Had that been the case I would've have been cremated years ago legally, could've cleaned me out for the name and damages. It's called under duress with extenuating circumstances."[132]

Rose auditioned multiple potential band members, including Chris Vrenna, Zakk Wylde, Dave Abbruzzese, and Michael Bland.[133][134][135][136][137] Rolling Stone reported in April 1997 that the lineup of Guns N' Roses was Rose, McKagan, Tobias, Finck & Vrenna.[138]

Josh Freese was ultimately hired to replace Sorum on drums, joining in the summer of 1997. By the end of 1998, a new version of Guns N' Roses had emerged: vocalist Axl Rose, bassist Tommy Stinson, drummer Josh Freese, lead guitarist Robin Finck, rhythm guitarist Paul Tobias, keyboardist Dizzy Reed, and multi-instrumentalist Chris Pitman.

Geffen released an edited single disc version of the Illusion albums in 1998, entitled Use Your Illusion.[139] In November 1999, the label released Live Era '87–'93, a collection of live performances from various concerts during the Appetite for Destruction and Use Your Illusion tours.[140] Former guitarist Slash described the selection of songs of the album as a "very mutual effort",[141] further adding "the live album was one of the easiest projects we all worked on. I didn't actually see Axl, but we communicated via the powers that be."[142]

Tommy Stinson, Chris Pitman, Bryan "Brain" Mantia, Robin Finck & Josh Freese all joined the band in the late 90s.

The "new" Guns N' Roses and Chinese Democracy (1999–2008)

A new Guns N' Roses album had reportedly been in the works since 1994, with Rose the only original member still in the band.[143] Moby was reported to be producing with Guns N' Roses in 1997, with work that sources described as "sounding different from the sound you know ... definitely electronic influenced."[144][145] Mike Clink, who had previously produced every Guns N' Roses album, was also attached to produce in May 1997.[127] In April 1998, Moby was replaced by Youth, and the album was still in the writing stages.[146] In July 1998, journalist Neil Strauss indicated that an 'electronica influenced' album by a new Guns N' Roses lineup was due in 1999.[147] Rolling Stone stated that the label planned for the album to be released in late 1999.[148] By August 1999, the band had recorded over 30 songs for the album, tentatively titled 2000 Intentions.[149] September 1999 saw Youth being replaced by producer Sean Beaven.[148]

In November 1999, during an interview with Kurt Loder for MTV, Rose said that he had re-recorded Appetite for Destruction with the then-new band, apart from two songs which he had replaced with "Patience" and "You Could Be Mine".[150] During the interview, Rose announced the title of the upcoming album Chinese Democracy, stating:

There's a lot of Chinese democracy movements, and it's something that there's a lot of talk about, and it's something that will be nice to see. It could also just be like an ironic statement. I don't know, I just like the sound of it. (The album has) a lot of different sounds. There's some heavy songs, there's a lot of aggressive songs, but they're all in different styles and different sounds. It is truly a melting pot.[150]

Band manager Doug Goldstein stated in November 1999 that the band had 'almost finished' recording the music, and the album was due out some time in 2000.[151] Later that month, the band released a new song, the industrial styled "Oh My God", which was included on the soundtrack of the film End of Days.[152] The track featured additional guitar work by Dave Navarro and Gary Sunshine, Rose's personal guitar teacher.[153] Rose claimed that former members Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum had 'failed to see the potential' of the song and had no interest in recording or playing the piece.[153]

Buckethead was the band's lead guitarist from 2000 to 2004, while Richard Fortus joined on rhythm guitar in 2001.

In August 1999, guitarist Robin Finck departed to rejoin his former band, Nine Inch Nails, on tour.[154] In March 2000, avant-garde guitarist Brian Carroll, more commonly referred to as Buckethead, joined Guns N' Roses as a replacement for Finck.[155][156] Also in March 2000, drummer Josh Freese left the band, being replaced with Bryan "Brain" Mantia (formerly of Primus).[156][157] Mantia, a childhood friend of Carroll's, had previously worked with Buckethead in several bands, including Praxis. Robin Finck returned to the band in late 2000, to complement Buckethead on lead guitar.[158] Queen guitarist Brian May and former Queen producer Roy Thomas Baker worked with the band in 2000.[159] With the album nearing completion in mid-2000, Baker convinced Rose to re-record the entire album, causing further delays.[160]

In an interview with Rolling Stone in February 2000, Rose played several songs of the upcoming album to reporters, including "Chinese Democracy", "Catcher in the Rye", "I.R.S.", "The Blues", "There was a Time" and "Oklahoma".[105] Rose mentioned that part of the delay of the new album was him 'educating himself about the technology that's come to define rock', stating that "it's like from scratch, learning how to work with something, and not wanting it just to be something you did on a computer."[105] Rolling Stone described the album as "Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti remixed by Beck and Trent Reznor.[105] Rose mentioned that the expense of the record would be negated by the recording sessions yielding multiple albums, including a record that is "more industrial and electronica-influenced than Chinese Democracy".[105] At that point, the album had gone through multiple producers, including Youth, Moby, Mike Clink, Roy Thomas Baker, Eric Caudieux. At the time, Sean Beavan was producing, but Caram Costanzo and Axl Rose became the final credited producers on the album.[105][127][148] The album had been completely re-recorded several times with varying musicians and producers.[143] In a 2001 interview, Rose described the album as having "all kinds of styles, many influences as blues, mixed in the songs" and said that it was "not industrial".[161]

Describing why he continued using the Guns N' Roses name, instead of labeling the upcoming album an 'Axl Rose solo album', Rose stated "It is something I lived by before these guys were in it. And there were other people in Guns n' Roses before them, you know. I contemplated letting go of that, but it doesn't feel right in any way. I am not the person who chose to try to kill it and walked away. It's not an Axl Rose album, even if it's what I wanted it to be. Everybody is putting everything they've got into singing and building. Maybe I'm helping steer it to what it should be built like."[105] Also in the interview, Rose attributed the breakup of the old lineup to drug addictions and 'an effort from inside the band to destroy him', stating "There was an effort to bring me down. It was a king-of-the-mountain thing," and that he "needed to take control to survive".[105] Rose also described the dissolution as "a divorce".[105]

Jim Barber, a former A&R executive with Geffen stated that the new album "reminded me of the best moments of Seventies Pink Floyd or later Led Zeppelin. There's nothing out there right now that has that kind of scope. Axl hasn't spent the last several years struggling to write Use Your Illusion over again."[162]

Eight years after the previous Guns N' Roses concert, the band made a public appearance in January 2001 with two well-received concerts: one in Las Vegas and one at the Rock in Rio Festival in Rio de Janeiro.[143] The band played both songs from previous albums and songs from then-unreleased Chinese Democracy. During the band's Rock in Rio set, Rose made the following comment regarding former members of the band:

I know that many of you are disappointed that some of the people you came to know and love could not be with us here today. Regardless of what you have heard or read, people worked very hard (meaning my former friends) to do everything they could so that I could not be here today. I am as hurt and disappointed as you that unlike Oasis, we could not find a way to all get along.[163][164]

The group played a further two shows in Las Vegas at the end of 2001.[165] Former guitarist Slash claimed that he tried to attend a show and was turned away at the door by security.[166] Due to his frustrations with touring, rhythm guitarist Paul Tobias left the band in 2001 and was replaced by Richard Fortus (formerly of The Psychedelic Furs and Love Spit Love).[167] Producer Roy Thomas Baker was fired in February 2002.[168] Drudge Report reported in June 2002 that Chinese Democracy was scheduled for a September 2, 2002 release.[169]

The band then played several shows in August 2002, headlining festivals and concerts throughout Asia and Europe, including Pukkelpop, Summer Sonic Festival, and The Carling Weekend.[170][171] At the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards on August 29, 2002, Guns N' Roses closed the show in a previously unannounced performance, playing Welcome to the Jungle, Madagascar, and Paradise City.[143][172]

In November 2002, the band's first North American tour since 1993 was organized to support Chinese Democracy, with CKY and Mix Master Mike joining. However, the opening show in Vancouver was canceled by the venue when Rose failed to turn up.[173] According to Guns' management, "Axl's flight from L.A. had been delayed by mechanical troubles".[173] A riot ensued.[173] This tour was met with mixed results. Some concerts did not sell well, while shows in larger markets such as New York City sold out in minutes.[174] Due to a second riot by fans in Philadelphia when the band failed to show up again, tour promoter Clear Channel canceled the remainder of the tour.[173][175] Rose later mentioned in 2006, "There are reasons that I have not spoken more about [cancelled shows in Vancouver and Philadelphia] that have been extremely complicated and are not legally resolved behind the scenes to this day and could have possibly jeopardized the future of Guns N' Roses."[176] Rose then apologized to the city of Philadelphia when playing there in 2012, adding "I'm not saying I'm innocent".[177]

"Guns N' Roses tour canceled. Typical. And freakishly expected. Haha. Really bad idea. I wouldn't suggest they come back."

opening band, CKY[175]

The band went on hiatus until it was scheduled to play at Rock in Rio Lisboa in May 2004.[178] However, Buckethead left the band in March of that year, causing the band to cancel.[179][180] Buckethead reportedly left the band because of the "inability to complete an album or tour", according to his manager.[180] Rose claimed "the band has been put in an untenable position by guitarist Buckethead and his untimely departure. During his tenure with the band, Buckethead has been inconsistent and erratic in both his behavior and commitment, despite being under contract, creating uncertainty and confusion and making it virtually impossible to move forward with recording, rehearsals and live plans with confidence. His transient lifestyle has made it impossible for even his closest friends to have nearly any form of communication with him whatsoever."[179]

That same month, Geffen released Guns N' Roses' Greatest Hits, since Rose had failed to deliver a new studio album in more than ten years.[143][181] Slash and McKagan joined Rose in suing Geffen to stop the release of the album, which was compiled without authorization from any current or former band members.[182][183] The lawsuit was thrown out and the album went triple platinum in the US, eventually going on to be the third longest charting album in the Nielsen SoundScan era.[181][184] McKagan and Slash also joined Rose in an unsuccessful effort to prevent the release of The Roots of Guns N' Roses.[185]

By 2005, Geffen had taken Chinese Democracy off of its release schedule and pulled funding, stating "Having exceeded all budgeted and approved recording costs by millions of dollars, it is Mr. Rose's obligation to fund and complete the album, not Geffen's."[143] Around then, manager Merck Mercuriadis stated that "The 'Chinese Democracy' album is very close to being completed".[143] According to a 2005 report by The New York Times, Rose had allegedly spent $13 million in the studio by that point.[143][186] Mercuriadis rejected the budget claims made by the New York Times article and claimed that the newspaper's sources had not been involved with the project for "six to nine years".[187] The $13 million makes the album the most expensive rock album ever produced.[188][189][190]

In February 2006, demos of the songs "Better", "Catcher in the Rye", "I.R.S.", and "There Was a Time" were leaked on to the Internet through a Guns N' Roses fan site.[191][192] The band's management requested that all links to the MP3 files and all lyrics to the songs be removed from forums and websites.[193] Despite this, radio stations began adding "I.R.S." to playlists, and the song reached No. 49 on the Radio & Records Active Rock National Airplay chart in the final week of February.[194]

In August 2006, Slash and McKagan sued Rose over Guns N' Roses publishing and songwriting credits, which Rose's lawyer claimed were due to a 'clerical error' while changing publishers.[143][195][196]

Izzy Stradlin on stage with Guns N' Roses in 2006

After a recommendation by guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal was contacted by keyboardist Chris Pitman in 2004.[197] After sending demos and jamming with the band, Thal officially joined Guns N' Roses in 2006, replacing Buckethead.[198][199] Thal made his live debut with the band at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on May 12, 2006, the band's first live show in over three years.[200]

Five warm-up shows before a North American tour were held in September 2006.[201] The tour officially commenced on October 24 in Miami.[202] Drummer Frank Ferrer replaced Bryan Mantia, who took a leave of absence to be with his wife and newborn child.[203] Ferrer had previously worked with Richard Fortus in the Psychedelic Furs and Love Spit Love (and had been a member of several other bands, including The Beautiful). Coinciding with the tour, the song "Better" was featured in an internet advertisement for Harley-Davidson in October 2006.[202] Keyboardist Dizzy Reed stated that the release was an accident, with two versions being made, one 'experimental edit' featuring a demo of Better and one with Paradise City.[204] The ad with Better was mislabeled and inadvertently uploaded online for a day before being replaced by the intended ad with Paradise City.[204] That same month, Rolling Stone published an article revealing that Andy Wallace would be mixing the final album.[205] In November 2006 shows in Portland, Maine, were cancelled, with the band claiming it was "due to limitations imposed by local fire marshals".[206] Rose later apologized in a statement, stating "We have chosen to take the public heat for these events in order to have another shot at the future today with a new album."[176]

In December 2006, Rose released an open letter to fans announcing that Merck Mercuriadis had been fired as the band's manager.[207] He revealed that the last four dates of the North American tour would be cut so the band could work on post-production for Chinese Democracy.[207] He also set a tentative release date for the album for the first time since the album's announcement: March 6, 2007.[207]

On February 23, 2007, Del James announced that the recording stage of Chinese Democracy was finished, and the band had now moved onto mixing the album, mentioning "After some delays and scheduling difficulties, things appear to be moving along."[208] However, this proved that the March 6 release date would be impossible to achieve, and the album once again had no scheduled release date.[209][210] In a December 2007 interview, Sebastian Bach claimed Rose had planned to have the album released by Christmas 2007: "I know Axl was very serious about putting something out before Christmas.[211] He was talking to me about it. He was talking about finishing liner notes."[211] Bach also said that Chinese Democracy's delay might be because of business problems: "I think there's a lot of business shit that goes on with him. It's just not as easy. It's a little more complicated than people think."[211]

Also in February 2007, the 'final' version of "Better" leaked online to positive reviews.[209][212] On May 4, 2007, three more tracks leaked from Chinese Democracy; an updated version of "I.R.S.", "The Blues" and the title track.[209][213] All three tracks had previously been played live. Guns N' Roses embarked on the 2007 leg of the Chinese Democracy World Tour in Mexico in June, followed by dates in Australia and Japan.[214] The songs "Nice Boys" and "Don't Cry" (appearing as an instrumental Bumblefoot solo) were played for the first time since the Use Your Illusion Tour. The tour ended on the twentieth anniversary of Appetite for Destruction's release date, in Osaka.[215] During this tour, the band featured vocalist Axl Rose, Robin Finck, Ron Thal and Richard Fortus on guitars, Tommy Stinson on bass, Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman on keyboards and Frank Ferrer on drums.

Drummer Frank Ferrer joined the band in 2006.

Rumors arose that Chinese Democracy had been handed over to Geffen Records, but had been delayed because the label and Rose could not agree on the marketing of the album in early 2008.[216] Eddie Trunk also claimed Geffen might have the album: "I hear the new GNR CD is actually done, but the delay in release is not the bands [sic] issues but the label. There is so much money tied up in this record that in todays [sic] business it will be virtually impossible to be profitable, meaning the label might want to sell it off but can not [sic] find a buyer since nobody buys CDs anymore. Problem might not be Axl this time around and might keep this CD in limbo for more years to come. Hopefully it gets resolved."[217] However, in a February 2008 interview with Classic Rock Magazine, Rose's manager, Beta Lebeis, debunked Trunk's suggestion and stated the band is "in negotiations" with the record label, and the album had been finished since Christmas 2007.[218]

On March 26, 2008, Dr Pepper announced a plan to give everyone in America – except the band's former guitarists Slash and Buckethead – a free can of Dr Pepper if the band released Chinese Democracy before the end of 2008.[219][220][221] Rose stated he was "surprised and very happy" about the announcement, adding, "As some of Buckethead's performances are on our album, I'll share my Dr Pepper with him."[222][223][224] With the announcement from Guns N' Roses regarding a release date in November, Tony Jacobs, Dr Pepper's Vice President of Marketing for Dr. Pepper, announced a free soda coupon campaign for 24 hours on Sunday, November 23, 2008.[225] However, due to "heavy volume" on the server throughout the entire day, it was impossible to submit for a free coupon.[226]

Guns N' Roses "Chinese Democracy" (2008)
Sample of "Chinese Democracy" from Chinese Democracy, the first single released by Guns N' Roses since 1999.

Problems playing this file? See media help.

On March 27, 2008, the day after Dr Pepper's announcement, the band members announced that they had hired a new management team, headed by Irving Azoff and Andy Gould.[227] The band later condemned Dr. Pepper for the failed promotion.[228] In a letter to Dr Pepper, Rose's lawyer Alan Gutman said "The redemption scheme your company clumsily implemented for this offer was an unmitigated disaster which defrauded consumers and, in the eyes of vocal fans, ruined Chinese Democracy's release."[229] Rose's lawyer also demanded that the company make a full-page apology that would appear in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times.[230][231] In a 2009 interview, Rose stated he specifically told his lawyers it was a non-issue and was taken off-guard by their actions, believing they should be focused on the record release.[232]

Amidst industry rumors in April 2008 that a release was coming soon, nine tracks purported to be from Chinese Democracy were leaked to a website on June 19, 2008, but were quickly removed due to a cease-and-desist letter from the band's label.[233][234] Six of the leaked tracks had surfaced previously in some form, while three were new. The leaked songs were more fleshed out than previously heard tracks.[234][235] On July 14, 2008, Harmonix, in conjunction with MTV Games, officially announced the release of a new song from the upcoming Chinese Democracy album, called "Shackler's Revenge", through the new game Rock Band 2.[236] The entire album was eventually added to the game as DLC in April 2009.[237] The song "If the World" debuted October 10, 2008, playing in the end credits of the Ridley Scott film Body of Lies.[238]

Wikinews has related news: Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' released after 15 years

In late August, speculation about the impending release of the album resurfaced, further fueled by separate reports from both Rolling Stone and Billboard about a November 25 release date as a Best Buy exclusive.[239][240] This was finally confirmed October 22 when band management, Best Buy, and Interscope Geffen A&M Records officially issued a joint press release confirming the much anticipated release of the album in the US on November 23 as a Best Buy exclusive.[241][242] Several days before its official release, the band streamed the entire Chinese Democracy album on the group's Myspace page.[243][244][245] The album was streamed over 3 million times, breaking the Myspace record for most streamed album ever.[246]

Chinese Democracy, the band's sixth studio album and its first since 1993's "The Spaghetti Incident?", was released on November 22, 2008, in Europe and Australia, in North America on November 23, 2008, and in the United Kingdom on November 24, 2008.[239] The album had an estimated $14 million in production costs, making it the most expensive rock album to ever be produced in music history.[188][189][190] It debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 but undersold industry expectations, despite generally positive critical reception.[247]

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, touring and Appetite for Democracy (2009–2014)

DJ Ashba was the band's lead guitarist from 2009 to 2015, and Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal was the band's lead guitarist from 2006 to 2014.

In an MTV phone interview with Kurt Loder in 1999, Rose said he and the then-new band had recorded enough material for a double album.[150] In an informal chat with Rolling Stone magazine in February 2006, Rose stated the band had 32 songs in the works.[248] While appearing on various fan message boards in December 2008, Rose stated several working titles of songs for a possible future album. Among the working titles were: "Elvis Presley and the Monster of Soul" ("Soul Monster", formerly known as "Leave Me Alone"), "Atlas Shrugged", "Seven", "The General", "Thyme", "Ides of March", "Berlin" (formerly "Oklahoma"), "Zodiac", "Quick Song", and "Down by the Ocean" (co-written by original member Izzy Stradlin).[249] During the chat, he mentioned the bridge of "Soul Monster" as the band's "most Black Sabbath" moment, and referred to it as "the meanest section of anything I've sung to date."[232] In a 2007 interview, Rose's close friend Sebastian Bach stated "The General" had a "heavy" sound with "screaming vocals" and also said it was the sequel to the 1991 classic ballad "Estranged" from the album Use Your Illusion II.[250] Bach also remarked that Chinese Democracy would be the first installment in a trilogy of new albums, and that Rose had told him the third, as yet untitled, album had been slated for 2012, although the year ended without seeing a release past Chinese Democracy.[250] The initial plan for Chinese Democracy in 2001 was to record two albums, release Chinese Democracy, tour for a year or two, then release the second album without having to return to the studio.[251]

Former drummer Bryan Mantia mentioned working on a 'club remix' of Shackler's Revenge, stating that Rose planned to put out a remix album of songs from Chinese Democracy.[203] Guitarist DJ Ashba has said that the next album is being discussed, stating that the band "has been throwing around a bunch of ideas" and joked that the next album "won't take as long" to release.[252] On April 20, 2011, Ashba said in an interview at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards that Guns N' Roses have been "working on new songs every day".[253] In an interview with reporter Nui Te Koha on Triple M Melbourne's The Hot Breakfast, Ashba talked about songs Rose has written, stating: "Axl has a lot of great songs up his sleeve. He probably has three albums worth of stuff recorded. The stuff I've heard ... I've been up in his hotel room many nights and he just sits down at the piano and plays. I'm like 'this is amazing, people have to hear this song' and he's like "ah, this is something I'm tinkering on'."[254][255]

On February 6, 2009, Rose gave his first interview in nine years when he sat down with Billboard's Jonathan Cohen.[256] Rose said that there was no chance that he would ever agree with a reunion with Slash:

What's clear is that one of the two of us will die before a reunion and however sad, ugly or unfortunate anyone views it, it is how it is. Those decisions were made a long time ago and reiterated year after year by one man.[256]

Rose was, however, open to working again with Stradlin and McKagan (both of whom he has worked with since the interview took place):

I could see doing a song or so on the side with Izzy or having him out [on tour] again. I'm not so comfortable with doing anything having more than one of the alumni. Maybe something with Duff, but that's it, and not something I'd have to really get down into, as I'd get left with sorting it out and then blamed on top of it. So, no, not me.[256]

In early March 2009, industry insiders speculated Guns N' Roses would launch a summer stadium tour, which eventually would become the Chinese Democracy World Tour 2009/2010.[257] Later that month, the band announced that DJ Ashba would be the new lead guitarist, replacing a departing Robin Finck, who rejoined Nine Inch Nails.[258][259][260] Ashba had previously played with former drummer Steven Adler in BulletBoys in 1998.[261][262]

In June 2009, it was reported that manager Irving Azoff had been 'fired, then re-hired, then fired'.[263] A year later, Azoff's company Front Line Management sued Rose, claiming he "violated an oral agreement to pay 15% of earnings, or nearly $2 million, from a lucrative concert tour", seeking 1.87 million in unpaid fees.[264][265][266] Rose filed a $5 million counter-lawsuit against Azoff, saying that Azoff sabotaged sales of Guns N' Roses' comeback album and lied about a potential "super tour" with Van Halen, a band managed by Azoff, as part of a plan to force Rose to reunite with his estranged former band members.[267] Rose said in his suit that Azoff failed to promote his 2008 album, Chinese Democracy, and deliberately mishandled concert dates, "forcing Rose into a position where he would have no choice but to reunite with the original members of Guns N' Roses for a reunion tour."[267][268] Rose claimed that Azoff "violated the consent decree by coercing and bullying artists to do what he wants" and that "Upon realizing that he couldn't bully Rose and accomplish his scheme, Azoff resigned and abandoned Guns N' Roses on the eve of a major tour, filing suit for commissions he didn't earn and had no right to receive.[266] The lawsuit was settled "to the mutual satisfaction of the parties" in 2011.[269][270] Several years later, Guns N' Roses' management, led by Rose's former personal assistant Beta Lebeis and her family, stated that previous tensions led to an ultimatum of "no more managers."[271]

Guns N' Roses in Bangalore in 2012. From left to right, Richard Fortus, Axl Rose, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, DJ Ashba & Tommy Stinson

Guns N' Roses headlined the Friday night at Reading Festival 2010 and closed Leeds Festival two days later.[272] Guns N' Roses was 58 minutes late coming on to the stage, and because of a curfew issued by Reading Council the band's set ended at midnight.[273] The band was therefore not able to complete its set, but nevertheless attempted to play "Paradise City" without amplification while the audience sang along.[274] Rose orchestrated fan frustration toward the organizers, telling fans that the group would not play at the Leeds Festival.[275] However, two days later the band played the final night of the Leeds Festival, coming onto stage 30 minutes late, and cutting part of the encore, with Rose stating to the crowd, "We come here to play for you but the cops and the promoters wanna fuck us in the ass. We would like to play a few more songs for you but we'll just play one."[276] During a concert on September 1, in Dublin, the band was over an hour late arriving on stage.[277] Rose stopped the band in the middle of the second song, "Welcome to the Jungle" after multiple bottles were thrown on stage, warning the crowd "One more bottle and we go home. It's up to you. We would like to stay. We want to stay. We want to have some fun."[277] After another bottle was thrown, the band left the stage during the fourth song of the set.[278] The band returned to the stage an hour later to finish the show.[279][280]

Former bassist Duff McKagan joined the band on stage for the first time since leaving the band on October 14, 2010 at The O2 Arena, in London, England. He performed four songs with the group: "You Could Be Mine", "Nice Boys", "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", and "Patience".[281][282][283] The appearance was said to be a spur-of-the-moment decision, as he and Rose happened to be staying in the same hotel.[284] Rose told the audience, "There was this guy at the end of my hallway playing all this loud music and shit. What the fuck? Oh — it's Duff!".[284] McKagan later joined Guns N' Roses on part of its tour for two Seattle shows in December 2011, as well as having his band Loaded open for Guns N' Roses.[285]

Guns N' Roses performed at Rock in Rio 4 on October 2, 2011 during heavy rain,[286] playing "Estranged" for the first time since 1993.[287] Guitarist Bumblefoot stated that due to the conditions, it was the 'worst concert he's ever been a part of'.[288] Two months later, during a performance in Nashville, TN "Civil War" also made a return after an eighteen-year absence.[289] On November 10, 2011, Rose gave his first TV interview in years to Eddie Trunk, Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine of That Metal Show, discussing his whole career and the band's future.[290]

On December 7, 2011, it was announced that the classic Guns N' Roses lineup was to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with several other acts, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Faces.[291][292] Commenting on his Twitter, Rose stated "I'd like to thank the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame and our fans. This is your victory".[293] Commenting on the induction during his That Metal Show interview he said "I don't know what it means in terms of me with the old band and the old lineup,"... "If we were to be invited, I don't know what they would ask of me. It's up in the air."[294] Slash also commented, saying, "Thanks for all the R&RHF mentions, It's quite an honor to be inducted. Cheers! Iii|; )"[295] He went on to say, "I have no idea how that's supposed to go. If Axl, Duff, Izzy and myself start communicating, it could go one way. If we don't, God knows."[295]

Guns N' Roses performing at Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, UK, in May 2012. From left to right, Richard Fortus, Axl Rose, DJ Ashba.

In early 2012, the band announced shows in the United States and Europe, titled the Up Close and Personal Tour.[296] The shows themselves varied considerably in comparison to the previous Chinese Democracy Tour. All of the North American shows took place in smaller-scale clubs, rather than a large arena or stadium.[297][298][299] All pyrotechnics were removed from the shows.[299] The European leg of the tour began approximately one month after the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Guitarist DJ Ashba discussed a potential follow up to Chinese Democracy in a 2012 interview, stating "I've written and demoed up probably about 12 songs, I think. And some of them [Axl] has heard, some of them he hasn't yet. But I think when we get a little bit of time off, we're gonna hopefully all get together and piece together what we think is gonna be the next best thing."[300]

In an interview, Dizzy Reed supported the hypothesis of the classic lineup reunited in the Hall of Fame, saying, "I know that all the original band is going to be there. I don't know exactly what's going to go down. It's one of those things I'm sure will all come together and be really cool. Honestly, we haven't spoken about it. I don't know when or why or how to bring it up."[301]

On April 11, 2012, Rose released an open letter to "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Guns N' Roses Fans and Whom It May Concern", saying he would not be attending the induction. Rose stated, "I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N' Roses to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" and called it a "complicated and awkward situation."[302][303] After the ceremony, Rose released a statement on the band's Facebook page apologizing to the city of Cleveland (where the ceremony took place) and detailing reasons why he did not attend, stating "I still don't exactly know or understand what the Hall is or how or why it makes money, where the money goes, who chooses the voters and why anyone [on] this board decides who, out of all the artists in the world that have contributed to this genre, [is] officially "rock" enough to be in the Hall?"[304][305]

The members of Guns N' Roses inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Top row: Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, Dizzy Reed. Bottom Row: Slash, Matt Sorum, Steven Adler, Izzy Stradlin.

On April 14, 2012, former Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan, Gilby Clarke, Steven Adler and Matt Sorum all reunited at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[306] The group performed "Mr. Brownstone", "Sweet Child o' Mine", and "Paradise City" with Alter Bridge and Slash's band vocalist Myles Kennedy in Rose's absence.[307][308] Slash mentioned in an interview that "All things considered, I don't think any of us wanted to be a part of it initially, didn't think any of us were going to go. It was a thorn in everybody's—well, at least a thorn in my side—because I was busy doing other stuff. When it finally came down to the wire at the very, very, very last-minute—I'm talking about the 11 hours and 30 seconds mark—Axl had pulled out."[309] In the same interview, Slash mentioned the prospects of a reunion, stating "It's not even something I like to dwell on. I don't even like to make to make comments because you end up with quotes that sometimes exacerbate the issue. I've got other things going on. I'm very, very proud—endlessly proud—of everything the band stood for and everything that's gone on with it."[309] Slash then stated in a July 2012 interview that "[the classic lineup] will 'never reunite'".[310] In a later interview, former drummer Steven Adler stated that Matt Sorum would not take part in a potential reunion unless Adler was involved.[311] Duff McKagan said in 2015, "[A reunion] could happen, and it could not. And I think it would be wonderful, one day, if we reconciled, first and foremost. That alone would be cool."[312]

Richard Fortus, being interviewed by the French music website Rock N' Live in June 2012, revealed that the band would not play any more dates for the "Up Close and Personal Tour", as the band members hoped to spend more time in the studio, hoping to complete the next album by the end of the year.[313] Fortus said, "I'm pretty much focused on GnR right now. We're getting ready to go back in the studio, so that's where my head's at right now, that's all I want to think about until the end of the year, pretty much."[313]

Izzy Stradlin once again joined the band for a surprise performance at a wedding in Saint-Tropez, France in July 2012.[314] Also in July 2012, the band toured Israel for the first time since 1992.[315] NME reported that year that the band's tour security said they had been instructed by Guns N' Roses management that anyone wearing a Slash T-shirt not be allowed into the tour venue.[316]

On August 13, 2012, the band announced a residency at The Joint in Las Vegas entitled "Appetite for Democracy", celebrating the 25th anniversary of the band's debut album, Appetite for Destruction, and the fourth anniversary of the album Chinese Democracy.[317][318] On November 21, 2012, the band's performance in Vegas was taped in 3D, and was screened across theaters in 2014 before being released as Appetite for Democracy 3D on July 1, 2014.[319][320][321] In October 2012, Rose mentioned that the follow-up to Chinese Democracy would not take as long to be released, stating, "All the guys are writing, and we recorded a lot of songs over the years. We'll figure out what we feel best about. Chinese was done in piecemeal with one person here and one there at different times."[113] In October 2012, Guns N' Roses performed an acoustic set at Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit show.[322] The performance was widely panned by critics, and Rose claimed an onset of strep throat hampered his vocals.[323][324][325][326]

Guns N' Roses in 2010. From left to right: Dizzy Reed, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Richard Fortus, Axl Rose, DJ Ashba, Chris Pitman, & Tommy Stinson. Drummer Frank Ferrer is not pictured.

In August 2013, a new song titled "Going Down" was leaked online.[327] The track features bassist Tommy Stinson on lead vocals, with Rose providing back up vocals.[327] Bumblefoot confirmed the song to be legitimate on his Twitter.[328] Spin described it as "a country-tinged, mid-tempo lighter-raiser with lyrics about how "you've got nothin' good to say / Keep your mouth shut."[327]

The band launched a South American tour in early 2014, including playing in Brazil and Portugal.[329] For several shows, former bassist Duff McKagan rejoined the band to fill in for Stinson, who had previous commitments to touring with The Replacements.[330] The group headlined the Revolver Golden Gods awards show, with McKagan on bass, on April 24, 2014. During the ceremony, Rose was awarded the Ronnie James Dio lifetime achievement award.[331][332] After the show, Fortus reiterated the band was working on material and mentioned the possibility of releasing new music within the next year.[333]

From May 21 to June 7, 2014, the band returned to Las Vegas for its second residency at The Joint, titled No Trickery! An Evening of Destruction."[334] In an interview in June 2014, Rose commented on upcoming plans:

We recorded a lot of things before Chinese was out. We've worked more on some of those things and we've written a few new things. But basically, we have what I call kind of the second half of Chinese. That's already recorded. And then we have a remix album made of the songs from Chinese. That's been done for a while, too. But after Vegas, we're going to start looking very seriously at what we're doing in that regard.[335]

Reed mentioned that the next album was 'close to being done' in July 2014, adding it was "just a matter of picking out which songs will be on it" and that the band had a "shitload of songs, enough to make up another record or two".[336] Later that month, Fortus discussed the band working on new material and taking a break from touring.[337] A year later, Fortus discussed a potential 2016 tour and mentioned that the next album "should be out" by then.[338] Reed responded by saying "When will it come out? We just don't know yet. Only Axl knows, and he's very secretive. Be patient."[339]

Regrouping, Not in This Lifetime... Tour and future (2015–present)

Keyboardist Melissa Reese joined the band in 2016.

On July 27, 2015, guitarist DJ Ashba left the band, citing his commitments to his family and other band, Sixx:A.M.[340][341] Ashba released a statement saying "I have reached a point in my life where I feel it's time to dedicate myself to my band Sixx:A.M., my adoring wife and family, and to the many new adventures that the future holds for me."[342] Several days later, music journalist Gary Graff reported that a 'confirmed source within the band' had told him that Ron Thal was no longer in Guns N' Roses and had left after the 2014 tour. No official announcement from Thal or the band has been made regarding his status.[343] Tommy Stinson then left the band, citing personal reasons keeping him unable to tour.[344] Frank Ferrer clarified the status of the band in mid-2015, saying "Guns still exist ... [They have] a lot of moving parts, and there's a lot of things in the works ... everything is moving forward."[345]

On December 29, 2015, several days after a Guns N' Roses related teaser was released to movie theaters, Billboard reported that Slash was set to rejoin the band and a "reunited" lineup will headline Coachella 2016.[346][347] Rose was set to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! the following week to talk about the future of the band, but his appearance was cancelled due to "unforeseen circumstances".[348][349] Guns N' Roses was officially announced as the headliner of Coachella on January 4, 2016, with KROQ reporting Slash and Duff McKagan are rejoining the band.[350][351][352] The Coachella festival confirmed via press release that McKagan and Slash were rejoining.[353] The band's first scheduled concerts with Slash and McKagan took place at the newly opened T-Mobile Arena on April 8 and 9, 2016.[354][355] On March 25, 2016, the band announced 21 cities as part of a North American tour, dubbed the Not in This Lifetime... Tour.[356] Additional legs of the tour were added for Latin America, Asia and Oceania through 2017.[357][358]

Guns N' Roses performing at Arrowhead Stadium in 2016.

A previously unannounced warmup gig at the Troubadour in Los Angeles took place on April 1, 2016.[359] Melissa Reese, who has previously worked with former drummer Bryan Mantia on several projects, replaced Chris Pitman for the tour.[360] During the show at the Troubadour, Rose fell and broke his foot.[361] Rose was given Dave Grohl's customized throne that Grohl used to perform when he broke his leg at a concert.[362] At the performance at the first weekend of Coachella, AC/DC guitarist Angus Young joined the band on stage (Rose was set to join AC/DC as a touring vocalist).[363] Young's guest appearance was only the third time he had jammed with another band since 1977.[364][365]

Rose discussed the regrouping in a June 2016 interview, stating "It was always looked at as a possibility, but it never seemed right or felt right". During the interview, Rose also reiterated his intention to release new Guns N' Roses music in the future.[366] Slash later commented on the tour, telling Aerosmith's Joey Kramer in an interview with WZLX that "We all were pretty positive (the reunion) would never happen, so it’s still sort of blowing our minds.... But everybody’s really getting along great and I think everybody’s come a long way, and it’s all cool."[367]

During the band's July 6 show in Cincinnati, former drummer Steven Adler joined the band on drums for "Out ta Get Me" and "My Michelle".[368] It was the first time since 1990 that Adler performed with the group.[369] Adler would later join the band at shows in Nashville,[370] Los Angeles,[371] and Buenos Aires.[372][373]

Legacy, style, influence and criticism

Guns N' Roses signed with a major label within eight months of the group's inception, and topped national sales charts weeks after garnering late hours airplay on MTV. Appetite for Destruction is the highest-selling debut album of all time in the United States.[30][374] Peers of the band in the music industry often spoke highly of the band. Joe Perry stated that the band was the first group to remind him of Led Zeppelin.[375] Ozzy Osbourne stated that Guns N' Roses could have been "the next Rolling Stones" if the classic lineup stayed together.[376] Country musician Steve Earle stated in 1989 that "Guns n' Roses are what every L.A. band pretends to be".[17]

Guns N' Roses's early look and sound was heavily influenced by Finnish band Hanoi Rocks.

The music of Guns N' Roses is a fusion of punk rock,[377][378][379] blues rock,[380] heavy metal,[381] hard rock,[382][383][384] and hair metal.[385][386] The Illusions albums saw the band branching out into art rock, while "The Spaghetti Incident?" saw the group blend hard rock with punk rock.[387][388] Since the group's 1999 revival, the band has retained hard rock features while also experimenting with Industrial rock and electronic rock.[389][390] In the 1990s, the band integrated keyed instruments (played by either Rose or Reed, and accompanied on tour by Teddy Andreadis) into the band, and for roughly half of the Use Your Illusion tour, added a horn section to the stage.[6]

A heavy influence on both the image and sound of Guns N' Roses was the Finnish band Hanoi Rocks (singer Michael Monroe and Rose have collaborated on various occasions).[6] Rose has stated that the band was massively inspired by groups like Queen,[391] AC/DC,[392] The Rolling Stones,[393][394] Aerosmith,[394] and Rose Tattoo,[395][396] and that the sound of Appetite for Destruction was influenced by AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, Van Halen, the New York Dolls, and Hanoi Rocks.[397] The band was also influenced by the likes of T. Rex[398] and the Sex Pistols.[399] Rose's orchestral-style songwriting on the Illusion albums were influenced by Queen, Electric Light Orchestra, and Elton John, particularly the album Queen II.[400] Rose cited the influence of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" in recording the title track of Chinese Democracy.[401] Critics noted influences of Queen, Wings and Andrew Lloyd Webber on some songs on Chinese Democracy.[389][402][403][404]

Guns N' Roses has influenced many modern rock bands such as Fall Out Boy,[405] Avenged Sevenfold,[406][407] Mother Love Bone,[408] Buckcherry,[409] Hinder,[410][411] Manic Street Preachers,[412] Nickelback,[413] Bullet for My Valentine,[414] and Black Label Society.[415]

"Guns n' Roses are still an example of how a band can move rock forward. Sometimes you think, "How can you top anything by The Yardbirds, or Zeppelin, or the Stones?" And then you hear Guns n' Roses, and it's inspiring. You can think that it's all been written, but it hasn't."

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry.[416]

In 2002, Q magazine named Guns N' Roses in its list of the "50 Bands to See Before You Die".[417][418] The television network VH1 ranked Guns N' Roses ninth in its "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" special,[419] and also 32nd on its "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".[420] Appetite for Destruction was ranked 62nd greatest album of all time in Rolling Stone magazine's special issue "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time".[421] In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Guns N' Roses No. 92 on its thlist of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".[416] "Welcome to the Jungle" has also been voted "Best Hard Rock Song" out of 100 candidates by VH1.[422]

Guns N' Roses was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14, 2012.[423] The group is one of the world's best-selling bands of all time, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide,[424] including shipments of 45 million in the United States.[425] The U.S. release of the PlayStation game Mega Man X5 had the names of the game's bosses changed in honor of the band.[426]

Guns N' Roses has also received significant criticism throughout the years.[427][428][429] The band received criticism for drug and alcohol use in the 80's & early 90's.[17][428][430] The long periods of time between albums are another source of criticism.[431] Songs such as "One in a Million" and the cover of Charles Manson's "Look at Your Game, Girl" were considerably controversial upon release.[432][433][434] In addition, some lyrics have been regarded as sexist.[430][435][436]

The band has also been criticized for tardiness and starting shows later than advertised.[437][438][439] The band's late appearances and "war" with Reading and Leeds Festivals have been criticized by artists and peers of the group in the industry.[440]

In October 2009, Ulrich Schnauss's record labels Independiente and Domino sued Guns N' Roses, alleging that the band had committed copyright infringement by using portions of Schnauss' compositions in the track "Riad N' the Bedouins" on the album Chinese Democracy.[441] The band claimed the samples "were provided by a member of the album's production team who has assured us that these few seconds of sound were obtained legitimately."[442] Chinese Democracy was banned in the People's Republic of China, due to perceived criticism in its title track of the Government of the People's Republic of China and reference to the Falun Gong.[443][444] The Chinese government said through the media that it "turns its spear point on China".[445][446]

Band members

Current members
Former members

Awards and nominations

American Music Awards[447][448][449][450]

MTV Video Music Awards[447][451][452][453][454]

Revolver Golden Gods[331]

World Music Awards[455]

Discography

Tours

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Rock (June 16, 2010). "Giving It Both Barrels: Dr Rock Takes On Tracii Guns Of The LA Guns". TheQuietus.com. Retrieved June 9, 2015. Guns: "And then I lasted for about seven or eight months in that, and then Axl and I got into an extraordinary fight ... and we did two shows after that argument and then I left. It just wasn't fun anymore."
  2. Berelian 2005, p. 143
  3. 1 2 3 "Guns N". bio. TheBiographyChannel.co.uk. 2008. Archived from the original on December 8, 2009. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  4. Lerche, Otto (September 28, 2008). "Historien om Ole fra Guns N' Roses". politiken.dk (in Danish). Retrieved June 9, 2015.
  5. Davis, Stephen (August 26, 2008). "2". Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses. Penguin Publishing Group. pp. 58–. ISBN 978-1-4406-3928-9. Retrieved June 9, 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Slash; Anthony Bozza (October 30, 2007). Slash. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0-06-135142-6.
  7. Spurrier, Jeff (July 6, 1986). "Guns N' Roses: Bad Boys Give It Their Best Shot". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  8. McKagan, Duff (2011). Stacy Creamer, eds. It's so Easy (and other lies). Collaboration by Tim Mohr. Touchstone. p. 38. ISBN 978-1-4516-0664-5.
  9. "Guns N' Roses' Early Days: Exclusive Photos from the book Reckless Road". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media LLC. 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  10. "Axl Rose: Biography". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  11. Hendrick, Michael (October 17, 1987). "Guns N' Roses: They Are What They Are". tribunedigital-mcall. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  12. 1 2 3 Goldstein, Patrick (August 16, 1987). "Geffen's Guns N' Roses Fires A Volley At PMRC". LATimes.com. Retrieved June 9, 2015.
  13. Hartmann, Graham. "'Appetite For Destruction' Album Art Banned – 25 Most Destructive Guns N' Roses Moments". Loudwire.com. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  14. Hewitt, Ben (July 25, 2012). "25 Things You Might Not Know About 'Appetite For Destruction'". NME.com. IPC Media – Inspire (Time Inc.). Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  15. Fisher, Mark (2008). "Lucem Fero - Album Reviews - Guns N' Roses - Appetite for Destruction". lucemfero.com. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  16. King, Tom (2001). The Operator: David Geffen Builds, Buys, and Sells the New Hollywood. New York: Broadway Books. p. 430. ISBN 978-0-7679-0757-6.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Tannenbaum, Rob (November 17, 1988). "The Hard Truth About Guns N' Roses". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  18. 1 2 "Just a Little Patience". Spin. July 1999. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  19. Brown, Lane (August 26, 2008). "Exclusive Excerpt: Stephen Davis's 'Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses'". Vulture.com. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  20. Stenning, Paul (2005). Guns N' Roses: The Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography. Chrome Dreams. p. 66. ISBN 978-1-84240-314-3. Jungle was re-released as a single and came out in the same months as the latest Dirty Harry movie 'The Dead Pool'. Featuring Guns' in a cameo role playing at a club in Miami.
  21. Tim Grierson; Kory Grow; Daniel Kreps; Tom Mallon; Brandon Soderberg (October 31, 2014). "Guns N' Roses, 'The Dead Pool' (1988)". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  22. 1 2 "100 Greatest Songs of the 80s (Hour 5)". Episode 171. VH1. Retrieved June 9, 2015. Missing or empty |series= (help)
  23. 1 2 Stenning, Paul (2005). Guns N' Roses: The Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography. Chrome Dreams. p. 63. ISBN 978-1-84240-314-3.
  24. Dome, Malcolm (August 5, 1987). "Guns N' Roses Marquee, London (two nights)". Kerrang! (151). Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  25. Russell, Xavier (June 19, 1987). "Guns N' Roses: Review Of Their First Ever UK Show". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on December 5, 2014. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  26. "Guns N' Roses Billboard Singles". AllMusic. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  27. "Guns N' Roses New Album Looms". Sky News. October 23, 2008. Archived from the original on February 13, 2009. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  28. Bill Wyman (January 4, 2013). "Did "Thriller" Really Sell a Hundred Million Copies?". The New Yorker. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
  29. 1 2 "Top 100 Albums". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  30. 1 2 "Ask Billboard: Best Selling Debut Album, Dido, Australian Acts Trying To Crack The U.S. Market". Billboard. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  31. "Mike Clink". Guitar Center. Archived from the original on July 8, 2015. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  32. "Appetite for Destruction" (Press release). Guns N' Roses. Archived from the original on March 16, 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2015. As of September 2008, the album has been certified 18 times Platinum by the RIAA, accumulating worldwide sales in excess of 28 million as of October 2008
  33. "1987 Setlist Almanac". GNROnTour.com. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  34. "1988 Setlist Almanac". GNROnTour.com. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  35. Hartmann, Graham (July 20, 2012). "Steven Adler Breaks Hand in Fight – 25 Most Destructive Guns N' Roses Moments". Loudwire. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  36. Prior, Neil (April 7, 2013). "Ex-Guns N' Roses bassist Stephen Harris's Swansea reunion". BBC News. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  37. Matt Wardlaw. "10 Things You Didn't Know About Don Henley". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  38. "Reader's Poll: The 10 best opening acts in rock history: 8. Aerosmith/Guns N' Roses (1988)". Rolling Stone. July 11, 2012. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  39. Wall, Mick (February 5, 2008). W.A.R.: The Unauthorized Biography of William Axl Rose. St. Martin's Press. p. 135. ISBN 978-1-4299-2884-7. Retrieved September 7, 2015. In May, Guns N' Roses began opening the show for Iron Maiden.
  40. Wall, Mick (February 5, 2008). W.A.R.: The Unauthorized Biography of William Axl Rose. St. Martin's Press. p. 137. ISBN 978-1-4299-2884-7. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  41. "The History of GN'R: The Shocking Truth 1988". HereTodayGoneToHell.com. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  42. "Guns N' Roses, G N' R Lies - Top 10 Controversial Album Covers - TIME.com". TIME.com. April 20, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2015.
  43. Goldstein, Patrick (October 15, 1989). "Behind the Guns N' Roses Racism Furor". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  44. 1 2 James, Del (August 10, 1989). "The Rolling Stone Interview with Axl Rose". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  45. Neely, Kim (April 2, 1992). "Axl Rose: The Rolling Stone Interview". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  46. "Atlanta declines to beat drums for fiery singer". deseretnews.com. March 3, 1993. Retrieved June 9, 2015. Last time he was there in 1987 he brawled with security guards, punched an Atlanta cop and got arrested.
  47. Hartmann, Graham. "Axl Rose Assaults Security Guard – 25 Most Destructive Guns N' Roses Moments". Loudwire.com. Retrieved June 9, 2015.
  48. Guns n Roses at Donington '88 – The Triumph and The Tragedy Every Record Tells A Story; June 5, 2012
  49. Upton, Mick (December 8, 1995). "Incident at Donington Monsters of Rock 1988" (PDF).
  50. 1 2 Hilburn, Robert (October 20, 1989). "Still the Greatest". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 19, 2011.
  51. "Meet 'The Most Dangerous Band in the World' ...". Kerrang! HereTodayGoneToHell.com. 1987. Retrieved June 9, 2015.
  52. Wall, Mick (April 21, 1990). "Stick to Your Guns". Kerrang. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  53. 1 2 3 4 Ling, Dave (April 2005). "Steven Adler interview". Classic Rock; HTGTH.com. Retrieved November 18, 2006. Steven Adler: "Slash called me to say we had to record Civil War. I was so sick, I just couldn't do it. I went in there and tried to play the song 20, maybe 30 times. But I was so weak, my timing was like a rollercoaster. Every time we played it back they'd all shout at me, 'You're fucked up'."
  54. DiMartino, Dave (August 9, 1991). "Guns N' Roses: Out of Control". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  55. Stenning, Paul (2005). Guns N' Roses: The Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography. Chrome Dreams. p. 92. ISBN 978-1-84240-314-3. After considering both Adam Maples and Martin Chambers for the drum seat, the band settled on The Cult drummer Matt Sorum
  56. 1 2 Christensen, Mark; Friend, Lonn (January 24, 1991). "Slash: The Rolling Stone Interview". Rollingstone.com. Wenner Media LLC. Retrieved May 19, 2015. The fact that Matt could play and fit in was what saved us. If we hadn't found somebody, it would have ultimately been the demise of the band.
  57. "Izzy Stradlin / 1992 - Musician". Chopaway.com. January 22, 2009. Archived from the original on October 16, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  58. 2000 Guinness World Records ISBN 0-553-58268-2
  59. "50 Greatest Guitar Solos". Guitar World. January 29, 2009. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
  60. Catlin, Roger (December 7, 1991). "Guns N' Roses In Concert At Last: New Arrangement Of An Old Band". tribunedigital-thecourant. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  61. "Rock Eyez Webzine: Johnny Crash- "Unfinished Business "- CD Review". rockeyez.com. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
  62. 1 2 Neely, Kim (August 7, 2007). "Guns N' Roses Outta Control: The Rolling Stone Cover Story". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 23, 2007.
  63. Watrous, Peter (September 18, 1991). "The Night Guns 'n' Roses' 'Illusions' Became Real". New York Times. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. Archived from the original on October 16, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  64. Browne, David (December 27, 1991). "Axl Rose: One of 1991's great entertainers". ew.com. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  65. 1 2 Eddie @ GNR.com (January 30, 2012). "Guns N Roses". Guns N Roses. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  66. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (October 2, 2004). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. pp. 49–. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
  67. Philips, Chuck (December 5, 1991). "Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous' Is No 'Thriller' : * Pop music: Sales of 326,500 copies are well below first-week figures for Guns N' Roses and Metallica.". latimes. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  68. "Which albums had the highest number of worldwide sales?". TSORT. December 15, 2007. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
  69. "1992 MTV Video Music Awards". Mtv.com. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  70. 1 2 "Here Today ... Gone To Hell! - Guns N' Roses History". heretodaygonetohell.com. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  71. "Live Era '87-'93". Gnrsource.com. Archived from the original on December 4, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2007.
  72. "There's A Riot Going On!". heretodaygonetohell.com. September 1991.
  73. Harper, Jordan (June 30, 2004). "A Little Patience". riverfronttimes.com. Voice Media Group. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
  74. Luukkonen, Jarmo. "The History of GN'R: The Shocking Truth". HereTodayGoneToHell.com. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
  75. 1 2 Slash; Anthony Bozza (October 30, 2007). Slash. HarperCollins. p. 344. ISBN 978-0-06-135142-6.
  76. "Izzy Stradlin interview with Musician Magazine". Musician. Billboard Publications Inc. 1992. Archived from the original on March 11, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
  77. Slash; Anthony Bozza (October 30, 2007). Slash. HarperCollins. p. 337. ISBN 978-0-06-135142-6.
  78. "Interview with Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media LLC. 1998. Archived from the original on December 25, 2010. Retrieved May 26, 2011.
  79. 1 2 Tolinski, Brad (November 1992). "Trial by fire". Guitar World. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  80. McDermott, Mark (May 26, 2010). "Gilby Clarke rides again". Easy Reader News. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  81. Davis, Stephen (2008). Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses. Penguin Group. pp. 358–360. ISBN 978-1-59240-377-6.
  82. Craig Duswalt (May 13, 2014). Welcome to My Jungle: An Unauthorized Account of How a Regular Guy Like Me Survived Years of Touring with Guns N' Roses, Pet Wallabies, Crazed Groupies, Axl Rose's Moth Extermination System, and Other Perils on the Road with One of the Greatest Rock Bands of All Time. BenBella Books. pp. 147–. ISBN 978-1-939529-81-7.
  83. 1 2 3 "Queen Interviews - Queen - 06-25-1992 - Rolling Stone - Freddie Mercury Tribute - Queen Archives: Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon, Interviews, Articles, Reviews". queenarchives.com; Rolling Stone. June 25, 1992. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  84. Kelley, Ken (April 2013). "Top 10 Queen Performances From The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  85. Patrick Lemieux; Adam Unger (September 2013). The Queen Chronology: The Recording & Release History of the Band. Lulu.com. pp. 99–. ISBN 978-0-9919840-4-6. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
  86. Azerrad, Michael (1993). Come as You are: The Story of Nirvana. Doubleday. p. 239. ISBN 978-0-385-47199-2.
  87. New York Times staff (August 11, 1992). "Riot Erupts at Concert Starring Guns 'n' Roses". nytimes.com. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  88. amit. "Top 10 On Stage Rock Meltdowns". Archived from the original on October 29, 2007. Retrieved July 19, 2007.
  89. Times Staff: Times News Services (August 10, 1992). "Roses/Metallica Cancel Denver; Hetfield Burned, Out For 10 Days". The Seattle Times. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  90. 1 2 3 Paul Brannigan; Ian Winwood (November 4, 2014). Into the Black: The Inside Story of Metallica (1991–2014). Da Capo Press, Incorporated. pp. 29–. ISBN 978-0-306-82189-9.
  91. Los Angeles Times (April 11, 2012). "Axl Rose vs. James Hetfield". latimes.com. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  92. "Part II: Steven Adler Ex-Guns N' Roses Drummer". Metal Sludge. January 22, 2006. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  93. Kent, Nick (January 3, 2003). "Meltdown". The Guardian. London. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
  94. Kreps, Daniel (April 2, 2016). "Guns N' Roses: See Video, First Photos of Axl Rose, Slash Reunited". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 10, 2016.
  95. Gold, Jonathan (December 9, 1993). "Rolling Stone The Spaghetti Incident? review". Rollingstone.com. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  96. 1 2 Tegnér, Anders (November 1993). "Guns N' Roses: Okej interview". Okej; Here Today, Gone to Hell. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  97. "GN'R Recording Sessions". Here Today ... Gone To Hell!. Archived from the original on January 16, 2010. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  98. "The Spaghetti Incident?". GnRsource. Archived from the original on August 22, 2008. Retrieved October 21, 2008.
  99. 1 2 3 Hochman, Steve (November 21, 1993). "It's No Illusion: Guns N' Roses Does Charles Manson". LAtimes.com. Austin Beutner. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  100. 1 2 3 4 Philips, Chuck (December 8, 1993). "Guns N' Roses to Stick With Manson Song on Album: Convict's royalties from 'Girl' will be paid to the son of one of those killed in a spree masterminded by the cult leader". LAtimes.com. Austin Beutner, Tribune Publishing. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  101. 1 2 Considine, J.D. (December 3, 1993). "Guns N' Roses under fire for Manson 'bonus' song". Baltimoresun.com. Timothy E. Ryan, Tribune Publishing. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  102. 1 2 3 "Bring Out The Manson". Q Magazine. March 1994. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  103. 1 2 Philips, Chuck (December 1, 1993). "Guns N' Roses May Remove Manson Song From Album". LAtimes.com. Austin Beutner. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  104. "Victim's Son Gets Manson Royalties". NYtimes.com. December 26, 1993. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  105. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Wild, David (February 3, 2000). "Rolling Stone 833: Axl Speaks". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  106. "Slash- October 16, 1996". October 16, 1996. Retrieved November 11, 2010. At this point in time we have only been collaborating together. But we have been doing mostly Axl's material.
  107. Rose, W. Axl (December 16, 2008). "OPEN LETTER FROM AXL". Guns N' Roses. Archived from the original on February 7, 2009. Retrieved November 11, 2010. There's nothing but Slash based blues rock and he stopped it to both go solo and try to completely take over Guns ... I was specifically told no lyrics, no melodies, no changes to anything and to sing what I was told or fuck off.
  108. 1 2 3 "Matt Sorum - 1996". 1996. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  109. 1 2 "GN'R press release with Axl interview". GNRonline.com. August 14, 2002. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
  110. "War Of The Roses! (Gilby Clarke interview)". Kerrang! Issue 494. May 24, 1994. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  111. "Guns N' Roses Enter Studio To Record New Album". Addicted to Noise. September 11, 1996. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  112. Sefany, Jones (August 15, 2002). "Axl Rose Speaks Out On Guns N' Roses, Old and New". KNAC.com. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  113. 1 2 Gundersen, Edna (October 30, 2012). "Exclusive: Axl Rose on GNR, truce and writer's block". USAtoday.com. Gannett Company. Retrieved May 4, 2015. (Rose stated) "Stephanie Seymour, Slash and Duff McKagan did more damage to my ability as a writer. To those three, it was all crap. It beat me down so much. Slash and Duff said, 'You're an idiot, you're a loser.' I didn't write for years.
  114. 1 2 "'Come Together' With Axl Rose". Rolling Stone. January 24, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  115. "Allmusic: Gilby Clarke's Pawnshop Guitars". Allmusic.com. All Media Network, LLC. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  116. 1 2 3 "Four Bust-ups And A Single!". RAW magazine. November 1994. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  117. Browne, David (1994). "EW takes a look at 1994's movie soundtracks". Entertainment Weekly's EW.com. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  118. "The Guns 'N Roses Report". heretodaygonetohell.com; addict.com. January 13, 1997. Retrieved April 24, 2015. Huge's presence didn't sit well with Slash, who reportedly has "creative and personal" differences with the latest Rose writing collaborator, which played a part in his decision to leave the band.
  119. 1 2 3 "Didn't You Used To Be Axl Rose?". Q Magazine. May 2001. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  120. Slash; Anthony Bozza (October 30, 2007). Slash. HarperCollins. p. 576. ISBN 978-0-06-135142-6.
  121. 1 2 Giles, Jeff (October 11, 2014). "Gilby Clarke Opens Up About His Final Guns N' Roses Gig". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved April 25, 2015. My official end was actually at the last show of the last tour," he continued. "Axl was jokingly saying 'bye' to everybody, but he was really saying 'bye' to everybody. He even came up to me and said, 'Hey, enjoy your last show.'
  122. L.A. Weekly staff (May 11, 2015). "Book Excerpt: Duff McKagan Recalls the Bitter Dispute Over the Guns N' Roses Pinball Machine". LAweekly.com. Beth Sestanovich; Voice Media Group. Retrieved May 16, 2015. ... it was a forgone conclusion that Gilby would be in the band ... his picture was included on the big mural on the game ... suddenly (he) wasn't in the band anymore. Gilby sued us for using his likeness on the machine
  123. "G n' R Songwriter West Arkeen Dies". MTV.com. Viacom. June 2, 1997. Retrieved July 2, 2015. The album boast strong G n' R connections: Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan appear as guests (Rose sings backup on the title track), and former G n' R member Izzy Stradlin co-wrote one of the songs
  124. Graft, Gary (January 1997). "Total Guitar-Slash, Rock and Roses 1997". oocities.org; Total Guitar. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  125. MTV News Staff (November 8, 1996). "G n' R's Blizzard Of Acrimony". MTV News. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  126. 1 2 Brown, Mark (January 30, 1997). "Axl Rose Buys "Guns N' Roses" Name". MTV News. Retrieved April 24, 2015. Guns N' Roses leader Axl Rose has bought the rights to the name "Guns N' Roses," and can put out any music he wants under that moniker, played by anyone he chooses
  127. Harkness, Geoff (June 28, 2001). "SEVEN QUESTIONS with Matt Sorum of The Cult". Lawrence Journal-World. Archived from the original on September 14, 2008. Retrieved July 3, 2015. Axl were having some differences in the musical direction. In '97 I got into an argument with Axl about the state of the band. He'd brought in another guitar player, Paul Huge, and none of us really wanted to play with him. Axl really wanted him in the band and we didn't really want to play with the guy. Me and Duff were showing up, trying to be professional and get the work done but it just didn't seem to be going anywhere, and obviously it still hasn't
  128. 1 2 McKagan, Duff (2011). Stacy Creamer, eds. It's so Easy (and other lies). Collaboration by Tim Mohr. Touchstone. p. 123. ISBN 978-1-4516-0664-5.
  129. "The History of GN'R: The Shocking Truth 1996–99". HereTodayGoneToHell.com. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  130. Brown, Mark (January 30, 1997). "Axl Rose Buys "Guns N' Roses" Name". heretodaygonetohell.com; Addicted To Noise. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  131. 1 2 Greene, Andy (December 15, 2008). "Axl Rose on stealing Slash's song and other online rants - Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  132. SPIN Media LLC (July 1999). SPIN. SPIN Media LLC. pp. 93–. ISSN 0886-3032. Over the course of 1996 and 1997, Rose briefly adds guitarist Zakk Wylde, drum programmer Chris Vrenna, and former Pearl Jam drummer Dave Abruzzese.
  133. Hodgson, Peter (January 5, 2012). "What Could Have Been: Zakk Wylde Talks Guns N' Roses". gibson.com. Retrieved May 19, 2014. It could have been one of the most interesting heavy music collaborations in rock history: Zakk Wylde as a member of Guns N' Roses ... And it very nearly happened in the mid-1990s
  134. ""I Spent A Week Jammin' With Guns N' Roses". Zakk Wylde to join GN'R?!". Kerrang! issue 530. January 28, 1995. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  135. Hart, Josh (January 5, 2012). "Zakk Wylde on What Guns N' Roses Would Have Sounded Like If He Had Joined". guitarworld.com. New Bay media. Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  136. Amendola, Billy (August 1, 2006). "Michael Bland". Modern Drummer Magazine. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
  137. Rolling Stone Staff (April 4, 1997). "APPETITE FOR DECONSTRUCTION". heretodaygonetohell.com; Rolling Stone magazine. Retrieved April 24, 2015. "Rolling Stone's Random Notes Daily News reports that this is the current GN'R line-up:Vocals: Axl Rose, Bass: Duff McKagan, Rhythm Guitar: Paul Huge, Lead Guitar: Robin Finck (ex Nine Inch Nails), Drums: Chris Vrenna (ex Nine Inch Nails.")
  138. "Here Today ... Gone To Hell! Guns N' Roses "Use Your Illusion"". heretodaygonetohell.com. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
  139. Kaufman, Gil (October 16, 1999). "Guns N' Roses To Release Two-CD Live Set". heretodaygonetohell.com; Music News Of The World. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  140. Skanse, Richard (October 29, 1999). "Track List Revealed for Live G n' R Set". heretodaygonetohell.com; Rolling Stone magazine. Retrieved April 24, 2015. "Believe it or not, it's still a very mutual effort," Slash said of the long process of selecting material. "All things considered, it's as close as we ever got.
  141. Guitar World Presents: Guitar Legends - Slash #76 pg.17
  142. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Leeds, Jeff (March 6, 2005). "The Most Expensive Album Never Made". NYtimes.com. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  143. Bitzer, John (March 18, 1997). "Moby To Produce Guns N' Roses?". heretodaygonetohell.com; Allstarmag.com. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  144. "Guns N' Roses To Go Techno?". heretodaygonetohell.com; addict.com. March 19, 1997. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  145. MTV News Staff (April 22, 1998). "Axl Rose Finds A Producer ... Yet Again". heretodaygonetohell.com; MTV.com. Retrieved April 24, 2015. Youth and the band are still months away from recording. Rose and cohorts are reportedly still in writing mode with no completed songs at this time.
  146. Strauss, Neil (July 23, 1998). "THE POP LIFE; Failure's Hard But Success Can Be Worse". NYtimes.com. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  147. 1 2 3 Saidman, Sorelle (September 20, 1998). "Guns n' Roses Eye Producer". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 24, 2015. Sources at Geffen say the company is hoping for a mid-1999 release of the new album
  148. Everley, Dave (August 21, 1999). "Guns N' Roses 2-part article". Kerrang!. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  149. 1 2 3 Loder, Kurt (November 3, 1999). "Axl Rose - A conversation with Kurt Loder". MTV US. heretodaygonetohell.com; MTV.
  150. Kaufman, Gil (November 10, 1999). "Axl Rose Describes Upcoming Album". Music News Of The World. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  151. Saidman, Sorelle (September 8, 1999). ""Oh My God," Guns N' Roses Finally Has A New Song". MTV.com. Viacom. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  152. 1 2 Skanse, Richard (September 22, 1999). "Axl Speaks Out". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  153. Borzillo, Carrie (August 4, 1999). "Robin Finck Leaves Guns N' Roses, Rejoins Nine Inch Nails". heretodaygonetohell.com; allstarnews.com. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  154. Loder, Kurt (November 21, 2002). "Beneath The Bucket, Behind The Mask: Kurt Loder Meets GN'R's Buckethead". MTV.com. Retrieved May 16, 2015. But what sets (Brian) Carroll decisively apart from the pack is the outré "Buckethead" persona he's so painstakingly created.
  155. 1 2 Saidman, Sorelle (March 15, 2000). "Buckethead In, Freese Out". heretodaygonetohell.com; MTV.com. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  156. Raub, Kevin (March 14, 2000). "Josh Freese Leaves Guns N' Roses". heretodaygonetohell.com; Allstarmag.com. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  157. Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna (October 30, 2000). "Guns N' Roses Make Buckethead, Robin Finck, & Bob Ezrin Official". heretodaygonetohell.com; Allstarmag.com. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  158. Saidman, Sorelle (April 28, 2000). "Axl Records With Queen Producer". MTV News. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  159. Hyden, Steven (July 23, 2013). "Building a Better Democracy". Grantland.com. ESPN; Grantland. Retrieved May 17, 2015. Rose hired Queen producer Roy Thomas Baker to help shepherd the album to completion. Only Baker did the opposite — he talked Axl into rerecording all of the songs, in spite of the monumental expense
  160. "Axl interview Rock & Pop FM Argentina". HereTodayGoneToHell.com. Rock & Pop FM,. January 22, 2001. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  161. "What Happened To Axl Rose - The inside story of rock's most famous recluse". Rolling Stone. May 11, 2000. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  162. Wall, Mick (February 5, 2008). W.A.R.: The Unauthorized Biography of William Axl Rose. St. Martin's Press. p. 289. ISBN 978-1-4299-2884-7.
  163. Strauss, Neil (January 17, 2001). "Rock in Rio Festival - For Fun and a Better World". New York Times. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  164. Moss, Corey (December 4, 2001). "Guns N' Roses Ante Up For Another New Year's Eve In Vegas". MTV.com. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
  165. Mancini, Al (December 31, 2001). "Slash Barred From Guns N' Roses Show". ABCnews.com. American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved May 17, 2015. Speaking briefly with ABCNEWS Radio, Slash said he tried to get in, but couldn't. A security guard confirmed his account, blaming band frontman Axl Rose for the exclusion
  166. Saidman, Sorelle (July 17, 2002). "Guns N' Roses Trade Paul Huge For Psychedelic Furs' Guitarist". cdnow.com. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  167. Saidman, Sorelle (February 12, 2002). "Roy Thomas Baker fired?". cdnow.com. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  168. "Chinese Democracy release date?". Drudge Report. June 24, 2002. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  169. "Guns N' Roses's Axl Rose to collaborate with Weezer?". Blabbermouth.net. August 19, 2002. Retrieved May 17, 2015. ... last week when they praised each other's bands before the 30,000+ in attendance at Summer Sonic Festival
  170. "Guns N' Roses: Pukkelpop Festival performance to be webcast". Blabbermouth.net. August 24, 2002. Retrieved May 17, 2015.
  171. Wiederhorn, Jon (August 29, 2002). "Guns N' Roses cap night of spectacles from Diddy, Eminem, Timberlake". MTV News. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  172. 1 2 3 4 Kurt Loder; MTV News staff (November 8, 2002). "Fans riot after Guns N' Roses tour Kickoff Canceled: Kurt Loder Reports". MTV News. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  173. "Guns N' Roses storm New York; sold out shows, guest stars & fanatic audiences; next up - European tour". businesswire.com. May 22, 2006. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  174. 1 2 Wiederhorn, Jon (December 9, 2002). "Guns N' Roses dates canceled". Retrieved March 26, 2013.
  175. 1 2 Rose, Axl (November 7, 2006). "Message from Axl". Guns N' Roses. Archived from the original on March 2, 2007. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  176. Christopher, Michael (March 1, 2012). "ROCK MUSIC MENU: Is Axl's apology too late?". delcotimes.com. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
  177. Barry A. Jeckell (March 30, 2004). "GNR pulls out of 'Rock In Rio' fest". freerepublic.com; Billboard.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  178. 1 2 "Axl cancels Rock In Rio show, blames Buckethead". ultimate-guitar.com. March 30, 2004. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  179. 1 2 Wiederhorn, Jon (March 17, 2004). "Buckethead's hand puppet says goodbye to Guns N' Roses". MTV News. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  180. 1 2 Krgin, Borivoj (May 14, 2006). "Guns N' Roses: 'Greatest Hits' Certified Triple Platinum". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  181. Krgin, Borivoj (February 18, 2004). "Report: Guns N' Roses may sue to block 'Greatest Hits' album". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  182. "Axl Rose Sued By Ex-Guns N' Roses Bandmates". MTV News. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  183. "Chart Moves: Guns N' Roses 'Hits' Longevity Milestone, 'Pitch Perfect' Still Selling Strong". Billboard. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  184. Krgin, Borivoj (July 7, 2004). "Guns N' Roses singer loses motion to stop release of early recordings". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
  185. "GN'R: 'Chinese Democracy' Coming Soon?". Ultimate-guitar.com. April 8, 2008. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  186. "Guns N' Roses' manager slams NY Times over 'rubbish' 'Chinese Democracy' article". Blabbermouth.net. March 6, 2005. Retrieved November 17, 2007.
  187. 1 2 Lewis, Randy (December 13, 2008). "A long wait, a fast fall". LA Times. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
  188. 1 2 Tyrangiel, Josh (November 20, 2008). "Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy, at Last". Time Magazine. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
  189. 1 2 Yates, Henry (November 19, 2008). "33 insane facts about Chinese Democracy". MusicRadar. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
  190. "GNR Leak". iconofan.com. February 16, 2006. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  191. Dave De Sylvia (February 17, 2006). "Another GNR demo leaks". sputnikmusic.com. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  192. "Guns N' Roses tracks leak". ultimate-guitar.com. February 16, 2006. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  193. Harris, Chris (February 23, 2006). "Are Guns N' Roses finally coming back? The signs are there". MTV News. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  194. Jennifer Vineyard (August 22, 2005). "Slash, Duff sue Axl over Guns N' Roses publishing royalties". MTV News. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  195. "Slash, Duff sue Axl over publishing". Billboard. August 26, 2005. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  196. "In Search of ... Bumblefoot". Live-Metal.net. May 11, 2008. Retrieved November 7, 2015.
  197. "Who is Bumblefoot and why is he a guitarist in Guns N Roses? ~ "The Spaghetti Incident?"". Thespaghettiincident.com. November 9, 2008. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  198. Moore, Brian (November 20, 2008). "Axl's arsenal". Chicago Tribune. Tribune Company.
  199. "Guns N' Roses: New York City setlist revealed". May 13, 2006. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  200. Ratliff, Ben (May 13, 2006). "'Warm-Up Show' for Guns N' Roses". NYtimes.com. Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  201. 1 2 Krgin, Borivoj (October 24, 2006). "Axl Rose and girlfriend hanging out in Miami: photos available". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  202. 1 2 "Guns N' Roses drummer says Axl Rose wants to release remix album of 'Chinese Democracy' songs". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. April 12, 2009. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  203. 1 2 Krgin, Borivoj (March 13, 2007). "GUNS N' ROSES Keyboardist Reveals 'The Truth' About The Leaked Song 'Better'". Blabbermouth.net. Borivoj Krgin. Retrieved May 3, 2015.
  204. Krgin, Borivoj (October 18, 2006). "Rolling Stone Magazine Offers Exclusive New Details About Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  205. "MONDAY NIGHT'S GUNS N' ROSES SHOW IN PORTLAND, MAINE IS CANCELLED". Guns N' Roses. Archived from the original on Feb 6, 2007. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  206. 1 2 3 "Axl: Democracy Gunning for Spring Release". E! Online. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  207. Rokken Like Dokken (February 22, 2007). "Chinese Democracy Is Finished - Sputnikmusic". sputnikmusic.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  208. 1 2 3 Rosenberg, Axl (February 22, 2007). "DEL JAMES: "NO OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE" FOR CHINESE DEMOCRACY - MetalSucks". MetalSucks. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  209. James, Del. "Chinese Democracy Update". Guns N' Roses. Archived from the original on February 26, 2007. Retrieved February 23, 2007.
  210. 1 2 3 "Rock My Monkey — Sebastian Bach Interview". Rock My Monkey. Archived from the original on December 2, 2007. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  211. Breihan, Tom (February 21, 2007). "New Guns N Roses Song: Pretty Good!". Status Ain't Hood. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  212. Raftery, Brian (February 20, 2007). "Leak Of The Year: Guns N' Roses' "Democracy" Has Finally Arrived". Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  213. "FOH online - Guns N Roses Chinese Democracy Tour in Mexico with Adamson". fohonline.com. July 23, 2007. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  214. Krgin, Borivoj (July 18, 2007). "Guns N' Roses joined by Bubbles from 'Trailer Park Boys' in Tokyo". Blabbermouth.com. Retrieved June 23, 2015. Next GN'R move on to Osaka on [Saturday, July 21] to finish off their Japan tour.
  215. "GNR Finish CD?". antiMusic.com. antiMusic. January 10, 2008. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  216. Trunk, Eddie. "Eddie Trunk — Trunk Blog". Eddietrunk.com. Archived from the original on December 15, 2007. Retrieved January 14, 2008.
  217. "It's a Fact". Classic Rock Magazine. Archived from the original on August 2, 2008. Retrieved February 9, 2008.
  218. Goodman, William (March 27, 2008). "Dr. Pepper Makes a Bet with Guns N' Roses". Spin. SpinMedia. Archived from the original on June 23, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  219. "Dr Pepper issues challenge to Guns N' Roses". Reuters, Billboard.com. Prometheus Global Media. March 27, 2008. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  220. NME New York (November 21, 2008). "NME News Dr. Pepper confirms free soda for 'Chinese Democracy' release - NME.COM". NME.COM. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  221. "Axl Rose is 'very happy' about Dr Pepper's Guns N' Roses pledge". New Musical Express. IPC Media. March 27, 2008. Archived from the original on August 4, 2011. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  222. Johnson, Richard (March 26, 2008). "DOCTOR'S ORDERS". NYPost.com. Jesse Angelo; News Corp. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  223. Rose, Axl (March 26, 2008). "Press Release from Axl Regarding Dr Pepper". Guns N' Roses. Archived from the original on November 14, 2011.
  224. Harris, Chris (October 22, 2008). "Guns N' Roses Bring A Free Dr Pepper To All Americans: Here's How To Get Yours!". mtv.com. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  225. "Axl Rose: Not a Pepper". WashingtonPost.com. Fred Ryan; Nash Holdings LLC. November 28, 2008. Retrieved July 11, 2015. The album came out, but the sodamaker's coupon-offering Web site malfunctioned. And though the promotion was extended, Alan Gutman, the band's Beverly Hills attorney, demanded a full-page apology in major daily newspapers and "an appropriate payment to our clients for the unauthorized use and abuse of their publicity and intellectual property rights," according to the AP
  226. Rose, Axl (March 27, 2008). "New management team for GN'R". Gunsnroses.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2011. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  227. Wynter, Kareen (December 3, 2008). "Guns N' Roses lashes out at Dr Pepper". cnn.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  228. Paine, Andre (November 26, 2008). "Guns N' Roses Lawyer Blasts Dr Pepper". Billboard.com. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on July 20, 2014. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  229. "BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Rose angry over drinks giveaway". BBC News. November 27, 2008. Retrieved December 1, 2008.
  230. "Axl Rose Files Lawsuit Against Dr. Pepper; Asks For Apology, Payment | Access Hollywood — Celebrity News, Photos & Videos". Accesshollywood.com. November 27, 2008. Retrieved December 1, 2008.
  231. 1 2 Rose, Axl (December 13, 2008). "Axl answers fans' questions on GN'R fan sites (transcripts)". HereTodayGoneToHell.com. Retrieved June 23, 2009. Fan: Axl are you still thinking of suing Dr Pepper? Axl: Sure but the actions taken so far had nothing to do with me and I was taken off guard as I had specifically told our team who fucking cares now that we have a record to deal with.
  232. Malkin, Marc (April 3, 2008). "New Music from Guns N' Roses". E! Online. E! Entertainment Television, LLC. Archived from the original on April 6, 2008. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  233. 1 2 Cohen, Jonathan (June 19, 2008). "Purported New Guns N' Roses Tracks Hit The Web". Billboard.com. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  234. "New Guns N' Roses tracks leaked". theguardian.com. Guardian News and Media. June 20, 2008. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  235. Lapatine, Scott (July 13, 2008). "Guns N' Roses' "Shackler's Revenge" Set For Rock Band 2". Stereogum. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  236. Kreps, Daniel (April 10, 2009). "Guns n' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" Coming To "Rock Band" - Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  237. "Guns n' Roses Premiering New Song "If the World" in Body of Lies movie - Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone. September 26, 2008. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  238. 1 2 ""Chinese Democracy" Rumors: Release Date, Best Buy Exclusive". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media LLC. September 26, 2008. Archived from the original on April 1, 2010. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  239. Cohen, Jonathan (October 9, 2008). "GNR's 'Chinese Democracy' Gets Release Date". Billboard.com. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on May 30, 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  240. "Take that, Slash! It only took 17 years for Axl Rose's Guns N' Roses to release 'Chinese Democracy'". nydailynews.com. New York. Associated Press. October 23, 2008. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  241. Harrington, Jim (October 23, 2008). "Guns N' Roses sets release date for 'Chinese Democracy' - A+E Interactive". A+E Interactive. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  242. "'Chinese Democracy' begins streaming on MySpace - USATODAY.com". usatoday.com. November 20, 2008. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  243. MacMillan, Robert (November 20, 2008). "McCartney, Guns N' Roses albums to launch on MySpace". Reuters. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  244. "Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy streams on MySpace". Virgin.com. Virgin Media. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  245. Jarman, Ryan (November 21, 2008). "NME News Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' breaks MySpace record - NME.COM". NME.COM. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  246. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Guns N' Roses Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  247. "Axl Rose Breaks His Silence on 'Chinese Democracy". Rolling Stone. January 18, 2006. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  248. "AXL ROSE FINALLY PROMOTES CHINESE DEMOCRACY ... SORT OF - MetalSucks". MetalSucks. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  249. 1 2 Oz, Diamond (November 6, 2007). "Sebastian Bach Talks New Guns N Roses Songs". metalunderground.com. Metal Underground. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  250. GNR Evolution: Chinese Whispers: Chinese Whispers - The Secret History of the New Studio Album: 2001: Sanders' Last Stand GNR Evolution, 2009: Here Today, Gone To Hell October 23, 2001
  251. "DJ Ashba Says His 'Call of Duty' is a New GN'R Album". GNRDaily.com. November 6, 2012. Archived from the original on March 30, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  252. "Guns N' Roses Is 'Working On New Songs Every Day,' Says Guitarist DJ Ashba". Blabbermouth.net. April 26, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2011.
  253. Triple M, Thursday, May 19, 2011
  254. "DJ Ashba Full Interview". triplem.com.au. Austereo Triple M Network. August 21, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  255. 1 2 3 Cohen, Jonathan (February 6, 2009). "The Billboard Q&A: Axl Rose". billboard.com. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  256. "Guns n' Roses Planning Summer Stadium Tour". Rollingstone.com. Jann Wenner. March 4, 2009. Archived from the original on May 9, 2009. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  257. "GUNS N' ROSES NAMES DJ ASHBA AS BAND'S NEWEST AXEMAN". GunsNRoses.com. Guns N' Roses. March 21, 2009. Archived from the original on June 27, 2009. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  258. Bosso, Joe (March 23, 2009). "Guns N' Roses hire DJ Ashba as new guitarist". musicradar.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  259. "Guns n' Roses Add Guitarist DJ Ashba For "Upcoming Tour"". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 30, 2009. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  260. "Steven Adler Goes From Guns To Bullets While Ex-Guns Remain Active". MTV.com. July 7, 1998. Archived from the original on July 23, 2015. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  261. Lealos, Shawn. "The BulletBoys remain the perfect example of a band born too late". AXS.com. AXS TV, LLC. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  262. Bosso, Joe (June 8, 2009). "Axl Rose fires, rehires manager Irving Azoff three times". musicradar.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  263. Montgomery, James (March 26, 2010). "Axl Rose Sued By Management Company For Nearly $2 Million". MTV News. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  264. "Axl Rose Sued By Manager For Nearly $2 Million". Billboard.com. Associated Press. March 26, 2010. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  265. 1 2 Gardner, Eriq (May 19, 2010). "Axl Rose Slams Irving Azoff In $5 Million Countersuit". Billboard.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  266. 1 2 Simon Vozick-Levinson (May 19, 2010). "Axl Rose sues former manager over alleged 'sabotage'". Entertainment Weekly's EW.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  267. Sisario, Ben (May 18, 2010). "Axl Rose Sues His Former Manager for $5 Million". The New York Times.
  268. Sciarretto, Amy (June 16, 2011). "Axl Rose Settles Lawsuit Against Former Manager Irving Azoff". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  269. "Settlements Reached In Lawsuits Between Axl Rose And Former Manager - Blabbermouth.net". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. June 14, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  270. Roberts, Randall (December 21, 2011). "Axl Rose's appetite is for today's Guns N' Roses". LA Times. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  271. Crookes, Del (July 23, 2010). "Reading raises capacity at this year's festival by 3,500". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  272. Fairbarn, Sam (August 29, 2010). "Axl Rose declares 'war' on promoters as Guns N' Roses headline Leeds Festival - NME.COM". NME.COM. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  273. Michaels, Sean (August 31, 2010). "Guns N' Roses blast Reading and Leeds festival for pulling the plug". the Guardian. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  274. "Guns N' Roses have their Reading Festival set cut short". bbc.co.uk. BBC Online. August 28, 2010. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  275. McCabe, Joanne (August 30, 2010). "Guns N' Roses at Leeds Festival 2010: 'Be safe, good night and f**k you'". Metro.co.uk. DMG Media. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  276. 1 2 Cochrane, Greg (September 2, 2010). "Guns N' Roses bottled off stage in Dublin". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  277. Collis, Clark (September 2, 2010). "Guns N' Roses: Axl Rose leaves stage at Irish show after bottles and 'unknown substances' are thrown at him". Entertainment Weekly's EW.com. Retrieved April 25, 2015.
  278. Fairbarn, Sam (September 2, 2010). "NME News Axl Rose bottled offstage at Guns N' Roses' Dublin gig - NME.COM". NME.COM. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  279. "Guns N' Roses: Statement issued by promotors MCD and the management of the O2". MCD.ie. September 1, 2010. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  280. "Duff McKagan plays with Guns N' Roses in London". Ticketsthere.com. October 14, 2010. Retrieved June 13, 2011.
  281. Greene, Andy (October 14, 2010). "Video: Duff McKagan Reunites With Axl Rose Onstage". RollingStone.com. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  282. Shaw, Zach (October 15, 2010). "Duff McKagan Joins GN'R Onstage". MetalInsider.net. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  283. 1 2 "Duff McKagan Joins Guns N' Roses On Stage In London!". Blabbermouth.net. October 19, 2010.
  284. "Duff McKagan Reunites With Guns N' Roses in Seattle". Noisecreep. December 17, 2011. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  285. Rose, Rustyn (October 3, 2011). "Concert Review: GUNS N' ROSES Perform Rock In Rio Under October Rain - Metalholic". Metalholic. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  286. Rosenberg, Axl (October 3, 2011). "AXL ROSE PERFORMS "ESTRANGED" FOR THE FIRST TIME IN EIGHTEEN YEARS - MetalSucks". MetalSucks. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  287. "TMS BTS: Bumblefoot". VH1. February 6, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  288. Hart, Josh (December 6, 2011). "Video: Guns N' Roses Perform "Civil War" for the First Time in 18 Years". guitarworld.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  289. Sciarretto, Amy (November 12, 2011). "'That Metal Show' Recap: Axl Rose Talks Lateness, Slash + Original 'Appetite' Cover". Loudwire. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  290. Michaels, Sean (December 8, 2011). "Guns N' Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame". The Guardian. London. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  291. Greene, Andy (April 15, 2012). "Guns N' Roses, Chili Peppers Bring Magic to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction". Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  292. Rose, Axl [Axlrose] (December 7, 2011). "I'd like to thank the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame and our fans. This is your victory." (Tweet). Retrieved May 4, 2015 via Twitter.
  293. "Guns N' Roses Inducted Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame". Rttnews.com. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  294. 1 2 "Slash | Slash Honoured By Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame Induction". Contactmusic. December 8, 2011. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  295. Andy Greene (January 30, 2012). "GNR announce six club dates". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  296. Greene, Andy (February 11, 2012). "Guns N' Roses Kick Off 2012 Tour With Show at New York's Roseland Ballroom". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  297. Riddle, Tree (February 21, 2012). "Guns N' Roses Announce More Club Dates". Loudwire. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  298. 1 2 Ryan, Jim (February 20, 2012). "Guns N' Roses Concert Review – "Up Close and Personal Tour," Live at House of Blues Chicago – Sunday, 2/19/12 (With Setlist) - Chicago At Night". chicagonow.com. Retrieved July 9, 2015. gone were the pyrotechnics of arena shows past which forced the band to play in a more no frills fashion with the focus less on spectacle and more on music.
  299. Lewis, Mark (March 18, 2012). "DJ ASHBA On GUNS N' ROSES' Future: 'The Sky's The Limit'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET; Rock Over America. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  300. Graff, Gary (February 14, 2012). "All Original Guns N' Roses Members Will Be at Rock Hall Induction". Billboard.com. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  301. Rose, Axl (April 11, 2012). "Axl's letter to The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Guns N' Roses Fans and Whom It May Concern". Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  302. Roberts, Randall (April 11, 2012). "Axl Rose pens open letter to Rock Hall, Will Not Attend, Asks not to be inducted". latimes.com. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  303. Rose, Axl (April 17, 2012). "Axl's letter to Cleveland, OH, GN'R fans and those who supported his Hall Of Fame decision". Retrieved May 4, 2015.
  304. Greene, Andy (April 17, 2012). "Axl Rose apologizes for not attending Guns n' Roses Hall of Fame induction ceremony - Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  305. Lewis, Randy (April 15, 2012). "Pop & Hiss". latimes.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  306. Zakarin, Jordan (April 16, 2012). "Guns N' Roses Perform at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction with Myles Kennedy in Axl Rose's Absence". Hollywood Reporter.
  307. "Guns N' Roses reunite for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ... without Axl Rose - Daily Mail Online". Mail Online. London. April 15, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  308. 1 2 Nissim, Mayer (February 17, 2014). "Slash talks Axl no-show at Guns N' Roses Hall of Fame induction". Digital Spy. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  309. McKay, Hollie (July 20, 2012). "Slash: Original Guns N' Roses will never reunite". Fox News. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  310. Trunk, Eddie (March 5, 2015). "Steven Adler: Matt Sorum Wouldn't Take Part In Guns N' Roses Reunion Unless I Was Involved - Blabbermouth.net". BLABBERMOUTH.NET; Eddie Trunk Live. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  311. Childers, Chad (May 22, 2015). "Duff McKagan on Guns N' Roses Reunion: 'It Could Happen'". Loudwire. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  312. 1 2 "Exclusive interwiew with Richard Fortus of Guns N' Roses and The Compulsions". Rock N' Live. June 23, 2012. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  313. "Izzy Stradlin Performs With Guns N' Roses In Saint Tropez - Blabbermouth.net". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. July 22, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  314. Frydberg, Tracy (July 3, 2012). "Guitar solo 'Hatikva' a highlight as Guns N' Roses returns to TA - The Times of Israel". The Times of Israel. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  315. Wilkins, Henry (June 1, 2012). "Guns N' Roses ban fans from wearing Slash t-shirts to their UK gigs". NME. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  316. "Guns N' Roses to Take Over Las Vegas With 'Appetite for Democracy' Residency". Rolling Stone. August 13, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  317. "Guns N' Roses heading to Vegas". London Free Press. August 13, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  318. Ouellette, Mary. "Guns N' Roses Film Vegas 'Appetite for Democracy' Residency Show in 3D". Loudwire. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  319. "GUNS N' ROSES: 'Appetite For Democracy' 3D Film Coming To Theaters, DVD, Blu-Ray". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  320. "Guns N' Roses to release 3D concert film 'Appetite For Democracy'". NME.COM. May 30, 2014. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  321. "Guns N' Roses Rock Acoustically for 2012 Bridge School Benefit". Loudwire. October 21, 2012.
  322. "Guns N' Roses performed at the Bridge School Benefit, and time continued to visit its cruelties upon Axl Rose". avclub.com.
  323. "Guns N' Roses really did play Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit - Consequence of Sound". Consequence of Sound.
  324. A.J. Daulerio. "Axl Rose Performed at Bridge School But Guns N' Roses Is Still a Fresh Corpse This Morning". Gawker. Gawker Media. Archived from the original on May 5, 2015.
  325. "Axl Rose Embarrasses Himself At Bridge School Benefit". Metal Insider.
  326. 1 2 3 Hogan, Marc (August 20, 2013). "Alleged Guns N' Roses Leak Is 'Going Down' Less Than Smoothly". Spin.com. Spin Media. Archived from the original on August 23, 2013. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  327. Rosen, Dana (August 19, 2013). "HAS A NEW GUNS N' ROSES SONG LEAKED ONLINE?". eddietrunk.com. Eddie Trunk. Archived from the original on August 22, 2013. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  328. Bowar, Chad (January 7, 2014). "Guns N' Roses Book 2014 South American Tour". Loudwire. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  329. Graff, Gary (April 1, 2014). "Duff McKagan Reuniting With Guns N' Roses to 'Help Axl Out,' Says Tommy Stinson". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  330. 1 2 Fanelli, Damian (April 21, 2014). "Duff McKagan to Join Guns N' Roses at Revolver Golden Gods". revolvermag.com. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  331. Hartmann, Graham (April 24, 2014). "Guns N' Roses play one-hour set at 2014 Revolver Golden Gods". Loudwire. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
  332. "Guns N' Roses could have new music out in next year, says guitarist Richard Fortus". Blabbermouth.net; Associated Press. April 24, 2014. Retrieved October 24, 2014. Fortus: "We are working on stuff and hopefully very soon we're going to have new stuff out. Well, in the next year."
  333. Gundersen, Edna (February 18, 2014). "Guns N' Roses return to Vegas with 'No Trickery!'". Usatoday.com. Retrieved February 25, 2014.
  334. "Axl Rose Says Guns N' Roses Have Two New Albums Completed". Revolver Magazine. NewBay Media. June 4, 2014. Archived from the original on July 17, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  335. Grow, Kory (July 11, 2014). "Guns N' Roses' Next Record Is 'Close to Being Done,' Dizzy Reed Says". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media LLC. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  336. Lafon, Mitch (February 16, 2015). "Richard Fortus interviewed on One On One with Mitch Lafon". Talking Metal Digital podcast. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  337. Giles, Jeff (June 17, 2015). "Bumblefoot hints at Guns N' Roses hazing, while Richard Fortus promises new music". UltimateClassicRock.com. Diffuser Network. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  338. "Guns N' Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed: Only Axl Rose knows when next album will come out". Blabbermouth.net. June 28, 2015. Archived from the original on June 29, 2015. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  339. Kreps, Daniel (July 27, 2015). "DJ Ashba leaving Guns N' Roses after six years". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
  340. Childers, Chad (July 27, 2015). "Guitarist DJ Ashba exits Guns N' Roses". Loudwire. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
  341. Lifton, Dave (July 27, 2015). "DJ Ashba quits Guns N' Roses". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
  342. Gary Graff (July 31, 2015). "Source confirms Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal has left GN'R". 93.3 WMMR. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  343. "Tommy Stinson Speaks About Leaving Guns N' Roses". Ultimate Classic Rock. January 23, 2016. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  344. "Guns N' Roses drummer Frank Ferrer: Axl Rose is 'One Of The Greatest Living Rock Stars In The History Of Music'". Blabbermouth.net. July 31, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  345. Waddel, Ray (December 29, 2015). "Guns N' Roses to Reunite for Coachella, Possible Stadium Tour: Sources". Billboard.com. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  346. "Axl Rose, Slash to Reunite Guns N' Roses at Coachella". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  347. Kreps, Daniel (December 30, 2015). "Axl Rose to Talk Guns N' Roses on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  348. Rose's appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel' canceled due to 'unforeseen circumstances'
  349. Coachella 2016 Lineup Announced: Guns N’ Roses, LCD Soundsystem, Calvin Harris KROQ
  350. "Coachella announces 2016 lineup: Guns N' Roses, LCD Soundsystem to headline - Consequence of Sound". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  351. "Coachella: Guns N' Roses, LCD Soundsystem, Calvin Harris Lead Lineup". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
  352. NME.COM. "Guns N' Roses confirm return of Slash and Duff McKagan for Coachella reunion". NME.COM. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  353. chadchilders (January 19, 2016). "Guns N' Roses Announce Two Concerts in Las Vegas". Loudwire. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
  354. Ricardo Torres. "First seats go in at T-Mobile Arena — only 19,997 to go". LasVegasSun.com. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
  355. "Guns N' Roses Confirm North American Tour". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
  356. GNR australian dates
  357. GNR announce south american reunion tour
  358. "Guns N' Roses Performs At The Troubadour: Video Footage And Photos - Blabbermouth.net". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  359. Brett Buchanan (2 April 2016). "Guns N' Roses Adds First Female Member". AlternativeNation.net. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
  360. "Axl Rose Broke His Foot, Will Perform Guns N' Roses Reunion Shows in a Cast". Spin. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
  361. "Axl Rose, hobbled by a broken foot, performed last night's Guns N' Roses show in Dave Grohl's throne". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
  362. "Coachella 2016: Guns N' Roses Bring Out AC/DC's Angus Young to Preview Axl Rose's New Gig". Billboard. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
  363. "Coachella 2016: Guns N' Roses Bring Out AC/DC's Angus Young to Preview Axl Rose's New Gig". Billboard.
  364. "Ac/Dc Jam With Rolling Stones At Sydney Gig - Blabbermouth.net". BLABBERMOUTH.NET.
  365. "20 Things We Learned During Axl Rose's New Q&A Session". Ultimate Classic Rock. 8 June 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  366. SLash in first Int.
  367. Adler reuintes with GNR in Cincy
  368. Adler joines GNR onstage
  369. http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/steven-adler-back-on-stage-with-guns-n-roses-in-nashville-video-photos/ STEVEN ADLER Back On Stage With GUNS N' ROSES In Nashville; Video, Photos
  370. http://loudwire.com/steven-adler-joins-guns-n-roses-onstage-los-angeles/ Steven Adler Joins Guns N’ Roses Onstage in Los Angeles
  371. http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/steven-adler-rejoins-guns-n-roses-on-stage-in-buenos-aires-video// STEVEN ADLER Rejoins GUNS N' ROSES On Stage In Buenos Aires (Video)
  372. http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/steven-adler-performs-my-michelle-with-guns-n-roses-at-second-buenos-aires-concert-video/// STEVEN ADLER Performs 'My Michelle' With GUNS N' ROSES At Second Buenos Aires Concert (Video)
  373. Runtagh, Jordan (September 27, 2013). "Beginner's Luck: The 50 best-selling debut records in music history". VH1. Viacom Media Networks. Archived from the original on October 1, 2013. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  374. Davis, Stephen (2008). Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses. Penguin Group. p. 84. ISBN 978-1-59240-377-6.|quote=Guns N' Roses looked and sounded like the Next Big Thing ... Joe Perry later said that Guns N' Roses was the first band since Led Zeppelin that made him think of Led Zeppelin}
  375. "Ozzy says 'Crucify The Dead' lyrics are what he would say to Axl Rose if he were Slash". Blabbermouth.net. May 28, 2010. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  376. Robb, John (December 1, 2012). Punk Rock: An Oral History. PM Press. pp. 538–. ISBN 978-1-60486-005-4. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
  377. Daly, Joe (October 29, 2011). "Joe Daly - TNB Music Chats with Duff McKagan". thenervousbreakdown.com. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  378. Hiatt, Brian (August 9, 2007). "Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite for Destruction': Filthy, Sexy, Cool". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
  379. Hall, Steve; Hayes, Steve; Manus, Ron (January 1, 1997). Basix essential licks for guitar. Alfred Music Publishing. pp. 26–. ISBN 978-0-88284-743-6. Retrieved August 14, 2015.
  380. Lol Henderson; Lee Stacey (January 27, 2014). Encyclopedia of Music in the 20th Century. Routledge. p. 281. ISBN 978-1-135-92946-6.
  381. Nathan Brackett; Christian David Hoard (2004). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide. Simon and Schuster. pp. 350–. ISBN 978-0-7432-0169-8. Hard rock seemed so dumb until Guns N' Roses attacked it with smarts, snot, and vitrol, cutting through a decade of hair spray with one nasty punch
  382. Slash; Anthony Bozza (October 30, 2007). Slash. HarperCollins. pp. 110–111. ISBN 978-0-06-135142-6.
  383. Steven Adler; Lawrence J. Spagnola (July 27, 2010). My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N' Roses. HarperCollins. pp. 94–95. ISBN 978-0-06-191711-0.
  384. DK Music: Heavy Rock: Guitar Heroes. DK Publishing. October 1, 2013. pp. 331–. ISBN 978-1-4654-2126-5. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  385. Eddy, Chuck (July 2008). Spin: Hair Metal Essentials. SPIN Media LLC. pp. 105–. ISSN 0886-3032. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  386. Amy Wallace; Dick Manitoba (January 2007). The Official Punk Rock Book of Lists. Backbeat Books. pp. 201–. ISBN 978-0-87930-919-0.
  387. Abbott, Jim (November 26, 1993). "Here's what's new in the record racks:Guns N' Roses". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  388. 1 2 Patterson, Dayal (December 23, 2008). "The Quietus - Opinion - In Defence Of ... - Guns N'Roses and Chinese Democracy". The Quietus. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  389. Empire, Kitty (November 22, 2008). "CD of the week: Guns N' Roses: Chinese Democracy". The Observer. London. Observer Review section, p. 19. Retrieved March 25, 2013.
  390. Ressner, Jeffrey (January 9, 1992). "Queen singer is rock's first major AIDS casualty". Rolling Stone (621). p. 13. Archived from the original on March 12, 2007.
  391. Fink, Jesse (August 5, 2014). The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC. St. Martin's Press. p. 21. ISBN 978-1-4668-6520-4. Matt Sorum: "Guns N' Roses always looked to all the great bands as influences, AC/DC at the top of that list"
  392. Wall 2008, p. unknown
  393. 1 2 Stenning, Paul (2005). Guns N' Roses: The Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography. Chrome Dreams. p. 95. ISBN 978-1-84240-314-3. "Our basic root is hard rock, a bit heavier than the Stones, more in a vein like Aerosmith
  394. Stenning 2005, p. 30
  395. "Rose Tattoo's Pete Wells Dies". Billboard.com. March 28, 2006. Retrieved May 19, 2015. "Rose Tattoo's influence later became apparent on U.S. rock combos like Guns N' Roses, who covered its track "Nice Boys (Don't Play Rock'n'Roll)".
  396. "AllMusic - Appetite For Destruction". All Media Guide. Retrieved July 19, 2007.
  397. "The glam wizardry of Marc Bolan, from solo to T. Rex". Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  398. Greer, Jim (April 1992). 7 Greatest Bands of All Time: Sex Pistols. SPIN Media LLC. pp. 4–. ISSN 0886-3032. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  399. Stenning, Paul (2005). Guns N' Roses: The Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography. Chrome Dreams. p. 96. ISBN 978-1-84240-314-3. Axl was also succinct in admitting his other influences ... Along with ELO and Queen, Elton John was responsible for Guns N' Roses progression.
  400. Zutaut, Tom (March 2008). "GN'R Exclusive! Psychic Tests! Pet Wolves! Chicken Coops! CHINESE DEMOCRACY. The Unbelievable true story - told for the first time.". Classic Rock Magazine. TeamRock (116). The first task set to [Zutaut] by [Axl] was to help with the drum sound for the album's title track. Axl had told the studio guys that he wanted the same drum sound as Dave Grohl on Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit
  401. Macgregor, Jody (February 28, 2013). "In Defence Of: Guns N' Roses 'Chinese Democracy'". FasterLouder. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  402. Paphides, Pete (May 25, 2008). "Hidden Tracks - record-review". Hidden Tracks. Retrieved August 12, 2015.
  403. Powers, Ann, Review: Chinese Democracy, Los Angeles Times, Retrieved on April 9, 2010
  404. "Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz: 'Why are we the only band willing to save rock'n'roll?'". Nme.com. April 20, 2013. Retrieved February 25, 2014.
  405. Moss, Corey (January 3, 2006). "MTVNews.com: Avenged Sevenfold: Appetite For Destruction". mtv.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2015. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  406. Lynch, Joe (August 20, 2013). "Track-By-Track Breakdown: Avenged Sevenfold's 'Hail to the King'". Fuse. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  407. Prato, Greg (April 1, 2009). Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music. ECW Press. pp. 94–. ISBN 978-1-55490-347-4.
  408. Erickson, Anne (November 30, 2011). "Buckcherry's Keith Nelson on New Album, Axl Rose and Gibson Guitars". gibson.com. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  409. Levine, Nick (May 8, 2007). "Hinder". Digital Spy. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  410. "Hinder Pays Tribute To Its Influences In 'Put That Record On' Video". Blabbermouth.net. November 18, 2010. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  411. Power, Martin (June 1, 2012). Nailed to History: The Story of the Manic Street Preachers. Music Sales Group. pp. 50–. ISBN 978-0-85712-776-1.
  412. Zaleski, Annie (April 12, 2012). "Stop teasing Axl Rose". salon.com. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  413. Dave Acosta (August 30, 2015). "Q&A: Bullet For My Valentine frontman Mathew Tuck". The Beat. Archived from the original on August 31, 2015. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  414. "ZAKK WYLDE On GUNS N' ROSES Appetite For Destruction - "It's Beyond Iconic; Every Song Is Just Phenomenal"". bravewords.com. February 15, 2014. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  415. 1 2 Rolling Stone staff; Joe Perry (March 24, 2004). "100 Greatest Artists: Number 92: Guns n' Roses". Rolling Stone Issue 946. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  416. Q Magazine Staff (September 2002). "50 Bands to See Before You Die". Q MAGAZINE ISSUE 194. Bauer Media Group.
  417. "AmIAnnoying.com - Q Magazine's 50 Bands You Must See Before You Die". amiannoying.com. 2001. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  418. "VH1: '100 Greatest Hard Rock Artists': 1-50". 2000. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  419. "VH1 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time". Stereogum.com. September 3, 2010. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  420. "Guns N' Roses, 'Appetite for Destruction'". Rolling Stone. May 31, 2012. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  421. Smith, Ben (November 7, 2012). "Countdown America's Hard 100 (COMPLETE LIST)". VH1.com. Viacom. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  422. McKinley, James C. (December 7, 2011). "Rock Hall Welcomes Guns N' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Beastie Boys". The New York Times.
  423. Sherwin, Adam (November 11, 2012). "Duff McKagan: The man who went from Guns N' Roses to accountancy". London: The Independent. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  424. "Top Selling Artists". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  425. Ryckert, Dan (April 30, 2011). "Explanation Revealed For Guns N' Roses Being Mega Man X5 Bosses". www.GameInformer.com. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  426. Wall, Mick (February 5, 2008). W.A.R.: The Unauthorized Biography of William Axl Rose. St. Martin's Press. p. 127. ISBN 978-1-4299-2884-7. Controversy was more than just part of the act, it seemed.
  427. 1 2 Phillips, William; Cogan, Brian (2009). Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Music. Greenwood Press. p. 19. ISBN 978-0-313-34800-6. Retrieved July 10, 2015. Drugs were also certainly a major factory, especially in bands such as Guns N' Roses and Motley Crue, whose members notoriously struggled with both problems for year
  428. Williams, Juan (October 15, 1989). "Essay: Fighting Words". Washington Post. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  429. 1 2 "Thank Heaven for Nirvana". Big O. February 13, 1992. Retrieved September 5, 2015. Guns N' Roses are promoting wrong values like sexism and the way they do drugs
  430. DeGroot, Joey (July 10, 2014). "12 Artists With Huge Gaps Between Albums: Guns N' Roses, The Eagles, And More". Music Times. Retrieved July 3, 2015.
  431. Goldstein, Patrick (October 15, 1989). "Behind the Guns N' Roses Racism Furor : The continuing debate over whether the band's song, 'One in a Million,' promotes bigotry". latimes. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  432. Pareles, Jon (September 15, 1991). "Guns 'n' Roses Against the (Expletive) World". New York Times. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
  433. "Guns N' Roses in Manson flap - Entertainment News, Music News, Media - Variety". Variety. December 2, 1993. Archived from the original on May 4, 2009. Retrieved May 1, 2009.
  434. Queenan, Joe (September 30, 1991). "Misfit Metalheads". TIME.com. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  435. Jae-Ha Kim (May 19, 1991). "Guns N' Roses' lyrics become secondary to incendiary sound". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  436. Blatt, Ruth. "How Being Late And Volatile Was Axl Rose's Contribution To The Guns N' Roses Brand". Forbes. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  437. "Bumblefoot 'Had The Hardest Time' Dealing With Guns N' Roses' Concert Tardiness". Blabbermouth.net. September 20, 2013. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  438. "Guns N' Roses forever late-blooming when it comes to taking the stage on time". tribunedigital-chicagotribune. November 14, 2011. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  439. Adam Bychawski (March 20, 2012). "Reading And Leeds Festivals boss: 'I wouldn't book the current Guns N' Roses again'". NME. UK. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  440. Kearney, Christine (October 6, 2009). "Guns N' Roses Sued for Copying Songs". Billboard.
  441. John D. Luerssen (October 7, 2009). "Guns N' Roses Respond to Plagiarism Lawsuit". spinner.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011.
  442. "內地封殺 GN'R 唱片" [Mainland blocked GN'R album]. Apple Daily (in Chinese). China: Next Media. November 24, 2008. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  443. "China Bans Democracy, Declares War on Guns N' Roses - David Flumenbaum". The Huffington Post. November 24, 2008. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  444. "'Venomous' Guns N' Roses album slammed in China". CNN.com. Archived from the original on March 10, 2009. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
  445. Bodeen, Christopher (November 25, 2008). "Rock album 'an attack on China'". London: The Independent. Retrieved November 25, 2008.
  446. 1 2 "Guns N' Roses". Rock on the Net.
  447. "16th American Music Awards". Retrieved October 16, 2008.
  448. "17th American Music Awards". Rock on the Net. Retrieved October 16, 2008.
  449. "19th American Music Awards". Rock on the Net. Retrieved October 16, 2008.
  450. "1988 Video Music Awards". MTV. Retrieved October 16, 2008.
  451. "1989 Video Music Awards". MTV. Retrieved October 16, 2008.
  452. "1991 Video Music Awards". MTV. Retrieved October 16, 2008.
  453. "1992 Video Music Awards". MTV. Retrieved October 16, 2008.
  454. "World Music Awards - 1993 - Winners & Nominees". Retrieved September 19, 2015.

Bibliography

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 12/4/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.