Guns N’ Roses is one of the biggest names in modern rock. This band helped shape the music scene for this generation and for generations to come. Even today, they continue to light the world on fire with their music.
Here’s how Guns N’ Roses became an iconic band.
1. They started as two bands that combined into one.
Before they were playing with Guns N’ Roses, Izzy Stradlin and Tracii Guns were roommates who played for different bands. However, when Guns’s band L.A. Guns needed a new vocalist, Stradlin suggested Axl Rose, the lead singer of his band Hollywood Rose.
The bands joined forces, adopting the name Guns N’ Roses. Guns was replaced by former Hollywood Rose member Slash.
2. They started touring from the get-go.
As soon as the band had a lineup in place, they hit the road. Guns N’ Roses played all up and down the West Coast, naming their adventure the “Hell Tour.” The band quickly became a big deal in the Hollywood club scene, catching the attention of several major record labels.
They signed with Geffen Records in 1986.
3. TV placement led to a major breakthrough.
Appetite for Destruction, the band’s debut album, sat quietly in a corner for about a year before it received much attention. The album’s lead single, “Welcome To The Jungle,” stayed next to it until the band’s manager personally convinced MTV to pick up the song’s accompanying music video.
It wasn’t long before heavy metal and rock fans were requesting the video to be played more often.
Today, Guns N’ Roses remains one of the best-selling bands of all time. Despite several changes the original lineup, the band still revels in immense popularity across the globe.
Also published on Medium.