Guns N' Roses, formed in 1985 in Los Angeles, is an American hard rock band known for their "classic lineup" featuring Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, and Steven Adler. Signed to Geffen Records in 1986, the band achieved significant success. The current lineup still includes Rose, Slash, and McKagan, alongside later members.
1984: Izzy Stradlin and Tracii Guns Connection
In 1984, Izzy Stradlin (future rhythm guitarist of Guns N' Roses) was living with Tracii Guns (future founder of L.A. Guns), a connection that would prove pivotal in the formation of Guns N' Roses.
March 1985: Formation of Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses was formed in Los Angeles, California in March 1985, through the merger of two local bands, Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns.
March 1985: Formation and Early Days
Guns N' Roses was formed in March 1985, with the name being a fusion of the two preceding bands, Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns.
March 26, 1985: First Public Performance
Guns N' Roses made their public debut at The Troubadour in Los Angeles on March 26, 1985, marking the beginning of their journey to rock and roll stardom.
June 4, 1985: Guns N' Roses Finalizes "Classic" Lineup
On June 4, 1985, Guns N' Roses finalized their "classic" lineup with the addition of drummer Steven Adler and guitarist Slash.
June 6, 1985: Guns N' Roses' First Show with "Classic" Lineup
On June 6, 1985, just two days after finalizing their lineup, Guns N' Roses played their first show with the lineup that would become known as their "classic" era.
March 1986: Guns N' Roses Signs with Geffen Records
In March 1986, after gaining attention for their performances in Hollywood clubs, Guns N' Roses signed a record deal with Geffen Records, choosing artistic freedom over a more lucrative offer from Chrysalis Records.
1986: Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide EP Released
Guns N' Roses released their debut EP, "Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide," in 1986. The EP featured four tracks and would later be included in their 1988 album "G N' R Lies."
1986: Signing with Geffen Records
In 1986, the band signed with Geffen Records. At this time, the "classic lineup" consisted of Axl Rose (vocals), Slash (lead guitar), Izzy Stradlin (rhythm guitar), Duff McKagan (bass), and Steven Adler (drums).
January 1987: Guns N' Roses Begins Recording Debut Album
In January 1987, Guns N' Roses entered Rumbo Recorders studio to begin recording their debut album. The sessions were known for Axl Rose's meticulous approach to recording vocals.
June 1987: Guns N' Roses Performs First Shows Outside the U.S.
In June 1987, Guns N' Roses played their first shows outside of the United States at The Marquee in London. Recordings from these performances would later be included on their "Live from the Jungle" EP.
June 15, 1987: "It's So Easy" Released as UK Single
On June 15, 1987, Guns N' Roses released their first single, "It's So Easy," exclusively in the UK. The song would later be included on their debut album, "Appetite for Destruction."
July 21, 1987: Appetite for Destruction Released
On July 21, 1987, Guns N' Roses released their debut album, "Appetite for Destruction," featuring the original artwork replaced with a cross and skulls design after the initial cover was deemed too controversial.
1987: Release of Appetite for Destruction
Guns N' Roses released their debut album, "Appetite for Destruction", in 1987. Though initially slow to gain traction, the album eventually reached mainstream success, propelled by the popularity of the "Welcome to the Jungle" music video.
1987: Appetite for Destruction Tour Begins
In 1987, Guns N' Roses embarked on their 16-month-long Appetite for Destruction Tour, supporting their debut album. The tour included opening dates for bands like The Cult, Mötley Crüe, and Alice Cooper.
May 1988: Duff McKagan Briefly Leaves Tour for Wedding
In May 1988, bassist Duff McKagan briefly left Guns N' Roses' Appetite for Destruction Tour to attend his wedding. Kid "Haggis" Chaos from The Cult filled in for McKagan during his absence.
August 1988: Tragedy at Monsters of Rock Festival
In August 1988, two fans were tragically crushed to death during Guns N' Roses' performance at England's Monsters of Rock festival due to the intensity of the crowd.
November 1988: G N' R Lies Released
Guns N' Roses released their second album, "G N' R Lies," in November 1988, featuring a mix of previously released tracks and new acoustic songs. The album's cover, designed as a tabloid parody, was modified after its initial release due to controversial headlines.
1988: "Welcome to the Jungle" Gains Traction
In 1988, Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" gained significant traction after initially slow sales, fueled by MTV airplay and an appearance in the Clint Eastwood film "The Dead Pool."
1988: "Sweet Child o' Mine" Becomes a Hit
In 1988, Guns N' Roses released "Sweet Child o' Mine," a love song written by Axl Rose for his then-girlfriend Erin Everly. The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
1988: Release of G N' R Lies
In 1988, the band released their second album, "G N' R Lies", which included a mix of previously released live tracks and new acoustic songs.
October 1989: Axl Rose Issues Ultimatum Onstage
During a concert opening for the Rolling Stones in October 1989, Axl Rose issued an ultimatum, stating that it would be the band's last performance if certain members didn't stop using heroin.
1989: Don Henley Plays Drums with Guns N' Roses at AMAs
In 1989, Don Henley of the Eagles filled in on drums for Guns N' Roses during their performance at the American Music Awards while Steven Adler was in rehab.
1989: Industry Peers Speak on GNR
In 1989, various music industry peers like Joe Perry and Ozzy Osbourne spoke highly of Guns N' Roses. Steve Earle praised them as the band every L.A. group pretended to be, while N.W.A. named a song after their album 'Appetite for Destruction'.
July 11, 1990: Steven Adler Fired from Guns N' Roses
On July 11, 1990, drummer Steven Adler was fired from Guns N' Roses due to his ongoing struggles with drug addiction. Adler would later file a lawsuit against the band.
1990: Adler's Departure
Due to his struggles with drug addiction, drummer Steven Adler was fired from the band in 1990.
1990: Last Performance with Steven Adler
The year 1990 marked the last time Steven Adler performed with Guns N' Roses before joining them again in 2016.
May 1991: Guns N' Roses Fires Manager Alan Niven
In May 1991, Guns N' Roses made a significant change to their management team, dismissing Alan Niven and appointing Doug Goldstein as his replacement. This decision, reportedly driven by Axl Rose's insistence, caused friction within the band as some members disagreed with Niven's removal.
July 2, 1991: Axl Rose's Confrontation with Fan Leads to Riot
On July 2, 1991, during a performance at the Riverport Amphitheater in Maryland Heights, Missouri, Axl Rose's confrontation with a fan recording the show escalated into a riot. Rose's actions and subsequent departure from the stage resulted in chaos, injuries, and legal repercussions, becoming a controversial event in the band's history.
September 17, 1991: Use Your Illusion I and II Released
September 17, 1991, marked a historic moment for Guns N' Roses as they released their highly anticipated albums, "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II". Debuting at number 2 and number 1 respectively on the Billboard charts, the albums achieved remarkable success, a feat unmatched in the music industry at the time.
November 7, 1991: Izzy Stradlin Departs from Guns N' Roses
November 7, 1991, marked a turning point for Guns N' Roses as rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin announced his departure from the band. Citing personal and creative differences, Stradlin's exit left a void in the band's lineup.
1991: Release of Use Your Illusion I and II
Guns N' Roses released two albums simultaneously in 1991, "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II". The albums were commercially successful and spawned several hit singles.
1991: Riverport Riot
In 1991, a Guns N' Roses concert at the Riverport Amphitheatre descended into chaos, resulting in significant damage and injuries. This event became known as the Riverport riot.
1991: Live Concert in New York
In 1991, Guns N' Roses performed a live concert in New York, which was later included in the Use Your Illusion (Super Deluxe Edition) box set released in 2022.
August 1992: Guns N' Roses and Metallica Concert Cut Short
August 1992 witnessed an unfortunate incident during the Guns N' Roses/Metallica Stadium Tour. A pyrotechnics mishap during Metallica's set at Montreal's Olympic Stadium led to the concert's premature end and a riot. The chaotic events left fans disappointed and raised concerns about concert safety.
1992: Guns N' Roses Performs at Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert
In 1992, Guns N' Roses paid tribute to the legendary Freddie Mercury by performing at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. The band's appearance, though met with mixed reactions due to past controversies, showcased their musical versatility and respect for the Queen frontman.
1992: Live Concert in Las Vegas
In 1992, Guns N' Roses performed a live concert in Las Vegas, which was later included in the Use Your Illusion (Super Deluxe Edition) box set released in 2022.
1992: "November Rain" Wins MTV Video Music Award
The year 1992 brought significant recognition for Guns N' Roses' cinematic masterpiece, "November Rain". The iconic music video, known for its grandeur and emotional depth, was honored with the MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography.
July 17, 1993: Use Your Illusion Tour Ends in Buenos Aires
On July 17, 1993, Guns N' Roses concluded their monumental Use Your Illusion Tour in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The tour, spanning 28 months and encompassing 194 shows across 27 countries, marked the end of an era for the band, with drummer Matt Sorum and rhythm guitarist Gilby Clarke playing their last shows. It was also Slash's final performance with the band until 2016.
November 23, 1993: "The Spaghetti Incident?" Released
November 23, 1993, saw the release of Guns N' Roses' fifth studio album, "The Spaghetti Incident?". Deviating from their original sound, the album featured a collection of punk and glam rock covers, showcasing the band's diverse musical influences.
1993: Release of "The Spaghetti Incident?"
"The Spaghetti Incident?", released in 1993, was Guns N' Roses' previous studio album before "Chinese Democracy."
1993: Gilby Clarke Injured, Izzy Stradlin Returns Temporarily
In 1993, Gilby Clarke's motorcycle accident forced him to temporarily step back from touring with Guns N' Roses. In a surprising turn of events, former rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin rejoined the band for a few weeks, filling in for Clarke's absence.
1993: Release of "The Spaghetti Incident?"
The band's final studio album with Slash and McKagan before their initial departure, "The Spaghetti Incident?", a collection of punk covers, was released in 1993.
May 1994: Gilby Clarke Announces End of Work on New Album
In May 1994, guitarist Gilby Clarke revealed that work on the next Guns N' Roses album had come to an end.
December 1994: Guns N' Roses Releases "Sympathy for the Devil" Cover
In December 1994, Guns N' Roses released their rendition of the Rolling Stones' classic, "Sympathy for the Devil." This marked the final track to feature Slash on lead guitar, Duff McKagan on bass, and Matt Sorum on drums. The song was featured in the films Interview with the Vampire and Fallen.
August 1995: Axl Rose Secures Legal Control of Guns N' Roses
In August 1995, Axl Rose made a significant move by legally separating from the band and establishing a new partnership under the Guns N' Roses name. He later explained that this action was taken to "salvage Guns, not steal it."
1995: Gilby Clarke Exits Guns N' Roses
Gilby Clarke's contract with Guns N' Roses was not renewed, leading to his departure from the band in 1995. He was not involved in the recording of "Sympathy for the Devil."
September 1996: Slash Gives Ultimatum on Paul Tobias
Slash, experiencing creative and personal differences with Paul Tobias, gave the band an ultimatum in September 1996: either Tobias left, or he would.
October 1996: Slash Officially Leaves Guns N' Roses
In October 1996, Slash officially announced his departure from Guns N' Roses. This decision was fueled by the ongoing creative and personal tensions between Slash and Axl Rose, particularly surrounding the recording of "Sympathy for the Devil" and the inclusion of Paul Tobias in the band.
1996: Guns N' Roses Records New Material
Between 1994 and 1996, Guns N' Roses intermittently worked on recording new material. By 1996, they had reportedly completed seven songs and were in the process of writing seven more, aiming for a single album release with 10 to 12 tracks in the spring of 1997.
1996: Classic-Era Members Collaborate on The Outpatience Album
Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan, and former member Izzy Stradlin came together in 1996 to contribute to Anxious Disease, the debut album by the band The Outpatience. This marked the final time these four musicians from the classic Guns N' Roses lineup would collaborate on a recording.
January 1997: Robin Finck Joins Guns N' Roses
Robin Finck, known for his touring work with Nine Inch Nails, joined Guns N' Roses as the replacement for Slash in January 1997.
April 1997: Rolling Stone Reports New Guns N' Roses Lineup
In April 1997, Rolling Stone magazine reported that the lineup for Guns N' Roses consisted of Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, Paul Tobias, Robin Finck, and Chris Vrenna.
August 1997: Duff McKagan Leaves Guns N' Roses
Duff McKagan, the last remaining member of the Appetite for Destruction lineup, left Guns N' Roses in August 1997. Having recently become a father, McKagan cited the band's erratic nature and lack of progress in the studio as reasons for his departure.
August 1997: Robin Finck Becomes Official Member of Guns N' Roses
Robin Finck officially became a member of Guns N' Roses in August 1997 after signing a two-year contract with the band.
1997: Axl Rose Acquires Full Rights to Guns N' Roses Name
Axl Rose reportedly gained complete ownership of the Guns N' Roses name in 1997. Slash later claimed that he and his bandmates were pressured into signing over the name during the Use Your Illusion Tour in 1992. Rose refuted this claim.
1998: New Lineup Begins Work
Following the departure of Slash and McKagan, Axl Rose began working with a new lineup in 1998 on material for a new album.
1998: Release of "Use Your Illusion" Single Disc Edition
In 1998, Geffen Records released a condensed, single-disc version of the Use Your Illusion albums, titled Use Your Illusion.
1998: Tommy Stinson and Josh Freese Join Guns N' Roses
Josh Freese officially took over as drummer for Guns N' Roses in the summer of 1997, replacing Matt Sorum. Following Freese's recommendation, Tommy Stinson, formerly of The Replacements, stepped in to fill McKagan's role on bass in 1998. By the end of 1998, a new iteration of Guns N' Roses had solidified, featuring Axl Rose, Tommy Stinson, Josh Freese, Robin Finck, Paul Tobias, Dizzy Reed, and multi-instrumentalist Chris Pitman.
August 1999: Robin Finck Departs from Guns N' Roses
In August 1999, guitarist Robin Finck left Guns N' Roses to rejoin his previous band, Nine Inch Nails, for their tour.
August 1999: Guns N' Roses Records Over 30 Songs for New Album
By August 1999, Guns N' Roses had recorded more than 30 tracks for their much-anticipated album, tentatively titled 2000 Intentions.
November 1999: "Oh My God" Release & Album Progress
In November 1999, Guns N' Roses manager Doug Goldstein announced the band was close to finishing their new album, aiming for a 2000 release. The same month, they released "Oh My God," an industrial-style song featured in the film "End of Days." The track included contributions from Dave Navarro and Gary Sunshine. Axl Rose, the band's frontman, later remarked that former members Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum hadn't recognized the song's potential.
November 1999: Guns N' Roses Releases "Live Era '87–'93"
November 1999 saw the release of Live Era '87–'93, a compilation album featuring live recordings from Guns N' Roses' performances during their Appetite for Destruction and Use Your Illusion tour years.
November 1999: Axl Rose Announces "Chinese Democracy"
During a November 1999 interview with Kurt Loder on MTV, Axl Rose revealed that he had re-recorded the entire Appetite for Destruction album with the current Guns N' Roses lineup, with the exception of two tracks that were replaced with "Patience" and "You Could Be Mine." In the same interview, Rose officially announced the title of the upcoming album: Chinese Democracy.
1999: Guns N' Roses' Musical Evolution
Since their revival in 1999, Guns N' Roses incorporated industrial rock, electronic rock, nu metal, industrial metal, and trip hop influences while preserving their hard rock and piano rock roots.
February 2000: Axl Rose Previews New Music & Discusses Album Delay
Axl Rose offered a glimpse into the highly anticipated Guns N' Roses album during a February 2000 Rolling Stone interview. He played various tracks for reporters, including "Chinese Democracy," "Catcher in the Rye," "I.R.S.", "The Blues," "There Was a Time," and "Oklahoma." Rose attributed the album's delay to his exploration of new rock-defining technologies.
March 2000: Buckethead & Brain Join Guns N' Roses
March 2000 marked a period of change for Guns N' Roses. Avant-garde guitarist Buckethead joined, replacing Robin Finck, while drummer Josh Freese exited, making way for former Primus drummer Brain (Bryan Mantia).
January 2001: Guns N' Roses Return to the Stage
Ending an eight-year hiatus from live performances, Guns N' Roses made a highly anticipated return in January 2001 with two acclaimed concerts: one in Las Vegas and a headlining performance at the Rock in Rio Festival in Rio de Janeiro. Their setlist included both classic hits and new material from the yet-to-be-released "Chinese Democracy."
2001: Start of Chinese Democracy Tour
Guns N' Roses embarked on the extensive Chinese Democracy Tour in 2001 to promote their upcoming album of the same name.
2001: Guns N' Roses Plays Las Vegas & Slash's Attempted Visit
Guns N' Roses played two shows in Las Vegas. Former guitarist Slash alleged that security denied him entry when he attempted to attend one of the performances.
2001: Rose Describes Upcoming Album's Sound
In a 2001 interview, Axl Rose discussed the band's upcoming album, characterizing it as a diverse mix of styles and influences, particularly blues, and distancing it from an "industrial" label.
August 2002: Guns N' Roses Tours Asia & Europe
August 2002 saw Guns N' Roses headlining festivals and concerts across Asia and Europe, including notable appearances at Pukkelpop, Summer Sonic Festival, and The Carling Weekend.
August 29, 2002: Guns N' Roses Surprise Performance at MTV VMAs
In an unanticipated move, Guns N' Roses closed out the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards with a powerful performance, delivering renditions of "Welcome to the Jungle," "Madagascar," and "Paradise City."
November 2002: North American Tour, Cancellations, & Riots
After an absence of almost a decade since their last North American tour, Guns N' Roses embarked on a tour to promote "Chinese Democracy" in November 2002, with CKY and Mix Master Mike as supporting acts. The tour faced setbacks when the opening show in Vancouver was canceled due to Axl Rose's non-appearance, attributed to mechanical issues with his flight. This led to a riot. The tour continued with mixed success, with some venues not selling well, while larger markets like New York City sold out rapidly. However, another riot broke out in Philadelphia after the band failed to appear, leading tour promoter Clear Channel to cancel the remaining dates.
2002: Guns N' Roses' Recognition and Accolades
In 2002, Q magazine included Guns N' Roses on its list of the "50 Bands to See Before You Die." VH1 ranked them ninth on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock."
2002: Paul Tobias Exits, Richard Fortus Joins
Experiencing frustrations with touring, rhythm guitarist Paul Tobias departed from Guns N' Roses in 2002. Richard Fortus, formerly of The Psychedelic Furs and Love Spit Love, stepped in to fill the vacancy.
September 2003: "I.R.S." Leaks & Cease and Desist Order
September 2003 saw radio personality Eddie Trunk play a previously unreleased Guns N' Roses track, "I.R.S.", on his show, a song he obtained from baseball player Mike Piazza. This leak prompted the band's management to issue cease and desist orders to all stations possessing the track. It was later revealed that Axl Rose had tested new songs at a Las Vegas strip club two months prior to gauge audience response.
February 2004: Geffen Stops Funding "Chinese Democracy"
In February 2004, Geffen Records stated that Axl Rose was responsible for funding and completing the long-delayed "Chinese Democracy" album, citing significant budget overruns.
March 2004: Geffen Pulls Funding, Manager Comments on Album Status
By March 2004, Geffen officially withdrew funding for "Chinese Democracy." Around this time, band manager Merck Mercuriadis stated that the album was nearing completion.
March 2004: Release of "Greatest Hits" & Lawsuit
With Axl Rose failing to deliver a new studio album in over a decade, Geffen Records released "Guns N' Roses' Greatest Hits" in March 2004. This release was met with legal action from Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan, who sought to halt its distribution, claiming the compilation was unauthorized. Despite their efforts, the lawsuit was dismissed, and the album went triple platinum in the U.S., securing a long-lasting presence on the charts. The former members also attempted, unsuccessfully, to block the release of "The Roots of Guns N' Roses."
May 2004: Buckethead Departs, Rock in Rio Lisboa Canceled
Guns N' Roses was set to headline Rock in Rio Lisboa, but the show was canceled after Buckethead left the band in March 2004, citing the band's inability to finish and tour behind an album. Rose commented on Buckethead's departure, characterizing his behavior and commitment as inconsistent and erratic.
2004: Rolling Stone Rankings
Guns N' Roses was ranked No. 92 on Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" in 2004. In the same year, the magazine's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" issue placed "Appetite for Destruction" at number 62.
2004: Release of Greatest Hits
Guns N' Roses' "Greatest Hits" album was released by Geffen Records in 2004.
2005: Steven Adler Recalls His Time in Guns N' Roses
In 2005, former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler spoke out about his time in the band, including his struggles with addiction and his perspective on his dismissal in 1990.
2005: Report on Album Costs & Manager's Rebuttal
In 2005, The New York Times reported that Axl Rose had reportedly spent $13 million on recording "Chinese Democracy," further cementing its reputation as one of the most expensive albums produced. Mercuriadis disputed the claims, stating the sources hadn't been involved with the project recently.
February 2006: Demo Leaks & Radio Play
February 2006 saw the online leak of several "Chinese Democracy" demos, including "Better," "Catcher in the Rye," "I.R.S.", and "There Was a Time," surfacing on a Guns N' Roses fan site. While the band's management attempted to remove the leaked material, radio stations started adding "I.R.S." to their playlists, propelling it to number 49 on the Radio & Records Active Rock National Airplay chart by the month's end.
May 12, 2006: Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal Joins, Band Plays First Show in 3 Years
Following a recommendation from renowned guitarist Joe Satriani, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal joined Guns N' Roses in 2006, taking over for Buckethead. Thal's first live performance with the band took place on May 12, 2006, at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, marking their first concert in over three years.
August 2006: Slash and McKagan Sue Rose over Royalties
Slash and Duff McKagan filed a lawsuit against Axl Rose concerning publishing and songwriting credits in August 2006. Rose's legal representative attributed the discrepancy to an administrative oversight during a change of publishers.
September 2006: Warm-up Shows for North American Tour
Guns N' Roses kicked off their North American tour in September 2006 with five warm-up shows.
October 2006: North American Tour and "Better" Release
Guns N' Roses began their official North American tour on October 24, 2006, in Miami. Frank Ferrer joined as the drummer, replacing Brain, who was on paternity leave. The song "Better" was accidentally released through a Harley-Davidson internet advertisement in October 2006. The ad, featuring an experimental edit of "Better", was mistakenly uploaded and remained online for a day before being replaced.
November 2006: Portland Show Cancellations and Axl Rose's Apology
In November 2006, Guns N' Roses canceled shows in Portland, Maine, citing "limitations imposed by local fire marshals." Axl Rose later issued a public apology, taking responsibility for the cancellations and expressing the band's commitment to their future and new album.
December 2006: Manager Fired and Tentative Release Date for "Chinese Democracy"
Axl Rose penned an open letter to fans in December 2006, announcing the dismissal of Merck Mercuriadis as the band's manager. He revealed the cancellation of the last four dates of their North American tour to focus on "Chinese Democracy's" post-production. Rose also set a tentative release date for the album as March 6, 2007.
February 2007: Leak of "Better"
The final version of "Better" was leaked online in February 2007 and was met with positive reviews.
February 23, 2007: Completion of Recording for "Chinese Democracy"
Del James announced on February 23, 2007, that the recording of "Chinese Democracy" was finalized and the band had transitioned to mixing the album. This update suggested that the previously announced March 6 release date would not be met.
March 6, 2007: Target Release Date for "Chinese Democracy"
March 6, 2007, was set as the target release date for "Chinese Democracy" by Axl Rose. This marked the first time since the album's announcement that a potential release date had been given.
May 4, 2007: Leak of Three Tracks from "Chinese Democracy"
May 4, 2007, saw three more tracks from "Chinese Democracy" leaked: an updated "I.R.S.", "The Blues", and the title track. Notably, all three tracks had been previously performed live.
December 2007: Album Completion and Label Issues
Reports from Eddie Trunk in December 2007 indicated that "Chinese Democracy" was finished and delivered to Geffen Records, but its release was being delayed due to unresolved issues with the label.
2007: Chinese Democracy World Tour
Guns N' Roses launched the 2007 leg of their Chinese Democracy World Tour, kicking off in Mexico in June, followed by shows in Australia and Japan. The tour saw the return of "Nice Boys" and an instrumental Bumblefoot solo of "Don't Cry" to their setlist for the first time since the Use Your Illusion Tour. The band concluded the tour in Osaka on the 20th anniversary of "Appetite for Destruction's" release. The lineup for this tour featured Axl Rose, Robin Finck, Ron Thal, Richard Fortus, Tommy Stinson, Dizzy Reed, Chris Pitman, and Frank Ferrer.
February 2008: Negotiations with Record Label
By February 2008, Rose's manager, Beta Lebeis, clarified that the band was in negotiations with the record label, refuting Eddie Trunk's previous claims. She stated that the album had been finalized since Christmas 2007.
March 26, 2008: Dr Pepper's Promotional Campaign for "Chinese Democracy"
Dr Pepper announced a unique promotional campaign on March 26, 2008, promising a free can of Dr Pepper to everyone in America, except former guitarists Slash and Buckethead, if Guns N' Roses released "Chinese Democracy" by the year's end. Axl Rose expressed his amusement and happiness with the campaign, even offering to share his Dr Pepper with Buckethead due to his contributions to the album.
March 27, 2008: New Management Team
On March 27, 2008, Guns N' Roses brought in a new management team, led by Irving Azoff and Andy Gould.
April 2008: Rumors of Impending Release
Rumors within the music industry in April 2008 suggested that the release of "Chinese Democracy" was imminent.
June 19, 2008: Leak of Tracks from "Chinese Democracy"
Nine tracks, purportedly from "Chinese Democracy," were leaked online on June 19, 2008. However, the band's label swiftly issued a cease-and-desist letter, leading to their removal. While six of the leaked tracks had surfaced in some capacity previously, three were entirely new.
July 14, 2008: Release of "Shackler's Revenge"
Harmonix and MTV Games announced the release of "Shackler's Revenge," a new track from "Chinese Democracy," on July 14, 2008. The song was featured in the video game "Rock Band 2."
October 10, 2008: Debut of "If the World"
Another track from the album, "If the World," premiered on October 10, 2008, during the end credits of Ridley Scott's film "Body of Lies."
October 22, 2008: Official Confirmation of "Chinese Democracy" Release Date
Following months of speculation, an official joint press release on October 22, 2008, from Guns N' Roses' management, Best Buy, and Interscope Geffen A&M Records confirmed the long-awaited release date of "Chinese Democracy." The album was set to be a Best Buy exclusive, hitting shelves on November 23, 2008, in the US.
November 2008: Release of Chinese Democracy
The long-awaited "Chinese Democracy", Guns N' Roses' sixth studio album, was finally released in November 2008.
November 22, 2008: Release of "Chinese Democracy" in Europe and Australia
Guns N' Roses' sixth studio album, "Chinese Democracy," was released in Europe and Australia on November 22, 2008.
November 23, 2008: Release of "Chinese Democracy" in North America
"Chinese Democracy" was released in North America on November 23, 2008, as a Best Buy exclusive. The album was highly anticipated and marked the band's first studio album since 1993's "The Spaghetti Incident?."
November 24, 2008: Release of "Chinese Democracy" in the United Kingdom
"Chinese Democracy" saw its UK release on November 24, 2008.
2008: Last Release of New Material Before 'Absurd'
The year 2008 marked the last time Guns N' Roses released new material before their 2021 single 'Absurd'.
February 6, 2009: Axl Rose's First Interview in Nine Years
Axl Rose broke his nine-year silence with the press on February 6, 2009, in an interview with Billboard's Jonathan Cohen. During the interview, Rose firmly stated that a reunion with Slash was out of the question.
March 2009: DJ Ashba Joins as Lead Guitarist
March 2009 saw DJ Ashba join Guns N' Roses as the new lead guitarist, filling the vacancy left by Robin Finck, who returned to Nine Inch Nails.
June 2009: Conflicts and Lawsuit with Irving Azoff
Reports surfaced in June 2009 of a tumultuous relationship between Guns N' Roses and their manager, Irving Azoff. It was reported that Azoff had been "fired, then re-hired, then fired." The following year, Azoff's company, Front Line Management, filed a lawsuit against Axl Rose, alleging breach of an oral agreement. Rose countersued, accusing Azoff of sabotage and unethical conduct. The legal battle was settled in 2011.
October 2009: Copyright Infringement Lawsuit and Censorship
Ulrich Schnauss's record labels sued Guns N' Roses in October 2009, alleging copyright infringement for using portions of his work in their song "Riad N' the Bedouins." The album "Chinese Democracy" was banned in China for its title track's criticism of the government.
September 1, 2010: Guns N' Roses Concert in Dublin Marred by Delays and Disruptions
On September 1, 2010, Guns N' Roses' concert in Dublin was significantly delayed, with the band arriving over an hour late. The performance was further disrupted by bottles being thrown on stage, prompting Axl Rose to stop the show multiple times. The band even left the stage during the fourth song but returned an hour later to finish the set.
October 14, 2010: Duff McKagan Reunites with Guns N' Roses on Stage in London
In a surprise appearance on October 14, 2010, former bassist Duff McKagan joined Guns N' Roses on stage at The O2 Arena in London. He played four songs with the band, marking his first performance with them since his departure. This impromptu reunion came about as Rose and McKagan were coincidentally staying at the same hotel.
October 2, 2011: Guns N' Roses Performs "Estranged" at Rock in Rio
Guns N' Roses' performance at Rock in Rio 4 on October 2, 2011, was marked by heavy rain and a first-time performance of "Estranged" since 1993. Despite the challenging conditions, the band pushed through the set, though guitarist Bumblefoot later called it the worst concert he had ever been a part of.
November 10, 2011: Axl Rose Gives First TV Interview in Years
On November 10, 2011, Axl Rose gave his first television interview in several years. Speaking with Eddie Trunk, Don Jamieson, and Jim Florentine of That Metal Show, Rose discussed his career and the future of Guns N' Roses.
December 2011: Duff McKagan Makes Guest Appearances with Guns N' Roses in Seattle
Following his surprise appearance in London, Duff McKagan further rejoined Guns N' Roses for two shows in Seattle in December 2011. He also had his band, Loaded, open for Guns N' Roses during this time.
2011: End of Chinese Democracy Tour
After a decade on the road, the Chinese Democracy Tour, promoting Guns N' Roses' album "Chinese Democracy", concluded in 2011.
2011: Settlement of Lawsuit with Irving Azoff
The lawsuit between Guns N' Roses and former manager Irving Azoff was settled in 2011.
April 14, 2012: Guns N' Roses Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Guns N' Roses achieved a significant milestone on April 14, 2012, when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The event saw Slash, McKagan, Adler, Sorum, and Clarke reunite for the ceremony. While not an inductee himself, Clarke performed with the band at Sorum's request. The band delivered a memorable performance of "Mr. Brownstone", "Sweet Child o' Mine", and "Paradise City", with Alter Bridge and Myles Kennedy taking on lead vocals.
July 2012: Izzy Stradlin Makes Surprise Appearance with Guns N' Roses and Band Tours Israel
In July 2012, Izzy Stradlin surprised fans with a guest appearance during a Guns N' Roses performance at a wedding in Saint-Tropez, France. The same month, the band embarked on their first tour in Israel since 1992. However, the tour was also met with controversy when NME reported that security personnel were allegedly instructed to refuse entry to anyone wearing a Slash T-shirt.
August 13, 2012: Guns N' Roses Announces Las Vegas Residency "Appetite for Democracy"
On August 13, 2012, Guns N' Roses announced a special residency at The Joint in Las Vegas. Titled "Appetite for Democracy", the residency celebrated both the 25th anniversary of their iconic album, Appetite for Destruction, and the fourth anniversary of Chinese Democracy.
October 2012: Guns N' Roses Performs at Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit
Guns N' Roses took to the stage for an acoustic set at Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit in October 2012. The performance, however, was met with criticism, and Axl Rose attributed his vocal struggles to a bout of strep throat.
November 21, 2012: Guns N' Roses' Las Vegas Performance Filmed for 3D Release
Guns N' Roses' performance in Las Vegas on November 21, 2012, was captured in 3D for a theatrical and home release. This recording was later released as Appetite for Democracy 3D on July 1, 2014, allowing fans to relive the energetic performance.
2012: Guns N' Roses Announces Up Close and Personal Tour
In 2012, Guns N' Roses announced their Up Close and Personal Tour, featuring shows in the United States and Europe. This tour marked a departure from the grandeur of their previous Chinese Democracy Tour, opting for smaller clubs rather than large arenas or stadiums. The band also chose to forgo pyrotechnics for these performances.
2012: Axl Rose's 2012 Interview
In 2012, Axl Rose stated in an interview that a Guns N' Roses reunion would happen 'not in this lifetime', which later inspired the name for their 2016 tour.
2012: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Guns N' Roses, including key members Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, Slash, Steven Adler, Matt Sorum, and Dizzy Reed, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
August 2013: Unreleased Guns N' Roses Song "Going Down" Leaks Online
In August 2013, an unreleased Guns N' Roses track titled "Going Down" surfaced online. The song featured bassist Tommy Stinson on lead vocals, with Axl Rose providing backing vocals. Guitarist Bumblefoot confirmed the legitimacy of the leaked track through his Twitter account. "Going Down" offered a glimpse into the band's creative process during this period.
April 24, 2014: Guns N' Roses Headlines Revolver Golden Gods Awards and Axl Rose Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Guns N' Roses, with Duff McKagan on bass, headlined the Revolver Golden Gods awards show on April 24, 2014. During the ceremony, Axl Rose was honored with the Ronnie James Dio lifetime achievement award, recognizing his impactful career and contributions to music.
June 7, 2014: Guns N' Roses Concludes Second Las Vegas Residency, "No Trickery! An Evening of Destruction"
Guns N' Roses concluded their second residency, titled "No Trickery! An Evening of Destruction," at The Joint in Las Vegas on June 7, 2014. The residency, which ran from May 21 to June 7, featured a setlist spanning their career.
July 1, 2014: "Appetite for Democracy 3D" Released
The 3D concert film, "Appetite for Democracy 3D", capturing Guns N' Roses' performance at The Joint in Las Vegas, was officially released on July 1, 2014. The film preserved the energy of the band's residency, which celebrated the anniversaries of both "Appetite for Destruction" and "Chinese Democracy".
2014: Ron Thal and Tommy Stinson Exit Guns N' Roses
Following the band's 2014 tour, both guitarist Ron Thal and bassist Tommy Stinson left Guns N' Roses. While no official statement came from Thal, music journalist Gary Graff reported his exit based on a source within the band. Stinson also departed, citing personal reasons that prevented him from touring.
July 27, 2015: DJ Ashba Departs from Guns N' Roses
Guitarist DJ Ashba announced his departure from Guns N' Roses on July 27, 2015, citing personal commitments. He released a statement emphasizing his dedication to his family, his other band Sixx:A.M., and new opportunities.
December 29, 2015: Slash to Rejoin Guns N' Roses, Band to Headline Coachella 2016
Rumors of a Guns N' Roses reunion were fueled when, on December 29, 2015, Billboard reported that Slash would be rejoining the band. The "reunited" lineup was also announced to be headlining Coachella 2016. While Axl Rose was scheduled to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to discuss the band's future, his appearance was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
January 4, 2016: Guns N' Roses' Reunion Lineup Confirmed for Coachella 2016
On January 4, 2016, Guns N' Roses was officially announced as a headliner for Coachella 2016. KROQ radio confirmed the reunion, reporting that both Slash and Duff McKagan would be rejoining the band. Coachella's official press release further solidified the news, confirming the highly anticipated reunion lineup.
March 25, 2016: Band Announces Not in This Lifetime... Tour
On March 25, 2016, Guns N' Roses announced the Not in This Lifetime... Tour, a reference to a 2012 interview where Axl Rose said a reunion would happen 'not in this lifetime'.
April 1, 2016: Warmup Gig at Troubadour
On April 1, 2016, Guns N' Roses performed an unannounced warmup gig at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. During the performance, Axl Rose broke his foot and was later given Dave Grohl's customized throne to continue performing.
June 2016: Axl Rose Discusses Reunion
In June 2016, Axl Rose discussed the possibility and eventual realization of Slash and McKagan rejoining the band, marking a significant moment in the band's history.
July 6, 2016: Steven Adler Joins Band on Drums
During a concert on July 6, 2016, in Cincinnati, former drummer Steven Adler joined Guns N' Roses on stage for the first time since 1990, performing 'Out ta Get Me' and 'My Michelle'.
2016: Keyboardist Change
Chris Pitman, the keyboardist for Guns N' Roses, was replaced by Melissa Reese in 2016.
2016: Start of Not in This Lifetime... Tour
Marking a quasi-reunion, Slash and Duff McKagan rejoined Guns N' Roses in 2016 for the highly successful Not in This Lifetime... Tour.
November 2017: Headliners Announced for UK Download Festival
In November 2017, Guns N' Roses was announced as the headline act for the UK Download Festival, scheduled for June 2018. They also won Top Tour/Top Draw at the 2017 Billboard Touring Awards.
December 2017: Tour Grosses Over $480 Million
By December 2017, the Not in This Lifetime... Tour had grossed over $480 million, becoming the fourth highest-grossing concert tour of all time at that moment.
2017: Plans for New Album Discussed
In 2017, members of Guns N' Roses began discussing plans to release a new album, indicating ongoing creative efforts within the band.
April 30, 2018: Destruction Is Coming Campaign
On April 30, 2018, billboards and a website with the tagline 'Destruction Is Coming' indicated the release of a deluxe edition of Appetite for Destruction.
May 4, 2018: Release of 'Shadow of Your Love' Single
On May 4, 2018, Guns N' Roses released 'Shadow of Your Love' as a single, marking their first new single in almost a decade.
June 2018: Headline at Graspop Metal Meeting
In June 2018, Guns N' Roses headlined the Graspop Metal Meeting alongside Iron Maiden and Marilyn Manson.
June 29, 2018: Release of 'Appetite for Destruction: Locked N' Loaded' Edition
On June 29, 2018, Guns N' Roses released the 'Appetite for Destruction: Locked N' Loaded' edition, which received universal critical acclaim.
December 2018: Tour Grosses $563.3 Million
By December 2018, the Not in This Lifetime... Tour grossed $563.3 million, making it the second-highest grossing tour of all time, behind U2's U2 360° Tour.
2018: Ongoing Discussions for New Album
Throughout 2018, various band members continued to discuss plans for a new album, showing the band's commitment to new material.
2019: Further Discussions on New Album
Discussions about releasing new Guns N' Roses music continued into 2019, with band members confirming ongoing work on new material.
2019: Tracii Guns Recalls Formation
In a 2019 interview, Tracii Guns recounted the story of Guns N' Roses' formation, emphasizing the simplicity of the decision and downplaying any dramatic narratives.
2019: Conclusion of Not in This Lifetime... Tour
The Not in This Lifetime... Tour, featuring the partial reunion of the classic Guns N' Roses lineup, concluded in 2019. The tour was a massive commercial success.
September 2020: Greatest Hits Album Re-released
In September 2020, Guns N' Roses re-released their Greatest Hits album with the addition of 'Shadow of Your Love', including a vinyl pressing for the first time.
2020: Continuing Plans for New Album
In 2020, Guns N' Roses members reiterated their plans to release new music, indicating that work on a new album was ongoing.
June 2021: We're F'n' Back Tour Announced
In June 2021, Guns N' Roses announced the We're F'n' Back Tour, which would take them across the United States from July to October.
August 6, 2021: Release of Single 'Absurd'
On August 6, 2021, Guns N' Roses released the single 'Absurd', their first new material since 2008.
2021: Reworking Chinese Democracy-era Songs
In 2021, Slash stated that Guns N' Roses had been reworking Chinese Democracy-era songs for future releases.
February 25, 2022: Release of 'Hard Skool' EP
On February 25, 2022, Guns N' Roses released the 'Hard Skool' EP, featuring the single 'Absurd' and live tracks.
September 20, 2022: Announcement of Use Your Illusion Deluxe Box Set
On September 20, 2022, Guns N' Roses announced the remastered deluxe box set of the Use Your Illusion albums, set for release on November 11, 2022.
November 11, 2022: Release of Use Your Illusion Deluxe Box Set
The Use Your Illusion (Super Deluxe Edition) box set was released on November 11, 2022, featuring both albums remastered alongside two live concerts from 1991 and 1992.
2022: New Guns N' Roses Material in the Works
In 2022, Slash confirmed that Guns N' Roses were working on new songs that might be compiled into an album, with plans to release singles throughout the year.
2022: Tour Extended to 2022
The We're F'n' Back Tour was later extended into 2022, including legs in Europe, Latin America, and Oceania.
June 24, 2023: Guns N' Roses Headlines Glastonbury
On June 24, 2023, Guns N' Roses headlined the Glastonbury Festival for the first time. The performance received mixed reviews, with some publications calling it one of the worst headlining sets in festival history.
July 2023: Greatest Hits Chart Milestone
By July 2023, Guns N' Roses' "Greatest Hits" album, released in 2004, had become the 8th longest-charting album in the history of the Billboard 200, spending a total of 631 weeks on the chart.
August 18, 2023: Release of Single 'Perhaps'
On August 18, 2023, Guns N' Roses released a new single, 'Perhaps', a piano-driven song.
November 2023: Legal Issues Resurface
Former photographer Katarina Benzova filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Guns N' Roses in November 2023, claiming they falsely claimed ownership of her photos. She also accused their manager, Fernando Lebeis, of sexual harassment.
December 8, 2023: Release of 'The General' on Vinyl
On December 8, 2023, Guns N' Roses released 'The General' digitally and on the 'Perhaps' vinyl as the R-side.