Guns N’ Roses’ “Paradise City” Is Now Over A Billion Streams In Spotify

Guns N’ Roses’ anthem “Paradise City” has officially entered Spotify’s elite “Billions Club,” a playlist celebrating songs that have amassed over one billion streams on the platform. In recognition of this milestone, Spotify presents artists with the coveted Billions Club plaque.

“Paradise City” now stands alongside other iconic tracks such as Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters,” Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” Survivor’s “Eye Of The Tiger,” Abba’s “Dancing Queen,” Papa Roach’s “Last Resort,” and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” that have achieved this remarkable feat. Remarkably, nearly 500 songs have reportedly reached the billion-stream milestone on Spotify to date.

This achievement marks the third Guns N’ Roses track to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, following the success of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Welcome To The Jungle.” All three tracks are featured on Guns N’ Roses’ groundbreaking debut album, “Appetite For Destruction,” certified by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) in September 2008 for U.S. sales exceeding 18 million copies. Since its release in 1987, the album has accumulated over 28 million in worldwide sales.

The album’s original cover, inspired by the Robert Williams painting “Appetite for Destruction,” initially sparked controversy due to its graphic nature. Retailers’ refusal to stock the album led to a compromise, with the provocative artwork placed inside, and a new cover featuring a cross and skulls representing each band member — Izzy Stradlin, Steven Adler, Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, and Slash. The album’s visuals, captured by photographer Robert John, adorn the back cover and liner notes.

It’s worth noting that neither Adler nor Stradlin has been part of Guns N’ Roses’ ongoing reunion tour, which commenced in April 2016 and continues this year with core members Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan. While Adler did make brief appearances at several tour stops, Stradlin opted not to participate, citing unequal profit distribution as a key factor in his decision.