Band members
Guns N’ Roses are an American hard rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1985. The band is composed of vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Richard Fortus, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer Frank Ferrer. The classic lineup of Axl, Slash, McKagan and Matt Sorum as the drummer, featured in the Hollywood-fuelled albums Appetite for Destruction released in 1987, and its twin albums, Use Your Illusion released in 1991. The current lineup features some high-profile musicians, including former Buckethead lead guitarist Richard Fortus, the mixing aficionado Frank Ferrer currently handling drums, and Swedish drummer Tommy Stinson, who holds the official bassist job following Michael Anthony.
The Classic Lineup
Lead singer Axl Rose and guitarist Saul “Slash” Hudson were the driving force behind Guns N’ Roses. They met while performing in the band Hollywood Rose in the mid-1980s, and decided to form their own band when that group broke up. They recruited bassist Duff “Rose” McKagan and drummer Steven Adler before they recorded their famous first album, Appetite for Destruction.
This line-up was credited with writing and performing most of the songs on the album, including the hit single “Sweet Child O’ Mine”. They went on to record two more albums together, G N’ R Lies and Use Your Illusion I & II. They also had a hand in some of the soundtrack material from the band’s film, Live Era: ’87-’93.
Additional Members
Guns N’ Roses were joined by a number of additional members in the 1990s. These included rhythm guitarist Gilby Clarke, keyboardist Dizzy Reed, keyboardist Teddy ‘Ziggy’ Andreadis, and bassists Tommy Stinson and Mike Inez. These additional musicians contributed to the band’s albums, The Spaghetti Incident? and the cover song compilation Street of Dreams.
They also helped create the band’s biggest hit single, 1991’s “November Rain.” The song was a major success, spending 22 weeks on the U.S. Billboard hot 100 chart, eventually reaching the number 3 slot.
Reformation
After nearly a decade apart, current members Axl Rose, Slash, McKagan, and Richard Fortus reunited in 2015, and briefly toured over the course of the next year. During this time, they released the Appetite for Democracy boxed set, a collection of tracks recorded from their 2012 tour.
The reunited lovers went on to hit the road again for a highly ambitious co-headlining tour with fellow hard rock group, Aerosmith. Despite constant speculation about the tour’s many potential musical and business conflicts, the shows went relatively smoothly, with the reunited GNR band performing such rock anthems like “Paradise City,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and a cover of Led Zeppelin’s classic “Whole Lotta Love.”
Noteworthy Projects
The highly successful Appetite for Destruction was the debut album for the band, and the only album to feature the classic lineup. It reached #1 on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S., and went on to be certified Diamond. It is the highest selling debut album of all time in the U.S., and is credited with transforming hard rock and heavy metal into mainstream pop culture.
In 2016, the band released the critically acclaimed album Chinese Democracy, which included the hits “Civil War” and “Shackler’s Revenge.” It was their first studio album in 17 years, and was the first GNR album featuring the modern lineup. The album marked the first time in the history of rock music that a band has released a new album featuring their original lineup, after a full decade or more between records.
Fresh Talent
GNR introduced seven-string virtuoso and lead guitarist, Richard Fortus. The versatile musician has played in a number of notable bands including The Psychedelic Furs and Thin Lizzy, to name a few. He was brought in when current guitarist Slash decided to move onto his solo career, with Fortus filling in the lead guitar role in the band.
In addition to Fortus, drummer Frank Ferrer has been with the band since 2006. He has since become known as one of the most talented and versatile drummers in hard rock. His playing style is highly dynamic and technical, providing the powerhouse of rhythms the band is now known for.
Compilation Projects
Guns N’ Roses have released a number of compilation projects over the years, most notably The UYI Trilogy. This set includes the double albums Use Your Illusion I and II, Live at the Hard Rock, Tokyo Dome, and the massive video box-set Appetite For Democracy. The UYI Trilogy features rare concert footage from the band’s legendary 1992 Japan Tour, as well as live recordings of their most beloved hits.
In 2020 Guns N’ Roses released Libello Libero, a new seven-LP set that featured remastered versions of Appetite For Destruction, Use Your Illusion I & II, The Spaghetti Incident?, Lies and Greatest Hits. The collection also featured a previously unheard version of “Shadow Of Your Love” that was recorded during sessions for Appetite For Destruction, as well as bonus 7” Vinyl EP with an alternate version of “November Rain.”
Commercial Success
Despite the chaotic nature of the band’s early years, Guns N’ Roses have maintained a consistent level of commercial success over the decades. Since their formation in 1985, the band has sold over 100 million records worldwide, with over 40 million being sold in the U.S. alone. They are the seventh best-selling music artist in U.S. history.
The band’s music has also earned them five Grammy Awards and countless other accolades. They have been nominated for a total of eight Grammy Awards, winning five for their singles “November Rain,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and “Welcome to the Jungle,” as well as for their album Use Your Illusion II.
Touring Achievements
Guns N’ Roses have toured extensively throughout their entire career, including some of the largest-ever venues, most notably in 2003 when they performed at London’s Astoria Theatre for an audience of 18,000 people. They also performed at the famous 02 Arena in 2012, for an audience of nearly 60,000. The band has also performed on a number of the world’s largest and most famous stages, including Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl.
The band’s 2012 tour was one of their most successful, selling out nearly every venue they performed in. The sheer size and scale of their shows makes them one of the most impressive live acts in hard rock music.
Influence
Guns N’ Roses has been credited with not only revolutionizing the sound of heavy metal music in the late 1980s, but also paving the way for a new generation of heavy metal bands, such as Metallica and Nirvana. The influence of the band’s musical style can still be heard today in a number of bands, from newcomers to veteran acts.
The band’s influence extends beyond music, and into the realm of fashion. They are often credited with helping popularize the sleeve tattoo look that went on to influence many fashion trends in the decade that followed.
Social Media Presence
Guns N’ Roses’ social media presence continues to grow with each passing year, often with lead singer Axl Rose taking center stage on Twitter. The band has over five million followers on Twitter and continues to grow their presence on the platform with their unique mix of classic GNR content and behind-the-scenes updates.
The band also has a YouTube channel which contains footage and content from their lengthy career, including their 2019 tour documental Not In This Lifetime. This account has gained over four million subscribers and has become a fan favorite for die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
Live Performances
Guns N’ Roses’ live performances have become legendary. The band is well-known for its energetic, powerful performances, and their classic lineup was credited with creating a hard rock show that was second-to-none. Their live performances never disappoint and continue to draw huge crowds from all over the world.
The band incorporates all of its classic material into live performances, and can always be expected to throw in a few surprises. They are renowned for their epic encores, which feature some of the band’s most recognizable tracks including “Paradise City” and “November Rain”.
Legacy
Guns N’ Roses are a band with a lasting legacy. The band’s influence can still be heard in riffs of modern rock,
