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{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Guns N' Roses
| image = Guns n´Roses Palacio de los Deportes 30-11-2016 (31366316670).jpg
| caption = Guns N' Roses in 2016. From left to right, [[Richard Fortus]], [[Dizzy Reed]], [[Duff McKagan]], [[Axl Rose]], [[Slash (musician)|Slash]], [[Melissa Reese]] & [[Frank Ferrer]]
|landscape = yes
| background = group_or_band
| alias = G N' R, GnR
| origin = [[Los Angeles|Los Angeles, California]], U.S.
| genre =<!-- Per discussion on talk page, hard rock and heavy metal to be only genres listed, other genres discussed in article-->{{flatlist |
* [[Hard rock]]
* [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]
}}
| years_active = 1985–present
| label = {{flatlist|
* [[Geffen Records|Geffen]]
* [[Uzi Suicide]]
* Black Frog
}}
| associated_acts =<!-- Associated acts listed in alphabetical order -->{{flatlist|
* [[BulletBoys]]
* [[The Dead Daisies]]
* [[Hollywood Rose]]
* [[Johnny Crash]]
* [[Kings of Chaos (band)|Kings of Chaos]]
* [[L.A. Guns]]
* [[Love Spit Love]]
* [[Metallica]]
* [[Neurotic Outsiders]]
* [[Nine Inch Nails]]
* [[Praxis (band)|Praxis]]
* [[The Psychedelic Furs]]
* [[Road Crew]]
* [[Slash's Snakepit]]
* [[Velvet Revolver]]
}}
| current_members =
* [[Axl Rose]]
* [[Slash (musician)|Slash]]
* [[Duff McKagan]]
* [[Dizzy Reed]]
* [[Richard Fortus]]
* [[Frank Ferrer]]
* [[Melissa Reese]]
| past_members = See: [[List of Guns N' Roses band members#Former|List of Guns N' Roses band members]]
| website = {{URL|gunsnroses.com}}
}}
'''Guns N' Roses''', often abbreviated as '''GnR''', is an American [[hard rock]] band from [[Los Angeles]] formed in 1985. The lineup, when first signed to [[Geffen Records]] in 1986, consisted of vocalist [[Axl Rose]], lead guitarist [[Slash (musician)|Slash]], rhythm guitarist [[Izzy Stradlin]], bassist [[Duff McKagan]], and drummer [[Steven Adler]]. Guns N' Roses have released six studio albums, accumulating sales of more than 100 million records worldwide, including shipments of 45 million in the United States, making them one of the [[List of best-selling music artists|world's best-selling bands of all time]].

Guns N' Roses' debut album, ''[[Appetite for Destruction]]'' (1987), reached number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] a year after its release, on the strength of "[[Sweet Child o' Mine]]", the band's only single to reach number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. The album has sold approximately 30 million copies worldwide, including 18 million units in the United States, making it the best-selling debut album of all time in the US, as well as the eleventh [[List of best-selling albums in the United States|best-selling album in the United States]]. The success of the debut was followed by the eight-song album ''[[G N' R Lies]]'' (1988) which reached number two on the ''Billboard'' 200. The [[Double album#Simultaneous releases|twin albums]] ''[[Use Your Illusion I]]'' and ''[[Use Your Illusion II]]'' (1991) debuted at number two and number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 respectively and have sold a combined 35 million copies worldwide, including 14 million units in the United States. The cover album ''[["The Spaghetti Incident?"]]'' (1993) was the band's last studio album to feature Slash and McKagan.

After more than a decade of work and several lineup changes, Guns N' Roses released the long-awaited album ''[[Chinese Democracy]]'' (2008) which, at an estimated $14 million in production costs, is the most expensive rock album to ever be produced in music history. It debuted at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200 but undersold industry expectations, despite mostly positive critical reception. Former members Slash and McKagan both rejoined the band in 2016, embarking on the [[Not in This Lifetime... Tour]].

Guns N' Roses has been credited{{whom|date=April 2017}} with reviving the mainstream popularity of rock 'n' roll, at a time when popular music was dominated by [[dance music]] and [[glam metal]]. Its late 1980s and early 1990s years have been described as the period in which the group brought forth a "hedonistic rebelliousness" reminiscent of the early [[The Rolling Stones|Rolling Stones]], a reputation that had earned the group the nickname "the most dangerous band in the world". The band's classic lineup, along with later members keyboardist [[Dizzy Reed]] and drummer [[Matt Sorum]], was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in 2012 in its first year of eligibility.

The band's membership has changed many times since the early 1990's, with Rose and keyboardist [[Dizzy Reed]] as the only two constant members since 1990. The current lineup consists of Rose, Slash, McKagan, Reed, guitarist [[Richard Fortus]], drummer [[Frank Ferrer]] and keyboardist [[Melissa Reese]].

==History==

===Formation (1985–1986)===
{{Main article|Hollywood Rose|L.A. Guns}}
[[File:Hollywood boulevard from kodak theatre.jpg|thumb||left|Guns N' Roses are based in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.]]

In 1984, [[Hollywood Rose]] member [[Izzy Stradlin]] was living with [[L.A. Guns]] member [[Tracii Guns]].<ref name="tracii">{{cite web|url=http://thequietus.com/articles/04450-dr-rock-tracii-guns-interview-la-guns-nikki-sixx-poison-guns-n-roses|title=Giving It Both Barrels: Dr Rock Takes On Tracii Guns Of The LA Guns|author=Rock|date=June 16, 2010|website=TheQuietus.com|access-date = June 9, 2015|quote=Guns: "And then I lasted for about seven or eight months in that, and then Axl and I got into an extraordinary fight&nbsp;... and we did two shows after that argument and then I left. It just wasn't fun anymore."}}</ref> When L.A. Guns needed a new vocalist, Stradlin suggested Hollywood Rose singer [[Axl Rose]].<ref name="tracii"/> Guns N' Roses was formed in March 1985 by Rose and rhythm guitarist Stradlin, along with lead guitarist [[Tracii Guns]], bassist [[Ole Beich]], and drummer [[Rob Gardner (musician)|Rob Gardner]] of L.A. Guns.<ref>{{harvnb|Berelian|2005|p=143}}</ref> The band coined its name by combining the names of both previous groups. Rejected names for the band included "Heads of Amazon" and "AIDS".<ref name="The Biography Channel"/> After a short time, during which the band reportedly played two or three shows, Beich was fired and replaced by [[Duff McKagan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://politiken.dk/kultur/ECE573660/historien-om-ole-fra-guns-n-roses/|title=Historien om Ole fra Guns N' Roses|last1=Lerche|first1=Otto|date=September 28, 2008|website=politiken.dk |access-date=June 9, 2015|language=Danish}}</ref> Tracii Guns left the band after an argument with Rose leading to his replacement by Rose and Stradlin's one-time Hollywood Rose bandmate, [[Slash (musician)|Slash]].<ref name="tracii"/> Gardner quit soon after and was replaced by another former Hollywood Rose member, [[Steven Adler]].<ref name="Davis2008">{{cite book|last=Davis|first=Stephen|title=Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1Jh4dkcw0nsC&pg=PT58|accessdate=June 9, 2015|date=August 26, 2008|publisher=Penguin Publishing Group|isbn=978-1-4406-3928-9|pages=58–|chapter=2}}</ref><ref name="slash2007">{{cite book|author1=Slash|author2=Anthony Bozza|title=Slash|date=October 30, 2007|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-135142-6}}</ref> Slash had also previously played with McKagan and Adler in [[Road Crew]].<ref name="slash2007"/>

{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right |quote = "We had a singer (Mike Jagosz) that our manager didn't like, so we fired him. So then I asked Axl to join L.A. Guns and he was in the band for about six, seven months. The same manager ended up hating Axl and he wanted to fire him. We're all living together at this point and Axl and I sat down and went 'What are we going to do?' So we both said 'Fuck that', and came up with the name Guns N' Roses, which was going to be just a record label that we'd put singles out on."
|source = —Original guitarist [[Tracii Guns]]<ref name="tracii"/>}}

In June 1985, four days after the lineup was finalized, the band embarked on a short, disorganized tour of the West Coast, from [[Sacramento, California]], to McKagan's hometown of [[Seattle]], Washington.<ref>{{cite news|last=Spurrier|first=Jeff|title=Guns N' Roses: Bad Boys Give It Their Best Shot|newspaper=''Los Angeles Times''|date=July 6, 1986|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1986-07-06/entertainment/ca-22880_1_bad-boys|accessdate=December 18, 2011}}</ref> The so-called "Hell Tour" settled the band's first stable lineup, with McKagan later commenting, "This trip had set a new benchmark for what we were capable of, what we could and would put ourselves through to achieve our goals as a band."<ref>{{cite book|last=McKagan|first=Duff|year=2011|title=It's so Easy (and other lies)|publisher=Touchstone|page=38|isbn=978-1-4516-0664-5|editors=Stacy Creamer|others=Collaboration by Tim Mohr}}</ref>

Through the band's increasing presence on the Hollywood club scene – playing famed bars such as [[Troubadour (West Hollywood, California)|The Troubadour]] and [[Roxy Theatre (West Hollywood)|The Roxy]] – Guns N' Roses drew the attention of major record labels.<ref name="The Biography Channel"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/guns-n-146-roses-146-early-days-20100301/guns-n-roses-june-6-1985-87502010|title=Guns N' Roses' Early Days: Exclusive Photos from the book Reckless Road|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=Wenner Media LLC.|date=2013|accessdate=June 29, 2015}}</ref> The group was signed by [[Geffen Records]] in March 1986, receiving a $75,000 advance.<ref name="The Biography Channel">{{cite news|url=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/guns-n-roses.html|title=Guns N|work=bio.|publisher=TheBiographyChannel.co.uk|date=2008|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091208190634/http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/guns-n-roses.html|archivedate=December 8, 2009|accessdate=June 29, 2015|df=}}</ref> In December of that year, the group released the four-song EP ''[[Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide]]'', designed to keep interest in the band alive while the group withdrew from the club scene to work in the studio. The EP contained covers of [[Rose Tattoo]]'s "Nice Boys" and [[Aerosmith]]'s "[[Mama Kin]]", along with two original compositions: the [[punk rock|punk]]-influenced "Reckless Life" and the [[classic rock]]-inspired "Move to the City." Although billed as a live recording, the four songs were taken from the band's [[demo tape]]s and [[overdubbed]] with crowd noise. ''Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide'' was released on the Geffen subsidiary [[Uzi Suicide]], with production limited to 10,000 vinyl copies.<ref name="RollingStoneBio">{{cite journal|title=Axl Rose: Biography|journal=[[Rolling Stone]]|accessdate=June 6, 2011|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/axl-rose/biography}}</ref>

===Breakthrough and mass popularity (1987–1989)===
{{multiple image
| footer = Guitarist [[Slash (musician)|Slash]] (left) and lead singer [[Axl Rose]] (right) were the band's most public faces during its late 1980s-early 1990s heyday
| image1 = Slashvr.jpg
| width1 = 137
| alt1 = Slash in 2010.
| image2 = Axl rose in israel.jpg
| width2 = 175
| alt2 = Axl Rose on stage in Tel Aviv, Israel, 1993
}}

====''Appetite for Destruction''====
Guns N' Roses' debut album ''[[Appetite for Destruction]]'' was released July 21, 1987.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.mcall.com/1987-10-17/entertainment/2607351_1_roses-slash-band|title=Guns N' Roses: They Are What They Are|first=Michael|last=Hendrick|date=October 17, 1987|work=tribunedigital-mcall|accessdate=July 3, 2015}}</ref> The album underwent an artwork change after the original cover design by [[Robert Williams (artist)|Robert Williams]], which depicted a surrealist scene in which a dagger-toothed monster vengefully attacks a robot rapist, was deemed too controversial.<ref name="AfDcover" /><ref>{{cite web|title='Appetite For Destruction' Album Art Banned – 25 Most Destructive Guns N' Roses Moments|last1=Hartmann|first1=Graham|publisher=Loudwire.com|url=http://loudwire.com/appetite-for-destruction-album-art-banned-25-most-destructive-guns-n-roses-moments/|accessdate=May 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/25-things-you-might-not-know-about-appetite-for-destruction|title=25 Things You Might Not Know About 'Appetite For Destruction'|last1=Hewitt|first1=Ben|date=July 25, 2012|website=NME.com|publisher=IPC Media – Inspire (Time Inc.)|accessdate=May 4, 2015}}</ref> The band stated the original artwork was "a symbolic social statement, with the robot representing the industrial system that's raping and polluting our environment."<ref name="AfDcover">{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1987-08-16/entertainment/ca-1533_1_artwork|title=Geffen's Guns N' Roses Fires A Volley At PMRC|last1=Goldstein|first1=Patrick|date=August 16, 1987|website=LATimes.com |access-date=June 9, 2015}}</ref> The revised cover was done by Andy Engell, based on a design by tattoo artist Bill White Jr., who had designed the artwork for a tattoo Rose had acquired the previous year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lucemfero.com/gunsnroses_appetitefordestruction.php|title=Lucem Fero - Album Reviews - Guns N' Roses - Appetite for Destruction|first=Mark|last=Fisher|date=2008|work=lucemfero.com|accessdate=June 23, 2015}}</ref> The artwork featured each of the five band members' skulls layered on a cross.<ref name="AfDcover" />

In the U.S., "[[Welcome to the Jungle]]" was issued as the album's first single, with an accompanying music video. Initially, the album and single lingered for almost a year without performing well, but when Geffen founder [[David Geffen]] was asked to lend support to the band, he obliged, personally convincing [[MTV]] executives to play "Welcome to the Jungle" during the network's after-hours rotation.<ref>{{cite book|last=King|first=Tom|date=2001|title=The Operator: David Geffen Builds, Buys, and Sells the New Hollywood|location=New York|publisher=Broadway Books|page=430|isbn=978-0-7679-0757-6}}</ref> Even though the video was initially only played once at 4 a.m. on a Sunday, [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] and [[hard rock]] fans took notice and soon began requesting the video and song en masse.<ref name="The Hard Truth"/> The song, written in Seattle, was about Los Angeles. The music video took place in New York. According to Rose, the inspiration for the lyrics came from an encounter he and a friend had with a homeless man while they were coming out of a bus into New York.<ref name="Spin 1999"/> Trying to put a scare into the young runaways, the man yelled at them, "You know where you are? You're in the jungle baby; you're gonna die!"<ref name="Spin 1999">{{cite journal|title=Just a Little Patience|journal=Spin|date=July 1999|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=71|accessdate=December 19, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vulture.com/2008/08/exclusive_excerpt.html|title=Exclusive Excerpt: Stephen Davis's 'Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses'|last1=Brown|first1=Lane|date=August 26, 2008|website=Vulture.com|access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref> The song was featured in the 1988 [[Dirty Harry (film series)|Dirty Harry]] film ''[[The Dead Pool]]'', starring [[Clint Eastwood]], and members of the band had a [[cameo appearance]] in the film.<ref>{{cite book|last=Stenning|first=Paul|date=2005|title=Guns N' Roses: The Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography|publisher=Chrome Dreams|page=66|isbn=978-1-84240-314-3|quote="Jungle was re-released as a single and came out in the same months as the latest Dirty Harry movie 'The Dead Pool'. Featuring Guns' in a cameo role playing at a club in Miami."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/rockers-20-best-appearances-in-eighties-horror-movies-20141031/guns-n-roses-the-dead-pool-1988-20141031|title=Guns N' Roses, 'The Dead Pool' (1988)|author1=Tim Grierson|author2=Kory Grow|author3=Daniel Kreps|author4=Tom Mallon|author5=Brandon Soderberg|date=October 31, 2014|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref>
{{multiple image
| align = left
| footer = [[Steven Adler]] (left) was the band's drummer from 1985 to 1990, when he was replaced by [[Matt Sorum]] (right). Sorum was fired from the band in 1997.
| image1 = StevenAdlerMylesKennedy (cropped).jpg
| width1 = 135
| alt1 = Steven Adler in 2012
| image2 = Matt Sorum (6465384277).jpg
| width2 = 145
| alt2 = Matt Sorum in 2012.
}}{{Listen|filename=Guns N' Roses - Welcome to the Jungle.ogg|title=Guns N' Roses "Welcome to the Jungle" (1987)|description=Sample of ''"[[Welcome to the Jungle]]"'' from ''[[Appetite for Destruction]]'', the album's opening track and the band's first single in the United States.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
"[[Sweet Child o' Mine]]" was the album's second U.S. single, a love song co-written by Rose as a poem for his then-girlfriend Erin Everly, daughter of Don Everly of the [[Everly Brothers]].<ref name="VH1"/><ref name="SCOM">{{cite book|last=Stenning|first=Paul|date=2005|title=Guns N' Roses: The Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography|publisher=Chrome Dreams|page=63|isbn=978-1-84240-314-3}}</ref> Due to the growing [[grassroots]] success of the band and the cross-gender appeal of the song, "Sweet Child o' Mine" and its accompanying music video received heavy airplay on both radio and MTV, becoming a huge hit during the summer of 1988 and reaching the top of the charts in the U.S.<ref name="SCOM" /> Slash later commented, "I hated that song with a huge passion for the longest time, and it turned out to be our hugest hit, so it goes to show what I know."<ref name="VH1">{{cite episode|title=100 Greatest Songs of the 80s (Hour 5)|series=1|episode-link=The Greatest (TV series)|url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/the_greatest/episode.jhtml?episodeID=106857|accessdate=June 9, 2015|series-link=The Greatest (TV series)|network=VH1|number=171}}</ref> The song was released in Japan as part of the EP ''[[Guns N' Roses (EP)|Live from the Jungle]]'', which also featured a selection of live recordings from the band's June 1987 dates at London's [[The Marquee]], the group's first shows outside the United States.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Guns N' Roses Marquee, London (two nights)|journal=Kerrang!|date=August 5, 1987|last=Dome|first=Malcolm|authorlink=Malcolm Dome|issue=151|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=148|accessdate=June 21, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Russell|first=Xavier|url=https://metalhammer.teamrock.com/reviews/1987-06-19/guns-n-roses-review-of-their-first-ever-uk-show|title=Guns N' Roses: Review Of Their First Ever UK Show|work=[[Metal Hammer]]|date=June 19, 1987|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205040328/http://metalhammer.teamrock.com/reviews/1987-06-19/guns-n-roses-review-of-their-first-ever-uk-show|archivedate=December 5, 2014|accessdate=June 21, 2015}}</ref> The song is the highest charting Guns N' Roses song, and is the band's only song to reach number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name="AllMusic Billboard Singles">{{cite web|title=Guns N' Roses Billboard Singles|publisher=AllMusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/guns-n-roses-p4416/charts-awards/billboard-singles|accessdate=December 18, 2011}}</ref>

After the success of "Sweet Child o' Mine", "Welcome to the Jungle" was re-issued as a single and reached No.&nbsp;7 in the U.S. By the time "[[Paradise City]]" and its video reached the airwaves, peaking at No.&nbsp;5 in the U.S., ''Appetite for Destruction'' had reached No.&nbsp;1 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. To date, the album has sold in excess of 30 million copies worldwide,<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|title=Guns N' Roses New Album Looms|publisher=Sky News|date=October 23, 2008|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Showbiz-News/Guns-N-Roses-To-Release-New-Album---Axl-Rose-Is-The-Only-Original-Remaining-Member/Article/200810415127112|accessdate=December 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213122711/http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Showbiz-News/Guns-N-Roses-To-Release-New-Album---Axl-Rose-Is-The-Only-Original-Remaining-Member/Article/200810415127112 |archive-date=February 13, 2009|dead-url=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/did-thriller-really-sell-a-hundred-million-copies|title=Did "Thriller" Really Sell a Hundred Million Copies?|author=Bill Wyman|date=January 4, 2013|work=The New Yorker|accessdate=September 17, 2015}}</ref> including 18 million units sold in the United States, making it the best-selling debut album of all time in the U.S, in addition to being the eleventh [[List of best-selling albums in the United States|best-selling album in the United States]].<ref name="RIAA Top 100">{{cite web|title=Top 100 Albums|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=top-100-albums|accessdate=December 18, 2011}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043884/ask-billboard-best-selling-debut-album-dido-australian-acts-trying-to-crack|title=Ask Billboard: Best Selling Debut Album, Dido, Australian Acts Trying To Crack The U.S. Market|work=Billboard|accessdate=August 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gc.guitarcenter.com/interview/mike-clink/|title=Mike Clink|publisher=Guitar Center|accessdate=August 12, 2015|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708033526/http://gc.guitarcenter.com/interview/mike-clink/|archivedate=July 8, 2015|df=}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.gunsnroses.com/releases/appetite_for_destruction|title=Appetite for Destruction|publisher=Guns N' Roses|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316212926/http://gunsnroses.com/releases/appetite_for_destruction|archivedate=March 16, 2015|accessdate=June 21, 2015|quote=As of September 2008, the album has been certified 18 times Platinum by the RIAA, accumulating worldwide sales in excess of 28 million as of October 2008}}</ref>

Guns N' Roses toured extensively in support of their debut album, embarking on the 16-month-long [[Appetite for Destruction Tour]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1987 Setlist Almanac|url=http://www.gnrontour.com/setlistalm87.htm|publisher=GNROnTour.com|accessdate=February 24, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=1988 Setlist Almanac|url=http://www.gnrontour.com/setlistalm88.htm|publisher=GNROnTour.com|accessdate=February 24, 2012}}</ref> In addition to headlining dates in Europe and the U.S., the band opened North American shows for [[The Cult]], [[Mötley Crüe]], and [[Alice Cooper]] throughout the second half of 1987. During the 1987 tour, drummer Steven Adler broke his hand in a fight, and was replaced for 8 shows by [[Cinderella (band)|Cinderella]] drummer [[Fred Coury]].<ref name="Coury">{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/steven-adler-breaks-hand-in-fight-25-most-destructive-guns-n-roses-moments/|title=Steven Adler Breaks Hand in Fight – 25 Most Destructive Guns N' Roses Moments|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|date=July 20, 2012|work=Loudwire|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref> Bassist Duff McKagan missed several shows in May 1988 to attend his wedding; [[Kid Chaos|Kid "Haggis" Chaos]] from The Cult filled in.<ref name="KidChaos">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-22048473|title=Ex-Guns N' Roses bassist Stephen Harris's Swansea reunion|first=Neil|last=Prior|date=April 7, 2013|work=BBC News|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref> [[Don Henley]] of the [[Eagles (band)|Eagles]] played drums for the band during the 1989 [[American Music Award|AMA]] show while Adler was in rehab.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-don-henley/|title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Don Henley|author=Matt Wardlaw|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|accessdate=September 7, 2015}}</ref>

The band proceeded to tour the United States, Australia and Japan, while serving as opening acts on North America shows by [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Aerosmith]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/readers-poll-the-ten-best-opening-acts-in-rock-history-20120711/8-aerosmith-guns-n-roses-1988-0478953|title=Reader's Poll: The 10 best opening acts in rock history: 8. Aerosmith/Guns N' Roses (1988)|date=July 11, 2012|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=September 7, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Wall|first=Mick|authorlink=Mick Wall|title=W.A.R.: The Unauthorized Biography of William Axl Rose|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IyM2nd4ZswwC&pg=PA135|accessdate=September 7, 2015|date=February 5, 2008|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-1-4299-2884-7|page=135|quote=In May, Guns N' Roses began opening the show for Iron Maiden.}}</ref> [[Tim Collins (manager)|Tim Collins]], Aerosmith's then-manager, remarked, "By the end of the tour, Guns N' Roses were huge. They basically just exploded. We were all pissed that ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' ''Magazine'' showed up to do a story on Aerosmith, but Guns N' Roses ended up on the cover of the magazine. Suddenly, the opening act was bigger than we were."<ref name="Wall2008">{{cite book|last=Wall|first=Mick|authorlink=Mick Wall|title=W.A.R.: The Unauthorized Biography of William Axl Rose|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IyM2nd4ZswwC&pg=PA137|accessdate=June 21, 2015|date=February 5, 2008|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-1-4299-2884-7|page=137}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The History of GN'R: The Shocking Truth 1988|publisher=HereTodayGoneToHell.com|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/history/history88.php|accessdate=December 19, 2011}}</ref>

====''G N' R Lies''====
[[Image:Izzy Stradlin 2012.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Izzy Stradlin]] was the band's rhythm guitarist from 1985 until 1991.]]

Guns N' Roses' next album, ''[[G N' R Lies]]'', was released in November 1988. It included the four recordings from the band's 1986 EP ''Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide'', as well as four new acoustic tracks. "[[Patience (Guns N' Roses song)|Patience]]", the only single released from ''G N' R Lies'', peaked at No.&nbsp;4 in the U.S., while the album itself reached No.&nbsp;2 on the ''Billboard'' 200. The album cover, a parody of [[tabloid journalism|tabloid]] newspapers, was modified after initial pressings to remove the headlines "Wife-beating has been around for 10,000 years" and "Ladies, welcome to the dark ages".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.time.com/2012/04/20/top-10-controversial-album-covers/slide/gun-n-roses-g-nr-lies/|title=Guns N' Roses, G N' R Lies - Top 10 Controversial Album Covers - TIME.com|work=TIME.com|accessdate=August 19, 2015|date=April 20, 2012}}</ref>

The song "[[One in a Million (Guns N' Roses song)|One in a Million]]" raised accusations of racism and [[homophobia]].<ref name="Goldstein89">{{cite news|last=Goldstein|first=Patrick|title=Behind the Guns N' Roses Racism Furor|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=October 15, 1989|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1989-10-15/entertainment/ca-485_1_axl-rose|accessdate=December 19, 2011}}</ref> Rose denied that he was a racist and defended his use of a racial slur, claiming that "it's a word to describe somebody that is basically a pain in your life, a problem. The word [[nigger]] doesn't necessarily mean black," although he later conceded that he had used the word as an insult towards [[black people]] who had tried to rob him.<ref name="James89">{{cite journal|last=James|first=Del|title=The Rolling Stone Interview with Axl Rose|journal=Rolling Stone|date=August 10, 1989|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=3|accessdate=December 19, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Neely92">{{cite journal|last=Neely|first=Kim|title=Axl Rose: The Rolling Stone Interview|journal=Rolling Stone|date=April 2, 1992|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=56|accessdate=December 19, 2011}}</ref> In response to the allegations of homophobia, Rose stated that he considered himself "pro-heterosexual" and blamed this attitude on "bad experiences" with gay men.<ref name="James89"/>

Guns N' Roses' late 1980s shows were often eventful for more than just the band's performance. During a November 1987 show in [[Atlanta]], Rose assaulted a security guard and was held backstage by police, while his band mates continued playing with a [[Road crew|roadie]] singing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/278325/ATLANTA-DECLINES-TO-BEAT-DRUMS-FOR-FIERY-SINGER.html?pg=all|title=Atlanta declines to beat drums for fiery singer|date=March 3, 1993|website=deseretnews.com |access-date=June 9, 2015|quote="Last time he was there in 1987 he brawled with security guards, punched an Atlanta cop and got arrested."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Axl Rose Assaults Security Guard – 25 Most Destructive Guns N' Roses Moments|last1=Hartmann|first1=Graham|publisher=Loudwire.com|url=http://loudwire.com/axl-rose-assaults-security-guard-25-most-destructive-guns-n-roses-moments/|accessdate=June 9, 2015}}</ref> Riots nearly broke out during two August 1988 shows in New York State. At England's [[Monsters of Rock]] festival, held that same month, two fans were crushed to death during the group's set by the [[slam-dancing]] crowd.<ref name="The Hard Truth">{{cite journal|last=Tannenbaum|first=Rob|title=The Hard Truth About Guns N' Roses|journal=Rolling Stone|date=November 17, 1988|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/the-hard-truth-about-guns-n-roses-19881117|accessdate=December 19, 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://everyrecordtellsastory.com/2012/06/05/guns-n-roses-at-donington-88-the-triumph-and-the-tragedy/ Guns n Roses at Donington '88 – The Triumph and The Tragedy] Every Record Tells A Story; June 5, 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Mick|last=Upton|url=http://www.safeconcerts.com/documents/Donintondisaster1988.pdf|title=Incident at Donington Monsters of Rock 1988|date=December 8, 1995|format=PDF}}</ref> During the first of four October 1989 dates opening for the [[Rolling Stones]] at the [[L.A. Coliseum]], Rose announced that the shows would be the group's last if certain members of the band did not stop "dancing with Mr. Brownstone," a reference to the band's [[Mr. Brownstone|song of the same name]] about heroin.<ref name="latimes">{{cite news|last=Hilburn|first=Robert|title=Still the Greatest|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=October 20, 1989|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-stones1989,0,4431367,full.story|accessdate=December 19, 2011}}</ref> Events such as these helped earn Guns N' Roses the moniker "The Most Dangerous Band in the World."<ref name="latimes" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=106|title=Meet 'The Most Dangerous Band in the World'&nbsp;...|date=1987|publisher=Kerrang! HereTodayGoneToHell.com |access-date=June 9, 2015}}</ref>

===International success and band turmoil (1990–1993)===

====''Use Your Illusion I'' and ''II''====
{{Main article|Use Your Illusion I|Use Your Illusion II}}

In 1990, Guns N' Roses returned to the studio to begin recording the band's most ambitious undertaking yet. Drummer [[Steven Adler]] was briefly fired from the band over his drug use, but he was reinstated after signing a contract in which he vowed to stop taking drugs.<ref name="KR">{{cite journal|last=Wall|first=Mick|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=4|title=Stick to Your Guns|journal=[[Kerrang]]|date=April 21, 1990|accessdate=June 1, 2011}}</ref> During the recording session of "[[Civil War (song)|Civil War]]", Adler was unable to perform well due to his struggles with cocaine and heroin addiction, and his difficulties in the studio caused the band to do nearly 30 takes.<ref name="adlerint">{{cite news|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=145|first=Dave|last=Ling|title=Steven Adler interview|publisher=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]; HTGTH.com|date=April 2005|accessdate=November 18, 2006|quote=Steven Adler: "Slash called me to say we had to record Civil War. I was so sick, I just couldn't do it. I went in there and tried to play the song 20, maybe 30 times. But I was so weak, my timing was like a rollercoaster. Every time we played it back they'd all shout at me, 'You're fucked up'."}}</ref> Adler claimed at the time he was sick from taking opiate blockers to try to kick his addictions.<ref name="adlerint"/> Adler was fired on July 11, 1990 as a result, and later filed a lawsuit against the band.<ref name="adlerint"/><ref name="EW">{{cite journal|last=DiMartino|first=Dave|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,315084,00.html|title=Guns N' Roses: Out of Control|journal=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=August 9, 1991|accessdate=June 1, 2011}}</ref> Adler recalled the reason for the lawsuit and recapped his firing in a 2005 interview:
{{blockquote|Doug Goldstein called me into the office about two weeks later. He wanted me to sign some contracts. I was told that every time I did heroin, the band would fine me $2,000. There was a whole stack of papers, with colored paper clips everywhere for my signatures. What these contracts actually said was that the band were paying me $2,000 to leave. They were taking my royalties, all my writing credits. They didn't like me anymore and just wanted me gone. That's why I filed the lawsuit - to get all those things back.<ref name="adlerint"/>}}

[[Martin Chambers]] ([[Pretenders (band)|Pretenders]]) and Adam Maples ([[Sea Hags]]) were considered for the vacant drum position.<ref>{{cite book|last=Stenning|first=Paul|date=2005|title=Guns N' Roses: The Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography|publisher=Chrome Dreams|page=92|isbn=978-1-84240-314-3|quote="After considering both Adam Maples and Martin Chambers for the drum seat, the band settled on The Cult drummer Matt Sorum"}}</ref> Jussi Tegelman, a drummer from local band Havana Black, assisted on drums in studio sessions before a permanent replacement was found.<ref>{{Cite web|year=2001|publisher=Here Today, Gone To Hell|url=[http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/misc/recordingsessions.html GNR Recording Sessions]|title=Guns N' Roses Recording Sessions|accessdate=March 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Aznar">{{cite book|last=Aznar|first=Thierry|title=CAMION BLANC: HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL 40 années de purgatoire - Tome 1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3wbWCQAAQBAJ&pg=PT553|accessdate=April 19, 2017|volume=1|publisher=CAMION BLANC|language=Spanish|isbn=978-2-35779-539-6|pages=553–}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Jussi Tegelman Bio|url=http://www.jussitegelman.com/jussitegelman.com/Bio.html |access-date=April 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518034738/http://www.jussitegelman.com/jussitegelman.com/Bio.html |archive-date=May 18, 2015|deadurl=yes|df=}}</ref> The position was filled by drummer [[Matt Sorum]], who had played briefly with [[The Cult]].<ref name="Slashint">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/the-rolling-stone-interview-slash-19910124?page=2|title=Slash: The Rolling Stone Interview|last1=Christensen|first1=Mark|last2=Friend|first2=Lonn|date=January 24, 1991|website=Rollingstone.com|publisher=[[Wenner Media LLC]] |access-date=May 19, 2015|quote="The fact that Matt could play and fit in was what saved us. If we hadn't found somebody, it would have ultimately been the demise of the band."}}</ref> Slash credited Sorum with preventing the band from breaking up at the time.<ref name="Slashint" />
[[File:14-06-08 RiP Walking Papers Duff McKagan 2.JPG|thumb|left|150px|[[Duff McKagan]] was the band's bassist from 1985 until 1997, returning in 2016.]]
In response to an interviewer's suggestion that replacing Adler with Sorum had turned Guns N' Roses from a rock 'n' roll band into a heavy metal one, Stradlin responded, "Yeah, a big musical difference. The first time I realized what Steve did for the band was when he broke his hand in Michigan. Tried to punch through a wall and busted his hand. So we had [[Fred Coury]] come in from [[Cinderella (band)|Cinderella]] for the Houston show. Fred played technically good and steady, but the songs sounded just awful. They were written with Steve playing the drums and his sense of swing was the push and pull that give the songs their feel. When that was gone, it was just&nbsp;... unbelievable, weird. Nothing worked."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chopaway.com/viewtopic.php?id=555|title=Izzy Stradlin / 1992 - Musician|publisher=Chopaway.com|date=January 22, 2009|accessdate=November 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016071636/http://www.chopaway.com/viewtopic.php?id=555 |archive-date=October 16, 2012|dead-url=yes}}</ref>
{{Listen
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|description=Sample of ''[[November Rain]]'' from ''[[Use Your Illusion I]]'', the longest song to reach top 10 of the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>''2000 Guinness World Records'' ISBN 0-553-58268-2</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/50_greatest_solos?page=0%2C4|title=50 Greatest Guitar Solos|date=January 29, 2009|work=Guitar World|accessdate=July 27, 2015}}</ref>
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A few months prior, keyboardist [[Dizzy Reed]] became the sixth member of the group when he joined as a full-time member.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.courant.com/1991-12-07/features/0000208581_1_roses-band-members-gilby-clarke|title=Guns N' Roses In Concert At Last: New Arrangement Of An Old Band|first=Roger|last=Catlin|date=December 7, 1991|work=tribunedigital-thecourant|accessdate=July 3, 2015}}</ref> Reed was previously bandmates with Matt Sorum in [[Johnny Crash]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockeyez.com/reviews/cd/johnny-crash/rev-unfinished.html|title=Rock Eyez Webzine: Johnny Crash- "Unfinished Business "- CD Review|work=rockeyez.com|accessdate=July 27, 2015}}</ref> The band fired its manager, [[Alan Niven]], replacing him with Doug Goldstein in May 1991.<ref name="Nivenfired" /> According to a 1991 cover story by ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine, Rose forced the dismissal of Niven (against the wishes of some of his band-mates) by refusing to complete the albums until he was replaced.<ref name="Nivenfired">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/15808339/guns_n_roses_outta_control_the_rolling_stone_cover_story/2|title=Guns N' Roses Outta Control: The Rolling Stone Cover Story|work=Rolling Stone|author=Neely, Kim|date=August 7, 2007|accessdate=August 23, 2007}}</ref>

With enough music for two albums, the band released both ''[[Use Your Illusion I]]'' and ''[[Use Your Illusion II]]'' on September 17, 1991.<ref>{{cite news|last=Watrous|first=Peter|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/18/arts/the-night-guns-n-roses-illusions-became-real.html|title=The Night Guns 'n' Roses' 'Illusions' Became Real|work=[[New York Times]]|publisher=[[Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr.]]|date=September 18, 1991|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016101554/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/18/arts/the-night-guns-n-roses-illusions-became-real.html|archivedate=October 16, 2013|accessdate=July 3, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/article/1991/12/27/axl-rose-one-1991s-great-entertainers|title=Axl Rose: One of 1991's great entertainers|first=David|last=Browne|date=December 27, 1991|work=ew.com|accessdate=July 3, 2015}}</ref> The tactic paid off when the albums debuted at No.&nbsp;2 and No.&nbsp;1 respectively in the [[Billboard magazine|Billboard]] charts, setting a record as the band became the only group to achieve this feat until hip-hop artist [[Nelly]] accomplished the same in 2004.<ref name="Iluc"/><ref name="Inc.2004">{{cite book|author=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|title=Billboard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tRMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA49|accessdate=July 1, 2015|date=October 2, 2004|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|pages=49–|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> The albums sold 770,000 units (''Use Your Illusion II'') and 685,000 units (''Use Your Illusion I'') in first week sales.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1991-12-05/entertainment/ca-1047_1_michael-jackson|title=Michael Jackson's 'Dangerous' Is No 'Thriller' : * Pop music: Sales of 326,500 copies are well below first-week figures for Guns N' Roses and Metallica.|first=Chuck|last=Philips|date=December 5, 1991|work=latimes|accessdate=July 3, 2015}}</ref> Both albums spent 108 weeks on the chart.<ref name="Iluc">{{cite web|url=http://www.gunsnroses.com/news/58872?theme=inline|title=Guns N Roses|author=Eddie @ GNR.com|date=January 30, 2012|work=Guns N Roses|accessdate=July 3, 2015}}</ref> The two albums have sold a combined 35 million copies worldwide,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tsort.info/music/faq_album_sales.htm|title=Which albums had the highest number of worldwide sales?|accessdate=March 14, 2012|date=December 15, 2007|publisher=TSORT}}</ref> as well as 14 million sold in the United States.<ref name="RIAA Top 100"/>

Guns N' Roses accompanied the ''Use Your Illusion'' albums with many videos, including "[[Don't Cry]]", "[[November Rain]]" and "[[Estranged (single)|Estranged]]", some of [[List of most expensive music videos|the most expensive music videos ever made]]. The hit ballad "November Rain" (No.&nbsp;3 US) became the most requested video on MTV, eventually winning the 1992 [[MTV Video Music Award]] for best cinematography. It is also the longest song in US chart history to reach the Top Ten, clocking in at 8:57. During the awards show, the band performed the song with [[Elton John]] accompanying on piano.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1992/|title=1992 MTV Video Music Awards|publisher=Mtv.com|accessdate=December 12, 2014}}</ref>

Both prior to and after the release of the albums, Guns N' Roses embarked on the 28-month-long [[Use Your Illusion Tour]]. It became famous for both its financial success and the many controversial incidents that occurred at the shows. The tour had 92 dates in 27 countries, with over seven million people attending concerts.<ref name="UYI" /> It is considered the 'longest tour in rock history'.<ref name="UYI" >{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/history/history93.php|title=Here Today&nbsp;... Gone To Hell! - Guns N' Roses History|work=heretodaygonetohell.com|accessdate=April 25, 2015}}</ref>

====Use Your Illusion Tour====
{{Main article|Use Your Illusion Tour}}
The Use Your Illusion World Tour program included a guitar solo from Slash based on ''[[The Godfather]]'' theme, a piano-driven cover of "It's Alright" by [[Black Sabbath]], and an extended jam on the classic rock-inspired "Move to the City", where the group showcased the ensemble of musicians assembled for the tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gnrsource.com/songinfo/le8793.htm|title=Live Era '87-'93|publisher=Gnrsource.com|accessdate=December 14, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204231657/http://gnrsource.com/songinfo/le8793.htm|archivedate=December 4, 2007| dead-url=yes}}</ref>

Many of the successful performances during the tour were overshadowed in the press by riots, late starts, and outspoken rants by Rose. While the band's previous drug and alcohol issues were seemingly under control, Rose was often agitated by lax security, sound problems, and unwanted filming or recording of the performances. He also used the time between songs to fire off political statements or retorts against music critics or celebrity rivals.

{{Main article|Riverport Riot}}

On July 2, 1991, at the [[Riverport Amphitheater]] in [[Maryland Heights, Missouri]], just outside [[St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis]], during a performance of "[[Rocket Queen]]", Rose discovered that a fan was filming the show with a camera. After asking the venue's security to take away the camera, Rose decided to take it himself, jumping into the audience and tackling the fan. He had a heated confrontation with the fan before physically assaulting him. After being pulled out of the audience by members of the crew, Rose said, "Well, thanks to the lame-ass security, I'm going home!", threw his microphone to the ground and stormed off the stage. The angry crowd rioted, injuring dozens. Footage was captured by [[Robert John (photographer)|Robert John]], who was documenting the entire tour. Rose was wanted by the police for inciting the riot, but police were unable to arrest him until almost a year later, as the band went overseas to continue the tour. Charges were filed against Rose, but a judge ruled that he did not directly incite the riot. In his defense, Rose stated that the Guns N' Roses security team had made four separate requests to the venue's security staff to remove the camera, all of which were ignored, and that other members of the band had reported being hit by bottles launched from the audience, while the security staff was refusing to enforce a drinking limit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=75|title=There's A Riot Going On!|publisher=heretodaygonetohell.com|date=September 1991}}</ref> As a result, ''Use Your Illusion's'' liner notes featured a hidden message amidst the ''Thank You'' section: "Fuck You, St. Louis!"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riverfronttimes.com/2004-06-30/music/a-little-patience/full/|title=A Little Patience|last1=Harper|first1=Jordan|date=June 30, 2004|website=riverfronttimes.com|publisher=Voice Media Group |access-date=May 8, 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Dizzy reed.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Dizzy Reed]] joined the band as keyboardist in 1990.]]

Rhythm guitarist [[Izzy Stradlin]] abruptly quit the band on November 7, 1991, after a repeat of the St. Louis incident nearly unfolded during a concert in Germany.<ref>{{cite web|last=Luukkonen|first=Jarmo|title=The History of GN'R: The Shocking Truth|publisher=HereTodayGoneToHell.com|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/history/index.html|accessdate=May 25, 2011}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite book|author1=Slash|author2=Anthony Bozza|title=Slash|date=October 30, 2007|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-135142-6|page=344}}</ref> Stradlin cited a combination of Rose's personal behavior, his mismanagement of the band, and difficulties being around Slash, Sorum, and McKagan, due to his new-found sobriety and their continuing alcohol and substance addictions.<ref name=autogenerated1 /><ref>{{cite journal|title=Izzy Stradlin interview with ''Musician Magazine''|year=1992|journal=''[[Musician (magazine)|Musician]]''|publisher=Billboard Publications Inc.|url=http://www.chopaway.com/viewtopic.php?id=555|accessdate=May 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311211209/http://www.chopaway.com/viewtopic.php?id=555 |archive-date=March 11, 2012|dead-url=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Slash|author2=Anthony Bozza|title=Slash|date=October 30, 2007|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-135142-6|page=337}}</ref> Stradlin later commented, "Once I quit drugs, I couldn't help looking around and asking myself, 'Is this all there is?' I was just tired of it; I needed to get out."<ref name="RS1998">{{cite journal|title=Interview with Rolling Stone|year=1998|journal=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=Wenner Media LLC|url=http://www.chopaway.com/viewtopic.php?id=525|accessdate=May 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225141704/http://www.chopaway.com/viewtopic.php?id=525 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=December 25, 2010}}</ref> Slash commented on finding a replacement, saying, "When Izzy left, we realized that we either had to find a new guitarist in three weeks or cancel a bunch of gigs. I had a piece of paper with about 30-odd candidates listed. Duff was looking around and Axl had his ideas, but nobody seemed right. For a while it looked like [[Dave Navarro]] from [[Jane's Addiction]] was going to join, but he couldn't get it together, so that never happened."<ref name="TBF">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=77|title=Trial by fire|first=Brad|last=Tolinski|date=November 1992|work=Guitar World|accessdate=April 25, 2015}}</ref> Stradlin was eventually replaced by Los Angeles-based guitarist [[Gilby Clarke]], whom Slash credited for saving the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.easyreadernews.com/6800/gilby-clarke-rides-again/|title=Gilby Clarke rides again|first=Mark|last=McDermott|date=May 26, 2010|work=Easy Reader News|accessdate=April 25, 2015}}</ref>

During many shows throughout the tour, Rose introduced Clarke to the audience, and Slash and Clarke would then play "[[Wild Horses (The Rolling Stones song)|Wild Horses]]", a Rolling Stones cover.<ref name="TBF" /> In late 1991, the band added a touring ensemble, which included a horns section and several background vocalists.<ref name=autogenerated4>{{cite book|first=Stephen|last=Davis|title=Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2NmZXj1MqqMC&pg=PA358|year=2008|publisher=Penguin Group|isbn=978-1-59240-377-6|pages=358–360}}</ref> In 1992, Clarke broke his arm in a motorcycle accident during the tour, and was replaced for several weeks by Stradlin.<ref name="Duswalt2014">{{cite book|author=Craig Duswalt|title=Welcome to My Jungle: An Unauthorized Account of How a Regular Guy Like Me Survived Years of Touring with Guns N' Roses, Pet Wallabies, Crazed Groupies, Axl Rose's Moth Extermination System, and Other Perils on the Road with One of the Greatest Rock Bands of All Time|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l1vZAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT147|date=May 13, 2014|publisher=BenBella Books|isbn=978-1-939529-81-7|pages=147–}}</ref>

In 1992, the band appeared at the [[The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert|Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert]], performing a three-song set.<ref name="QFM" /> Because of the controversial song "[[One in a Million (Guns N' Roses song)|One in a Million]]", activist group [[ACT UP]] demanded that the band be dropped from the bill, and urged other artists to shun the group and the crowd to boo it.<ref name="QFM"/> Members of [[Queen (band)|Queen]] dismissed the activists, with lead guitarist [[Brian May]] stating "People seem so blind. Don't they realize that the mere fact that Guns N' Roses are here is the biggest statement that you could get?"<ref name="QFM">{{cite web|url=http://www.queenarchives.com/index.php?title=Queen_-_06-25-1992_-_Rolling_Stone_-_Freddie_Mercury_Tribute|title=Queen Interviews - Queen - 06-25-1992 - Rolling Stone - Freddie Mercury Tribute - Queen Archives: Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon, Interviews, Articles, Reviews|date=June 25, 1992|work=queenarchives.com; Rolling Stone|accessdate=July 3, 2015}}</ref> Slash later performed "[[Tie Your Mother Down]]" with the remaining members of Queen and [[Def Leppard]] vocalist [[Joe Elliott]], while Rose performed "[[We Will Rock You]]" and sang a duet with [[Elton John]] on "[[Bohemian Rhapsody]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/freddie-mercury-tribute-concert-performances/|title=Top 10 Queen Performances From The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert|first=Ken|last=Kelley|date=April 2013|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|accessdate=July 3, 2015}}</ref> Their personal set included "Paradise City" and "[[Knockin' on Heaven's Door (Guns N' Roses song)|Knockin' on Heaven's Door]]". When the band returned to the US for the second leg of the Use Your Illusion Tour, Brian May opened the shows with [[The Brian May Band]].<ref name="LemieuxUnger2013">{{cite book|author1=Patrick Lemieux|author2=Adam Unger|title=The Queen Chronology: The Recording & Release History of the Band|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KgHxBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA99|accessdate=July 1, 2015|date=September 2013|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=978-0-9919840-4-6|pages=99–}}</ref>
Rose had originally wanted the [[grunge]] band (and Geffen labelmates) [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]] to open the band's Use Your Illusion Tour, but lead singer [[Kurt Cobain]] refused.<ref name="Azerrad1993">{{cite book|first=Michael|last=Azerrad|title=Come as You are: The Story of Nirvana|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=paO5uhKG58QC&pg=PA239|year=1993|publisher=Doubleday|isbn=978-0-385-47199-2|page=239}}</ref>

Later in the year, Guns N' Roses went on the [[Guns N' Roses/Metallica Stadium Tour]], with American heavy metal band [[Metallica]], being supported by [[Faith No More]], [[Motörhead]], and [[Body Count]]. During a show in August 1992 at [[Montreal|Montreal's]] [[Olympic Stadium (Montreal)|Olympic Stadium]], Metallica's lead singer [[James Hetfield]] suffered second degree burns to his hands and face after malfunctions with a [[pyrotechnics]] blast.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/11/news/riot-erupts-at-concert-starring-guns-n-roses.html|title=Riot Erupts at Concert Starring Guns 'n' Roses|author=''New York Times'' staff|date=August 11, 1992|website=nytimes.com|publisher=Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. |access-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref> Metallica was forced to cancel the second hour of the show, but promised to return to the city for another performance. After a long delay, during which the audience became increasingly restless, Guns N' Roses took the stage. However, the shortened time between sets did not allow for adequate tuning of stage monitors, resulting in members of G&nbsp;N'&nbsp;R not being able to hear themselves. In addition, Rose claimed that his throat hurt, causing the band to leave the stage early.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.celluloidandvinyl.com/2006/11/06/top-10-on-stage-rock-meltdowns/|title=Top 10 On Stage Rock Meltdowns|accessdate=July 19, 2007|author=amit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029184620/http://www.celluloidandvinyl.com/2006/11/06/top-10-on-stage-rock-meltdowns/ |archive-date=October 29, 2007|dead-url=yes}}</ref> The cancellation led to another audience riot, with three police officers and 10 rioters injured. Police made at least a dozen arrests related to the incident.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19920810&slug=1506703|title=Roses/Metallica Cancel Denver; Hetfield Burned, Out For 10 Days|author=Times Staff: Times News Services|date=August 10, 1992|publisher=The Seattle Times|access-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref>

The pyro incident and riot can be seen on video in ''[[A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica]]''.<ref name="BranniganWinwood2014" /> In a segment on the video, Hetfield mocked Rose and read his personal [[Rider (theater)|tour rider]], making fun of various items on the list.<ref name="BranniganWinwood2014" /> Rose responded by addressing the crowd during a later concert, labeling Hetfield a racist for his decision to pull [[Body Count]] from the tour, and called him a 'stupid little cocksucker' while bashing the rest of the band.<ref name="BranniganWinwood2014">{{cite book|author1=Paul Brannigan|author2=Ian Winwood|title=Into the Black: The Inside Story of Metallica (1991–2014)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mm5zAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT29|date=November 4, 2014|publisher=Da Capo Press, Incorporated|isbn=978-0-306-82189-9|pages=29–}}</ref> On [[VH1|VH1's]] [[Behind the Music]] documentary about Metallica, Hetfield stated that "We couldn't relate to Axl and his attitude." Other members of Metallica and Rose himself both stated that the two groups 'never really gelled'.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-rose-hetfield-picture-photo.html|title=Axl Rose vs. James Hetfield|author=Los Angeles Times|date=April 11, 2012|work=latimes.com|accessdate=April 25, 2015}}</ref>
{{ external media

| image1 =[http://www.la-razon.com/la_revista/espectaculos/Roses-MTV-Video-Music-Awards_LRZIMA20160105_0054_11.jpg Guns N' Roses receiving an MTV Video Music Award in 1992. From left to right: Duff McKagan, Gilby Clarke, Axl Rose, Slash, Dizzy Reed, Matt Sorum]

}}

In mid-1993, former drummer Steven Adler's lawsuit against the band was settled out of court; Adler received a back-payment check of $2,250,000 and 15% royalties for songs he recorded.<ref name="MS2">{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1138&Itemid=37|title=Part II: Steven Adler Ex-Guns N' Roses Drummer|publisher=Metal Sludge|date=January 22, 2006|accessdate=June 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927225414/http://www.metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1138&Itemid=37 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |dead-url= yes}}</ref><ref name="Melt">{{cite news|last=Kent|first=Nick|url=http://arts.guardian.co.uk/fridayreview/story/0,12102,867713,00.html|title=Meltdown|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=January 3, 2003|accessdate=June 1, 2011|location=London}}</ref>

The ''Use Your Illusion'' tour ended in [[Buenos Aires]], Argentina, on July 17, 1993. The tour set attendance records and lasted for 28 months, in which 194 shows were played. The show in Buenos Aires marked the last time that Sorum and Clarke would play a live show with Rose. It was also the last time Slash performed with Rose until rejoining the band in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-first-photos-of-axl-rose-and-slash-reunited-in-guns-n-roses-20160402|title=Guns N' Roses: See Video, First Photos of Axl Rose, Slash Reunited|first=Daniel|last=Kreps|date=April 2, 2016|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=April 10, 2016}}</ref>

====''"The Spaghetti Incident?"''====
{{Main article|"The Spaghetti Incident?"}}
[[Image:Gilby Clarke.JPG|thumb|left|upright|[[Gilby Clarke]] replaced Izzy Stradlin as rhythm guitarist, playing from 1991 to 1994.]]On November 23, 1993, Guns N' Roses released a collection of [[Punk rock|punk]] and [[glam rock]] covers entitled ''[["The Spaghetti Incident?"]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/the-spaghetti-incident-19931209|title=Rolling Stone The Spaghetti Incident? review|last1=Gold|first1=Jonathan|date=December 9, 1993|website=Rollingstone.com |access-date=May 7, 2015}}</ref> Izzy Stradlin's recorded guitar parts were replaced by Gilby Clarke.<ref name="Slashspag"/> Many of the tracks were recorded during the same sessions as the ''Illusions'' albums, which were originally intended to produce 3 or 4 albums.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/misc/recordingsessions.html|title=GN'R Recording Sessions|publisher=Here Today&nbsp;... Gone To Hell!|accessdate=November 11, 2010|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5mptVsB7b?url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/misc/recordingsessions.html|archivedate=January 16, 2010|deadurl=no|df=mdy}}</ref> Initially, the band was going to release a covers [[Extended play|EP]] in 1992 or 1993, but decided on making a full album and recorded more songs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gnrsource.com/songinfo/tsi.htm|title=The Spaghetti Incident?|accessdate=October 21, 2008|publisher=GnRsource|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822205030/http://gnrsource.com/songinfo/tsi.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archivedate=August 22, 2008}}</ref> Bassist [[Duff McKagan]] sings on many of the album's tracks and [[Hanoi Rocks]] frontman [[Michael Monroe]] appears on "[[Ain't It Fun (The Dead Boys song)|Ain't It Fun]]" as a guest vocalist. Slash described the recording of the album as "spontaneous and unpainted".<ref name="Slashspag">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=13|title=Guns N' Roses: Okej interview|first=Anders|last=Tegnér|date=November 1993|work=Okej; Here Today, Gone to Hell|access-date=May 7, 2015}}</ref> The title of the album is an [[inside joke]] referring to a [[food fight]] that occurred between Axl Rose and [[Steven Adler]]. During his lawsuit against the band, Adler's attorney described the food fight as "the Spaghetti Incident". The meaning was explained by drummer [[Matt Sorum]] in a 1994 interview with [[Much Music]] and confirmed by Slash in his autobiography, ''[[Slash (autobiography)|Slash]]''.

An [[Hidden Track|unadvertised cover]] of the [[Charles Manson]] song "[[Look at Your Game, Girl]]" was included on the album.<ref name="Manson cover" /> The track was kept secret, and was not included on advance tapes sent out to reviewers.<ref name="Manson cover" /> Band manager Doug Goldstein stated "There is a bonus track on the album, but Axl wants it to speak for itself," and that "It wasn't done for the critics or anybody else. It was a bonus for the fans."<ref name="Manson cover">{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1993-11-21/entertainment/ca-59128_1_charles-manson|title=It's No Illusion: Guns N' Roses Does Charles Manson|last1=Hochman|first1=Steve|date=November 21, 1993|website=LAtimes.com|publisher=Austin Beutner |access-date=May 7, 2015}}</ref> The inclusion of the song caused controversy, with law-enforcement and victims-rights groups expressing outrage.<ref name="Stickwith" /><ref name="baltsun" >{{cite web|url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1993-12-03/features/1993337105_1_charles-manson-record-a-song-spaghetti-incident|title=Guns N' Roses under fire for Manson 'bonus' song|last1=Considine|first1=J.D.|date=December 3, 1993|website=Baltimoresun.com|publisher=Timothy E. Ryan, Tribune Publishing |access-date=May 7, 2015}}</ref>

Rose claimed "the reason we didn't list that song on our album is we wanted to downplay it. We don't give any credit to Charles Manson on the album; it's like a hidden bonus truck [''sic'']."<ref name="manson" >{{cite web|url=http://www.oocities.org/rattlesnake_suitcase/qmanson94.htm|title=Bring Out The Manson|date=March 1994|publisher=Q Magazine |access-date=May 7, 2015}}</ref> The band considered removing the song from new pressings of the album, and [[David Geffen]] stated in a phone interview, "I would hope that if Axl Rose had realized how offensive people would find this, he would not have ever recorded this song in the first place. The fact that Charles Manson would be earning money based on the fame he derived committing one of the most horrific crimes of the 20th Century is unthinkable to me".<ref name="remove?" /> Slash mentioned that the song was "done with naive and innocent black humor on our part".<ref name="Stickwith" >{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1993-12-08/entertainment/ca-65317_1_charles-manson-song|title=Guns N' Roses to Stick With Manson Song on Album: Convict's royalties from 'Girl' will be paid to the son of one of those killed in a spree masterminded by the cult leader|last1=Philips|first1=Chuck|date=December 8, 1993|website=LAtimes.com|publisher=Austin Beutner, Tribune Publishing |access-date=May 7, 2015}}</ref> Rose stated he would donate all performance royalties from the song to a nonprofit environmental organization.<ref name="manson" /><ref name="remove?" >{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1993-12-01/local/me-62793_1_charles-manson|title=Guns N' Roses May Remove Manson Song From Album|last1=Philips|first1=Chuck|date=December 1, 1993|website=LAtimes.com|publisher=Austin Beutner |access-date=May 7, 2015}}</ref> Slash stated that the group intended to remove the song before the band decided to keep it after learning that royalties from the song would be donated to the Bartek Frykowski, the son of Wojciech Frykowski, a victim of Manson during the [[Tate-LaBianca murders|Tate Murders]].<ref name="Stickwith" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/26/us/victim-s-son-gets-manson-royalties.html|title=Victim's Son Gets Manson Royalties|date=December 26, 1993|website=NYtimes.com |access-date=May 7, 2015}}</ref> Geffen Records released a statement mentioning that the label's share of royalties would be donated to the [[Doris Tate]] Crime Victims Bureau.<ref name="Stickwith" /> Years later, Rose said the song would be removed from new pressings of the album, claiming that critics and the media had misinterpreted his interest in Manson.<ref name="Axlspeaks" /> Rose can be seen wearing a Manson shirt in the video for "[[Estranged (song)|Estranged]]" and during a concert in [[Milton Keynes]], England, in 1993. Rose explained wearing the shirt as "trying to make a statement" because "a lot of people enjoy playing me as the bad guy and the crazy. Sorry, I'm not that guy. I'm nothing like him."<ref name="manson" /> Despite the statement that the track would be removed, "Look at Your Game, Girl" is still featured on pressings of the album.

The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard charts, and sold 190,000 copies its first week.<ref name="baltsun" /> Despite initial success, ''"The Spaghetti Incident?"'' did not match the sales of the ''Illusion'' albums and its release consequently led to increased tension within the band.

===Member departures and sporadic activity (1994–1999)===
Interviews with Guns N' Roses band members suggest that between 1994 and 1996, the band sporadically began to write and record new material, most of which, according to Slash, had been written by Rose.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.snakepit.org/chat2.txt|title=Slash- October 16, 1996|date=October 16, 1996|accessdate=November 11, 2010|quote="At this point in time we have only been collaborating together. But we have been doing mostly Axl's material."}}</ref> Rose has stated the exact opposite in the open letter on the official Guns N' Roses website in 2008, saying that the album was mostly a "Slash album" and Rose was allowed very little input into the album.<ref>{{cite web|author=Rose, W. Axl|url=http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081216&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp|title=OPEN LETTER FROM AXL|publisher=Guns N' Roses|date=December 16, 2008|accessdate=November 11, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207082443/http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081216&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp|archivedate=February 7, 2009|quote="There's nothing but Slash based blues rock and he stopped it to both go solo and try to completely take over Guns&nbsp;... I was specifically told no lyrics, no melodies, no changes to anything and to sing what I was told or fuck off."}}</ref> According to Matt Sorum, in 1996, the band had recorded 7 songs, with 7 more in the writing stages, and intended to release a single album with 10 or 12 songs, with a release date of Spring 1997.<ref name="Sorum96" /> Sorum also mentioned that [[Slash's Snakepit]]'s debut album, ''[[It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (album)|It's Five O'Clock Somewhere]]'', "could have been a Guns N' Roses album, but Axl didn't think it was good enough."<ref name="Sorum96">{{cite web|url=http://qfg.info/misc/mattsorum96.txt|title=Matt Sorum - 1996|date=1996 |access-date=May 4, 2015|archivedate=July 28, 2002|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20020728093917/http://qfg.info/misc/mattsorum96.txt}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
{{Quote box |width=30%|align=right |quote = "We still needed the collaboration of the band as a whole to write the best songs.<br> Since none of that happened, that's the reason why that material got scrapped." |source = —Axl Rose<ref name="scrapp">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=82|title=GN'R press release with Axl interview|date=August 14, 2002|work=GNRonline.com|access-date= May 16, 2015}}</ref>}}
In May 1994, Gilby Clarke mentioned in an interview that there was "no 'next' Guns N' Roses album" adding, "We started working on one, and it got canned."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=60|title=War Of The Roses! (Gilby Clarke interview)|date=May 24, 1994|work=Kerrang! Issue 494|accessdate=April 25, 2015}}</ref> Sorum described the would-be album as "not as sophisticated as Illusion, but not as wild as Appetite".<ref name="Sorum96"/> The album was also described as consisting of "up-tempo rock songs" with "no ballads", according to Duff McKagan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mygnr.com/news/1996/960830.html|title=Guns N' Roses Enter Studio To Record New Album|work=Addicted to Noise|date=September 11, 1996|accessdate=November 16, 2015}}</ref> In a 2002 interview, Rose complimented the guitar work Slash had layed down, saying it was the "best playing [he's] done at least since Illusions".<ref>{{cite news|last=Sefany|first=Jones|title=Axl Rose Speaks Out On Guns N' Roses, Old and New|work=KNAC.com|date=August 15, 2002|url=http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=1250|accessdate=November 16, 2015}}</ref> Rose mentioned the material was scrapped due to the lack of collaboration between band members.<ref name="scrapp"/> He later told ''[[USA Today]]'' in a 2012 interview that he didn't write any music "for years" in the mid-1990s because of criticism from bandmates Slash and Duff McKagan, as well as ex-fiancee Stephanie Seymour.<ref name="USA Today">{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2012/10/30/axl-rose-on-gnr-music-more/1669329/|title=Exclusive: Axl Rose on GNR, truce and writer's block|last1=Gundersen|first1=Edna|date=October 30, 2012|website=USAtoday.com|publisher=Gannett Company |access-date=May 4, 2015|quote="(Rose stated) "Stephanie Seymour, Slash and Duff McKagan did more damage to my ability as a writer. To those three, it was all crap. It beat me down so much. Slash and Duff said, 'You're an idiot, you're a loser.' I didn't write for years."}}</ref>

In January 1994, Rose inducted Elton John into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]], and later that night performed a duet with [[Bruce Springsteen]] on a cover of [[The Beatles]] song "[[Come Together]]".<ref name="fbp" >{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/17-bruce-springsteen-collaborations-from-chuck-berry-to-lada-gaga-20110124/come-together-with-axl-rose-0473719|title='Come Together' With Axl Rose|date=January 24, 2011|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=April 25, 2015}}</ref> It was Rose's final public performance for six years.<ref name="fbp" /> Also in 1994, all of the members of the band at the time contributed to Gilby Clarke's debut album, ''[[Pawnshop Guitars]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/pawnshop-guitars-mw0000112792|title=Allmusic: Gilby Clarke's Pawnshop Guitars|website=Allmusic.com|publisher=All Media Network, LLC |access-date=May 7, 2015}}</ref>

In December 1994, Guns N' Roses released a cover recording of the [[Rolling Stones]]' "[[Sympathy for the Devil]]".<ref name="symph" >{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=125|title=Four Bust-ups And A Single!|date=November 1994|work=RAW magazine|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> The song appeared in the films ''[[Interview with the Vampire]]'' and ''[[Fallen (1998 film)|Fallen]]''. The song was also released separately as a single. [[Entertainment Weekly]] stated that the 'note-for-note remake works up a decent lather but seems utterly bankrupt'.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/article/1994/12/16/ew-takes-look-1994s-movie-soundtracks|title=EW takes a look at 1994's movie soundtracks|first=David|last=Browne|date=1994|work=Entertainment Weekly's EW.com|accessdate=April 25, 2015}}</ref> It is the final Guns N' Roses track to feature Slash on lead guitar, Duff McKagan on bass, and Matt Sorum on drums. The song also featured Rose's childhood friend and [[Hollywood Rose]] collaborator [[Paul Tobias|Paul "Huge" Tobias]] on rhythm guitar.<ref name="symph" /> Tobias's presence on the track and in the band created tension, reportedly Slash had '(both) creative and personal differences' with Tobias.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=6|title=The Guns 'N Roses Report|date=January 13, 1997|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; addict.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015|quote="Huge's presence didn't sit well with Slash, who reportedly has "creative and personal" differences with the latest Rose writing collaborator, which played a part in his decision to leave the band."}}</ref> A 2001 interview revealed Slash told his bandmates in September 1996, "I'm going to confront it. Either Paul goes, or [I go]."<ref name="sor"/>

[[Image:Zakk Wylde 1.jpg|thumb|upright|Guitarist [[Zakk Wylde]] played with the band for several weeks and was considered as a potential second guitarist in 1995.]]

Gilby Clarke's contract was not renewed and he was gone from the band by 1995.<ref name="symph" /> Slash stated in [[Slash (autobiography)|his book]] that Rose fired Clarke without consulting anyone, claiming he was only a "hired hand".<ref>{{cite book|author1=Slash|author2=Anthony Bozza|title=Slash|date=October 30, 2007|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-135142-6|page=576}}</ref> Clarke was not involved in the recording of 'Sympathy for the Devil', stating "I knew that that was the ending [of Clarke's involvement in Guns N' Roses] because nobody told me about it. Officially I was in the band at that time, and they did that song without me".<ref name="Clarkefinal" /> Clarke also mentioned that before the final show of the ''Use Your Illusion Tour'', Rose came up to him and told him "Hey, enjoy your last show".<ref name="Clarkefinal" >{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/gilby-clarke-final-guns-n-roses-gig/|title=Gilby Clarke Opens Up About His Final Guns N' Roses Gig|first=Jeff|last=Giles|date=October 11, 2014|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|accessdate=April 25, 2015|quote="My official end was actually at the last show of the last tour," he continued. "Axl was jokingly saying 'bye' to everybody, but he was really saying 'bye' to everybody. He even came up to me and said, 'Hey, enjoy your last show.'"}}</ref> Clarke later sued the band over the use of his likeness in [[Guns N' Roses (pinball)|Guns N' Roses Pinball]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/book-excerpt-duff-mckagan-recalls-the-bitter-dispute-over-the-guns-n-roses-pinball-machine-5557829|title=Book Excerpt: Duff McKagan Recalls the Bitter Dispute Over the Guns N' Roses Pinball Machine|author=L.A. Weekly staff|date=May 11, 2015|website=LAweekly.com|publisher=Beth Sestanovich; Voice Media Group|access-date=May 16, 2015|quote="...&nbsp;it was a forgone conclusion that Gilby would be in the band&nbsp;... his picture was included on the big mural on the game&nbsp;... suddenly (he) wasn't in the band anymore. Gilby sued us for using his likeness on the machine"}}</ref>

In 1996, Rose, Slash, McKagan, and former member Izzy Stradlin all appeared as guests on [[The Outpatience]] debut album [[Anxious Disease]], a band featuring Guns N' Roses collaborator [[West Arkeen]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429815/g-n-r-songwriter-west-arkeen-dies/|title=G n' R Songwriter West Arkeen Dies|date=June 2, 1997|website=MTV.com|publisher=Viacom |access-date=July 2, 2015|quote=The album boast strong G n' R connections: Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan appear as guests (Rose sings backup on the title track), and former G n' R member Izzy Stradlin co-wrote one of the songs}}</ref>

The recording of "Sympathy for the Devil", as well as tension between him and Rose, led Slash to quit the band officially in October 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oocities.org/rattlesnake_suitcase/tg1997.htm|title=Total Guitar-Slash, Rock and Roses 1997|first=Gary|last=Graft|date=January 1997|work=oocities.org; Total Guitar|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> Rose sent a fax notifying MTV of Slash's departure, with Slash responding "Axl and I have not been capable of seeing eye to eye on Guns N' Roses for some time. We tried to collaborate, but at this point, I'm no longer in the band."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429823/g-n-rs-blizzard-of-acrimony/|title=G n' R's Blizzard Of Acrimony|author=MTV News Staff|date=November 8, 1996|work=MTV News|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> Slash also stated, "Axl's whole visionary style, as far as his input in Guns N' Roses, is completely different from mine. I just like to play guitar, write a good riff, go out there and play, as opposed to presenting an image."<ref name="gnrname"/>

Slash was replaced by [[Nine Inch Nails]] touring guitarist [[Robin Finck]] in January 1997, who signed a two-year contract with the band in August 1997, making him an official member.<ref name="Clink" >{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429816/guns-go-clink/|title=Guns Go Clink|author=MTV News Staff|date=May 22, 1997|work=MTV News|accessdate=April 24, 2015|quote="sources say former Nine Inch Nails guitarist Robin Finck will be the new primary axe-slinger. Finck is said to be replacing Slash who left the band last year over creative differences"}}</ref> Finck was originally recommended by Matt Sorum to Rose a year earlier as a possible second guitarist to complement Slash.<ref name="sor"/> Slash's departure was followed shortly thereafter by Matt Sorum in April 1997, who was fired by Rose after getting in an argument about Tobias's inclusion in the band.<ref>{{cite news|last=Harkness|first=Geoff|url=http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2001/jun/28/seven_questions_with/|title=SEVEN QUESTIONS with Matt Sorum of The Cult|work=Lawrence Journal-World|date=June 28, 2001|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914002401/http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2001/jun/28/seven_questions_with/|archivedate=September 14, 2008|accessdate=July 3, 2015|quote=Axl were having some differences in the musical direction. In '97 I got into an argument with Axl about the state of the band. He'd brought in another guitar player, Paul Huge, and none of us really wanted to play with him. Axl really wanted him in the band and we didn't really want to play with the guy. Me and Duff were showing up, trying to be professional and get the work done but it just didn't seem to be going anywhere, and obviously it still hasn't}}</ref> Sorum later stated Tobias was the "[[Break-up of the Beatles#Yoko Ono|Yoko Ono]] of Guns N' Roses".<ref name="sor">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=42|title=Didn't You Used To Be Axl Rose?|date=May 2001|publisher=Q Magazine |access-date=July 2, 2015}}</ref> McKagan was the last of the ''Appetite'' lineup to leave, resigning as bassist in August 1997.<ref name="McKQuits">{{cite book|last=McKagan|first=Duff|year=2011|title=It's so Easy (and other lies)|publisher=Touchstone|page=123|isbn=978-1-4516-0664-5|editors=Stacy Creamer|others=Collaboration by Tim Mohr}}</ref> McKagan had recently become a father and wrote about his decision to leave in his autobiography, stating "Guns had been paying rent on studios for three years now—from 1994 to 1997—and still did not have a single song. The whole operation was so erratic that it didn't seem to fit with my hopes for parenthood, for stability."<ref name="McKQuits"/> McKagan was replaced later that year by former [[The Replacements (band)|Replacements]] bassist [[Tommy Stinson]].<ref name="99his">{{cite web|title=The History of GN'R: The Shocking Truth 1996–99|publisher=HereTodayGoneToHell.com|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/history/history9699.php|accessdate=July 2, 2015}}</ref> An actual break-up of Guns N' Roses never occurred, as new players were brought in as the old ones left. Rose reportedly purchased the full rights to the Guns N' Roses name in 1997.<ref name="gnrname">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/508988/axl-rose-buys-guns-n-roses-name/|title=Axl Rose Buys "Guns N' Roses" Name|first=Mark|last=Brown|date=January 30, 1997|work=MTV News|accessdate=April 24, 2015|quote="Guns N' Roses leader Axl Rose has bought the rights to the name "Guns N' Roses," and can put out any music he wants under that moniker, played by anyone he chooses"}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=7|title=Axl Rose Buys "Guns N' Roses" Name|first=Mark|last=Brown|date=January 30, 1997|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; Addicted To Noise|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> Slash claimed he and bandmates signed over the name in duress, stating "Axl refused to go onstage one night during the Use Your Illusion tour in 1992 unless the band signed away the name rights to the band. Unfortunately, we signed it. I didn't think he'd on stage otherwise."<ref name="bandname" >{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/did-axl-rose-swindle-guns-n-roses-and-steal-slashs-song-a-guide-to-roses-online-rants-20081215|title=Axl Rose on stealing Slash's song and other online rants - Rolling Stone|first=Andy|last=Greene|date=December 15, 2008|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> Rose denied the claim, saying "(it) Never happened, all made up, fallacy and fantasy. Not one single solitary thread of truth to it. Had that been the case I would have been cremated years ago legally, could've cleaned me out for the name and damages. It's called under duress with extenuating circumstances."<ref name="bandname" />

Rose auditioned multiple potential band members, including [[Chris Vrenna]], [[Zakk Wylde]], [[Dave Abbruzzese]], and [[Michael Bland]].<ref name="LLC1999">{{cite book|author=SPIN Media LLC|title=SPIN|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I5x8l8IaNUMC&pg=PA93|date=July 1999|publisher=SPIN Media LLC|pages=93–|issn=0886-3032|quote="Over the course of 1996 and 1997, Rose briefly adds guitarist Zakk Wylde, drum programmer Chris Vrenna, and former Pearl Jam drummer Dave Abruzzese."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/zakk-guns-and-roses-0105-2012.aspx|title=What Could Have Been: Zakk Wylde Talks Guns N' Roses|publisher=gibson.com|first=Peter|last=Hodgson|date=January 5, 2012|accessdate=May 19, 2014|quote="It could have been one of the most interesting heavy music collaborations in rock history: Zakk Wylde as a member of Guns N' Roses&nbsp;... And it very nearly happened in the mid-1990s"}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=65|title="I Spent A Week Jammin' With Guns N' Roses". Zakk Wylde to join GN'R?!|work=Kerrang! issue 530|date=January 28, 1995|accessdate=May 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/zakk-wylde-what-guns-n-roses-would-have-sounded-if-he-had-joined|title=Zakk Wylde on What Guns N' Roses Would Have Sounded Like If He Had Joined|last1=Hart|first1=Josh|date=January 5, 2012|website=guitarworld.com|publisher=New Bay media |access-date=April 30, 2015|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108195231/http://www.guitarworld.com/zakk-wylde-what-guns-n-roses-would-have-sounded-if-he-had-joined|archivedate=January 8, 2012|df=mdy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moderndrummer.com/site/2006/08/michael-bland-2/|title=Michael Bland|first=Billy|last=Amendola|date=August 1, 2006|work=Modern Drummer Magazine|accessdate=August 18, 2015}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' reported in April 1997 that the lineup of Guns N' Roses was Rose, McKagan, Tobias, Finck & Vrenna.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=11|title=APPETITE FOR DECONSTRUCTION|author=Rolling Stone Staff|date=April 4, 1997|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; Rolling Stone magazine|accessdate=April 24, 2015|quote="Rolling Stone's Random Notes Daily News reports that this is the current GN'R line-up:Vocals: Axl Rose, Bass: Duff McKagan, Rhythm Guitar: Paul Huge, Lead Guitar: Robin Finck (ex Nine Inch Nails), Drums: Chris Vrenna (ex Nine Inch Nails.")}}</ref> Dizzy Reed's roommate and friend Sean Riggs participated with the group as a studio drummer sporadically during these years, receiving writing credits on "Oh My God".<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1995-07-18/local/me-25277_1_drunk-driving Drunk-Driving Case Puts Rocker on Trial]</ref><ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1995-07-24/entertainment/ca-27261_1_stallone-s-movie LA Times tidbit]</ref>

[[Josh Freese]] was ultimately hired to replace Sorum on drums, joining in the summer of 1997. By the end of 1998, a new version of Guns N' Roses had emerged: vocalist [[Axl Rose]], bassist [[Tommy Stinson]], drummer [[Josh Freese]], lead guitarist [[Robin Finck]], rhythm guitarist [[Paul Tobias]], keyboardist [[Dizzy Reed]], and multi-instrumentalist [[Chris Pitman]].

Geffen released an edited single disc version of the ''Illusion'' albums in 1998, entitled ''[[Use Your Illusion]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/releases/use-your-illusion/index.html|title=Here Today&nbsp;... Gone To Hell! Guns N' Roses "Use Your Illusion"|work=heretodaygonetohell.com|accessdate=September 22, 2015}}</ref> In November 1999, the label released ''[[Live Era '87–'93]]'', a collection of live performances from various concerts during the ''Appetite for Destruction'' and ''Use Your Illusion'' tours.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=182|title=Guns N' Roses To Release Two-CD Live Set|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=October 16, 1999|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; Music News Of The World|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> Former guitarist Slash described the selection of songs of the album as a "very mutual effort",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=186|title=Track List Revealed for Live G n' R Set|first=Richard|last=Skanse|date=October 29, 1999|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; Rolling Stone magazine|accessdate=April 24, 2015|quote=""Believe it or not, it's still a very mutual effort," Slash said of the long process of selecting material. "All things considered, it's as close as we ever got."}}</ref> further adding "the live album was one of the easiest projects we all worked on. I didn't actually see Axl, but we communicated via the powers that be."<ref>Guitar World Presents: Guitar Legends - Slash #76 pg.17</ref>
{{multiple image|total_width=600|align=center
|footer =[[Tommy Stinson]], [[Chris Pitman]], [[Bryan Mantia|Bryan "Brain" Mantia]], [[Robin Finck]] & [[Josh Freese]] all joined the band in the late 90s.
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|width4= 430 |height4= 748|image4=Download Feastival 2006 -1 (cropped).jpg
|width5= 1042|height5=1759|image5=The Vandals 2011-12-18 06 (cropped).JPG
}}

===The "new" Guns N' Roses and ''Chinese Democracy'' (1999–2008)===
<!-- Please refer to the "new" Guns N' Roses vs. New "Guns N' Roses" section on the talk page before changing this.-->
{{Main article|Chinese Democracy|Chinese Democracy Tour}}

A new Guns N' Roses album had reportedly been in the works since 1994, with Rose the only original member still in the band.<ref name="NYT" /> [[Moby]] was reported to be producing with Guns N' Roses in 1997, with work that sources described as "sounding different from the sound you know&nbsp;... definitely electronic influenced."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=8|title=Moby To Produce Guns N' Roses?|first=John|last=Bitzer|date=March 18, 1997|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; Allstarmag.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=9|title=Guns N' Roses To Go Techno?|date=March 19, 1997|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; addict.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> [[Mike Clink]], who had previously produced every Guns N' Roses album, was also attached to produce in May 1997.<ref name="Clink" /> In April 1998, Moby was replaced by [[Martin Glover|Youth]], and the album was still in the writing stages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=52|title=Axl Rose Finds A Producer&nbsp;... Yet Again|author=MTV News Staff|date=April 22, 1998|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; MTV.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015|quote="Youth and the band are still months away from recording. Rose and cohorts are reportedly still in writing mode with no completed songs at this time."}}</ref> In July 1998, journalist [[Neil Strauss]] indicated that an '[[electronica]] influenced' album by a new Guns N' Roses lineup was due in 1999.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/23/arts/the-pop-life-failure-s-hard-but-success-can-be-worse.html|title=THE POP LIFE; Failure's Hard But Success Can Be Worse|last1=Strauss|first1=Neil|date=July 23, 1998|website=NYtimes.com|publisher=Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr.|access-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' stated that the label planned for the album to be released in late 1999.<ref name="produce" >{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-eye-producer-19980918|title=Guns n' Roses Eye Producer|first=Sorelle|last=Saidman|date=September 20, 1998|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=April 24, 2015|quote="Sources at Geffen say the company is hoping for a mid-1999 release of the new album"}}</ref> By August 1999, the band had recorded over 30 songs for the album, tentatively titled ''2000 Intentions''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=27|title=Guns N' Roses 2-part article|first=Dave|last=Everley|date=August 21, 1999|work=Kerrang!|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> September 1999 saw Youth being replaced by producer Sean Beaven.<ref name="produce" />

In November 1999, during an interview with [[Kurt Loder]] for [[MTV]], Rose said that he had re-recorded ''[[Appetite for Destruction]]'' with the then-new band, apart from two songs which he had replaced with "[[Patience (Guns N' Roses song)|Patience]]" and "[[You Could Be Mine]]".<ref name="Loder99" >{{cite web|url=http://heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=200|first=Kurt|last=Loder|title=Axl Rose - A conversation with Kurt Loder|work=MTV US|publisher=heretodaygonetohell.com; MTV|date=November 3, 1999}}</ref> During the interview, Rose announced the title of the upcoming album ''[[Chinese Democracy]]'', stating:

{{quote|There's a lot of [[Democracy in China|Chinese democracy movements]], and it's something that there's a lot of talk about, and it's something that will be nice to see. It could also just be like an ironic statement. I don't know, I just like the sound of it. (The album has) a lot of different sounds. There's some heavy songs, there's a lot of aggressive songs, but they're all in different styles and different sounds. It is truly a melting pot.<ref name="Loder99" />}}

Band manager Doug Goldstein stated in November 1999 that the band had 'almost finished' recording the music, and the album was due out some time in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=195|title=Axl Rose Describes Upcoming Album|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=November 10, 1999|work=Music News Of The World|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> Later that month, the band released a new song, the [[Industrial rock|industrial]] styled "[[Oh My God (Guns N' Roses song)|Oh My God]]", which was included on the soundtrack of the film ''[[End of Days (film)|End of Days]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429778/oh-my-god-guns-n-roses-finally-has-a-new-song/|title="Oh My God," Guns N' Roses Finally Has A New Song|last1=Saidman|first1=Sorelle|date=September 8, 1999|website=MTV.com|publisher=Viacom |access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref> The track featured additional guitar work by [[Dave Navarro]] and Gary Sunshine, Rose's personal guitar teacher.<ref name="ARSO" >{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-speaks-out-19990922|title=Axl Speaks Out|first=Richard|last=Skanse|date=September 22, 1999|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> Rose claimed that former members [[Duff McKagan]] and [[Matt Sorum]] had 'failed to see the potential' of the song and had no interest in recording or playing the piece.<ref name="ARSO" />
{{multiple image
| footer = [[Buckethead]] was the band's lead guitarist from 2000 to 2004, while [[Richard Fortus]] joined on rhythm guitar in 2002.
| image1 = Bucketheadgnr.jpg
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| image2 = Richard Fortus GunsNRoses.jpg
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}}

In August 1999, guitarist Robin Finck departed to rejoin his former band, [[Nine Inch Nails]], on tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=149|title=Robin Finck Leaves Guns N' Roses, Rejoins Nine Inch Nails|first=Carrie|last=Borzillo|date=August 4, 1999|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; allstarnews.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> In March 2000, [[avant-garde]] guitarist Brian Carroll, more commonly referred to as [[Buckethead]], joined Guns N' Roses as a replacement for Finck.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1458813/beneath-the-bucket-behind-the-mask-kurt-loder-meets-gnrs-buckethead/|title=Beneath The Bucket, Behind The Mask: Kurt Loder Meets GN'R's Buckethead|last1=Loder|first1=Kurt|date=November 21, 2002|website=MTV.com |access-date=May 16, 2015|quote="But what sets (Brian) Carroll decisively apart from the pack is the outré "Buckethead" persona he's so painstakingly created."}}</ref><ref name="lineupchng" >{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=234|title=Buckethead In, Freese Out|first=Sorelle|last=Saidman|date=March 15, 2000|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; MTV.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> Also in March 2000, drummer Josh Freese left the band, being replaced with [[Bryan Mantia|Bryan "Brain" Mantia]] (formerly of [[Primus (band)|Primus]]).<ref name="lineupchng" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=233|title=Josh Freese Leaves Guns N' Roses|first=Kevin|last=Raub|date=March 14, 2000|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; Allstarmag.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> Mantia, a childhood friend of Carroll's, had previously worked with Buckethead in several bands, including [[Praxis (band)|Praxis]]. Robin Finck returned to the band in late 2000, to complement Buckethead on lead guitar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=297|title=Guns N' Roses Make Buckethead, Robin Finck, & Bob Ezrin Official|author=Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna|date=October 30, 2000|work=heretodaygonetohell.com; Allstarmag.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> [[Queen (band)|Queen]] guitarist [[Brian May]] and former Queen producer [[Roy Thomas Baker]] worked with the band in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429766/axl-records-with-queen-producer/|title=Axl Records With Queen Producer|first=Sorelle|last=Saidman|date=April 28, 2000|work=MTV News|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> With the album nearing completion in mid-2000, Baker convinced Rose to re-record the entire album, causing further delays.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://grantland.com/features/justin-timberlake-daft-punk-chinese-democracy-effect/|title=Building a Better Democracy|last1=Hyden|first1=Steven|date=July 23, 2013|website=Grantland.com|publisher=ESPN; Grantland|access-date=May 17, 2015|quote="Rose hired Queen producer Roy Thomas Baker to help shepherd the album to completion. Only Baker did the opposite — he talked Axl into rerecording all of the songs, in spite of the monumental expense"}}</ref>

In an interview with ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' in February 2000, Rose played several songs of the upcoming album to reporters, including "[[Chinese Democracy (song)|Chinese Democracy]]", "Catcher in the Rye", "I.R.S.", "[[Street of Dreams (Guns N' Roses song)|The Blues]]", "There was a Time" and "Oklahoma".<ref name="Axlspeaks" /> Rose mentioned that part of the delay of the new album was him 'educating himself about the technology that's come to define rock', stating that "it's like from scratch, learning how to work with something, and not wanting it just to be something you did on a computer."<ref name="Axlspeaks" /> ''Rolling Stone'' described the album as "[[Led Zeppelin]]'s [[Physical Graffiti]] remixed by [[Beck]] and [[Trent Reznor]].<ref name="Axlspeaks" /> Rose mentioned that the expense of the record would be negated by the recording sessions yielding multiple albums, including a record that is "more industrial and electronica-influenced than Chinese Democracy".<ref name="Axlspeaks" /> At that point, the album had gone through multiple producers, including [[Martin Glover|Youth]], [[Moby]], [[Mike Clink]], [[Roy Thomas Baker]], [[Eric Caudieux]]. At the time, [[Sean Beavan]] was producing, but Caram Costanzo and Axl Rose became the final credited producers on the album.<ref name="Axlspeaks" >{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/axl-speaks-20000203?page=3|title=Rolling Stone 833: Axl Speaks|first=David|last=Wild|date=February 3, 2000|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Clink" /><ref name="produce" /> The album had been completely re-recorded several times with varying musicians and producers.<ref name="NYT" /> In a 2001 interview, Rose described the album as having "all kinds of styles, many influences as blues, mixed in the songs" and said that it was "not [[Industrial rock|industrial]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=38|title=Axl interview Rock & Pop FM Argentina|date=January 22, 2001|website=HereTodayGoneToHell.com|publisher=Rock & Pop FM, |access-date=June 13, 2015}}</ref>

Describing why he continued using the Guns N' Roses name, instead of labeling the upcoming album an 'Axl Rose solo album', Rose stated "It is something I lived by before these guys were in it. And there were other people in Guns n' Roses before them, you know. I contemplated letting go of that, but it doesn't feel right in any way. I am not the person who chose to try to kill it and walked away. It's not an Axl Rose album, even if it's what I wanted it to be. Everybody is putting everything they've got into singing and building. Maybe I'm helping steer it to what it should be built like."<ref name="Axlspeaks" /> Also in the interview, Rose attributed the breakup of the old lineup to [[Addiction|drug addiction]]s and 'an effort from inside the band to destroy him', stating "There was an effort to bring me down. It was a king-of-the-mountain thing," and that he "needed to take control to survive".<ref name="Axlspeaks" /> Rose also described the dissolution as "a divorce".<ref name="Axlspeaks" />

Jim Barber, a former [[Artists and repertoire|A&R executive]] with [[Geffen Records|Geffen]] stated that the new album "reminded me of the best moments of Seventies [[Pink Floyd]] or later Led Zeppelin. There's nothing out there right now that has that kind of scope. Axl hasn't spent the last several years struggling to write Use Your Illusion over again."<ref name="WHTA">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/articles/showarticle.php?articleid=32|title=What Happened To Axl Rose - The inside story of rock's most famous recluse|date=May 11, 2000|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref>

Eight years after the previous Guns N' Roses concert, the band made a public appearance in January 2001 with two well-received concerts: one in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]] and one at the [[Rock in Rio]] Festival in [[Rio de Janeiro]].<ref name="NYT" /> The band played both songs from previous albums and songs from then-unreleased ''Chinese Democracy''. During the band's Rock in Rio set, Rose made the following comment regarding former members of the band:

{{Quote|I know that many of you are disappointed that some of the people you came to know and love could not be with us here today. Regardless of what you have heard or read, people worked very hard (meaning my former friends) to do everything they could so that I could not be here today. I am as hurt and disappointed as you that unlike [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]], we could not find a way to all get along.<ref name=autogenerated5>{{cite book|first=Mick|last=Wall|title=W.A.R.: The Unauthorized Biography of William Axl Rose|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IyM2nd4ZswwC|date=February 5, 2008|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-1-4299-2884-7|page=289}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/17/arts/17POPL.html|title=Rock in Rio Festival - For Fun and a Better World|date=January 17, 2001|first=Neil|last=Strauss|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=August 28, 2015}}</ref>}}
{{ external media

| image1 =[http://www.gettyimages.com/event/guns-n-roses-75169580#guns-n-roses-during-2002-mtv-vma-guns-n-roses-at-radio-city-music-in-picture-id109936293 Buckethead and Rose performing with Guns N' Roses during the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards.]

}}

The group played a further two shows in Las Vegas at the end of 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1451313/guns-n-roses-ante-up-for-another-new-years-eve-in-vegas/|title=Guns N' Roses Ante Up For Another New Year's Eve In Vegas|last1=Moss|first1=Corey|date=December 4, 2001|website=MTV.com|access-date=May 17, 2015}}</ref> Former guitarist Slash claimed that he tried to attend a show and was turned away at the door by security.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=101322|title=Slash Barred From Guns N' Roses Show|last1=Mancini|first1=Al|date=December 31, 2001|website=ABCnews.com|publisher=American Broadcasting Company |access-date=May 17, 2015|quote="Speaking briefly with ABCNEWS Radio, Slash said he tried to get in, but couldn't. A security guard confirmed his account, blaming band frontman Axl Rose for the exclusion"}}</ref> Due to his frustrations with touring, rhythm guitarist Paul Tobias left the band in 2002 and was replaced by [[Richard Fortus]] (formerly of [[The Psychedelic Furs]] and [[Love Spit Love]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=470|title=Guns N' Roses Trade Paul Huge For Psychedelic Furs' Guitarist|first=Sorelle|last=Saidman|date=July 17, 2002|work=cdnow.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> Fortus is good friends with and had previously collaborated with bassist Tommy Stinson, who recommended him for the position.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gnrevolution.com/viewtopic.php?id=3543|title=2002: Chinese Whispers / 2002 / GNR Evolution - Guns N Roses Forum|publisher=}}</ref> Producer Roy Thomas Baker was fired in February 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=437|title=Roy Thomas Baker fired?|first=Sorelle|last=Saidman|date=February 12, 2002|work=cdnow.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> ''[[Drudge Report]]'' reported in June 2002 that ''Chinese Democracy'' was scheduled for a September 2, 2002 release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=459|title=Chinese Democracy release date?|date=June 24, 2002|work=Drudge Report|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref>

The band then played several shows in August 2002, headlining festivals and concerts throughout Asia and Europe, including [[Pukkelpop]], [[Summer Sonic Festival#2002|Summer Sonic Festival]], and [[The Carling Weekend]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-axl-rose-to-collaborate-with-weezer/|title=Guns N' Roses's Axl Rose to collaborate with Weezer?|date=August 19, 2002|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=May 17, 2015|quote="...&nbsp;last week when they praised each other's bands before the 30,000+ in attendance at Summer Sonic Festival"}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-pukkelpop-festival-performance-to-be-webcast/|title=Guns N' Roses: Pukkelpop Festival performance to be webcast|date=August 24, 2002|website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=May 17, 2015}}</ref> At the [[2002 MTV Video Music Awards]] on August 29, 2002, Guns N' Roses closed the show in a previously unannounced performance, playing [[Welcome to the Jungle]], [[Madagascar (song)|Madagascar]], and [[Paradise City]].<ref name="NYT" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1457257/guns-n-roses-cap-night-of-spectacles-from-diddy-eminem-timberlake/|title=Guns N' Roses cap night of spectacles from Diddy, Eminem, Timberlake|first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|date=August 29, 2002|work=MTV News|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref>

In November 2002, the band's first North American tour since 1993 was organized to support ''Chinese Democracy'', with [[CKY (band)|CKY]] and [[Mix Master Mike]] joining. However, the opening show in Vancouver was canceled by the venue when Rose failed to turn up.<ref name="vancriot" /> According to Guns' management, "Axl's flight from L.A. had been delayed by mechanical troubles".<ref name="vancriot" /> A riot ensued.<ref name="vancriot" >{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1458577/fans-riot-after-guns-n-roses-tour-kickoff-canceled-kurt-loder-reports/|title=Fans riot after Guns N' Roses tour Kickoff Canceled: Kurt Loder Reports|author1=Kurt Loder|author2=MTV News staff|date=November 8, 2002|work=MTV News|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> This tour was met with mixed results. Some concerts did not sell well, while shows in larger markets such as New York City sold out in minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20060522005907/en/Guns-Roses-Storm-York-Sold-Shows-Guest#.VTjCc5OHiGE|title=Guns N' Roses storm New York; sold out shows, guest stars & fanatic audiences; next up - European tour|date=May 22, 2006|work=businesswire.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> Due to a second riot by fans in [[Philadelphia]] when the band failed to show up again, tour promoter [[Clear Channel]] canceled the remainder of the tour.<ref name="vancriot" /><ref name="GnRCanceledMTV">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459058/guns-n-roses-dates-canceled.jhtml|title=Guns N' Roses dates canceled|first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|date=December 9, 2002|accessdate=March 26, 2013}}</ref> Rose later mentioned in 2006, "There are reasons that I have not spoken more about [cancelled shows in Vancouver and Philadelphia] that have been extremely complicated and are not legally resolved behind the scenes to this day and could have possibly jeopardized the future of Guns N' Roses."<ref name="Axlapol" /> Rose then apologized to the city of Philadelphia when playing there in 2012, adding "I'm not saying I'm innocent".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.delcotimes.com/general-news/20120301/rock-music-menu-is-axls-apology-too-late|title=ROCK MUSIC MENU: Is Axl's apology too late?|first=Michael|last=Christopher|date=March 1, 2012|work=delcotimes.com|accessdate=August 18, 2015}}</ref>
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right |quote = "Guns N' Roses tour canceled. Typical. And freakishly expected. Haha. Really bad idea. I wouldn't suggest they come back." |source = —Opening band [[CKY (band)|CKY]]<ref name="GnRCanceledMTV"/>}}

The band went on hiatus until it was scheduled to play at [[Rock in Rio#Lisboa, Portugal, and Madrid, Spain|Rock in Rio Lisboa]] in May 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.music-news.com/news/UK/967/news|title=GNR pull out of RIR|publisher=Music-news.com|date=March 31, 2004|accessdate=January 6, 2017}}</ref> However, Buckethead left the band in March of that year, causing the band to cancel.<ref name="Axlcancels" >{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_tours/axl_cancels_rock_in_rio_show_blames_buckethead.html?no_takeover|title=Axl cancels Rock In Rio show, blames Buckethead|date=March 30, 2004|work=ultimate-guitar.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Bux leaves">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1485811/bucketheads-hand-puppet-says-goodbye-to-guns-n-roses/|title=Buckethead's hand puppet says goodbye to Guns N' Roses|first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|date=March 17, 2004|work=MTV News|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> Buckethead reportedly left the band because of the "inability to complete an album or tour", according to his manager.<ref name="Bux leaves" /> Rose claimed "the band has been put in an untenable position by guitarist Buckethead and his untimely departure. During his tenure with the band, Buckethead has been inconsistent and erratic in both his behavior and commitment, despite being under contract, creating uncertainty and confusion and making it virtually impossible to move forward with recording, rehearsals and live plans with confidence. His transient lifestyle has made it impossible for even his closest friends to have nearly any form of communication with him whatsoever."<ref name="Axlcancels" />

That same month, Geffen released Guns N' Roses' ''[[Greatest Hits (Guns N' Roses album)|Greatest Hits]]'', since Rose had failed to deliver a new studio album in more than ten years.<ref name="NYT" /><ref name="3xplat"/> Slash and McKagan joined Rose in suing Geffen to stop the release of the album, which was compiled without authorization from any current or former band members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/report-guns-n-roses-may-sue-to-block-greatest-hits-album/|title=Report: Guns N' Roses may sue to block 'Greatest Hits' album|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|date=February 18, 2004|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|accessdate=February 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1486792/axl-rose-sued-by-ex-guns-n-roses-bandmates/|title=Axl Rose Sued By Ex-Guns N' Roses Bandmates|work=MTV News|accessdate=February 14, 2015}}</ref> The lawsuit was thrown out and the album went triple platinum in the US, eventually going on to be the third longest charting album in the [[Nielsen SoundScan]] era.<ref name="3xplat">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-greatest-hits-certified-triple-platinum/|title=Guns N' Roses: 'Greatest Hits' Certified Triple Platinum|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|date=May 14, 2006|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|accessdate=February 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/5604014/chart-moves-guns-n-roses-hits-longevity-milestone-pitch-perfect-still|title=Chart Moves: Guns N' Roses 'Hits' Longevity Milestone, 'Pitch Perfect' Still Selling Strong|work=Billboard|accessdate=February 14, 2015}}</ref> McKagan and Slash also joined Rose in an unsuccessful effort to prevent the release of [[The Roots of Guns N' Roses]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-singer-loses-motion-to-stop-release-of-early-recordings/|title=Guns N' Roses singer loses motion to stop release of early recordings|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|date=July 7, 2004|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|accessdate=August 18, 2015}}</ref>

By 2005, Geffen had taken ''Chinese Democracy'' off of its release schedule and pulled funding, stating "Having exceeded all budgeted and approved recording costs by millions of dollars, it is Mr. Rose's obligation to fund and complete the album, not Geffen's."<ref name="NYT" /> Around then, manager Merck Mercuriadis stated that "The 'Chinese Democracy' album is very close to being completed".<ref name="NYT" /> According to a 2005 report by ''[[The New York Times]]'', Rose had allegedly spent $13 million in the studio by that point.<ref name="NYT" >{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/06/arts/music/06leed.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0|title=The Most Expensive Album Never Made|last1=Leeds|first1=Jeff|date=March 6, 2005|website=NYtimes.com|publisher=Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. |access-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/gnr_chinese_democracy_coming_soon.html|title=GN'R: 'Chinese Democracy' Coming Soon?|publisher=Ultimate-guitar.com|accessdate=November 11, 2010|date=April 8, 2008}}</ref> Mercuriadis rejected the budget claims made by the ''New York Times'' article and claimed that the newspaper's sources had not been involved with the project for "six to nine years".<ref name="merck article">{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=33807|title=Guns N' Roses' manager slams NY Times over 'rubbish' 'Chinese Democracy' article|accessdate=November 17, 2007|date=March 6, 2005|work=Blabbermouth.net}}</ref> The $13 million makes the album the most expensive rock album ever produced.<ref name="CDref1">{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/dec/13/entertainment/et-chinese13|title=A long wait, a fast fall|accessdate=March 14, 2012|first=Randy|last=Lewis|date=December 13, 2008|work=LA Times}}</ref><ref name="CDref2">{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1860911,00.html|title=Guns N' Roses' ''Chinese Democracy'', at Last|accessdate=March 14, 2012|first=Josh|last=Tyrangiel|date=November 20, 2008|work=Time Magazine}}</ref><ref name="CDref3" >{{cite web|url=http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/33-insane-facts-about-chinese-democracy-183467|title=33 insane facts about Chinese Democracy|accessdate=March 14, 2012|first=Henry|last=Yates|date=November 19, 2008|publisher=MusicRadar}}</ref>

In February 2006, demos of the songs "Better", "Catcher in the Rye", "I.R.S.", and "There Was a Time" were leaked on to the Internet through a Guns N' Roses fan site.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iconofan.com/news/06/feb/1701.shtml|title=GNR Leak|work=iconofan.com|date=February 16, 2006|accessdate=February 14, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/news/216/Another-GNR-Demo-Leaks/|title=Another GNR demo leaks|author=Dave De Sylvia|date=February 17, 2006|work=sputnikmusic.com|accessdate=February 14, 2015}}</ref> The band's management requested that all links to the MP3 files and all lyrics to the songs be removed from forums and websites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/guns_n_roses_tracks_leak.html?no_takeover|title=Guns N' Roses tracks leak|date=February 16, 2006|work=ultimate-guitar.com|accessdate=February 14, 2015}}</ref> Despite this, radio stations began adding "I.R.S." to playlists, and the song reached No.&nbsp;49 on the [[Radio & Records]] Active Rock National Airplay chart in the final week of February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1524776/are-guns-n-roses-finally-coming-back-the-signs-are-there/|title=Are Guns N' Roses finally coming back? The signs are there|date=February 23, 2006|first=Chris|last=Harris|work=MTV News|accessdate=February 14, 2015}}</ref>

In August 2006, Slash and McKagan sued Rose over Guns N' Roses publishing and songwriting credits, which Rose's lawyer claimed were due to a 'clerical error' while changing publishers.<ref name="NYT" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1508091/slash-duff-sue-axl-over-guns-n-roses-publishing-royalties/|title=Slash, Duff sue Axl over Guns N' Roses publishing royalties|work=MTV News|accessdate=February 14, 2015|date=August 22, 2005|author=Jennifer Vineyard}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61644/slash-duff-sue-axl-over-publishing|title=Slash, Duff sue Axl over publishing|work=Billboard|accessdate=February 14, 2015|date=August 26, 2005}}</ref>
[[File:Download Feastival 2006 -2.jpg|thumb|left|Izzy Stradlin on stage with Guns N' Roses in 2006]]

After a recommendation by guitar virtuoso [[Joe Satriani]], guitarist [[Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal]] was contacted by keyboardist Chris Pitman in 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.live-metal.net/interviews_bumblefoot.html|title=In Search of&nbsp;... Bumblefoot|work=Live-Metal.net|date=May 11, 2008|accessdate=November 7, 2015}}</ref> After sending demos and jamming with the band, Thal officially joined Guns N' Roses in 2006, replacing [[Buckethead]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thespaghettiincident.com/2008/11/who-is-bumblefoot-and-why-is-he.html|title=Who is Bumblefoot and why is he a guitarist in Guns N Roses? ~ "The Spaghetti Incident?"|publisher=Thespaghettiincident.com|date=November 9, 2008|accessdate=February 29, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2008-11-20/news/0811200773_1_guitar-hero-chinese-democracy-band|last=Moore|first=Brian|title=Axl's arsenal|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|publisher=Tribune Company|date=November 20, 2008}}</ref> Thal made his live debut with the band at the [[Hammerstein Ballroom]] in New York City on May 12, 2006, the band's first live show in over three years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=52218|title=Guns N' Roses: New York City setlist revealed|date=May 13, 2006|accessdate=February 29, 2012}}</ref>

Five warm-up shows before a North American tour were held in September 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/13/arts/music/13guns.web.html|title='Warm-Up Show' for Guns N' Roses|last1=Ratliff|first1=Ben|date=May 13, 2006|website=NYtimes.com|publisher=Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. |access-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref> The tour officially commenced on October 24 in Miami.<ref name="AxlnGirl"/> Drummer [[Frank Ferrer]] replaced [[Bryan Mantia]], who took a leave of absence to be with his wife and newborn child.<ref name="Brain interview" >{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-drummer-says-axl-rose-wants-to-release-remix-album-of-chinese-democracy-songs/|title=Guns N' Roses drummer says Axl Rose wants to release remix album of 'Chinese Democracy' songs|date=April 12, 2009|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|accessdate=February 14, 2015}}</ref> Ferrer had previously worked with Richard Fortus in the Psychedelic Furs and Love Spit Love (and had been a member of several other bands, including [[The Beautiful (band)|The Beautiful]]). Coinciding with the tour, the song "Better" was featured in an internet advertisement for [[Harley-Davidson]] in October 2006.<ref name="AxlnGirl">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/axl-rose-and-girlfriend-hanging-out-in-miami-photos-available/|title=Axl Rose and girlfriend hanging out in Miami: photos available|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|date=October 24, 2006|website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=May 3, 2015}}</ref> Keyboardist Dizzy Reed stated that the release was an accident, with two versions being made, one 'experimental edit' featuring a demo of Better and one with [[Paradise City]].<ref name="hdad" /> The ad with Better was mislabeled and inadvertently uploaded online for a day before being replaced by the intended ad with Paradise City.<ref name="hdad">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-keyboardist-reveals-the-truth-about-the-leaked-song-better/|title=GUNS N' ROSES Keyboardist Reveals 'The Truth' About The Leaked Song 'Better'|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|date=March 13, 2007|website=Blabbermouth.net|publisher=Borivoj Krgin |access-date=May 3, 2015}}</ref> That same month, ''Rolling Stone'' published an article revealing that [[Andy Wallace (producer)|Andy Wallace]] would be mixing the final album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rolling-stone-magazine-offers-exclusive-new-details-about-guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy/|title=Rolling Stone Magazine Offers Exclusive New Details About Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy'|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|date=October 18, 2006|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|accessdate=February 14, 2015}}</ref>
In November 2006 shows in Portland, Maine, were cancelled, with the band claiming it was "due to limitations imposed by local fire marshals".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061106&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206074657/http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061106&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp |archive-date= February 6, 2007|dead-url=yes|title=MONDAY NIGHT'S GUNS N' ROSES SHOW IN PORTLAND, MAINE IS CANCELLED|accessdate=April 30, 2015|publisher=Guns N' Roses}}</ref> Rose later apologized in a statement, stating "We have chosen to take the public heat for these events in order to have another shot at the future today with a new album."<ref name="Axlapol" >{{cite web|url=http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061108&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302073705/http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061108&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp |archive-date= March 2, 2007|date=November 7, 2006 |dead-url=yes|title=Message from Axl|author=Rose, Axl|accessdate=April 30, 2015|publisher=Guns N' Roses}}</ref>

In December 2006, Rose released an open letter to fans announcing that Merck Mercuriadis had been fired as the band's manager.<ref name="Rose letter" /> He revealed that the last four dates of the North American tour would be cut so the band could work on post-production for ''Chinese Democracy''.<ref name="Rose letter" /> He also set a tentative release date for the album for the first time since the album's announcement: March 6, 2007.<ref name="Rose letter">{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/53994/axl-democracy-gunning-for-spring-release|title=Axl: Democracy Gunning for Spring Release|work=E! Online|accessdate=February 14, 2015}}</ref>

On February 23, 2007, [[Del James]] announced that the recording stage of ''Chinese Democracy'' was finished, and the band had now moved onto mixing the album, mentioning "After some delays and scheduling difficulties, things appear to be moving along."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/news/2759/Chinese-Democracy-Is-Finished/|title=Chinese Democracy Is Finished - Sputnikmusic|author=Rokken Like Dokken|date=February 22, 2007|work=sputnikmusic.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> However, this proved that the March 6 release date would be impossible to achieve, and the album once again had no scheduled release date.<ref name="NoOffici" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070222&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070226183028/http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070222&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp |archive-date=February 26, 2007 |dead-url=yes|title=Chinese Democracy Update|accessdate=February 23, 2007|author=James, Del|publisher=Guns N' Roses}}</ref>
In a December 2007 interview, [[Sebastian Bach]] claimed Rose had planned to have the album released by Christmas 2007: "I know Axl was very serious about putting something out before Christmas.<ref name="Bach interview - RMM" /> He was talking to me about it. He was talking about finishing liner notes."<ref name="Bach interview - RMM" /> Bach also said that ''Chinese Democracy'''s delay might be because of business problems: "I think there's a lot of business shit that goes on with him. It's just not as easy. It's a little more complicated than people think."<ref name="Bach interview - RMM">{{cite web|url=http://www.rockmymonkey.com/interviews/07/11/SebastianBach.php|title=Rock My Monkey&nbsp;— Sebastian Bach Interview|publisher=Rock My Monkey|accessdate=December 22, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202114624/http://www.rockmymonkey.com/interviews/07/11/SebastianBach.php|archivedate=December 2, 2007 |dead-url=yes}}</ref>

Also in February 2007, the 'final' version of "[[Better (Guns N' Roses song)|Better]]" leaked online to positive reviews.<ref name="NoOffici" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.villagevoice.com/statusainthood/2007/02/new_guns_n_rose.php/|title=New Guns N Roses Song: Pretty Good!|first=Tom|last=Breihan|date=February 21, 2007|work=Status Ain't Hood|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> On May 4, 2007, three more tracks leaked from ''Chinese Democracy''; an updated version of "I.R.S.", "The Blues" and the title track.<ref name="NoOffici" >{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2007/02/22/del-james-no-official-release-date-for-chinese-democracy/|title=DEL JAMES: "NO OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE" FOR CHINESE DEMOCRACY - MetalSucks|first=Axl|last=Rosenberg|date=February 22, 2007|work=MetalSucks|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/238270/leak-of-the-year-guns-n-roses-democracy-has-finally-arrived|title=Leak Of The Year: Guns N' Roses' "Democracy" Has Finally Arrived|first=Brian|last=Raftery|date=February 20, 2007|work=Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> All three tracks had previously been played live. Guns N' Roses embarked on the 2007 leg of the [[Chinese Democracy Tour|Chinese Democracy World Tour]] in Mexico in June, followed by dates in Australia and Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fohonline.com/international-news/905-guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy-tour-in-mexico-with-adamson.html|title=FOH online - Guns N Roses Chinese Democracy Tour in Mexico with Adamson|date=July 23, 2007|work=fohonline.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> The songs "Nice Boys" and "[[Don't Cry]]" (appearing as an instrumental Bumblefoot solo) were played for the first time since the [[Use Your Illusion Tour]]. The tour ended on the twentieth anniversary of ''Appetite for Destruction'''s release date, in [[Osaka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-joined-by-bubbles-from-trailer-park-boys-in-tokyo/|title=Guns N' Roses joined by Bubbles from 'Trailer Park Boys' in Tokyo|date=July 18, 2007|website=Blabbermouth.com|first=Borivoj|last=Krgin|access-date=June 23, 2015|quote="Next GN'R move on to Osaka on [Saturday, July 21] to finish off their Japan tour."}}</ref> During this tour, the band featured vocalist Axl Rose, Robin Finck, Ron Thal and Richard Fortus on guitars, Tommy Stinson on bass, Dizzy Reed and Chris Pitman on keyboards and Frank Ferrer on drums.

[[File:Guns N' Roses - Sofia (cropped).jpg|thumb|Drummer Frank Ferrer joined the band in 2006.]]

Rumors arose that ''Chinese Democracy'' had been handed over to Geffen Records, but had been delayed because the label and Rose could not agree on the marketing of the album in early 2008.<ref name="antimusic">{{cite web|url=http://www.antimusic.com/news/08/jan/10GNR_Finish_CD.shtml|date=January 10, 2008|website=antiMusic.com|title=GNR Finish CD?|publisher=antiMusic|accessdate=January 14, 2008}}</ref> [[Eddie Trunk]] also claimed Geffen might have the album: "I hear the new GNR CD is actually done, but the delay in release is not the bands{{sic}} issues but the label. There is so much money tied up in this record that in todays{{sic}} business it will be virtually impossible to be profitable, meaning the label might want to sell it off but can not{{sic}} find a buyer since nobody buys CDs anymore. Problem might not be Axl this time around and might keep this CD in limbo for more years to come. Hopefully it gets resolved."<ref name="Eddie Trunk blog">{{cite web|url=http://www.eddietrunk.com/blog.php|title=Eddie Trunk&nbsp;— Trunk Blog|author=Trunk, Eddie|publisher=Eddietrunk.com|accessdate=January 14, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215035556/http://www.eddietrunk.com/blog.php <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archivedate=December 15, 2007|dead-url=yes}}</ref> However, in a February 2008 interview with ''Classic Rock Magazine'', Rose's manager, Beta Lebeis, debunked Trunk's suggestion and stated the band is "in negotiations" with the record label, and the album had been finished since Christmas 2007.<ref name="Classic Rock article 2008">{{cite web|url=http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/page/classicrock?entry=it_s_a_fact|title=It's a Fact|publisher=Classic Rock Magazine|accessdate=February 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802061244/http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/page/classicrock?entry=it_s_a_fact |archive-date= August 2, 2008|dead-url=yes}}</ref>

On March 26, 2008, [[Dr Pepper]] announced a plan to give everyone in America – except the band's former guitarists [[Slash (musician)|Slash]] and [[Buckethead]] – a free can of Dr Pepper if the band released ''Chinese Democracy'' before the end of 2008.<ref>{{cite news|last=Goodman|first=William|url=http://www.spin.com/2008/03/dr-pepper-makes-bet-guns-n-roses/|title=Dr. Pepper Makes a Bet with Guns N' Roses|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|publisher=[[SpinMedia]]|date=March 27, 2008|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623075106/http://www.spin.com/2008/03/dr-pepper-makes-bet-guns-n-roses/|archivedate=June 23, 2015|accessdate=June 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/03/27/us-pepper-idUSN2735728520080327|title=Dr Pepper issues challenge to Guns N' Roses|work=[[Reuters]], [[Billboard.com]]|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=March 27, 2008|accessdate=June 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/41220|title=NME News Dr. Pepper confirms free soda for 'Chinese Democracy' release - NME.COM|author=NME New York|date=November 21, 2008|work=NME.COM|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> Rose stated he was "surprised and very happy" about the announcement, adding, "As some of Buckethead's performances are on our album, I'll share my Dr Pepper with him."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/35464|title=Axl Rose is 'very happy' about Dr Pepper's Guns N' Roses pledge|work=[[NME|New Musical Express]]|publisher=[[Time Inc. UK|IPC Media]]|date=March 27, 2008|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804232046/http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/35464|archivedate=August 4, 2011|accessdate=June 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/03262008/gossip/pagesix/doctors_orders_103529.htm|title=DOCTOR'S ORDERS|last1=Johnson|first1=Richard|date=March 26, 2008|website=NYPost.com|publisher=Jesse Angelo; News Corp.|access-date=June 23, 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081216120028/http://www.nypost.com/seven/03262008/gossip/pagesix/doctors_orders_103529.htm |archive-date=December 16, 2008 |dead-url=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080326&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp|title=Press Release from Axl Regarding Dr Pepper|author=Rose, Axl|date=March 26, 2008|publisher=Guns N' Roses|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114151536/http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080326&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp |archive-date=November 14, 2011 |dead-url=yes}}</ref> With the announcement from Guns N' Roses regarding a release date in November, Tony Jacobs, Dr Pepper's Vice President of Marketing for Dr. Pepper, announced a free soda coupon campaign for 24 hours on Sunday, November 23, 2008.<ref>{{cite news|last=Harris|first=Chris|url=http://newsroom.mtv.com/2008/10/22/guns-n-roses-bring-a-free-dr-pepper-to-all-americans-heres-how-to-get-yours/|title=Guns N' Roses Bring A Free Dr Pepper To All Americans: Here's How To Get Yours!|work=mtv.com|date=October 22, 2008|accessdate=June 23, 2015}}</ref> However, due to "heavy volume" on the server throughout the entire day, it was impossible to submit for a free coupon.<ref>
{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/27/AR2008112702346.html?nav=rss_print/style|title=Axl Rose: Not a Pepper|date=November 28, 2008|website=WashingtonPost.com|publisher=Fred Ryan; Nash Holdings LLC |access-date=July 11, 2015|quote=The album came out, but the sodamaker's coupon-offering Web site malfunctioned. And though the promotion was extended, Alan Gutman, the band's Beverly Hills attorney, demanded a full-page apology in major daily newspapers and "an appropriate payment to our clients for the unauthorized use and abuse of their publicity and intellectual property rights," according to the AP}}</ref>
{{Listen|filename=Chinese Democracy.ogg|title= Guns N' Roses "Chinese Democracy" (2008)|description=Sample of "''[[Chinese Democracy (song)|Chinese Democracy]]''" from ''[[Chinese Democracy]]'', the first single released by Guns N' Roses since 1999.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
On March 27, 2008, the day after Dr Pepper's announcement, the band members announced that they had hired a new management team, headed by [[Irving Azoff]] and Andy Gould.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080327&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp|title=New management team for GN'R|author=Rose, Axl|publisher=Gunsnroses.com|date=March 27, 2008|accessdate=November 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929153759/http://www.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080327&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |dead-url=yes}}</ref> The band later condemned Dr. Pepper for the failed promotion.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/12/02/gunsnroses.soda/index.html?eref=rss_us|title=Guns N' Roses lashes out at Dr Pepper|first=Kareen|last=Wynter|date=December 3, 2008|work=cnn.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> In a letter to Dr Pepper, Rose's lawyer Alan Gutman said "The redemption scheme your company clumsily implemented for this offer was an unmitigated disaster which defrauded consumers and, in the eyes of vocal fans, ruined ''Chinese Democracy'''s release."<ref>{{cite news|last=Paine|first=Andre|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266187/guns-n-roses-lawyer-blasts-dr-pepper|title=Guns N' Roses Lawyer Blasts Dr Pepper|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard.com]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=November 26, 2008|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720051250/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266187/guns-n-roses-lawyer-blasts-dr-pepper|archivedate=July 20, 2014|accessdate=June 23, 2015}}</ref> Rose's lawyer also demanded that the company make a full-page apology that would appear in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', ''[[USA Today]]'', ''[[The New York Times]]'' and ''[[The Los Angeles Times]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7751919.stm|title=BBC NEWS &#124; Entertainment &#124; Rose angry over drinks giveaway|publisher=BBC News|date=November 27, 2008|accessdate=December 1, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/axl-rose-files-lawsuit-against-dr-pepper-asks-for-apology-payment_article_12375|title=Axl Rose Files Lawsuit Against Dr. Pepper; Asks For Apology, Payment &#124; Access Hollywood&nbsp;— Celebrity News, Photos & Videos|publisher=Accesshollywood.com|date=November 27, 2008|accessdate=December 1, 2008}}</ref> In a 2009 interview, Rose stated he specifically told his lawyers it was a non-issue and was taken off-guard by their actions, believing they should be focused on the record release.<ref name="Axl explains his stance on Dr. Pepper litigation">{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=1973|title=Axl answers fans' questions on GN'R fan sites (transcripts)|accessdate=June 23, 2009|author=Rose, Axl|date=December 13, 2008|publisher=HereTodayGoneToHell.com|quote="Fan: Axl are you still thinking of suing Dr Pepper? Axl: Sure but the actions taken so far had nothing to do with me and I was taken off guard as I had specifically told our team who fucking cares now that we have a record to deal with."}}</ref>

Amidst industry rumors in April 2008 that a release was coming soon, nine tracks purported to be from ''Chinese Democracy'' were leaked to a website on June 19, 2008, but were quickly removed due to a cease-and-desist letter from the band's label.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/gossip/planetgossip/detail/index.jsp?uuid=2ec9c617-6394-40e3-bd9e-29cd304270b5/|title=New Music from Guns N' Roses|last1=Malkin|first1=Marc|date=April 3, 2008|website=E! Online|publisher=E! Entertainment Television, LLC |access-date=June 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406203451/http://www.eonline.com/gossip/planetgossip/detail/index.jsp?uuid=2ec9c617-6394-40e3-bd9e-29cd304270b5%2F |archive-date=April 6, 2008|deadurl=yes|df=}}</ref><ref name=leak /> Six of the leaked tracks had surfaced previously in some form, while three were new. The leaked songs were more fleshed out than previously heard tracks.<ref name=leak >{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045035/purported-new-guns-n-roses-tracks-hit-the-web|title=Purported New Guns N' Roses Tracks Hit The Web|last1=Cohen|first1=Jonathan|date=June 19, 2008|website=Billboard.com|publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jun/20/news.culture|title=New Guns N' Roses tracks leaked|date=June 20, 2008|website=theguardian.com|publisher=Guardian News and Media |access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref> On July 14, 2008, [[Harmonix]], in conjunction with [[MTV Games]], officially announced the release of a new song from the upcoming ''[[Chinese Democracy]]'' album, called "[[Shackler's Revenge]]", through the new game ''[[Rock Band 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stereogum.com/10988/guns_n_roses_shacklers_revenge_set_for_rock_band_2/news/|title=Guns N' Roses' "Shackler's Revenge" Set For Rock Band 2|first=Scott|last=Lapatine|date=July 13, 2008|work=Stereogum|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> The entire album was eventually added to the game as [[Downloadable content|DLC]] in April 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy-coming-to-rock-band-april-14th-20090410|title=Guns n' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" Coming To "Rock Band" - Rolling Stone|first=Daniel|last=Kreps|date=April 10, 2009|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> The song "If the World" debuted October 10, 2008, playing in the end credits of the [[Ridley Scott]] film [[Body of Lies (film)|Body of Lies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-guns-n-roses-premiering-new-song-if-the-world-in-body-of-lies-release-date-reserved-20080926|title=Guns n' Roses Premiering New Song "If the World" in ''Body of Lies'' movie - Rolling Stone|date=September 26, 2008|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref>

{{Wikinews|Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' released after 15 years}}

In late August, speculation about the impending release of the album resurfaced, further fueled by separate reports from both ''Rolling Stone'' and ''Billboard'' about a November 25 release date as a [[Best Buy]] exclusive.<ref name="rollingstone.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/09/26/chinese-democracy-rumors-release-date-best-buy-exclusive/|title="Chinese Democracy" Rumors: Release Date, Best Buy Exclusive|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=Wenner Media LLC|date=September 26, 2008|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401194110/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/09/26/chinese-democracy-rumors-release-date-best-buy-exclusive/|archivedate=April 1, 2010|accessdate=June 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|authorlink=Jonathan Cohen (television executive)|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043827/gnrs-chinese-democracy-gets-release-date|title=GNR's 'Chinese Democracy' Gets Release Date|work=[[Billboard.com]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|date=October 9, 2008|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530053231/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043827/gnrs-chinese-democracy-gets-release-date|archivedate=May 30, 2013|accessdate=June 29, 2015}}</ref> This was finally confirmed October 22 when band management, Best Buy, and Interscope Geffen A&M Records officially issued a joint press release confirming the much anticipated release of the album in the US on November 23 as a Best Buy exclusive.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/slash-17-years-axl-rose-guns-n-roses-release-chinese-democracy-article-1.304215|title=Take that, Slash! It only took 17 years for Axl Rose's Guns N' Roses to release 'Chinese Democracy'|agency=Associated Press|date=October 23, 2008|work=nydailynews.com|accessdate=April 25, 2015|location=New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2008/10/23/guns-n-roses-sets-release-date-for-chinese-democracy/|title=Guns N' Roses sets release date for 'Chinese Democracy' - A+E Interactive|first=Jim|last=Harrington|date=October 23, 2008|work=A+E Interactive|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> Several days before its official release, the band streamed the entire ''Chinese Democracy'' album on the group's Myspace page.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-11-20-chinese-democracy_N.htm|title='Chinese Democracy' begins streaming on MySpace - USATODAY.com|date=November 20, 2008|work=usatoday.com|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/11/20/us-myspace-idUSTRE4AJ08G20081120|title=McCartney, Guns N' Roses albums to launch on MySpace|first=Robert|last=MacMillan|date=November 20, 2008|work=Reuters|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virgin.com/news/guns-n-roses-album-chinese-democracy-streams-myspace|title=Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy streams on MySpace|website=Virgin.com|publisher=Virgin Media |access-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref> The album was streamed over 3 million times, breaking the Myspace record for most streamed album ever.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/41217|title=NME News Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' breaks MySpace record - NME.COM|first=Ryan|last=Jarman|date=November 21, 2008|work=NME.COM|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref>

''Chinese Democracy'', the band's sixth studio album and its first since 1993's ''[["The Spaghetti Incident?"]]'', was released on November 22, 2008, in Europe and Australia, in North America on November 23, 2008, and in the United Kingdom on November 24, 2008.<ref name="rollingstone.com"/> The album had an estimated $14 million in production costs, making it the most expensive rock album to ever be produced in music history.<ref name="CDref1"/><ref name="CDref2" /><ref name="CDref3" /> It debuted at No.&nbsp;3 on the ''Billboard'' 200 but undersold industry expectations, despite generally positive critical reception.<ref name="AllMusic Biography">{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|title=Guns N' Roses Biography|publisher=AllMusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/guns-n-roses-p4416/biography|accessdate=December 18, 2011}}</ref>

===Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, touring and Appetite for Democracy (2009–2014)===
{{multiple image
| footer = [[DJ Ashba]] was the band's lead guitarist from 2009 to 2015, and [[Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal]] was the band's lead guitarist from 2006 to 2014.
| image1 = AshbaHelsinkiLive.jpg
| width1 = 140
| image2 = BumblefootHelsinkiLive.JPG
| width2 = 150
}}

In an MTV phone interview with [[Kurt Loder]] in 1999, Rose said he and the then-new band had recorded enough material for a double album.<ref name="Loder99" /> In an informal chat with ''Rolling Stone'' magazine in February 2006, Rose stated the band had 32 songs in the works.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-breaks-his-silence-on-chinese-democracy-20060118|title=Axl Rose Breaks His Silence on 'Chinese Democracy|date=January 18, 2006|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=October 24, 2014}}</ref> While appearing on various fan message boards in December 2008, Rose stated several working titles of songs for a possible future album. Among the working titles were: "Elvis Presley and the Monster of Soul" ("Soul Monster", formerly known as "Leave Me Alone"), "Atlas Shrugged", "Seven", "The General", "Thyme", "Ides of March", "Berlin" (formerly "Oklahoma"), "Zodiac", "Quick Song", and "Down by the Ocean" (co-written by original member Izzy Stradlin).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2008/12/12/axl-rose-finally-promotes-chinese-democracy-sort-of/|title=AXL ROSE FINALLY PROMOTES CHINESE DEMOCRACY&nbsp;... SORT OF - MetalSucks|work=MetalSucks|accessdate=August 10, 2015}}</ref> During the chat, he mentioned the bridge of "Soul Monster" as the band's "most Black Sabbath" moment, and referred to it as "the meanest section of anything I've sung to date."<ref name="Axl explains his stance on Dr. Pepper litigation"/> In a 2007 interview, Rose's close friend Sebastian Bach stated "The General" had a "heavy" sound with "screaming vocals" and also said it was the sequel to the 1991 classic ballad "Estranged" from the album ''[[Use Your Illusion II]]''.<ref name="Bach" /> Bach also remarked that ''Chinese Democracy'' would be the first installment in a trilogy of new albums, and that Rose had told him the third, as yet untitled, album had been slated for 2012, although the year ended without seeing a release past Chinese Democracy.<ref name="Bach">{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=30385|title=Sebastian Bach Talks New Guns N Roses Songs|last1=Oz|first1=Diamond|date=November 6, 2007|website=metalunderground.com|publisher=Metal Underground |access-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref> The initial plan for ''Chinese Democracy'' in 2001 was to record two albums, release Chinese Democracy, tour for a year or two, then release the second album without having to return to the studio.<ref>[http://www.gnrevolution.com/viewtopic.php?pid=55624#p55624 GNR Evolution: Chinese Whispers: Chinese Whispers - The Secret History of the New Studio Album: 2001: Sanders' Last Stand] GNR Evolution, 2009: Here Today, Gone To Hell October 23, 2001</ref>

Former drummer [[Bryan Mantia]] mentioned working on a '[[Electronic dance music|club]] remix' of ''Shackler's Revenge'', stating that Rose planned to put out a remix album of songs from Chinese Democracy.<ref name="Brain interview" />
Guitarist DJ Ashba has said that the next album is being discussed, stating that the band "has been throwing around a bunch of ideas" and joked that the next album "won't take as long" to release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gnrdaily.com/news_detail.asp?id=2690|title=DJ Ashba Says His 'Call of Duty' is a New GN'R Album|date=November 6, 2012|website=GNRDaily.com |access-date=May 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20101111180303/http://www.gnrdaily.com/news_detail.asp?id=2690 |archive-date=November 11, 2010 |dead-url= yes}}</ref> On April 20, 2011, Ashba said in an interview at the ''[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]'' Golden Gods Awards that Guns N' Roses have been "working on new songs every day".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=157312|title=Guns N' Roses Is 'Working On New Songs Every Day,' Says Guitarist DJ Ashba|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 26, 2011|accessdate=April 26, 2011}}</ref> In an interview with reporter Nui Te Koha on [[3MMM|Triple M Melbourne]]'s ''[[The Hot Breakfast]]'', Ashba talked about songs Rose has written, stating: "Axl has a lot of great songs up his sleeve. He probably has three albums worth of stuff recorded. The stuff I've heard&nbsp;... I've been up in his hotel room many nights and he just sits down at the piano and plays. I'm like 'this is amazing, people have to hear this song' and he's like "ah, this is something I'm tinkering on'."<ref>[[Triple M]], Thursday, May 19, 2011</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.triplem.com.au/melbourne/shows/hot-breakfast-eddie-mcguire/video/dj-ashba-full-interview/|title=DJ Ashba Full Interview|date=August 21, 2011|website=triplem.com.au|publisher=Austereo Triple M Network|accessdate=April 30, 2015}}</ref>
[[file:Guns N' Roses - Sofia.jpg|thumb|Guns N' Roses playing the Sofia Rocks Fest 2012 in Bulgaria.]]
On February 6, 2009, Rose gave his first interview in nine years when he sat down with ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'''s [[Jonathan Cohen (television executive)|Jonathan Cohen]].<ref name="billboard.com"/> Rose said that there was no chance that he would ever agree with a reunion with Slash:

{{quote|What's clear is that one of the two of us will die before a reunion and however sad, ugly or unfortunate anyone views it, it is how it is. Those decisions were made a long time ago and reiterated year after year by one man.<ref name="billboard.com"/>}}

Rose was, however, open to working again with Stradlin and McKagan (both of whom he has worked with since the interview took place):

{{quote|I could see doing a song or so on the side with Izzy or having him out [on tour] again. I'm not so comfortable with doing anything having more than one of the alumni. Maybe something with Duff, but that's it, and not something I'd have to really get down into, as I'd get left with sorting it out and then blamed on top of it. So, no, not me.<ref name="billboard.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269462/the-billboard-qa-axl-rose|title=The Billboard Q&A: Axl Rose|last1=Cohen|first1=Jonathan|date=February 6, 2009|website=billboard.com|publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref>}}

In early March 2009, industry insiders speculated Guns N' Roses would launch a summer stadium tour, which eventually would become the [[Chinese Democracy Tour|Chinese Democracy World Tour 2009/2010]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/04/guns-n-roses-planning-summer-stadium-tour/|title=Guns n' Roses Planning Summer Stadium Tour|date=March 4, 2009|website=Rollingstone.com|publisher=Jann Wenner |access-date=April 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509190033/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/04/guns-n-roses-planning-summer-stadium-tour/ |archive-date= May 9, 2009|dead-url=yes}}</ref> Later that month, the band announced that [[DJ Ashba]] would be the new lead guitarist, replacing a departing [[Robin Finck]], who rejoined [[Nine Inch Nails]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090321&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp|title=GUNS N' ROSES NAMES DJ ASHBA AS BAND'S NEWEST AXEMAN|date=March 21, 2009|website=GunsNRoses.com|publisher=Guns N' Roses |access-date=April 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627025739/http://web.gunsnroses.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090321&content_id=a1&vkey=news&fext=.jsp |archive-date=June 27, 2009 |dead-url= yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicradar.com/us/news/guitars/guns-n-roses-hire-dj-ashba-as-new-guitarist-201072|title=Guns N' Roses hire DJ Ashba as new guitarist|first=Joe|last=Bosso|date=March 23, 2009|work=musicradar.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/23/guns-n-roses-add-guitarist-dj-ashba-for-upcoming-tour|title=Guns n' Roses Add Guitarist DJ Ashba For "Upcoming Tour"|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=November 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430074550/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/23/guns-n-roses-add-guitarist-dj-ashba-for-upcoming-tour |archive-date=April 30, 2009 |dead-url=yes}}</ref> Ashba had previously played with former drummer [[Steven Adler]] in [[BulletBoys]] in 1998.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1429800/steven-adler-goes-from-guns-to-bullets-while-ex-guns-remain-active/|title=Steven Adler Goes From Guns To Bullets While Ex-Guns Remain Active|work=MTV.com|date=July 7, 1998|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723110449/http://www.mtv.com/news/1429800/steven-adler-goes-from-guns-to-bullets-while-ex-guns-remain-active/|archivedate=July 23, 2015|accessdate=July 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lealos|first1=Shawn|title=The BulletBoys remain the perfect example of a band born too late|url=http://www.axs.com/the-bulletboys-remain-the-perfect-example-of-a-band-born-too-late-11825|website=AXS.com|publisher=AXS TV, LLC|accessdate=July 23, 2015}}</ref>

In June 2009, it was reported that manager [[Irving Azoff]] had been 'fired, then re-hired, then fired'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicradar.com/us/news/guitars/axl-rose-fires-rehires-manager-irving-azoff-three-times-209125|title=Axl Rose fires, rehires manager Irving Azoff three times|first=Joe|last=Bosso|date=June 8, 2009|work=musicradar.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> A year later, Azoff's company Front Line Management sued Rose, claiming he "violated an oral agreement to pay 15% of earnings, or nearly $2 million, from a lucrative concert tour", seeking 1.87 million in unpaid fees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1634771/axl-rose-sued-by-management-company-for-nearly-2-million/|title=Axl Rose Sued By Management Company For Nearly $2 Million|first=James|last=Montgomery|date=March 26, 2010|work=MTV News|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/958831/axl-rose-sued-by-manager-for-nearly-2-million#/news/axl-rose-sued-by-manager-for-nearly-2-million-1004078635.story|title=Axl Rose Sued By Manager For Nearly $2 Million|agency=Associated Press|date=March 26, 2010|work=Billboard.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref><ref name="azoff">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/958191/axl-rose-slams-irving-azoff-in-5-million-countersuit|title=Axl Rose Slams Irving Azoff In $5 Million Countersuit|first=Eriq|last=Gardner|date=May 19, 2010|work=Billboard.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> Rose filed a $5 million counter-lawsuit against Azoff, saying that Azoff sabotaged sales of Guns N' Roses' comeback album and lied about a potential "super tour" with [[Van Halen]], a band managed by Azoff, as part of a plan to force Rose to reunite with his estranged former band members.<ref name="EWsuit"/> Rose said in his suit that Azoff failed to promote his 2008 album, ''Chinese Democracy'', and deliberately mishandled concert dates, "forcing Rose into a position where he would have no choice but to reunite with the original members of Guns N' Roses for a reunion tour."<ref name="EWsuit">{{cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2010/05/19/axl-rose-manager-lawsuit|title=Axl Rose sues former manager over alleged 'sabotage'|author=Simon Vozick-Levinson|date=May 19, 2010|work=Entertainment Weekly's EW.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/18/axl-rose-sues-his-former-manager-for-5-million/?src=mv|title=Axl Rose Sues His Former Manager for $5 Million|work=The New York Times|first=Ben|last=Sisario|date=May 18, 2010}}</ref> Rose claimed that Azoff "violated the consent decree by coercing and bullying artists to do what he wants" and that "Upon realizing that he couldn't bully Rose and accomplish his scheme, Azoff resigned and abandoned Guns N' Roses on the eve of a major tour, filing suit for commissions he didn't earn and had no right to receive.<ref name="azoff" /> The lawsuit was [[Settlement (litigation)|settled]] "to the mutual satisfaction of the parties" in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/axl-rose-settles-lawsuit/|title=Axl Rose Settles Lawsuit Against Former Manager Irving Azoff|first=Amy|last=Sciarretto|date=June 16, 2011|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/settlements-reached-in-lawsuits-between-axl-rose-and-former-manager/|title=Settlements Reached In Lawsuits Between Axl Rose And Former Manager - Blabbermouth.net|date=June 14, 2011|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> Several years later, Guns N' Roses' management, led by Rose's former personal assistant Beta Lebeis and her family, stated that previous tensions led to an ultimatum of "no more managers."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2011/dec/21/entertainment/la-et-12-20-axl-rose-interview-20111221|title=Axl Rose's appetite is for today's Guns N' Roses|first=Randall|last=Roberts|date=December 21, 2011|work=LA Times|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref>

[[image:Guns N' Roses in Bangalore 2012-12-07-0068 (8401973216).jpg|thumb|Guns N' Roses in [[Bangalore]] in 2012. From left to right, [[Richard Fortus]], [[Axl Rose]], [[Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal]], [[DJ Ashba]] & [[Tommy Stinson]]]]

Guns N' Roses headlined the Friday night at [[Reading Festival]] 2010 and closed [[Leeds Festival]] two days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/10740448/reading-raises-capacity-at-this-years-festival-by-3500|title=Reading raises capacity at this year's festival by 3,500|first=Del|last=Crookes|date=July 23, 2010|work=bbc.co.uk|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> Guns N' Roses was 58 minutes late coming on to the stage, and because of a curfew issued by Reading Council the band's set ended at midnight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/52783|title=Axl Rose declares 'war' on promoters as Guns N' Roses headline Leeds Festival - NME.COM|first=Sam|last=Fairbarn|date=August 29, 2010|work=NME.COM|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> The band was therefore not able to complete its set, but nevertheless attempted to play "Paradise City" without amplification while the audience sang along.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/aug/31/guns-n-roses-reading-leeds|title=Guns N' Roses blast Reading and Leeds festival for pulling the plug|first=Sean|last=Michaels|date=August 31, 2010|work=the Guardian|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> Rose orchestrated fan frustration toward the organizers, telling fans that the group would not play at the Leeds Festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/11120697/guns-n-roses-have-their-reading-festival-set-cut-short|title=Guns N' Roses have their Reading Festival set cut short|date=August 28, 2010|website=bbc.co.uk|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref> However, two days later the band played the final night of the Leeds Festival, coming onto stage 30 minutes late, and cutting part of the encore, with Rose stating to the crowd, "We come here to play for you but the cops and the promoters wanna fuck us in the ass. We would like to play a few more songs for you but we'll just play one."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2010/08/30/reading-and-leeds-2010-guns-n-roses-in-foul-mouthed-tirade-against-promoters-3436816/|title=Guns N' Roses at Leeds Festival 2010: 'Be safe, good night and f**k you'|last1=McCabe|first1=Joanne|date=August 30, 2010|website=Metro.co.uk|publisher=DMG Media|access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref> During a concert on September 1, in Dublin, the band was over an hour late arriving on stage.<ref name="bottled" >{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/11163085/guns-n-roses-bottled-off-stage-in-dublin|title=Guns N' Roses bottled off stage in Dublin|first=Greg|last=Cochrane|date=September 2, 2010|work=bbc.co.uk|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> Rose stopped the band in the middle of the second song, "[[Welcome to the Jungle]]" after multiple bottles were thrown on stage, warning the crowd "One more bottle and we go home. It's up to you. We would like to stay. We want to stay. We want to have some fun."<ref name="bottled" /> After another bottle was thrown, the band left the stage during the fourth song of the set.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2010/09/02/guns-n-roses-axl-dublin|title=Guns N' Roses: Axl Rose leaves stage at Irish show after bottles and 'unknown substances' are thrown at him|first=Clark|last=Collis|date=September 2, 2010|work=Entertainment Weekly's EW.com|accessdate=April 25, 2015}}</ref> The band returned to the stage an hour later to finish the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/52831|title=NME News Axl Rose bottled offstage at Guns N' Roses' Dublin gig - NME.COM|first=Sam|last=Fairbarn|date=September 2, 2010|work=NME.COM|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mcd.ie/home/fn.php?c=9096245&ar=gunsnroses&cat=all|title=Guns N' Roses: Statement issued by promotors MCD and the management of the O2|publisher=MCD.ie|date=September 1, 2010|accessdate=November 11, 2010|archive-url=https://archive.is/20120710000741/http://mcd.ie/home/fn.php?c=9096245&ar=gunsnroses&cat=all |archive-date=July 10, 2012}}</ref>

Former bassist Duff McKagan joined the band on stage for the first time since leaving the band on October 14, 2010 at [[The O2 Arena]], in London, England. He performed four songs with the group: "You Could Be Mine", "Nice Boys", "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", and "Patience".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ticketsthere.com/2010/10/14/duff-mckagan-plays-with-guns-n-roses-in-london/|title=Duff McKagan plays with Guns N' Roses in London|publisher=Ticketsthere.com|date=October 14, 2010|accessdate=June 13, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/video-duff-mckagan-reunites-with-axl-rose-onstage-20101014|title=Video: Duff McKagan Reunites With Axl Rose Onstage|last1=Greene|first1=Andy|date=October 14, 2010|website=RollingStone.com |access-date=July 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinsider.net/appetite-for-reuniting/duff-mckagan-joins-gn%E2%80%99r-onstage|title=Duff McKagan Joins GN'R Onstage|last1=Shaw|first1=Zach|date=October 15, 2010|website=MetalInsider.net|access-date=July 9, 2015}}</ref> The appearance was said to be a spur-of-the-moment decision, as he and Rose happened to be staying in the same hotel.<ref name="duffreu">{{cite web|title=Duff McKagan Joins Guns N' Roses On Stage In London!|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=October 19, 2010|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=147720|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312080829/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=147720|archivedate=March 12, 2011|df=}}</ref> Rose told the audience, "There was this guy at the end of my hallway playing all this loud music and shit. What the fuck? Oh — it's Duff!".<ref name="duffreu"/> McKagan later joined Guns N' Roses on part of its tour for two Seattle shows in December 2011, as well as having his band [[Loaded (band)|Loaded]] open for Guns N' Roses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noisecreep.com/2011/12/17/duff-mckagan-guns-n-roses-reunion/|date=December 17, 2011|title=Duff McKagan Reunites With Guns N' Roses in Seattle|publisher=Noisecreep|accessdate=March 10, 2012}}</ref>

Guns N' Roses performed at [[Rock in Rio#Rock in Rio 4|Rock in Rio 4]] on October 2, 2011 during heavy rain,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metalholic.com/concert-review-guns-n-roses-perform-rock-in-rio-under-october-rain/|title=Concert Review: GUNS N' ROSES Perform Rock In Rio Under October Rain - Metalholic|first=Rustyn|last=Rose|date=October 3, 2011|work=Metalholic|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> playing "[[Estranged (song)|Estranged]]" for the first time since 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2011/10/03/axl-rose-performs-estranged-for-the-first-time-in-eighteen-years/|title=AXL ROSE PERFORMS "ESTRANGED" FOR THE FIRST TIME IN EIGHTEEN YEARS - MetalSucks|first=Axl|last=Rosenberg|date=October 3, 2011|work=MetalSucks|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> Guitarist [[Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal|Bumblefoot]] stated that due to the conditions, it was the 'worst concert he's ever been a part of'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/that_metal_show/tms-bts-bumblefoot/999322/video/|title=TMS BTS: Bumblefoot|date=February 6, 2014|work=VH1|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> Two months later, during a performance in Nashville, TN "[[Civil War (song)|Civil War]]" also made a return after an eighteen-year absence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/video-guns-n-roses-perform-civil-war-first-time-18-years|title=Video: Guns N' Roses Perform "Civil War" for the First Time in 18 Years|first=Josh|last=Hart|date=December 6, 2011|work=guitarworld.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> On November 10, 2011, Rose gave his first TV interview in years to [[Eddie Trunk]], [[Don Jamieson (comedian)|Don Jamieson]] and [[Jim Florentine]] of ''[[That Metal Show]]'', discussing his whole career and the band's future.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sciarretto|first=Amy|title='That Metal Show' Recap: Axl Rose Talks Lateness, Slash + Original 'Appetite' Cover|url=http://loudwire.com/that-metal-show-recap-axl-rose-talks-lateness-slash-original-appetite-cover/|work=[[Loudwire]]|date=November 12, 2011|accessdate=July 8, 2014}}</ref>

On December 7, 2011, it was announced that the classic Guns N' Roses lineup was to be inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]], along with several other acts, including the [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]] and [[The Faces]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Sean|last=Michaels|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/dec/08/guns-n-roses-rock-roll-hall-fame?newsfeed=true|title=Guns N' Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame|work=The Guardian|location=London|date=December 8, 2011|accessdate=January 8, 2012}}</ref><ref name="RNRHOF">{{cite web|last=Greene|first=Andy|title=Guns N' Roses, Chili Peppers Bring Magic to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-chili-peppers-bring-magic-to-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-20120415|date=April 15, 2012|accessdate=April 16, 2012}}</ref> Commenting on his Twitter, Rose stated "I'd like to thank the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame and our fans. This is your victory".<ref>{{Cite tweet|first=Axl|last=Rose |author-link=Axl Rose|user=Axlrose|number=144676094740664320|date=December 7, 2011|title=I'd like to thank the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame and our fans. This is your victory. |access-date=May 4, 2015|language=English}}</ref> Commenting on the induction during his ''That Metal Show'' interview he said "I don't know what it means in terms of me with the old band and the old lineup,"...&nbsp;"If we were to be invited, I don't know what they would ask of me. It's up in the air."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rttnews.com/Content/EntertainmentNews.aspx?Section=2&Id=1778462&amp%3BSM=1|title=Guns N' Roses Inducted Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame|publisher=Rttnews.com|accessdate=January 8, 2012}}</ref> Slash also commented, saying, "Thanks for all the R&RHF mentions, It's quite an honor to be inducted. Cheers! Iii|;&nbsp;)"<ref name="contactmusic1">{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news/slash-honoured-by-rock-n-roll-hall-of-fame-induction_1273548|title=Slash &#124; Slash Honoured By Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame Induction|publisher=Contactmusic|date=December 8, 2011|accessdate=January 8, 2012}}</ref> He went on to say, "I have no idea how that's supposed to go. If Axl, Duff, Izzy and myself start communicating, it could go one way. If we don't, God knows."<ref name="contactmusic1"/>
[[File:Guns n Roses Nottingham 2012.JPG|left|thumb|Guns N' Roses performing at Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, UK, in May 2012. From left to right, [[Richard Fortus]], [[Axl Rose]], [[DJ Ashba]].]]
In early 2012, the band announced shows in the United States and Europe, titled the [[Up Close and Personal Tour (Guns N' Roses)|Up Close and Personal Tour]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-announce-six-date-u-s-club-tour-20120130|title=GNR announce six club dates|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=October 24, 2014|date=January 30, 2012|author=Andy Greene}}</ref> The shows themselves varied considerably in comparison to the previous Chinese Democracy Tour. All of the North American shows took place in smaller-scale clubs, rather than a large arena or stadium.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-kick-off-2012-tour-with-epic-new-york-club-show-20120211|title=Guns N' Roses Kick Off 2012 Tour With Show at New York's Roseland Ballroom|first=Andy|last=Greene|date=February 11, 2012|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-announce-more-club-dates/|title=Guns N' Roses Announce More Club Dates|first=Tree|last=Riddle|date=February 21, 2012|work=Loudwire|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Ucapt">{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-at-night/2012/02/guns-n-roses-concert-review-up-close-and-personal-tour-live-at-house-of-blues-chicago-sunday-21912-with-setlist/|title=Guns N' Roses Concert Review – "Up Close and Personal Tour," Live at House of Blues Chicago – Sunday, 2/19/12 (With Setlist) - Chicago At Night|first=Jim|last=Ryan|date=February 20, 2012|work=chicagonow.com|accessdate=July 9, 2015|quote="gone were the pyrotechnics of arena shows past which forced the band to play in a more no frills fashion with the focus less on spectacle and more on music."}}</ref> All pyrotechnics were removed from the shows.<ref name="Ucapt" /> The European leg of the tour began approximately one month after the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Guitarist DJ Ashba discussed a potential follow up to ''Chinese Democracy'' in a 2012 interview, stating "I've written and demoed up probably about 12 songs, I think. And some of them [Axl] has heard, some of them he hasn't yet. But I think when we get a little bit of time off, we're gonna hopefully all get together and piece together what we think is gonna be the next best thing."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dj-ashba-on-guns-n-roses-future-the-sky-s-the-limit/|title=DJ ASHBA On GUNS N' ROSES' Future: 'The Sky's The Limit'|date=March 18, 2012|first=Mark|last=Lewis|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET; Rock Over America|accessdate=October 24, 2014}}</ref>

In an interview, Dizzy Reed supported the hypothesis of the classic lineup reunited in the Hall of Fame, saying, "I know that all the original band is going to be there. I don't know exactly what's going to go down. It's one of those things I'm sure will all come together and be really cool. Honestly, we haven't spoken about it. I don't know when or why or how to bring it up."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/506144/all-original-guns-n-roses-members-will-be-at-rock-hall-induction#/news/all-original-guns-n-roses-members-will-be-1006185362.story|title=All Original Guns N' Roses Members Will Be at Rock Hall Induction|last1=Graff|first1=Gary|date=February 14, 2012|website=Billboard.com |access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref>

On April 11, 2012, Rose released an open letter to "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Guns N' Roses Fans and Whom It May Concern", saying he would not be attending the induction. Rose stated, "I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N' Roses to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" and called it a "complicated and awkward situation."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://htgth.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=2247|title=Axl's letter to The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Guns N' Roses Fans and Whom It May Concern|last1=Rose|first1=Axl|date=April 11, 2012 |access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2012/04/axl-rose-pens-open-letter-to-rock-hall-will-not-attend-asks-to-not-be-inducted.html|title=Axl Rose pens open letter to Rock Hall, Will Not Attend, Asks not to be inducted|first=Randall|last=Roberts|date=April 11, 2012|work=latimes.com|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref> After the ceremony, Rose released a statement on the band's Facebook page apologizing to the city of Cleveland (where the ceremony took place) and detailing reasons why he did not attend, stating "I still don't exactly know or understand what the Hall is or how or why it makes money, where the money goes, who chooses the voters and why anyone [on] this board decides who, out of all the artists in the world that have contributed to this genre, [is] officially "rock" enough to be in the Hall?"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://htgth.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=2248|title=Axl's letter to Cleveland, OH, GN'R fans and those who supported his Hall Of Fame decision|last1=Rose|first1=Axl|date=April 17, 2012|accessdate=May 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-apologizes-to-cleveland-for-hall-of-fame-snub-20120417|title=Axl Rose apologizes for not attending Guns n' Roses Hall of Fame induction ceremony - Rolling Stone|first=Andy|last=Greene|date=April 17, 2012|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Gnr rrhof.jpg|thumb|The members of Guns N' Roses inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Top row: Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, Dizzy Reed. Bottom Row: Slash, Matt Sorum, Steven Adler, Izzy Stradlin.]]
On April 14, 2012, former Guns N' Roses members [[Slash (musician)|Slash]], [[Duff McKagan]], [[Gilby Clarke]], [[Steven Adler]] and [[Matt Sorum]] all reunited at the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2012/04/guns-n-roses-axl-rose-rock-hall-of-fame-induction.html|title=Pop & Hiss|first=Randy|last=Lewis|date=April 15, 2012|work=latimes.com|accessdate=April 23, 2015}}</ref> The group performed "[[Mr. Brownstone]]", "[[Sweet Child o' Mine]]", and "[[Paradise City]]" with [[Alter Bridge]] and Slash's band vocalist [[Myles Kennedy]] in Rose's absence.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/guns-n-roses-perform-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-myles-kennedy-axl-rose-312396|title=Guns N' Roses Perform at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction with Myles Kennedy in Axl Rose's Absence|first=Jordan|last=Zakarin|date=April 16, 2012|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2130071/Guns-N-Roses-reunite-Rock-Roll-Hall-Fame-induction--Axl-Rose.html|title=Guns N' Roses reunite for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction&nbsp;... without Axl Rose - Daily Mail Online|date=April 15, 2012|work=Mail Online|accessdate=July 9, 2015|location=London}}</ref> Slash mentioned in an interview that "All things considered, I don't think any of us wanted to be a part of it initially, didn't think any of us were going to go. It was a thorn in everybody's—well, at least a thorn in my side—because I was busy doing other stuff. When it finally came down to the wire at the very, very, very last-minute—I'm talking about the 11 hours and 30 seconds mark—Axl had pulled out."<ref name="digispyslash"/> In the same interview, Slash mentioned the prospects of a reunion, stating "It's not even something I like to dwell on. I don't even like to make comments because you end up with quotes that sometimes exacerbate the issue. I've got other things going on. I'm very, very proud—endlessly proud—of everything the band stood for and everything that's gone on with it."<ref name="digispyslash">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a549549/slash-talks-axl-no-show-at-guns-n-roses-hall-of-fame-induction.html#~phWFFMsxzPmx24|title=Slash talks Axl no-show at Guns N' Roses Hall of Fame induction|first=Mayer|last=Nissim|date=February 17, 2014|work=Digital Spy|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref> Slash then stated in a July 2012 interview that "[the classic lineup] will 'never reunite'".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/07/20/slash-original-guns-n-roses-will-never-reunite/|title=Slash: Original Guns N' Roses will never reunite|first=Hollie|last=McKay|date=July 20, 2012|work=Fox News|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref> In a later interview, former drummer Steven Adler stated that Matt Sorum would not take part in a potential reunion unless Adler was involved.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/steven-adler-matt-sorum-wouldnt-take-part-in-guns-n-roses-reunion-unless-i-was-involved/|title=Steven Adler: Matt Sorum Wouldn't Take Part In Guns N' Roses Reunion Unless I Was Involved - Blabbermouth.net|first=Eddie|last=Trunk|date=March 5, 2015|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET; Eddie Trunk Live|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref> Duff McKagan said in 2015, "[A reunion] could happen, and it could not. And I think it would be wonderful, one day, if we reconciled, first and foremost. That alone would be cool."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/duff-mckagan-classic-guns-n-roses-reunion-could-happen/|title=Duff McKagan on Guns N' Roses Reunion: 'It Could Happen'|first=Chad|last=Childers|date=May 22, 2015|work=Loudwire|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref>

Richard Fortus, being interviewed by the French music website ''Rock N' Live'' in June 2012, revealed that the band would not play any more dates for the "[[Up Close and Personal Tour (Guns N' Roses)|Up Close and Personal Tour]]", as the band members hoped to spend more time in the studio, hoping to complete the next album by the end of the year.<ref name="RnLFortus"/> Fortus said, "I'm pretty much focused on GnR right now. We're getting ready to go back in the studio, so that's where my head's at right now, that's all I want to think about until the end of the year, pretty much."<ref name="RnLFortus">{{cite web|url=http://www.rocknlive.org/2012/06/25/exclusif-interview-richard-fortus-des-guns-n-roses-au-compulsions/|title=Exclusive interwiew with Richard Fortus of Guns N' Roses and The Compulsions|publisher=Rock N' Live|date=June 23, 2012|accessdate=June 25, 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116130810/http://www.rocknlive.org/2012/06/25/exclusif-interview-richard-fortus-des-guns-n-roses-au-compulsions/|archivedate=January 16, 2013}}</ref>

Izzy Stradlin once again joined the band for a surprise performance at a wedding in [[Saint-Tropez]], France in July 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/izzy-stradlin-performs-with-guns-n-roses-in-saint-tropez/|title=Izzy Stradlin Performs With Guns N' Roses In Saint Tropez - Blabbermouth.net|date=July 22, 2012|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref> Also in July 2012, the band toured [[Israel]] for the first time since 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/after-19-years-guns-n-roses-return-to-israels-paradise-city/|title=Guitar solo 'Hatikva' a highlight as Guns N' Roses returns to TA - The Times of Israel|first=Tracy|last=Frydberg|date=July 3, 2012|work=The Times of Israel|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref> ''[[NME]]'' reported that year that the band's tour security said they had been instructed by Guns N' Roses management that anyone wearing a Slash T-shirt not be allowed into the tour venue.<ref>{{cite journal|date=June 1, 2012|first=Henry|last=Wilkins|title=Guns N' Roses ban fans from wearing Slash t-shirts to their UK gigs|journal=[[NME]]|url=http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/64110|accessdate=June 6, 2012}}</ref>

On August 13, 2012, the band announced a [[Artist-in-residence|residency]] at [[The Joint (music venue)|The Joint]] in [[Las Vegas]] entitled "[[Appetite for Democracy (Tour)|Appetite for Democracy]]", celebrating the 25th anniversary of the band's debut album, ''Appetite for Destruction'', and the fourth anniversary of the album ''Chinese Democracy''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-taking-over-las-vegas-with-appetite-for-democracy-residency-20120813|title=Guns N' Roses to Take Over Las Vegas With 'Appetite for Democracy' Residency|publisher=Rolling Stone|date=August 13, 2012|accessdate=August 17, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lfpress.com/entertainment/music/2012/08/13/20098716-wenn-story.html|title=Guns N' Roses heading to Vegas|publisher=London Free Press|date=August 13, 2012|accessdate=August 17, 2012}}</ref> On November 21, 2012, the band's performance in Vegas was taped in [[3D film|3D]], and was screened across theaters in 2014 before being released as ''[[Appetite for Democracy 3D]]'' on July 1, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-film-vegas-appetite-for-democracy-residency-show-3d/|title=Guns N' Roses Film Vegas 'Appetite for Democracy' Residency Show in 3D|first=Mary|last=Ouellette|work=Loudwire|accessdate=October 24, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-democracy-3d-film-coming-to-theaters-dvd-blu-ray/|title=GUNS N' ROSES: 'Appetite For Democracy' 3D Film Coming To Theaters, DVD, Blu-Ray|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|accessdate=October 24, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/77619|title=Guns N' Roses to release 3D concert film 'Appetite For Democracy'|date=May 30, 2014|work=NME.COM|accessdate=October 24, 2014}}</ref> In October 2012, Rose mentioned that the follow-up to ''Chinese Democracy'' would not take as long to be released, stating, "All the guys are writing, and we recorded a lot of songs over the years. We'll figure out what we feel best about. ''Chinese'' was done in piecemeal with one person here and one there at different times."<ref name="USA Today" /> In October 2012, Guns N' Roses performed an acoustic set at [[Neil Young]]'s [[Bridge School Benefit]] show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-rock-acoustically-2012-bridge-school-benefit/|title=Guns N' Roses Rock Acoustically for 2012 Bridge School Benefit|work=Loudwire|date=October 21, 2012}}</ref> The performance was widely panned by critics, and Rose claimed an onset of [[Streptococcal pharyngitis|strep throat]] hampered his vocals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avclub.com/article/guns-n-roses-performed-at-the-bridge-school-benefi-87829|title=Guns N' Roses performed at the Bridge School Benefit, and time continued to visit its cruelties upon Axl Rose|work=avclub.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/10/guns-n-roses-really-did-play-neil-youngs-bridge-school-benefit/|title=Guns N' Roses really did play Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit - Consequence of Sound|work=Consequence of Sound}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gawker.com/5954050/axl-rose-performed-at-bridge-school-but-guns-n-roses-is-still-a-fresh-corpse-this-morning|title=Axl Rose Performed at Bridge School But Guns N' Roses Is Still a Fresh Corpse This Morning|author=A.J. Daulerio|publisher=Gawker Media|work=Gawker|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505092622/http://gawker.com/5954050/axl-rose-performed-at-bridge-school-but-guns-n-roses-is-still-a-fresh-corpse-this-morning|archivedate=May 5, 2015|df=mdy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalinsider.net/big-suck/axl-rose-embarrasses-himself-at-bridge-school-benefit|title=Axl Rose Embarrasses Himself At Bridge School Benefit|work=Metal Insider}}</ref>

[[Image:GNR 2010.jpg|thumb|Guns N' Roses in 2010. From left to right: [[Dizzy Reed]], [[Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal]], [[Richard Fortus]], [[Axl Rose]], [[DJ Ashba]], [[Chris Pitman]], & [[Tommy Stinson]]. Drummer [[Frank Ferrer]] is not pictured.]]

In August 2013, a new song titled "Going Down" was leaked online.<ref name="Goingdown" /> The track features bassist Tommy Stinson on lead vocals, with Rose providing back up vocals.<ref name="Goingdown" /> Bumblefoot confirmed the song to be legitimate on his Twitter.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rosen|first=Dana|url=http://eddietrunk.com/has-a-new-guns-n-roses-song-leaked-online/|title=HAS A NEW GUNS N' ROSES SONG LEAKED ONLINE?|work=eddietrunk.com|publisher=Eddie Trunk|date=August 19, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822013307/http://eddietrunk.com/has-a-new-guns-n-roses-song-leaked-online|archivedate=August 22, 2013|accessdate=June 26, 2015}}</ref> [[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] described it as "a country-tinged, mid-tempo lighter-raiser with lyrics about how "you've got nothin' good to say / Keep your mouth shut."<ref name="Goingdown" >{{cite news|last=Hogan|first=Marc|authorlink=Marc Hogan|url=http://www.spin.com/articles/guns-n-roses-going-down-leak-stream/|title=Alleged Guns N' Roses Leak Is 'Going Down' Less Than Smoothly|work=[[Spin.com]]|publisher=[[Spin Media]]|date=August 20, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823120332/http://www.spin.com/articles/guns-n-roses-going-down-leak-stream|archivedate=August 23, 2013|accessdate=June 26, 2015}}</ref>

The band launched a South American tour in early 2014, including playing in [[Brazil]] and [[Portugal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-2014-south-american-tour/|title=Guns N' Roses Book 2014 South American Tour|first=Chad|last=Bowar|date=January 7, 2014|work=Loudwire|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref> For several shows, former bassist Duff McKagan rejoined the band to fill in for Stinson, who had previous commitments to touring with [[The Replacements (band)|The Replacements]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6029516/duff-mckagan-reuniting-with-guns-n-roses-to-help-axl-out-says-tommy-stinson|title=Duff McKagan Reuniting With Guns N' Roses to 'Help Axl Out,' Says Tommy Stinson|first=Gary|last=Graff|date=April 1, 2014|work=Billboard|accessdate=October 24, 2014}}</ref> The group headlined the [[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver Golden Gods]] awards show, with McKagan on bass, on April 24, 2014. During the ceremony, Rose was awarded the [[Ronnie James Dio]] lifetime achievement award.<ref name="RJD">{{cite web|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/duff-mckagan-to-join-guns-n-roses-at-revolver-golden-gods-awards-show.html|title=Duff McKagan to Join Guns N' Roses at Revolver Golden Gods|first=Damian|last=Fanelli|date=April 21, 2014|work=revolvermag.com|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-2014-revolver-golden-gods/|title=Guns N' Roses play one-hour set at 2014 Revolver Golden Gods|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|date=April 24, 2014|work=Loudwire|accessdate=July 9, 2015}}</ref> After the show, Fortus reiterated the band was working on material and mentioned the possibility of releasing new music within the next year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-could-have-new-music-out-in-next-year-says-guitarist-richard-fortus/|title=Guns N' Roses could have new music out in next year, says guitarist Richard Fortus|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]; Associated Press|date=April 24, 2014|accessdate=October 24, 2014|quote=Fortus: "We are working on stuff and hopefully very soon we're going to have new stuff out. Well, in the next year."}}</ref>

From May 21 to June 7, 2014, the band returned to [[Las Vegas]] for its second [[Artist-in-residence|residency]] at [[The Joint (music venue)|The Joint]], titled ''No Trickery! An Evening of Destruction''."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/02/18/guns-n-roses-return-to-las-vegas-for-second-residency/5572327/|title=Guns N' Roses return to Vegas with 'No Trickery!'|publisher=Usatoday.com|first=Edna|last=Gundersen|date=February 18, 2014|accessdate=February 25, 2014}}</ref> In an interview in June 2014, Rose commented on upcoming plans:
{{quote|We recorded a lot of things before ''[[Chinese Democracy|Chinese]]'' was out. We've worked more on some of those things and we've written a few new things. But basically, we have what I call kind of the second half of ''Chinese''. That's already recorded. And then we have a remix album made of the songs from ''Chinese''. That's been done for a while, too. But after Vegas, we're going to start looking very seriously at what we're doing in that regard.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/axl-rose-says-guns-n-roses-have-two-new-albums-completed.html|title=Axl Rose Says Guns N' Roses Have Two New Albums Completed|work=[[Revolver Magazine]]|publisher=[[NewBay Media]]|date=June 4, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717092704/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/axl-rose-says-guns-n-roses-have-two-new-albums-completed.html|archivedate=July 17, 2014|accessdate=June 26, 2015}}</ref>}}

Reed mentioned that the next album was 'close to being done' in July 2014, adding it was "just a matter of picking out which songs will be on it" and that the band had a "shitload of songs, enough to make up another record or two".<ref>{{cite news|last=Grow|first=Kory|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-next-record-is-close-to-being-done-dizzy-reed-says-20140711|title=Guns N' Roses' Next Record Is 'Close to Being Done,' Dizzy Reed Says|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=[[Jann Wenner|Wenner Media LLC]]|date=July 11, 2014|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714013046/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-next-record-is-close-to-being-done-dizzy-reed-says-20140711|archivedate=July 14, 2014|accessdate=June 26, 2015}}</ref> Later that month, Fortus discussed the band working on new material and taking a break from touring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=2371|title=Richard Fortus interviewed on One On One with Mitch Lafon|first=Mitch|last=Lafon|date=February 16, 2015|work=Talking Metal Digital podcast|accessdate=April 24, 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315035729/http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/news/shownews.php?newsid=2371|archivedate=March 15, 2015}}</ref> A year later, Fortus discussed a potential 2016 tour and mentioned that the next album "should be out" by then.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/gun-n-roses-hazing-bumblefoot/|title=Bumblefoot hints at Guns N' Roses hazing, while Richard Fortus promises new music|last1=Giles|first1=Jeff|date=June 17, 2015|website=UltimateClassicRock.com|publisher=Diffuser Network|access-date=June 18, 2015}}</ref> Reed responded by saying "When will it come out? We just don't know yet. Only Axl knows, and he's very secretive. Be patient."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-keyboardist-dizzy-reed-only-axl-rose-knows-when-next-album-will-come-out/|title=Guns N' Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed: Only Axl Rose knows when next album will come out|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=June 28, 2015|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629201545/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-keyboardist-dizzy-reed-only-axl-rose-knows-when-next-album-will-come-out/|archivedate=June 29, 2015|accessdate=June 29, 2015}}</ref>

===Regrouping, Not in This Lifetime... Tour and future (2015–present)===
{{main article|Not in This Lifetime... Tour}}
[[file:Melissa Reese Composer Recording Artist.JPG|thumb|150px|Keyboardist [[Melissa Reese]] joined the band in 2016.]]
On July 27, 2015, guitarist [[DJ Ashba]] left the band, citing his commitments to his family and other band, [[Sixx:A.M.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/dj-ashba-leaving-guns-n-roses-after-six-years-20150727|title=DJ Ashba leaving Guns N' Roses after six years|first=Daniel|last=Kreps|date=July 27, 2015|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=July 27, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guitarist-dj-ashba-exits-guns-n-roses/|title=Guitarist DJ Ashba exits Guns N' Roses|first=Chad|last=Childers|date=July 27, 2015|work=Loudwire|accessdate=July 27, 2015}}</ref> Ashba released a statement saying "I have reached a point in my life where I feel it's time to dedicate myself to my band Sixx:A.M., my adoring wife and family, and to the many new adventures that the future holds for me."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/dj-ashba-quits-guns-n-roses/|title=DJ Ashba quits Guns N' Roses|first=Dave|last=Lifton|date=July 27, 2015|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|accessdate=July 27, 2015}}</ref> Several days later, music journalist [[Gary Graff]] reported that a 'confirmed source within the band' had told him that Ron Thal was no longer in Guns N' Roses and had left after the 2014 tour. No official announcement from Thal or the band has been made regarding his status.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wmmr.com/2015/07/31/gnr-reps-confirm-ron-bumblefoot-thal-left-band/|title=Source confirms Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal has left GN'R|work=93.3 WMMR|author=Gary Graff|date=July 31, 2015|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref> Tommy Stinson then left the band, citing personal reasons keeping him unable to tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/tommy-stinson-guns-n-roses-reunion/|title=Tommy Stinson Speaks About Leaving Guns N' Roses|date=January 23, 2016|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|accessdate=January 24, 2016}}</ref> Frank Ferrer clarified the status of the band in mid-2015, saying "Guns still exist&nbsp;... [They have] a lot of moving parts, and there's a lot of things in the works&nbsp;... everything is moving forward."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-drummer-frank-ferrer-axl-rose-is-one-of-the-greatest-living-rock-stars-in-the-history-of-music/|title=Guns N' Roses drummer Frank Ferrer: Axl Rose is 'One Of The Greatest Living Rock Stars In The History Of Music'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 31, 2015|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref>

On December 29, 2015, several days after a Guns N' Roses related teaser was released to movie theaters, ''Billboard'' reported that Slash was set to rejoin the band and a "reunited" lineup will headline [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival|Coachella]] 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last=Waddel|first=Ray|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6828129/guns-n-roses-reunion-coachella-stadium-las-vegas|title=Guns N' Roses to Reunite for Coachella, Possible Stadium Tour: Sources|work=Billboard.com|date=December 29, 2015|accessdate=December 30, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-slash-to-reunite-guns-n-roses-at-coachella-20151230|title=Axl Rose, Slash to Reunite Guns N' Roses at Coachella|date=|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=January 5, 2016}}</ref> Rose was set to appear on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]'' the following week to talk about the future of the band, but his appearance was cancelled due to "unforeseen circumstances".<ref>{{cite news|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/axl-rose-to-talk-guns-n-roses-on-jimmy-kimmel-live-20151230|title=Axl Rose to Talk Guns N' Roses on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'|work=Rolling Stone|date=December 30, 2015|accessdate=December 30, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-axl-rose-jimmy-kimmel-live-canceled-20160104-story.htmlAxl|title=Rose's appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel' canceled due to 'unforeseen circumstances'|publisher=Latimes.com|date=January 4, 2016|accessdate=January 6, 2017}}</ref> Guns N' Roses was officially announced as the headliner of Coachella on January 4, 2016, with [[KROQ-FM|KROQ]] reporting Slash and Duff McKagan are rejoining the band.<ref>[http://kroq.cbslocal.com/2016/01/04/coachella-2016-lineup/ Coachella 2016 Lineup Announced: Guns N’ Roses, LCD Soundsystem, Calvin Harris] KROQ</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/01/coachella-announces-2016-lineup-guns-n-roses-lcd-soundsystem-to-headline/|title=Coachella announces 2016 lineup: Guns N’ Roses, LCD Soundsystem to headline - Consequence of Sound|date=|work=Consequence of Sound|accessdate=January 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/coachella-guns-n-roses-lcd-soundsystem-calvin-harris-lead-lineup-20160104|title=Coachella: Guns N' Roses, LCD Soundsystem, Calvin Harris Lead Lineup|date=|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=January 5, 2016}}</ref> The Coachella festival confirmed via press release that McKagan and Slash were rejoining.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/90618|title=Guns N' Roses confirm return of Slash and Duff McKagan for Coachella reunion|author=NME.COM|date=|work=NME.COM|accessdate=January 24, 2016}}</ref> The band's first scheduled concerts with Slash and McKagan took place at the newly opened [[T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas)|T-Mobile Arena]] on April 8 and 9, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-two-concerts-las-vegas-t-mobile-arena/|title=Guns N' Roses Announce Two Concerts in Las Vegas|author=chadchilders|date=January 19, 2016|work=Loudwire|accessdate=May 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/jan/29/first-seats-go-in-at-t-mobile-arena-only-19997-to/|title=First seats go in at T-Mobile Arena — only 19,997 to go|author=Ricardo Torres|date=|work=LasVegasSun.com|accessdate=May 11, 2016}}</ref> On March 25, 2016, the band announced 21 cities as part of a North American tour, dubbed the [[Not in This Lifetime... Tour]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-confirm-north-american-tour-20160325|title=Guns N' Roses Confirm North American Tour|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=March 26, 2016}}</ref> Additional legs of the tour were added for Latin America, Asia and Oceania through 2017.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-australian-tour-dates-officially-announced/|title=GNR australian dates|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 16, 2016|accessdate=January 6, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Young|first=Alex|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/07/guns-n-roses-announce-south-american-tour/|title=GNR announce south american reunion tour|publisher=Consequenceofsound.net|date=July 13, 2016|accessdate=January 6, 2017}}</ref> Later on, a second North American Leg was added for 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-set-2017-us-tour-dates-st-louis-return-w453733|title=Guns N' Roses Set 2017 U.S. Tour Dates, St. Louis Return|publisher=}}</ref>
[[file:AXL & SLASH (27434284284) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Guns N' Roses playing in Chicago in 2016. From left to right: Front- Guitarist [[Slash (musician)|Slash]] and vocalist [[Axl Rose]], Back- drummer [[Frank Ferrer]] and keyboardist [[Melissa Reese]]]]
A previously unannounced warmup gig at the [[Troubadour (West Hollywood, California)|Troubadour]] in Los Angeles took place on April 1, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guns-n-roses-performs-at-the-troubadour-first-video-footage-and-photos/|title=Guns N' Roses Performs At The Troubadour: Video Footage And Photos - Blabbermouth.net|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|accessdate=April 2, 2016}}</ref> [[Melissa Reese]], who has previously worked with former drummer Bryan Mantia on several projects, replaced Chris Pitman as the second keyboardist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alternativenation.net/guns-n-roses-first-female-member/|title=Guns N' Roses Adds First Female Member|author=Brett Buchanan|date=April 2, 2016|work=AlternativeNation.net|accessdate=April 2, 2016}}</ref> During the show at the Troubadour, Rose fell off a monitor and broke his foot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/04/guns-n-roses-axl-rose-broken-foot/|title=Axl Rose Broke His Foot, Will Perform Guns N’ Roses Reunion Shows in a Cast|date=|work=Spin|accessdate=May 11, 2016}}</ref> Rose was given [[Dave Grohl]]'s customized throne that Grohl had used to perform when he broke his leg at a concert.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/04/axl-rose-hobbled-by-a-broken-foot-performed-last-nights-guns-n-roses-show-in-dave-grohls-throne/|title=Axl Rose, hobbled by a broken foot, performed last night’s Guns N’ Roses show in Dave Grohl’s throne|date=|work=Consequence of Sound|accessdate=May 11, 2016}}</ref> At the performance at the first weekend of Coachella, [[AC/DC]] guitarist [[Angus Young]] joined the band on stage (Rose was set to join AC/DC as a touring vocalist).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/7334123/coachella-2016-guns-n-roses-acdc-angus-young|title=Coachella 2016: Guns N' Roses Bring Out AC/DC's Angus Young to Preview Axl Rose's New Gig|date=|work=Billboard|accessdate=May 11, 2016}}</ref> Young's guest appearance was only the third time he had jammed with another band since 1977.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/music-festivals/7334123/coachella-2016-guns-n-roses-acdc-angus-young|title=Coachella 2016: Guns N' Roses Bring Out AC/DC's Angus Young to Preview Axl Rose's New Gig|work=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ac-dc-jam-with-rolling-stones-at-sydney-gig/|title=Ac/Dc Jam With Rolling Stones At Sydney Gig - Blabbermouth.net|work=BLABBERMOUTH.NET}}</ref>

Rose discussed the regrouping in a June 2016 interview, stating "It was always looked at as a possibility, but it never seemed right or felt right". During the interview, Rose also reiterated his intention to release new Guns N' Roses music in the future.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/axl-rose-quotes-2016/|title=20 Things We Learned During Axl Rose's New Q&A Session|date=June 8, 2016|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|accessdate=June 10, 2016}}</ref> Slash later commented on the tour, telling [[Aerosmith (band)|Aerosmith]]'s [[Joey Kramer]] in an interview with [[WZLX]] that "We all were pretty positive (the reunion) would never happen, so it’s still sort of blowing our minds.... But everybody’s really getting along great and I think everybody’s come a long way, and it’s all cool."<ref>{{cite web|author=*Please enter your name.|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/slash-first-interview-guns-n-roses-reunion/|title=SLash in first Int|publisher=Ultimateclassicrock.com|date=July 1, 2016|accessdate=January 6, 2017}}</ref>

During the band's show of July 6 in Cincinnati, former drummer [[Steven Adler]] joined the band on drums for "Out ta Get Me" and "My Michelle".<ref>{{cite web|last=Kaye|first=Ben|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/07/steven-adler-reunites-with-guns-n-roses-in-cincinnati/|title=Adler reuintes with GNR in Cincy|publisher=Consequenceofsound.net|date=July 6, 2016|accessdate=January 6, 2017}}</ref> It was the first time since 1990 that Adler performed with the group.<ref>{{cite web|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/steven-adler-performs-with-guns-n-roses-in-cincinnati-20160707|title=Adler joines GNR onstage|publisher=Rollingstone.com|date=July 7, 2016|accessdate=January 6, 2017}}</ref> Adler would later join the band at shows in Nashville,<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/steven-adler-back-on-stage-with-guns-n-roses-in-nashville-video-photos/|title=STEVEN ADLER Back On Stage With GUNS N' ROSES In Nashville; Video, Photos|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 10, 2016|accessdate=January 6, 2017}}</ref> Los Angeles,<ref>{{cite web|author=*Please enter your name.|url=http://loudwire.com/steven-adler-joins-guns-n-roses-onstage-los-angeles/|title=Steven Adler Joins Guns N’ Roses Onstage in Los Angeles|publisher=Loudwire.com|date=|accessdate=January 6, 2017}}</ref> and [[Buenos Aires]].<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/steven-adler-rejoins-guns-n-roses-on-stage-in-buenos-aires-video//|title=STEVEN ADLER Rejoins GUNS N' ROSES On Stage In Buenos Aires (Video)|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=November 5, 2016|accessdate=January 6, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/steven-adler-performs-my-michelle-with-guns-n-roses-at-second-buenos-aires-concert-video///|title=STEVEN ADLER Performs 'My Michelle' With GUNS N' ROSES At Second Buenos Aires Concert (Video)|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=November 6, 2016|accessdate=January 6, 2017}}</ref>

==Legacy, style, influence and criticism==
Guns N' Roses signed with a major record label within eight months of the band's inception, and topped national sales charts weeks after garnering late hours airplay on MTV. ''Appetite for Destruction'' is the highest-selling debut album of all time in the United States.<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Runtagh|first=Jordan|url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2013-09-27/50-best-selling-debut-records-in-music-history/|title=Beginner's Luck: The 50 best-selling debut records in music history|work=[[VH1]]|publisher=[[Viacom Media Networks]]|date=September 27, 2013|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001021142/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2013-09-27/50-best-selling-debut-records-in-music-history/|archivedate=October 1, 2013|accessdate=June 26, 2015}}</ref> Peers of the band in the music industry often spoke highly of the band. [[Joe Perry (musician)|Joe Perry]] stated that the band was the first group to remind him of [[Led Zeppelin]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Davis, Stephen|url=https://books.google.com/?id=2NmZXj1MqqMC&pg=PA84&dq=watch+you+bleed+joe+perry+first++led+zeppelin#v=onepage&q&f=false|title=Watch You Bleed: The Saga of Guns N' Roses|publisher=Penguin Group|year=2008|page=84|isbn=978-1-59240-377-6}}|quote=Guns N' Roses looked and sounded like the Next Big Thing&nbsp;... Joe Perry later said that Guns N' Roses was the first band since Led Zeppelin that made him think of Led Zeppelin}</ref> [[Ozzy Osbourne]] stated that Guns N' Roses could have been "the next [[The Rolling Stones|Rolling Stones]]" if the classic lineup stayed together.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ozzy-says-crucify-the-dead-lyrics-are-what-he-would-say-to-axl-rose-if-he-were-slash/|title=Ozzy says 'Crucify The Dead' lyrics are what he would say to Axl Rose if he were Slash|date=May 28, 2010|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref> Country musician [[Steve Earle]] stated in 1989 that "Guns n' Roses are what every L.A. band pretends to be".<ref name="The Hard Truth"/>

[[File:Hanoi Rocks - Ilosaarirock 2008.jpg|thumb|Guns N' Roses's early look and sound was heavily influenced by Finnish band [[Hanoi Rocks]].]]

The music of Guns N' Roses is a fusion of [[punk rock]],<ref name="Robb2012">{{cite book|first=John|last=Robb|title=Punk Rock: An Oral History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gXsTBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA538|accessdate=August 14, 2015|date=December 1, 2012|publisher=PM Press|isbn=978-1-60486-005-4|pages=538–}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenervousbreakdown.com/jdaly/2011/10/tnb-music-chats-with-duff-mckagan/|title=Joe Daly - TNB Music Chats with Duff McKagan|first=Joe|last=Daly|date=October 29, 2011|work=thenervousbreakdown.com|accessdate=August 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-filthy-sexy-cool-20070809?page=2How|title=Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite for Destruction': Filthy, Sexy, Cool|first=Brian|last=Hiatt|date=August 9, 2007|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=August 15, 2015}}</ref> [[blues rock]],<ref name="HallHayes1997">{{cite book|last1=Hall|first1=Steve|last2=Hayes|first2=Steve|last3=Manus|first3=Ron|title=Basix essential licks for guitar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DkAwNaU-Aj0C&pg=PA26|accessdate=August 14, 2015|date=January 1, 1997|publisher=Alfred Music Publishing|isbn=978-0-88284-743-6|pages=26–}}</ref> [[traditional heavy metal|heavy metal]],<ref>{{cite book|author1=Lol Henderson|author2=Lee Stacey|title=Encyclopedia of Music in the 20th Century|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m8W2AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA281|date=January 27, 2014|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-92946-6|page=281}}</ref> [[hard rock]],<ref name="BrackettHoard2004">{{cite book|author1=Nathan Brackett|author2=Christian David Hoard|title=The New Rolling Stone Album Guide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t9eocwUfoSoC&pg=PA350|year=2004|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-0-7432-0169-8|pages=350–|quote=Hard rock seemed so dumb until Guns N' Roses attacked it with smarts, snot, and vitrol, cutting through a decade of hair spray with one nasty punch}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Slash|author2=Anthony Bozza|title=Slash|date=October 30, 2007|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-135142-6|pages=110–111}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Steven Adler|author2=Lawrence J. Spagnola|title=My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N' Roses|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1O3wuV4QBEAC|date=July 27, 2010|publisher=HarperCollins|isbn=978-0-06-191711-0|pages=94–95}}</ref> and [[glam metal|hair metal]].<ref>{{cite book|title=DK Music: Heavy Rock: Guitar Heroes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cUfyAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA331|accessdate=August 12, 2015|date=October 1, 2013|publisher=DK Publishing|isbn=978-1-4654-2126-5|pages=331–}}</ref><ref name="LLC2008">{{cite book|first=Chuck|last=Eddy|title=Spin: Hair Metal Essentials|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XJj9SR3-aSgC&pg=PA105|accessdate=August 12, 2015|date=July 2008|publisher=SPIN Media LLC|pages=105–|issn=0886-3032}}</ref> The ''Illusions'' albums saw the band branching out into [[art rock]], while ''[["The Spaghetti Incident?"]]'' saw the group blend [[hard rock]] with punk rock.<ref name="WallaceManitoba2007">{{cite book|author1=Amy Wallace|author2=Dick Manitoba|title=The Official Punk Rock Book of Lists|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HFKSxVpoPbMC&pg=PA201|date=January 2007|publisher=Backbeat Books|isbn=978-0-87930-919-0|pages=201–}}</ref><ref name="Abbott">{{cite news|last=Abbott|first=Jim|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1993-11-26/entertainment/9311240056_1_janis-haddaway-kiki-dee|accessdate=June 21, 2013|title=Here's what's new in the record racks:Guns N' Roses|newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]]|date=November 26, 1993}}</ref> Since the group's 1999 revival, the band has retained hard rock features while also experimenting with [[Industrial rock]] and [[electronic rock]].<ref name="quiet">{{cite web|url=http://thequietus.com/articles/00919-guns-n-roses-and-chinese-democracy|title=The Quietus - Opinion - In Defence Of&nbsp;... - Guns N'Roses and Chinese Democracy|first=Dayal|last=Patterson|date=December 23, 2008|work=The Quietus|accessdate=August 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Empire">{{cite news|last=Empire|first=Kitty|authorlink=Kitty Empire|date=November 22, 2008|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/23/guns-roses-chinese-democracy|title=CD of the week: Guns N' Roses: Chinese Democracy|newspaper=[[The Observer]]|location=London|at=Observer Review section, p. 19|accessdate=March 25, 2013}}</ref> In the 1990s, the band integrated keyed instruments (played by either Rose or Reed, and accompanied on tour by [[Teddy Andreadis]]) into the band, and for roughly half of the ''Use Your Illusion'' tour, added a horn section to the stage.<ref name="slash2007"/>

A heavy influence on both the image and sound of Guns N' Roses was the Finnish band [[Hanoi Rocks]] (singer [[Michael Monroe]] and Rose have collaborated on various occasions).<ref name="slash2007"/> Rose has stated that the band was massively inspired by groups like [[Queen (band)|Queen]],<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ressner|first=Jeffrey|title=Queen singer is rock's first major AIDS casualty|periodical=Rolling Stone|issue=621|page=13|date=January 9, 1992|url=http://queenzone.com/queenzone/article_show.aspx?q=96 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312060354/http://www.queenzone.com/queenzone/article_show.aspx?q=96 |archive-date=March 12, 2007 |dead-url=yes}}</ref> [[AC/DC]],<ref name="Fink2014">{{cite book|first=Jesse|last=Fink|title=The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U1dGAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA21|date=August 5, 2014|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-1-4668-6520-4|page=21|quote=Matt Sorum: "Guns N' Roses always looked to all the great bands as influences, AC/DC at the top of that list"}}</ref> The Rolling Stones,<ref name="Wall">{{harvnb|Wall|2008|p=unknown}}</ref><ref name="influ">{{cite book|last=Stenning|first=Paul|date=2005|title=Guns N' Roses: The Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography|publisher=Chrome Dreams|page=95|isbn=978-1-84240-314-3|quote="Our basic root is hard rock, a bit heavier than the Stones, more in a vein like Aerosmith}}</ref> [[Aerosmith]],<ref name="influ"/> and [[Rose Tattoo]],<ref name="Stenning">{{harvnb|Stenning|2005|p=30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58946/rose-tattoos-pete-wells-dies|title=Rose Tattoo's Pete Wells Dies|date=March 28, 2006|website=Billboard.com |access-date=May 19, 2015|quote="Rose Tattoo's influence later became apparent on U.S. rock combos like Guns N' Roses, who covered its track "Nice Boys (Don't Play Rock'n'Roll)".}}</ref> and that the sound of ''Appetite for Destruction'' was influenced by AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, [[The Who]], [[Cheap Trick]], [[Aerosmith]], [[Van Halen]], the [[New York Dolls]], and Hanoi Rocks.<ref name="amg-afd">{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r8759|pure_url=yes}}|title=AllMusic - Appetite For Destruction|accessdate=July 19, 2007|publisher=[[All Media Guide]]}}</ref> The band was also influenced by the likes of [[T. Rex (band)|T. Rex]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avclub.com/article/the-glam-wizardry-of-marc-bolan-from-solo-to-t-rex-101335|title=The glam wizardry of Marc Bolan, from solo to T. Rex|publisher=|accessdate=September 5, 2015}}</ref> and the [[Sex Pistols]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Greer|first=Jim|title=7 Greatest Bands of All Time: Sex Pistols|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BIp60FGwMK4C&pg=PT4|accessdate=September 5, 2015|date=April 1992|publisher=SPIN Media LLC|pages=4–|issn=0886-3032}}</ref> Rose's orchestral-style songwriting on the Illusion albums were influenced by Queen, [[Electric Light Orchestra]], and [[Elton John]], particularly the album ''[[Queen II]]''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Stenning|first=Paul|date=2005|title=Guns N' Roses: The Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography|publisher=Chrome Dreams|page=96|isbn=978-1-84240-314-3|quote="Axl was also succinct in admitting his other influences&nbsp;... Along with ELO and Queen, Elton John was responsible for Guns N' Roses progression."}}</ref> Rose cited the influence of [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]]'s "[[Smells Like Teen Spirit]]" in recording the [[Chinese Democracy (song)|title track]] of ''Chinese Democracy''.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Zutaut|first=Tom|date=March 2008|title=GN'R Exclusive! Psychic Tests! Pet Wolves! Chicken Coops! CHINESE DEMOCRACY. The Unbelievable true story - told for the first time.|journal=Classic Rock Magazine|publisher=TeamRock|issue=116 |access-date=May 19, 2015|quote="The first task set to [Zutaut] by [Axl] was to help with the drum sound for the album's title track. Axl had told the studio guys that he wanted the same drum sound as Dave Grohl on Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit"}}</ref> Critics noted influences of Queen, [[Paul McCartney and Wings|Wings]] and [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]] on some songs on ''Chinese Democracy''.<ref name="quiet"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/35054/In-Defence-Of-Guns-N-Roses-Chinese-Democracy|title=In Defence Of: Guns N' Roses 'Chinese Democracy'|first=Jody|last=Macgregor|date=February 28, 2013|work=FasterLouder|accessdate=August 12, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://hiddentracks.org/articles/record-review/in-its-way-it-s-remarkable-like-marillion-s-kayleigh-reimagined-by-a-hysterical-andrew-lloyd-webber/|title=Hidden Tracks - record-review|first=Pete|last=Paphides|date=May 25, 2008|work=Hidden Tracks|accessdate=August 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name="LAt">Powers, Ann, [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2008/11/album-review-gu.html Review: ''Chinese Democracy''], ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', Retrieved on April 9, 2010</ref>

Guns N' Roses has influenced many modern rock bands such as [[Fall Out Boy]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/fall-out-boy/69846|title=Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz: 'Why are we the only band willing to save rock'n'roll?'|publisher=Nme.com|date=April 20, 2013|accessdate=February 25, 2014}}</ref> [[Avenged Sevenfold]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/a/avenged_sevenfold/news_feature_060103/|title=MTVNews.com: Avenged Sevenfold: Appetite For Destruction|first=Corey|last=Moss|date=January 3, 2006|work=mtv.com|accessdate=April 29, 2015|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320012721/http://www.mtv.com/bands/a/avenged_sevenfold/news_feature_060103/|archivedate=March 20, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2013/08/avenged-sevenfold-hail-to-the-king-breakdown|title=Track-By-Track Breakdown: Avenged Sevenfold's 'Hail to the King'|first=Joe|last=Lynch|date=August 20, 2013|work=Fuse|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref> [[Mother Love Bone]],<ref name="Prato2009">{{cite book|first=Greg|last=Prato|title=Grunge Is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eTg4whS9ClUC&pg=PT94|date=April 1, 2009|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1-55490-347-4|pages=94–}}</ref> [[Buckcherry]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/buckcherry-nelson-1130-2011.aspx|title=Buckcherry's Keith Nelson on New Album, Axl Rose and Gibson Guitars|first=Anne|last=Erickson|date=November 30, 2011|work=gibson.com|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref> [[Hinder]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/interviews/a45706/hinder.html#~pbff8JhUfeuVBc|title=Hinder|first=Nick|last=Levine|date=May 8, 2007|work=Digital Spy|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/hinder-pays-tribute-to-its-influences-in-put-that-record-on-video/|title=Hinder Pays Tribute To Its Influences In 'Put That Record On' Video|date=November 18, 2010|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref> [[Manic Street Preachers]],<ref name="Power2012">{{cite book|first=Martin|last=Power|title=Nailed to History: The Story of the Manic Street Preachers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_jYDAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT50|date=June 1, 2012|publisher=Music Sales Group|isbn=978-0-85712-776-1|pages=50–}}</ref> [[Nickelback]],<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/2012/04/12/stop_teasing_axl_rose/|title=Stop teasing Axl Rose|first=Annie|last=Zaleski|date=April 12, 2012|work=salon.com|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref> [[Bullet for My Valentine]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.elpasotimes.com/beat/2015/08/30/qa-bullet-for-my-valentine-frontman-mathew-tuck/|title=Q&A: Bullet For My Valentine frontman Mathew Tuck|work=The Beat|author=Dave Acosta|date=August 30, 2015|accessdate=September 5, 2015|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20150831105707/http://blogs.elpasotimes.com/beat/2015/08/30/qa-bullet-for-my-valentine-frontman-mathew-tuck/|archivedate=August 31, 2015}}</ref> and [[Black Label Society]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bravewords.com/news/zakk-wylde-on-guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-its-beyond-iconic-every-song-is-just-phenomenal|title=ZAKK WYLDE On GUNS N' ROSES Appetite For Destruction - "It's Beyond Iconic; Every Song Is Just Phenomenal"|work=bravewords.com|accessdate=September 5, 2015|date=February 15, 2014}}</ref>
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right |quote ="Guns n' Roses are still an example of how a band can move rock forward. Sometimes you think, "How can you top anything by [[The Yardbirds]], or [[Led Zeppelin|Zeppelin]], or [[The Rolling Stones|the Stones]]?" And then you hear Guns n' Roses, and it's inspiring. You can think that it's all been written, but it hasn't."|source = —[[Aerosmith]] guitarist [[Joe Perry (musician)|Joe Perry]].<ref name="artist"/>}}
In 2002, [[Q (magazine)|''Q'' magazine]] named Guns N' Roses in its list of the "50 Bands to See Before You Die".<ref>{{cite journal|author=Q Magazine Staff|title=50 Bands to See Before You Die|journal=Q MAGAZINE ISSUE 194|publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]]|date=September 2002 |access-date=April 27, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amiannoying.com/%28S%280brz0p5do5e4g3y3ovdd43pz%29%29/collection.aspx?collection=1539|title=AmIAnnoying.com - Q Magazine's 50 Bands You Must See Before You Die|date=2001|work=amiannoying.com|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref> The television network [[VH1]] ranked Guns N' Roses ninth in its "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" special,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2000/vh1hardrock.htm|title=VH1: '100 Greatest Hard Rock Artists': 1-50|date=2000 |access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref> and also 32nd on its "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stereogum.com/495331/vh1-100-greatest-artists-of-all-time/franchises/list/|title=VH1 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time|date=September 3, 2010|website=Stereogum.com|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref> ''Appetite for Destruction'' was ranked 62nd greatest album of all time in ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine's special issue "[[The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-20120531/guns-n-roses-appetite-for-destruction-20120524|title=Guns N' Roses, 'Appetite for Destruction'|date=May 31, 2012|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref> In 2004, ''Rolling Stone'' ranked Guns N' Roses No.&nbsp;92 on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".<ref name="artist">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-artists-of-all-time-19691231/guns-n-roses-20110420|title=100 Greatest Artists: Number 92: Guns n' Roses|author1=Rolling Stone staff|author2=Joe Perry|date=March 24, 2004|work=Rolling Stone Issue 946|accessdate=April 29, 2015}}</ref> "Welcome to the Jungle" has also been voted "Best Hard Rock Song" out of 100 candidates by VH1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-11-07/vh1-classic-americas-hard-100-complete-list/|title=Countdown America's Hard 100 (COMPLETE LIST)|last1=Smith|first1=Ben|date=November 7, 2012|website=VH1.com|publisher=Viacom |access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>

Guns N' Roses was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] on April 14, 2012 in its first year of eligibility.<ref>{{cite news|last=McKinley|first=James C.|title=Rock Hall Welcomes Guns N' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Beastie Boys|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 7, 2011|url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-inducts-guns-n-roses-red-hot-chili-peppers-and-the-beastie-boys/}}</ref> The group is [[List of best-selling music artists|one of the world's best-selling bands of all time]], having sold more than 100 million records worldwide,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/duff-mckagan-the-man-who-went-from-guns-n-roses-to-accountancy-8304984.html|title=Duff McKagan: The man who went from Guns N' Roses to accountancy|first=Adam|last=Sherwin|publisher=[[The Independent]]|date=November 11, 2012|accessdate=February 19, 2013|location=London}}</ref> including shipments of 45 million in the United States.<ref name="riaa1">{{cite web|title=Top Selling Artists|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=top-selling-artists|accessdate=December 18, 2011}}</ref> The U.S. release of the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] game ''[[Mega Man X5]]'' had the names of the game's bosses changed in honor of the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/04/30/mega-man-gnr.aspx|title=Explanation Revealed For Guns N' Roses Being Mega Man X5 Bosses|first=Dan|last=Ryckert|date=April 30, 2011|work=www.GameInformer.com|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref>

Guns N' Roses has also received significant criticism throughout the years.<ref>{{cite book|first=Mick|last=Wall|title=W.A.R.: The Unauthorized Biography of William Axl Rose|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IyM2nd4ZswwC|date=February 5, 2008|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-1-4299-2884-7|page=127|quote=Controversy was more than just part of the act, it seemed.}}</ref><ref name="PhillipsCogan2009"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/1989/10/15/essay-fighting-words/713b38e9-bf34-410e-81a3-30b9472d19f6/|title=Essay: Fighting Words|first=Juan|last=Williams|date=October 15, 1989|work=Washington Post|accessdate=September 5, 2015}}</ref> The band received criticism for drug and alcohol use in the 80's & early 90's.<ref name="The Hard Truth"/><ref name="PhillipsCogan2009">{{cite book|last1=Phillips|first1=William|last2=Cogan|first2=Brian|title=Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CAgKAQAAMAAJ|accessdate=July 10, 2015|year=2009|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-34800-6|page=19|quote=Drugs were also certainly a major factory, especially in bands such as Guns N' Roses and Motley Crue, whose members notoriously struggled with both problems for year}}</ref><ref name="Nirv"/> The long periods of time between albums are another source of criticism.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/7460/20140710/12-artists-with-huge-gaps-between-albums-guns-n-roses-the-eagles-and-more.htm|title=12 Artists With Huge Gaps Between Albums: Guns N' Roses, The Eagles, And More|first=Joey|last=DeGroot|date=July 10, 2014|work=Music Times|accessdate=July 3, 2015}}</ref> Songs such as "[[One in a Million (Guns N' Roses song)|One in a Million]]" and the cover of [[Charles Manson]]'s "Look at Your Game, Girl" were considerably controversial upon release.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1989-10-15/entertainment/ca-485_1_axl-rose|title=Behind the Guns N' Roses Racism Furor : The continuing debate over whether the band's song, 'One in a Million,' promotes bigotry|work=latimes|accessdate=July 10, 2015|first=Patrick|last=Goldstein|date=October 15, 1989}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pareles|first=Jon|title=Guns 'n' Roses Against the (Expletive) World|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/15/arts/recordings-view-guns-n-roses-against-the-expletive-world.html|accessdate=June 20, 2011|newspaper=[[New York Times]]|date=September 15, 1991}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Guns N' Roses in Manson flap - Entertainment News, Music News, Media - Variety|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR116266.html?categoryid=16&cs=1|work=Variety|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5gVUksThr?url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR116266.html?categoryid%3D16%26cs%3D1|archivedate=May 4, 2009|deadurl=no|accessdate=May 1, 2009|date=December 2, 1993|df=}}</ref> In addition, some lyrics have been regarded as [[sexist]].<ref name="Nirv">{{cite web|url=http://www.livenirvana.com/interviews/9202pc/index.html|title=Thank Heaven for Nirvana|date=February 13, 1992|publisher=Big O|accessdate=September 5, 2015|quote="Guns N' Roses are promoting wrong values like sexism and the way they do drugs"}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,973934,00.html|title=Misfit Metalheads|date=September 30, 1991|first=Joe|last=Queenan|work=TIME.com|accessdate=September 5, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaehakim.com/entertainment-reviews/music-reviews/guns-n-roses-lyrics-become-secondary-to-incendiary-sound-2/|author=Jae-Ha Kim|title=Guns N' Roses' lyrics become secondary to incendiary sound|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|date=May 19, 1991|accessdate=September 5, 2015}}</ref>

The band has also been criticized for [[wikt:tardiness|tardiness]] and starting shows later than advertised.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/ruthblatt/2014/05/27/how-being-late-and-volatile-was-axl-roses-contribution-to-the-guns-n-roses-brand/|title=How Being Late And Volatile Was Axl Rose's Contribution To The Guns N' Roses Brand|first=Ruth|last=Blatt|work=Forbes|accessdate=July 10, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bumblefoot-had-the-hardest-time-dealing-with-guns-n-roses-concert-tardiness/|title=Bumblefoot 'Had The Hardest Time' Dealing With Guns N' Roses' Concert Tardiness|date=September 20, 2013|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=July 10, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-11-14/entertainment/ct-ent-1115-late-shows-gnr-20111114_1_curfews-late-fees-concert-tickets|title=Guns N' Roses forever late-blooming when it comes to taking the stage on time|work=tribunedigital-chicagotribune|accessdate=July 10, 2015|date=November 14, 2011}}</ref> The band's late appearances and "war" with [[Reading and Leeds Festivals]] have been criticized by artists and peers of the group in the industry.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reading And Leeds Festivals boss: 'I wouldn't book the current Guns N' Roses again'|author=Adam Bychawski|work=NME|location=UK|url=http://www.nme.com/news/guns-n-roses/62715|date=March 20, 2012|accessdate=March 20, 2012}}</ref>

In October 2009, [[Ulrich Schnauss]]'s record labels [[Independiente Records|Independiente]] and [[Domino Records|Domino]] sued Guns N' Roses, alleging that the band had committed [[copyright infringement]] by using portions of Schnauss' compositions in the track "Riad N' the Bedouins" on the album ''[[Chinese Democracy]]''.<ref>Kearney, Christine (October 6, 2009). [http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267184/guns-n-roses-sued-for-copying-songs "Guns N' Roses Sued for Copying Songs"]. ''[[Billboard magazine|Billboard]]''.</ref> The band claimed the samples "were provided by a member of the album's production team who has assured us that these few seconds of sound were obtained legitimately."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spinner.com/2009/10/07/guns-n-roses-respond-to-plagiarism-lawsuit/|title=Guns N' Roses Respond to Plagiarism Lawsuit|author=John D. Luerssen|date=October 7, 2009|work=spinner.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716120756/http://www.spinner.com/2009/10/07/guns-n-roses-respond-to-plagiarism-lawsuit/ |archive-date=July 16, 2011|dead-url=yes}}</ref> ''Chinese Democracy'' was banned in the People's Republic of China, due to perceived criticism in its [[Chinese Democracy (song)|title track]] of the [[Government of the People's Republic of China]] and reference to the [[Falun Gong]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/news/art/20081124/11883296|title=內地封殺 GN'R 唱片|language=Chinese |trans_title=Mainland blocked GN'R album|work=[[Apple Daily]]|location=China|publisher=[[Next Media]]|date=November 24, 2008|deadurl=no|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626140806/http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/news/art/20081124/11883296|archivedate=June 26, 2015|accessdate=June 26, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-flumenbaum/china-bans-idemocracyi-de_b_146070.html|title=China Bans ''Democracy'', Declares War on Guns N' Roses - David Flumenbaum|work=The Huffington Post|accessdate=July 10, 2015|date=November 24, 2008}}</ref> The [[Communist Party of China|Chinese government]] said through the media that it "turns its spear point on China".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.zeenews.com/entertainment/music/2008-11-24/486170news.html|title='Venomous' Guns N' Roses album slammed in China|accessdate=November 24, 2008|publisher=[[CNN.com]]|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310112510/http://www.zeenews.com/entertainment/music/2008-11-24/486170news.html|archivedate=March 10, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/rock-album-an-attack-on-china-1033811.html|title=Rock album 'an attack on China'|accessdate=November 25, 2008|publisher=[[The Independent]]|location=London|first=Christopher|last=Bodeen|date=November 25, 2008}}</ref>

==Band members==
{{main article|List of Guns N' Roses members}}
'''Current members'''
*[[Axl Rose]]&nbsp;– lead vocals <small>(1985–present)</small>
*[[Slash (musician)|Slash]]&nbsp;– lead guitars <small>(1985–1996, 2016–present)</small>
*[[Duff McKagan]]&nbsp;– bass, backing vocals <small>(1985–1997, 2016–present)</small>
*[[Dizzy Reed]]&nbsp;– keyboards, piano, backing vocals <small>(1990–present)</small>
*[[Richard Fortus]]&nbsp;– rhythm guitars, backing vocals <small>(2002–present)</small>
*[[Frank Ferrer]]&nbsp;– drums, percussion <small>(2006–present)</small>
*[[Melissa Reese]] – synthesizers, keyboards, backing vocals, sub-bass, programming <small>(2016–present)</small>

'''Former members'''
*See [[List of Guns N' Roses members#Former|List of Guns N' Roses members]]

==Awards and nominations==
{{mainlist|List of awards and nominations received by Guns N' Roses}}

'''[[American Music Award]]s'''<ref name=rotn>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-g/gunsnroses_main.htm|title=Guns N' Roses|publisher=Rock on the Net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|accessdate=October 16, 2008|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1989/amas.htm|title=16th American Music Awards}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|accessdate=October 16, 2008|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1990/amas.htm|title=17th American Music Awards|publisher=Rock on the Net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|accessdate=October 16, 2008|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1992/amas.htm|title=19th American Music Awards|publisher=Rock on the Net}}</ref>

*1989: Favorite Pop/Rock single - "Sweet Child o' Mine"
*1990: Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist
*1990: Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album - ''Appetite for Destruction''
*1992: Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist

'''[[MTV Video Music Awards]]'''<ref name=rotn /><ref>{{cite web|accessdate=October 16, 2008|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1988/|title=1988 Video Music Awards|publisher=MTV}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|accessdate=October 16, 2008|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1989/|title=1989 Video Music Awards|publisher=MTV}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|accessdate=October 16, 2008|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1991/|title=1991 Video Music Awards|publisher=MTV}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/1992/|title=1992 Video Music Awards|publisher=MTV|accessdate=October 16, 2008}}</ref>

*1988: [[MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist|Best New Artist in a Video]] - "Welcome to the Jungle"
*1989: [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video|Best Heavy Metal Video]] - "Sweet Child o' Mine"
*1992: [[MTV Video Vanguard Award|Video Vanguard Award]]
*1992: [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography in a Video]] - "November Rain"

'''[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver Golden Gods]]'''<ref name="RJD"/>

*2014: [[Ronnie James Dio]] Lifetime Achievement Award - Axl Rose

'''[[World Music Awards]]'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://awardsandwinners.com/category/world-music-awards/1993/|title=World Music Awards - 1993 - Winners & Nominees|publisher=|accessdate=September 19, 2015}}</ref>

*1993: World's Best-Selling Hard Rock Artist of the Year
*1993: World's Best Group

==Discography==
{{Main article|Guns N' Roses discography}}
{{See also||List of songs recorded by Guns N' Roses}}
*''[[Appetite for Destruction]]'' (1987)
*''[[G N' R Lies]]'' (1988)
*''[[Use Your Illusion I]]'' (1991)
*''[[Use Your Illusion II]]'' (1991)
*''[["The Spaghetti Incident?"]]'' (1993)
*''[[Chinese Democracy]]'' (2008)
<!-- Do not add a "TBA 2015" or "Chinese Democracy 2" until an album has officially been announced. A potential future album is already mentioned earlier in the article. -->

==Tours==
*[[The Early Days of Guns 'N' Roses]] (1985–87)
*[[Appetite for Destruction Tour]] (1987–88)
*[[Use Your Illusion Tour]] (1991–93)
*[[Chinese Democracy Tour]] (2001–11)
*[[Up Close and Personal Tour (Guns N' Roses)|Up Close and Personal Tour]] (2012)
*[[Appetite for Democracy (Tour)|Appetite for Democracy]] (2012–14)
*[[Not in This Lifetime... Tour]] (2016–)

==References==
{{reflist|20em}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book|last1=Adler|first1=Steven|last2=Spagnola|first2=Lawrence J.|authorlink1=Steven Adler|title=My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N' Roses|publisher=It Books|year=2010|isbn=978-0-06-191711-0|ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|last=Berelian|first=Essi|title=The Rough Guide to Heavy Metal|publisher=Rough Guides|year=2005|isbn=978-1-84353-415-0|ref=harv}}
*{{Cite book|last=Canter|first=Marc|title=Reckless Road: Guns N' Roses and the Making of Appetite for Destruction|publisher=RecklessRoad.com|year=2007|isbn=978-0-9793418-7-8|ref=harv}}
*{{Cite book|last=John|first=Robert|authorlink=Robert John|title=Guns N' Roses: The Photographic History|publisher=Bulfinch Press|year=1993|isbn=978-0-316-46695-0|ref=harv}}
*{{Cite book|last=McKagan|first=Duff|authorlink=Duff McKagan|title=It's So Easy (And Other Lies)|publisher=Touchstone|year=2011|isbn=978-1-4516-0663-8|ref=harv}}
*{{Cite book|last1=McKagan|first1=Duff|last2=Kornelis|first2=Chris|authorlink1=Duff McKagan|title=How to Be a Man: (and other illusions)|publisher=Da Capo Press|year=2015|isbn=978-0-306-82387-9|ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|last1=Phillips|first1=William|last2=Cogan|first2=Brian|title=Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Music|publisher=Greenwood Press|year=2009|isbn=978-0-313-34800-6|ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|last=Popoff|first=Martin|authorlink=Martin Popoff|title=20th Century Rock and Roll: Heavy Metal|publisher=Collectors Guide Publishing Inc|year=2000|isbn=978-1-896522-47-0|ref=harv}}
*{{Cite book|last=Slash|last2=Bozza|first2=Anthony|authorlink1=Slash (musician)|authorlink2=Anthony Bozza|title=[[Slash (book)|Slash]]|publisher=HarperEntertainment|year=2007|isbn=978-0-06-135142-6|ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|last=Stenning|first=Paul|title=The Band That Time Forgot: The Complete Unauthorised Biography of Guns N' Roses|publisher=Chrome Dreams|year=2005|isbn=978-1-84240-314-3|ref=harv}}
*{{Cite book|last=Sugerman|first=Danny|authorlink=Danny Sugarman|title=Appetite for Destruction: The Days of Guns N' Roses|publisher=St. Martin's Press|year=1991|isbn=978-0-312-07634-4|ref=harv}}
*{{Cite book|last=Wall|first=Mick|authorlink=Mick Wall|title=Guns N' Roses: The Most Dangerous Band in the World|publisher=Hyperion Press|year=1992|isbn=978-1-56282-951-3|ref=harv}}
*{{cite book|last=Wall|first=Mick|title=W.A.R.: The Unauthorized Biography of William Axl Rose|publisher=St. Martin's Press|year=2008|isbn=978-0-312-37767-0|ref=harv}}

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|d=Q1049780|b=no|v=no|voy=no|s=no|species=no|mw=no|m=no|wikt=no|n=no}}
{{Wikipedia books|Guns N' Roses}}
*{{Official website}}
*{{Dmoz|Arts/Music/Bands_and_Artists/G/Guns_N'_Roses}}
*{{discogs artist|124535-Guns-N-Roses|Guns N' Roses}}
*{{MusicBrainz artist|eeb1195b-f213-4ce1-b28c-8565211f8e43}}

{{Guns N' Roses|state=uncollapsed}}
{{2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Guns N' Roses| ]]
[[Category:1985 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Geffen Records artists]]
[[Category:Hard rock musical groups from California]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from California]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1985]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Musical octets]]
[[Category:Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees]]

Revision as of 14:55, 19 June 2017

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