How Old is Guns N’ Roses?
Guns N’ Roses is one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time, with a legacy that spans over three decades. But just how old is Guns N’ Roses?
The Early Days: 1985-1986
Guns N’ Roses was formed in 1985 in Los Angeles, California by guitarist Tracii Guns. However, the band didn’t gain its classic lineup until 1986 when Axl Rose (vocals), Izzy Stradlin (rhythm guitar), Slash (lead guitar), Duff McKagan (bass), and Steven Adler (drums) came together to form the band that would become Guns N’ Roses.
The Formation: 1986-1987
The early years of Guns N’ Roses were marked by hard partying, reckless behavior, and a relentless drive to make music. During this period, the band played numerous gigs on the Sunset Strip, developing their unique sound and earning a reputation as one of the most exciting new rock bands in LA. (Source: Rolling Stone)
The Rise to Fame: 1987-1991
Guns N’ Roses’ debut album, Appetite for Destruction, was released in 1987 to critical acclaim and commercial success. The album sold over 30 million copies worldwide and spawned hits like "Sweet Child O’ Mine", "Welcome to the Jungle", and "November Rain".
The band’s success led to a series of tours and performances, including the famous 1988 Monumental Tour alongside Jane’s Addiction and Soundgarden. The success of Appetite for Destruction also led to the band signing a lucrative deal with Geffen Records.
Chaos and Turmoil: 1991-1996
The mid-to-late 1990s were marked by tension and turmoil within the band. Slash, McKagan, and Adler departed the band in 1996, citing creative and personal differences with Rose. The remaining members formed the band Velvet Revolver, while Rose embarked on a solo career with several collaborators.
Reunion and New Music: 2001-2019
In 2001, Guns N’ Roses announced a reunion, with Rose, Slash, McKagan, and bassist Tommy Stinson taking the stage at the Coachella music festival. The reunion was met with massive critical and commercial success, with the band going on to release the long-awaited album Chinese Democracy in 2008.
Since then, Guns N’ Roses has been on several world tours, performing in front of millions of fans worldwide. The Not in This Lifetime… Tour, which kicked off in 2016, grossed over $500 million and became one of the highest-grossing tours of all time**.
Current Status: 2020-Present
Guns N’ Roses is currently on a massive world tour, Celebrating in Style: An Evening of Guns N’ Roses, which includes sold-out shows in some of the world’s most iconic venues. A new album is rumored to be in the works, but no official release date has been announced.
Statistics and Milestones
| Year | Album/EP | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Appetite for Destruction | Over 30 million copies worldwide |
| 1991 | G N’ R Lies | Over 4 million copies worldwide |
| 1994 | "The Spaghetti Incident?" | Over 4 million copies worldwide |
| 2008 | Chinese Democracy | Over 6 million copies worldwide |
- Most popular songs:
- "Sweet Child O’ Mine" (100 million+ views on YouTube)
- "Welcome to the Jungle" (50 million+ views on YouTube)
- "November Rain" (50 million+ views on YouTube)
Conclusion
Guns N’ Roses is one of the most enduring and successful rock bands of all time, with a career spanning over three decades. From their humble beginnings as a fledgling LA band to their status as global superstars, Guns N’ Roses has achieved an incredible amount of success and acclaim. The band’s music has left an indelible mark on the rock music genre, and their influence can still be felt today.
How old is Guns N’ Roses?
Guns N’ Roses was formed in 1985, but it didn’t gain its classic lineup until 1986. The band has undergone many changes and lineup changes since then, but it’s been over 30 years since the band first burst onto the scene, making them one of the most enduring and influential rock bands of all time.
