Guns N' Roses
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About Guns N' Roses
Following the group’s 1985 formation, Guns N’ Roses injected unbridled, unrivaled, and unstoppable attitude into the burgeoning Los Angeles rock scene. The spirit went on to captivate the entire world with the release of their 1987 debut Appetite for Destruction –the best-selling U.S. debut ever, moving 30 million copies globally. In 1991, the seven-time platinum Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II occupied the top two spots of the Billboard Top 200 upon release. Over the course of the past decade, Guns N’ Roses have performed sold out shows and headlined festivals worldwide following the critically acclaimed release of 2008’s RIAA platinum-certified Chinese Democracy. Six studio albums later, Guns N’ Roses are one of the most important and influential acts in music history and continue to set the benchmark for live performances connecting with millions of fans across the globe.
Guns N’ Roses
While many bands and artists struggle to stay relevant as musical tastes change from one decade to the next, Guns N’ Roses is one band that has never had this problem. Since their formation in 1985, this heavy metal and hard rock band has become a household name worldwide.1
The band’s popularity has even led to the creation of many tribute acts and cover bands, even as the band has continued to perform and release new music.2
If you’re dreaming of seeing this iconic band in person, get your Guns N’ Roses tickets at AXS.
Guns N’ Roses’ Background
Guns N’ Roses was founded in Los Angeles in 1985 by vocalist Axl Rose, guitarist Izzy Stradlin, guitarist Tracii Guns, bass guitarist Ole Beich, and drummer Rob Gardner.1 The band got its name from the two bands that the four founding members were already a part of: Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns.3
Before the band could ever produce a song, the lineup would change. After a series of lineup changes, Duff McKagan joined on bass and Steven Adler on drums.3
The band debuted with their first album, Appetite for Destruction, in 1987.1 The album was an instant success, eventually selling more than 17 million copies.1
Guns N’ Roses’ Awards
Over several decades of making music, Guns N’ Roses has won a number of awards and many nominations.
- American Music Awards - Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist (1990): The band took home this award at the same time as the award for the Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album for their work on Appetite for Destruction.4
- MTV Video Music Awards - Best New Artist in a Video (1988): The year after their first album release, Guns N’ Roses won this award for their video, Welcome to the Jungle.4
- MTV Video Music Awards - Best Heavy Metal Video (1989): A year after their first MTV award, the band won again, this time taking home the award for the video for their song, Sweet Child O’ Mine.4
Guns N’ Roses’ Biggest Hits
Over several decades, Guns N’ Roses has had a number of big hits, including albums and individual songs.
- Sweet Child O’ Mine (1988): Released in 1988, Sweet Child O’ Mine spent 24 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including two weeks in the top spot.5
- Appetite for Destruction (1987): The band’s first album, which featured one of their biggest hits, Welcome to the Jungle, was an instant success, spending an incredible 261 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, including five weeks in the top position.5
- Use Your Illusion II (1991): Several years after the band’s debut, this album, which included the lead single, You Could Be Mine, spent 106 weeks on the Billboard 200, including two weeks in the top spot.
See Guns N’ Roses Live
Decades after the band was formed, Guns N’ Roses continues to tour, selling out stadiums and playing at major music festivals.6 Their shows are high-energy, classic rock shows, often going three hours or longer, and including a mix of their classic songs and newer releases.
If you are hoping to catch the band at an upcoming concert, get your Guns N’ Roses tickets at AXS.