View source for Guns N' Roses

{{Short description|American rock band}}
{{Redirect|Guns and Roses}}
{{protection padlock|reason=Persistent [[WP:Disruptive editing|disruptive editing]]: enough is enough. |small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Guns N' Roses
| image             = Glasto2023 Guns 'N' Roses (sans Dave Grohl).jpg
| caption           = Guns N' Roses at [[Glastonbury Festival 2023]]. From left to right: [[Dizzy Reed]], [[Richard Fortus]], [[Duff McKagan]], [[Axl Rose]], [[Slash (musician)|Slash]], [[Melissa Reese]] and [[Frank Ferrer]].
| landscape         = yes
| background        = group_or_band
| alias             = GNR
| origin            = [[Los Angeles]], California, U.S.
| genre             = <!-- Per discussion on talk page, hard rock and heavy metal to be only genres listed, other genres discussed in article-->{{flatlist|
* [[Hard rock]]
* [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]
}}
| works             = {{flatlist|
* [[Guns N' Roses discography|Discography]]
* [[List of songs recorded by Guns N' Roses|songs]]
}}
| years_active      = 1985–present
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[Geffen Records|Geffen]]
* [[Universal Music Group|UMG]]
* UZI Suicide
* Black Frog
}}
| spinoff_of        = {{flatlist|
* [[L.A. Guns]]
* [[Hollywood Rose]]
}}
| spinoffs          = {{flatlist|
* [[Slash's Snakepit]]
* [[Velvet Revolver]]
}}
| current_members   = * [[Axl Rose]]
* [[Duff McKagan]]
* [[Slash (musician)|Slash]]
* [[Dizzy Reed]]
* [[Richard Fortus]]
* [[Melissa Reese]]
* [[Isaac Carpenter (drummer)|Isaac Carpenter]]
| past_members      = * [[Izzy Stradlin]]
* [[Rob Gardner (musician)|Rob Gardner]]
* [[Tracii Guns]]
* [[Ole Beich]]
* [[Steven Adler]]
* [[Matt Sorum]]
* [[Gilby Clarke]]
* [[Paul Tobias]]
* [[Robin Finck]]
* [[Josh Freese]]
* [[Tommy Stinson]]
* [[Chris Pitman]]
* [[Buckethead]]
* [[Brain (musician)|Brain]]
* [[Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal]]
* [[Frank Ferrer]]
* [[DJ Ashba]]
| website           = {{URL|gunsnroses.com}}
}}

'''Guns N' Roses'''{{efn|Also stylized as '''Guns 'N' Roses''', and often abbreviated as '''GNR'''}} is an American [[hard rock]] band formed in [[Los Angeles]], California in 1985 as a merger of local bands [[L.A. Guns]] and [[Hollywood Rose]]. When they signed to [[Geffen Records]] in 1986, the band's "classic" line-up consisted of vocalist [[Axl Rose]], lead guitarist [[Slash (musician)|Slash]], rhythm guitarist [[Izzy Stradlin]], bassist [[Duff McKagan]], and drummer [[Steven Adler]]. The current line-up consists of Rose, Slash, McKagan, guitarist [[Richard Fortus]], drummer [[Isaac Carpenter (drummer)|Isaac Carpenter]], and keyboardists [[Dizzy Reed]] and [[Melissa Reese]].

Guns N' Roses heavily toured the [[West Coast of the United States|West Coast]] club circuit during their early years. Their debut album ''[[Appetite for Destruction]]'' (1987), supported by the [[Appetite for Destruction Tour|eponymous tour]], failed to gain traction, debuting at number 182 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], until a year after its release when a grassroots campaign for the "[[Welcome to the Jungle]]" music video brought the band mainstream popularity. "Welcome to the Jungle" and "[[Paradise City]]" both became top 10 singles, with "[[Sweet Child o' Mine]]" becoming the band's only single to reach number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. The album has sold approximately 30 million copies worldwide, including 18 million units in the United States, making it the country's best-selling debut album and [[List of best-selling albums in the United States|eleventh-best-selling album]]. With their stylistic mix of [[punk rock]], [[blues rock]] and [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]], the band helped move mainstream rock away from the [[glam metal]] era of the mid-late 1980s. In addition, they are credited with revitalizing [[power ballads]] in rock. Their next studio album, ''[[G N' R Lies]]'' (1988) combined an early EP, ''[[Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide]]'' (1986), with new acoustic songs and reached number two on the ''Billboard'' 200, sold ten million copies worldwide (including five million in the U.S.), and included the top 5 hit "[[Patience (Guns N' Roses song)|Patience]]" and the controversial "[[One in a Million (Guns N' Roses song)|One in a Million]]". Adler was fired due to his drug addiction in 1990 and was replaced by [[Matt Sorum]].

The band's third and fourth albums, ''[[Use Your Illusion I]]'' and ''[[Use Your Illusion II]]'', recorded and released simultaneously in 1991, debuted at number two and number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 respectively and have sold a combined 35 million copies worldwide (including 14 million units in the U.S.). The ''Illusion'' albums included the lead single "[[You Could Be Mine]]", covers of "[[Live and Let Die (song)|Live and Let Die]]" and "[[Knockin' on Heaven's Door]]", and a trilogy of ballads ("[[Don't Cry]]", "[[November Rain]]", and "[[Estranged (song)|Estranged]]"), which featured [[List of most expensive music videos|notably high-budget music videos]]. The records were supported by the [[Use Your Illusion Tour]], a world tour that lasted from 1991 to 1993 and was amongst the [[List of most-attended concert tours|most-attended concert tours of all time]]. Stradlin abruptly left the band near the beginning of the tour in 1991, replaced by [[Gilby Clarke]]. The punk covers album ''[["The Spaghetti Incident?"]]'' (1993) was the last studio album to feature Stradlin and Sorum, the only to feature Clarke, and the last for Slash and McKagan before their initial departure. While mostly well-received, it was the band's worst-selling studio album to date and was not supported by a tour.

Progress on a follow-up album was hindered by creative differences and personal conflicts between Rose and other band members. Slash and McKagan departed the group, while Clarke and Sorum were dismissed. In 1998 Rose, Reed, guitarists [[Paul Tobias]] and [[Robin Finck]], bassist [[Tommy Stinson]], drummer [[Josh Freese]] and multi-instrumentalist [[Chris Pitman]] started writing and recording new songs, intending to record multiple albums. Guitarists [[Buckethead]], [[Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal]] and Fortus, and drummers [[Brain (musician)|Brain]] and [[Frank Ferrer]] all contributed as the band's line-up changed over the following decade. Their upcoming sixth studio album, ''[[Chinese Democracy]]'' (2008), was promoted with the expansive [[Chinese Democracy Tour]] (2001–2011). With Rose failing to deliver the album on schedule, Geffen released ''[[Greatest Hits (Guns N' Roses album)|Greatest Hits]]'' (2004), which became the 8th [[Billboard 200#Most weeks on the chart|longest-charting album]] in the history of the ''Billboard'' 200, reaching 631 weeks by July 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Simon Young |author2=Merlin Alderslade |date=March 3, 2023 |title=Here are the 20 longest-charting albums in the history of the Billboard 200 |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/here-are-the-20-longest-charting-albums-in-the-history-of-the-billboard-200 |website=loudersound |access-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=September 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908142529/https://www.loudersound.com/news/here-are-the-20-longest-charting-albums-in-the-history-of-the-billboard-200 |url-status=live }}</ref> The long-awaited ''Chinese Democracy'' was released in November 2008, featuring the [[Chinese Democracy (song)|title track]] as the lead single. Featuring [[Industrial music|industrial]] and [[electronic music|electronic]] influences, the album had an estimated $14 million in production costs, making it the [[List of most expensive albums|most expensive rock album]] in history. It debuted at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200 with a generally positive critical reception but undersold industry expectations. After years of publicly feuding with Rose, Slash and McKagan rejoined the band in 2016 for the quasi-reunion [[Not in This Lifetime... Tour]], which became one of the [[List of highest-grossing concert tours|highest-grossing concert tours of all time]], grossing over $584 million by its conclusion in 2019.

In their early years, the band's hedonism and rebelliousness drew comparisons to the early [[The Rolling Stones|Rolling Stones]] and earned them the nickname "the most dangerous band in the world". Significant controversy followed the band due to late show starts and riots (notably the 1991 [[Riverport riot]]), lyrics perceived as problematic, Rose's outspoken persona, several other members' drug and alcohol abuse issues, lawsuits, and public feuds with other artists. Several members of the band are considered among the best in their fields, with Rose considered one of the best vocalists, Slash as one of the best guitarists and McKagan as one of the best bassists by various publications. The band, specifically Rose, Stradlin, McKagan, Slash, Adler, Sorum and Reed, were inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in 2012. Guns N' Roses has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including 45 million in the United States, making them one of the [[List of best-selling music artists|best-selling bands in history]].

== History ==
=== Formation (1985–1986) ===
{{Main|Hollywood Rose|L.A. Guns}}
[[File:Gnr orig lineup.jpg|thumb|right|The original lineup of Guns N' Roses in March 1985. From left to right: [[Rob Gardner (musician)|Rob Gardner]], [[Izzy Stradlin]], [[Axl Rose]], [[Tracii Guns]] and [[Ole Beich]].]]
In 1983, guitarist [[Tracii Guns]] introduced guitarists [[Chris Weber]] and [[Izzy Stradlin]] to each other, leading the pair to form a band with Stradlin's childhood friend, [[Axl Rose]]. After several changes, the band's final name was [[Hollywood Rose]]. Guitarist [[Slash (musician)|Slash]] replaced Weber in the group before it broke up in 1984.

When Guns' own band, [[L.A. Guns]], needed a new vocalist, they hired Rose at the suggestion of Stradlin, who was living with Guns at the time.<ref name="tracii">{{Cite web |last=Dr. Rock |date=June 16, 2010 |title=Giving It Both Barrels: Dr Rock Takes On Tracii Guns Of The LA Guns |url=http://thequietus.com/articles/04450-dr-rock-tracii-guns-interview-la-guns-nikki-sixx-poison-guns-n-roses |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204102528/http://thequietus.com/articles/04450-dr-rock-tracii-guns-interview-la-guns-nikki-sixx-poison-guns-n-roses |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |access-date=June 9, 2015 |website=TheQuietus.com |quote=Guns: 'And then I lasted for about seven or eight months in that, and then Axl and I got into an extraordinary fight ... and we did two shows after that argument and then I left. It just wasn't fun anymore.'}}</ref><ref name="TRCIUG">{{Cite web |last=Rosen |first=Steven |date=October 11, 2017 |title=Tracii Guns: What Would GN'R Sound Like Had I Stayed in the Band |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/tracii_guns_what_would_gnr_sound_like_had_i_stayed_in_the_band.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206005933/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/tracii_guns_what_would_gnr_sound_like_had_i_stayed_in_the_band.html |archive-date=December 6, 2017 |access-date=December 5, 2017 |website=ultimate-guitar.com}}</ref> Rose and Stradlin reunited as Hollywood Rose for a show on January 1, 1985 with bassist Steve Darrow, Tracii Guns, and L.A. Guns drummer [[Rob Gardner (musician)|Rob Gardner]].

This led to Guns N' Roses being formed in March 1985 by Rose, rhythm guitarist Stradlin, lead guitarist Guns, Gardner on drums, and bassist [[Ole Beich]].<ref>{{harvnb|Berelian|2005|p=143}}</ref> Guns recalled the formation of the band in a 2019 interview, stating: "Axl got into an argument with our manager and our manager fired Axl but we all lived together so it was all really weird. So, that same night he got fired we started Guns N' Roses and I called Izzy the next day and said 'Hey, we are gonna start this new band called Guns N' Roses, do you want in?' It was as simple as that, no paint or cocaine involved."<ref name="EARLY">{{Cite web |last=Trunk |first=Eddie |date=August 12, 2019 |title=A member of Guns N 'Roses reveals who fired Axl Rose |url=https://classicrockworld.org/a-member-of-guns-n-roses-reveals-who-fired-axl-rose/ |website=[[Sirius XM]] |access-date=August 15, 2019 |archive-date=August 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815083709/https://classicrockworld.org/a-member-of-guns-n-roses-reveals-who-fired-axl-rose/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The band coined its name by combining the names of both previous groups; initially it was the name of a label they were going to release music on.<ref name="EARLY" /> Rejected names for the band included "Heads of Amazon" and "AIDS".<ref name="The Biography Channel" />

After the band's first two rehearsals, Beich was fired and replaced by [[Duff McKagan]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Cue |first=Raz |url=https://razcue.com/free-days/ |title=The Days of Guns, & Raz's |date=2017 |publisher=Luck University Press |isbn=10 0-9827103 |edition=1st |pages=198–199 |quote=After that second practice, another rehearsal was set for a tentative 'in a few days.' Ole neglected to tell anyone of his newest girlfriend, so when the next practice got scheduled, there was no way to get ahold of him. After three days of no one hearing from him, and rehearsal scheduled for the following evening, Izzy said, 'If Ole doesn't want to be in the band, there's a guy who lives across the street from me who'll do the show.' |access-date=October 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023203357/https://razcue.com/free-days/ |archive-date=October 23, 2022 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lerche |first=Otto |date=September 28, 2008 |title=Historien om Ole fra Guns N' Roses |trans-title=The story of Ole from Guns N 'Roses |url=http://politiken.dk/kultur/ECE573660/historien-om-ole-fra-guns-n-roses/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603234132/https://politiken.dk/kultur/art5475509/Historien-om-Ole-fra-Guns-N-Roses |archive-date=June 3, 2017 |access-date=June 9, 2015 |website=politiken.dk |language=da |quote=According to Rob Gardner, Tracii and Axl set aside the Danish bassist, and when he subsequently did not change, they threw him out. Ole Beich himself has more explanations of the breach. To some of his friends, he explains that he was thrown out because he went to a concert instead of practicing Guns N 'Roses. The concert was canceled, but the others were unsure of Ole's lack of commitment and threw him out.}}</ref> The first rehearsal with McKagan was recorded and three songs from it ("[[Don't Cry]]", "Think About You" and "Anything Goes") were played during the band's first radio interview, aired two days before their first ever show at the [[Troubadour (West Hollywood, California)|Troubadour]] on March 26, 1985.{{efn|The show was billed as "L.A. Guns and Hollywood Rose presents Guns N Roses"}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=GNRontour.com – GN'R Setlist Almanac 1985 |url=http://www.gnrontour.com/setlistalm85.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305105355/http://gnrontour.com/setlistalm85.htm |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |access-date=February 1, 2022 |website=www.gnrontour.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1985.03.22 – L.A. Weekly – [Mention of the formation of the band] |url=https://www.a-4-d.com/t4082-1985-03-22-l-a-weekly-mention-of-the-formation-of-the-band |access-date=February 1, 2022 |website=www.a-4-d.com |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201015204/https://www.a-4-d.com/t4082-1985-03-22-l-a-weekly-mention-of-the-formation-of-the-band |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=1985.03.24 – Interview with the band on KPFK |url=https://www.a-4-d.com/t2845-1985-03-24-interview-with-the-band-on-kpfk |access-date=February 1, 2022 |website=www.a-4-d.com |archive-date=February 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201015207/https://www.a-4-d.com/t2845-1985-03-24-interview-with-the-band-on-kpfk |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite interview |last=Cue |first=Raz |subject-link=Guns N' Roses |title=Guns N' Roses First Radio Interview March 1985 |url=https://www.razcue.com/single-post/2018/03/08/Guns-N-Roses-First-Radio-Interview-March-1985 |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630214150/https://www.razcue.com/single-post/2018/03/08/Guns-N-Roses-First-Radio-Interview-March-1985 |archive-date=June 30, 2018 |publisher=[[KPFK]] |date=March 1985}}</ref> Around this time, the band planned to release an EP with the three aforementioned songs and a cover of "[[Heartbreak Hotel]]".<ref name="auto" /> However, Guns left the band after an argument with Rose, and plans for the release fell through.<ref name="TRCIUG" /> Guns was replaced by former Hollywood Rose member Slash.<ref name="tracii" /> Gardner, the last remaining L.A. Guns member to remain in the band, quit soon after.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Branden C. Potter |date=April 8, 2021 |title=What Happened To Rob Gardner From Guns N' Roses? |url=https://www.grunge.com/377638/what-happened-to-rob-gardner-from-guns-n-roses/ |access-date=August 10, 2021 |website=Grunge.com |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064637/https://www.grunge.com/377638/what-happened-to-rob-gardner-from-guns-n-roses/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Steven Adler]], another former Hollywood Rose member, filled Gardner's spot.<ref name="Davis2008">{{Cite book |last=Davis |first=Stephen |title=Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses |date=August 26, 2008 |publisher=Penguin Publishing Group |isbn=978-1-4406-3928-9 |pages=58– |chapter=2 |access-date=June 9, 2015 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1Jh4dkcw0nsC&pg=PT58}}</ref><ref name="slash2007">{{Cite book |last1=Slash |title=Slash |last2=Anthony Bozza |date=October 30, 2007 |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=978-0-06-135142-6}}</ref>{{efn|Slash had also previously played with McKagan and Adler in [[Road Crew (band)|Road Crew]].<ref name="slash2007" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosen |first=Steven |date=July 28, 2010 |title=Steven Adler: 'I'm Finally Starting To Get The Recognition That I Deserve' |url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/interviews/steven_adler_im_finally_starting_to_get_the_recognition_that_i_deserve.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731113209/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/interviews/interviews/steven_adler_im_finally_starting_to_get_the_recognition_that_i_deserve.html |archive-date=July 31, 2010 |access-date=December 5, 2017 |publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar Archive]]}}</ref>}}

{{quote box
| width = 30%
| align = right
| quote = We had a singer ([[Michael Jagosz|Mike Jagosz]]) that our manager didn't like, so we fired him. So then I asked Axl to join L.A. Guns and he was in the band for about six, seven months. The same manager ended up hating Axl and he wanted to fire him. We're all living together at this point and Axl and I sat down and went 'What are we going to do?' So we both said 'Fuck that', and came up with the name Guns N' Roses, which was going to be just a record label that we'd put singles out on.
| source = —Original guitarist [[Tracii Guns]]<ref name="tracii" />
}}

The band's "classic" lineup was finalized on June 4, 1985, when Adler and Slash officially joined.<ref name="ISEAOLp37" /> After two days of rehearsals, the band played their first show with the lineup on June 6, 1985.<ref name="ISEAOLp37">{{Cite book |last=McKagan |first=Duff |title=It's so Easy (and other lies) |publisher=Touchstone |others=Collaboration by Tim Mohr |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4516-0664-5 |editor-last=Stacy Creamer |page=37}}</ref><ref name="ulti_35Ye">{{Cite web |last=Dave Lifton |date=June 6, 2020 |title=35 Years Ago: Guns N' Roses' Classic Lineup Plays First Show |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-first-show/ |access-date=August 11, 2021 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064639/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-first-show/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Two days later, the band embarked on a short, disorganized tour of the West Coast, from [[Sacramento, California]], to McKagan's hometown of [[Seattle]], Washington.<ref name="ISEAOLp38" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Spurrier |first=Jeff |date=July 6, 1986 |title=Guns N' Roses: Bad Boys Give It Their Best Shot |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-07-06-ca-22880-story.html |access-date=December 18, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011060951/http://articles.latimes.com/1986-07-06/entertainment/ca-22880_1_bad-boys |archive-date=October 11, 2012}}</ref> The band drove in a separate van and had to abandon their gear when both vans broke down on the way to Seattle, forcing them to [[Hitchhiking|hitch-hike]] up the coast and back home to LA with only their guitars.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Katherine Love |last2=Wallace Morgan |last3=Joseph Hudak |last4=Keith Harris |last5=Maura Johnston |author5-link=Maura Johnston |last6=Dan Epstein |date=November 24, 2015 |title=50 Wildest Guns N' Roses Moments:June 7th, 1985: The Hell Tour |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-wildest-guns-n-roses-moments-20151124/june-7th-1985-the-hell-tour-20151119 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126233644/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-wildest-guns-n-roses-moments-20151124/june-7th-1985-the-hell-tour-20151119 |archive-date=November 26, 2015 |access-date=December 5, 2017 |website=RollingStone.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Blow |first=Paul Diamond |title=Guns N' Roses, the Early Days: 1985 "Hell Tour" to Seattle. A First Hand Account of Guns N' Roses First Show in Seattle, June of 1985 |url=http://paulblow.tripod.com/guns-n-roses-hell-tour.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110122642/http://paulblow.tripod.com/guns-n-roses-hell-tour.html |archive-date=November 10, 2015 |access-date=December 5, 2017}}</ref> The so-called "Hell Tour" settled the band's first stable lineup, with McKagan later commenting, "This trip had set a new benchmark for what we were capable of, what we could and would put ourselves through to achieve our goals as a band."<ref name="ISEAOLp38">{{Cite book |last=McKagan |first=Duff |title=It's so Easy (and other lies) |publisher=Touchstone |others=Collaboration by Tim Mohr |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4516-0664-5 |editor-last=Stacy Creamer |page=38}}</ref> The band then took up residence at a house and rehearsal space dubbed "The Hell House".{{efn|Formerly owned by [[Cecil B. DeMille]],<ref name="roll_Guns">{{Cite magazine |last=Hiatt |first=Brian |date=August 9, 2007 |title=Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite for Destruction': Inside Band's Legendary Debut |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-filthy-sexy-cool-58921/ |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064637/https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-filthy-sexy-cool-58921/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the space was frequented by people such as [[West Arkeen]], [[Del James]], Todd Crew of [[Jetboy (band)|Jetboy]], Marc Canter (owner of [[Canter's]] Deli), and other Hollywood artists, photographers & musicians.<ref name="medi_Insi">{{Cite web |last=Wall |first=Mick |date=January 4, 2017 |title=Inside the Horrific Guns N' Roses 'Hell House' |url=https://medium.com/cuepoint/inside-the-horrific-guns-n-roses-hell-house-971e20df749c |access-date=August 10, 2021 |website=Medium |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064636/https://medium.com/cuepoint/inside-the-horrific-guns-n-roses-hell-house-971e20df749c |url-status=live }}</ref>}}

Through the band's increasing presence on the Hollywood club scene – playing famed bars such as [[Troubadour (West Hollywood, California)|The Troubadour]] and [[The Roxy Theatre|The Roxy]] – Guns N' Roses drew the attention of major record labels.<ref name="The Biography Channel" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2013 |title=Guns N' Roses' Early Days: Exclusive Photos from the book Reckless Road |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/guns-n-146-roses-146-early-days-20100301/guns-n-roses-june-6-1985-87502010 |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704004106/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/guns-n-146-roses-146-early-days-20100301/guns-n-roses-june-6-1985-87502010 |archive-date=July 4, 2015 |access-date=June 29, 2015}}</ref> The group signed with [[Geffen Records]] in March 1986, receiving a $75,000  (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|75000|1986}}}} in current dollar terms) advance.<ref name="The Biography Channel">{{Cite news |date=2008 |title=Guns N' Roses – Biography on Bio. |work=bio. |publisher=TheBiographyChannel.co.uk |url=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/guns-n-roses.html |url-status=dead |access-date=June 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091208190634/http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/guns-n-roses.html |archive-date=December 8, 2009}}</ref> They had turned down an offer from [[Chrysalis Records]] that was nearly double Geffen's, due to Chrysalis wanting to change the band's image and sound and Geffen offering full artistic freedom.<ref>{{Cite book |last=McKagan |first=Duff |title=It's so Easy (and other lies) |publisher=Touchstone |others=Collaboration by Tim Mohr |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4516-0664-5 |editor-last=Stacy Creamer |page=52}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeff Giles |date=March 25, 2016 |title=How Guns N' Roses Ended Up Signing With Geffen Records |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-geffen/ |access-date=August 10, 2021 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064638/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-geffen/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Guns-N-Roses-1987.jpg|thumb|Guns N' Roses classic lineup, from left to right, [[Izzy Stradlin]], [[Steven Adler]], [[Axl Rose]], [[Duff McKagan]], & [[Slash (musician)|Slash]]]]
In December of that year, the group released the four-song EP ''[[Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide]]'', designed to keep interest in the band alive while the group withdrew from the club scene to work in the studio.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=January 26, 1989 |title=G N' R Lies |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/g-n-r-lies-19890126 |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206005848/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/g-n-r-lies-19890126 |archive-date=December 6, 2017 |access-date=December 5, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Voland |first=John |date=December 28, 1987 |title=Pop Review : Guns N' Roses Glam-Slams With Noisy Aggressiveness |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-12-28-ca-21295-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723072445/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-12-28/entertainment/ca-21295_1_n-roses |archive-date=July 23, 2016 |access-date=December 5, 2017 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> The EP release was designed to sooth over the label, who felt the band did not have enough songs to record an album.<ref>{{Cite book |last=McKagan |first=Duff |title=It's so Easy (and other lies) |publisher=Touchstone |others=Collaboration by Tim Mohr |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4516-0664-5 |editor-last=Stacy Creamer |page=55}}</ref> The EP contained covers of [[Rose Tattoo]]'s "Nice Boys" and [[Aerosmith]]'s "[[Mama Kin]]", along with two original compositions: the [[punk rock|punk]]-influenced "Reckless Life" and the [[classic rock]]-inspired "Move to the City".<ref name="SUICIDE">{{Cite web |last=Eduardo Rivadavia |date=December 16, 2016 |title=Why Guns N' Roses' 'Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide' Wasn't Really Live |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-live-like-a-suicide/ |access-date=September 29, 2021 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929082148/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-live-like-a-suicide/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Although billed as a live recording, the four songs were taken from the band's [[demo tape]]s and [[overdubbed]] with crowd noise.<ref name="SUICIDE" /> ''Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide'' was released on the Geffen subsidiary Uzi Suicide, with production limited to 10,000 vinyl copies.<ref name="RollingStoneBio">{{Cite magazine |title=Axl Rose: Biography |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/axl-rose/biography |url-status=dead |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924233647/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/axl-rose/biography |archive-date=September 24, 2011 |access-date=June 6, 2011}}</ref>

Seeking to record their debut album, producer [[Spencer Proffer]] was hired to record "[[Nightrain]]" and "[[Sweet Child o' Mine]]" to test his chemistry with the band.<ref name="31years" /> The band eventually recorded 9 songs during these sessions, including "Heartbreak Hotel", "Don't Cry", "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Shadow of Your Love".<ref name="31years" /> The band then recorded demos with [[Nazareth (band)|Nazareth]] guitarist [[Manny Charlton]].<ref name="31years" />{{efn|The Charlton recorded demos were released in 2018 as part of the ''Appetite for Destruction'' Super Deluxe edition.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Grow |first=Kory |date=June 25, 2018 |title=Review: Guns N' Roses' Expanded 'Appetite For Destruction' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-guns-n-roses-epic-excessive-appetite-for-destruction-super-deluxe-edition-666860/ |access-date=December 20, 2018 |magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714071551/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-guns-n-roses-epic-excessive-appetite-for-destruction-super-deluxe-edition-666860/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} [[Paul Stanley]] of [[Kiss (band)|KISS]] was considered as producer, but he was rejected after he wanted to change Adler's drum set more than Adler wanted.<ref name="31years">{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2022 |title=31 Years Ago: Guns N' Roses Issue 'Appetite for Destruction' |url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-album-anniversary/ |website=Loudwire |access-date=October 19, 2018 |archive-date=October 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017163125/http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-album-anniversary/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|Stanley later claimed he lost interest in producing after Slash made derogatory comments about him, Slash responded stating "We never were interested in working with him. But we sort of had him around because he was Adler's hero.<ref name="ulti_WhyP">{{Cite web |last=Matthew Wilkening |date=September 11, 2014 |title=Why Paul Stanley Told Slash: 'Go F--- Yourself' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/paul-stanley-slash-go-f-yourself/ |access-date=August 11, 2021 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064639/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/paul-stanley-slash-go-f-yourself/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} [[Mutt Lange]] and [[Tom Werman]] were also considered, but the label did not want to spend the extra money on a famous producer.<ref name="31years" /><ref name="cons_Guns">{{Cite web |last=Colette Claire |date=July 21, 2019 |title=Guns N' Roses Conquered the Rock World with Appetite for Destruction |url=https://consequence.net/2019/07/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-album-anniversary/ |access-date=August 11, 2021 |website=Consequence |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064636/https://consequence.net/2019/07/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-album-anniversary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ultimately, [[Mike Clink]] (who had produced several [[Triumph (band)|Triumph]] records) was chosen,<ref>{{Cite book |last1=McKagan, Duff |title=It's So Easy (and other Lies) |last2=Mohr, Tim |publisher=Simon & Schuster |year=2011 |pages=118, 120}}</ref> and the group recorded "[[Shadow of Your Love]]" first with Clink as a test.<ref name="31years" />

After some weeks of rehearsal, the band entered [[Daryl Dragon]]'s Rumbo Recorders in January 1987 to record their debut album.<ref name="31years" /> Two weeks were spent recording basic tracks, with a month of overdubs.<ref name="rs">{{Cite magazine |last=Hiatt, Brian |date=August 2007 |title=The Making of 'Appetite for Destruction' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/15690883 |url-status=dead |magazine=Rolling Stone Australia |issue=1032 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302022602/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/15690883 |archive-date=March 2, 2009 |access-date=October 8, 2007}}</ref> The drums were done in six days, but Rose's vocals took much longer as he insisted on doing them one line at a time.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Adler |first1=Steven |title=My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N' Roses |last2=Spagnola |first2=Lawrence J. |publisher=It Books |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-06-191711-0 |page=118}}</ref>

=== Breakthrough and mass popularity (1987–1989) ===
{{multiple image
| total_width = 320
| footer = Guitarist [[Slash (musician)|Slash]] (left) and lead singer [[Axl Rose]] (right) were the band's most public faces during its late 1980s-early 1990s heyday.
| image1 = Slashvr.jpg
| alt1 = Slash in 2010.
| image2 = Axl Rose at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv, Israel -- May 1993.jpg
| alt2 = Axl Rose on stage in Tel Aviv, Israel, 1993
}}

==== ''Appetite for Destruction'' ====
Guns N' Roses' debut album ''[[Appetite for Destruction]]'' was released July 21, 1987.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hendrick |first=Michael |date=October 17, 1987 |title=Guns N' Roses: They Are What They Are |url=https://www.mcall.com/1987/10/17/guns-n-roses-they-are-what-they-are/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20150704222816/http://articles.mcall.com/1987-10-17/entertainment/2607351_1_roses-slash-band |archive-date=July 4, 2015 |access-date=July 3, 2015 |website=tribunedigital-mcall}}</ref> The album underwent an artwork change after the original cover design by [[Robert Williams (artist)|Robert Williams]], which depicted a surrealist scene in which a dagger-toothed monster vengefully attacks a robot rapist, was deemed too controversial.<ref name="AfDcover" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hartmann |first=Graham |date=July 20, 2012 |title='Appetite For Destruction' Album Art Banned – 25 Most Destructive Guns N' Roses Moments |url=http://loudwire.com/appetite-for-destruction-album-art-banned-25-most-destructive-guns-n-roses-moments/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505075056/http://loudwire.com/appetite-for-destruction-album-art-banned-25-most-destructive-guns-n-roses-moments/ |archive-date=May 5, 2015 |access-date=May 4, 2015 |publisher=Loudwire.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hewitt |first=Ben |date=July 25, 2012 |title=25 Things You Might Not Know About 'Appetite For Destruction' |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/25-things-you-might-not-know-about-appetite-for-destruction |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413185300/http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/25-things-you-might-not-know-about-appetite-for-destruction |archive-date=April 13, 2015 |access-date=May 4, 2015 |website=NME}}</ref> The band stated the original artwork was "a symbolic social statement, with the robot representing the industrial system that's raping and polluting our environment".<ref name="AfDcover">{{Cite news |last=Goldstein |first=Patrick |date=August 16, 1987 |title=Geffen's Guns N' Roses Fires A Volley At PMRC |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-08-16-ca-1533-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 9, 2015 |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20150609134502/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-08-16/entertainment/ca-1533_1_artwork |archive-date=June 9, 2015}}</ref> The revised cover was done by Andy Engell, based on a design by tattoo artist Bill White Jr., who had designed the artwork for a tattoo Rose had acquired the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fisher |first=Mark |date=2008 |title=Lucem Fero – Album Reviews – Guns N' Roses – Appetite for Destruction |url=http://www.lucemfero.com/gunsnroses_appetitefordestruction.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091618/http://www.lucemfero.com/gunsnroses_appetitefordestruction.php |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=June 23, 2015 |website=lucemfero.com}}</ref> The artwork featured each of the five band members' skulls layered on a cross.<ref name="AfDcover" />

The band's first single was "[[It's So Easy (Guns N' Roses song)|It's So Easy]]", released on June 15, 1987, in the UK only, where it reached number eighty-four on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael Christopher |date=July 19, 2017 |title=Guns N' Roses Destroy a Friend's Country Song With 'It's So Easy': The Story Behind Every 'Appetite for Destruction' Song |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-its-so-easy/ |access-date=August 11, 2021 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064714/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-its-so-easy/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Guns N' Roses |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artists/ |access-date=December 17, 2008 |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508182655/https://www.officialcharts.com/artists/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the U.S., "[[Welcome to the Jungle]]" was issued as the album's first single in October, with an accompanying music video.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael Gallucci |date=July 18, 2017 |title=Guns N' Roses Make One Hell of an Introduction With 'Welcome to the Jungle': The Story Behind Every 'Appetite for Destruction' Song |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-welcome-to-the-jungle/ |access-date=August 11, 2021 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064637/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-welcome-to-the-jungle/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Initially, the album and single lingered for almost a year without performing well, but when Geffen founder [[David Geffen]] was asked to lend support to the band, he obliged, personally convincing [[MTV]] executives to play "Welcome to the Jungle" during the network's after-hours rotation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AC Speed |date=February 13, 2020 |title=MTV studios literally burst into flames the first time they played 'Welcome To The Jungle' by Guns N' Roses |url=https://www.rawmusictv.com/article/amp/2020/MTV-studios-literally-caught-fire-the-first-time-they-played-Welcome-To-The-Jungle-by-Guns-N-Roses.php |access-date=August 11, 2021 |website=RawMusicTV |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064638/https://www.rawmusictv.com/article/amp/2020/MTV-studios-literally-caught-fire-the-first-time-they-played-Welcome-To-The-Jungle-by-Guns-N-Roses.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=King |first=Tom |title=The Operator: David Geffen Builds, Buys, and Sells the New Hollywood |date=2001 |publisher=Broadway Books |isbn=978-0-7679-0757-6 |location=New York |page=430}}</ref> Even though the video was initially only played once at 4 a.m. on a Sunday, [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] and [[hard rock]] fans took notice and soon began requesting the video and song en masse.<ref name="The Hard Truth" /> The song, written in Seattle, was about Los Angeles. The music video took place in New York. According to Rose, the inspiration for the lyrics came from an encounter he and a friend had with a homeless man while they were coming out of a bus into New York.<ref name="Spin 1999" /> Trying to put a scare into the young runaways, the man yelled at them, "You know where you are? You're in the jungle baby; you're gonna die!"<ref name="Spin 1999">{{Cite magazine |last=Spitz |first=Marc |author-link=Marc Spitz |date=July 1999 |title=What the World Needs Now is Axl Rose: The Unauthorized Saga of Rock's Greatest Recluse |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I5x8l8IaNUMC&pg=PA93 |magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |location=New York City, NY, USA |volume=15 |pages=80–93 |issn=0886-3032 |access-date=March 29, 2018 |number=7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Lane |date=August 26, 2008 |title=Exclusive Excerpt: Stephen Davis's 'Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses' |url=https://vulture.com/2008/08/exclusive_excerpt.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505075342/http://www.vulture.com/2008/08/exclusive_excerpt.html |archive-date=May 5, 2015 |access-date=May 4, 2015 |website=Vulture.com}}</ref> The song was featured in the 1988 [[Dirty Harry (film series)|Dirty Harry]] film ''[[The Dead Pool]]'', starring [[Clint Eastwood]], and members of the band had a [[cameo appearance]] in the film.<ref>{{harvnb|Stenning|2005|page=[https://archive.org/details/gunsnrosesbandth00sten/page/n66 66]}}. "Jungle was re-released as a single and came out in the same months as the latest Dirty Harry movie 'The Dead Pool'. Featuring Guns' in a cameo role playing at a club in Miami."</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Tim Grierson |last2=Kory Grow |last3=Daniel Kreps |last4=Tom Mallon |last5=Brandon Soderberg |date=October 31, 2014 |title=Guns N' Roses, 'The Dead Pool' (1988) |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/rockers-20-best-appearances-in-eighties-horror-movies-20141031/guns-n-roses-the-dead-pool-1988-20141031 |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227145332/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/rockers-20-best-appearances-in-eighties-horror-movies-20141031/guns-n-roses-the-dead-pool-1988-20141031 |archive-date=February 27, 2015 |access-date=April 23, 2015}}</ref>

"[[Sweet Child o' Mine]]" was the album's second U.S. single, a love song co-written by Rose as a poem for his then-girlfriend Erin Everly, daughter of Don Everly of the [[Everly Brothers]].<ref name="VH1" /><ref name="SCOM">{{harvnb|Stenning|2005|page=[https://archive.org/details/gunsnrosesbandth00sten/page/n63 63]}}</ref><ref name="SCOMRET">{{Cite web |last=Michael Gallucci |date=July 26, 2017 |title=Guns N' Roses Hit the Top With 'Sweet Child o' Mine': The Story Behind Every 'Appetite for Destruction' Song |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-sweet-child-o-mine/ |access-date=August 11, 2021 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064642/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-sweet-child-o-mine/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to the growing [[grassroots]] success of the band and the cross-gender appeal of the song, "Sweet Child o' Mine" and its accompanying music video received heavy airplay on both radio and MTV, becoming a huge hit during the summer of 1988 and reaching the top of the charts in the U.S.<ref name="SCOM" /> Slash later commented, "I hated that song with a huge passion for the longest time, and it turned out to be our hugest hit, so it goes to show what I know."<ref name="VH1">{{Cite episode |title=100 Greatest Songs of the 80s (Hour 5) |episode-link=The Greatest (VH1 TV series) |url=http://www.vh1.com/episodes/3ae2iz/the-greatest-100-greatest-songs-of-the-80s-hour-5-ep-171 |access-date=June 9, 2015 |series=1 |series-link=The Greatest (VH1 TV series) |network=VH1 |number=171 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107030059/http://www.vh1.com/episodes/3ae2iz/the-greatest-100-greatest-songs-of-the-80s-hour-5-ep-171 |archive-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref> The song was released in Japan as part of the EP ''[[Guns N' Roses (EP)|Live from the Jungle]]'', which also featured a selection of live recordings from the band's June 1987 dates at London's [[The Marquee]], the group's first shows outside the United States.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Dome |first=Malcolm |author-link=Malcolm Dome |date=August 5, 1987 |title=Guns N' Roses Marquee, London (two nights) |url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=148 |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=151 |access-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-date=June 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607093946/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=148 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Russell |first=Xavier |date=June 19, 1987 |title=Guns N' Roses: Review Of Their First Ever UK Show |work=[[Metal Hammer]] |url=https://metalhammer.teamrock.com/reviews/1987-06-19/guns-n-roses-review-of-their-first-ever-uk-show |url-status=live |access-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205040328/http://metalhammer.teamrock.com/reviews/1987-06-19/guns-n-roses-review-of-their-first-ever-uk-show |archive-date=December 5, 2014}}</ref> The song is the highest charting Guns N' Roses song, and is the band's only song to reach number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name="AllMusic Billboard Singles">{{Cite web |title=Guns N' Roses Billboard Singles |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/guns-n-roses-p4416/charts-awards/billboard-singles |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106025517/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/guns-n-roses-p4416/charts-awards/billboard-singles |archive-date=January 6, 2012 |access-date=December 18, 2011 |website=AllMusic}}</ref>
{{multiple image
| total_width = 320
| align  = right
| footer = [[Steven Adler]] (left) was the band's drummer from 1985 to 1990, when he was replaced by [[Matt Sorum]] (right). Sorum was fired from the band in 1997.
| image1 = StevenAdlerMylesKennedy (cropped).jpg
| alt1 = Steven Adler in 2012
| image2 = Matt Sorum (6465384277).jpg
| alt2 = Matt Sorum in 2012.
}}
After the success of "Sweet Child o' Mine", "Welcome to the Jungle" was re-issued as a single and reached No. 7 in the U.S. By the time "[[Paradise City]]" and its video reached the airwaves, peaking at No. 5 in the U.S., ''Appetite for Destruction'' had reached No. 1 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael Gallucci |date=July 23, 2017 |title=Guns N' Roses Sorta Celebrate the Good Life in 'Paradise City': The Story Behind Every 'Appetite for Destruction' Song |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-paradise-city/ |access-date=August 11, 2021 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064640/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-paradise-city/ |url-status=live }}</ref> To date, the album has sold in excess of 30 million copies worldwide,<ref name="autogenerated2">{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2008 |title=Guns N' Roses New Album Looms |url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Showbiz-News/Guns-N-Roses-To-Release-New-Album---Axl-Rose-Is-The-Only-Original-Remaining-Member/Article/200810415127112 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213122711/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Showbiz-News/Guns-N-Roses-To-Release-New-Album---Axl-Rose-Is-The-Only-Original-Remaining-Member/Article/200810415127112 |archive-date=February 13, 2009 |access-date=December 18, 2011 |publisher=Sky News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Wyman |first=Bill |date=January 4, 2013 |title=Did "Thriller" Really Sell a Hundred Million Copies? |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/did-thriller-really-sell-a-hundred-million-copies |url-status=live |magazine=The New Yorker |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20151026143746/http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/did-thriller-really-sell-a-hundred-million-copies |archive-date=October 26, 2015 |access-date=September 17, 2015}}</ref> including 18 million units sold in the United States, making it the best-selling debut album of all time in the U.S., in addition to being the eleventh [[List of best-selling albums in the United States|best-selling album in the United States]].<ref name="RIAA Top 100">{{Cite web |title=RIAA: Gold & Platinum albums |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies&ttt=T1A#search_section |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216154105/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies&ttt=DA#search_section |archive-date=February 16, 2017 |access-date=March 19, 2018 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043884/ask-billboard-best-selling-debut-album-dido-australian-acts-trying-to-crack |title=Ask Billboard: Best Selling Debut Album, Dido, Australian Acts Trying To Crack The U.S. Market |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=October 3, 2008 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918064323/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043884/ask-billboard-best-selling-debut-album-dido-australian-acts-trying-to-crack |archive-date=September 18, 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=February 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gc.guitarcenter.com/interview/mike-clink/|title=Mike Clink|publisher=Guitar Center|access-date=August 12, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708033526/http://gc.guitarcenter.com/interview/mike-clink/|archive-date=July 8, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.gunsnroses.com/releases/appetite_for_destruction|title=Appetite for Destruction|publisher=Guns N' Roses|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316212926/http://gunsnroses.com/releases/appetite_for_destruction|archive-date=March 16, 2015|access-date=June 21, 2015|quote=As of September 2008, the album has been certified 18 times Platinum by the RIAA, accumulating worldwide sales in excess of 28 million as of October 2008}}</ref>

Guns N' Roses toured extensively in support of their debut album, embarking on the 16-month-long [[Appetite for Destruction Tour]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1987 Setlist Almanac|url=http://www.gnrontour.com/setlistalm87.htm|publisher=GNROnTour.com|access-date=February 24, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108222556/http://www.gnrontour.com/setlistalm87.htm|archive-date=January 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=1988 Setlist Almanac|url=http://www.gnrontour.com/setlistalm88.htm|publisher=GNROnTour.com|access-date=February 24, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108222511/http://www.gnrontour.com/setlistalm88.htm|archive-date=January 8, 2013}}</ref> In addition to headlining dates in Europe and the U.S., the band opened North American shows for [[the Cult]], [[Mötley Crüe]], and [[Alice Cooper]] throughout the second half of 1987. During the 1987 tour, drummer Steven Adler broke his hand in a fight, and was replaced for 8 shows by [[Cinderella (band)|Cinderella]] drummer [[Fred Coury]].<ref name="Coury">{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/steven-adler-breaks-hand-in-fight-25-most-destructive-guns-n-roses-moments/|title=Steven Adler Breaks Hand in Fight – 25 Most Destructive Guns N' Roses Moments|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|date=July 20, 2012|work=Loudwire|access-date=July 9, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706220033/http://loudwire.com/steven-adler-breaks-hand-in-fight-25-most-destructive-guns-n-roses-moments/|archive-date=July 6, 2015}}</ref> Bassist Duff McKagan missed several shows in May 1988 to attend his wedding; [[Kid Chaos|Kid "Haggis" Chaos]] from the Cult filled in.<ref name="KidChaos">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-22048473|title=Ex-Guns N' Roses bassist Stephen Harris's Swansea reunion|first=Neil|last=Prior|date=April 7, 2013|work=BBC News|access-date=July 9, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150902115530/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-22048473|archive-date=September 2, 2015}}</ref> [[Don Henley]] of the [[Eagles (band)|Eagles]] played drums for the band during the 1989 [[American Music Award|AMA]] show while Adler was in rehab.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-don-henley/|title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Don Henley|last=Wardlaw|first=Mat|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=July 22, 2011 |access-date=September 7, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906045212/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-don-henley/|archive-date=September 6, 2015}}</ref>

The band proceeded to tour the United States, Australia and Japan, while serving as opening acts on North America shows by [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Aerosmith]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/readers-poll-the-ten-best-opening-acts-in-rock-history-20120711/8-aerosmith-guns-n-roses-1988-0478953|title=Reader's Poll: The 10 best opening acts in rock history: 8. Aerosmith/Guns N' Roses (1988)|date=July 11, 2012|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=September 7, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150625014243/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/readers-poll-the-ten-best-opening-acts-in-rock-history-20120711/8-aerosmith-guns-n-roses-1988-0478953|archive-date=June 25, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Wall|2008|page=[https://archive.org/details/warunauthorizedb00wall/page/135 135]}}. "In May, Guns N' Roses began opening the show for Iron Maiden."</ref> [[Tim Collins (manager)|Tim Collins]], Aerosmith's then-manager, remarked, "By the end of the tour, Guns N' Roses were huge. They basically just exploded. We were all pissed that ''Rolling Stone'' magazine showed up to do a story on Aerosmith, but Guns N' Roses ended up on the cover of the magazine. Suddenly, the opening act was bigger than we were."<ref name="Wall2008">{{harvnb|Wall|2008|page=[https://archive.org/details/warunauthorizedb00wall/page/137 137]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The History of GN'R: The Shocking Truth 1988 |publisher=HereTodayGoneToHell.com |url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/history/history88.php |access-date=December 19, 2011 |archive-date=October 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071002141857/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/history/history88.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== ''G N' R Lies'' ====
[[File:Izzy Stradlin 2012.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|[[Izzy Stradlin]] was the band's rhythm guitarist from 1985 until 1991.]]
Guns N' Roses' second album, ''[[G N' R Lies]]'', was released in November 1988.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-gnr-lies-anniversary/|title=29 Years Ago: Guns N' Roses Release 'GN'R Lies'|website=Loudwire|access-date=December 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130230701/http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-gnr-lies-anniversary/|archive-date=November 30, 2017}}</ref> It included the four recordings from the band's 1986 EP ''Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide'' as well as four new acoustic tracks.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/g-n-r-lies-19890126|title=G N' R Lies|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=December 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206005848/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/g-n-r-lies-19890126|archive-date=December 6, 2017|date=January 26, 1989}}</ref> "[[Patience (Guns N' Roses song)|Patience]]", the only single, reached number 4 in the U.S., while the album reached number 2.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/guns-n-roses/chart-history/hsi/|title=Guns N' Roses Patience Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404035226/https://www.billboard.com/music/guns-n-roses/chart-history/hot-100/song/331430|archive-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/guns-n-roses/chart-history/tlp/|title=Guns N' Roses G N' R Lies Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404035536/https://www.billboard.com/music/guns-n-roses/chart-history/billboard-200/song/310072|archive-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref> The album cover, a parody of [[tabloid journalism|tabloid]] newspapers, was modified after initial pressings to remove the headlines "Wife-beating has been around for 10,000 years" and "Ladies, welcome to the Dark Ages".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://entertainment.time.com/2012/04/20/top-10-controversial-album-covers/slide/gun-n-roses-g-nr-lies/|title=Guns N' Roses, G N' R Lies – Top 10 Controversial Album Covers |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=August 19, 2015|date=April 20, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121150020/http://entertainment.time.com/2012/04/20/top-10-controversial-album-covers/slide/gun-n-roses-g-nr-lies/|archive-date=November 21, 2015}}</ref>

The song "[[One in a Million (Guns N' Roses song)|One in a Million]]" raised accusations of racism, [[xenophobia]] and [[homophobia]]. The song's lyrics include the following: "Police and niggers, that's right, get out of my way, don't need to buy none of your gold chains today" and "Immigrants and faggots, they make no sense to me, they come to our country and think they'll do as they please, like start some mini Iran or spread some fucking disease".<ref name="Goldstein89">{{cite news|last=Goldstein|first=Patrick|title=Behind the Guns N' Roses Racism Furor|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=October 15, 1989|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-10-15-ca-485-story.html|access-date=December 19, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011060943/http://articles.latimes.com/1989-10-15/entertainment/ca-485_1_axl-rose|archive-date=October 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1989/10/15/essay-fighting-words/713b38e9-bf34-410e-81a3-30b9472d19f6/|title=ESSAY FIGHTING WORDS|first=Juan|last=Williams|date=October 15, 1989|access-date=December 17, 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122042014/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1989/10/15/essay-fighting-words/713b38e9-bf34-410e-81a3-30b9472d19f6/|archive-date=November 22, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.salon.com/people/feature/2001/06/07/axlrose/index.html |title=Axl Rose: American Hellhound |last=Cave |first=Damien |date=July 7, 2001 |website=Salon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010610222242/https://www.salon.com/people/feature/2001/06/07/axlrose/index.html |archive-date=June 10, 2001 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1990/11/18/rock-turns-mean-and-ugly/|title=Rock Turns Mean And Ugly|website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=November 18, 1990 |access-date=December 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221100430/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1990-11-18/entertainment/9004050924_1_geto-boys-racism-and-misogyny-motley-crue|archive-date=February 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/09/10/arts/pop-view-there-s-a-new-sound-in-pop-music-bigotry.html|title=There's a New Sound in Pop Music: Bigotry|date=September 10, 1989|website=The New York Times|access-date=December 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220005220/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/09/10/arts/pop-view-there-s-a-new-sound-in-pop-music-bigotry.html|archive-date=December 20, 2017}}</ref> Rose denied that he was a racist and defended his use of the word "[[nigger]]", claiming that "it's a word to describe somebody that is basically a pain in your life, a problem. The word nigger doesn't necessarily mean black." He cited the rap group [[N.W.A.]] and the [[John Lennon]] song "[[Woman Is the Nigger of the World]]" as other examples of musicians using the word.<ref name="James89">{{cite magazine|last=James|first=Del|title=The Rolling Stone Interview with Axl Rose|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=August 10, 1989|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=3|access-date=December 19, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720032323/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=3|archive-date=July 20, 2011}}</ref> Several years later, Rose conceded that he had used the word as an insult towards black people who had tried to rob him, and because the word is a [[taboo]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Neely|first=Kim|title=Axl Rose: The Rolling Stone Interview|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 2, 1992|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-the-rolling-stone-interview-19920402 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427181915/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-the-rolling-stone-interview-19920402 |archive-date=April 27, 2012|access-date=December 17, 2017|quote=RS:Does it bother you that so many people think you're misogynous, homophobic and racist Rose: "It can bother me. But the racist thing is just bullshit. I used a word that was taboo. And I used that word because it was taboo. I was pissed off about some black people that were trying to rob me. I wanted to insult those particular black people. I didn't want to support racism. When I used the word faggots, I wasn't coming down on gays. I was coming down on an element of gays".}}</ref> In response to the allegations of homophobia, Rose stated that he considered himself "pro-heterosexual" and blamed this attitude on "bad experiences" with gay men.<ref name="James89" /><ref name="I, Axl">{{cite magazine |last=James |first=Del |date=September 1992 |editor=[[Lonn Friend]] |title=I, Axl |url=http://ladydairhean.0catch.com/Axl/Interviews/article025.htm |magazine=[[Rip (magazine)|Rip]] |publisher=[[Larry Flynt Publications]] |access-date=March 19, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320043737/http://ladydairhean.0catch.com/Axl/Interviews/article025.htm |archive-date=March 20, 2018}}</ref>{{efn|The song was not reiussed on the ''Appetite'' deluxe set in 2018, which contained every other song from ''Lies'', with Slash stating it was a collective decision by the band.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Hiatt|first=Brian|date=August 14, 2018|title=Slash Speaks! Inside the Guns N' Roses Reunion and His New Album|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/slash-speaks-inside-the-guns-n-roses-reunion-and-his-new-album-710144/|access-date=September 16, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=September 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915172414/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/slash-speaks-inside-the-guns-n-roses-reunion-and-his-new-album-710144/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

During a November 1987 show in [[Atlanta]], Rose assaulted multiple security guards and was held backstage by police. The band continued the concert with a [[Road crew|roadie]] performing lead vocals.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.deseretnews.com/article/278325/ATLANTA-DECLINES-TO-BEAT-DRUMS-FOR-FIERY-SINGER.html|title=Atlanta declines to beat drums for fiery singer|date=March 3, 1993|website=[[Deseret News]] |access-date=June 9, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150923230126/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/278325/ATLANTA-DECLINES-TO-BEAT-DRUMS-FOR-FIERY-SINGER.html|archive-date=September 23, 2015 |quote=Last time he was there in 1987 he brawled with security guards, punched an Atlanta cop and got arrested.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Axl Rose Assaults Security Guard – 25 Most Destructive Guns N' Roses Moments |last1=Hartmann |first1=Graham |website=Loudwire.com |date=July 20, 2012 |url= http://loudwire.com/axl-rose-assaults-security-guard-25-most-destructive-guns-n-roses-moments/|access-date=June 9, 2015|quote=If we know just one thing about Axl Rose, it's that the frontman loves himself a good physical confrontation. Perhaps the earliest of the Axl Rose incidents, the vocalist was arrested onstage during a 1987 show in Atlanta for punching a security guard. |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150521153929/http://loudwire.com/axl-rose-assaults-security-guard-25-most-destructive-guns-n-roses-moments/|archive-date=May 21, 2015}}</ref>{{efn|Rose was held backstage and allowed to leave if he apologized to the guards; but refused and was arrested.<ref name="vult_Conc">{{Cite web |title=Concert Promoters Share Their Guns N' Roses War Stories |author=Steve Knopper |work=Vulture |date=March 23, 2016 |access-date=August 12, 2021 |url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/03/concert-promoters-share-their-gnr-war-stories.html |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812234314/https://www.vulture.com/2016/03/concert-promoters-share-their-gnr-war-stories.html |url-status=live }}</ref>}} Riots nearly broke out during two August 1988 shows in New York.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://rollingstoneaus.com/music/post/50-wildest-guns-n-roses-moments/2768-february-2nd-1988-axl-swallowed-by-ritz-crowd |website=Rolling Stone Australia |title=50 Wildest Guns N' Roses Moments |access-date=December 17, 2017}}{{dead link|date=May 2018 |bot=Ringerfan23 |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> At England's [[Monsters of Rock]] festival, held that same month, two fans were crushed to death during the group's set by the [[slam-dancing]] crowd.<ref name="The Hard Truth">{{cite magazine |last=Tannenbaum |first=Rob |title=The Hard Truth About Guns N' Roses |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=November 17, 1988 |url= https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/the-hard-truth-about-guns-n-roses-19881117|access-date=December 19, 2011|url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150704005643/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/the-hard-truth-about-guns-n-roses-19881117 |archive-date=July 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://everyrecordtellsastory.com/2012/06/05/guns-n-roses-at-donington-88-the-triumph-and-the-tragedy/ |title=Guns n Roses at Donington '88 – The Triumph and The Tragedy |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150723180939/http://everyrecordtellsastory.com/2012/06/05/guns-n-roses-at-donington-88-the-triumph-and-the-tragedy/ |archive-date=July 23, 2015 |website=Every Record Tells A Story |date=June 5, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Mick |last=Upton |url= http://www.safeconcerts.com/documents/Donintondisaster1988.pdf |title=Incident at Donington Monsters of Rock 1988 |date=December 8, 1995|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091229180006/http://www.safeconcerts.com/documents/Donintondisaster1988.pdf |archive-date=December 29, 2009 |quote=On the 28 August 1988. two young men died and a third was seriously injured in a fatal crowd-related incident during an open air rock concert billed as the 'Monsters of Rock' at the Donington Park motor race circuit NorthWest Leicestershire.}}</ref> During the first of four October 1989 dates opening for the [[Rolling Stones]] at the [[L.A. Coliseum]], Rose announced that the shows would be the group's last if certain members of the band did not stop "dancing with Mr. Brownstone", a reference to the band's [[Mr. Brownstone|song of the same name]] about heroin.<ref name="latimes">{{Cite news |url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-stones1989,0,4431367,full.story |title=Still the Greatest |last=Hilburn |first=Robert |date=October 20, 1989 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=December 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105224542/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-stones1989,0,4431367,full.story |archive-date=November 5, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> "That was serious", the singer remarked. "I'm not gonna be a part of watching them kill each other, just killing themselves off. Everybody was pissed at me, but afterwards Slash's mom came and shook my hand and so did his brothers."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Mick|last=Wall|title=Eve of Destruction – The Interview|magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] |date=January 2002|page=92}}</ref> Events such as these helped earn Guns N' Roses the moniker "the most dangerous band in the world".<ref name="latimes" /><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Meet 'The Most Dangerous Band in the World |url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=106 |magazine=Kerrang! |location=London |publisher=Wasted Talent Ltd |date=April 10, 2004 |access-date=December 17, 2017 |archive-date=June 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607094145/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=106 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== International success and band turmoil (1990–1993) ===
==== ''Use Your Illusion I'' and ''II'' ====
{{Main|Use Your Illusion I|Use Your Illusion II}}
[[File:GUNS_N'_ROSES_logo.png|thumb|The band's logo typeface]]
In 1990, Guns N' Roses returned to the studio. Drummer Steven Adler was briefly fired due to his drug use but was reinstated after agreeing to a contract in which he pledged to stay clean..<ref name="KR">{{cite magazine|last=Wall|first=Mick|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=4|title=Stick to Your Guns|magazine=Kerrang!|date=April 21, 1990|access-date=June 1, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711164319/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=4|archive-date=July 11, 2011}}</ref> During the recording session of "[[Civil War (song)|Civil War]]", Adler was unable to perform well due to his struggles with cocaine and heroin addiction, and caused the band to do nearly 30 takes.<ref name="adlerint">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=145|first=Dave|last=Ling|title=Steven Adler interview|magazine=Classic Rock|date=April 2005|access-date=November 18, 2006|quote=Steven Adler: 'Slash called me to say we had to record Civil War. I was so sick, I just couldn't do it. I went in there and tried to play the song 20, maybe 30 times. But I was so weak, my timing was like a rollercoaster. Every time we played it back they'd all shout at me, "You're fucked up".'|archive-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607093725/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=145|url-status=live}}</ref> Adler claimed at the time he was sick from taking opiate blockers to help with the addictions.<ref name="adlerint" /> He was fired on July 11, 1990 as a result, and later filed a lawsuit against the band.<ref name="adlerint" /><ref name="EW">{{Cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/article/1991/08/09/guns-n-roses-out-control/ |title=Guns N' Roses: Out of control |last=DiMartino |first=David |date=August 9, 1991 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715041612/http://ew.com/article/1991/08/09/guns-n-roses-out-control/ |archive-date=July 15, 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref>{{efn|In mid-1993, the suit was settled out of court; Adler received a back-payment check of $2,250,000 and 15% royalties for songs he recorded.<ref name="MS2">{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1138&Itemid=37|title=Part II: Steven Adler Ex-Guns N' Roses Drummer|publisher=Metal Sludge|date=January 22, 2006|access-date=June 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927225414/http://www.metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1138&Itemid=37 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Melt">{{cite news|last=Kent|first=Nick|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/jan/03/popandrock.artsfeatures|title=Meltdown: Is Axl Rose Finished?|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=January 3, 2003|access-date=June 1, 2011|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910130910/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/jan/03/popandrock.artsfeatures|archive-date=September 10, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>}} In 2005, he recalled:

{{blockquote|Doug Goldstein called me into the office about two weeks later. He wanted me to sign some contracts. I was told that every time I did heroin, the band would fine me $2,000. There was a whole stack of papers, with colored paper clips everywhere for my signatures. What these contracts actually said was that the band were paying me $2,000 to leave. They were taking my royalties, all my writing credits. They didn't like me anymore and just wanted me gone. That's why I filed the lawsuit – to get all those things back.<ref name="adlerint" />}}

[[Martin Chambers]] of the [[Pretenders (band)|Pretenders]] and Adam Maples of [[Sea Hags]] were considered as replacements.<ref>{{harvnb|Stenning|2005|page=[https://archive.org/details/gunsnrosesbandth00sten/page/n92 92]}}. "After considering both Adam Maples and Martin Chambers for the drum seat, the band settled on The Cult drummer Matt Sorum."</ref> Jussi Tegelman, from the Finnish band Havana Black, assisted on drums in studio sessions before a permanent replacement was found.<ref name="Recses">{{Cite web|year=2001|publisher=Here Today... Gone To Hell!|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/misc/recordingsessions.html|title=Guns N' Roses Recording Sessions|access-date=March 9, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231224809/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/misc/recordingsessions.html|archive-date=December 31, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Aznar">{{cite book|last=Aznar|first=Thierry|title=Camion Blanc: Hard Rock & Heavy Metal 40 années de purgatoire – Tome 1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3wbWCQAAQBAJ&pg=PT553|access-date=April 19, 2017|language=fr|isbn=978-2-35779-539-6|pages=553–|publisher=Camion Blanc |trans-title=Truck White: Hard Rock & Heavy Metal 40 years of purgatory – Volume 1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jussi Tegelman Bio|url=http://www.jussitegelman.com/jussitegelman.com/Bio.html |access-date=April 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518034738/http://www.jussitegelman.com/jussitegelman.com/Bio.html |archive-date=May 18, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The position was filled by drummer [[Matt Sorum]], who had played briefly with the [[The Cult|Cult]].<ref name="Slashint">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/the-rolling-stone-interview-slash-19910124?page=2|title=Slash: The Rolling Stone Interview|last1=Christensen|first1=Mark|last2=Friend|first2=Lonn|date=January 24, 1991|magazine=Rolling Stone |publisher=[[Wenner Media LLC]]|access-date=May 19, 2015|quote=The fact that Matt could play and fit in was what saved us. If we hadn't found somebody, it would have ultimately been the demise of the band.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924180323/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/the-rolling-stone-interview-slash-19910124?page=2|archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> Slash credited Sorum with preventing the band from breaking up at the time.<ref name="Slashint" />

[[File:14-06-08 RiP Walking Papers Duff McKagan 2.JPG|thumb|left|upright=0.8|[[Duff McKagan]] was the band's bassist from 1985 until 1997, returning in 2016.]]
In response to an interviewer's suggestion that replacing Adler with Sorum had turned Guns N' Roses from a rock 'n' roll band to a heavy metal band, Stradlin responded: "Yeah, a big musical difference. The first time I realized what Steve did for the band was when he broke his hand in Michigan ... So we had [[Fred Coury]] come in from [[Cinderella (band)|Cinderella]] for the Houston show. Fred played technically good and steady, but the songs sounded just awful. They were written with Steve playing the drums and his sense of swing was the push and pull that give the songs their feel. When that was gone, it was just ... unbelievable, weird. Nothing worked."<ref>{{cite magazine |date=September 1991 |title=Exclusive! Axl Rose Attacks His Enemies|magazine=[[Musician (magazine)|Musician]] |issue=155 |location=United States }}</ref>

A few months prior, keyboardist [[Dizzy Reed]] became the sixth member of the group when he joined as a full-time member.<ref name="blab_DIZZ">{{Cite web |title=Dizzy Reed Looks Back On His Three Decades With Guns N' Roses: 'It's Just Been A Blast' |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=November 27, 2019 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dizzy-reed-looks-back-on-his-three-decades-with-guns-n-roses-its-just-been-a-blast/ |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064636/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dizzy-reed-looks-back-on-his-three-decades-with-guns-n-roses-its-just-been-a-blast/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.courant.com/1991/12/07/guns-n-roses-in-concert-at-last-new-arrangement-of-an-old-band/|title=Guns N' Roses In Concert At Last: New Arrangement Of An Old Band|first=Roger|last=Catlin|date=December 7, 1991|work=tribunedigital-thecourant|access-date=July 3, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20150705002822/http://articles.courant.com/1991-12-07/features/0000208581_1_roses-band-members-gilby-clarke|archive-date=July 5, 2015}}</ref>{{efn|Reed was previously bandmates with Sorum in [[Johnny Crash]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockeyez.com/reviews/cd/johnny-crash/rev-unfinished.html|title=Rock Eyez Webzine: Johnny Crash- "Unfinished Business "- CD Review|work=rockeyez.com|access-date=July 27, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924091759/http://www.rockeyez.com/reviews/cd/johnny-crash/rev-unfinished.html|archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref>}}

In May 1991, Guns N' Roses fired their manager, [[Alan Niven]], replacing him with Doug Goldstein.<ref name="Nivenfired" /> According to a 1991 cover story by ''Rolling Stone'', Rose forced the dismissal of Niven against the wishes of some of his bandmates by refusing to complete the albums until he was replaced.<ref name="Nivenfired">{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-outta-control-19910905 |title=Guns N' Roses Outta Control: The Rolling Stone Cover Story |last=Neely |first=Kim |date=August 7, 2007 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=August 23, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101219101530/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-outta-control-19910905 |archive-date=December 19, 2010}}</ref>

The band released the recordings as two albums, ''[[Use Your Illusion I]]'' and ''[[Use Your Illusion II]]'', on September 17, 1991.<ref>{{cite news|last=Watrous|first=Peter|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/18/arts/the-night-guns-n-roses-illusions-became-real.html|title=The Night Guns 'n' Roses' 'Illusions' Became Real|work=The New York Times|date=September 18, 1991|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016101554/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/18/arts/the-night-guns-n-roses-illusions-became-real.html|archive-date=October 16, 2013|access-date=July 3, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1991/12/27/axl-rose-one-1991s-great-entertainers|title=Axl Rose: One of 1991's great entertainers|first=David|last=Browne|date=December 27, 1991|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=July 3, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709203740/http://www.ew.com/article/1991/12/27/axl-rose-one-1991s-great-entertainers|archive-date=July 9, 2015}}</ref> The tactic paid off when the albums debuted at No. 2 and No. 1 respectively in the ''Billboard'' charts, making Guns N' Roses the only act to achieve this feat until hip hop artist [[Nelly]] in 2004 and the first to have the top two albums since [[Jim Croce]] in 1974.<ref name="Iluc" /><ref name="Inc.2004">{{cite magazine |last=Mayfield |first=Geoff |date=October 2, 2004 |title=Over the Counter: Nelly Up, Sales Down |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=tRMEAAAAMBAJ&q=guns+&pg=PA49|magazine=Billboard |location=United States |access-date=March 29, 2018|pages=49–|issn=0006-2510 |volume=116|issue=40}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|date=October 5, 1991|title=Chart Beat|last=Grein|first=Paul|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-10-05.pdf|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|page=16|access-date=February 16, 2024|archive-date=February 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223181323/https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1991/BB-1991-10-05.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The albums sold 770,000 units (''Use Your Illusion II'') and 685,000 units (''Use Your Illusion I'') in their first week,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-12-05-ca-1047-story.html|title=Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous' Is No 'Thriller' : * Pop music: Sales of 326,500 copies are well below first-week figures for Guns N' Roses and Metallica.|first=Chuck|last=Philips|date=December 5, 1991|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=July 3, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120084948/http://articles.latimes.com/1991-12-05/entertainment/ca-1047_1_michael-jackson|archive-date=January 20, 2016}}</ref> and spent 108 weeks on the chart.<ref name="Iluc">{{cite web|url=http://www.gunsnroses.com/news/58872?theme=inline|title=Guns N Roses|author=Eddie @ GNR.com|date=January 30, 2012|access-date=July 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701235204/http://www.gunsnroses.com/news/58872?theme=inline|archive-date=July 1, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> They have sold a combined 35 million copies worldwide,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tsort.info/music/faq_album_sales.htm|title=Which albums had the highest number of worldwide sales?|access-date=March 14, 2012|date=December 15, 2007|publisher=TSORT|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327070348/http://tsort.info/music/faq_album_sales.htm|archive-date=March 27, 2012}}</ref> including 14 million in the United States.<ref name="RIAA Top 100" />

Guns N' Roses accompanied the ''Use Your Illusion'' albums with many videos, including "[[Don't Cry]]", "[[November Rain]]" and "[[Estranged (single)|Estranged]]", some of [[List of most expensive music videos|the most expensive music videos ever made]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Monahan |first1=Rich |title=25 Years Ago, Guns N' Roses Unveiled Their Batshit $4 Million Music Video |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/guns-n-roses-estranged-video-25-years-later/ |website=Vice |date=December 21, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2020 |archive-date=September 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924023415/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xyadx/guns-n-roses-estranged-video-25-years-later |url-status=live }}</ref> The ballad "November Rain" reached number 3 in the US and became the most requested video on MTV, eventually winning the 1992 [[MTV Video Music Award]] for best cinematography.<ref name="apne_1992">{{Cite web |title=1992 MTV Video Music Awards With AM-MTV Awards |work=AP News |date=September 9, 1992 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://apnews.com/article/05b1158fee2d7b566799a162db4c7f8f |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006235600/https://apnews.com/article/05b1158fee2d7b566799a162db4c7f8f |url-status=live }}</ref> At 8:57, it was at the time also the longest song in US chart history to reach the top ten.<ref name="loud_Guns">{{Cite web |title=Guns N' Roses 'Use Your Illusions': 20 Facts Only Superfans Know |author=Lauryn Schaffner |work=Loudwire |date=September 17, 2020 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-use-your-illusion-facts/ |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064638/https://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-use-your-illusion-facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|[[Taylor Swift]]'s [[All Too Well#Re-recorded versions|All Too Well (10 Minute Version)]] broke the record in 2021.}} During the awards show, the band performed the song with [[Elton John]] accompanying on piano.<ref name="roll_Flas">{{Cite magazine |title=Flashback: Guns N' Roses Jam With Elton |last=Greene |first=Andy |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=April 2, 2013 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/flashback-guns-n-roses-play-november-rain-with-elton-john-71595/ |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064636/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/flashback-guns-n-roses-play-november-rain-with-elton-john-71595/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1992/|title=1992 MTV Video Music Awards|publisher=Mtv.com|access-date=December 12, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024010223/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1992/|archive-date=October 24, 2012}}</ref>

==== Use Your Illusion Tour ====
{{Main|Use Your Illusion Tour}}
Before the release of the albums, Guns N' Roses embarked on the 28-month-long [[Use Your Illusion Tour]]. It became famous for both its financial success and for the many controversial incidents that occurred at the shows. The tour included 192 dates in 27 countries, with over seven million people attending concerts.<ref name="UYI">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/history/history93.php|title=Here Today... Gone To Hell! – Guns N' Roses History|work=heretodaygonetohell.com|access-date=April 25, 2015|archive-date=October 2, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071002020029/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/history/history93.php|url-status=live}}</ref> The Use Your Illusion Tour is considered the "longest tour in rock history".<ref name="UYI" /> The Use Your Illusion World Tour program included a guitar solo from Slash based on ''[[The Godfather]]'' [[Speak Softly, Love|theme]]; a piano-driven cover of "It's Alright" by [[Black Sabbath]]; and an extended jam on the classic rock-inspired "Move to the City", where the group showcased the ensemble of musicians assembled for the tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gnrsource.com/songinfo/le8793.htm|title=Live Era '87–'93|publisher=Gnrsource.com|access-date=December 14, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204231657/http://gnrsource.com/songinfo/le8793.htm|archive-date=December 4, 2007| url-status=dead}}</ref>

On July 2, 1991, at the [[Riverport Amphitheater]] in [[Maryland Heights, Missouri]], Rose discovered that a fan was filming the show with a camera.<ref name="stlt_30ye">{{Cite web |title=30 years ago: The night Axl Rose tore up Riverport |last=Rintoul |first=Jack |work=STLtoday.com |date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/30-years-ago-the-night-axl-rose-tore-up-riverport/collection_8221a9da-006c-56a1-86b7-63c6c2d5b7c5.html |archive-date=August 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807033453/https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/30-years-ago-the-night-axl-rose-tore-up-riverport/collection_8221a9da-006c-56a1-86b7-63c6c2d5b7c5.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After asking the venue's security to take away the camera, Rose jumped into the audience, had a heated confrontation with the fan, and assaulted him.<ref name="bill_Guns">{{Cite magazine |title=Guns N' Roses: 1991 Riverport Riot Remembered as Band Returns to St. Louis |author=Daniel Durchholz |magazine=Billboard |date=July 26, 2017 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7881055/riverport-riot-guns-n-roses-st-louis-1991-concert-axl-rose |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811070138/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7881055/riverport-riot-guns-n-roses-st-louis-1991-concert-axl-rose |url-status=live }}</ref> After being pulled from the audience by members of the crew, Rose said, "Well, thanks to the lame-ass security, I'm going home!", threw his microphone to the ground and stormed off the stage.<ref name="loud_Bike">{{Cite web |title=Bikers, fire hoses and looting: the story of the Guns N' Roses fan riot in St. Louis |author=Henry Yates |work=Classic Rock |date=September 8, 2019 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/bikers-fire-hoses-and-looting-the-story-of-the-guns-n-roses-fan-riot-in-st-louis |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064636/https://www.loudersound.com/features/bikers-fire-hoses-and-looting-the-story-of-the-guns-n-roses-fan-riot-in-st-louis |url-status=live }}</ref> The angry [[Riverport Riot|crowd rioted]], injuring dozens. Footage was captured by [[Robert John (photographer)|Robert John]], who was documenting the tour.<ref name="thev_UseY">{{Cite web |title=Use Your Illusion Turns 20; A Look Back at the Infamous Riverport Riot |author=Jason Miller |work=The Vinyl District |date=September 20, 2011 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://www.thevinyldistrict.com/sanfrancisco/2011/09/use-your-illusion-turns-20-a-look-back-at-the-infamous-riverport-riot/ |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064637/https://www.thevinyldistrict.com/sanfrancisco/2011/09/use-your-illusion-turns-20-a-look-back-at-the-infamous-riverport-riot/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The police were unable to arrest Rose until almost a year later, as the band went overseas to continue the tour.<ref>{{Cite web |title=25 Years Ago: Axl Rose Arrested for St. Louis Guns N' Roses Riot |author=Jeff Giles |work=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=July 12, 2017 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/axl-rose-arrested-st-louis-riot/ |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064638/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/axl-rose-arrested-st-louis-riot/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Charges were filed against Rose,<ref name="nyti_AxlR">{{Cite web |title=Axl Rose Pleads Not Guilty |agency=Associated Press |work=The New York Times |date=July 15, 1992 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/15/us/axl-rose-pleads-not-guilty.html |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064636/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/07/15/us/axl-rose-pleads-not-guilty.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but a judge ruled that he did not directly incite the riot. In his defense, Rose stated that the Guns N' Roses security team had made four separate requests to the venue's security staff to remove the camera, that those requests were ignored, that other members of the band had reported being hit by bottles launched from the audience, and that the security staff refused to enforce a drinking limit.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Barat |first=Babu |date=September 1991 |title=There's A Riot Going On! |url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=75 |magazine=[[Musician (magazine)|Musician]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430175850/http://heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=75 |archive-date=April 30, 2010 }}</ref> Rose was eventually found guilty of property damage and assault. He was fined $50,000 and given two years probation.<ref name="vari_AxlR">{{Cite web |title=Axl Rose convicted of assault |agency=Associated Press |work=Variety |date=November 10, 1992 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://variety.com/1992/biz/news/axl-rose-convicted-of-assault-100475/ |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064637/https://variety.com/1992/biz/news/axl-rose-convicted-of-assault-100475/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{refn|As a result, ''Use Your Illusion's'' liner notes featured a message amidst the ''Thank You'' section: "Fuck You, St. Louis!"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riverfronttimes.com/stlouis/a-little-patience/Content?oid=2462300|title=A Little Patience|last1=Harper|first1=Jordan|date=June 30, 2004|website=[[Riverfront Times]] |access-date=May 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113020455/https://www.riverfronttimes.com/stlouis/a-little-patience/Content?oid=2462300|archive-date=January 13, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

[[File:Dizzy reed.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|[[Dizzy Reed]] joined the band as keyboardist in 1990.]]
Rhythm guitarist [[Izzy Stradlin]] abruptly quit the band on November 7, 1991, after a repeat of the St. Louis incident nearly unfolded during a concert in Germany.<ref>{{Cite web |title=25 Years Ago: Izzy Stradlin Leaves Guns N' Roses |author=Michael Christopher |work=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=November 7, 2016 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/izzy-stradlin-quit-guns-n-roses/ |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064642/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/izzy-stradlin-quit-guns-n-roses/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Luukkonen|first=Jarmo|title=The History of GN'R: The Shocking Truth|publisher=HereTodayGoneToHell.com|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/history/index.html|access-date=May 25, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131135117/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/history/index.html|archive-date=January 31, 2011}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite book|author1=Slash|author2=Anthony Bozza|title=Slash|date=October 30, 2007|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-135142-6|page=344}}</ref> As reasons for his departure, Stradlin cited a combination of Rose's personal behavior, his mismanagement of the band, and difficulties being around Slash, Sorum, and McKagan due to his newfound sobriety and their continuing addictions.<ref name=autogenerated1 /><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Izzy Stradlin interview with ''Musician Magazine''|year=1992|magazine=[[Musician (magazine)|Musician]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Slash|author2=Anthony Bozza|title=Slash|date=October 30, 2007|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-135142-6|page=337}}</ref> Stradlin later commented, "Once I quit drugs, I couldn't help looking around and asking myself, 'Is this all there is?' I was just tired of it; I needed to get out".<ref name="RS1998">{{cite magazine|title=Izzy Stradlin: Interview with Rolling Stone|year=1998|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> The band had three weeks to find a replacement or cancel several shows. [[Dave Navarro]] from [[Jane's Addiction]] was considered, but according to Slash, "he couldn't get it together".<ref name="TBF">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=77|title=Trial by fire|first=Brad|last=Tolinski|author-link=Brad Tolinski|date=November 1992|work=Guitar World|access-date=April 25, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317014946/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=77|archive-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref> Stradlin was eventually replaced by Los Angeles guitarist [[Gilby Clarke]], whom Slash credited for saving the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.easyreadernews.com/gilby-clarke-rides-again/|title=Gilby Clarke rides again|first=Mark|last=McDermott|date=May 26, 2010|work=Easy Reader News|access-date=April 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730115948/https://www.easyreadernews.com/gilby-clarke-rides-again/|archive-date=July 30, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> At many shows on the tour, Rose introduced Clarke to the audience, and Slash and Clarke would play "[[Wild Horses (The Rolling Stones song)|Wild Horses]]", a Rolling Stones cover.<ref name="TBF" /> In 1993, Clarke broke his arm in a motorcycle accident during the tour and was replaced by Stradlin for several weeks.<ref name="Duswalt2014">{{cite book|first=Craig|last=Duswalt|title=Welcome to My Jungle: An Unauthorized Account of How a Regular Guy Like Me Survived Years of Touring with Guns N' Roses, Pet Wallabies, Crazed Groupies, Axl Rose's Moth Extermination System, and Other Perils on the Road with One of the Greatest Rock Bands of All Time|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l1vZAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT147|date=May 13, 2014|publisher=BenBella Books|isbn=978-1-939529-81-7|pages=147–}}</ref>

In 1992, the band performed three songs at the [[The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert|Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert]].<ref name="QFM" /> Because of the controversial song "[[One in a Million (Guns N' Roses song)|One in a Million]]", activist group [[ACT UP]] demanded that the band be dropped from the bill, urged other artists to shun GN'R, and the urged crowd to boo the group.<ref name="QFM" /> Members of [[Queen (band)|Queen]] dismissed the activists, with lead guitarist [[Brian May]] stating: "People seem so blind. Don't they realize that the mere fact that Guns N' Roses are here is the biggest statement that you could get?"<ref name="QFM">{{cite web|url=http://www.queenarchives.com/index.php?title=Queen_-_06-25-1992_-_Rolling_Stone_-_Freddie_Mercury_Tribute|title=Queen Interviews – Queen – 06-25-1992 – Rolling Stone – Freddie Mercury Tribute – Queen Archives: Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon, Interviews, Articles, Reviews|date=June 25, 1992|work=queenarchives.com; Rolling Stone|access-date=July 3, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713195141/http://www.queenarchives.com/index.php?title=Queen_-_06-25-1992_-_Rolling_Stone_-_Freddie_Mercury_Tribute|archive-date=July 13, 2015}}</ref> Slash later performed "[[Tie Your Mother Down]]" with the remaining members of Queen and [[Def Leppard]] vocalist [[Joe Elliott]], while Rose performed "[[We Will Rock You]]" and sang a duet with [[Elton John]] on "[[Bohemian Rhapsody]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/freddie-mercury-tribute-concert-performances/|title=Top 10 Queen Performances From The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert|first=Ken|last=Kelley|date=April 2013|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|access-date=July 3, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717102638/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/freddie-mercury-tribute-concert-performances/|archive-date=July 17, 2015}}</ref> Their personal set included "Paradise City" and "[[Knockin' on Heaven's Door (Guns N' Roses song)|Knockin' on Heaven's Door]]". When the band returned to the US for the second leg of the Use Your Illusion Tour, Rose had wanted the [[grunge]] band [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]] as the support act, but lead singer [[Kurt Cobain]] declined.<ref name="Azerrad1993">{{cite book|first=Michael|last=Azerrad|title=Come as You are: The Story of Nirvana|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=paO5uhKG58QC&pg=PA239|year=1993|publisher=Doubleday|isbn=978-0-385-47199-2|page=239}}</ref>

Later that year, Guns N' Roses embarked on the [[Guns N' Roses/Metallica Stadium Tour]] with heavy metal band [[Metallica]], supported by [[Faith No More]], [[Motörhead]], and [[Body Count (band)|Body Count]]. During a show in August 1992 at [[Montreal]]'s [[Olympic Stadium (Montreal)|Olympic Stadium]], Metallica's lead singer [[James Hetfield]] suffered second-degree burns to his hands and face after malfunctions with [[pyrotechnics]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/11/news/riot-erupts-at-concert-starring-guns-n-roses.html|title=Riot Erupts at Concert Starring Guns 'n' Roses|date=August 11, 1992|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504045707/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/11/news/riot-erupts-at-concert-starring-guns-n-roses.html|archive-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref> Metallica was forced to cancel the second hour of the show, but promised to return to the city for another performance. After a long delay, during which the audience became increasingly restless, Guns N' Roses took the stage. However, the shortened time between sets did not allow for adequate tuning of [[Stage monitor system|stage monitors]] and the band members could not hear themselves. In addition, Rose claimed that his throat hurt, causing the band to leave the stage early.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.celluloidandvinyl.com/2006/11/06/top-10-on-stage-rock-meltdowns/|title=Top 10 On Stage Rock Meltdowns|access-date=July 19, 2007|author=amit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029184620/http://www.celluloidandvinyl.com/2006/11/06/top-10-on-stage-rock-meltdowns/ |archive-date=October 29, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The cancellation led to another audience riot, in which 10 audience members and three police officers were injured. Police made at least a dozen arrests related to the incident.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19920810/1506703/rosesmetallica-cancel-denver-hetfield-burned-out-for-10-days|title=Roses/Metallica Cancel Denver; Hetfield Burned, Out For 10 Days|work=[[The Seattle Times]]|date=August 10, 1992|access-date=April 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702043956/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19920810&slug=1506703|archive-date=July 2, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|The pyrotechnics incident and riot can be seen on video in ''[[A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica]]''.<ref name="BranniganWinwood2014">{{cite book|author1=Paul Brannigan|author2=Ian Winwood|title=Into the Black: The Inside Story of Metallica (1991–2014)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mm5zAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT29|date=November 4, 2014|publisher=Da Capo Press, Incorporated|isbn=978-0-306-82189-9|pages=29–}}</ref> In a segment on the video, Hetfield mocked Rose and read his personal [[Rider (theater)|tour rider]], making fun of various items on the list.<ref name="BranniganWinwood2014" />}}
{{external media|image1 =[http://gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/axl-rose-and-slash-news-photo/83354364 Guns N' Roses receiving an MTV Video Music Award in 1992.]}}

The ''Use Your Illusion'' tour ended in [[Buenos Aires]], Argentina, on July 17, 1993.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Revisiting Slash and Duff McKagan's Last Classic-Era GNR Show |author=Michael Gallucci |work=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=December 30, 2015 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/slash-and-duff-mckagan-play-their-last-guns-n-roses-show/ |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064640/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/slash-and-duff-mckagan-play-their-last-guns-n-roses-show/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The tour set attendance records and lasted for 28 months, in which 192 shows were played in 27 countries.<ref name="spin_Quar">{{Cite web |title=Quarantine Classic Concerts: Guns N' Roses' Use Your Illusion Tour '91-'93 |author=Sean Moltisanti |work=SPIN |date=April 8, 2020 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://www.spin.com/2020/04/quarantine-classic-concerts-guns-n-roses-use-your-illusion-tour-91-93/ |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811064637/https://www.spin.com/2020/04/quarantine-classic-concerts-guns-n-roses-use-your-illusion-tour-91-93/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The show in Buenos Aires marked the last time that Sorum and Clarke played in the band, and the last time Slash performed with the band until 2016.<ref name="axslash" />

==== ''"The Spaghetti Incident?"'' ====
{{Main|"The Spaghetti Incident?"}}
[[File:Gilby Clarke.JPG|thumb|right|upright=0.8|[[Gilby Clarke]] replaced Izzy Stradlin as rhythm guitarist, playing from 1991 to 1994.]]
Initially, the band planned to release an [[Extended play|EP]] of covers in 1992 or 1993, but decided to record a full album.<ref name="LOUDSPAG" /> Their fifth studio album, ''[["The Spaghetti Incident?"]]'',<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/the-spaghetti-incident-19931209|title=Rolling Stone The Spaghetti Incident? review|last1=Gold|first1=Jonathan|date=December 9, 1993|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=May 7, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722010723/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/the-spaghetti-incident-19931209|archive-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref>{{efn|The title references an incident [[Steven Adler]] had in 1989; while the band was temporarily staying at an apartment in Chicago. Adler stored his drugs in a refrigerator next to the band's takeout containers, which contained Italian food. McKagan explained that Adler's code word for his stash was 'spaghetti'. In his lawsuit against the band, Adler's lawyer asked the band to "tell us about the spaghetti incident", which the band found amusing and used as the title of the album.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-wildest-guns-n-roses-moments-20151124/summer-1989-the-actual-spaghetti-incident-20151119 |title=Summer 1989: The Actual Spaghetti Incident |date=November 24, 2015 |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171124070727/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-wildest-guns-n-roses-moments-20151124/summer-1989-the-actual-spaghetti-incident-20151119 |archive-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref>}} a collection of [[Punk rock|punk]] and [[glam rock]] covers, was released on November 23, 1993.<ref name="LOUDSPAG">{{Cite web |title=27 Years Ago: Guns N' Roses Release 'The Spaghetti Incident?' |author=Jon Wiederhorn |work=Loudwire |date=November 28, 2020 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |url=https://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-the-spaghetti-incident-anniversary/ |quote= |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028055506/https://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-the-spaghetti-incident-anniversary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album features covers of songs of punk artists such as [[U.K. Subs]], [[The Damned (band)|the Damned]], [[New York Dolls]], [[the Stooges]], [[Dead Boys]], [[Misfits (band)|Misfits]], [[Johnny Thunders]], [[The Professionals (band)|the Professionals]], [[Fear (band)|FEAR]], as well as [[T. Rex (band)|T. Rex]], [[Soundgarden]] and [[the Skyliners]].<ref name="LOUDSPAG" /> The lead single, "[[Ain't It Fun (The Dead Boys song)|Ain't It Fun]]" featured [[Hanoi Rocks]] singer [[Michael Monroe]] as a guest vocalist.
<ref name="blab_MICH">{{Cite web |title=Michael Monroe 'Never Wanted Any Money' For His Guest Appearances On Guns N' Roses Albums |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=October 4, 2019 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/michael-monroe-never-wanted-any-money-for-his-guest-appearances-on-guns-n-roses-albums/ |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028055501/https://blabbermouth.net/news/michael-monroe-never-wanted-any-money-for-his-guest-appearances-on-guns-n-roses-albums/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard charts, and sold 190,000 copies its first week.<ref name="baltsun" />

Many of the tracks were recorded during the same sessions as the ''Illusions'' albums, which were originally intended to produce three or four albums.<ref name="Recses" /> Stradlin's guitar parts were reportedly re-recorded entirely by Gilby Clarke.<ref name="RSSPAG" /><ref name="Slashspag" />{{efn|Clarke later disputed the claim, stating "Izzy didn't play on a lot of them, so I got to just put my parts on songs that were recorded. So it was a little bit of both."<ref name="UCRSPG">{{Cite web |title=25 Facts About Guns N' Roses' 'The Spaghetti Incident?' |author=Dave Liffon |work=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=November 22, 2018 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-spaghetti-incident-facts/ |quote= |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029193103/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-spaghetti-incident-facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} Slash described the recording as "spontaneous and unpainted",<ref name="Slashspag">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=13|title=Guns N' Roses: Okej interview|first=Anders|last=Tegnér|date=November 1993|work=Okej; Here Today... Gone to Hell!|access-date=May 7, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924025752/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=13|archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> and recording the songs served as "a purpose to alleviate the pressure of making the ''Illusions'' records".<ref name="RSSPAG">{{Cite magazine |title=Inside Guns N' Roses' Scrappy Covers Album 'The Spaghetti Incident?' |last=Weingarten |first=Christopher R. |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=November 23, 2016 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/inside-guns-n-roses-scrappy-covers-album-the-spaghetti-incident-108881/ |quote= |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028055508/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/inside-guns-n-roses-scrappy-covers-album-the-spaghetti-incident-108881/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The band wanted to increase the profile of some of their favorite bands and help them financially via royalties with the tracklist selection, and considered naming the album "Pension Fund".<ref name="UCRSPG" />

The album includes a [[hidden track]], a cover of "[[Look at Your Game, Girl]]", originally by cult leader [[Charles Manson]].<ref name="Manson cover" /> The track was kept secret and left off advance tapes sent to reviewers.<ref name="Manson cover">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-11-21-ca-59128-story.html|title=It's No Illusion: Guns N' Roses Does Charles Manson|last1=Hochman|first1=Steve|date=November 21, 1993|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=May 7, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160414175411/http://articles.latimes.com/1993-11-21/entertainment/ca-59128_1_charles-manson|archive-date=April 14, 2016}}</ref> The inclusion of the song caused controversy, with law enforcement and victims rights groups expressing outrage.<ref name="Stickwith" /><ref name="baltsun">{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1993/12/03/guns-n-roses-under-fire-for-manson-bonus-song/|title=Guns N' Roses under fire for Manson 'bonus' song|last1=Considine|first1=J.D.|date=December 3, 1993|website=The Baltimore Sun, Tribune Publishing|access-date=May 7, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222000420/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1993-12-03/features/1993337105_1_charles-manson-record-a-song-spaghetti-incident|archive-date=December 22, 2017}}</ref> Rose stated "we wanted to downplay it. We don't give any credit to Charles Manson on the album". Label president [[David Geffen]] commented: "[If] Rose had realized how offensive people would find this, he would not have ever recorded this song".<ref name="remove?" /> Slash mentioned that the song was "done with naive and innocent black humor on our part".<ref name="Stickwith">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-12-08-ca-65317-story.html|title=Guns N' Roses to Stick With Manson Song on Album: Convict's royalties from 'Girl' will be paid to the son of one of those killed in a spree masterminded by the cult leader|last1=Philips|first1=Chuck|date=December 8, 1993|website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 7, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518133702/http://articles.latimes.com/1993-12-08/entertainment/ca-65317_1_charles-manson-song|archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref> Rose stated he would donate all performance royalties from the song to a nonprofit environmental organization.<ref name="manson">{{cite web|url=http://www.oocities.org/rattlesnake_suitcase/qmanson94.htm|title=Bring Out The Manson|date=March 1994|work=[[Q (magazine)|Q]] |access-date=May 7, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518073224/http://www.oocities.org/rattlesnake_suitcase/qmanson94.htm|archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref><ref name="remove?">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-12-01-me-62793-story.html|title=Guns N' Roses May Remove Manson Song From Album|last1=Philips|first1=Chuck|date=December 1, 1993|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=May 7, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160414175418/http://articles.latimes.com/1993-12-01/local/me-62793_1_charles-manson|archive-date=April 14, 2016}}</ref> The band was going to remove the song before learning that royalties would be donated to the son of one of Manson's victims.<ref name="Stickwith" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/26/us/victim-s-son-gets-manson-royalties.html|title=Victim's Son Gets Manson Royalties|date=December 26, 1993|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=May 7, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130611/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/26/us/victim-s-son-gets-manson-royalties.html|archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> Geffen Records stated their share of royalties would be donated to the [[Doris Tate]] Crime Victims Bureau.<ref name="Stickwith" />

The band did not tour in support of ''"The Spaghetti Incident?"''.<ref name="LOUDSPAG" /> Although well received critically; it is the band's worst selling studio album, having sold 1 million copies by 2018.<ref name="UCRSPG" />

=== Lineup changes and sporadic activity (1994–1998) ===
Between 1994 and 1996, the band sporadically recorded new material. According to Matt Sorum, in 1996, the band had recorded seven songs, with seven more in the writing stages, and intended to release a single album with 10 or 12 songs in spring 1997.<ref name="Sorum96" /> In May 1994, Gilby Clarke said work on the next Guns N' Roses album had ended.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=May 24, 1994 |title=War Of The Roses! (Gilby Clarke interview) |url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=60 |magazine=Kerrang! |volume=494 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317014405/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=60 |archive-date=March 17, 2015 }}</ref> Rose said the material was scrapped due to the lack of collaboration between band members: "We still needed the collaboration of the band as a whole to write the best songs. Since none of that happened, that's the reason why that material got scrapped."<ref name="scrapp">{{Cite web |url=http://gnronline.com/ |title=For Immediate Release: Guns N' Roses Launch "Chinese Democracy" Tour In China |date=August 14, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020915091434/http://gnronline.com/ |archive-date=September 15, 2002 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2018}}</ref> The album was described by McKagan as consisting of "up-tempo rock songs" with "no ballads".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.addict.com/html/lofi/MNOTW/display-news.cgi?96-08-30 |title=Music News Of The World – August 30, 1996: Guns N' Roses Enter Studio To Record New Album |last=Howell |first=Peter |date=August 30, 1996 |website=Addict.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990825110928/http://www.addict.com/html/lofi/MNOTW/display-news.cgi?96-08-30 |archive-date=August 25, 1999 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2018}}</ref> Sorum said that ''[[It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (album)|It's Five O'Clock Somewhere]]'', the debut album from Slash's band [[Slash's Snakepit]], "could have been a Guns N' Roses album, but Axl didn't think it was good enough".<ref name="Sorum96">{{cite web|url=http://qfg.info/misc/mattsorum96.txt|title=Matt Sorum – 1996|date=1996 |access-date=May 4, 2015|archive-date=February 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208230536/http://qfg.info/misc/mattsorum96.txt}}</ref>

In 1994, all of the then-current members of the band contributed to Gilby Clarke's debut album, ''[[Pawnshop Guitars]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/pawnshop-guitars-mw0000112792|title=Allmusic: Gilby Clarke's Pawnshop Guitars|website=Allmusic.com|publisher=All Media Network|access-date=May 7, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311010044/http://www.allmusic.com/album/pawnshop-guitars-mw0000112792|archive-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> In December 1994, GN'R released a cover of the [[Rolling Stones]]' "[[Sympathy for the Devil]]".<ref name="symph">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=125|title=Four Bust-ups And A Single!|date=November 1994|work=[[Raw (music magazine)|Raw]] |access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317020545/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=125|archive-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref> The song appeared in the films ''[[Interview with the Vampire]]'' and ''[[Fallen (1998 film)|Fallen]]'' and was released as a single. [[Entertainment Weekly]] stated that the "note-for-note remake works up a decent lather but seems utterly bankrupt".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://ew.com/article/1994/12/16/ew-takes-look-1994s-movie-soundtracks|title=EW takes a look at 1994's movie soundtracks|first=David|last=Browne|date=1994|work=Entertainment Weekly's EW.com|access-date=April 25, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505075134/http://www.ew.com/article/1994/12/16/ew-takes-look-1994s-movie-soundtracks|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> The recording featured Rose's childhood friend and [[Hollywood Rose]] collaborator [[Paul Tobias|Paul "Huge" Tobias]] on rhythm guitar.<ref name="symph" />

Tobias's presence in the band created tension; Slash had 'creative and personal differences' with Tobias.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=6|title=The Guns 'N Roses Report|date=January 13, 1997|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; addict.com|access-date=April 24, 2015|quote=Huge's presence didn't sit well with Slash, who reportedly has 'creative and personal' differences with the latest Rose writing collaborator, which played a part in his decision to leave the band.'|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505061605/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=6|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> A 2001 interview revealed Slash told his bandmates in September 1996, "I'm going to confront it. Either Paul goes, or [I go]."<ref name="sor" />

{{blockquote|The music was going in a direction that was completely indulgent to his friend ''[Huge]'' ... And another factor is this guy that Axl brought in and told us, 'This is our new guitar player' ... There was no democracy there. And that's when Slash really started going, 'Fuck this. What, this is his band now? or something?' ... It was ridiculous. I'd go down there to start rehearsal at 10, and Axl would show up at four or five in the morning. That sort of thing was going on for a couple of years.|source=Duff McKagan<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Jon|last=[[Jon Hotten|Hotten]]|title=Mad bad and dangerous to know?|magazine=Classic Rock |issue=36|date=January 2002|page=80}}</ref>}}

[[File:Zakk Wylde 1.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Guitarist [[Zakk Wylde]] played with the band for several weeks and was considered as a potential second guitarist in 1995.]]
Gilby Clarke's contract was not renewed and he was gone from the band by 1995.<ref name="symph" /> Slash stated in [[Slash (autobiography)|his book]] that Rose fired Clarke without consulting anyone, claiming he was a "hired hand".<ref>{{cite book|author1=Slash|author2=Anthony Bozza|title=Slash|date=October 30, 2007|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-135142-6|page=576}}</ref> Clarke was not involved in the recording of 'Sympathy for the Devil': "I knew that that was the ending because nobody told me about it".<ref name="Clarkefinal" /> Clarke mentioned that before the final show of the ''Use Your Illusion Tour'', Rose told him "Hey, enjoy your last show".<ref name="Clarkefinal">{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/gilby-clarke-final-guns-n-roses-gig/|title=Gilby Clarke Opens Up About His Final Guns N' Roses Gig|first=Jeff|last=Giles|date=October 11, 2014|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|access-date=April 25, 2015|quote='My official end was actually at the last show of the last tour,' he continued. 'Axl was jokingly saying "bye" to everybody, but he was really saying "bye: to everybody. He even came up to me and said, "Hey, enjoy your last show.{{"'}}|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518194252/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/gilby-clarke-final-guns-n-roses-gig/|archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref> Clarke later sued the band over the use of his likeness in [[Guns N' Roses (pinball)|Guns N' Roses Pinball]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/book-excerpt-duff-mckagan-recalls-the-bitter-dispute-over-the-guns-n-roses-pinball-machine-5557829|title=Book Excerpt: Duff McKagan Recalls the Bitter Dispute Over the Guns N' Roses Pinball Machine|date=May 11, 2015|work=[[LA Weekly]]|publisher= Brian Calle|access-date=May 16, 2015|quote=it was a forgone [sic] conclusion that Gilby would be in the band ... his picture was included on the big mural on the game ... suddenly [he] wasn't in the band anymore. Gilby sued us for using his likeness on the machine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103214421/https://www.laweekly.com/music/book-excerpt-duff-mckagan-recalls-the-bitter-dispute-over-the-guns-n-roses-pinball-machine-5557829|archive-date=January 3, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 1995, Rose legally left the band and created a new partnership under the band's name. Rose later stated that he took this step "to salvage Guns not steal it".<ref name="PRTN">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gnrevolution.com/viewtopic.php?id=3350|title=1995: Chinese Whispers / 1995 / GNR Evolution – Guns N Roses Forum|website=www.gnrevolution.com|access-date=May 21, 2020|archive-date=August 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801112715/http://www.gnrevolution.com/viewtopic.php?id=3350|url-status=live}}</ref> Rose reportedly purchased the full rights to the Guns N' Roses name in 1997.<ref name="gnrname">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/508988/axl-rose-buys-guns-n-roses-name/|title=Axl Rose Buys "Guns N' Roses" Name|first=Mark|last=Brown|date=January 30, 1997|work=[[MTV News]]|publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]]|access-date=April 24, 2015|quote=Guns N' Roses leader Axl Rose has bought the rights to the name 'Guns N' Roses,' and can put out any music he wants under that moniker, played by anyone he chooses|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630062052/http://www.mtv.com/news/508988/axl-rose-buys-guns-n-roses-name/|archive-date=June 30, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=7|title=Axl Rose Buys "Guns N' Roses" Name|first=Mark|last=Brown|date=January 30, 1997|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; Addicted To Noise|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216081305/http://heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=7|archive-date=December 16, 2010}}</ref> Slash claimed he and bandmates signed over the name under duress: "Axl refused to go onstage one night during the Use Your Illusion tour in 1992 unless the band signed away the name rights to the band. Unfortunately, we signed it. I didn't think he'd go on stage otherwise."<ref name="bandname">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/did-axl-rose-swindle-guns-n-roses-and-steal-slashs-song-a-guide-to-roses-online-rants-20081215|title=Axl Rose on stealing Slash's song and other online rants|first=Andy|last=Greene|date=December 15, 2008|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519135119/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/did-axl-rose-swindle-guns-n-roses-and-steal-slashs-song-a-guide-to-roses-online-rants-20081215|archive-date=May 19, 2015}}</ref> Rose denied the claim, saying "(it) Never happened, all made up, fallacy and fantasy. Not one single solitary thread of truth to it. Had that been the case I would have been cremated years ago legally, could've cleaned me out for the name and damages. It's called under duress with extenuating circumstances."<ref name="bandname" />

In 1996, Rose, Slash, McKagan, and former member Izzy Stradlin guested on ''[[Anxious Disease]]'', the debut album by [[the Outpatience]]. This would be the last material the four classic-era band members worked on together.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429815/g-n-r-songwriter-west-arkeen-dies/|title=G n' R Songwriter West Arkeen Dies|date=June 2, 1997|work=[[MTV News]]|publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]] |access-date=July 2, 2015|quote=The album boast strong G n' R connections: Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan appear as guests (Rose sings backup on the title track), and former G n' R member Izzy Stradlin co-wrote one of the songs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630062046/http://www.mtv.com/news/1429815/g-n-r-songwriter-west-arkeen-dies/|archive-date=June 30, 2017}}</ref>

The recording of "Sympathy for the Devil", coupled with tension between Slash and Rose, led the former to quit the band officially in October 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Graft |first=Garry |date=January 1997 |title=Slash: Exclusive: His Last Guns N' Roses Interview |url=http://www.oocities.org/rattlesnake_suitcase/tg1997.htm |magazine=[[Total Guitar]] |location=United Kingdom  |access-date=March 29, 2018 |via=oocities.org |issue=26 |archive-date=July 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709223727/http://www.oocities.org/rattlesnake_suitcase/tg1997.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Rose sent a fax notifying MTV of the departure, and Slash responded: "Axl and I have not been capable of seeing eye to eye on Guns N' Roses for some time. We tried to collaborate, but at this point, I'm no longer in the band."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429823/g-n-rs-blizzard-of-acrimony/|title=G n' R's Blizzard Of Acrimony|date=November 8, 1996|work=[[MTV News]]|access-date=April 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519022453/http://www.mtv.com/news/1429823/g-n-rs-blizzard-of-acrimony|archive-date=May 19, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Slash stated, "Axl's whole visionary style, as far as his input in Guns N' Roses, is completely different from mine. I just like to play guitar, write a good riff, go out there and play, as opposed to presenting an image."<ref name="gnrname" />

Slash was replaced by [[Nine Inch Nails]] touring guitarist [[Robin Finck]] in January 1997. He signed a two-year contract with the band in August 1997, making him an official member.<ref name="Clink">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429816/guns-go-clink/|title=Guns Go Clink|date=May 22, 1997|work=[[MTV News]]|publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]]|access-date=April 24, 2015|quote=sources say former Nine Inch Nails guitarist Robin Finck will be the new primary axe-slinger. Finck is said to be replacing Slash who left the band last year over creative differences|archive-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630060815/http://www.mtv.com/news/1429816/guns-go-clink/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Finck was originally recommended by Matt Sorum to Rose a year earlier as a possible second guitarist to complement Slash.<ref name="sor" /> Slash's departure was followed by the departure of Matt Sorum in April 1997. Sorum was fired by Rose following an argument about Tobias's inclusion in the band.<ref>{{cite news|last=Harkness|first=Geoff|url=http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2001/jun/28/seven_questions_with/|title=SEVEN QUESTIONS with Matt Sorum of The Cult|work=[[Lawrence Journal-World]]|publisher=Ogden Newspapers of Kansas LLC|date=June 28, 2001|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914002401/http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2001/jun/28/seven_questions_with/|archive-date=September 14, 2008|access-date=July 3, 2015|quote=Axl were having some differences in the musical direction. In '97 I got into an argument with Axl about the state of the band. He'd brought in another guitar player, Paul Huge, and none of us really wanted to play with him. Axl really wanted him in the band and we didn't really want to play with the guy. Me and Duff were showing up, trying to be professional and get the work done but it just didn't seem to be going anywhere, and obviously it still hasn't}}</ref> Sorum later stated that Tobias was the "[[Yoko Ono#Relationship with the Beatles|Yoko Ono]] of Guns N' Roses".<ref name="sor">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=42|title=Didn't You Used To Be Axl Rose?|date=May 2001|work=Q |access-date=July 2, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530003051/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=42|archive-date=May 30, 2011}}</ref>

Rose auditioned multiple potential members, including multi-instrumentalist [[Chris Vrenna]]<ref name="90sdrum">{{Cite web|url=https://gnrcentral.com/2018/10/30/chris-vrenna-reveals-that-queens-of-the-stone-age-drummer-auditioned-with-guns-n-roses/|title=Chris Vrenna Reveals That Queens of the Stone Age Drummer Auditioned with Guns N' Roses!|date=October 30, 2018|access-date=March 2, 2019|archive-date=October 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019155028/https://gnrcentral.com/2018/10/30/chris-vrenna-reveals-that-queens-of-the-stone-age-drummer-auditioned-with-guns-n-roses/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and guitarist [[Zakk Wylde]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/zakk-guns-and-roses-0105-2012.aspx|title=What Could Have Been: Zakk Wylde Talks Guns N' Roses|publisher=gibson.com|first=Peter|last=Hodgson|date=January 5, 2012|access-date=May 19, 2014|quote=It could have been one of the most interesting heavy music collaborations in rock history: Zakk Wylde as a member of Guns N' Roses ... And it very nearly happened in the mid-1990s|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423045023/http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/zakk-guns-and-roses-0105-2012.aspx|archive-date=April 23, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=65|title='I Spent A Week Jammin' With Guns N' Roses'. Zakk Wylde to join GN'R?!|magazine=Kerrang! | issue=530|date=January 28, 1995|access-date=May 4, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317020042/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=65|archive-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/zakk-wylde-what-guns-n-roses-would-have-sounded-if-he-had-joined|title=Zakk Wylde on What Guns N' Roses Would Have Sounded Like If He Had Joined|last1=Hart|first1=Josh|date=January 5, 2012|website=guitarworld.com|publisher=New Bay media |access-date=April 30, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108195231/http://www.guitarworld.com/zakk-wylde-what-guns-n-roses-would-have-sounded-if-he-had-joined|archive-date=January 8, 2012}}</ref> alongside drummers [[Dave Abbruzzese]],<ref name="90sdrum" /> [[Michael Bland]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.moderndrummer.com/2006/08/michael-bland-2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319101103/https://www.moderndrummer.com/2006/08/michael-bland-2/|archive-date=March 19, 2018|title=Michael Bland|first=Billy|last=Amendola|date=August 1, 2006|work=[[Modern Drummer]]|access-date=August 18, 2015}}</ref> [[Joey Castillo]]<ref name="90sdrum" /> and Kellii Scott from [[Failure (band)|Failure]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6MjenW6IxY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/W6MjenW6IxY |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Guns N' Roses Central Interview: Kellii Scott Drummer (Failure, Dumpster)|last=Guns N' Roses Central|date=May 30, 2018|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' reported in April 1997 that the lineup of Guns N' Roses was Rose, McKagan, Tobias, Finck & Vrenna.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=11|title=Appetite for Deconstruction|date=April 4, 1997|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=April 24, 2015|quote=Rolling Stone's Random Notes Daily News reports that this is the current GN'R line-up: Vocals: Axl Rose, Bass: Duff McKagan, Rhythm Guitar: Paul Huge, Lead Guitar: Robin Finck (ex Nine Inch Nails), Drums: Chris Vrenna (ex Nine Inch Nails)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505061200/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=11|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref>{{efn|Though not considered an official member, Vrenna worked with the band for several months in studio.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.providermodule.com/forum/showthread.php/2340-Interview-with-Chris-Vrenna-on-VampireFreaks-com |title=Interview with Chris Vrenna on VampireFreaks.com |date=2010 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705003454/http://www.providermodule.com/forum/showthread.php/2340-Interview-with-Chris-Vrenna-on-VampireFreaks-com |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}

McKagan was the last of the ''Appetite'' lineup to leave, resigning as bassist in August 1997.<ref name="McKQuits">{{cite book|last=McKagan|first=Duff|year=2011|title=It's so Easy (and other lies)|publisher=Touchstone|page=123|isbn=978-1-4516-0664-5|editor=Stacy Creamer|others=Collaboration by Tim Mohr}}</ref> McKagan had recently become a father and wrote about his decision to leave in his autobiography: "Guns had been paying rent on studios for three years now—from 1994 to 1997—and still did not have a single song. The whole operation was so erratic that it didn't seem to fit with my hopes for parenthood, for stability."<ref name="McKQuits" />
[[Josh Freese]] was ultimately hired to replace Sorum on drums, joining in the summer of 1997.<ref name="99his">{{cite web|title=The History of GN'R: The Shocking Truth 1996–99|publisher=HereTodayGoneToHell.com|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/history/history9699.php|access-date=July 2, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618040859/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/history/history9699.php|archive-date=June 18, 2015}}</ref> After being recommended by Freese, former [[The Replacements (band)|Replacements]] bassist [[Tommy Stinson]] joined in 1998, replacing McKagan.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Fox |first=Brian |date=April 2009 |title=Guns N' Roses Chinese Democracy: Tommy Stinson, The Ultimate Replacement Talks Tone & Turmoul |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-bassist-talks-chinese-democracy/ |magazine=[[Bass Player (magazine)|Bass Player]] |access-date=June 8, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143411/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-bassist-talks-chinese-democracy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By the end of 1998, a new version of Guns N' Roses had emerged: Rose on lead vocals, Stinson on bass, Freese on drums, Finck on lead guitar, Tobias on rhythm guitar, Reed on keyboards, and multi-instrumentalist [[Chris Pitman]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Whammy Bar: News & Notes|date=September 1998|url=https://archive.org/details/GuitarWorldSeptember1998Medium/page/n27|magazine=[[Guitar World]]|pages=27, 29, 31|access-date=February 1, 2020|quote=Guns N' Roses, whose lineup gone through more changes than the Florida Marlins lately, has announced a new configuration that features ex-Nine Inch Nails Nails guitarist Robin Finck, ex-Replacements bassist Tommy Stinson and session drummer Josh Freese. No word yet on when a new Guns N' Roses album will surface.|via=the Internet Archive}}</ref>{{efn|Pitman, previously of [[Lusk (band)|Lusk]], was recommended to the group by engineer [[Billy Howerdel]].}}

In 1998, Geffen released an edited single disc version of the ''Illusion'' albums entitled ''[[Use Your Illusion]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/releases/use-your-illusion/index.html|title=Here Today... Gone To Hell! Guns N' Roses 'Use Your Illusion'|work=heretodaygonetohell.com|access-date=September 22, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040542/http://heretodaygonetohell.com/releases/use-your-illusion/index.html|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> In November 1999, the label released ''[[Live Era '87–'93]]'', a collection of live performances from various concerts during the ''Appetite for Destruction'' and ''Use Your Illusion'' tours.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=182|title=Guns N' Roses To Release Two-CD Live Set|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=October 16, 1999|work=Music News of the World|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518083352/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=182|archive-date=May 18, 2015 |via=heretodaygonetohell.com}}</ref> Former guitarist Slash described the selection of songs of the album as a "very mutual effort",<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=186|title=Track List Revealed for Live G n' R Set|first=Richard|last=Skanse|date=October 29, 1999|magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 24, 2015|quote='Believe it or not, it's still a very mutual effort,' Slash said of the long process of selecting material. 'All things considered, it's as close as we ever got.'|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518083356/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=186|archive-date=May 18, 2015 |via=heretodaygonetohell.com}}</ref> adding that "the live album was one of the easiest projects we all worked on. I didn't actually see Axl, but we communicated via the powers that be."<ref>Guitar World Presents: Guitar Legends – Slash #76 pg.17</ref>

{{multiple image|total_width=600|align=center
|footer =[[Tommy Stinson]], [[Chris Pitman]], [[Bryan Mantia|Brain]], [[Robin Finck]] & [[Josh Freese]] all joined the band in the late 1990s.
|width1= 353 |height1= 666|image1=Download Feastival 2006 -Stinson (cropped).jpg
|width2= 224 |height2= 349|image2=Guns N' Roses (48) (cropped).JPG
|width3= 213 |height3= 335|image3=Primus copenhagen 1998 (cropped).jpg
|width4= 430 |height4= 748|image4=Download Feastival 2006 -1 (cropped).jpg
|width5= 1042|height5=1656|image5=The Vandals 2011-12-18 06 (cropped).JPG
}}

=== New lineups and ''Chinese Democracy'' (1998–2008) ===
{{Main|Chinese Democracy|Chinese Democracy Tour}}

==== Background of new album ====
A new Guns N' Roses album had reportedly been in the works since 1994, with Rose the only original member still in the band.<ref name="NYT" /> Several producers, including [[Martin Glover|Youth]], [[Moby]], [[Mike Clink]], [[Eric Caudieux]] & [[Sean Beaven]] worked with the band during the late 90s, incorporating new [[electronic music|electronic]] and [[industrial music|industrial]] elements to the music.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/23/arts/the-pop-life-failure-s-hard-but-success-can-be-worse.html|title=The Pop Life; Failure's Hard But Success Can Be Worse|last1=Strauss|first1=Neil|date=July 23, 1998|website=The New York Times |access-date=April 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505055627/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/23/arts/the-pop-life-failure-s-hard-but-success-can-be-worse.html|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=8|title=Moby To Produce Guns N' Roses?|first=John|last=Bitzer|date=March 18, 1997|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; Allstarmag.com|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505061058/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=8|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=52|title=Axl Rose Finds A Producer ... Yet Again|date=April 22, 1998|work=[[MTV News]]|publisher=[[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]]|access-date=April 24, 2015|quote=Youth and the band are still months away from recording. Rose and cohorts are reportedly still in writing mode with no completed songs at this time.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505060137/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=52|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=9|title=Guns N' Roses To Go Techno?|date=March 19, 1997|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; addict.com|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505061525/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=9|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref><ref name="PRODUCERS">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429766/axl-records-with-queen-producer/|title=Axl Records With Queen Producer|first=Sorelle|last=Saidman|date=April 28, 2000|work=MTV News|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092117/http://www.mtv.com/news/1429766/axl-records-with-queen-producer/|archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Clink" /><ref name="produce" />{{efn|Rose and Caram Costanzo are the credited producers on the album.}} ''Rolling Stone'' stated that the label planned for the album to be released in late 1999.<ref name="produce">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-eye-producer-19980918|title=Guns n' Roses Eye Producer|first=Sorelle|last=Saidman|date=September 20, 1998|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=April 24, 2015|quote=Sources at Geffen say the company is hoping for a mid-1999 release of the new album|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505073554/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-eye-producer-19980918|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> By August 1999, the band had recorded over 30 songs for the album, which was tentatively entitled ''2000 Intentions''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=27|title=Guns N' Roses 2-part article|first=Dave|last=Everley|date=August 21, 1999|work=Kerrang!|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317013934/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=27|archive-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref>
In November 1999, during an interview with [[Kurt Loder]] for [[MTV]], Rose said that he had re-recorded ''[[Appetite for Destruction]]'' with the then-new band, apart from two songs which he had replaced with "[[Patience (Guns N' Roses song)|Patience]]" and "[[You Could Be Mine]]".<ref name="Loder99">{{cite web|url=http://heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=200|first=Kurt|last=Loder|title=Axl Rose – A conversation with Kurt Loder|work=MTV US|publisher=heretodaygonetohell.com; MTV|date=November 3, 1999|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035353/http://heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=200|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> During the interview, Rose announced the title of the upcoming album, ''[[Chinese Democracy]]''. Rose explained:

{{blockquote|There's a lot of [[Democracy in China|Chinese democracy movements]], and it's something that there's a lot of talk about, and it's something that will be nice to see. It could also just be like an ironic statement. I don't know, I just like the sound of it. (The album has) a lot of different sounds. There's some heavy songs, there's a lot of aggressive songs, but they're all in different styles and different sounds. It is truly a melting pot.<ref name="Loder99" />}}

Band manager Doug Goldstein stated in November 1999 that the band had 'almost finished' recording the music, and the album was due out some time in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=195|title=Axl Rose Describes Upcoming Album|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=November 10, 1999|work=Music News of the World|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505061157/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=195|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> Later that month, the band released a new song, the industrial styled "[[Oh My God (Guns N' Roses song)|Oh My God]]", which was included on the soundtrack of the film ''[[End of Days (film)|End of Days]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429778/oh-my-god-guns-n-roses-finally-has-a-new-song/|title='Oh My God,' Guns N' Roses Finally Has A New Song|last1=Saidman|first1=Sorelle|date=September 8, 1999|website=MTV.com|access-date=May 4, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505073059/http://www.mtv.com/news/1429778/oh-my-god-guns-n-roses-finally-has-a-new-song/|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> The track featured additional guitar work by [[Dave Navarro]] and Gary Sunshine, Rose's personal guitar teacher.<ref name="ARSO">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-speaks-out-19990922|title=Axl Speaks Out|first=Richard|last=Skanse|date=September 22, 1999|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505073604/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-speaks-out-19990922|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> Rose claimed that former members [[Duff McKagan]] and [[Matt Sorum]] had 'failed to see the potential' of the song and had no interest in recording or playing the piece.<ref name="ARSO" />
{{multiple image
| footer = [[Buckethead]] was the band's lead guitarist from 2000 to 2004, while [[Richard Fortus]] joined on rhythm guitar in 2002.
| image1 = Bucketheadgnr.jpg
| width1 = 145
| image2 = Richard Fortus GunsNRoses.jpg
| width2 = 175
}}

In August 1999, guitarist Robin Finck departed the band to rejoin his former band, [[Nine Inch Nails]], on tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=149|title=Robin Finck Leaves Guns N' Roses, Rejoins Nine Inch Nails|first=Carrie|last=Borzillo|date=August 4, 1999|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; allstarnews.com|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505074255/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=149|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> In March 2000, [[avant-garde]] guitarist Brian Carroll, more commonly referred to as [[Buckethead]], joined Guns N' Roses as a replacement for Finck.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1458813/beneath-the-bucket-behind-the-mask-kurt-loder-meets-gnrs-buckethead/|title=Beneath The Bucket, Behind The Mask: Kurt Loder Meets GN'R's Buckethead|last1=Loder|first1=Kurt|date=November 21, 2002|website=MTV.com|access-date=May 16, 2015|quote=But what sets (Brian) Carroll decisively apart from the pack is the outré 'Buckethead' persona he's so painstakingly created.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517004451/http://www.mtv.com/news/1458813/beneath-the-bucket-behind-the-mask-kurt-loder-meets-gnrs-buckethead/|archive-date=May 17, 2015}}</ref><ref name="lineupchng">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=234|title=Buckethead In, Freese Out|first=Sorelle|last=Saidman|date=March 15, 2000|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; MTV.com|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505092557/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=234|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> Also in March 2000, drummer Josh Freese left the band. He was replaced by former [[Primus (band)|Primus]] drummer [[Bryan Mantia]], known professionally as Brain.<ref name="lineupchng" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=233|title=Josh Freese Leaves Guns N' Roses|first=Kevin|last=Raub|date=March 14, 2000|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; Allstarmag.com|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505092455/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=233|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref>{{efn|Mantia had previously worked with Buckethead in several bands, including [[Praxis (band)|Praxis]].}} Robin Finck returned to the band in late 2000, to complement Buckethead on lead guitar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=297|title=Guns N' Roses Make Buckethead, Robin Finck, & Bob Ezrin Official|first=Carrie|last=Borzillo-Vrenna|date=October 30, 2000|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; Allstarmag.com|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505093036/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=297|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> With the album nearing completion in mid-2000, producer [[Roy Thomas Baker]] convinced Rose to re-record it, causing further delays.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://grantland.com/features/justin-timberlake-daft-punk-chinese-democracy-effect/|title=Building a Better Democracy|last1=Hyden|first1=Steven|date=July 23, 2013|website=Grantland.com|publisher=ESPN; Grantland|access-date=May 17, 2015|quote=Rose hired Queen producer Roy Thomas Baker to help shepherd the album to completion. Only Baker did the opposite — he talked Axl into rerecording all of the songs, in spite of the monumental expense|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616055730/http://grantland.com/features/justin-timberlake-daft-punk-chinese-democracy-effect/|archive-date=June 16, 2015}}</ref>

==== Title announcement and touring, tour cancellation and member departures ====
In an interview with ''Rolling Stone'' in February 2000, Rose played several songs of the upcoming album to reporters, including "[[Chinese Democracy (song)|Chinese Democracy]]", "Catcher in the Rye", "I.R.S.", "[[Street of Dreams (Guns N' Roses song)|The Blues]]", "[[There Was a Time (Guns N' Roses song)|There Was a Time]]" and "Oklahoma".<ref name="Axlspeaks">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/axl-speaks-20000203?page=3|title=Rolling Stone 833: Axl Speaks|first=David|last=Wild|date=February 3, 2000|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518113535/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/axl-speaks-20000203?page=3|archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref> Rose mentioned that part of the delay of the new album was him 'educating himself about the technology that's come to define rock', stating that "it's like from scratch, learning how to work with something, and not wanting it just to be something you did on a computer."<ref name="Axlspeaks" /> ''Rolling Stone'' described the album as "[[Led Zeppelin]]'s ''[[Physical Graffiti]]'' remixed by [[Beck]] and [[Trent Reznor]].<ref name="Axlspeaks" /> Rose mentioned that the expense of the record would be negated by the recording sessions yielding multiple albums, including a record that is "more industrial and electronica-influenced than ''Chinese Democracy''".<ref name="Axlspeaks" /> In a 2001 interview, Rose described the album as having "all kinds of styles, many influences as blues, mixed in the songs" and said that it was "not [[Industrial rock|industrial]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=38|title=Axl interview Rock & Pop FM Argentina|date=January 22, 2001|website=HereTodayGoneToHell.com|publisher=Rock & Pop FM|access-date=June 13, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317014350/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=38|archive-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref>

Describing why he continued using the Guns N' Roses name, instead of labeling the upcoming album an 'Axl Rose solo album', Rose stated "there were other people in Guns n' Roses before them, you know. I contemplated letting go of that, but it doesn't feel right in any way. I am not the person who chose to try to kill it and walked away. ... Everybody is putting everything they've got into singing and building. Maybe I'm helping steer it to what it should be built like."<ref name="Axlspeaks" /> Also in the interview, Rose attributed the breakup of the old lineup to [[Addiction|drug addictions]] and 'an effort from inside the band to destroy him', stating "There was an effort to bring me down. It was a king-of-the-mountain thing", and that he "needed to take control to survive",<ref name="Axlspeaks" /> also describing the dissolution as "a divorce".<ref name="Axlspeaks" />

Eight years after the previous Guns N' Roses concert, the band made a public appearance in January 2001 with two well-received concerts: one in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]] and one at the [[Rock in Rio#Rock in Rio 3|Rock in Rio]] Festival in [[Rio de Janeiro]].<ref name="NYT" /> The band played both songs from previous albums and songs from then-unreleased ''Chinese Democracy''. During the band's Rock in Rio set, Rose made the following comment regarding former members of the band:

{{blockquote|I know that many of you are disappointed that some of the people you came to know and love could not be with us here today. Regardless of what you have heard or read, people worked very hard (meaning my former friends) to do everything they could so that I could not be here today. I am as hurt and disappointed as you that unlike [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]], we could not find a way to all get along.<ref name=autogenerated5>{{harvnb|Wall|2008|page=[https://archive.org/details/warunauthorizedb00wall/page/289 289]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/17/arts/17POPL.html|title=Rock in Rio Festival – For Fun and a Better World|date=January 17, 2001 |first=Neil|last=Strauss|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=August 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121032400/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/17/arts/17POPL.html|archive-date=November 21, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
{{external media| image1 =[http://gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/guns-n-roses-axl-rose-buckethead-pukkelpop-festival-hasselt-news-photo/688523488 Rose and Buckethead during Guns N' Roses's performance at Pukkelpop 2002]}}

The group played two shows in Las Vegas at the end of 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1451313/guns-n-roses-ante-up-for-another-new-years-eve-in-vegas/|title=Guns N' Roses Ante Up For Another New Year's Eve In Vegas|last1=Moss|first1=Corey|date=December 4, 2001|website=MTV.com|access-date=May 17, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801223024/http://www.mtv.com/news/1451313/guns-n-roses-ante-up-for-another-new-years-eve-in-vegas/|archive-date=August 1, 2015}}</ref> Former guitarist Slash claimed that he tried to attend a show and was turned away at the door by security.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=101322|title=Slash Barred From Guns N' Roses Show|last1=Mancini|first1=Al|date=December 31, 2001|website=ABC News|publisher=American Broadcasting Company|access-date=May 17, 2015|quote=Speaking briefly with ABCNEWS Radio, Slash said he tried to get in, but couldn't. A security guard confirmed his account, blaming band frontman Axl Rose for the exclusion|archive-date=August 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801113304/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=101322|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to his frustrations with touring, rhythm guitarist Paul Tobias left the band in 2002 and was replaced by [[Richard Fortus]] (formerly of [[the Psychedelic Furs]] and [[Love Spit Love]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=470|title=Guns N' Roses Trade Paul Huge For Psychedelic Furs' Guitarist|first=Sorelle|last=Saidman|date=July 17, 2002|work=cdnow.com|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505061641/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=470|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref>{{efn|Fortus is good friends with and had previously collaborated with bassist Tommy Stinson, who recommended him for the position. Fortus was considered to replace Finck in 1999 before Buckethead was hired.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gnrevolution.com/viewtopic.php?id=3543|title=2002: Chinese Whispers / 2002 / GNR Evolution – Guns N Roses Forum|website=www.gnrevolution.com|access-date=January 16, 2017|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002071309/http://www.gnrevolution.com/viewtopic.php?id=3543|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

The band then played several shows in August 2002, headlining festivals and concerts throughout Asia and Europe, including [[Pukkelpop]], [[Summer Sonic Festival#2002|Summer Sonic Festival]], and [[The Carling Weekend]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-axl-rose-to-collaborate-with-weezer/|title=Guns N' Roses's Axl Rose to collaborate with Weezer?|date=August 19, 2002|website=Blabbermouth.net|last=Krgin|first=Borivoj|access-date=May 17, 2015|quote=last week when they praised each other's bands before the 30,000+ in attendance at Summer Sonic Festival|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710000937/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-axl-rose-to-collaborate-with-weezer/|archive-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-pukkelpop-festival-performance-to-be-webcast/|title=Guns N' Roses: Pukkelpop Festival performance to be webcast|date=August 24, 2002|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=May 17, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709225402/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-pukkelpop-festival-performance-to-be-webcast/|archive-date=July 9, 2015}}</ref> At the [[2002 MTV Video Music Awards]] on August 29, 2002, Guns N' Roses closed the show in a previously unannounced performance, playing "[[Welcome to the Jungle]]", "[[Madagascar (song)|Madagascar]]", and "[[Paradise City]]".<ref name="NYT" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1457257/guns-n-roses-cap-night-of-spectacles-from-diddy-eminem-timberlake/|title=Guns N' Roses cap night of spectacles from Diddy, Eminem, Timberlake|first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|date=August 29, 2002|work=MTV News|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802050634/http://www.mtv.com/news/1457257/guns-n-roses-cap-night-of-spectacles-from-diddy-eminem-timberlake/|archive-date=August 2, 2015}}</ref>

In November 2002, the band's first North American tour since 1993 was organized to support ''Chinese Democracy'', with [[CKY (band)|CKY]] and [[Mix Master Mike]] joining. However, the opening show in Vancouver was canceled by the venue when Rose failed to turn up. According to Guns' management, "Axl's flight from L.A. had been delayed by mechanical troubles". A riot ensued.<ref name="vancriot">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1458577/fans-riot-after-guns-n-roses-tour-kickoff-canceled-kurt-loder-reports/|title=Fans riot after Guns N' Roses tour Kickoff Canceled: Kurt Loder Reports|author1=Kurt Loder|author2=MTV News staff|date=November 8, 2002|work=MTV News|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508081313/http://www.mtv.com/news/1458577/fans-riot-after-guns-n-roses-tour-kickoff-canceled-kurt-loder-reports/|archive-date=May 8, 2015}}</ref> The tour was met with mixed results, some concerts did not sell well, while shows in larger markets such as New York City sold out in minutes.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20060522005907/en/Guns-Roses-Storm-York-Sold-Shows-Guest|title=Guns N' Roses storm New York; sold out shows, guest stars & fanatic audiences; next up – European tour|date=May 22, 2006|work=businesswire.com|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709122057/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20060522005907/en/Guns-Roses-Storm-York-Sold-Shows-Guest|archive-date=July 9, 2015}}</ref> Due to a second riot by fans in [[Philadelphia]] when the band failed to show up again, tour promoter [[Clear Channel Communications|Clear Channel]] canceled the remainder of the tour.<ref name="vancriot" /><ref name="GnRCanceledMTV">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1459058/guns-n-roses-dates-canceled/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112104741/http://www.mtv.com/news/1459058/guns-n-roses-dates-canceled/|archive-date=November 12, 2014|url-status=dead|title=Guns N' Roses dates canceled|first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|website=[[MTV]]|date=December 9, 2002|access-date=March 26, 2013}}</ref>{{efn|Rose mentioned in 2006 that legal issues prevented him from speaking about the shows,<ref name="Axlapol" /> and stated in 2012 "I'm not saying I'm innocent" while apologizing to the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.delcotimes.com/general-news/20120301/rock-music-menu-is-axls-apology-too-late|title=Rock Music Menu: Is Axl's apology too late?|first=Michael|last=Christopher|date=March 1, 2012|work=[[Delaware County Daily Times]]|access-date=August 18, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923213934/http://www.delcotimes.com/general-news/20120301/rock-music-menu-is-axls-apology-too-late|archive-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref>}}

{{quote box
| width = 30%
| align = right
| quote = Guns N' Roses tour canceled. Typical. And freakishly expected. Haha. Really bad idea. I wouldn't suggest they come back.
| source = —Opening band [[CKY (band)|CKY]]<ref name="GnRCanceledMTV" />
}}

==== ''Greatest Hits'' and label conflict, lawsuits ====
In September 2003, [[Eddie Trunk]] played a previously unheard track, "I.R.S.", on his radio show, given to him by baseball player [[Mike Piazza]].<ref name="IRSLEAK">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1477813/new-gnr-tune-leaked-by-mets-catcher-mike-piazza/ |title=New GN'R Tune Leaked By ... Mets Catcher Mike Piazza?! |date=September 2, 2003 |access-date=August 7, 2017 |last=Dangelo |first=Joe |website=[[MTV]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704163411/http://www.mtv.com/news/1477813/new-gnr-tune-leaked-by-mets-catcher-mike-piazza/ |archive-date=July 4, 2017}}</ref> The band management heard about the nationwide leak, and obtained a cease and desist order for all stations that had a copy of the track.<ref name="IRSLEAK" /> Rose had played several new songs at a strip club in Las Vegas two months earlier to gauge the reactions of the crowd.<ref name="IRSLEAK" />

In February 2004, Geffen said, "Having exceeded all budgeted and approved recording costs by millions of dollars, it is Mr. Rose's obligation to fund and complete the album, not Geffen's." By March 2004, Geffen had pulled funding from ''Chinese Democracy''.<ref name="NYT" /> Around then, band manager [[Merck Mercuriadis]] stated that "The 'Chinese Democracy' album is very close to being completed".<ref name="NYT" /> According to a 2005 report by ''[[The New York Times]]'', Rose had allegedly spent $13 million  (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|13000000|2005}}}} in current dollar terms) in the studio by that point.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/06/arts/music/the-most-expensive-album-never-made.html|title=The Most Expensive Album Never Made|last1=Leeds|first1=Jeff|date=March 6, 2005|work=The New York Times |access-date=March 19, 2018|archive-date=March 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329092655/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/06/arts/music/the-most-expensive-album-never-made.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/gnr_chinese_democracy_coming_soon.html|title=GN'R: 'Chinese Democracy' Coming Soon?|publisher=Ultimate-guitar.com|access-date=November 11, 2010|date=April 8, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815082724/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/gnr_chinese_democracy_coming_soon.html|archive-date=August 15, 2011}}</ref> Mercuriadis rejected the budget claims made by ''The New York Times'', claiming the sources had not been involved in the project in several years.<ref name="merck article">{{Cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-manager-slams-ny-times-over-rubbish-chinese-democracy-article/ |title=Guns N' Roses' manager slams NY Times over 'rubbish' 'Chinese Democracy' article |date=March 6, 2005 |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=November 17, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143359/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-manager-slams-ny-times-over-rubbish-chinese-democracy-article/ |archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> The album was frequently described as "the most expensive album ever made".<ref name="CDref1">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-dec-13-et-chinese13-story.html|title=A long wait, a fast fall|access-date=March 14, 2012|first=Randy|last=Lewis|date=December 13, 2008|work=Los Angeles Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326083242/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/dec/13/entertainment/et-chinese13|archive-date=March 26, 2009}}</ref><ref name="CDref2">{{cite magazine|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1860911,00.html|title=Guns N' Roses' ''Chinese Democracy'', at Last|access-date=March 19, 2018|first=Josh|last=Tyrangiel|date=November 20, 2008|magazine=Time |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503013303/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1860911,00.html|archive-date=May 3, 2016}}</ref><ref name="CDref3">{{cite web|url=http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/33-insane-facts-about-chinese-democracy-183467|title=33 insane facts about Chinese Democracy|access-date=March 14, 2012|first=Henry|last=Yates|date=November 19, 2008|publisher=MusicRadar|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215011851/http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/33-insane-facts-about-chinese-democracy-183467|archive-date=February 15, 2012}}</ref>{{efn|[[Michael Jackson]]'s ''[[Invincible (Michael Jackson album)|Invincible]]'' (2001) allegedly had a $30 million production, though $25 million of that was for marketing.<ref>{{cite news|last=Branigan|first=Tania|title=Jackson spends £20m to be Invincible|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/sep/08/taniabranigan|access-date=February 16, 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|date=September 8, 2001|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116044622/http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2001/sep/08/taniabranigan|archive-date=January 16, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/arts/michael-jackson/story.html?id=1732696|title=Key Facts about Michael Jackson's life|author=Katherine Laidlaw|date=June 25, 2009|work=[[National Post]]|access-date=February 13, 2010}}{{dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>}}

In March 2004, since Rose had failed to deliver a new studio album in more than ten years, Geffen released Guns N' Roses' ''[[Greatest Hits (Guns N' Roses album)|Greatest Hits]]''.<ref name="NYT" /><ref name="3xplat" /> Slash and McKagan joined Rose in suing Geffen to stop the release of the album, which was compiled without authorization from any current or former band members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/report-guns-n-roses-may-sue-to-block-greatest-hits-album/|title=Report: Guns N' Roses may sue to block 'Greatest Hits' album|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|date=February 18, 2004|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=February 14, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214153112/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/report-guns-n-roses-may-sue-to-block-greatest-hits-album/|archive-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1486792/axl-rose-sued-by-ex-guns-n-roses-bandmates/|title=Axl Rose Sued By Ex-Guns N' Roses Bandmates|work=MTV News|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|date=May 4, 2004|access-date=February 14, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214165046/http://www.mtv.com/news/1486792/axl-rose-sued-by-ex-guns-n-roses-bandmates/|archive-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref> The lawsuit was thrown out and the album went triple platinum in the US, eventually going on to be the third-longest-charting album in the [[Nielsen SoundScan]] era.<ref name="3xplat">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-greatest-hits-certified-triple-platinum/|title=Guns N' Roses: 'Greatest Hits' Certified Triple Platinum|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|date=May 14, 2006|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=February 14, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214152722/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-greatest-hits-certified-triple-platinum/|archive-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/5604014/chart-moves-guns-n-roses-hits-longevity-milestone-pitch-perfect-still|title=Chart Moves: Guns N' Roses 'Hits' Longevity Milestone, 'Pitch Perfect' Still Selling Strong|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 14, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301185020/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/5604014/chart-moves-guns-n-roses-hits-longevity-milestone-pitch-perfect-still|archive-date=March 1, 2015}}</ref> McKagan and Slash also joined Rose in an unsuccessful effort to prevent the release of ''[[The Roots of Guns N' Roses]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-singer-loses-motion-to-stop-release-of-early-recordings/|title=Guns N' Roses singer loses motion to stop release of early recordings|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|date=July 7, 2004|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=August 18, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143407/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-singer-loses-motion-to-stop-release-of-early-recordings/|archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref>

The band was scheduled to play at [[Rock in Rio#Lisboa, Portugal, and Madrid, Spain|Rock in Rio Lisboa]] in May 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1486053/guns-n-roses-bow-out-of-rock-in-rio-lisbon-axl-blames-buckethead/ |title=Guns N' Roses Bow Out Of Rock In Rio – Lisbon; Axl Blames Buckethead |last=Wiederhorn |first=Jon |date=March 30, 2004 |website=MTV.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328180441/http://www.mtv.com/news/1486053/guns-n-roses-bow-out-of-rock-in-rio-lisbon-axl-blames-buckethead/ |archive-date=March 28, 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2018}}</ref> However, Buckethead left the band in March of that year, causing the band to cancel the show.<ref name="Axlcancels">{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/axl_cancels_rock_in_rio_show_blames_buckethead.html|title=Axl cancels Rock In Rio show, blames Buckethead|date=March 30, 2004|work=ultimate-guitar.com|access-date=March 19, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404035536/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/axl_cancels_rock_in_rio_show_blames_buckethead.html|archive-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Bux leaves">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1485811/bucketheads-hand-puppet-says-goodbye-to-guns-n-roses/|title=Buckethead's hand puppet says goodbye to Guns N' Roses|first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|date=March 17, 2004|work=MTV News|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150625230435/http://www.mtv.com/news/1485811/bucketheads-hand-puppet-says-goodbye-to-guns-n-roses/|archive-date=June 25, 2015}}</ref> Buckethead reportedly left the band because of the "inability to complete an album or tour", according to his manager.<ref name="Bux leaves" /> Rose claimed "the band has been put in an untenable position by guitarist Buckethead and his untimely departure. During his tenure with the band, Buckethead has been inconsistent and erratic in both his behavior and commitment ... His transient lifestyle has made it impossible for even his closest friends to have nearly any form of communication with him whatsoever."<ref name="Axlcancels" />

In February 2006, demos of the songs "Better", "Catcher in the Rye", "I.R.S.", and "There Was a Time" were leaked on to the Internet through a Guns N' Roses fan site.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iconofan.com/news/06/feb/1701.shtml|title=GNR Leak|work=iconofan.com|date=February 16, 2006|access-date=February 14, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214145135/http://www.iconofan.com/news/06/feb/1701.shtml|archive-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/news/216/Another-GNR-Demo-Leaks/|title=Another GNR demo leaks|first=Dave|last=De Sylvia|date=February 17, 2006|work=sputnikmusic.com|access-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref> The band's management requested that all links to the MP3 files and all lyrics to the songs be removed from forums and websites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/guns_n_roses_tracks_leak.html?no_takeover|title=Guns N' Roses tracks leak|date=February 16, 2006|work=ultimate-guitar.com|access-date=February 14, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214151652/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/guns_n_roses_tracks_leak.html?no_takeover|archive-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref> Despite this, radio stations began adding "I.R.S." to playlists, and the song reached No. 49 on the [[Radio & Records]] Active Rock National Airplay chart in the final week of February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1524776/are-guns-n-roses-finally-coming-back-the-signs-are-there/|title=Are Guns N' Roses finally coming back? The signs are there|date=February 23, 2006|first=Chris|last=Harris|work=MTV News|access-date=February 14, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214165051/http://www.mtv.com/news/1524776/are-guns-n-roses-finally-coming-back-the-signs-are-there/|archive-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref>

In August 2006, Slash and McKagan sued Rose over publishing and songwriting credits, which Rose's lawyer claimed were due to a 'clerical error' while changing publishers.<ref name="NYT" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1508091/slash-duff-sue-axl-over-guns-n-roses-publishing-royalties/|title=Slash, Duff sue Axl over Guns N' Roses publishing royalties|work=MTV News|access-date=February 14, 2015|date=August 22, 2005|first=Jennifer|last=Vineyard|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214050308/http://www.mtv.com/news/1508091/slash-duff-sue-axl-over-guns-n-roses-publishing-royalties/|archive-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61644/slash-duff-sue-axl-over-publishing|title=Slash, Duff sue Axl over publishing|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 14, 2015|date=August 26, 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214032246/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61644/slash-duff-sue-axl-over-publishing|archive-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref>

==== Lineup changes and resuming tour ====
[[File:Download Feastival 2006 -2.jpg|thumb|left|Izzy Stradlin on stage with Guns N' Roses in 2006]]
[[File:Chinese democracy logo.jpg|thumb|Guns N' Roses' logo during the ''Chinese Democracy'' era|alt=]]Following a recommendation from guitar virtuoso [[Joe Satriani]],<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.live-metal.net/interviews_bumblefoot.html |title=In Search of ... Bumblefoot |date=May 11, 2008 |work=Live-Metal.net |access-date=November 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628194731/http://www.live-metal.net/interviews_bumblefoot.html |archive-date=June 28, 2017 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> guitarist [[Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal]] joined Guns N' Roses in 2006, replacing [[Buckethead]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thespaghettiincident.com/2008/11/who-is-bumblefoot-and-why-is-he.html|title=Who is Bumblefoot and why is he a guitarist in Guns N Roses? ~ 'The Spaghetti Incident?'|website=Thespaghettiincident.com|date=November 9, 2008|access-date=February 29, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311234225/http://www.thespaghettiincident.com/2008/11/who-is-bumblefoot-and-why-is-he.html|archive-date=March 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/11/20/axls-arsenal/|last=Moore|first=Brian|title=Axl's arsenal|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=November 20, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927024642/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-11-20/news/0811200773_1_guitar-hero-chinese-democracy-band|archive-date=September 27, 2015}}</ref> Thal made his live debut with the band at the [[Hammerstein Ballroom]] in New York City on May 12, 2006, the band's first live show in over three years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-new-york-city-setlist-revealed/|title=Guns N' Roses: New York City setlist revealed|date=May 13, 2006|access-date=March 19, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709140654/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-new-york-city-setlist-revealed/|archive-date=July 9, 2017}}</ref>

Five warm-up shows before a North American tour were held in September 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/13/arts/music/13guns.web.html|title='Warm-Up Show' for Guns N' Roses|last1=Ratliff|first1=Ben|date=May 13, 2006|website=The New York Times|access-date=April 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113020455/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/13/arts/music/13guns.web.html|archive-date=January 13, 2016}}</ref> The tour officially commenced on October 24 in Miami.<ref name="AxlnGirl" /> Drummer [[Frank Ferrer]] replaced Brain, who took a leave of absence to be with his wife and newborn child.<ref name="Brain interview">{{Cite magazine |last=Tolleson |first=Robin |date=March 2009 |title=Guns 'N' Roses' Bryan "Brain" Mantia |url=https://www.moderndrummer.com/2009/03/bryan-brain-mantia/ |magazine=Modern Drummer |quote=Axl is really interested in having everybody bring what they do into the picture. I just did a remix of 'Shackler's Revenge' — made it kind of more club. And I think he wants to put out a remx album of some of the other songs we did. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110174453/https://www.moderndrummer.com/2009/03/bryan-brain-mantia/ |archive-date=January 10, 2018}}</ref>{{efn|Ferrer had previously worked with Richard Fortus in the Psychedelic Furs and Love Spit Love and had been a member of several other bands, including [[The Beautiful (band)|The Beautiful]].}} Coinciding with the tour, the song "Better" was featured in an internet advertisement for [[Harley-Davidson]] in October 2006.<ref name="AxlnGirl">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/axl-rose-and-girlfriend-hanging-out-in-miami-photos-available/|title=Axl Rose and girlfriend hanging out in Miami: photos available|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|date=October 24, 2006|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=May 3, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704010057/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/axl-rose-and-girlfriend-hanging-out-in-miami-photos-available/|archive-date=July 4, 2015}}</ref> Keyboardist Dizzy Reed stated that the release was an accident, with two versions being made—one 'experimental edit' featuring a demo of "Better" and one with "[[Paradise City]]".<ref name="hdad" /> The ad with Better was mislabeled and inadvertently uploaded online for a day before being replaced by the intended ad with Paradise City.<ref name="hdad">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-keyboardist-reveals-the-truth-about-the-leaked-song-better/|title=Guns N' Roses Keyboardist Reveals 'The Truth' About The Leaked Song 'Better'|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|date=March 13, 2007|website=Blabbermouth.net|publisher=Borivoj Krgin|access-date=May 3, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704055830/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-keyboardist-reveals-the-truth-about-the-leaked-song-better/|archive-date=July 4, 2015}}</ref>

In November 2006, shows in Portland, Maine were cancelled, with the band claiming that the cancellations were "due to limitations imposed by local fire marshals".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061106&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206074657/http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061106&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp |archive-date= February 6, 2007|url-status=dead|title=Monday Night's Guns N' Roses Show in Portland, Maine is Cancelled|access-date=April 30, 2015|publisher=Guns N' Roses}}</ref> Rose later apologized in a statement, stating "We have chosen to take the public heat for these events in order to have another shot at the future today with a new album."<ref name="Axlapol">{{cite web|url=http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061108&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302073705/http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061108&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp |archive-date= March 2, 2007|date=November 7, 2006 |url-status=dead|title=Message from Axl|first=W. Axl|last=Rose |author-link=Axl Rose|access-date=April 30, 2015|publisher=Guns N' Roses}}</ref>

In December 2006, Rose released an open letter to fans announcing that Merck Mercuriadis had been fired as the band's manager.<ref name="Rose letter" /> He revealed that the last four dates of the North American tour would be cut so the band could work on post-production for ''Chinese Democracy''.<ref name="Rose letter" /> He also set a tentative release date for the album for the first time since the album's announcement: March 6, 2007.<ref name="Rose letter">{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/53994/axl-democracy-gunning-for-spring-release|title=Axl: Democracy Gunning for Spring Release|work=E! Online|access-date=February 14, 2015|date=December 18, 2006|last=Grossberg|first=Josh|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214151732/http://www.eonline.com/news/53994/axl-democracy-gunning-for-spring-release|archive-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref>

On February 23, 2007, [[Del James]] announced that the recording stage of ''Chinese Democracy'' was finished and the band had now moved onto mixing the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/news/2759/Chinese-Democracy-Is-Finished/|title=Chinese Democracy Is Finished|author=Rokken Like Dokken|date=February 22, 2007|work=sputnikmusic.com|access-date=April 23, 2015}}</ref> However, this proved that March 6 release date would be impossible to achieve, and the album once again had no scheduled release date.<ref name="NoOffici" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070222&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070226183028/http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070222&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp |archive-date=February 26, 2007 |url-status=dead|title=Chinese Democracy Update|access-date=February 23, 2007|author-link=Del James|last=James|first=Del|publisher=Guns N' Roses}}</ref>

In February 2007, the 'final' version of "[[Better (Guns N' Roses song)|Better]]" leaked online to positive reviews.<ref name="NoOffici" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2007/02/21/new-guns-n-roses-song-pretty-good/ |title=New Guns N Roses Song: Pretty Good! |last=Breihan |first=Tom |date=February 21, 2007 |website=Status Ain't Hood |access-date=April 23, 2015 |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818180234/https://www.villagevoice.com/2007/02/21/new-guns-n-roses-song-pretty-good/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 4, 2007, three more tracks leaked from ''Chinese Democracy'': An updated version of "I.R.S.", "The Blues", and the title track.<ref name="NoOffici">{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2007/02/22/del-james-no-official-release-date-for-chinese-democracy/|title=Del James: "No Official Release Date for Chinese Democracy|first=Axl|last=Rosenberg|date=February 22, 2007|work=MetalSucks|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623125459/http://www.metalsucks.net/2007/02/22/del-james-no-official-release-date-for-chinese-democracy/|archive-date=June 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/238270/leak-of-the-year-guns-n-roses-democracy-has-finally-arrived|title=Leak Of The Year: Guns N' Roses' "Democracy" Has Finally Arrived|first=Brian|last=Raftery|date=February 20, 2007|work=Idolator.com|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150423104443/http://www.idolator.com/238270/leak-of-the-year-guns-n-roses-democracy-has-finally-arrived|archive-date=April 23, 2015}}</ref> All three tracks had previously been played live.

Guns N' Roses embarked on the 2007 leg of the [[Chinese Democracy Tour|Chinese Democracy World Tour]] in Mexico in June, followed by dates in Australia and Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fohonline.com/international-news/905-guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy-tour-in-mexico-with-adamson.html|title=Guns N Roses Chinese Democracy Tour in Mexico with Adamson|date=July 23, 2007|work=fohonline.com|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623121614/http://www.fohonline.com/international-news/905-guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy-tour-in-mexico-with-adamson.html|archive-date=June 23, 2015}}</ref> The songs "Nice Boys" and "[[Don't Cry]]" (appearing as an instrumental Bumblefoot solo) were played for the first time since the [[Use Your Illusion Tour]]. The tour ended on the twentieth anniversary of ''Appetite for Destruction''{{'s}} release date, in [[Osaka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-joined-by-bubbles-from-trailer-park-boys-in-tokyo/|title=Guns N' Roses joined by Bubbles from 'Trailer Park Boys' in Tokyo|date=July 18, 2007|website=Blabbermouth.net|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|access-date=June 23, 2015|quote=Next GN'R move on to Osaka on [Saturday, July 21] to finish off their Japan tour.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623125558/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-joined-by-bubbles-from-trailer-park-boys-in-tokyo/|archive-date=June 23, 2015}}</ref> During this tour, the band featured vocalist Axl Rose, Robin Finck, Ron Thal and Richard Fortus on guitars, Tommy Stinson on bass, Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman on keyboards and Frank Ferrer on drums.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gunners hit the road |last=Johnson |first=Michelle |work=The Age |date=April 4, 2007 |access-date=September 4, 2021 |url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/music/gunners-hit-the-road-20070404-ge4lb2.html |quote= |archive-date=September 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905043514/https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/music/gunners-hit-the-road-20070404-ge4lb2.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Album release and promotion ====
[[File:Guns n´Roses Palacio de los Deportes 30-11-2016 (31366316670) (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.70|Drummer Frank Ferrer joined the band in 2006.]]
In December 2007, [[Eddie Trunk]] reported that the album was done and handed over to Geffen Records, but delayed due to issues with the label.<ref name="Eddie Trunk blog">{{cite web|url=http://www.eddietrunk.com/blog.php|title=Eddie Trunk — Trunk Blog|author-link=Eddie Trunk|last=Trunk|first=Eddie|publisher=Eddietrunk.com|access-date=January 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215035556/http://www.eddietrunk.com/blog.php <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archive-date=December 15, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> The following month, reports that the delays were disagreements between Geffen and Rose on marketing emerged.<ref name="antimusic">{{cite web|url=http://www.antimusic.com/news/08/jan/10GNR_Finish_CD.shtml|date=January 10, 2008|website=antiMusic.com|title=GNR Finish CD?|publisher=antiMusic|access-date=January 14, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115054441/http://www.antimusic.com/news/08/jan/10GNR_Finish_CD.shtml|archive-date=January 15, 2008}}</ref> In February 2008, Rose's manager, Beta Lebeis, debunked Trunk's suggestion and stated the band is "in negotiations" with the record label, and the album had been finished since Christmas 2007.<ref name="Classic Rock article 2008">{{cite web|url=http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/page/classicrock?entry=it_s_a_fact|title=It's a Fact!|last=Barton|first=Geoff|work=Classic Rock |access-date=February 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802061244/http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/page/classicrock?entry=it_s_a_fact |archive-date= August 2, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On March 26, 2008, [[Dr Pepper]] announced a plan to give everyone in America – except the band's former guitarists [[Slash (musician)|Slash]] and [[Buckethead]] – a free can of Dr Pepper if the band released ''Chinese Democracy'' before the end of 2008.<ref>{{cite news|last=Goodman|first=William|url=http://www.spin.com/2008/03/dr-pepper-makes-bet-guns-n-roses/|title=Dr. Pepper Makes a Bet with Guns N' Roses|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=March 27, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623075106/http://www.spin.com/2008/03/dr-pepper-makes-bet-guns-n-roses/|archive-date=June 23, 2015|access-date=June 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pepper/dr-pepper-issues-challenge-to-guns-n-roses-idUSN2735728520080327|title=Dr Pepper issues challenge to Guns N' Roses|agency=[[Reuters]] |magazine=Billboard|date=March 27, 2008|access-date=March 19, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002165818/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pepper/dr-pepper-issues-challenge-to-guns-n-roses-idUSN2735728520080327|archive-date=October 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/guns-n-roses-247-1335885|title=Dr. Pepper confirms free soda for 'Chinese Democracy' release|date=November 21, 2008|work=NME.COM|access-date=March 19, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216181240/http://www.nme.com/news/music/guns-n-roses-247-1335885|archive-date=December 16, 2017}}</ref> Rose stated he was "surprised and very happy" about the announcement, adding, "As some of Buckethead's performances are on our album, I'll share my Dr Pepper with him."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/35464|title=Axl Rose is 'very happy' about Dr Pepper's Guns N' Roses pledge|work=[[NME|New Musical Express]]|date=March 27, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804232046/http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/35464|archive-date=August 4, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080326&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp|title=Press Release from Axl Regarding Dr Pepper|first=W. Axl|last=Rose |author-link=Axl Rose|date=March 26, 2008|publisher=Guns N' Roses|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114151536/http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080326&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp |archive-date=November 14, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{efn|After the album was announced, Dr Pepper announced coupons for a free Dr Pepper on November 23, 2008.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2574688/guns-n-roses-bring-a-free-dr-pepper-to-all-americans-heres-how-to-get-yours/ |title=Guns N' Roses Bring A Free Dr Pepper To All Americans: Here's How To Get Yours! |last=Harris |first=Chris |date=October 22, 2008 |work=mtv.com |access-date=June 23, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113020455/http://www.mtv.com/news/2574688/guns-n-roses-bring-a-free-dr-pepper-to-all-americans-heres-how-to-get-yours/ |archive-date=January 13, 2016}}</ref> However, due to "heavy volume" on the server throughout the entire day, it was impossible to submit for a free coupon.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/27/AR2008112702346.html|title=Axl Rose: Not a Pepper|date=November 28, 2008|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=July 11, 2015|quote=The album came out, but the sodamaker's coupon-offering Web site malfunctioned. And though the promotion was extended, Alan Gutman, the band's Beverly Hills attorney, demanded a full-page apology|last=Hettinger|first=Christian|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713174431/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/27/AR2008112702346.html|archive-date=July 13, 2015}}</ref> The band condemned Dr Pepper for the failed promotion,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/12/02/gunsnroses.soda/index.html|title=Guns N' Roses lashes out at Dr Pepper|first=Kareen|last=Wynter|date=December 3, 2008|work=CNN|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505092406/http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/12/02/gunsnroses.soda/index.html|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> with Rose's lawyer demanding a full-page apology in several major newspapers.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Paine|first=Andre|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266187/guns-n-roses-lawyer-blasts-dr-pepper|title=Guns N' Roses Lawyer Blasts Dr Pepper|magazine=Billboard|date=November 26, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720051250/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266187/guns-n-roses-lawyer-blasts-dr-pepper|archive-date=July 20, 2014|access-date=June 23, 2015}}</ref> Rose later said he was taken off-guard by his lawyer's actions, believing they should have been focused on the record release.<ref name="Axl explains his stance on Dr. Pepper litigation">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=1973|title=Axl answers fans' questions on GN'R fan sites (transcripts)|access-date=June 23, 2009|first=W. Axl|last=Rose|author-link=Axl Rose|date=December 13, 2008|publisher=HereTodayGoneToHell.com|quote=Fan: Axl are you still thinking of suing Dr Pepper? Axl: Sure but the actions taken so far had nothing to do with me and I was taken off guard as I had specifically told our team who fucking cares now that we have a record to deal with.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615172248/http://heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=1973|archive-date=June 15, 2009}}</ref>}}
{{Listen|filename=Chinese Democracy.ogg|title= Guns N' Roses "Chinese Democracy" (2008)|description=Sample of "[[Chinese Democracy (song)|Chinese Democracy]]" from ''[[Chinese Democracy]]''. It is the first single released by Guns N' Roses since 1994. The song represented a shift in style for the band towards [[industrial rock]].|format=[[Ogg]]}}

On March 27, 2008, the day after Dr Pepper's announcement, the band members announced that they had hired a new management team, headed by [[Irving Azoff]] and Andy Gould.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080327&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp|title=New management team for GN'R|first=W. Axl|last=Rose |author-link=Axl Rose|publisher=Guns N' Roses|date=March 27, 2008|access-date=November 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929153759/http://www.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080327&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Amidst industry rumors in April 2008 that a release was coming soon, nine tracks purported to be from ''Chinese Democracy'' were leaked to a website on June 19, 2008, but were quickly removed due to a cease-and-desist letter from the band's label.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/gossip/planetgossip/detail/index.jsp?uuid=2ec9c617-6394-40e3-bd9e-29cd304270b5/|title=New Music from Guns N' Roses|last1=Malkin|first1=Marc|date=April 3, 2008|website=E! Online|access-date=June 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406203451/http://www.eonline.com/gossip/planetgossip/detail/index.jsp?uuid=2ec9c617-6394-40e3-bd9e-29cd304270b5%2F |archive-date=April 6, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=leak /> Six of the leaked tracks had surfaced previously in some form, while three were new.<ref name=leak>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045035/purported-new-guns-n-roses-tracks-hit-the-web|title=Purported New Guns N' Roses Tracks Hit The Web|last1=Cohen|first1=Jonathan|date=June 19, 2008|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 4, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409030305/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045035/purported-new-guns-n-roses-tracks-hit-the-web|archive-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jun/20/news.culture|title=New Guns N' Roses tracks leaked|date=June 20, 2008|last=Michaels|first=Sean|website=The Guardian|access-date=May 4, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505092754/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jun/20/news.culture|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> On July 14, 2008, [[Harmonix]], in conjunction with [[MTV Games]], officially announced the release of a new song from ''Chinese Democracy''. The song, entitled "[[Shackler's Revenge]]", was released through the new game ''[[Rock Band 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/10988/guns_n_roses_shacklers_revenge_set_for_rock_band_2/news/|title=Guns N' Roses' "Shackler's Revenge" Set For Rock Band 2|first=Scott|last=Lapatine|date=July 13, 2008|work=Stereogum|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505081438/http://www.stereogum.com/10988/guns_n_roses_shacklers_revenge_set_for_rock_band_2/news/|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref>{{efn|The entire album was eventually added to the game as [[Downloadable content|DLC]] in April 2009.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy-coming-to-rock-band-april-14th-20090410|title=Guns n' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' Coming To 'Rock Band'|first=Daniel|last=Kreps|date=April 10, 2009|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505081255/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy-coming-to-rock-band-april-14th-20090410|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref>}} The song "If the World" debuted October 10, 2008, playing in the end credits of the [[Ridley Scott]] film ''[[Body of Lies (film)|Body of Lies]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-guns-n-roses-premiering-new-song-if-the-world-in-body-of-lies-release-date-reserved-20080926|title=Guns n' Roses Premiering New Song "If the World" in ''Body of Lies'' movie|date=September 26, 2008|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=April 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505084307/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-guns-n-roses-premiering-new-song-if-the-world-in-body-of-lies-release-date-reserved-20080926|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref>

{{Wikinews|Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' released after 15 years}}

On October 22, 2008, after several months of speculation,<ref name="rollingstone.com">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/09/26/chinese-democracy-rumors-release-date-best-buy-exclusive/|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|title='Chinese Democracy' Rumors: Release Date, Best Buy Exclusive|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 26, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401194110/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/09/26/chinese-democracy-rumors-release-date-best-buy-exclusive/|archive-date=April 1, 2010|access-date=June 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|author-link=Jonathan Cohen (television executive)|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043827/gnrs-chinese-democracy-gets-release-date|title=GNR's 'Chinese Democracy' Gets Release Date|magazine=Billboard|date=October 9, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530053231/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043827/gnrs-chinese-democracy-gets-release-date|archive-date=May 30, 2013|access-date=June 29, 2015}}</ref> band management, [[Best Buy]], and Interscope Geffen A&M Records issued a joint press release confirming that the much-anticipated release of ''Chinese Democracy'' in the US had been scheduled for November 23, 2008, as a Best Buy exclusive.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/slash-17-years-axl-rose-guns-n-roses-release-chinese-democracy-article-1.304215|title=Take that, Slash! It only took 17 years for Axl Rose's Guns N' Roses to release 'Chinese Democracy'|agency=Associated Press|date=October 23, 2008|work=New York Daily News|access-date=April 25, 2015|location=New York|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505081346/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/slash-17-years-axl-rose-guns-n-roses-release-chinese-democracy-article-1.304215|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2008/10/23/guns-n-roses-sets-release-date-for-chinese-democracy/|title=Guns N' Roses sets release date for 'Chinese Democracy' – A+E Interactive|first=Jim|last=Harrington|date=October 23, 2008|work=A+E Interactive|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505075950/http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2008/10/23/guns-n-roses-sets-release-date-for-chinese-democracy/|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> Several days before its official release, the band streamed the entire ''Chinese Democracy'' album on the group's [[Myspace]] page.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-11-20-chinese-democracy_N.htm|title='Chinese Democracy' begins streaming on MySpace |date=November 20, 2008|work=USA Today|access-date=April 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701214514/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-11-20-chinese-democracy_N.htm|archive-date=July 1, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myspace/mccartney-guns-n-roses-albums-to-launch-on-myspace-idUSTRE4AJ08G20081120|title=McCartney, Guns N' Roses albums to launch on MySpace|first=Robert|last=MacMillan|date=November 20, 2008|work=Reuters|access-date=March 19, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418140311/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myspace/mccartney-guns-n-roses-albums-to-launch-on-myspace-idUSTRE4AJ08G20081120|archive-date=April 18, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.virgin.com/news/guns-n-roses-album-chinese-democracy-streams-myspace |title=Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy streams on MySpace |website=Virgin.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703055308/http://www.virgin.com/news/guns-n-roses-album-chinese-democracy-streams-myspace |archive-date=July 3, 2015 |url-status=dead |access-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref> The album was streamed over three million times, breaking the Myspace record for most streamed album ever.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/guns-n-roses-248-1335903|title=Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' breaks MySpace record|first=Ryan|last=Jarman|date=November 21, 2008|work=NME|access-date=March 19, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711023334/http://www.nme.com/news/music/guns-n-roses-248-1335903|archive-date=July 11, 2017}}</ref>

''Chinese Democracy'', the band's sixth studio album and its first since 1993's ''[["The Spaghetti Incident?"]]'' was released on November 22, 2008, in Europe and Australia, on November 23, 2008, in North America, and on November 24, 2008, in the United Kingdom.<ref name="rollingstone.com" /> ''Chinese Democracy'' debuted at No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' 200 but undersold industry expectations.<ref name="Yawn">{{cite magazine |last=Steffen |first=Chris |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/chinese-democracy-hits-best-buys-in-new-york-with-a-yawn-20081124 |title=Chinese Democracy hits Best Buy in New York with a yawn |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=November 24, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801194628/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/chinese-democracy-hits-best-buys-in-new-york-with-a-yawn-20081124 |archive-date=August 1, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="261,000">{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266178/kanye-guns-n-roses-post-slow-debut-week-sales |title=Kanye, Guns N' Roses Post Slow Debut-Week Sales |last=Christman |first=Ed |date=December 1, 2008 |magazine=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813192147/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266178/kanye-guns-n-roses-post-slow-debut-week-sales |archive-date=August 13, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=June 7, 2018}}</ref> The album's divided reception led to it being included on several publication's year end worst-of lists,{{efn|''Time Out New York'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/music/music-the-best-and-worst-of-2008|title=The best (and worst) of 2008|date=December 16, 2008|website=[[Time Out New York]]|publisher=Time Out Group|access-date=June 11, 2016|archive-date=August 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811052855/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/music/music-the-best-and-worst-of-2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Asbury Park Press'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Donnelly |first=Tim |title=The Year in Rock |work=Asbury Park Press |date=January 4, 2009}}</ref> ''IGN''<ref>{{cite web |last=Vaziri |first=Aidin |title=The 10 Worst Albums of 2008 |url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2009/01/01/the-10-worst-albums-of-2008 |website=IGN |access-date=March 30, 2019 |date=January 1, 2009}}</ref> and ''Chicago Tribune''<ref>{{cite news |last=Caro |first=Mark |title=Something stinks: A look back at the year's worst in arts and entertainment |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-12-28-0812260048-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |date=December 28, 2008}}</ref>}} as well of best-of lists.{{efn|''ABC News'',<ref name="ABCNEWSYE">{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Music/story?id=6550512&page=1|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2008: Nos. 50 to 26|website=ABC News}}</ref> ''The Guardian'',<ref name="GUARDBEST">{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/dec/07/bon-iver-coldplay-best-albums|title=2008 review: 50 albums of the year|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=December 7, 2008|website=The Guardian}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'',<ref name="RSENDOF">{{Cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/40652/rolling_stones_top_50_albums_of_2008/news/|title=Rolling Stone's Top 50 Albums Of 2008|date=December 10, 2008}}</ref> ''Ultimate Classic Rock'',<ref name="UCRBEST">{{Cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/2008-albums/|title=Top 10 Albums of 2008|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=November 7, 2013 }}</ref> & ''Spin''<ref name="SPINBEST">{{Cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2008/12/40-best-albums-2008/|title=The 40 Best Albums of 2008|date=December 31, 2008|website=Spin}}</ref>}}

=== Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and Appetite for Democracy (2009–2014) ===
{{multiple image
| total_width = 290
| footer = [[DJ Ashba]] was the band's lead guitarist from 2009 to 2015, and [[Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal]] was the band's lead guitarist from 2006 to 2014.
| image1 = AshbaHelsinkiLive.jpg
| image2 = BumblefootHelsinkiLive.JPG
}}
[[File:GNR 2010.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Guns N' Roses in 2010. From left to right: [[Dizzy Reed]], [[Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal]], [[Richard Fortus]], [[Axl Rose]], [[DJ Ashba]], [[Chris Pitman]], and [[Tommy Stinson]]. Drummer [[Frank Ferrer]] is not pictured.]]
On February 6, 2009, Rose gave his first interview in nine years when he sat down with ''Billboard''{{'s}} [[Jonathan Cohen (television executive)|Jonathan Cohen]].<ref name="billboard.com" /> Rose said that there was no chance that he would ever agree with a reunion with Slash:

{{blockquote|What's clear is that one of the two of us will die before a reunion and however sad, ugly or unfortunate anyone views it, it is how it is. Those decisions were made a long time ago and reiterated year after year by one man.<ref name="billboard.com" />}}

Rose however stated that he was open to working again with Stradlin and McKagan:

{{blockquote|I could see doing a song or so on the side with Izzy or having him out [on tour] again. I'm not so comfortable with doing anything having more than one of the alumni. Maybe something with Duff, but that's it, and not something I'd have to really get down into, as I'd get left with sorting it out and then blamed on top of it. So, no, not me.<ref name="billboard.com">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269462/the-billboard-qa-axl-rose|title=The Billboard Q&A: Axl Rose|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|author-link=Jonathan Cohen (television executive)|date=February 6, 2009|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407074907/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269462/the-billboard-qa-axl-rose|archive-date=April 7, 2015}}</ref>}}

In March 2009, the band announced that [[DJ Ashba]] would be the new lead guitarist, replacing a departing [[Robin Finck]], who rejoined [[Nine Inch Nails]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090321&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp|title=Guns N' Roses Names DJ Ashba As Band's Newest Axeman|date=March 21, 2009|website=GunsNRoses.com|access-date=April 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627025739/http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090321&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp |archive-date=June 27, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/guns-n-roses-hire-dj-ashba-as-new-guitarist-201072|title=Guns N' Roses hire DJ Ashba as new guitarist|first=Joe|last=Bosso|date=March 23, 2009|work=musicradar.com|access-date=March 19, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319213559/https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/guns-n-roses-hire-dj-ashba-as-new-guitarist-201072|archive-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/23/guns-n-roses-add-guitarist-dj-ashba-for-upcoming-tour|title=Guns n' Roses Add Guitarist DJ Ashba For 'Upcoming Tour'|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=November 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430074550/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/23/guns-n-roses-add-guitarist-dj-ashba-for-upcoming-tour |archive-date=April 30, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{efn|Ashba had previously played with former drummer [[Steven Adler]] in [[BulletBoys]] in 1998.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429800/steven-adler-goes-from-guns-to-bullets-while-ex-guns-remain-active/|title=Steven Adler Goes From Guns To Bullets While Ex-Guns Remain Active|work=MTV.com|date=July 7, 1998|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723110449/http://www.mtv.com/news/1429800/steven-adler-goes-from-guns-to-bullets-while-ex-guns-remain-active/|archive-date=July 23, 2015|access-date=July 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lealos|first=Shawn|title=The BulletBoys remain the perfect example of a band born too late|url=https://www.axs.com/the-bulletboys-remain-the-perfect-example-of-a-band-born-too-late-11825|website=AXS.com|access-date=March 19, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705133704/https://www.axs.com/the-bulletboys-remain-the-perfect-example-of-a-band-born-too-late-11825|archive-date=July 5, 2017}}</ref>}}

In June 2009, it was reported that manager [[Irving Azoff]] had been "fired, then re-hired, then fired".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/axl-rose-fires-rehires-manager-irving-azoff-three-times-209125|title=Axl Rose fires, rehires manager Irving Azoff three times|first=Joe|last=Bosso|date=June 8, 2009|work=musicradar.com|access-date=March 19, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319214353/https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/axl-rose-fires-rehires-manager-irving-azoff-three-times-209125|archive-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> A year later, Azoff's company Front Line Management sued Rose, claiming he "violated an oral agreement to pay 15% of earnings, or nearly $2 million, from a lucrative concert tour" and seeking $1.87 million in unpaid fees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1634771/axl-rose-sued-by-management-company-for-nearly-2-million/|title=Axl Rose Sued By Management Company For Nearly $2 Million|first=James|last=Montgomery|date=March 26, 2010|work=MTV News|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518083534/http://www.mtv.com/news/1634771/axl-rose-sued-by-management-company-for-nearly-2-million/|archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/958831/axl-rose-sued-by-manager-for-nearly-2-million#/news/axl-rose-sued-by-manager-for-nearly-2-million-1004078635.story|title=Axl Rose Sued By Manager For Nearly $2 Million|agency=Associated Press|date=March 26, 2010|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515171218/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/958831/axl-rose-sued-by-manager-for-nearly-2-million#/news/axl-rose-sued-by-manager-for-nearly-2-million-1004078635.story|archive-date=May 15, 2015}}</ref><ref name="azoff">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/958191/axl-rose-slams-irving-azoff-in-5-million-countersuit|title=Axl Rose Slams Irving Azoff In $5 Million Countersuit|first=Eriq|last=Gardner|date=May 19, 2010|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925220805/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/958191/axl-rose-slams-irving-azoff-in-5-million-countersuit|archive-date=September 25, 2015}}</ref> Rose filed a $5 million counter-lawsuit against Azoff, saying that Azoff sabotaged sales of Guns N' Roses' comeback album, attempted to force Rose to reunite with his estranged former bandmates,<ref name="EWsuit" /> failed to promote ''Chinese Democracy'',<ref name="EWsuit">{{cite news|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/05/19/axl-rose-manager-lawsuit|title=Axl Rose sues former manager over alleged 'sabotage'|author=Simon Vozick-Levinson|date=May 19, 2010|work=Entertainment Weekly's EW.com|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505075458/http://www.ew.com/article/2010/05/19/axl-rose-manager-lawsuit|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/18/axl-rose-sues-his-former-manager-for-5-million/|title=Axl Rose Sues His Former Manager for $5 Million|work=The New York Times|first=Ben|last=Sisario|date=May 18, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100520040642/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/18/axl-rose-sues-his-former-manager-for-5-million/|archive-date=May 20, 2010}}</ref> and filed suit for "commissions he didn't earn and had no right to receive".<ref name="azoff" /> The lawsuit was [[Settlement (litigation)|settled]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/axl-rose-settles-lawsuit/|title=Axl Rose Settles Lawsuit Against Former Manager Irving Azoff|first=Amy|last=Sciarretto|date=June 16, 2011|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430023654/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/axl-rose-settles-lawsuit/|archive-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/settlements-reached-in-lawsuits-between-axl-rose-and-former-manager/|title=Settlements Reached In Lawsuits Between Axl Rose And Former Manager |date=June 14, 2011|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505080345/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/settlements-reached-in-lawsuits-between-axl-rose-and-former-manager/|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> Several years later, Guns N' Roses' management, led by Rose's former personal assistant Beta Lebeis and her family, stated that previous tensions led to an ultimatum of "no more managers".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-xpm-2011-dec-21-la-et-12-20-axl-rose-interview-20111221-story.html|title=Axl Rose's appetite is for today's Guns N' Roses|first=Randall|last=Roberts|date=December 21, 2011|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111224230131/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/dec/21/entertainment/la-et-12-20-axl-rose-interview-20111221|archive-date=December 24, 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Guns N' Roses in Bangalore 2012-12-07-0068 (8401973216).jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Guns N' Roses in [[Bangalore]] in 2012. From left to right, [[Richard Fortus]], [[Axl Rose]], [[Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal]], [[DJ Ashba]] and [[Tommy Stinson]]]]
Guns N' Roses headlined the Friday night at [[Reading Festival]] 2010 and closed [[Leeds Festival]] two days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/10740448/reading-raises-capacity-at-this-years-festival-by-3500|title=Reading raises capacity at this year's festival by 3,500|first=Del|last=Crookes|date=July 23, 2010|work=BBC|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113020455/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/10740448/reading-raises-capacity-at-this-years-festival-by-3500|archive-date=January 13, 2016}}</ref> Guns N' Roses was 58 minutes late coming on to the stage, and because of a curfew issued by Reading Council the band's set ended at midnight.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/52783|title=Axl Rose declares 'war' on promoters as Guns N' Roses headline Leeds Festival – NME.COM|first=Sam|last=Fairbarn|date=August 29, 2010|work=NME.COM|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505075325/http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/52783|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/aug/31/guns-n-roses-reading-leeds|title=Guns N' Roses blast Reading and Leeds festival for pulling the plug|first=Sean|last=Michaels|date=August 31, 2010|work=The Guardian|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505074803/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/aug/31/guns-n-roses-reading-leeds|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> Rose orchestrated fan frustration toward the organizers, citing the strict curfew.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/11120697/guns-n-roses-have-their-reading-festival-set-cut-short|title=Guns N' Roses have their Reading Festival set cut short|date=August 28, 2010|website=BBC|access-date=May 4, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113020455/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/11120697/guns-n-roses-have-their-reading-festival-set-cut-short|archive-date=January 13, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2010/08/30/reading-and-leeds-2010-guns-n-roses-in-foul-mouthed-tirade-against-promoters-3436816/|title=Guns N' Roses at Leeds Festival 2010: 'Be safe, good night and f**k you'|last=McCabe|first=Joanne|date=August 30, 2010|website=Metro|access-date=May 4, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505075904/http://metro.co.uk/2010/08/30/reading-and-leeds-2010-guns-n-roses-in-foul-mouthed-tirade-against-promoters-3436816/|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> Further late showings caused issues; during a concert on September 1, 2010, in Dublin, the band was over an hour late arriving on stage.<ref name="bottled">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/11163085/guns-n-roses-bottled-off-stage-in-dublin|title=Guns N' Roses bottled off stage in Dublin|first=Greg|last=Cochrane|date=September 2, 2010|work=BBC|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113020454/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/11163085/guns-n-roses-bottled-off-stage-in-dublin|archive-date=January 13, 2016}}</ref> Rose stopped the band in the middle of the second song, "[[Welcome to the Jungle]]", after multiple bottles were thrown on stage to warn the crowd.<ref name="bottled" /> After another bottle was thrown, the band left the stage during the fourth song of the set.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/09/02/guns-n-roses-axl-dublin|title=Guns N' Roses: Axl Rose leaves stage at Irish show after bottles and 'unknown substances' are thrown at him|first=Clark|last=Collis|date=September 2, 2010|work=Entertainment Weekly's EW.com|access-date=April 25, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705063329/http://www.ew.com/article/2010/09/02/guns-n-roses-axl-dublin|archive-date=July 5, 2015}}</ref> The band returned to the stage an hour later to finish the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/52831|title=NME News Axl Rose bottled offstage at Guns N' Roses' Dublin gig|first=Sam|last=Fairbarn|date=September 2, 2010|work=nme.com|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904083119/http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/52831|archive-date=September 4, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mcd.ie/home/fn.php?c=9096245&ar=gunsnroses&cat=all|title=Guns N' Roses: Statement issued by promotors MCD and the management of the O2|publisher=MCD.ie|date=September 1, 2010|access-date=November 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210034411/http://mcd.ie/home/fn.php?c=9096245&ar=gunsnroses&cat=all |archive-date=February 10, 2013}}</ref>

Former bassist Duff McKagan joined the band on stage for the first time since leaving the band on October 14, 2010, at [[The O2 Arena]], in London, England. He performed four songs with the group: "You Could Be Mine", "Nice Boys", "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", and "Patience".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ticketsthere.com/2010/10/14/duff-mckagan-plays-with-guns-n-roses-in-london/|title=Duff McKagan plays with Guns N' Roses in London|publisher=Ticketsthere.com|date=October 14, 2010|access-date=June 13, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717053742/http://ticketsthere.com/2010/10/14/duff-mckagan-plays-with-guns-n-roses-in-london/|archive-date=July 17, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/video-duff-mckagan-reunites-with-axl-rose-onstage-20101014|title=Video: Duff McKagan Reunites With Axl Rose Onstage|last=Greene|first=Andy|date=October 14, 2010|website=RollingStone.com|access-date=July 9, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715104051/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/video-duff-mckagan-reunites-with-axl-rose-onstage-20101014|archive-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinsider.net/appetite-for-reuniting/duff-mckagan-joins-gn%E2%80%99r-onstage|title=Duff McKagan Joins GN'R Onstage|last=Shaw|first=Zach|date=October 15, 2010|website=MetalInsider.net|access-date=July 9, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710235654/http://www.metalinsider.net/appetite-for-reuniting/duff-mckagan-joins-gn%E2%80%99r-onstage|archive-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref> The appearance was said to be a spur-of-the-moment decision, as he and Rose happened to be staying in the same hotel.<ref name="duffreu">{{cite web|title=Duff McKagan Joins Guns N' Roses On Stage In London!|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=October 19, 2010|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=147720|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312080829/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=147720|archive-date=March 12, 2011}}</ref> Rose told the audience, "There was this guy at the end of my hallway playing all this loud music and shit. What the fuck? Oh—it's Duff!".<ref name="duffreu" /> McKagan later joined Guns N' Roses for two Seattle shows in December 2011 and had his band [[Loaded (band)|Loaded]] open for Guns N' Roses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noisecreep.com/2011/12/17/duff-mckagan-guns-n-roses-reunion/|date=December 17, 2011|title=Duff McKagan Reunites With Guns N' Roses in Seattle|last=Partridge|first=Kenneth|website=Noisecreep|access-date=March 10, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416072840/http://www.noisecreep.com/2011/12/17/duff-mckagan-guns-n-roses-reunion/|archive-date=April 16, 2012}}</ref>

Guns N' Roses performed at [[Rock in Rio#Rock in Rio 4|Rock in Rio 4]] on October 2, 2011, during heavy rain,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalholic.com/concert-review-guns-n-roses-perform-rock-in-rio-under-october-rain/|title=Concert Review: Guns N' Roses Perform Rock In Rio Under October Rain|first=Rustyn|last=Rose|date=October 3, 2011|work=Metalholic|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403102954/http://metalholic.com/concert-review-guns-n-roses-perform-rock-in-rio-under-october-rain/|archive-date=April 3, 2015}}</ref> playing "[[Estranged (song)|Estranged]]" for the first time since 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2011/10/03/axl-rose-performs-estranged-for-the-first-time-in-eighteen-years/|title=Axl Rose Performs 'Estranged' for the First Time in Eighteen Years|first=Axl|last=Rosenberg|date=October 3, 2011|work=MetalSucks|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113020456/http://www.metalsucks.net/2011/10/03/axl-rose-performs-estranged-for-the-first-time-in-eighteen-years/|archive-date=January 13, 2016}}</ref> Guitarist [[Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal|Bumblefoot]] stated that due to the conditions, it was the "worst concert he's ever been a part of".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/that_metal_show/tms-bts-bumblefoot/999322/video/|title=TMS BTS: Bumblefoot|date=February 6, 2014|work=VH1|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701170540/http://www.vh1.com/shows/that_metal_show/tms-bts-bumblefoot/999322/video/|archive-date=July 1, 2015}}</ref> Two months later, during a performance in Nashville, Tennessee, "[[Civil War (song)|Civil War]]" also made a return after an eighteen-year absence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/video-guns-n-roses-perform-civil-war-first-time-18-years|title=Video: Guns N' Roses Perform "Civil War" for the First Time in 18 Years|first=Josh|last=Hart|date=December 6, 2011|work=guitarworld.com|access-date=April 23, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919111314/http://www.guitarworld.com/video-guns-n-roses-perform-civil-war-first-time-18-years|archive-date=September 19, 2015}}</ref> On November 10, 2011, Rose gave his first TV interview in years to [[Eddie Trunk]], [[Don Jamieson (comedian)|Don Jamieson]] and [[Jim Florentine]] of ''[[That Metal Show]]'', discussing his whole career and the band's future.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sciarretto|first=Amy|title='That Metal Show' Recap: Axl Rose Talks Lateness, Slash + Original 'Appetite' Cover|url=http://loudwire.com/that-metal-show-recap-axl-rose-talks-lateness-slash-original-appetite-cover/|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=November 12, 2011|access-date=July 8, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815022231/http://loudwire.com/that-metal-show-recap-axl-rose-talks-lateness-slash-original-appetite-cover/|archive-date=August 15, 2014}}</ref>

Izzy Stradlin joined the band for a surprise performance at a wedding in [[Saint-Tropez]], France, in July 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/izzy-stradlin-joins-guns-n-roses-onstage-in-france/ |title=Izzy Stradlin Joins Guns N Roses Onstage In France |last=Swanson |first=Dave |date=July 23, 2012 |website=UltimateClassicRock.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725112532/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/izzy-stradlin-joins-guns-n-roses-onstage-in-france/ |archive-date=July 25, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2018}}</ref> Also in July 2012, the band toured [[Israel]] for the first time since 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/after-19-years-guns-n-roses-return-to-israels-paradise-city/|title=Guitar solo 'Hatikva' a highlight as Guns N' Roses returns to TA |first=Tracy|last=Frydberg|date=July 3, 2012|work=[[The Times of Israel]]|access-date=July 9, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711115040/http://www.timesofisrael.com/after-19-years-guns-n-roses-return-to-israels-paradise-city/|archive-date=July 11, 2015}}</ref> ''[[NME]]'' reported that year that the band's tour security said they had been instructed by Guns N' Roses' management that anyone wearing a Slash T-shirt not be allowed into the tour venue.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=June 1, 2012|first=Tom|last=Goodwyn|title=Guns N' Roses ban fans from wearing Slash t-shirts to their UK gigs|magazine=[[NME]]|url=https://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/64110|access-date=June 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711024143/http://www.nme.com/news/music/guns-n-roses-129-1281737|archive-date=July 11, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ====
On April 14, 2012, Guns N' Roses were inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]. Slash, McKagan, Adler, Sorum and Clarke reunited for the induction.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Randy |date=April 15, 2012 |title=Pop & Hiss |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2012/04/guns-n-roses-axl-rose-rock-hall-of-fame-induction.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216193637/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2012/04/guns-n-roses-axl-rose-rock-hall-of-fame-induction.html |archive-date=February 16, 2015}}</ref> Clarke, who was not inducted, performed at the request of Sorum.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Joe Bosso |date=April 17, 2012 |title=Matt Sorum issues statement on Guns N' Roses' Rock Hall Of Fame induction |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/matt-sorum-issues-statement-on-guns-n-roses-rock-hall-of-fame-induction-539873 |access-date=October 13, 2021 |work=MusicRadar }}</ref> The band performed "[[Mr. Brownstone]]", "[[Sweet Child o' Mine]]", and "[[Paradise City]]", with [[Alter Bridge]] and [[Myles Kennedy]] on lead vocals.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zakarin |first=Jordan |date=April 16, 2012 |title=Guns N' Roses Perform at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction with Myles Kennedy in Axl Rose's Absence |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/guns-n-roses-perform-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-myles-kennedy-axl-rose-312396 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418124255/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/guns-n-roses-perform-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-myles-kennedy-axl-rose-312396 |archive-date=April 18, 2012}}</ref>

Rose did not attend and had asked not to be inducted, writing in an open letter that the Hall of Fame "doesn't appear to be somewhere I'm actually wanted or respected". Stradlin and Reed also declined to attend the induction.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Michaels |first=Sean |date=2012-04-16 |title=Guns N' Roses lead Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/apr/16/guns-n-roses-rock-roll-hall-fame |access-date=2023-08-19 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> At the ceremony, the crowd booed Rose's name and chanted "Fuck Axl".<ref name=":1">{{cite magazine |last=Greene |first=Andy |date=April 17, 2012 |title=Axl Rose apologizes for not attending Guns n' Roses Hall of Fame induction ceremony |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-apologizes-to-cleveland-for-hall-of-fame-snub-20120417 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419103142/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-apologizes-to-cleveland-for-hall-of-fame-snub-20120417 |archive-date=April 19, 2012 |access-date=July 9, 2015}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Afterwards, Rose released a statement saying he did not understand the purpose of the Hall of Fame, how it was funded or how acts are chosen.<ref name=":1" /> In an interview, Slash said that none of the band initially wanted to take part and were uncertain of how it would proceed.<ref name="digispyslash">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a549549/slash-talks-axl-no-show-at-guns-n-roses-hall-of-fame-induction.html|title=Slash talks Axl no-show at Guns N' Roses Hall of Fame induction|first=Mayer|last=Nissim|date=February 17, 2014|work=Digital Spy|access-date=July 9, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710221437/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a549549/slash-talks-axl-no-show-at-guns-n-roses-hall-of-fame-induction.html|archive-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref>

==== Up Close and Personal and Appetite for Democracy tours ====
[[File:Gnr rrhof.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|The members of Guns N' Roses inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Top row: Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, Dizzy Reed. Bottom Row: Slash, Matt Sorum, Steven Adler, Izzy Stradlin.]]
[[File:Guns n Roses Nottingham 2012.JPG|left|thumb|Guns N' Roses performing at Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, UK, in May 2012. From left to right, [[Richard Fortus]], [[Axl Rose]], [[DJ Ashba]].]]
In early 2012, the band announced the upcoming [[Up Close and Personal Tour (Guns N' Roses)|Up Close and Personal Tour]], with shows in the United States and Europe.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-announce-six-date-u-s-club-tour-20120130|title=GNR announce six club dates|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=October 24, 2014|date=January 30, 2012|first=Andy|last=Greene|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108192200/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-announce-six-date-u-s-club-tour-20120130|archive-date=November 8, 2014}}</ref> The shows themselves varied considerably in comparison to the previous Chinese Democracy Tour. All of the North American shows took place in smaller-scale clubs, not large arenas or stadiums.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-kick-off-2012-tour-with-epic-new-york-club-show-20120211|title=Guns N' Roses Kick Off 2012 Tour With Show at New York's Roseland Ballroom|first=Andy|last=Greene|date=February 11, 2012|website=RollingStone.com|access-date=July 9, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715054949/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-kick-off-2012-tour-with-epic-new-york-club-show-20120211|archive-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-announce-more-club-dates/|title=Guns N' Roses Announce More Club Dates|first=Tree|last=Riddle|date=February 21, 2012|work=Loudwire|access-date=July 9, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710134141/http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-announce-more-club-dates/|archive-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Ucapt">{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-at-night/2012/02/guns-n-roses-concert-review-up-close-and-personal-tour-live-at-house-of-blues-chicago-sunday-21912-with-setlist/|title=Guns N' Roses Concert Review – 'Up Close and Personal Tour,' Live at House of Blues Chicago – Sunday, 2/19/12 (With Setlist) – Chicago At Night|first=Jim|last=Ryan|date=February 20, 2012|work=chicagonow.com|access-date=July 9, 2015|quote=gone were the pyrotechnics of arena shows past which forced the band to play in a more no frills fashion with the focus less on spectacle and more on music.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710074708/http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-at-night/2012/02/guns-n-roses-concert-review-up-close-and-personal-tour-live-at-house-of-blues-chicago-sunday-21912-with-setlist/|archive-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref> All pyrotechnics were removed from the shows.<ref name="Ucapt" />

On August 13, 2012, the band announced a [[Artist-in-residence|residency]] at [[The Joint (music venue)|The Joint]] in [[Las Vegas]] entitled "[[Appetite for Democracy (Tour)|Appetite for Democracy]]", celebrating the 25th anniversary of ''Appetite for Destruction'' and the fourth anniversary of ''Chinese Democracy''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-taking-over-las-vegas-with-appetite-for-democracy-residency-20120813|title=Guns N' Roses to Take Over Las Vegas With 'Appetite for Democracy' Residency|website=RollingStone.com|date=August 13, 2012|access-date=August 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107003745/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-taking-over-las-vegas-with-appetite-for-democracy-residency-20120813|archive-date=November 7, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://lfpress.com/entertainment/music/2012/08/13/20098716-wenn-story.html|title=Guns N' Roses heading to Vegas|work=London Free Press|date=August 13, 2012|access-date=August 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630040700/http://www.lfpress.com/entertainment/music/2012/08/13/20098716-wenn-story.html|archive-date=June 30, 2017|author=WENN.com|url-status=dead}}</ref> On November 21, 2012, the band's performance in Vegas was taped in [[3D film|3D]] and was screened across theaters in 2014 before being released as ''[[Appetite for Democracy 3D]]'' on July 1, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-film-vegas-appetite-for-democracy-residency-show-3d/|title=Guns N' Roses Film Vegas 'Appetite for Democracy' Residency Show in 3D|first=Mary|last=Ouellette|work=Loudwire|date=November 23, 2012 |access-date=October 24, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821183654/http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-film-vegas-appetite-for-democracy-residency-show-3d/|archive-date=August 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-democracy-3d-film-coming-to-theaters-dvd-blu-ray/|title=Guns N' Roses: 'Appetite For Democracy' 3D Film Coming To Theaters, DVD, Blu-Ray|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=October 24, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308062634/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-democracy-3d-film-coming-to-theaters-dvd-blu-ray/|archive-date=March 8, 2014|date=March 2, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/77619|title=Guns N' Roses to release 3D concert film 'Appetite For Democracy'|date=May 30, 2014|first=Leonie|last=Cooper|work=NME.COM|access-date=October 24, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024122022/http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/77619|archive-date=October 24, 2014}}</ref> In October 2012, Guns N' Roses performed an acoustic set at [[Neil Young]]'s [[Bridge School Benefit]] show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-rock-acoustically-2012-bridge-school-benefit/|title=Guns N' Roses Rock Acoustically for 2012 Bridge School Benefit|work=Loudwire|date=October 21, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418161629/http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-rock-acoustically-2012-bridge-school-benefit/|archive-date=April 18, 2015}}</ref> The performance was widely panned by critics, and Rose claimed an onset of [[Streptococcal pharyngitis|strep throat]] hampered his vocals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://avclub.com/article/guns-n-roses-performed-at-the-bridge-school-benefi-87829|title=Guns N' Roses performed at the Bridge School Benefit, and time continued to visit its cruelties upon Axl Rose|work=avclub.com|date=October 23, 2012|last=O'Neal|first=Sean|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505075035/http://www.avclub.com/article/guns-n-roses-performed-at-the-bridge-school-benefi-87829|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://consequence.net/2012/10/guns-n-roses-really-did-play-neil-youngs-bridge-school-benefit/|title=Guns N' Roses really did play Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit|date=October 22, 2012|last=Roffman|first=Michael|work=Consequence of Sound|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414181559/https://consequence.net/2012/10/guns-n-roses-really-did-play-neil-youngs-bridge-school-benefit/|archive-date=April 14, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gawker.com/5954050/axl-rose-performed-at-bridge-school-but-guns-n-roses-is-still-a-fresh-corpse-this-morning|title=Axl Rose Performed at Bridge School But Guns N' Roses Is Still a Fresh Corpse This Morning|author-link=A.J. Daulerio|last=Daulerio|first=A.J.|work=Gawker|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505092622/http://gawker.com/5954050/axl-rose-performed-at-bridge-school-but-guns-n-roses-is-still-a-fresh-corpse-this-morning|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinsider.net/big-suck/axl-rose-embarrasses-himself-at-bridge-school-benefit|title=Axl Rose Embarrasses Himself At Bridge School Benefit|work=Metal Insider|author= Bram Teitelman|date=October 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702085353/http://www.metalinsider.net/big-suck/axl-rose-embarrasses-himself-at-bridge-school-benefit|archive-date=July 2, 2017 }}</ref>
The band launched a South American tour in early 2014, including shows in Brazil and Portugal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-2014-south-american-tour/|title=Guns N' Roses Book 2014 South American Tour|first=Chad|last=Bowar|date=January 7, 2014|work=Loudwire|access-date=July 9, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710141032/http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-2014-south-american-tour/|archive-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref> For several shows, former bassist Duff McKagan rejoined the band to fill in for Stinson, who had previous commitments to touring with [[The Replacements (band)|the Replacements]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6029516/duff-mckagan-reuniting-with-guns-n-roses-to-help-axl-out-says-tommy-stinson|title=Duff McKagan Reuniting With Guns N' Roses to 'Help Axl Out,' Says Tommy Stinson|first=Gary|last=Graff|date=April 1, 2014|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 24, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502141446/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6029516/duff-mckagan-reuniting-with-guns-n-roses-to-help-axl-out-says-tommy-stinson|archive-date=May 2, 2016}}</ref> The group headlined the [[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver Golden Gods]] awards show, with McKagan on bass, on April 24, 2014. During the ceremony, Rose was awarded the [[Ronnie James Dio]] lifetime achievement award.<ref name="RJD">{{Cite web |url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/duff-mckagan-to-join-guns-n-roses-at-revolver-golden-gods-awards-show.html |title=Duff McKagan to Join Guns N' Roses at Revolver Golden Gods |last=Fanelli |first=Damian |date=April 21, 2014 |website=revolvermag.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702235756/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/duff-mckagan-to-join-guns-n-roses-at-revolver-golden-gods-awards-show.html |archive-date=July 2, 2017 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-2014-revolver-golden-gods/|title=Guns N' Roses play one-hour set at 2014 Revolver Golden Gods|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|date=April 24, 2014|work=Loudwire|access-date=July 9, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710121042/http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-2014-revolver-golden-gods/|archive-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref>

From May 21 to June 7, 2014, the band returned to Las Vegas for its second residency at The Joint, titled ''No Trickery! An Evening of Destruction''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/02/18/guns-n-roses-return-to-las-vegas-for-second-residency/5572327/|title=Guns N' Roses return to Vegas with 'No Trickery!'|website=USA Today|first=Edna|last=Gundersen|date=February 18, 2014|access-date=February 25, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219221046/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/02/18/guns-n-roses-return-to-las-vegas-for-second-residency/5572327/|archive-date=February 19, 2014}}</ref>{{efn|The title of the residency was a play on jokes Rose had made about [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]] being forced to pantomime their performance at the [[Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show#Red Hot Chili Peppers controversy|Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/super-bowl-2014/5893962/red-hot-chili-peppers-unplugged-at-super-bowl-axl-rose|title=Red Hot Chili Peppers Unplugged at Super Bowl: Axl Rose Weighs In|magazine=Billboard|date=February 5, 2014}}</ref>}}

==== Progress on a follow-up to ''Chinese Democracy'' ====
[[File:Guns N' Roses - Sofia.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Guns N' Roses playing the Sofia Rocks Fest 2012 in Bulgaria]]
In an MTV phone interview with [[Kurt Loder]] in 1999, Rose said he and the then-new band had recorded enough material for a double album.<ref name="Loder99" /> In an informal chat with ''Rolling Stone'' magazine in February 2006, Rose stated the band had 32 songs in the works.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-breaks-his-silence-on-chinese-democracy-20060118|title=Axl Rose Breaks His Silence on 'Chinese Democracy'|last=Baltin|first=Steve|date=January 18, 2006|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=October 24, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202170144/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-breaks-his-silence-on-chinese-democracy-20060118|archive-date=February 2, 2013}}</ref> While appearing on various fan message boards in December 2008, Rose stated several working titles of songs for a possible future album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2008/12/12/axl-rose-finally-promotes-chinese-democracy-sort-of/|title=Axl Rose Finally Promotes Chinese Democracy ... Sort of|last=Rosenberg|first=Axl|work=MetalSucks|access-date=August 10, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121092156/http://www.metalsucks.net/2008/12/12/axl-rose-finally-promotes-chinese-democracy-sort-of/|archive-date=November 21, 2015|date=December 12, 2008}}</ref> Former drummer [[Bryan Mantia|Brain]] mentioned working on a '[[Electronic dance music|club]] remix' of "[[Shackler's Revenge]]", stating that Rose planned to put out a remix album of songs from ''Chinese Democracy''.<ref name="Brain interview" /> Several band members mentioned they had been collaborating on ideas and working on a new album throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://consequence.net/2010/11/dj-ashba-promises-new-guns-n-roses-album-is-close-u-s-tour-even-closer/ |title=DJ Ashba promises new Guns N' Roses album is close, U.S. tour even closer |last=Young |first=Alex |date=November 9, 2010 |website=Consequence Of Sound.net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328163639/https://consequence.net/2010/11/dj-ashba-promises-new-guns-n-roses-album-is-close-u-s-tour-even-closer/ |archive-date=March 28, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-could-have-new-music-out-in-next-year-says-guitarist-richard-fortus/|title=Guns N' Roses could have new music out in next year, says guitarist Richard Fortus|work=Blabbermouth.net |agency=Associated Press|date=April 24, 2014|access-date=October 24, 2014|quote=Fortus: 'We are working on stuff and hopefully very soon we're going to have new stuff out. Well, in the next year.'|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428131514/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-could-have-new-music-out-in-next-year-says-guitarist-richard-fortus|archive-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dj-ashba-on-guns-n-roses-future-the-sky-s-the-limit/|title=DJ Ashba On Guns N' Roses' Future: 'The Sky's The Limit'|date=March 18, 2012|first=Mark|last=Lewis|work=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=October 24, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808164210/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dj-ashba-on-guns-n-roses-future-the-sky-s-the-limit/|archive-date=August 8, 2014}}</ref> In October 2012, Rose said, "All the guys are writing, and we recorded a lot of songs over the years. We'll figure out what we feel best about".<ref name="USA Today">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2012/10/30/axl-rose-on-gnr-music-more/1669329/|title=Exclusive: Axl Rose on GNR, truce and writer's block|last1=Gundersen|first1=Edna|date=October 30, 2012|website=USA Today|access-date=May 4, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124004658/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2012/10/30/axl-rose-on-gnr-music-more/1669329/|archive-date=November 24, 2014}}</ref>

In August 2013, a new song entitled "Going Down" was leaked online.<ref name="Goingdown" /> The track features bassist Tommy Stinson on lead vocals, with Rose providing backing vocals.<ref name="Goingdown" /> Bumblefoot confirmed the song to be legitimate on his Twitter.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rosen|first=Dana|url=http://eddietrunk.com/has-a-new-guns-n-roses-song-leaked-online/|title=Has a New Guns N' Roses Song Leaked Online?|work=eddietrunk.com|date=August 19, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822013307/http://eddietrunk.com/has-a-new-guns-n-roses-song-leaked-online|archive-date=August 22, 2013|access-date=June 26, 2015}}</ref> ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' described it as "a country-tinged, mid-tempo lighter-raiser with lyrics about how "you've got nothin' good to say / Keep your mouth shut."<ref name="Goingdown">{{cite news|last=Hogan|first=Marc|author-link=Marc Hogan|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/08/guns-n-roses-going-down-leak-stream/|title=Alleged Guns N' Roses Leak Is 'Going Down' Less Than Smoothly|work=[[Spin.com]]|date=August 20, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823120332/http://www.spin.com/articles/guns-n-roses-going-down-leak-stream|archive-date=August 23, 2013|access-date=June 26, 2015}}</ref>

In an interview in June 2014, Rose commented on upcoming plans:
{{blockquote|We recorded a lot of things before ''[[Chinese Democracy|Chinese]]'' was out. We've worked more on some of those things and we've written a few new things. But basically, we have what I call kind of the second half of ''Chinese''. That's already recorded. And then we have a remix album made of the songs from ''Chinese''. That's been done for a while, too.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/axl-rose-says-guns-n-roses-have-two-new-albums-completed.html|title=Axl Rose Says Guns N' Roses Have Two New Albums Completed|work=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]|date=June 4, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092704/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/axl-rose-says-guns-n-roses-have-two-new-albums-completed.html|archive-date=July 17, 2014|access-date=June 26, 2015}}</ref>}}

=== Slash and McKagan rejoin, tour and future (2015–present) ===
[[File:Melissa Reese Composer Recording Artist.JPG|thumb|upright=0.8|Keyboardist [[Melissa Reese]] joined the band in 2016.]]

On July 27, 2015, guitarist [[DJ Ashba]] left the band, citing his commitments to his family and his other band, [[Sixx:A.M.]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/dj-ashba-leaving-guns-n-roses-after-six-years-20150727|title=DJ Ashba leaving Guns N' Roses after six years|first=Daniel|last=Kreps|date=July 27, 2015|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=July 27, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729201109/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/dj-ashba-leaving-guns-n-roses-after-six-years-20150727|archive-date=July 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guitarist-dj-ashba-exits-guns-n-roses/|title=Guitarist DJ Ashba exits Guns N' Roses|first=Chad|last=Childers|date=July 27, 2015|work=Loudwire|access-date=July 27, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729214849/http://loudwire.com/guitarist-dj-ashba-exits-guns-n-roses/|archive-date=July 29, 2015}}</ref> Ashba released a statement saying "I have reached a point in my life where I feel it's time to dedicate myself to my band Sixx:A.M., my adoring wife and family, and to the many new adventures that the future holds for me."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/dj-ashba-quits-guns-n-roses/|title=DJ Ashba quits Guns N' Roses|first=Dave|last=Lifton|date=July 27, 2015|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|access-date=July 27, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729033612/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/dj-ashba-quits-guns-n-roses/|archive-date=July 29, 2015}}</ref> Several days later, music journalist [[Gary Graff]] reported that a 'confirmed source within the band' had told him that Ron Thal had left the band after the 2014 tour. No official announcement from Thal or the band was made.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wmmr.com/2015/07/31/gnr-reps-confirm-ron-bumblefoot-thal-left-band/|title=Source confirms Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal has left GN'R|work=93.3 WMMR|last=Graff|first=Gary|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701121225/http://wmmr.com/2015/07/31/gnr-reps-confirm-ron-bumblefoot-thal-left-band/|archive-date=July 1, 2017|date=July 31, 2015|access-date=August 2, 2015}}</ref> Tommy Stinson then left the band, citing personal reasons making him unavailable to tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/tommy-stinson-guns-n-roses-reunion/|last=Lifton|first=Dave|title=Tommy Stinson Speaks About Leaving Guns N' Roses|date=January 23, 2016|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|access-date=January 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704095116/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/tommy-stinson-guns-n-roses-reunion/|archive-date=July 4, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 29, 2015, several days after a Guns N' Roses-related teaser was released to movie theaters, ''Billboard'' reported that Slash was set to rejoin the band and a "reunited" lineup will headline [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella]] 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6828129/guns-n-roses-reunion-coachella-stadium-las-vegas|title=Guns N' Roses to Reunite for Coachella, Possible Stadium Tour: Sources|magazine=Billboard|date=December 29, 2015|access-date=December 30, 2015|last=Waddel|first=Ray|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151229225917/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6828129/guns-n-roses-reunion-coachella-stadium-las-vegas|archive-date=December 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-slash-to-reunite-guns-n-roses-at-coachella-20151230|title=Axl Rose, Slash to Reunite Guns N' Roses at Coachella|date=December 30, 2015|last1=Grow|first1=Kory|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=January 5, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417030317/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-slash-to-reunite-guns-n-roses-at-coachella-20151230|archive-date=April 17, 2016}}</ref> Rose was set to appear on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]'' the following week to talk about the future of the band, but his appearance was cancelled due to "unforeseen circumstances".<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-to-talk-guns-n-roses-on-jimmy-kimmel-live-20151230|title=Axl Rose to Talk Guns N' Roses on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 30, 2015|access-date=December 30, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151230215839/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-to-talk-guns-n-roses-on-jimmy-kimmel-live-20151230|archive-date=December 30, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-axl-rose-jimmy-kimmel-live-canceled-20160104-story.html|title=Rose's appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel' canceled due to 'unforeseen circumstances'|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=January 4, 2016|access-date=March 19, 2018|first=Randall|last=Roberts|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213163819/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-axl-rose-jimmy-kimmel-live-canceled-20160104-story.html|archive-date=February 13, 2018}}</ref> Guns N' Roses was officially announced as the headliner of Coachella on January 4, 2016, with [[KROQ-FM|KROQ]] reporting Slash and Duff McKagan were rejoining the band.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://kroq.cbslocal.com/2016/01/04/coachella-2016-lineup/ |title=Coachella 2016 Lineup Announced: Guns N' Roses, LCD Soundsystem, Calvin Harris |date=January 4, 2016 |website=KROQ.FM |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105051917/http://kroq.cbslocal.com/2016/01/04/coachella-2016-lineup/ |archive-date=January 5, 2016 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://consequence.net/2016/01/coachella-announces-2016-lineup-guns-n-roses-lcd-soundsystem-to-headline/|title=Coachella announces 2016 lineup: Guns N' Roses, LCD Soundsystem to headlined|date=January 4, 2016|last=Young|first=Alex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204130810/https://consequence.net/2016/01/coachella-announces-2016-lineup-guns-n-roses-lcd-soundsystem-to-headline/|archive-date=February 4, 2016|url-status=live|work=Consequence of Sound|access-date=January 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/coachella-guns-n-roses-lcd-soundsystem-calvin-harris-lead-lineup-20160104|title=Coachella: Guns N' Roses, LCD Soundsystem, Calvin Harris Lead Lineup|date=January 4, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=January 5, 2016|last=Spanos|first=Brittany|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107222211/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/coachella-guns-n-roses-lcd-soundsystem-calvin-harris-lead-lineup-20160104|archive-date=January 7, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The Coachella festival confirmed via press release that McKagan and Slash were rejoining.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/90618|title=Guns N' Roses confirm return of Slash and Duff McKagan for Coachella reunion|last=Renshaw|first=David|date=January 6, 2016|work=NME.COM|access-date=January 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616183253/http://www.nme.com/news/music/guns-n-roses-40-1198073|archive-date=June 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Not in This Lifetime... Tour ====
{{Main|Not in This Lifetime... Tour}}
[[File:GNRChorzow090718-77 (42227860380) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Both bassist [[Duff McKagan]] (left) and guitarist [[Slash (musician)|Slash]] (right) returned to the band in 2016.]]
On March 25, 2016, the band announced the [[Not in This Lifetime... Tour]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-confirm-north-american-tour-20160325|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224234258/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-confirm-north-american-tour-20160325|archive-date=February 24, 2018|url-status=live|title=Guns N' Roses Confirm North American Tour|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|date=March 25, 2016|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref> The tour's name was a reference to a 2012 interview in which Rose, when asked about when a potential reunion would happen, responded "not in this lifetime".<ref name="consequenceofsound">{{cite web |url=http://consequence.net/2016/04/guns-n-roses-announce-dates-for-not-in-this-lifetime-reunion-tour/ |title=Guns N' Roses announce dates for Not in This Lifetime Reunion Tour &#124; Consequence of Sound |publisher=consequence.net |access-date=April 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403073322/http://consequence.net/2016/04/guns-n-roses-announce-dates-for-not-in-this-lifetime-reunion-tour/ |archive-date=April 3, 2016|date=April 2016 }}</ref>
A previously unannounced warmup gig at the [[Troubadour (West Hollywood, California)|Troubadour]] in Los Angeles took place on April 1, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/heres-what-it-felt-like-seeing-guns-n-roses-at-the-troubadour-6784478 |title=Here's What It Felt Like Seeing Guns N' Roses at the Troubadour |last=Tavana |first=Art |date=April 2, 2016 |website=LA Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102084353/http://www.laweekly.com/music/heres-what-it-felt-like-seeing-guns-n-roses-at-the-troubadour-6784478 |archive-date=January 2, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/02/guns-n-roses-back-together-after-23-years/ |title=Guns N' Roses back together after 23 years |last=France-Presse |first=Agance |date=April 2, 2016 |website=The Telegraph |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406114435/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/02/guns-n-roses-back-together-after-23-years/ |archive-date=April 6, 2017 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> [[Melissa Reese]] replaced Chris Pitman as the second keyboardist after Pitman quit.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/melissa-reese-guns-n-roses-keyboards/ |title=Meet Melissa Reese, Guns N' Roses' New Keyboard Player |last=Lifton |first=Dave |date=April 2, 2016 |website=UltimateClassicRock.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905122221/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/melissa-reese-guns-n-roses-keyboards/ |archive-date=September 5, 2017 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref><ref name="axslash">{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-first-photos-of-axl-rose-and-slash-reunited-in-guns-n-roses-20160402 |title=Guns N' Roses: See Video, First Photos of Axl Rose, Slash Reunited |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=April 2, 2016 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403154635/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-first-photos-of-axl-rose-and-slash-reunited-in-guns-n-roses-20160402 |archive-date=April 3, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref>{{efn|Reese was recommended to the band by former drummer Brain, who had collaborated with her on several projects.}} During the show at the Troubadour, Rose fell off a monitor and broke his foot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/04/guns-n-roses-axl-rose-broken-foot/|title=Axl Rose Broke His Foot, Will Perform Guns N' Roses Reunion Shows in a Cast|date=April 8, 2017|last=Brodsky|first=Rachel|work=Spin|access-date=May 11, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512062221/http://www.spin.com/2016/04/guns-n-roses-axl-rose-broken-foot/|archive-date=May 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-axl-roses-doctor-explain-singers-foot-fracture-20160408 |title=See Axl Rose's Doctor Explain Singer's Foot Fracture |last=Spanos |first=Brittnay |date=April 8, 2016 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413213510/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-axl-roses-doctor-explain-singers-foot-fracture-20160408 |archive-date=April 13, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> Rose was given [[Dave Grohl]]'s customized throne that Grohl had used to perform when he broke his leg at a concert.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://consequence.net/2016/04/axl-rose-hobbled-by-a-broken-foot-performed-last-nights-guns-n-roses-show-in-dave-grohls-throne/|title=Axl Rose, hobbled by a broken foot, performed last night's Guns N' Roses show in Dave Grohl's throne|date=April 9, 2017|last=Roffman|first=Michael|work=Consequence of Sound|access-date=May 11, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410150326/https://consequence.net/2016/04/axl-rose-hobbled-by-a-broken-foot-performed-last-nights-guns-n-roses-show-in-dave-grohls-throne/|archive-date=April 10, 2021}}</ref>

The band's first scheduled concerts with Slash and McKagan took place at the newly opened [[T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas)|T-Mobile Arena]] on April 8 and 9, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-two-concerts-las-vegas-t-mobile-arena/|title=Guns N' Roses Announce Two Concerts in Las Vegas|first=Chad|last=Childers|date=January 19, 2016|work=Loudwire|access-date=May 11, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505184740/http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-two-concerts-las-vegas-t-mobile-arena/|archive-date=May 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/jan/29/first-seats-go-in-at-t-mobile-arena-only-19997-to/|title=First seats go in at T-Mobile Arena — only 19,997 to go|last=Torres|first=Ricardo|date=January 29, 2016|work=LasVegasSun.com|access-date=May 11, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505011143/http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/jan/29/first-seats-go-in-at-t-mobile-arena-only-19997-to/|archive-date=May 5, 2016}}</ref> At the performance at the first weekend of Coachella, [[AC/DC]] guitarist [[Angus Young]] joined the band on stage (Rose was set to join AC/DC as a touring vocalist).<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/7334123/coachella-2016-guns-n-roses-acdc-angus-young|title=Coachella 2016: Guns N' Roses Bring Out AC/DC's Angus Young to Preview Axl Rose's New Gig|date=April 17, 2016|last=Lynch|first=Joe|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 11, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512210237/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/7334123/coachella-2016-guns-n-roses-acdc-angus-young|archive-date=May 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-ms-coachella-2016-l-guns-n-roses-storm-coachella-with-angus-young-1460878475-htmlstory.html |title=Guns N' Roses storm Coachella (with Angus Young) |last=Lorraine |first=Ali |date=April 17, 2016 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419234133/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-ms-coachella-2016-l-guns-n-roses-storm-coachella-with-angus-young-1460878475-htmlstory.html |archive-date=April 19, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> During the band's show of July 6, 2016, in Cincinnati, former drummer [[Steven Adler]] joined the band on drums for "Out ta Get Me" and "My Michelle".<ref>{{cite web|last=Kaye|first=Ben|url=http://consequence.net/2016/07/steven-adler-reunites-with-guns-n-roses-in-cincinnati/|title=Adler reunites with GNR in Cincy|publisher=Consequence.net|date=July 6, 2016|access-date=January 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129011540/http://consequence.net/2016/07/steven-adler-reunites-with-guns-n-roses-in-cincinnati/|archive-date=January 29, 2017}}</ref> It was the first time since 1990 that Adler performed with the group.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/steven-adler-performs-with-guns-n-roses-in-cincinnati-20160707|title=Adler joines GNR onstage|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=July 7, 2016|access-date=January 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231194416/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/steven-adler-performs-with-guns-n-roses-in-cincinnati-20160707|archive-date=December 31, 2016}}</ref>{{efn|Adler was originally going to take part in the April 1 show at the Troubadour, but had to pull out after having back surgery.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tavana |first1=Art |title=Here's What It Felt Like Seeing Guns N' Roses at the Troubadour |url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/heres-what-it-felt-like-seeing-guns-n-roses-at-the-troubadour-6784478 |website=LA Weekly |access-date=July 7, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102084353/http://www.laweekly.com/music/heres-what-it-felt-like-seeing-guns-n-roses-at-the-troubadour-6784478 |archive-date=January 2, 2018|date=April 2, 2016 }}</ref>}} Adler would later join the band at shows in Nashville,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/steven-adler-second-show-guns-n-roses-nashville/ |title=Steven Adler Gets in Second Show With Guns N' Roses in Nashville |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=July 10, 2016 |website=Loudwire |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711121936/http://loudwire.com/steven-adler-second-show-guns-n-roses-nashville/ |archive-date=July 11, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> Los Angeles,<ref>{{cite web|last=DiVita|first=Joe|url=http://loudwire.com/steven-adler-joins-guns-n-roses-onstage-los-angeles/|title=Steven Adler Joins Guns N' Roses Onstage in Los Angeles|publisher=Loudwire.com|date=August 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207132715/http://loudwire.com/steven-adler-joins-guns-n-roses-onstage-los-angeles/|archive-date=February 7, 2018|access-date=January 6, 2017}}</ref> and [[Buenos Aires]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/steven-adler-just-proved-he-can-drum-a-full-guns-n-roses-set-7673773 |title=Steven Adler Just Proved He Can Drum a Full Guns N' Roses Set |last=Tavana |first=Art |date=December 1, 2016 |website=LA Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630015710/http://www.laweekly.com/music/steven-adler-just-proved-he-can-drum-a-full-guns-n-roses-set-7673773 |archive-date=June 30, 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref> The tour featured additional guest performers, including [[Sebastian Bach]],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-guns-n-roses-sebastian-bach-perform-my-michelle-in-las-vegas-20160410|title=See Guns N' Roses, Sebastian Bach Perform 'My Michelle' in Las Vegas|date=April 10, 2016|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=May 4, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505120026/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-guns-n-roses-sebastian-bach-perform-my-michelle-in-las-vegas-20160410|archive-date=May 5, 2016}}</ref> more appearances by Angus Young,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Giles |first1=Jeff |title=Angus Young Joins Guns N' Roses Onstage in Sydney |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/angus-young-guns-n-roses-sydney/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=February 10, 2017 |access-date=March 15, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303045454/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/angus-young-guns-n-roses-sydney/ |archive-date=March 3, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/watch-angus-young-join-guns-n-roses-onstage-acdc-cover-2092205 |title=Watch Angus Young join Guns N' Roses for AC/DC cover |date=June 23, 2017 |work=NME |last=Reiley |first=Nick |access-date=July 2, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628175507/http://www.nme.com/news/watch-angus-young-join-guns-n-roses-onstage-acdc-cover-2092205 |archive-date=June 28, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/recensies/guns-n-roses-het-best-in-samenspel-met-angus-young~a4506047/|title=Guns N' Roses het best in samenspel met Angus Young|publisher=volkskrant.nl|language=NL|last=Kamer|first=Gijsber|date=July 13, 2017|trans-title=Guns N 'Roses best in combination with Angus Young|access-date=July 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715153013/https://www.volkskrant.nl/recensies/guns-n-roses-het-best-in-samenspel-met-angus-young~a4506047/|archive-date=July 15, 2017}}</ref> [[Angry Anderson]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lifton |first1=Dave |title=Guns N' Roses Play Rose Tattoo's 'Nice Boys' Live With Angry Anderson |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-nice-boys/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=February 11, 2017 |access-date=March 15, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303050412/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-nice-boys/ |archive-date=March 3, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Guns N' Roses Play Rose Tattoo's 'Nice Boys' Live With Angry Anderson |url=https://www.triplem.com.au/music/news/guns-n-roses-play-rose-tattoos-nice-boys-live-with-angry-anderson/ |website=Triple M|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303044829/https://www.triplem.com.au/music/news/guns-n-roses-play-rose-tattoos-nice-boys-live-with-angry-anderson/|archive-date=March 3, 2017|url-status=live |access-date=March 15, 2017}}</ref> [[Pink (singer)|P!nk]],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-guns-n-roses-duet-with-pink-on-patience-w508550|title=See Guns N' Roses Duet With Pink on 'Patience'|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=October 12, 2017|last=Grow|first=Kory|access-date=October 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019221303/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-guns-n-roses-duet-with-pink-on-patience-w508550|archive-date=October 19, 2017}}</ref> [[Billy Gibbons]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-guns-n-roses-zz-tops-billy-gibbons-perform-patience-w511574|title=Watch Guns N' Roses Perform 'Patience' With ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=November 11, 2017|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128021255/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-guns-n-roses-zz-tops-billy-gibbons-perform-patience-w511574|archive-date=January 28, 2018|access-date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> and [[Dave Grohl]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/dave-grohl-guns-n-roses-paradise-city/ |title=Watch Dave Grohl Join Guns N' Roses Onstage for 'Paradise City' |last=Hartmann |first=Graham |date=November 15, 2017 |website=Loudwire.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115201806/http://loudwire.com/dave-grohl-guns-n-roses-paradise-city/ |archive-date=November 15, 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref>

In November 2017, Guns N' Roses was announced as the headline act at the UK [[Download Festival]] in June 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://downloadfestival.co.uk/news-features/guns-n-roses-announced-as-third-and-final-headliner-at-download-2018/|title=Guns N' Roses Announced As Third and Final Headliner for Download 2018 – Download Festival|work=Download Festival|access-date=November 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316105139/https://downloadfestival.co.uk/news-features/guns-n-roses-announced-as-third-and-final-headliner-at-download-2018/|archive-date=March 16, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/local/madrid/20180315/441543238381/hellacopters-ierra-guns-roses-download-madrid.html |title=The Hellacopters cierra el cartel del Download Festival 2018 que encabeza Guns n' Roses |date=March 15, 2018 |website=La Vanguardia|access-date=September 18, 2019|language=es|trans-title=The Hellacopters closes the poster of Download Festival 2018 that heads Guns n 'Roses}}</ref> In addition, they won Top Tour/Top Draw at the 2017 [[Billboard Touring Awards]].<ref name="Bbtour" /> They were nominated for Top Touring artist and Top Rock Tour, as well as Top Duo/Group at the [[2017 Billboard Music Awards]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/7752631/billboard-music-awards-2017-nominations-full-list|title=Drake, The Chainsmokers Lead Nominees for the 2017 Billboard Music Awards|magazine=Billboard|date=April 10, 2017|access-date=May 19, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512093751/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/7752631/billboard-music-awards-2017-nominations-full-list|archive-date=May 12, 2018}}</ref> The next year, they were nominated again for Top Rock Tour and Top Touring artist.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/8343598/billboard-music-awards-2018-nominations-list|title=Billboard Music Awards 2018 Nominations: See the Full List|magazine=Billboard|date=April 17, 2018|access-date=May 19, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519014831/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbma/8343598/billboard-music-awards-2018-nominations-list|archive-date=May 19, 2018}}</ref> They also headlined the 2018 [[Graspop Metal Meeting]], alongside [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Marilyn Manson (band)|Marilyn Manson]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8248544/2018-graspop-metal-meeting-festival-gnr-iron-maiden-marilyn-manson-ozzy |title=Guns 'N Roses, Marilyn Manson, Iron Maiden Among 2018 Graspop Metal Meeting Festival Headliners |last=Cummings-Grady |first=Mackenzie |date=March 16, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316155755/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8248544/2018-graspop-metal-meeting-festival-gnr-iron-maiden-marilyn-manson-ozzy |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.graspop.be/nl/nieuws/line-up-compleet/190/ |title=Line up compleet! |date=March 13, 2018 |website=Graspop.be |access-date=March 19, 2018 |trans-title=Line up complete! |language=NL |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319153953/https://www.graspop.be/nl/nieuws/line-up-compleet/190/ |archive-date=March 19, 2018 }}</ref>

The tour was a financial success, grossing over $480 million by December 2017 and at that time was listed as the [[List of highest-grossing concert tours#Highest-grossing tours|fourth highest-grossing concert tour of all-time]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8092585/guns-n-roses-not-in-this-lifetime-tour-fourth-biggest |title=Guns N' Roses' Not in This Lifetime Tour Now Fourth-Biggest Tour Ever: $475 Million Earned (and Counting) |last=Allen |first=Bob |date=January 4, 2018 |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105034616/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8092585/guns-n-roses-not-in-this-lifetime-tour-fourth-biggest |archive-date=January 5, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-entertainment-news-updates-u2-guns-n-roses-were-2017-s-top-tours-1514569204-htmlstory.html |title=U2, Guns N' Roses were 2017's top tours |last=Brown |first=August |date=December 29, 2017 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=March 19, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319213540/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-entertainment-news-updates-u2-guns-n-roses-were-2017-s-top-tours-1514569204-htmlstory.html |archive-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Pollstar 2016 Year End">{{cite web|title=2016 Year End Top 100 Worldwide Tours|url=https://www.pollstarpro.com/files/Charts2016/2016YearEndTop100WorldwideTours.pdf|website=pollstar.com|access-date=July 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513071726/https://www.pollstarpro.com/files/Charts2016/2016YearEndTop100WorldwideTours.pdf|archive-date=May 13, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Pollstar 2017 Mid Year">{{cite web|title=2017 Mid Year Top 100 Worldwide Tours|url=https://www.pollstar.com/Chart/2017/07/207MidYearTop100WorldwideTours_575.pdf|website=pollstar.com|access-date=July 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019063055/https://www.pollstar.com/Chart/2017/07/207MidYearTop100WorldwideTours_575.pdf|archive-date=October 19, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> By the end of the tour in December 2018, the tour had grossed $563.3 million, making it the then second-highest grossing tour, behind [[U2]]'s [[U2 360° Tour]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-not-in-this-lifetime-believed-to-be-second-highest-grossing-tour-of-all-time/|title=Guns N' Roses' 'Not In This Lifetime' Believed To Be Second-Highest-Grossing Tour Of All Time|date=December 17, 2018|website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=December 17, 2018}}</ref>{{efn|[[Ed Sheeran]]'s [[÷ Tour]] passed the tour gross the following year, bumping the ''Not in This Lifetime...'' Tour to third.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ed Sheeran's Record-Breaking Divide Tour Totals $775.6 Million, Beating U2, Guns N' Roses |last=Beech |first=Mark |work=Forbes |date=August 27, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2021 |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/markbeech/2019/08/27/ed-sheerans-record-breaking-divide-tour-totals-7756-million-beating-u2-guns-n-roses/ }}</ref>}}
{{wide image|Guns N' Roses Civil War Live in London 17 June 2017.jpg|800px|Guns N' Roses playing in London in 2017. From left to right, [[Richard Fortus]], [[Duff McKagan]], [[Slash (musician)|Slash]], [[Axl Rose]], [[Dizzy Reed]], [[Frank Ferrer]], [[Melissa Reese]]}}

==== ''Appetite for Destruction'' remaster ====
On April 30, 2018, billboards in several large cities, as well as a website (GNR.FM), were spotted with the tagline "Destruction Is Coming".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kerrang.com/the-news/guns-n-roses-destruction-is-coming/ |title=Guns N' Roses: 'Destruction Is Coming' |date=May 1, 2018 |website=Kerrang! |access-date=May 2, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502230458/http://www.kerrang.com/the-news/guns-n-roses-destruction-is-coming/ |archive-date=May 2, 2018}}</ref> The website was updated with a countdown clock to May 4, 2018, and a snippet of the song "[[Shadow of Your Love]]" playing.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-shadow-of-your-love/ |title=Guns N' Roses Share Clip of Obscure 'Shadow of Your Love' Song |last=Lifton |first=Dave |date=May 2, 2018 |website=UltimateClassicRock.com |access-date=May 2, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502093327/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-shadow-of-your-love/ |archive-date=May 2, 2018}}</ref> Journalist Mitch Lafon stated the campaign was for a deluxe edition of ''[[Appetite for Destruction]]''.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=991131277335126016 |user=mitchlafon |title=AFD deluxe box. No Reunion. |author=Mitch Lafon |date=April 30, 2018}}</ref> A video announcement was inadvertently released a day early, detailing the "Appetite for Destruction: Locked N' Loaded" edition. The boxed set includes 73 songs on four CDs (49 of which were previously unreleased), seven 12-inch 180-gram LPs, remastered versions of ''Appetite'', an EP of B-sides, a 96-page book with unreleased photos, 12 lithographs, and assorted replica memorabilia.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-remastered-and-expanded-edition-of-appetite-for-destruction-due-in-june/ |title=Guns N' Roses: Remastered And Expanded Edition Of 'Appetite For Destruction' Due In June |date=May 3, 2018 |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=May 3, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503143912/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-remastered-and-expanded-edition-of-appetite-for-destruction-due-in-june/ |archive-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref> "Shadow of Your Love" was released as a single on May 4, 2018, the band's first single in almost a decade.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-shadow-of-your-love-single/ |title=Guns N' Roses Release 'Shadow of Your Love' Single |last=Lifton |first=Dave |date=May 4, 2018 |website=UltimateClassicRock.com |access-date=May 4, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504171253/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-shadow-of-your-love-single/ |archive-date=May 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-detail-massive-appetite-for-destruction-box-set-w519800 |title=Guns N' Roses Detail Massive 'Appetite for Destruction' Box Set |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=May 3, 2018 |magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=May 4, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504075553/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-detail-massive-appetite-for-destruction-box-set-w519800 |archive-date=May 4, 2018}}</ref> To promote the release, a previously unseen music video for "[[It's So Easy (Guns N' Roses song)|It's So Easy]]" was released on [[Apple Music]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.spin.com/2018/05/guns-n-roses-its-so-easy-video/ |title=Guns' N' Roses Release Never Before Seen "It's So Easy" Video |last=Serota |first=Maggie |date=May 21, 2018 |website=Spin}}</ref> as well as several promotional singles.{{efn|"Welcome to the Jungle (1986 Sound City Session)",<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.iheartradio.ca/cjay92/trending/listen-to-guns-n-roses-1986-sound-city-session-of-welcome-to-the-jungle-1.3914963 |title=Listen to Guns N' Roses 1986 Sound City Session of Welcome to the Jungle! |last=J |first=Diamond |date=June 19, 2018 |website=[[iHeartRadio]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629091431/http://www.iheartradio.ca/cjay92/trending/listen-to-guns-n-roses-1986-sound-city-session-of-welcome-to-the-jungle-1.3914963 |archive-date=June 29, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> "Move to the City (1988 Acoustic Version)"<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-move-to-the-city-acoustic/ |title=Listen to Guns N' Roses' Acoustic Version of 'Move to the City' |last=Lifton |first=Dave |date=June 22, 2018 |website=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622160024/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-move-to-the-city-acoustic/ |archive-date=June 22, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref> and "November Rain (Piano Version, 1986 Sound City Session)".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/av/new-music/guns-n-roses-posts-previously-unreleased-piano-version-of-november-rain|title=Guns N' Roses Posts Previously Unreleased Piano Version Of 'November Rain'|date=June 28, 2018|work=Metal Injection|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629102437/http://www.metalinjection.net/av/new-music/guns-n-roses-posts-previously-unreleased-piano-version-of-november-rain|archive-date=June 29, 2018}}</ref>}} The box set was released on June 29, 2018, to universal critical acclaim.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/appetite-for-destruction-super-deluxe-edition-box-set/guns-n-roses |title=Appetite for Destruction: Super Deluxe Edition [Box Set] |date=June 29, 2018 |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 29, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709060131/http://www.metacritic.com/music/appetite-for-destruction-super-deluxe-edition-box-set/guns-n-roses |archive-date=July 9, 2018}}</ref>

==== Continued touring, new recordings and ''Use Your Illusion'' remaster ====
Rose discussed Slash and McKagan rejoining in a June 2016 interview, stating "It was always looked at as a possibility, but it never seemed right or felt right". During the interview, Rose also reiterated his intention to release new Guns N' Roses music in the future.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://chinaexchange.uk/axl-rose/ |title=An Evening with Axl Rose – China Exchange |date=June 7, 2016 |website=ChinaExchange.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319091912/http://chinaexchange.uk/axl-rose/ |archive-date=March 19, 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/axl-rose-quotes-2016/|title=20 Things We Learned During Axl Rose's New Q&A Session|date=June 8, 2016|last=Wilkening|first=Matthew|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702195657/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/axl-rose-quotes-2016/|archive-date=July 2, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=June 10, 2016}}</ref> Slash later commented on the tour, telling [[Aerosmith (band)|Aerosmith]]'s [[Joey Kramer]] in an interview with [[WZLX]] that "We all were pretty positive (the reunion) would never happen, so it's still sort of blowing our minds. ... But everybody's really getting along great and I think everybody's come a long way, and it's all cool."<ref>{{cite web|last=Gallucci|first=Michael|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/slash-first-interview-guns-n-roses-reunion/|title=Slash in First Interview Since Guns N' Roses Reunion: 'It's All Cool'|publisher=Ultimateclassicrock.com|date=July 1, 2016|access-date=January 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104204600/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/slash-first-interview-guns-n-roses-reunion/|archive-date=January 4, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2017, various band members continued to discuss plans to release a new Guns N' Roses album.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Kevin C. |date=July 20, 2017 |title=Back to the jungle: Guns N' Roses returns with St. Louis guitarist Richard Fortus |url=https://stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/back-to-the-jungle-guns-n-roses-returns-with-st/article_0920ee4e-f067-5ac7-ac2f-6c3fd48c4196.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722121653/http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/back-to-the-jungle-guns-n-roses-returns-with-st/article_0920ee4e-f067-5ac7-ac2f-6c3fd48c4196.html |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 17, 2018 |title=New Guns N' Roses Album Coming 'Faster Than You Think' |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/new-guns-n-roses-album-coming-faster-you-think |access-date=December 20, 2018 |website=Revolver}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Greene |first=Andy |date=February 15, 2019 |title=Slash Says There's Talk of a New Guns N' Roses Album |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/slash-new-guns-n-roses-album-795566/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=February 23, 2019 |title=Duff McKagan on New Guns N' Roses Album: 'Oh, It's Real' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/duff-mckagan-new-guns-n-roses-album-799258/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Krol |first=Charlotte |date=January 22, 2020 |title=Slash says music industry changes have left Guns N' Roses uncertain about next album release |work=NME |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/slash-says-music-industry-changes-have-left-guns-n-roses-uncertain-about-next-album-release-2600043 |access-date=February 6, 2020}}</ref>

In 2020, the band announced a [[We're F'N' Back! Tour|North American stadium tour]], as well as several festival dates, billed as a new tour instead of a continuation of the Not in This Lifetime... Tour.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lifton |first=Dave |date=February 3, 2020 |title=Guns N' Roses Announce New 2020 Stadium Tour Dates |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-2020-north-american-tour/ |access-date=February 6, 2020}}</ref> In September 2020, the band's ''Greatest Hits'' album was re-released (with "Shadow of Your Love" added), including a vinyl pressing for the first time.<ref name="nme._Guns">{{Cite web |author=Will Richards |date=July 31, 2020 |title=Guns N' Roses are releasing their 'Greatest Hits' on vinyl for the first time |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/guns-n-roses-are-releasing-their-greatest-hits-on-vinyl-for-the-first-time-2719382 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=NME}}</ref>
[[File:Glasto2023 (243 of 468) (53009105764).jpg|thumb|left|Guns N' Roses performing at Glastonbury 2023.]]
In June 2021, Guns N' Roses announced they would return to the road with the We're F'n' Back Tour, touring the United States from July to October.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Briony |date=2021-06-01 |title=Guns N' Roses announce they're 'F'n back' with summer 2021 tour dates |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/guns-n-roses-announce-theyre-fn-back-with-summer-2021-tour-dates |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=loudersound |language=en}}</ref> The tour was later announced to extend into 2022 with legs in Europe, Latin America, and Oceania.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-07 |title=Guns N Roses announces 2022 South American dates |url=https://themusicuniverse.com/guns-n-roses-announces-2022-south-american-dates/ |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=The Music Universe |language=en-US}}</ref>

On August 6, 2021, after debuting the song onstage at Fenway Park a few days earlier, the band released the single "[[Absurd (song)|Absurd]]", their first new material released since 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Guns N' Roses Share New Song 'ABSUЯD' |last=Minsker |first=Evan |work=Pitchfork |date=August 6, 2021 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |url= https://pitchfork.com/news/guns-n-roses-share-new-song-absurd-listen/ }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=DiVita |first=Joe|title=Guns N' Roses Release Official Studio Version of New Song 'Absurd' |url=https://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-absurd-song-lyrics/ |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=Loudwire |date=August 6, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> On September 24, another single, "[[Hard Skool]]", was released.<ref name="HARDSK">{{Cite web |title=Guns N' Roses To Release New Single 'Hard Skool' This Friday |work=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 23, 2021 |access-date=September 23, 2021 |url= https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-to-release-new-single-hard-skool-this-friday/}}</ref> Both singles are reworkings of songs from the ''Chinese Democracy'' sessions.<ref name="HARDSK" /> The "Hard Skool" physical release was announced as both an EP and a vinyl single with different track listings, with the former released on February 25, 2022, featuring "Absurd" and live tracks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Guns N' Roses to Release New EP 'Hard Skool' in 2022 |author=Jake Richardson |work=Loudwire |date=September 26, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |url= https://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-ep-hard-skool-2022/ }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 25, 2022 |title=Guns N' Roses Release New EP 'Hard Skool' |url=https://americansongwriter.com/guns-n-roses-release-new-ep-hard-skool/ |access-date=March 2, 2022 |website=American Songwriter}}</ref>

Later in 2021, Slash stated that the band had been reworking ''Chinese''-era songs for future release.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Taylor Linzinmeir |date=October 23, 2021 |title=Slash Gives an Update on Guns N' Roses |url=https://loudwire.com/slash-update-guns-n-roses-new-music/ |access-date=October 29, 2021 |work=Loudwire }}</ref> In 2022, he further confirmed that the band was working on more new songs that might be compiled later, stating "There's new Guns material coming out as we speak, and we'll probably keep putting it out until the entire record's worth of stuff is done".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Owen |first=Matt |date=January 7, 2022 |title=Slash confirms a new Guns N' Roses album is on the way |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/slash-new-gnr-material |access-date=January 8, 2022 |website=guitarworld}}</ref> He later said that two more of these singles would probably be released by June.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-21 |title=Slash says more new Guns N' Roses music is coming |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/slash-says-more-new-guns-n-roses-music-is-coming-3166405 |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref>

On September 20, 2022, the band announced a remastered deluxe box set of the two ''Illusion'' albums, ''Use Your Illusion (Super Deluxe Edition)'', released November 11, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/guns-n-roses-announce-new-use-your-illusion-i-and-ii-box-set/|title=Guns N' Roses Announce New Use Your Illusion I & II Box Set|date=September 20, 2022|website=Pitchfork.com|access-date=June 17, 2023}}</ref> The box set features both albums remastered, alongside two live concerts from 1991 (New York) and 1992 (Las Vegas), a blu-ray of the New York concert, photographs & memorabilia.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/guns-n-roses-use-your-illusion-i-ii-box-set-unreleased-tracks-videos-1235141567/|title=Guns N' Roses Releasing Massive 'Use Your Illusion I & II' Box Set With 63 Unreleased Tracks/Videos|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|magazine=Billboard|date=September 20, 2022|access-date=June 17, 2023}}</ref> The box set was preceded with a live version of "You Could Be Mine" as the lead single.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=gunsnroses |author-link=Guns N' Roses |number=1572717597774254089 |date=Sep 22, 2022 |title=You Could Be Mine, Live In New York at the Ritz Theatre}}</ref>

Guns N' Roses continued touring with the [[Guns N' Roses 2023 Tour]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 21, 2023 |title=Rock And Roll Legends Guns N' Roses Announce 2023 World Tour |url=https://www.livenationentertainment.com/2023/02/rock-and-roll-legends-guns-n-roses-announce-2023-world-tour/ |website=[[Live Nation]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 20, 2023 |title=Guns N' Roses announces World Tour 2023! |url=https://www.gunsnroses.com/news/title/guns-n-roses-2023-world-tour-dates |website=Guns N' Roses}}</ref> On June 24, 2023, the band headlined [[Glastonbury Festival]] for the first time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-66011512|title=Glastonbury review: Guns N' Roses are sporadically brilliant, while Lana Del Rey is cut short|work=BBC News |date=June 25, 2023}}</ref> The performance garnered mixed reviews<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/25/guns-n-roses-at-glastonbury-review-pyramid-stage|title=Guns N' Roses at Glastonbury review – a riotous trip into rock paradise|first=Alexis|last=Petridis|date=June 25, 2023|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mojo4music.com/articles/stories/guns-n-roses-at-glastonbury-2023-reviewed/|title=Guns N' Roses At Glastonbury 2023, Reviewed|date=July 2, 2023|website=Mojo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/guns-n-roses-live-at-glastonbury-photos-setlist-3460919|title=Guns N' Roses live at Glastonbury: a solid performance... to the wrong crowd|first=Liberty|last=Dunworth|website=[[NME]] |date=June 25, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/guns-n-roses-glastonbury-review|title=Guns N' Roses rock Glastonbury: a fun, energetic headline set in unfamiliar territory|first=Merlin|last=Alderslade|date=June 25, 2023|website=louder}}</ref> – with some publications calling it one of the worst headlining sets in festival history – prompting the band to respond, claiming technical difficulties resulted in a poor [[Live sound mixing|mix]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/guns-n-roses-review-glastonbury-festival-b2363553.html|title=Guns N' Roses are frontrunners for the worst Glasto headliners of all time – review|date=June 27, 2023|website=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/concerts/guns-n-roses-glastonbury-festival-2023-review/|title=Guns N' Roses review, Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury 2023: Welcome to the mumble|first=Neil|last=McCormick|newspaper=The Telegraph |date=June 25, 2023|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/guns-n-roses-calls-out-reviewers-who-hated-their-glastonbury-performance|title=GUNS N' ROSES Calls Out Reviewers Who Hated Their Glastonbury Performance|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|date=June 29, 2023|website=Metal Injection}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gearnews.com/glastonbury-sound-problems-guns-n-roses-blame-the-bbc/|title=Glastonbury Sound Problems – Guns N' Roses blame the BBC|first=Bob|last=Malkowski|date=June 30, 2023|website=gearnews.com}}</ref>

On August 18, 2023, the band released a new single, the piano-driven song "[[Perhaps (song)|Perhaps]]".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hudak |first=Joseph |date=2023-08-18 |title=Axl Rose Empathizes, Apologizes in New Guns N' Roses Song 'Perhaps' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/guns-n-roses-perhaps-axl-rose-1234808408/ |access-date=2023-08-18 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> The song's '[[A-side and B-side|R-side]]' "[[The General (Guns N' Roses song)|The General]]" was released digitally and on the Perhaps vinyl on December 8, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lewry |first=Fraser |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/guns-n-roses-the-general |title=Guns N' Roses release anguished yet epic new recording of The General |work=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] |location=London  |date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208224557/https://www.loudersound.com/news/guns-n-roses-the-general |archive-date=December 8, 2023 }}</ref>

==== Ferrer exits, Isaac Carpenter joins ====
In December 2024, the band announced the "[[Because What You Want & What You Get Are Two Completely Different Things Tour]]" scheduled for 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Irwin |first1=Corey |title=Guns N' Roses Announce 2025 Tour Dates |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-2025-tour/ |website=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]] |access-date=January 18, 2025 |language=en |date=December 9, 2024}}</ref>

On March 19, 2025, longtime drummer [[Frank Ferrer]] departed from Guns N' Roses.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.spin.com/2025/03/guns-n-roses-drummer-frank-ferrer-exits-band/ |title=Guns N' Roses Drummer Frank Ferrer Exits Band |date=March 19, 2025 |author=<!-- not stated --> |magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |access-date=March 19, 2025}}</ref>

A day later, on March 20, the band announced that [[Isaac Carpenter (drummer)|Isaac Carpenter]] was the new drummer, officially replacing Frank Ferrer, who was the band’s drummer since he joined in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schaffner |first=Lauryn |date=March 20, 2025 |title=Who Is Guns N' Roses' New Drummer Isaac Carpenter? (See His Ties to the Band) |url=http://loudwire.com/who-guns-n-roses-new-drummer-isaac-carpenter-ties |website=[[Loudwire]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=March 20, 2025 |title=GUNS N' ROSES Announces New Drummer ISAAC CARPENTER |url=http://blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-announces-new-drummer-isaac-carpenter |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Legacy, style and influence ==
Guns N' Roses signed with a major record label within eight months of the band's inception, and topped national sales charts weeks after garnering late hours airplay on MTV. ''Appetite for Destruction'' is the highest-selling debut album of all time in the United States.<ref name="auto1" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Runtagh|first=Jordan|url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2013-09-27/50-best-selling-debut-records-in-music-history/|title=Beginner's Luck: The 50 best-selling debut records in music history|work=[[VH1]]|publisher=[[Viacom Media Networks]]|date=September 27, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001021142/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2013-09-27/50-best-selling-debut-records-in-music-history/|archive-date=October 1, 2013|access-date=June 26, 2015}}</ref><ref name="AFDINF">{{Cite web |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/10-ways-guns-n-roses-appetite-destruction-changed-world |title=10 Ways Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite For Destruction' Changed The World |last=Epstein |first=Dan |date=July 12, 2018 |website=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]}}</ref>

:{{blockquote|"Guns were five dudes with this shared vision. We met and it was the exact five right guys… The moment we got in a room and played the first three chords, we all knew it. We didn't have illusions that we were going to be huge or anything. But people started coming to our gigs and then labels started coming to our gigs and we made the record we wanted to make. And, all of a sudden, it hit, and it seems like a whole generation of the world had an affinity for that record." – Duff McKagan<ref>{{cite journal|first= Jon |last= Hotten |title= Q&A: Duff McKagan |journal= [[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] |date= June 2009 |page= 40}}</ref>}}

Many music industry peers spoke highly of GNR. [[Joe Perry (musician)|Joe Perry]] stated that the band was the first to remind him of [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref>{{cite book|first=Stephen|last=Davis|url=https://archive.org/details/watchyoubleedsag00davi|url-access=registration|title=Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses|publisher=Penguin Group|year=2008|page=[https://archive.org/details/watchyoubleedsag00davi/page/84 84]|isbn=978-1-59240-377-6|quote=Guns N' Roses looked and sounded like the Next Big Thing ... Joe Perry later said that Guns N' Roses was the first band since Led Zeppelin that made him think of Led Zeppelin}}</ref> [[Ozzy Osbourne]] stated that GNR could have been "the next [[The Rolling Stones|Rolling Stones]]" if the classic lineup had stayed together.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ozzy-says-crucify-the-dead-lyrics-are-what-he-would-say-to-axl-rose-if-he-were-slash/|title=Ozzy says 'Crucify The Dead' lyrics are what he would say to Axl Rose if he were Slash|date=May 28, 2010|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=April 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623125242/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ozzy-says-crucify-the-dead-lyrics-are-what-he-would-say-to-axl-rose-if-he-were-slash/|archive-date=June 23, 2015}}</ref> [[Tom Petty]] also favorably compared the band to the Rolling Stones.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ghomesh |first=Jian |url=https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/1.2718755 |title=Tom Petty (Full Broadcast Interview) |work=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=Jul 17, 2014 }}</ref> Country musician [[Steve Earle]] stated, in 1989, "Guns N' Roses are what every L.A. band pretends to be".<ref name="The Hard Truth" /> Gangsta rap group [[N.W.A.]], of whom Guns N' Roses were early supporters and befriended, named a song "[[Appetite for Destruction (song)|Appetite for Destruction]]" after the Guns album of the same name.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-n-w-a/|title=The Unlikely Friendship Between Guns N' Roses and N.W.A|first=Corey|last=Irwin|date=January 30, 2022|website=Ultimate Classic Rock}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/n-w-a-nearly-touring-with-guns-n-roses-axl-rose-rapped/|title=N.W.A. Talk Guns N' Roses + The Time Axl Rose Rapped in Front of Them|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|date=July 6, 2017|website=Loudwire}}</ref> However, not all peers were positive, [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]] frontman [[Kurt Cobain]] stated that his band was "not your typical Guns N' Roses type of band that has absolutely nothing to say" and refused to tour with them.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Harris |first1=Keith |last2=Grow |first2=Kory |date=April 11, 2016 |title=Guns N' Roses vs. Nirvana: A Beef History |url=http://rollingstone.com/music/music-news/guns-n-roses-vs-nirvana-a-beef-history-166180 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/kirk-hammett-why-kurt-cobain-didnt-want-to-share-the-stage-with-guns-n-roses |title=KIRK HAMMETT: Why KURT COBAIN Didn't Want To Share The Stage With GUNS N' ROSES |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |date=June 17, 2022 }}</ref>{{efn|Nirvana drummer [[Dave Grohl]] later explained “I think it represented something bigger. Nirvana didn’t want to turn into Guns N’ Roses. So Kurt started talking shit in interviews, and then Axl started talking back. It went back and forth like tenth-grade bullshit.”<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fooarchive.com/gpb/esquire06.htm|title=Esquire Q&A - Dave Grohl|website=www.fooarchive.com}}</ref>}}

[[File:Hanoi Rocks - Ilosaarirock 2008.jpg|thumb|Guns N' Roses's early look and sound was influenced by Finnish band [[Hanoi Rocks]].]]

Early Guns N' Roses music was a fusion of [[punk rock]], [[blues rock]], [[hard rock]], [[traditional heavy metal|heavy metal]], and [[glam metal]].{{refn|group=note|Musical styles:{{Columns-list|
* "[[punk rock]]"<ref name="The Hard Truth" /><ref name="Robb2012">{{cite book|first=John|last=Robb|title=Punk Rock: An Oral History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gXsTBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA538|access-date=August 14, 2015|date=December 1, 2012|publisher=PM Press|isbn=978-1-60486-005-4|pages=538–}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenervousbreakdown.com/jdaly/2011/10/tnb-music-chats-with-duff-mckagan/|title=Joe Daly – TNB Music Chats with Duff McKagan|first=Joe|last=Daly|date=October 29, 2011|work=thenervousbreakdown.com|access-date=August 15, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031014709/http://www.thenervousbreakdown.com/jdaly/2011/10/tnb-music-chats-with-duff-mckagan/|archive-date=October 31, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-filthy-sexy-cool-58921/|title=Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite for Destruction': Filthy, Sexy, Cool|first=Brian|last=Hiatt|date=August 9, 2007|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=March 10, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115195242/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-filthy-sexy-cool-58921/|archive-date=November 15, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Fistfights to "Bourbon Jocks": How Duff McKagan's Punk Past Shaped Guns N' Roses |author=Richard Bienstock |work=Revolver |date=February 25, 2021 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |url= https://www.revolvermag.com/music/fistfights-bourbon-jocks-how-duff-mckagans-punk-past-shaped-guns-n-roses }}</ref>
* "[[blues rock]]"<ref name="HallHayes1997">{{cite book|last1=Hall|first1=Steve|last2=Hayes|first2=Steve|last3=Manus|first3=Ron|title=Basix essential licks for guitar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DkAwNaU-Aj0C&pg=PA26|access-date=August 14, 2015|date=January 1, 1997|publisher=Alfred Music Publishing|isbn=978-0-88284-743-6|pages=26–}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Appetite for Destruction: 16 Facts You Probably Didn't Know |author=Lauryn Schaffner |work=Loudwire |date=July 21, 2021 |access-date=October 21, 2021 |url= https://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-facts/ }}</ref>
* "[[traditional heavy metal|heavy metal]]"<ref>{{cite book|author1=Lol Henderson|author2=Lee Stacey|title=Encyclopedia of Music in the 20th Century|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m8W2AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA281|date=January 27, 2014|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-92946-6|page=281}}</ref>
* "[[hard rock]]"<ref name="AMBIO" /><ref name="The Hard Truth" /><ref name="BrackettHoard2004">{{cite book|author1=Nathan Brackett|author2=Christian David Hoard|title=The New Rolling Stone Album Guide|url=https://archive.org/details/newrollingstonea00brac|url-access=registration|year=2004|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-0-7432-0169-8|pages=[https://archive.org/details/newrollingstonea00brac/page/350 350]–|quote=Hard rock seemed so dumb until Guns N' Roses attacked it with smarts, snot, and vitrol, cutting through a decade of hair spray with one nasty punch}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Slash|author2=Anthony Bozza|title=Slash|date=October 30, 2007|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-135142-6|pages=110–111}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Steven Adler|author2=Lawrence J. Spagnola|title=My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N' Roses|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1O3wuV4QBEAC|date=July 27, 2010|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-191711-0|pages=94–95}}</ref>
* "[[glam metal|hair metal]]"<ref>{{cite book|title=DK Music: Heavy Rock: Guitar Heroes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cUfyAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA331|access-date=August 12, 2015|date=October 1, 2013|publisher=DK Publishing|isbn=978-1-4654-2126-5|pages=331–}}</ref><ref name="LLC2008">{{cite magazine|first=Chuck|last=Eddy|title=Spin: Hair Metal Essentials|magazine=Spin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XJj9SR3-aSgC&pg=PA105|access-date=August 12, 2015|date=July 2008|pages=105–|issn=0886-3032}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Music Planner: Guns N' Roses hit Orlando, the Go-Go's say goodbye, new venue|url=https://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/music/music-planner-guns-n-roses-hit-orlando-the-go-gos-say-goodbye-new-venue/2286994/|access-date=February 10, 2021|website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|quote=glam-metal odysseys like Use Your Illusion I and II}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Eddy|first=Chuck|author-link=Chuck Eddy|page=105|title=Essentials – Hair Metal|magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|location=New York|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XJj9SR3-aSgC&pg=PA105|access-date=August 12, 2015|date=July 2008|archive-date=February 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227030141/https://books.google.com/books?id=XJj9SR3-aSgC&pg=PA105|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}}}<!--End note--> The ''Illusions'' albums saw the band branching out into [[art rock]],<ref name="AMBIO">{{Cite web |title=Guns N' Roses Biography |author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine |work=AllMusic |access-date=September 15, 2021 |url= https://www.allmusic.com/artist/guns-n-roses-mn0000540883/biography}}</ref> and featuring influences from [[progressive rock]], [[folk rock]], [[progressive metal]], [[speed metal]], [[funk metal]], and [[industrial music]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jun/30/guns-n-roses-their-20-greatest-songs-ranked|title=Guns N' Roses – their 20 greatest songs, ranked!|first=Matt|last=Mills|date=June 30, 2022|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-my-world/|title=Axl Rose's Divisive 'My World' Points to Guns N' Roses' Future|first=Matthew|last=Wilkening|date=September 29, 2021|website=Ultimate Classic Rock}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-locomotive/|title=How Guns N' Roses Flexed Musical Muscle on Dazzling 'Locomotive'|first=Bryan|last=Rolli|date=September 25, 2021|website=Ultimate Classic Rock}}</ref> ''[["The Spaghetti Incident?"]]'' saw the group cover mostly [[punk rock]] songs.<ref name="WallaceManitoba2007">{{cite book|author1=Amy Wallace|author2=Dick Manitoba|title=The Official Punk Rock Book of Lists|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HFKSxVpoPbMC&pg=PA201|date=January 2007|publisher=Backbeat Books|isbn=978-0-87930-919-0|pages=201–}}</ref><ref name="Abbott">{{cite news|last=Abbott|first=Jim|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1993/11/26/heres-whats-new-in-the-record-racksguns/|access-date=June 21, 2013|title=Here's what's new in the record racks:Guns N' Roses|newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|date=November 26, 1993|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627032656/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1993-11-26/entertainment/9311240056_1_janis-haddaway-kiki-dee|archive-date=June 27, 2015}}</ref> Since its 1999 revival, the band has retained hard rock and piano rock<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/guns-n-roses-release-perhaps-ballad-leak-digital-jukeboxes-1235395010/|title=Guns N' Roses Released Florid Piano Rocker 'Perhaps' a Week After it Leaked to Digital Jukeboxes|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=August 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>[https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/6-classic-rock-songs-that-showcase-stunning-piano-work/ar-AA1grs2R piano rock2]</ref> features while including elements of [[industrial rock]], [[electronic rock]], [[nu metal]], [[industrial metal]] and [[trip hop]].{{refn|group=note|Musical styles:{{Columns-list|
* "[[industrial rock]]"<ref name="Ido">{{cite web|url=http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/35054/In-Defence-Of-Guns-N-Roses-Chinese-Democracy|title=In Defence Of: Guns N' Roses 'Chinese Democracy'|first=Jody|last=Macgregor|date=February 28, 2013|work=FasterLouder|access-date=August 8, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822001332/http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/35054/In-Defence-Of-Guns-N-Roses-Chinese-Democracy|archive-date=August 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name="quiet">{{cite web|url=http://thequietus.com/articles/00919-guns-n-roses-and-chinese-democracy|title=The Quietus – Opinion – In Defence Of ... – Guns N'Roses and Chinese Democracy|first=Dayal|last=Patterson|date=December 23, 2008|work=The Quietus|access-date=August 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Empire">{{cite news|last=Empire|first=Kitty|author-link=Kitty Empire|date=November 22, 2008|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/23/guns-roses-chinese-democracy|title=CD of the week: Guns N' Roses: Chinese Democracy|newspaper=[[The Observer]]|location=London|at=Observer Review section, p. 19|access-date=March 25, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428111046/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/23/guns-roses-chinese-democracy|archive-date=April 28, 2014}}</ref>
* "[[electronic rock]]"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/tour/allstar0114.html|title=Guns N' Roses Use Classics, Commentary To Impress At Rock In Rio -Allstar|first=Kevin|last=Raub|date=2001|publisher=CDnow.com|access-date=February 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305143106/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/tour/allstar0114.html|archive-date=March 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/news/221616/comeback-albums-hits-missses-one-lost-classic/Hard|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160723220221/http://www.vh1.com/news/221616/comeback-albums-hits-missses-one-lost-classic/Hard|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 23, 2016|title=11 Hard Rock + Heavy Metal Comeback Albums: 5 Hits, 5 Misses + One Lost Classic|first=Mike|last=McPadden |date=November 10, 2018|work=VH1 News|access-date=February 10, 2016}}</ref>
* "[[industrial metal]]"<ref name="AMBIO" /><ref name="UPS&DOWNS" />
* "[[nu metal]]"<ref name=numetal>{{cite web|last1=MacGregor|first1=Jody|title=Guns N' Roses' Dizzy Reed: 'I'm very proud of Chinese Democracy'|url=http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/35134/Guns-N-Roses-Dizzy-Reed-Im-very-proud-of-Chinese-Democracy|website=FasterLouder|publisher=[[Sound Alliance]]|access-date=July 8, 2015|date=March 7, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712005441/http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/35134/Guns-N-Roses-Dizzy-Reed-Im-very-proud-of-Chinese-Democracy|archive-date=July 12, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/1441872/guns-n-roses-going-down/mp3s/|title=Guns N' Roses – 'Going Down'|date=August 19, 2013|last=Nelson|first=Michael|work=[[Stereogum]]|access-date=February 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019134156/http://www.stereogum.com/1441872/guns-n-roses-going-down/mp3s/|archive-date=October 19, 2015}}</ref>
* "[[trip hop]]"<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.laweekly.com/music/guns-n-roses-why-chinese-democracys-fine-print-is-way-more-fun-than-the-record-2157155 |title=Guns N' Roses: Why Chinese Democracy's Fine Print Is Way More Fun Than the Record |last=Harvilla |first=Rob |date=November 26, 2008 |website=[[LA Weekly]]|url-status=live|archive-date=August 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815131625/https://www.laweekly.com/music/guns-n-roses-why-chinese-democracys-fine-print-is-way-more-fun-than-the-record-2157155}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/21/guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy |title=Guns N' Roses: Chinese Democracy |work=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=Guardian News and Media |date=November 20, 2008 |access-date=August 7, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105191947/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/21/guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy |archive-date=January 5, 2016 }}</ref>}}
}}<!--End note--> In the 1990s, the band integrated keyed instruments (played by either Rose or Reed) into the band.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Quarantine Classic Concerts: Guns N' Roses' Use Your Illusion Tour '91-'93 |author=Sean Moltisanti |work=SPIN |date=April 8, 2020 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |url= https://www.spin.com/2020/04/quarantine-classic-concerts-guns-n-roses-use-your-illusion-tour-91-93/ }}</ref> [[Teddy Andreadis]] was brought in as an additional keyboardist & harmonica player for the ''Use Your Illusion Tour'', alongside multiple backing vocalists and a brass and woodwind section.<ref name="slash2007" /> Later tours saw keyboardist [[Chris Pitman]] (and after 2016, [[Melissa Reese]]) contribute [[sub-bass]] and synth parts, as well as reproducing the brass and string parts of songs electronically.<ref name="GNRKEY">{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/melissa-reese-is-more-than-guns-n-roses-keyboardist-8177468|title=Guns N' Roses' First Female Member Has Become a Rock Icon|first=Art|last=Tavana|date=May 3, 2017|access-date=May 4, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503191557/http://www.laweekly.com/music/melissa-reese-is-more-than-guns-n-roses-keyboardist-8177468|archive-date=May 3, 2017}}</ref>

A heavy influence on both the image and sound of Guns N' Roses was the Finnish band [[Hanoi Rocks]] (singer [[Michael Monroe]] and Rose have collaborated on various occasions).<ref name="slash2007" /> Rose has stated that the band was massively influenced by groups like [[Queen (band)|Queen]],<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ressner|first=Jeffrey|title=Queen singer is rock's first major AIDS casualty|magazine=Rolling Stone|issue=621|page=13|date=January 9, 1992|url=http://queenzone.com/queenzone/article_show.aspx?q=96 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312060354/http://www.queenzone.com/queenzone/article_show.aspx?q=96 |archive-date=March 12, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[AC/DC]],<ref name="Fink2014">{{cite book|first=Jesse|last=Fink|title=The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U1dGAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA21|date=August 5, 2014|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-1-4668-6520-4|page=21|quote=Matt Sorum: "Guns N' Roses always looked to all the great bands as influences, AC/DC at the top of that list"}}</ref> the Rolling Stones,<ref>{{harvnb|Wall|2008|page=118}}</ref><ref name="influ">{{harvnb|Stenning|2005|page=[https://archive.org/details/gunsnrosesbandth00sten/page/n95 95]}}. "Our basic root is hard rock, a bit heavier than the Stones, more in a vein like Aerosmith."</ref> [[Aerosmith]],<ref name="influ" /> and [[Rose Tattoo]],<ref name="Stenning">{{harvnb|Stenning|2005|p=30}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58946/rose-tattoos-pete-wells-dies|title=Rose Tattoo's Pete Wells Dies|date=March 28, 2006|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 19, 2015|quote=Rose Tattoo's influence later became apparent on U.S. rock combos like Guns N' Roses, who covered its track 'Nice Boys (Don't Play Rock'n'Roll)'.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925133611/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58946/rose-tattoos-pete-wells-dies|archive-date=September 25, 2015}}</ref> and that the sound of ''Appetite for Destruction'' was influenced by AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, [[the Who]], [[Cheap Trick]], [[Aerosmith]], [[Van Halen]], the [[New York Dolls]], and Hanoi Rocks.<ref name="amg-afd">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r8759|pure_url=yes}}|title=AllMusic – Appetite For Destruction|access-date=July 19, 2007|publisher=[[All Media Guide]]}}</ref> The band was also influenced by the likes of [[T. Rex (band)|T. Rex]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://avclub.com/article/the-glam-wizardry-of-marc-bolan-from-solo-to-t-rex-101335|title=The glam wizardry of Marc Bolan, from solo to T. Rex|access-date=September 5, 2015|last=Heller|first=Jason|work=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=August 8, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906195234/http://www.avclub.com/article/the-glam-wizardry-of-marc-bolan-from-solo-to-t-rex-101335|archive-date=September 6, 2015}}</ref> the [[Sex Pistols]],<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Greer|first=Jim|title=7 Greatest Bands of All Time: Sex Pistols|magazine=Spin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BIp60FGwMK4C&pg=PT4|access-date=September 5, 2015|date=April 1992|pages=4–|issn=0886-3032}}</ref> [[Black Sabbath]],<ref name="RnR Hall of Fame">{{cite web |title=Black Sabbath |url=http://rockhall.com/inductees/black-sabbath/bio/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628090320/http://rockhall.com/inductees/black-sabbath/bio/ |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=8 March 2010 |publisher=[[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]}}</ref> and [[Accept (band)|Accept]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.velvetthunder.co.uk/interview-accept-guitarist-wolf-hoffmann/|title=Interview – Accept guitarist Wolf Hoffmann|access-date=February 3, 2021|last=Vickers|first=Lee|work=Velvet Thunder|date=January 13, 2021}}</ref> Rose's orchestral-style songwriting on the Illusion albums was influenced by the [[Electric Light Orchestra]], [[Elton John]], and Queen, particularly their album ''[[Queen II]]''.<ref>{{harvnb|Stenning|2005|page=[https://archive.org/details/gunsnrosesbandth00sten/page/n96 96]}}. "Axl was also succinct in admitting his other influences ... Along with ELO and Queen, Elton John was responsible for Guns N' Roses progression."</ref> Rose cited the influence of [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]]'s "[[Smells Like Teen Spirit]]" in recording the [[Chinese Democracy (song)|title track]] of ''Chinese Democracy''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Zutaut|first=Tom|date=March 2008|title=GN'R Exclusive! Psychic Tests! Pet Wolves! Chicken Coops! Chinese Democracy. The Unbelievable true story – told for the first time.|magazine=Classic Rock |publisher=TeamRock|issue=116 |quote=The first task set to [Zutaut] by [Axl] was to help with the drum sound for the album's title track. Axl had told the studio guys that he wanted the same drum sound as Dave Grohl on Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit}}</ref> Rose was heavily influenced by the industrial rock sound of [[Nine Inch Nails]], changing the band's sound in the lead up to ''Chinese Democracy''.<ref name="Wall2008p263">{{harvnb|Wall|2008|page=[https://archive.org/details/warunauthorizedb00wall/page/263 263]}}</ref> Critics noted influences of Queen, [[Paul McCartney and Wings|Wings]] and [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]] on some songs on ''Chinese Democracy''.<ref name="quiet" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/35054/In-Defence-Of-Guns-N-Roses-Chinese-Democracy|title=In Defence Of: Guns N' Roses 'Chinese Democracy'|first=Jody|last=Macgregor|date=February 28, 2013|work=FasterLouder|access-date=August 12, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822001332/http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/35054/In-Defence-Of-Guns-N-Roses-Chinese-Democracy|archive-date=August 22, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://hiddentracks.org/articles/record-review/in-its-way-it-s-remarkable-like-marillion-s-kayleigh-reimagined-by-a-hysterical-andrew-lloyd-webber/ |title=Hidden Tracks – record-review |last=Paphides |first=Pete |date=May 25, 2008 |website=Hidden Tracks |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531190722/http://hiddentracks.org/articles/record-review/in-its-way-it-s-remarkable-like-marillion-s-kayleigh-reimagined-by-a-hysterical-andrew-lloyd-webber/ |archive-date=May 31, 2014 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="LAt">Powers, Ann, [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/album-review-gu.html Review: ''Chinese Democracy''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113020456/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/album-review-gu.html |date=January 13, 2016 }}, ''Los Angeles Times'', Retrieved on April 9, 2010</ref>

Guns N' Roses influenced many later rock bands such as [[Fall Out Boy]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/fall-out-boy/69846|title=Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz: 'Why are we the only band willing to save rock'n'roll?'|publisher=Nme.com|date=April 20, 2013|access-date=February 25, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203000611/http://www.nme.com/news/fall-out-boy/69846|archive-date=December 3, 2013}}</ref> [[Avenged Sevenfold]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/a/avenged_sevenfold/news_feature_060103/|title=MTVNews.com: Avenged Sevenfold: Appetite For Destruction|first=Corey|last=Moss|date=January 3, 2006|work=mtv.com|access-date=April 29, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320012721/http://www.mtv.com/bands/a/avenged_sevenfold/news_feature_060103/|archive-date=March 20, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fuse.tv/2013/08/avenged-sevenfold-hail-to-the-king-breakdown|title=Track-By-Track Breakdown: Avenged Sevenfold's 'Hail to the King'|first=Joe|last=Lynch|date=August 20, 2013|work=Fuse|access-date=April 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505074123/http://www.fuse.tv/2013/08/avenged-sevenfold-hail-to-the-king-breakdown|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> [[Mother Love Bone]],<ref name="Prato2009">{{cite book|first=Greg|last=Prato|title=Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eTg4whS9ClUC&pg=PT94|date=April 1, 2009|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-55490-347-4|pages=94–}}</ref> [[Buckcherry]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/buckcherry-nelson-1130-2011.aspx|title=Buckcherry's Keith Nelson on New Album, Axl Rose and Gibson Guitars|first=Anne|last=Erickson|date=November 30, 2011|work=gibson.com|access-date=April 29, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505074715/http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/buckcherry-nelson-1130-2011.aspx|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> [[Hinder]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/interviews/a45706/hinder.html|title=Hinder|first=Nick|last=Levine|date=May 8, 2007|work=Digital Spy|access-date=April 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505074548/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/interviews/a45706/hinder.html|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/hinder-pays-tribute-to-its-influences-in-put-that-record-on-video/|title=Hinder Pays Tribute To Its Influences In 'Put That Record On' Video|date=November 18, 2010|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=April 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702115610/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/hinder-pays-tribute-to-its-influences-in-put-that-record-on-video/|archive-date=July 2, 2015}}</ref> [[Manic Street Preachers]],<ref name="Power2012">{{cite book|first=Martin|last=Power|title=Nailed to History: The Story of the Manic Street Preachers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_jYDAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT50|date=June 1, 2012|publisher=Music Sales Group|isbn=978-0-85712-776-1|pages=50–}}</ref> [[Nickelback]],<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/2012/04/12/stop_teasing_axl_rose/|title=Stop teasing Axl Rose|first=Annie|last=Zaleski|date=April 12, 2012|work=salon.com|access-date=April 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505074951/http://www.salon.com/2012/04/12/stop_teasing_axl_rose/|archive-date=May 5, 2015}}</ref> [[Bullet for My Valentine]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.elpasotimes.com/beat/2015/08/30/qa-bullet-for-my-valentine-frontman-mathew-tuck/|title=Q&A: Bullet For My Valentine frontman Mathew Tuck|work=The Beat|first=Dave|last=Acosta|date=August 30, 2015|access-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150831105707/http://blogs.elpasotimes.com/beat/2015/08/30/qa-bullet-for-my-valentine-frontman-mathew-tuck/|archive-date=August 31, 2015}}</ref> [[Fozzy]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4677725/chris-jericho-interview-fozzy-canadian-tour/ |title=Chris Jericho on his rock band, Fozzy, its rapid momentum and his upcoming Canadian tour |last=Wallis |first=Adam |date=November 20, 2018 |website=[[Global News]]}}</ref> [[the Strokes]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/the-roots-of-the-strokes-774852 |title=The Roots Of… The Strokes |date=February 8, 2013 |website=NME}}</ref> [[Sum 41]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=16287 |title=Metal In Their Veins: An Exclusive Interview with Jason "Cone" McCaslin of Sum 41 |last=Miller |first=Curt |date=July 22, 2015 |website=[[KNAC]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731061637/http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=16287 |archive-date=July 31, 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=June 26, 2019}}</ref> and [[Black Label Society]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bravewords.com/news/zakk-wylde-on-guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-its-beyond-iconic-every-song-is-just-phenomenal|title=Zakk Wylde On Guns N' Roses Appetite For Destruction – 'It's Beyond Iconic; Every Song Is Just Phenomenal'|work=bravewords.com|access-date=September 5, 2015|date=February 15, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117030754/http://bravewords.com/news/zakk-wylde-on-guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-its-beyond-iconic-every-song-is-just-phenomenal|archive-date=November 17, 2015}}</ref> The U.S. release of the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] game ''[[Mega Man X5]]'' had the names of the game's bosses changed in honor of the band.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/04/30/mega-man-gnr.aspx|title=Explanation Revealed For Guns N' Roses Being Mega Man X5 Bosses|first=Dan|last=Ryckert|date=April 30, 2011|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=April 24, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924064300/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/04/30/mega-man-gnr.aspx|archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref>

{{quote box
| width = 30%
| align = right
| quote = Guns n' Roses are still an example of how a band can move rock forward. Sometimes you think, "How can you top anything by [[the Yardbirds]], or [[Led Zeppelin|Zeppelin]], or [[The Rolling Stones|the Stones]]?" And then you hear Guns n' Roses, and it's inspiring. You can think that it's all been written, but it hasn't.
| source = —[[Aerosmith]] guitarist [[Joe Perry (musician)|Joe Perry]].<ref name="artist" />
}}

''Appetite for Destruction'' is credited with "(changing) hard rock's sensibilities at the time",<ref>{{cite book|last=Powers|first=Ann|author-link=Ann Powers|chapter=Guns n' Roses|editor1-first=Nathan|editor1-last=Brackett|editor2-first=Christian|editor2-last=Hoard|title=[[The Rolling Stone Album Guide|The New Rolling Stone Album Guide]]|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|edition=4th|year=2004|pages=[https://archive.org/details/newrollingstonea00brac/page/350 350–51]|isbn=0-7432-0169-8}}</ref> and bringing a "danger, attitude and legitimacy" to rock,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite for Destruction' Turns 30 – Loudwire Legacy |work=Loudwire |date=July 21, 2017 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |url= https://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-loudwire-legacy-documentary/ }}</ref> leading to a decline in the late-80's [[glam metal]] craze.<ref name="REVLEG">{{Cite web |title=10 Ways Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite For Destruction' Changed The World |author=Dan Epstein |work=Revolver |date=July 12, 2018 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |url= https://www.revolvermag.com/music/10-ways-guns-n-roses-appetite-destruction-changed-world }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Never mind Nevermind, 1991 was all about Guns N' Roses |author=Justin Quirk |work=The Guardian |date=October 14, 2011 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |url= https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2011/oct/15/guns-n-roses-use-your-illusion# }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Guns N' Roses, 'November Rain,' and the Death of Hair Metal |author=Rob Harvilla |work=The Ringer |date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |url= https://www.theringer.com/2020/11/12/21562242/60-songs-guns-n-roses-november-rain-history-podcast }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How Guns N' Roses killed rock'n'roll |author=Jay Elwes |work=[[Prospect (magazine)|Prospect]]|date=July 17, 2017 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |url= https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/how-guns-n-roses-killed-rocknroll }}</ref> The band has been credited with helping re-popularize [[power ballads]] in heavy metal music.<ref name="AFDINF" /><ref name="REVLEG" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/05/guns-n-roses-soft-rock-legacy/256729/ |title=Guns N' Roses' Soft-Rock Legacy |last=Craft |first=Kevin |date=May 4, 2012 |website=[[The Atlantic]]}}</ref> "[[Welcome to the Jungle]]", [[Music at sporting events|frequently played at sporting events]], is considered a sports anthem.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/10/06/readers-rock-list-sports-anthems/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007164428/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/10/06/readers-rock-list-sports-anthems/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 7, 2008|title=Music - New Music News, Reviews, Pictures, and Videos|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bengals Fans, It's Time to Rule The Jungle! |url=https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-fans-it-s-time-to-rule-the-jungle |website=Bengals.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Guns N' Roses is about to make more money in Cincinnati: Creating a Bengals music playlist |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/2022/01/26/cincinnati-bengals-fight-songs-your-spotify-apple-music-playlist-afc-championship-game/9226166002/ |website=Cincinnati.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 26, 2013 |title=Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' vs. Guns N' Roses' 'Welcome to the Jungle' - Make Some Noise Debate |url=http://noisecreep.com/metallica-enter-sandman-vs-guns-n-roses-welcome-to-the-jungle-make-some-noise-debate/ |website=Noisecreep}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadspin.com/it-s-thunderstruck-vs-welcome-to-the-jungle-in-fig-1844203541|title=It's 'Thunderstruck' vs. 'Welcome to the Jungle' in Fight for Arena Anthem Glory|date=June 29, 2020|website=Deadspin}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wmgk.com/listicle/best-sports-anthems-ranked/|title=25 Best Sports Anthems, Ranked|date=March 28, 2024|website=wmgk.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidehook.com/music/best-baseball-walk-up-songs|title=The 30 Best Walk-Up Songs in Baseball History|website=InsideHook}}</ref>

In 2002, ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' magazine named Guns N' Roses in its list of the "50 Bands to See Before You Die".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=50 Bands to See Before You Die|magazine=Q |issue=194|date=September 2002 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amiannoying.com/%28S%280brz0p5do5e4g3y3ovdd43pz%29%29/collection.aspx?collection=1539|title=AmIAnnoying.com – Q Magazine's 50 Bands You Must See Before You Die|date=2001|work=amiannoying.com|access-date=April 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113020455/http://www.amiannoying.com/(S(dro4oegvhxajxso0hdz3zuzv))/collection.aspx?collection=1539|archive-date=January 13, 2016}}</ref> The television network [[VH1]] ranked Guns N' Roses ninth in its "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" special,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2000/vh1hardrock.htm|title=VH1: '100 Greatest Hard Rock Artists': 1–50|date=2000|access-date=June 4, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108173414/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2000/vh1hardrock.htm|archive-date=January 8, 2008}}</ref> and also 32nd on its "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/495331/vh1-100-greatest-artists-of-all-time/franchises/list/|title=VH1 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time|date=September 3, 2010|website=Stereogum.com|access-date=June 4, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623114428/http://www.stereogum.com/495331/vh1-100-greatest-artists-of-all-time/franchises/list/|archive-date=June 23, 2015}}</ref> ''Appetite for Destruction'' was ranked 62nd greatest album of all time in ''Rolling Stone'' magazine's special issue "[[Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time|The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time]]".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-20120531/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-20120524|title=Guns N' Roses, 'Appetite for Destruction'|date=May 31, 2012|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=April 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817010400/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-20120531/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-20120524|archive-date=August 17, 2017}}</ref> In 2004, ''Rolling Stone'' ranked Guns N' Roses No. 92 on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".<ref name="artist">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-artists-of-all-time-19691231/guns-n-roses-20110420|title=100 Greatest Artists: Number 92: Guns n' Roses|author1=Rolling Stone staff|author2=Joe Perry|date=March 24, 2004|magazine=Rolling Stone |issue=946|access-date=April 29, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424025117/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-artists-of-all-time-19691231/guns-n-roses-20110420|archive-date=April 24, 2015}}</ref> "Paradise City" has also been voted 9th-best "Best Hard Rock Song" out of 100 candidates by VH1.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.vh1.com/news/hoskax/americas-hard-100-list-25-1 |title=VH1 Classic America's Hard 100 (25 Through 1) – VH1 |last=Smith |first=Ben |date=November 7, 2012 |website=VH1.com |publisher=Viacom |access-date=June 4, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429024914/http://www.vh1.com/news/51890/americas-hard-100-list-25-1/ |archive-date=April 29, 2016 }}</ref>
[[File:Trent Reznor Self-Destruct.jpg|thumb|[[Trent Reznor]]'s group [[Nine Inch Nails]] was highly influential on Rose's shift to industrial rock in the 1990s, with several former members of that band later joining Guns N' Roses.]]
Guns N' Roses was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] on April 14, 2012, in its first year of eligibility.<ref>{{cite news|last=McKinley|first=James C.|title=Rock Hall Welcomes Guns N' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Beastie Boys|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 7, 2011|url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-inducts-guns-n-roses-red-hot-chili-peppers-and-the-beastie-boys/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109063107/http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-inducts-guns-n-roses-red-hot-chili-peppers-and-the-beastie-boys/|archive-date=January 9, 2012}}</ref> The group is [[List of best-selling music artists|one of the world's best-selling bands of all time]], having sold more than 100 million records worldwide,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/duff-mckagan-the-man-who-went-from-guns-n-roses-to-accountancy-8304984.html|title=Duff McKagan: The man who went from Guns N' Roses to accountancy|first=Adam|last=Sherwin|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|date=November 11, 2012|access-date=February 19, 2013|location=London|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223043438/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/duff-mckagan-the-man-who-went-from-guns-n-roses-to-accountancy-8304984.html|archive-date=December 23, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.musicweek.com/publishing/read/reservoir-signs-publishing-deal-with-former-guns-n-roses-drummer-matt-sorum/086253|title=Reservoir signs publishing deal with former Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum|first=Lucy|last=Thraves|publisher=[[Music Week]]|date=July 26, 2022|access-date=February 2, 2023}}</ref> including shipments of 45 million in the United States.<ref name="riaa1">{{cite web|title=RIAA: Gold and Platinum artists|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies&ttt=TAA#search_section|access-date=March 19, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105175027/http://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies&ttt=TAA#search_section|archive-date=January 5, 2016}}</ref> Both the ''[[Use Your Illusion Tour]]'' and the ''[[Not in This Lifetime... Tour]]'' are among the [[List of most-attended concert tours|most attended concert tours]] of all time. Their song "[[Sweet Child o' Mine]]" has the most views on [[YouTube]] for a 1980s music video, and "[[November Rain]]" has the most for a 1990s music video, becoming the first from that decade to reach 1 billion views.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-november-rain-first-90s-video-1-billion-views-youtube/|title=GN'R's 'November Rain' First '90s YouTube Video to Top 1B Views|website=Loudwire|date=July 16, 2018 |access-date=August 13, 2018}}</ref>

Several of the band's members are considered among the best in their respective fields and the world's most acclaimed—Rose has been called one of the best vocalists of all time,<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Lethem|first=Jonathan|title=100 Greatest Singers of All Time|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=November 27, 2008|access-date=June 3, 2011|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-19691231/axl-rose-19691231 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709154144/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-singers-of-all-time-19691231/axl-rose-19691231 |archive-date=July 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Michael Jackson tops NME's Greatest Singers poll|magazine=[[NME]]|date=June 21, 2011|access-date=July 10, 2011|url=https://www.nme.com/news/michael-jackson/57469|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627082454/http://www.nme.com/news/michael-jackson/57469|archive-date=June 27, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Slash ranked as one of the best guitar players of all time,<ref name="Tyrangiel-Time2009-08-14">{{cite magazine |last = Tyrangiel |first = Josh |title = The 10 Greatest Electric Guitar Players |date = August 14, 2009 |magazine = Time |url = http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1916544_1921851,00.html |access-date = April 26, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110505020709/http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1916544_1921851,00.html |archive-date = May 5, 2011 |df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=RollingStones23112011>{{cite magazine |title=100 Greatest Guitarists |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-guitarists-20111123 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=October 30, 2015 |date=November 23, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123182418/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-guitarists-20111123 |archive-date=November 23, 2011}}</ref> and McKagan hailed as one of the best bass players in rock by publications ranging from ''Rolling Stone'' and ''[[NME]]'' to ''Time'' and ''[[Guitar World]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The 50 best bassists of all time|magazine=[[Music Radar]]|date=August 30, 2017|access-date=October 4, 2018|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-30-best-bassists-of-all-time}}</ref> Izzy Stradlin was ranked as one of the best rhythm guitarists of all time by ''[[Ultimate Guitar]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Friday Top: 25 Best Rhythm Guitarists of All Time |work=Ultimate Guitar |date=April 5, 2019 |access-date=October 21, 2021 |url= https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/friday_top_25_best_rhythm_guitarists_of_all_time-88641 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 15 Rhythm Guitarists in Rock and Metal |work=Ultimate Guitar |date=June 25, 2018 |access-date=October 21, 2021 |url= https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/top_15_rhythm_guitarists_in_rock_and_metal-76567 }}</ref> and Steven Adler was ranked as the 98th greatest drummer of all time by ''[[Rolling Stone]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=R. Weingarten |first1=Christopher |last2=Dolan |first2=Jon |last3=Diehl |first3=Matt |last4=Micallef |first4=Ken |last5=Ma |first5=David |last6=Dylan Smith |first6=Gareth |last7=Wang |first7=Oliver |last8=Heller |first8=Jason |last9=Runtagh |first9=Jordan |last10=Shteamer |first10=Hank |last11=Smith |first11=Steve |last12=Spanos |first12=Brittany |last13=Grow |first13=Kory |last14=Kemp |first14=Rob |last15=Harris |first15=Keith |last16=Gehr |first16=Richard |last17=Wiederhorn |first17=Jon |last18=Johnston |first18=Maura |last19=Greene |first19=Andy |url=http://rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-greatest-drummers-of-all-time-77933/steven-adler-35063 |title=100 Greatest Drummers of All Time |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=March 31, 2016}}</ref> Later members were also ranked among the best in their field: keyboardist [[Dizzy Reed]] ranked among the greatest rock pianists by ''[[Chuck Leavell#Educator|IROCKU]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Greatest Rock Piano Players of all Time |work=irocku.com |date=July 17, 2017 |access-date=October 21, 2021 |url= https://www.irocku.com/greatest-rock-piano-players/greatest-rock-piano-players/ }}</ref> drummer [[Matt Sorum]] ranked among the best rock drummers by ''[[DRUM!]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=60 Best Rock Drummers of All Time |work=[[DRUM!]] |date=July 7, 2021 |access-date=October 21, 2021 |url= https://drummagazine.com/60-best-rock-drummers-of-all-time/ }}</ref> guitarist [[Buckethead]] was ranked among the fastest and most innovative guitarists of all time by publications such as ''[[AllMusic]]'' and ''[[Guitar World]]'',<ref>Cooper, Sean, [{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p60553/biography|pure_url=yes}} Buckethead Biography], ''AllMusic''. Retrieved January 6, 2009</ref><ref name="top 10">{{cite web|url = http://www.randyciak.com/guitar/top_shredders_of_all_time.htm|title = Top Shredders of All Time|access-date = February 26, 2008|work = RandyCiak.com|url-status=dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080309115203/http://www.randyciak.com/guitar/top_shredders_of_all_time.htm|archive-date = March 9, 2008|df = mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/50-fastest-guitarists-all-time?page=0,5 |title=50 fastest guitarists of all time, ''Guitar World'', September 2011 |publisher=Guitarworld.com |date=September 18, 2011 |access-date=February 29, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229064725/http://www.guitarworld.com/50-fastest-guitarists-all-time?page=0,5 |archive-date=December 29, 2011}}</ref> and studio drummer [[Josh Freese]] ranked among the top 10 drummers by [[Gibson guitars|Gibson]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://classicrock961.com/gibsons-top-10-drummers/|title=Gibson's Top 10 Drummers|website=Classic Rock 96.1|date=June 27, 2011 }}</ref>

Guns N' Roses has also received significant criticism throughout the years.<ref name="UPS&DOWNS">{{Cite web |title=The ups n' downs of Guns N' Roses |author=Mark Savage |work=BBC News |date=January 5, 2015 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35231065}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Wall|2008|page=[https://archive.org/details/warunauthorizedb00wall/page/127 127]}}. "Controversy was more than just part of the act, it seemed."</ref><ref name="PhillipsCogan2009" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1989/10/15/essay-fighting-words/713b38e9-bf34-410e-81a3-30b9472d19f6/|title=Essay: Fighting Words|first=Juan|last=Williams|date=October 15, 1989|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122042014/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1989/10/15/essay-fighting-words/713b38e9-bf34-410e-81a3-30b9472d19f6/|archive-date=November 22, 2015}}</ref> The band received criticism for drug and alcohol use in the 1980s and early 1990s.<ref name="The Hard Truth" /><ref name="PhillipsCogan2009">{{cite book|last1=Phillips|first1=William|last2=Cogan|first2=Brian|title=Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CAgKAQAAMAAJ|access-date=July 10, 2015|year=2009|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-34800-6|page=19|quote=Drugs were also certainly a major factory, especially in bands such as Guns N' Roses and Motley Crue, whose members notoriously struggled with both problems for year}}</ref><ref name="Nirv" /> Songs such as "[[One in a Million (Guns N' Roses song)|One in a Million]]" and the band's cover of [[Charles Manson]]'s "[[Look at Your Game, Girl]]" were considerably controversial upon release.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-10-15-ca-485-story.html|title=Behind the Guns N' Roses Racism Furor : The continuing debate over whether the band's song, 'One in a Million,' promotes bigotry|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=July 10, 2015|first=Patrick|last=Goldstein|date=October 15, 1989|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011060943/http://articles.latimes.com/1989-10-15/entertainment/ca-485_1_axl-rose|archive-date=October 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pareles|first=Jon|title=Guns 'n' Roses Against the (Expletive) World|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/15/arts/recordings-view-guns-n-roses-against-the-expletive-world.html|access-date=June 20, 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 15, 1991|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014030949/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/15/arts/recordings-view-guns-n-roses-against-the-expletive-world.html|archive-date=October 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Guns N' Roses in Manson flap – Entertainment News, Music News, Media – Variety|url=https://variety.com/1993/music/news/guns-n-roses-in-manson-flap-116266/|work=Variety|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105103616/http://www.variety.com/article/VR116266.html?categoryid=16&cs=1|archive-date=January 5, 2013|url-status=live|access-date=May 1, 2009|date=December 2, 1993}}</ref> In addition, some lyrics have been regarded as [[sexist]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Great records can't excuse the behavior of groups like Guns N' Roses -- can they? |last=Considine |first=J. D. |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=July 12, 1992 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |url= https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1992-07-12-1992194008-story.html }}</ref><ref name="Nirv">{{Cite web |url=http://www.livenirvana.com/interviews/9202pc/index.php |title=Thank Heaven for Nirvana |date=February 13, 1992 |publisher=Big O |access-date=September 5, 2015 |quote=Guns N' Roses are promoting wrong values like sexism and the way they do drugs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225043748/http://www.livenirvana.com/interviews/9202pc/index.php |archive-date=December 25, 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,973934,00.html|title=Misfit Metalheads|date=September 30, 1991|first=Joe|last=Queenan|magazine=Time|access-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121122632/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,973934,00.html|archive-date=November 21, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jaehakim.com/entertainment-reviews/music-reviews/guns-n-roses-lyrics-become-secondary-to-incendiary-sound-2/|first=Jae-Ha|last=Kim|title=Guns N' Roses' lyrics become secondary to incendiary sound|newspaper=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=May 19, 1991|access-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923151458/http://www.jaehakim.com/entertainment-reviews/music-reviews/guns-n-roses-lyrics-become-secondary-to-incendiary-sound-2/|archive-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-sexist-lyrics/|title=Slash Admits Guns N' Roses' Songs Are 'Sort of Sexist'|first=Dave|last=Lifton|date=September 10, 2018|website=Ultimate Classic Rock}}</ref> The band has also been criticized for {{linktext|tardiness}} and starting shows later than advertised.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ruthblatt/2014/05/27/how-being-late-and-volatile-was-axl-roses-contribution-to-the-guns-n-roses-brand/|title=How Being Late And Volatile Was Axl Rose's Contribution To The Guns N' Roses Brand|first=Ruth|last=Blatt|work=Forbes|access-date=July 10, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712060316/http://www.forbes.com/sites/ruthblatt/2014/05/27/how-being-late-and-volatile-was-axl-roses-contribution-to-the-guns-n-roses-brand/|archive-date=July 12, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite interview |last=Ron |first=Thal |subject-link=Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal |interviewer=Bay Ragni |title=Totally Driven Radio #46 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igAgH49LBms |publisher=www.TotallyDriven.TV |location=Philadelphia, PA, USA |date=September 19, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404035536/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igAgH49LBms |archive-date=April 4, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/11/14/november-pain-guns-n-roses-will-be-late/ |title=Guns N' Roses forever late-blooming when it comes to taking the stage on time |date=November 14, 2011 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=July 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207050105/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-11-14/entertainment/ct-ent-1115-late-shows-gnr-20111114_1_curfews-late-fees-concert-tickets |archive-date=February 7, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Reading And Leeds Festivals boss: 'I wouldn't book the current Guns N' Roses again'|first=Adam|last=Bychawski|work=NME|location=UK|url=https://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/62715|date=March 20, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320223747/http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/62715|archive-date=March 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Guns N' Roses fans walk out after band finish three hours late in Manchester |author=Tom Goodwyn |work=NME |date=May 30, 2012 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |url= https://www.nme.com/news/music/guns-n-roses-131-1282648 }}</ref> The [[List of longest gaps between studio albums|long periods of time between albums]] are another source of criticism.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/7460/20140710/12-artists-with-huge-gaps-between-albums-guns-n-roses-the-eagles-and-more.htm|title=12 Artists With Huge Gaps Between Albums: Guns N' Roses, The Eagles, And More|first=Joey|last=DeGroot|date=July 10, 2014|work=Music Times|access-date=July 3, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701234640/http://www.musictimes.com/articles/7460/20140710/12-artists-with-huge-gaps-between-albums-guns-n-roses-the-eagles-and-more.htm|archive-date=July 1, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/active-bands-havent-released-album-5-years/|title=17 Active Bands That Haven't Released an Album in Five Years|first=Lauryn|last=Schaffner|date=January 26, 2024|website=Loudwire}}</ref>

In October 2009, [[Ulrich Schnauss]]'s record labels [[Independiente Records|Independiente]] and [[Domino Recording Company|Domino]] sued Guns N' Roses, alleging that the band had committed [[copyright infringement]] by using portions of Schnauss' compositions in the track "Riad N' the Bedouins" on the album ''[[Chinese Democracy]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267184/guns-n-roses-sued-for-copying-songs |title=Guns N' Roses Sued For Copying Songs |last=Kearney |first=Christine |date=October 6, 2009 |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528090858/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267184/guns-n-roses-sued-for-copying-songs |archive-date=May 28, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=February 6, 2018}}</ref> The band claimed the samples were obtained legitimately.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spinner.com/2009/10/07/guns-n-roses-respond-to-plagiarism-lawsuit/|title=Guns N' Roses Respond to Plagiarism Lawsuit|first=John D.|last=Luerssen|date=October 7, 2009|work=spinner.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716120756/http://www.spinner.com/2009/10/07/guns-n-roses-respond-to-plagiarism-lawsuit/ |archive-date=July 16, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Chinese Democracy'' was [[Censorship in China|banned in the People's Republic of China]], due to perceived criticism in its [[Chinese Democracy (song)|title track]] of the [[Government of the People's Republic of China]] and reference to the [[Falun Gong]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/news/art/20081124/11883296 |script-title=zh:內地封殺 GN'R 唱片| language = zh-hk |trans-title=Mainland blocked GN'R album|work=[[Apple Daily]]|publisher=[[Next Media]]|date=November 24, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626140806/http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/news/art/20081124/11883296|archive-date=June 26, 2015|access-date=June 26, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://huffingtonpost.com/david-flumenbaum/china-bans-idemocracyi-de_b_146070.html|title=China Bans ''Democracy'', Declares War on Guns N' Roses – David Flumenbaum|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=July 10, 2015|date=November 24, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711031959/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-flumenbaum/china-bans-idemocracyi-de_b_146070.html|archive-date=July 11, 2015}}</ref> The [[Communist Party of China|Chinese government]] said through the media that it "turns its spear point on China".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.zeenews.com/entertainment/music/2008-11-24/486170news.html|title='Venomous' Guns N' Roses album slammed in China|access-date=November 24, 2008|publisher=[[CNN.com]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310112510/http://www.zeenews.com/entertainment/music/2008-11-24/486170news.html|archive-date=March 10, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/rock-album-an-attack-on-china-1033811.html|title=Rock album 'an attack on China'|access-date=November 25, 2008|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|location=London|first=Christopher|last=Bodeen|date=November 25, 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223155007/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/rock-album-an-attack-on-china-1033811.html|archive-date=February 23, 2009}}</ref> In November 2023, the band was sued for copyright infringement (and their manager Fernando Lebeis was sued for sexual harassment) by their former photographer Katarina Benzova, claiming they "falsely claimed ownership" over photos she took and she suffered repeated unwanted advances from Lebeis during the twelve years she worked for the band.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/guns-n-roses-manager-sued-sexual-harassment-copyright-claims-1234877430/|title=Guns N' Roses Face Copyright Infringement Suit, Manager Accused of Sexual Harassment|first=Jon|last=Blistein|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=November 14, 2023}}</ref>

== Band members ==
{{Main|List of Guns N' Roses members}}
'''Current members'''
* [[Axl Rose]] – lead vocals, piano, keyboards, percussion (1985–present)
* [[Duff McKagan]] – bass guitar, backing and occasional lead vocals (1985–1997, 2016–present)
* [[Slash (musician)|Slash]] – guitars (1985–1996, 2016–present)
* [[Dizzy Reed]] – keyboards, piano, backing vocals, percussion (1990–present)
* [[Richard Fortus]] – guitars, backing vocals (2002–present)
* [[Melissa Reese]] – synthesizers, keyboards, backing vocals, sub-bass, programming, percussion (2016–present)
* [[Isaac Carpenter (drummer)|Isaac Carpenter]] – drums (2025–present)

== Discography ==
{{Main|Guns N' Roses discography|List of songs recorded by Guns N' Roses|l2=songs}}
* ''[[Appetite for Destruction]]'' (1987)
* ''[[G N' R Lies]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Use Your Illusion I]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Use Your Illusion II]]'' (1991)
* ''[["The Spaghetti Incident?"]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Chinese Democracy]]'' (2008)

== Tours ==
* The Early Days of Guns N' Roses (1985–1987)
* [[Appetite for Destruction Tour]] (1987–1988)
* [[Use Your Illusion Tour]] (1991–1993)
* [[Chinese Democracy Tour]] (2001–2011)
* [[Up Close and Personal Tour (Guns N' Roses)|Up Close and Personal Tour]] (2012)
* [[Appetite for Democracy (Tour)|Appetite for Democracy]] (2012–2014)
* [[Not in This Lifetime... Tour]] (2016–2019)
* [[We're F'N' Back! Tour]] (2021–2022)
* [[Guns N' Roses 2023 Tour|2023 Tour]] (2023)
* [[Because What You Want & What You Get Are Two Completely Different Things Tour]] (2025)

== Awards and nominations ==
{{main list|List of awards and nominations received by Guns N' Roses}}
'''[[American Music Awards]]'''<ref name=rotn>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-g/gunsnroses_main.htm|title=Guns N' Roses|publisher=Rock on the Net|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203221245/http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-g/gunsnroses_main.htm|archive-date=December 3, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=October 16, 2008|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1989/amas.htm|title=16th American Music Awards|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827122748/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1989/amas.htm|archive-date=August 27, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=October 16, 2008|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1990/amas.htm|title=17th American Music Awards|publisher=Rock on the Net|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925082856/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1990/amas.htm|archive-date=September 25, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=October 16, 2008|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1992/amas.htm|title=19th American Music Awards|publisher=Rock on the Net|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105140759/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1992/amas.htm|archive-date=January 5, 2008}}</ref>
* [[American Music Awards of 1989|1989]]: Favorite Pop/Rock single – "Sweet Child o' Mine"
* [[American Music Awards of 1990|1990]]: Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist
* 1990: Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album – ''Appetite for Destruction''
* [[American Music Awards of 1992|1992]]: Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist

'''[[Billboard Touring Awards]]'''<ref name="Bbtour">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/bb-touring-conference/8038427/touring-conference-awards-winners-list-2017|title=Billboard's Touring Awards: See the Full Winners List|magazine=Billboard|last=Cirisano|first=Tatiana|date=November 15, 2017|access-date=November 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116043247/http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/bb-touring-conference/8038427/touring-conference-awards-winners-list-2017|archive-date=November 16, 2017}}</ref>
* 2017: Top Tour- "Not In This Lifetime... Tour"
* 2017: Top Draw- "Not In This Lifetime... Tour"

'''[[MTV Video Music Award]]s'''<ref name=rotn /><ref>{{cite web|access-date=October 16, 2008|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1988/|title=1988 Video Music Awards|publisher=MTV|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729011606/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1988/|archive-date=July 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=October 16, 2008|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1989/|title=1989 Video Music Awards|publisher=MTV|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621080006/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1989/|archive-date=June 21, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=March 19, 2018|url=http://www.mtv.com/vma/1991/|title=1991 Video Music Awards|publisher=MTV|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126192651/http://www.mtv.com/vma/1991|archive-date=November 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/vma/1992/|title=1992 Video Music Awards|publisher=MTV|access-date=October 16, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621051705/http://www.mtv.com/vma/1992|archive-date=June 21, 2016}}</ref>
* [[1988 MTV Video Music Awards|1988]]: [[MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist|Best New Artist in a Video]] – "Welcome to the Jungle"
* [[1989 MTV Video Music Awards|1989]]: [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video|Best Heavy Metal Video]] – "Sweet Child o' Mine"
* [[1992 MTV Video Music Awards|1992]]: [[Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award]]
* [[1992 MTV Video Music Awards|1992]]: [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography in a Video]] – "November Rain"

'''[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver Golden Gods]]'''<ref name="RJD" />
* 2014: [[Ronnie James Dio]] Lifetime Achievement Award – Axl Rose

'''[[World Music Awards]]'''{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}
* 1993: World's Best-Selling Hard Rock Artist of the Year
* 1993: World's Best Group

== Footnotes ==
{{notelist}}
{{Reflist|group=note}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
* {{cite book|last1=Adler|first1=Steven|last2=Spagnola|first2=Lawrence J.|author-link1=Steven Adler|title=My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N' Roses|publisher=It Books|year=2010|isbn=978-0-06-191711-0}}
* {{cite book|last=Berelian|first=Essi|title=The Rough Guide to Heavy Metal|publisher=Rough Guides|year=2005|isbn=978-1-84353-415-0}}
* {{Cite book|last=Canter|first=Marc|title=Reckless Road: Guns N' Roses and the Making of Appetite for Destruction|publisher=RecklessRoad.com|year=2007|isbn=978-0-9793418-7-8}}
* {{Cite book|last=John|first=Robert|author-link=Robert John|title=Guns N' Roses: The Photographic History|publisher=Bulfinch Press|year=1993|isbn=978-0-316-46695-0}}
* {{Cite book|last=McKagan|first=Duff|author-link=Duff McKagan|title=It's So Easy (And Other Lies)|publisher=Touchstone|year=2011|isbn=978-1-4516-0663-8|url=https://archive.org/details/itssoeasyotherli00mcka}}
* {{Cite book|last1=McKagan|first1=Duff|last2=Kornelis|first2=Chris|author-link1=Duff McKagan|title=How to Be a Man: (and other illusions)|publisher=Da Capo Press|year=2015|isbn=978-0-306-82387-9}}
* {{cite book|last1=Phillips|first1=William|last2=Cogan|first2=Brian|title=Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Music|publisher=Greenwood Press|year=2009|isbn=978-0-313-34800-6}}
* {{cite book|last=Popoff|first=Martin|author-link=Martin Popoff|title=20th Century Rock and Roll: Heavy Metal|publisher=Collectors Guide Publishing Inc|year=2000|isbn=978-1-896522-47-0}}
* {{Cite book|last1=Slash|last2=Bozza|first2=Anthony|author-link1=Slash (musician)|author-link2=Anthony Bozza|title=Slash|publisher=HarperEntertainment|year=2007|isbn=978-0-06-135142-6|title-link=Slash (book)}}
* {{cite book|last=Stenning|first=Paul|author-link=Paul Stenning|title=The Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography of Guns N' Roses|publisher=Chrome Dreams|year=2005|isbn=978-1-84240-314-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/gunsnrosesbandth00sten |url-access=limited}}
* {{Cite book|last=Sugerman|first=Danny|author-link=Danny Sugarman|title=Appetite for Destruction: The Days of Guns N' Roses|publisher=St. Martin's Press|year=1991|isbn=978-0-312-07634-4}}
* {{Cite book|last=Wall|first=Mick|author-link=Mick Wall|title=Guns N' Roses: The Most Dangerous Band in the World|publisher=Hyperion Press|year=1992|isbn=978-1-56282-951-3}}
* {{cite book|last=Wall|first=Mick|title=W.A.R.: The Unauthorized Biography of William Axl Rose|publisher=St. Martin's Press|year=2008|isbn=978-0-312-37767-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/warunauthorizedb00wall |url-access=registration}}

== External links ==
{{sister project links|d=Q11895|b=no|v=no|voy=no|s=no|species=no|mw=no|m=no|wikt=no|n=no}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{discogs artist|124535-Guns-N-Roses|Guns N' Roses}}
* {{MusicBrainz artist|eeb1195b-f213-4ce1-b28c-8565211f8e43}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfnoSF8IVys Guns N' Roses Play 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?'], video on ''[[Loudwire]]''

{{Guns N' Roses}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Guns N' Roses|Awards for Guns N' Roses]]
|list =
{{American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Song}}
{{Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Push Best New Artist}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video}}
{{Japan Gold Disc Award for Artist of the Year}}
{{2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}
}}
{{Izzy Stradlin}}

{{Portal bar|United States|California|Los Angeles|Biography|Music|Rock music|Pop music|1980s|1990s|2000s|2010s}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Guns N' Roses]]
[[Category:1985 establishments in California]]
[[Category:American musical octets]]
[[Category:American symphonic rock groups]]
[[Category:Geffen Records artists]]
[[Category:Glam metal musical groups from California]]
[[Category:Hard rock musical groups from California]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from California]]
[[Category:Mixed-gender bands]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1985]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles]]