5 Big Mistakes Guns N’ Roses Has Made In Their Career

In the contemporary music landscape, the dominance of veteran bands like the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and Metallica in filling massive stadiums raises a perplexing question: where is the fresh, groundbreaking band captivating the hearts of millions and challenging the music industry giants?

Guns N’ Roses had their share of mishaps that most likely put their career on the line. While the iconic band had a taste of sweet huge success, there were bitter events that came with it.

Accidental Death at Donington
In 1988, Guns N’ Roses embarked on their first European tour, headlining the British festival Monsters of Rock at Donington. Despite not being the festival’s headliners, the band was eagerly anticipated, marking a pivotal moment in their international ascent. Tragically, their triumph was marred when, after the performance, news broke that a young fan had been fatally trampled in the front rows during the show.

Axl Rose Takes the Reins
As the band soared to fame, Axl Rose, the only member relatively untouched by substance abuse, grappled with escalating neuroses. Surrounded by therapists, counselors, and mystics, Rose’s volatile temperament, love-hate relationship with the press, and erratic behavior became a persistent headache for his bandmates, tarnishing the band’s public image.

Chaos on the Road
Upon deciding to headline their tours, Axl Rose’s megalomania and unpredictable nature turned Guns N’ Roses into a symbol of chaos. Constant tardiness, abrupt stage exits, confrontations with the audience, and rambling speeches characterized their performances, eclipsing even the legendary onstage antics of Jim Morrison. Each tour stop promised scandalous headlines, leaving the bandmates in despondent resignation.

The Exodus of Izzy
The departure of Izzy Stradlin, initially underestimated by many, marked a turning point. While some fans grumbled about his replacement, Gilby Clarke, the real consequence unfolded in the band’s creative output. Since Izzy’s exit, Guns N’ Roses ceased to produce original material, signaling the beginning of a decline.

Chinese Democracy Debacle
The much-anticipated album “Chinese Democracy” showcased a bloated lineup with five guitarists, a bass player, two drummers, two keyboard players, two producers, and four “additional producers.” Axl Rose stood as the sole original member involved. Despite high expectations, the album failed to live up to its hype, cementing itself as a symbol of the band’s descent into chaos and uncertainty.