10 Fun Facts You Didn't Know About Slash and Guns N' Roses

 

Slash. Photo by rockbeat.wordpress.com

Slash, the iconic top-hatted guitarist with a penchant for scorching riffs, and Guns N' Roses, the band that took rock and roll by storm in the late 80s, are a match made in music heaven. But beyond the face-melting solos and stadium anthems, there's a treasure trove of interesting facts about Slash and Guns N' Roses that even dedicated fans might not know. So buckle up and get ready to dive deep into the world of Guns N' Roses with these ten fun facts:

1. Slash Wasn't the First Choice for Lead Guitarist: Believe it or not, Slash wasn't the first guitarist Guns N' Roses settled on. The band initially went with guitarist C.C. DeVille, but creative differences led to his departure. Slash, who had previously auditioned but wasn't chosen, got a second chance and the rest, as they say, is history.

Slash. Photo by blabbermouth.com

2. Axl Rose Almost Wasn't Axl Rose: The name Axl Rose is synonymous with Guns N' Roses, but the frontman wasn't always known by that moniker. Born William Bruce Bailey, he adopted the stage name Axl Rose early in his career to create a more rock and roll persona.

3. Guns N' Roses Almost Had a Different Name: Guns N' Roses almost went by a completely different name! Band members tossed around options like Hollywood Rose, L.A. Guns, and even Poison before settling on the now-legendary Guns N' Roses.

4. Appetite for Destruction's Cover Art Was Originally Banned: The iconic cover art of Appetite for Destruction, featuring a robotic skull and crossbones crushing a rose, was deemed too graphic by some retailers and was initially banned. The cover we know today was actually a replacement design.

5. Slash Didn't Write the Signature Riffs for "Sweet Child o' Mine" or "Welcome to the Jungle":  While Slash is known for his killer riffs, he wasn't responsible for the instantly recognizable intros to two of Guns N' Roses' biggest hits, "Sweet Child o' Mine" and "Welcome to the Jungle." Those were written by Izzy Stradlin, the band's rhythm guitarist.

6. Guns N' Roses Recorded a Punk Rock Covers Album (Sort Of):  Guns N' Roses released a covers album in 1993 titled "The Spaghetti Incident?"  The album features a mix of punk rock covers and some original  songs.

7. Guns N' Roses Holds a Unique Chart Record:  Appetite for Destruction holds the record for the highest-selling debut album not to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States.

8. Slash is a Published Author: Slash is a man of many talents!  In addition to his musical prowess, he's also a published author. His autobiography,  "Slash," released in 2007, details his life and experiences in the music industry.

9. Guns N' Roses Reunited (Sort Of):  Despite a very public falling out in the 1990s, Slash and Axl Rose eventually buried the hatchet.  Axl has been touring with a new lineup of Guns N' Roses featuring Slash since 2016.

10. Guns N' Roses Isn't Done Yet:  Despite being around for over 40 years, Guns N' Roses shows no signs of slowing down. The band continues to tour and release new music, much to the delight of their legions of fans.

So there you have it! Ten fun facts about Slash and Guns N' Roses that prove there's more to the band than meets the eye (or ear). From surprising origins to hidden talents, these insights offer a glimpse into the world that shaped this legendary rock and roll group. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering their music, these facts add a new layer of appreciation for Guns N' Roses' enduring legacy.