The band has released six studio albums: Appetite For Destruction in 1987, G N' R Lies in 1988, Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II in 1991, "The Spaghetti Incident?" in 1993 and, after 15 years and with frontman Axl Rose and keyboardist Dizzy Reed being the only members left from the previous lineup, Chinese Democracy in 2008. They also released three EP's in 1986, 1988, and 1993 and two live albums, in 1999 and 2014.
The group was formed in early 1985 by Hollywood Rose members Axl Rose (vocals) and Izzy Stradlin (rhythm guitar) and L.A. Guns members Tracii Guns (lead guitar), Ole Beich (bass) and Rob Gardner (drums). The band created its name by combining two of the members' names. Rejected names were "Heads of Amazon" and "AIDS." A short time later, Beich was fired and replaced by Duff McKagan, and Guns was replaced by Slash after not showing up to rehearsal. Slash had played with McKagan in Road Crew and with Stradlin during a short stint in Hollywood Rose. On their first tour (from Sacramento, California to Duff's home town of Seattle), Gardner quit and was replaced by Slash's friend, Steven Adler.
Stemming from the LA rock underground, the ugly lyrics matched the sleaze of the music--driven by heavy blues licks--covering misogyny, violence, city life, sex, liquor, and hard drugs. They also, however, tended to show sensitivity and a desire to break free from the city. Subsequent albums revealed influence from bands in the vein of The Rolling Stones and Queen.
Their 1987 breakthrough, Appetite for Destruction, (18-times platinum and the highest-selling debut album of all-time), coupled with the success of the hit single "Sweet Child O' Mine" in 1988, took the world by storm. "Appetite" was full of raunchy hard rock with blistering, anthemic guitar riffs and snarling vocals.
The followup EP, "G N' R Lies", contained four songs from their debut EP, three new acoustic songs, and an acoustic version of "You're Crazy". The album sold well and got into the top 10 alongside Appetite. By the end of the 1980s, they were one of the most popular bands in the world.
Steven Adler (original drummer) was kicked out of the band due to his drug abuse and replaced by Matt Sorum.
Following the release of G N' R Lies, Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II made history by making the number 1 and 2 spots on the American Billboard Album chart. The albums were filled with songs that pushed Guns into a different direction, far from the Appetite era. They surprised critics who expected hard rock songs but found more "epic" tracks featuring a wider range of instruments (pianos, brass instruments, various effects, etc). The main response was that instead of releasing two albums that included "filler tracks", they could have released one CD.
The band then started a world tour to support the albums. During this tour, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin quit the band due to differences with Slash, Sorum and McKagan due to his newfound sobriety and Stradlin's anger at Rose's management of the band.
They played 192 shows in the 28-month tour, which set attendance records and concluded with a show in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on July 17, 1993. This show marked the last time original members Slash and McKagan and newcomers Clarke and Sorum would play a live show with Rose.
Axl began work on a new album of original material in 1993. In 1994, Gilby Clarke left the band, and was replaced with Paul Tobias. That same year, the band recorded a cover version of The Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil" for the movie Interview with the Vampire. According to Slash's 2007 autobiography, the first version of guitar track was rejected by Axl, who wanted Slash to copy Keith Richards' playing on the original. Reluctantly, Slash agreed and recorded another version closer to the original. Slash was further infuriated when he discovered Tobias' guitar copying his own solo note by note layered in the final mix of the song. This would be the last recording by the original version of the band, and five years would go by before any new material came out under the Guns N' Roses name.
Slash drifted in and out of the band for the next couple of years, beginning a side project called Slash's Snakepit. In August 1996, GN'R returned to the studio, even though McKagan and Sorum were simultaneously touring with their side project, Neurotic Outsiders. Eventually, only Slash and Rose were left to continue working. During this period, Slash commented in an interview, "My relationship with Axl right now is sort of at a standstill." Additionally, Axl had approached guitarist Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) about jamming and possibly joining Guns N' Roses.
In 1996 and 1997, Slash, Sorum and McKagan all left the band, leaving Rose as the only remaining charter member of the band. The three later formed rock supergroup Velvet Revolver with former Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland and guitarist Dave Kushner.
In 1998, a "clean" (i.e., profanity removed) version of Use Your Illusion was released (in the USA only), mainly so the album could be sold in Wal-Mart and K-Mart stores. The album, titled "Use Your Illusion" was a 1 CD compilation of the 2 albums.
Also in 1998, Axl put a new version of the band together and returned to the studio. This version of the band has been touring and recording sporadically ever since. The new band's membership has changed frequently, but its core members have included guitarist Robin Finck, effects man Chris Pitman, bassist Tommy Stinson (formerly of The Replacements)— as well as Paul Tobias, drummer Josh Freese and longtime GN'R keyboardist Dizzy Reed.
In 1999, the band released one new song, "Oh My God", on the soundtrack of the film End of Days. The track featured additional guitar work by [arist]Dave Navarro and Gary Sunshine, Rose's personal guitar teacher. The song's release was intended to be a prelude to their new album, now officially entitled Chinese Democracy. Geffen also released Live Era '87-'93, a collection of live performances from various concerts during the Appetite for Destruction and Use Your Illusion tours. Also in 1999, during an interview with Kurt Loder for MTV, Axl said that he had re-recorded Appetite for Destruction with the new band, replacing two songs with "Patience" and "You Could Be Mine".
In 1999, guitarist Robin Finck departed the band in order to rejoin his former band, Nine Inch Nails, on tour. In 2000, virtuoso guitarist Buckethead joined Guns N' Roses as a replacement for Finck. Josh Freese was replaced with Bryan "Brain" Mantia (formerly of Primus). Robin Finck returned to Guns N' Roses in late 2000 to complement Buckethead on lead guitar.
The revised lineup finally made a public appearance in January 2001 with two well-received concerts, one in Las Vegas and one at the Rock in Rio Festival in Rio de Janeiro. The band played a mixture of old hits and new songs from their forthcoming album.
The new lineup played a further two shows in Las Vegas at the end of 2001. In 2002, rhythm guitarist Paul Tobias left the band because of his frustrations with life on the road. He was replaced by Richard Fortus (formerly of The Psychedelic Furs and Love Spit Love). The band then played several shows in August 2002, headlining festivals and concerts throughout Asia and Europe. They made their way to New York for a surprise appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards in September.
In 2002, the band's first North American tour since 1993 was organized to support Chinese Democracy. However, the opening show in Vancouver was canceled by the venue when Rose arrived late due to his plane being held up by bad weather conditions at Los Angeles airport. A riot ensued. This tour was met with mixed results. Some concerts did not sell well, while shows in larger markets such as New York sold out in minutes. Due to a second riot by fans in Philadelphia, tour promoter Clear Channel canceled the remainder of the tour.
The band went on hiatus until they were scheduled to play at Rock in Rio IV in May 2004. However, Buckethead left the band in March of that year, causing them to cancel. Also in March 2004, Geffen released Guns N' Roses' Greatest Hits, since Rose had failed to deliver a new studio album in more than 10 years. Rose expressed displeasure with this album as its track listing was established without his consent and went as far as trying to block its release by suing Geffen. This failed, however, and the album went triple platinum in the USA.
In February 2006, demos of the songs "Better", "Catcher in the Rye", "I.R.S." and "There Was a Time" were leaked through a fan site. The band's management requested that all links to the MP3 files and all lyrics to the songs be removed from forums and web sites. Despite this, radio stations began adding "I.R.S." to playlists, and the song reached #49 on the Radio & Records Active Rock National Airplay chart in the final week of February - the first time an internet leak had done so.
On May 5, 2006, Axl appeared on the Friday Night Rocks with Eddie Trunk radio show (during an interview with ex-Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach) and said the new Guns N' Roses album would be released before the end of the year. Later in May, the band launched a European tour, headlining both the Download Festival and Rock In Rio - Lisbon. Four warm-up shows preceded the tour at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City and became the band's first live concert dates since the aborted 2002 tour. The shows also marked the debut of virtuoso guitarist and composer Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, replacing Buckethead. During the tour, Bach and Izzy Stradlin made frequent guest appearances. By the tour's end in 2007, the band had played to over 750 000 people in over 23 countries.
On April 5, 2008, a picture of Finck appeared on Nine Inch Nails web page under the title "Welcome Back!" starting the rumor of his possible reunion with Trent Reznor. On April 11, Finck expressed his happiness on playing again with NIN. On April 20, on Guns N' Roses' web site, Axl expressed surprise about the news.
Chinese Democracy had been given the tentative release date of March 6, then reported September 17, 2007. However, both dates passed with no sign of the album. After further release dates were discussed, the album finally came out on November 23, 2008, to mostly positive critical reviews & underselling industry expectations.
Slash, McKagan and Sorum still played together in Velvet Revolver. However, Izzy Stradlin, original GN'R rhythm guitarist and co-composer of many of the band's most successful songs, has not joined them. He did, however, play a few dates as a guest with GN'R in the summer of 2006. Keyboard player Dizzy Reed, while not a founding member of the band (joining in 1990 in the Use Your Illusion period), remained in the previous lineup. in 2014, Bassist Tommy Stinson had previous commitments to The Replacements, leading former bassist Duff McKagan to fill in. After the 2014 tour, bassist Tommy Stinson, guitarists DJ Ashba & Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, and keyboardist Chris Pitman all left the band.
Slash and McKagan rejoined in 2016, as did keyboardist Melissa Reese, as the group embarked on the "Not in This Lifetime..." stadium tour. The tour also featured several guest appearances, including from former drummer Steven Adler, AC/DC guitarist Angus Young, former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach, and Rose Tattoo singer Angry Anderson. The tour was a massive success, becoming the third highest grossing concert tour of all-time by its end in 2019.
The band continued with the Guns N’ Roses 2020 Tour and in 2021 released two new singles “Absurd” and “Hard Skool”, both reworkings of ‘’Chinese Democracy’’ era tracks. The singles are the first songs released featuring Slash and Duff McKagan since 1994.
GN'R's current lineup includes Rose (lead vocals), McKagan (bass), Fortus (rhythm guitar), Slash (lead guitar), Melissa Reese[/bandember] (synth & programming), Frank Ferrer (drums) and Reed (keyboard and percussion).
Discography
Appetite for Destruction (1987) #1 US Billboard, 18x Platinum
G N' R Lies (1988) #2 US Billboard, 5x Platinum
Use Your Illusion I (1991) #2 US Billboard, 7x Platinum
Use Your Illusion II (1991) #1 US Billboard, 7x Platinum
The Spaghetti Incident? (1993) #4 US Billboard, Platinum
Live Era '87-'93 (1999) #45 US Billboard, Gold
Greatest Hits (2004) #3 US Billboard, 3x Platinum
Chinese Democracy (2008) #3 US Billboard, Platinum
The above figures represent US sales only and do not constitute worldwide figures, which are much higher.
Nightrain
Guns N' Roses Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Flyin' like an aeroplane
Feelin' like a space brain
One more time tonight (look out)
Well, I'm a west coast struttin'
One bad mother
Got a rattlesnake suitcase under my arm
Been drinkin' gasoline
And honey you can make my motor hum
I got one chance left
In a nine live cat
I got a dog eat dog sly smile
I got a molotov cocktail with a match to go
I smoke my cigarette with style
And I can tell you honey
You can make my money tonight
Wake up late, honey put on your clothes
And take your credit card to the liquor store
Well that's one for you and two for me by tonight
I'll be loaded like a freight train
Flyin' like an aeroplane
Feelin' like a space brain
One more time tonight
I'm on the night train, bottoms up
I'm on the night train, fill my cup
I'm on the night train, ready to crash and burn
I never learn
I'm on the night train, I love that stuff
I'm on the night train, and I can never get enough
I'm on the night train, never to return, no
Loaded like a freight train
Flyin' like an aeroplane
Speedin' like a space brain
One more time tonight
I'm on the night train
And I'm lookin' for some
I'm on the night train
So's I can leave this slum
I'm on the night train
And I'm ready to crash and burn
Night train, bottoms up
I'm on the night train, fill my cup
I'm on the night train
Oh oh oh ohh oh yeah
I'm on the night train
Love that stuff
Ooh I'm on the night train
And I can never get enough
Ridin' the night train
I guess I
I guess, I guess, I guess
I never learn
On the night train
Float me home
Ooh, I'm on the night train
Ridin' the night train
Never to return
Night train
The lyrics of "Nighttrain" by Guns N' Roses depict the life of a wild, rebellious young man who lives for excitement, thrills, and hedonistic pleasure. The song's protagonist is living life to its fullest, without a care in the world, and chasing one high after another through dangerous means. The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics, as they describe his reckless behavior like a "loaded freight train," "flying aeroplane," and "feeling like a space brain." These lyrics suggest that the singer is living a fast and furious lifestyle, which he may not be able to sustain forever.
The lyrics also contain several parallels to the night train, which serves as a metaphor for the singer's lifestyle. Like the night train, the singer is always on the move and never stays in one place for too long. He is constantly looking for the next adventure, and nothing can hold him back. The singer is also referenced as a "mean machine," suggesting that he is destructive and dangerous, and he can't be tamed or controlled.
In conclusion, "Nighttrain" is a song about living life on the edge and taking risks. It portrays the singer as a wild and reckless young man who is always looking for his next high. The song ends on a somber note with the lyrics "never to return," suggesting that this lifestyle may not be sustainable, and the singer's wild ride may come to an abrupt end sooner than later.
Line by Line Meaning
Loaded like a freight train
I have consumed a large amount of drugs or alcohol and am now feeling the effects of them greatly, making me feel as if I am carrying a heavy load like a freight train.
Flyin' like an aeroplane
The effects of the substances I have consumed have made me feel as if I am flying, like the speed of an airplane.
Feelin' like a space brain
The substances I have consumed are creating a disorienting feeling similar to the effects of being weightless and floating through space.
One more time tonight (look out)
I am attempting to recapture the euphoric feeling created by the substances I have consumed, and I am warning others to beware of my reckless behavior.
Well, I'm a west coast struttin'
I am confident in my demeanor, walking with a swagger that is typically associated with people from the western coast of the United States.
One bad mother
I consider myself to be a person of power and intimidation, not to be trifled with.
Got a rattlesnake suitcase under my arm
I am carrying a suitcase that is filled with dangerous items, much like a rattlesnake that rattles before it strikes.
Said I'm a mean machine
I believe myself to be a dangerous, intimidating person who is unstoppable.
Been drinkin' gasoline
I have been consuming high levels of dangerous drugs or alcohol, creating a feeling of intense energy like the explosive combustion of gasoline.
And honey you can make my motor hum
I am inviting a woman to engage in intimate activities with me, suggesting that it will be a pleasurable experience.
I got one chance left
I have taken many risks and I feel like I am running out of chances, and my actions are becoming more and more reckless.
In a nine live cat
I am feeling invincible, like I have nine lives like a cat.
I got a dog eat dog sly smile
I am feeling cunning and clever, with a smile that suggests I am willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top like in a "dog eat dog" situation.
I got a molotov cocktail with a match to go
I am carrying a dangerous explosive device and I am ready to use it whenever I see fit.
I smoke my cigarette with style
I am feeling confident and cool, smoking a cigarette with a certain flair that suggests I am in control.
And I can tell you honey
I am addressing a woman and suggesting that I have something important I want to share with her.
You can make my money tonight
I am inviting the woman to engage in intimate activities with me in exchange for money, showing my desperation and recklessness.
Wake up late, honey put on your clothes
I am waking up late, likely due to the effects of the substances I have consumed, and I am telling a woman to get dressed so we can go out.
And take your credit card to the liquor store
I am asking the woman to bring her credit card so that we can purchase more drugs or alcohol at a liquor store.
Well that's one for you and two for me by tonight
I am suggesting that we will consume twice as much as the woman and that we will do it very quickly.
Night train, bottoms up
I am referencing the strong alcoholic drink, Night Train, and saying that I am consuming it entirely.
I'm on the night train, fill my cup
I am asking someone to fill my cup with more Night Train so that I can continue to consume it.
I'm on the night train, ready to crash and burn
I have consumed a highly dangerous amount of drugs or alcohol and I am ready for the inevitable consequences of my actions.
I never learn
I am acknowledging that my actions are highly irresponsible and dangerous but stating that I never seem to learn from the repercussions.
I'm on the night train, I love that stuff
I am confessing that I enjoy the feeling created by the drugs or alcohol and will continue to consume them.
And I can never get enough
I am consciously admitting that I am addicted to the substances and unable to control my consumption.
Ridin' the night train
I am continuing my reckless lifestyle, indulging in dangerous amounts of drugs and alcohol.
I guess I
I am unsure why I continually participate in such risky behavior.
Float me home
I am requesting someone to take care of me as I am unable to function on my own.
Never to return
I am recognizing that my behavior is highly dangerous and will ultimately lead to my demise, as well as suggesting that I want to make a change before it's too late.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Saul Hudson, Izzy Stradlin, Duff Rose Mckagan, Steven Adler, W. Axl Rose
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@helle9647
Leif Richard Andersson.( Rip) 2014 .
every time i hear this one ..and now its 2023 ...ill NEVER forget our WILD youth !!
@mariahensley1129
We had the BEST
@jimd4322
that ending guitar solo on the way out is just so sick.
@bluerock9238
Should have been much longer.....
@humbertojimmy
Great song! Back in these days all of them were on the nightrain. I remember Slash and Duff walking on stage to receive some MTV award, holding whisky bottles, completely wasted. Well, in any case, it didn't stop them from producing gems like these!
@Koldfusion234
By the time they were at that level, they had enough money to drink better stuff. The Nightrain was moreso the pre-Appetite days since they had no money and Nightrain was cheap
@betsybarilla3752
True ROCKSTAR$!!!
@jasonwoods7701
@@Koldfusion234 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤q❤
@jasonwoods7701
😊😊q😊❤+❤!q¹1q0000aàQ❤❤a1aqq
@user-ml8wg2bk4y
Agree with you absolutely