Who Opened for Guns N’ Roses?
Guns N’ Roses is one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, known for their energetic live performances and hit songs like "Sweet Child O’ Mine" and "November Rain". Throughout their career, they have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with many talented opening acts. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the notable bands and artists who have opened for Guns N’ Roses over the years.
Early Days (1985-1987)
During their early days, Guns N’ Roses was still an up-and-coming band, playing small clubs and bars in Los Angeles. One of their earliest opening acts was Poison, who would go on to achieve mainstream success with hits like "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" and "Talk Dirty to Me". Other early opening acts included L.A. Guns, Faster Pussycat, and Warrant, all of whom were part of the same LA rock scene as Guns N’ Roses.
Appetite for Destruction Tour (1987-1988)
After the release of their debut album Appetite for Destruction, Guns N’ Roses embarked on a world tour that would cement their status as one of the hottest new bands in rock. Some of the notable opening acts on this tour included Skid Row, The Black Crowes, and The Cult. Skid Row, in particular, was a great fit for Guns N’ Roses, as their hard-hitting rock sound and energetic live performances resonated with fans of the headlining act.
Use Your Illusion Tour (1991-1993)
The Use Your Illusion Tour was a massive undertaking that saw Guns N’ Roses playing to sold-out crowds around the world. The tour featured a diverse range of opening acts, including Soundgarden, Faith No More, and Alice in Chains. Soundgarden, in particular, was a great fit for Guns N’ Roses, as their heavy, grunge-influenced sound and powerful vocals complemented the headlining act’s own hard rock style.
The Spaghetti Incident? Tour (1994)
After the Use Your Illusion Tour, Guns N’ Roses took a break from the road, during which time they released the EP The Spaghetti Incident?. The subsequent tour featured a more low-key lineup of opening acts, including Primal Scream and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Primal Scream, in particular, was a great fit for Guns N’ Roses, as their blend of rock and dance music resonated with fans of the headlining act.
Chinese Democracy Tour (2006-2010)
After a long hiatus, Guns N’ Roses returned to the road in 2006, with a new lineup and a new album, Chinese Democracy. The tour featured a diverse range of opening acts, including Velvet Revolver, The Bronx, and The Mars Volta. Velvet Revolver, in particular, was a great fit for Guns N’ Roses, as their hard-hitting rock sound and energetic live performances resonated with fans of the headlining act.
Notable Opening Acts
Here are some of the most notable opening acts who have shared the stage with Guns N’ Roses over the years:
- Poison: One of the earliest opening acts for Guns N’ Roses, Poison went on to achieve mainstream success with hits like "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" and "Talk Dirty to Me".
- Skid Row: A great fit for Guns N’ Roses, Skid Row’s hard-hitting rock sound and energetic live performances resonated with fans of the headlining act.
- Soundgarden: Soundgarden’s heavy, grunge-influenced sound and powerful vocals complemented Guns N’ Roses’ own hard rock style.
- Velvet Revolver: Velvet Revolver’s hard-hitting rock sound and energetic live performances resonated with fans of Guns N’ Roses.
- Foo Fighters: Foo Fighters, led by Dave Grohl, have opened for Guns N’ Roses on several occasions, and have also been influenced by the band’s music.
- Queen of the Stone Age: Queens of the Stone Age, led by Josh Homme, have opened for Guns N’ Roses on several occasions, and have also been influenced by the band’s music.
Table: Notable Opening Acts
| Opening Act | Years | Notable Songs |
|---|---|---|
| Poison | 1985-1987 | "Every Rose Has Its Thorn", "Talk Dirty to Me" |
| Skid Row | 1987-1988 | "I Remember You", "18 and Life" |
| Soundgarden | 1991-1993 | "Black Hole Sun", "Spoonman" |
| Velvet Revolver | 2006-2010 | "Slither", "Fall to Pieces" |
| Foo Fighters | 1995-1997 | "Everlong", "My Hero" |
| Queens of the Stone Age | 2002-2006 | "No One Knows", "Go with the Flow" |
Conclusion
Guns N’ Roses has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with many talented opening acts over the years. From early days opening for Poison and Skid Row, to later tours featuring Soundgarden and Velvet Revolver, the band has consistently been able to find great fits for their energetic live performances. Whether you’re a fan of hard rock, grunge, or alternative music, there’s no denying the impact that Guns N’ Roses has had on the music world.
