Classic of the Week: Guns 'n Roses

Guns n’ Roses – Appetite for Destruction

The debut album of Guns and Roses is fast, dangerous and dirty. Aerosmith, Johnny Thunder, Rolling Stones, Fear and Led Zeppelin were there main influences as a band and their sleazy hard rock was in direct contrast with Hair Metal and Glam bands in their scene. Most of their songs for Appetite for Destruction were written when they lived, played music and partied together in a garage in L.A, through this experience they captured the energy of sex, drugs and rock and roll. Their first road trip as a band was hitchhiking from L.A to Seattle to play gigs in the punk scene where Duff grew up.

The sound of Appetite of Destruction is a fine, raw mixture of energy. The rhythm section, Duff and Steve, brought elements of punk to their sound. Slash used a bluesy approach to his lead guitar playing and Izzy on rhythm guitar played more in a classic rock and roll fashion. Axl’s sharp voice blended in with rest of the instruments.

Welcome to the jungle, Sweet child of mine and Paradise City is on Appetite and Don’t cry, November Rain and You could be Mine was also written  before Appetite for Destruction was released, but there was no more space left on the record.

The album went on to become the highest selling debut album of all time and the songs still echo in the hearts of many rock and roll fans. ▲

- Jacques Fourie