Most casual music listeners are familiar with Guns N’ Roses (GnR) and their hit song ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ but their importance in music culture runs much deeper. Since the band’s formation in 1985, the members of Guns N’ Roses have created a hard hitting sound and distinctive image that has left an indelible mark on the music world. By revisiting Guns N’ Roses role in the culture of their time, and their continuing legacy, one can accurately claim that GnR are some of the most important figures in music history.
Early Origins of Guns N’ Roses
When the members of Guns N’ Roses first came together, they were taking influence from the early punk rock and glam metal bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Among the bands that GnR drew influence from included The Sex Pistols, Hanoi Rocks and Aerosmith. On the subject of their influence, lead singer Axl Rose said, “We never wanted to be The Sex Pistols and yet with some of those early songs, it’s inescapable—at least from our point of view. We wanted to be something more, but that was the frame of reference we had.” Several elements of punk rock, such as its attitude, its anti-establishment and indie music sensibilities, and its primitive and stripped-down sound, all carry over into early Guns N’ Roses and heavily contributed to their success.
Guns N’ Roses Significance to Hollywood Rock
With the release of their debut studio album ‘Appetite for Destruction’ in 1987, Guns N’ Roses rose to become one of the leading proponents of the so-called “Hollywood Rock” scene, helping to popularize the genre. The album sold over 30 million copies worldwide and earned the band reputation as some of the hardest-hitting and most untamed artists in the music business. Guns N’ Roses were particularly successful in Europe, where they were well received by fans of hard rock and the UK music press promoted them extensively.
GnR played a pivotal role in the popularization of long hair, leather, tattoos, and piercings, which became part of the rock image for the next decade. In addition, the members of Guns N’ Roses were the poster children of the excesses associated with the Los Angeles music scene, becoming well known for their hard-partying lifestyle and wild performances, which added to their tough image.
The Evolution of Guns N Roses Style
The sound of Guns N’ Roses evolved significantly over the years. The band’s early catalogue consists of hard rock and punk-influenced material. As they progressed, they often incorporated elements of blues, funk, and metal. Most significantly, they produced some of the first power ballads, introducing a softer, slower sound to their repertoire. This would become a staple of rock music in the years to follow.
Guns N’ Roses Impact on the Music Industry
The impact of Guns N’ Roses is multi-faceted. From a mainstream standpoint, they are one of the most commercially successful rock bands of all time. Their 1991 album ‘Use Your Illusion I & II’ is one of the best selling albums of all time, selling 30 million records worldwide. They have also won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. Beyond commercial success, Guns N’ Roses had a revolutionary influence on rock music and their influence can still be heard in the music of many modern bands.
Guns N’ Roses Cultural Legacy
Guns N’ Roses songs have a recurring theme of alienation, which can be seen from vocals about hard living and are evident in their style of dress and performance. This has significantly contributed to the band’s cultural legacy and the lasting popularity of their music. Over the years the band has gained a reputation for being some of the most rebellious and unpredictable musicians around. They have helped give a voice to many fans who have felt alienated, connecting with their raw lyrics and tough image. Furthermore, Guns N’ Roses has greatly influenced other musicians with their unique sound and anti-establishment values. Many of the attitudes they championed have found an echo in generations of modern bands.
Guns N’ Roses Everyday Appeal
The everyday appeal of Guns N’ Roses is undeniable. They have built a reputation as renegades without rules and their music speaks to generations of fans who have felt excluded by the mainstream. It is this connection as outsiders which has helped Guns N’ Roses maintain their relevance in pop culture, even as the musical landscape has shifted and changed significantly over the years. The band still tours around the world, receiving adoration from millions of fans and their music continues to sell well, earning them no small measure of respect. Recognizing their significance in the music world, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Guns N’ Roses in 2012.
Guns N’ Roses Contribution to Music Videos
Guns N’ Roses has also made a substantial contribution to the world of music videos. Their music videos for ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ and ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ are iconic, and remain highly influential in the genre. Both videos stand out for their use of special effects and narrative. The ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ video is particularly noteworthy for its use of quick edits and the incorporation of interview segments with the band. ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ was influential because it was one of the first videos to make use of the now standard “band performance” format. Both videos remain amongst the most successful music videos of all time.
Guns N’ Roses Influence on Fashion
The Guns N’ Roses influence can also be seen in the world of fashion. Their signature style is often emulated by fans, particularly those who want to express the rebellious attitude trademarked by the band. Their style of dress, which consists of black leather, ripped jeans, and skull-and-crossbone t-shirts, has become a permanent fixture of the grunge look. The iconic band logo has also become a popular choice for tattoo designs. In recent years, the band has released a series of clothing lines and promoted events like Runway Rocks, which celebrates the band’s unique style.
Guns N’ Roses Impact on Music Festivals
Guns N’ Roses also had a substantial influence on the music festival scene. During their career, they mounted several large-scale tours throughout the world, often attracting huge crowds. Their shows have become legendary for their mix of energy, chaos, and thrilling performances. This energy has been increasingly evident at their live shows, where the band has consistently delivered some of the best concerts of their career. In recent years, GnR has also headlined several prominent music festivals, attracting thousands of fans to each event.
Guns N’ Roses Continued Legacy
Guns N’ Roses have cemented their status as one of the most influential bands of all time, despite the band’s various lineup changes and ups and downs. In recent years, the band has launched a highly successful reunion tour, which has reignited public interest in their music. Despite their considerable success and influence, the members of Guns N’ Roses remain humble, understanding their music is much bigger than the individuals that created it. Their songs continue to inspire young music fans and their relevance continues to grow as they enter the digital age.
