Guns N' Roses, hailing from Los Angeles, emerged in 1985, born from the fusion of two local bands – Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns. This hard rock outfit quickly gained notoriety for its raw energy, rebellious attitude, and anthemic rock anthems. Their "classic lineup" featured Axl Rose's soaring vocals, Slash's iconic guitar riffs, Izzy Stradlin's rhythm guitar work, Duff McKagan's driving bass lines, and Steven Adler's pounding drums.
Their debut album, "Appetite for Destruction," released in 1987, became an instant sensation, selling over 30 million copies worldwide and catapulting them to superstardom. Tracks like "Welcome to the Jungle," "Sweet Child o' Mine," and "Paradise City" became instant classics, showcasing their diverse sound that blended hard rock with bluesy elements and introspective ballads.
However, Guns N' Roses' success was often overshadowed by internal struggles. Personal clashes, substance abuse issues, and creative differences led to numerous lineup changes and ultimately the departure of core members Slash and McKagan in the early 1990s. Despite these challenges, the band continued to release commercially successful albums like "Use Your Illusion I & II" and "The Spaghetti Incident?", solidifying their place as one of the most influential rock bands of all time.