Guns N' Roses Duff McKagan On Destroying Aerosmith on Tour & Their History Together

[@lanceross3633]

The night before the 1988 show with Guns and Aerosmith in Dallas....Duff,Slash and the guys came and sat in with my band at a local club. They hung around all night playing Aerosmith,Guns and Roses,AC/DC and other tunes and stayed on stage with us the whole set. This was in their hard partying days,the guys were really cool and gifted us backstage passes for the next days show. Fun times.

[@scottt5484]

What a bunch of BS dude. Dream On…….hahahaha

[@brianlandis9866]

I saw Guns open for Aerosmith In Philadelphia, and I remember it being a phenominal show by Guns and then I thought Aerosmith held their own-Steven tyler was running around like he was in his 20's -It was a packed show from start to finish for both bands

[@bretth4988]

That would of been one of the all time concerts I would of liked to of been to. I like GNR in that era the most.

[@scottt5484]

@@w8tingonuif you don’t remember much why are you commenting then? You obviously have nothing to add to the conversation.

[@Okido24]

Who would have thought at some point in our lives Duff would be the coolest member of GnR by a landslide?

[@inxs5860]

Izzy >>>>> rest

[@gr7673]

He sure sucks on bass

[@Okido24]

Simon Else early adopter

[@theamericanaromantic]

Laughs in Izzy

[@milkcarton6654]

he always was to me. By far.

[@bonjouralliecat]

he's slowly turning into David Bowie...

[@rumble2468]

😆

[@mztweety1374]

I am not mad at all they’re both beautiful

[@pendafen7405]

I'm seeing Keanu but keep talking...

[@MrFotihno]

Exactly what I said a week ago during their concert!😂😂😂

[@phnigra111]

His voice sounds Keanu

[@matthewschmoyer8552]

My wife saw the tour he's speaking about in Philly...Guns blew the speakers & Tyler was pissed! It was incredible 😎

[@itsamadmadworld4728]

Duff is amazing father and husband. Educated in finance. Smart guy. He straightened up and quit drugs and cigarettes. He looks great at his age. Love guns n Rose's. Always. And forever.

[@McMinnManiac]

And cigarettes! Wow I often have declined having bandmates that are indoor smokers .i hate that shit . i don't care how famous a person is if they light up indoors i am outta there

[@CFKMAN]

Yes he has and good for him. He actually cannot drink alcohol anymore due his liver & other internal organs. He could actually die if he drinks alcohol . He almost died in 1993 or so from it.

[@gr7673]

He sucks as a bass player

[@oasis3724]

itsamadmad world. I’m glad the both of you have a happy marriage 😎🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@norwegianblue2764]

Went to see a 1988 show at the Omni in Atlanta. Barely remember it, but I can confirm, the buzz on the streets was all about GnR. Half the people in the audience were there to see them. But even the other half there to see Aerosmith came away talking about GnR after the show was over. In my lifetime I'm not sure there was ever another band that had so much buzz before their songs had even hit the airwaves. Between the tour, and the release of Sweet Child, then the video, and the album - the band rocketed into the stratosphere practically overnight. It was a great time to be young and alive.

[@Britton_Thompson]

The Aerosmith tour he's talking about here was a very pivotal moment for both bands because it propelled both bands in the present day, and even into the future in the early 90s as well. When Aerosmith had another #1 hit with "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing" from the Armageddon soundtrack, rhythm guitarist Brad Whitford did an interview where he shared some insight on what the band themselves believe explains how they were able to do this after three decades. Whitford said that by all accounts it should be impossible for a band their age to remain relevant with younger audiences, and he referenced this tour as a key turning point. After watching GNR's set, they realized these rowdy lowlifes (who were the openers) were blowing them off the stage the first couple weeks of that tour. The realized they needed to raise their game in order to not get embarrassed by the opening act on a nightly basis. If they were serious about redeeming themselves and genuinely making an impression on the current generation of rock listeners, then it was going to take more than simply getting sober. Obviously, they did. Their friendly competition each night raised their performances, and kept them aware of current trends in rock n roll.

[@keymaster430]

"adapt or die", I like that! It reminds me of a line in "Jailhouse Rock" that Elvis (his character) said. It was, "Music changes every ten years. You gotta change with it".

[@violetfrank581]

A fantastic well written and knowledgeable response. Thumbs up from Australia.

[@bartsullivan4866]

Great point Britton. I always like how great Permanent Vacation and Pump two of Aerosmith's best albums came out after this tour, like you said. They needed to come back strong with a massive record and after seeing Guns N Roses play to stay relevant I think they achieved that. "Pump" is my favorite Aerosmith albums beside "Rocks" Neither are as good as Appetite for Destruction. I always thought "Get A Grip" was such a letdown after Pump. Also it makes sense why the band would not want to risk sobriety in touring Europe with Guns when they had a massive hit album for the first time in years. Hindsight they made the right call although I bet those European shows could have been legendary.

[@SEKreiver]

I just barely missed seeing the tour in Salina, KS. However, I did buy a vinyl copy of 'Appetite' with the original 'Demon/Robot' cover the first week 'Appetite' went on sale. I was a VERY early supporter.

[@eazyohana3119]

I saw Guns opening for the Cult. I had seen their ads in a few rock magazines,they had a unique look. No one knew who they were yet and they were walking around the venue in full Sunset Strip regalia. They played all of Appetite. Every song was totally memorable.

[@Sanjiv_Kolkata]

The Eazy mauiHi - Matt Sorum on the drums, back than (The Cult)...

[@lastofthefinest]

The Permanent Vacation tour was my first concert in 1988 in Birmingham, Alabama. I will never forget it. I was 14 years old with a bunch of guys who had just graduated high school and man what a day. We went to an Alabama football game earlier that day. It was the one of the best days of my life. Aerosmith put on a great show that night. White Lion opened up for them. That was the beginning of my concert days. Bring back the 80's!

[@scottt5484]

You with a bunch of your Bros? Best day of your life? Haha, well I guess we know which way you roll. 😂😂😂

[@lastofthefinest]

@@scottt5484 Well, when you didn’t have a family smart ass it was a pretty awesome day for somebody that never got taken anywhere.

[@ashleywilson9785]

Hes looking more and more like Bowie everyday. I met him when I signed to Engl amps and he was such a killer guy, I was so star struck, fucking love that guy!!!

[@independenceltd.]

I saw this tour in Dallas. I was with about 5 other guys and all of us were there to see GNR. We'd all pretty much seen Aerosmith in their drug-addled early 80s and most had sworn never to pay money to see them again cuz they were so bad. GNR came out and killed it. We all agreed that there was no way Aerosmith would be able to top them. We were wrong. Aerosmith destroyed the place and won hands down. Still one of the best concerts I've ever seen.

[@mikeyfn-a6684]

Alright-alright-alright!

[@vaskylark]

Yeah I can attest to that. Saw Aerosmith back in the day shortly after they got clean and they sounded so tight I remember walking out of that concert saying Aerosmith were the best, best concert, best sound I'd ever heard and I'd seen all the big bands so I had lots to compare them to.

[@donutbrain]

The first practice space Aerosmith “rented” happened to be in the basement of my freshman dorm at Boston University West Campus! They traded for the room by performing for free around campus. Amazingly enough, no one seemed to be into them at first. BU wasn’t ready for them! I used to go downstairs and listen to them sometimes (you could always hear them in every corner of that 12-story building!), and, believe it or not, I was the only one I ever saw who did! They were all real cool and friendly, especially Tom and Brad, though you could sense they were going to be huge. You just KNEW. They were the best band I’ve ever heard back then - one time their energy was so high I swear I levitated an inch or two for a second or two❗️😳✨😀👍😻

[@connoisseurofcannabiscarsp3755]

Holy shit man!! I was there too!! That Amphitheatre had just been finished.Remember a wall had just collapsed and killed some chick a few weeks before?

[@independenceltd.]

Oh yeah, I had forgot all about that.@@connoisseurofcannabiscarsp3755

[@rickchyczewski576]

Not only was Aerosmith tight in this era, having played together for so long but they were clean. This tour was probably them at their live peak. GnR were young, angry and just breaking. They were a great band . They also were hit and miss live at this stage of their careers. I highly doubt guns destroyed aerosmith on this tour. I do believe by the end of it more fans were there to see guns though.

[@missing1102]

You were right. I saw this your.

[@budthechud9795]

Yeah more times than not Axl sucked live

[@nonebiz2132]

I saw Aerosmith and GnR at Concord Pavilion in '88. It was the 2nd time I saw GnR, and said never again. Came on late, Axl throwing a temper tantrum, and the whole band just playing like crap. Aerosmith on the other hand put on an AWESOME show, almost like they had to make up for the crap that came before them...

[@bluelivesmatter719]

Saw this tour in Nashville. Aerosmith still had momentum with Permanent Vacation but I would say at least 50% was there to see GNR first. By the end of the GNR set, there were quite a few boos. Aerosmith came out and absolutely killed it

[@XMANXXX]

GnR had been on tour for about a year at the time and they were burned out by then. I saw them 3 times between the Fall of 87 - Summer 88 and the tour with Asmith was by far the worst performance of the 3.

[@stevemcnary7963]

I saw Aerosmith & GNR on back to back nights at the Pacific Amphitheater in Calif. Aerosmith was better both nights but, GNR were good too. GNR came out & did an encore of Mama KIn with Aerosmith the 2nd night.

[@erindietrich7554]

steve mcnary Such a good show

[@phillipstradlin9031]

Duff and Izzy have has always been my favorite GnR band members

[@lennycruz4558]

GnR and Aerosmith...cherish them while they still here,,unique talents comes once in a lifetime

[@Diesel257]

They're long gone, what are you talking about?

[@ScottieFarrowelvisKong]

I saw them in 1988 in Cape Girardo, MO open for Alice Cooper. We sat 3rd row center. Met Axl and Duff and they were both genuine and super nice!

[@harryballs6652]

That doesn't sound like Axl at all. He basically thought of his fans as slaves that owed him everything.

[@Plexi417]

I was at that show as well, me and a friend of mine and my little brother met Axl and Izzy at the mall and ended up giving them a ride back to the Drury Lodge where they were staying, and ended up hanging in Axl’s room with the rest of the band sans Slash. I can verify that Axl was super cool at the time, as well as when they came back several months later with Aerosmith, I bumped into him again, he actually saw me before I saw him and actually approached me first. Super cool dude. I’ve heard all the stories but my experience was different.

[@jmcadg1]

Interesting video. I didn't go to any Aerosmith/GnR shows as I'm in the UK, but I did go to the infamous Donington gig. It's the only time in my life I thought I was going to die! Keeping your feet in the melee was impossible, and at one point I couldn't see the sky due to the bodies on top of me. I also had a girl underneath me I was desperately trying not to crush whilst thinking this was it. Until somehow my friend grabbed my arm and managed to pull me out. I at the same time grabbed the girl beneath me and pulled her out. She was distraught and my friend said I looked like I'd seen a ghost. Wasn't surprised to find out later people had died. Pretty crazy.

[@debim8686]

You're a living angel. I got too wasted at a GNR show at the Roxy on Sunset Strip before they were signed and Axl looked at me while he was singing (I was right up at the stage) and the girl next to me screamed "I'm his girlfriend!" and she broke her beer bottle and swung at me and some guy grabbed her arm before she could slash me. I will forever be grateful to that guy for saving me. Whew! After that I stuck close to their photographer, Robert John, and when they got big, he'd always get me backstage passes whenever they came home to LA. GNR - my homeboys! Slash was always cool, buying us drinks at the Rainbow and On The Rox. Good times...

[@paulsecon4889]

I went!! Mansfield Mass.”Great Woods” All the way there I’m going “If theyplay with “Rats in the cellar” I’ll be happy and leave!!(4hr ride from Martha’s Vineyard +the ride) THEY FUCKING OPENED WITH IT!! I’m 55 now and have been an avid concert goer my entire life and I tell you that that show was in my top ten all time best ever list and “The Gunners” were on fire that night!! And A-Smmitth?? No falling off the stage bullshit just polished pro’s back on track!! And the best part...I was one year clean and sober and it just sounded fuckin mint!! Never will I forget that one👍👍👍👍👍😎

[@johnmcneil4140]

I saw that show to it was awesome Joey Kramer's electric drum stick solo was insane

[@JessesCustomDesign]

I went to that tour, My first concert ever at age 12. I went the see the Gunners not even knowing Aerosmith was playing. But after Gn'R got off from what wasn't their best performance Aerosmith came out and blew them away. Made me an Aerosmith fan for life.

[@RansomeStoddard]

I saw them together in January of 88. Sweet Child O Mine wasn’t a single yet and I don’t think I even had heard Welcome to the Jungle yet. I remember being psyched to see Aerosmith for the first time but then the opening act blew me away. It was at the old Spectrum in Philly. I just remember all of my friends asking who they were. That was a Friday night. I bought Appetite for Destruction on cassette the next day from Sam Goodie.

[@nicklahage]

It's interesting to read everyone's comments and see what everyone thinks. Strangely, I basically lived every day and night with Aerosmith, especially Joe and Steven, whether at work or on vacation, during most of the 1980's. I was a young man then. I'm an old man now, and sometimes when I think back on it, it feels like a distant dream.

[@eyeofthescar6890]

I remember seeing them open for Aerosmith on the Permanent Vacation tour at the Concord Pavilion. They had to use Aero's backup PA when theirs failed. Slash was cussing at the audience. Best opening performance I've ever seen

[@highdb1]

I saw this tour in Detroit, at Pine Knob. I wish I had more lucid memories, but I remember GNR being ok, not terribly exciting. Nor were they excited to be there. I distinctly remember Axl drinking a Coke as the band played and just staring offstage, leaning on the amps. Like a soundcheck. It was still daylight. Aerosmith came out and were very tight. Maybe they were too tight, because it wasn't very exciting, either. But both bands rocked. I don't remember much else after that, haha. It was a great night.

[@linkbelt111]

And Guns imploded, Aerosmith still going, with the original lineup...

[@inxs5860]

Guns >>> Aerosmith

[@juliusnisonen2431]

@@inxs5860 yep

[@turdferguson7112]

Sure, imploded for a few years, now making millions again, while Aerosmith is lucky to sell out 10,000 seats.....

[@falconpowerful2362]

Also minus Joey Kramer... Face it, bands do change members for various reasons. It wasn’t lack of success that split GnR for a few decades, if anything it was the complete opposite.

[@donnievick3076]

@@inxs5860 LOL, they have one LP on par with about 6 Aerosmith records.

[@johnbeckwith1361]

Nice hear this being said. In '87 I bought their cassette the month it came out, I watched them open for the Cult then headline a basketball gym (t.s.o.l. opened), this is after their first video was out. I was able to walk right up to their tour bus, Slash came out to greet us (Cult show). Like what is said in the video, most people didn't know who they were until the Sweet Child 'o Mine Video came out. I'd already worn out one cassette and bought another. A year after Appetites release people were starting to wear G'nR' shirts, blast their music in their cars, etc etc. It took them a while to blow-up because the record company didn't market them. Just a video and that was it (standard stuff at the time).

[@nicketten1232]

So the unheralded guy responsible for some of the best finds ever is Tom Zutaut. He discovered Motley Crue and GnR at the perfect time in their evolution. Someone else “may” have discovered them but they didn’t. This Tom Z guy deserves credit. Who else did he sign?

[@elchotocorazon]

he was involved with tesla, dokken and hanoi rocks but idk if he was a manager, producer or what :/

[@bonzo1971]

I'm a fan of both both, but having see the Philly show in 88 I can say without a doubt that Aerosmith was a much better band. As a live act, Aerosmith was tight in 88. This tour was a great mix of the classic and new Aerosmith.

[@bcdrummer1962]

bonzo1971 I saw that Philly show too and you are 100% right Aerosmith kicked ass that night!

[@frankstephens5365]

I was at this show. Both bands were great that night.

[@toddlavigne6441]

Aerosmith were still working very hard to regain what they lost in the 70's. '86 were there first year where they were all sober. They were playing full throttle, stone cold sober. Aerosmith had 15 years of playing full shows. Very seasoned players.

[@bobbyparks801]

GnR did not destoy Aerosmith on the night I saw them at Merriwhether Post Pavilion in Columbia Maryland.GnR were good,Aerosmith were fucking amazing!I remember thinking,damn they're old as shit,how can they be so good!Good times.

[@TheJpep2424]

Gnr blew them away

[@kevinosborne4133]

i saw this tour and i do remember what was happening at that time... I went to the show to see aerosmith and it was a great show but i also remember when guns & roses came out the crowd went crazy at that time guns were just getting well know and the crowd was loving them it made that whole show much better in my opinion. not to take anything away from aerosmith because they were outstanding that night at Pine Knob (Detroit/Clarkston Michigan) still one of my all time favorite shows and I've seen a lot of concerts in my life.

[@corey01851]

Saw Aerosmith only about 20 years ago on the just push play tour in Mansfield ma. Fuel opened. Greatest concert I've been to next to the foo fighters at Fenway and Chris Stapleton at Gillette stadium

[@bitter37]

Saw Guns and Aerosmith in 1988 in Wheeling, WV. It was my first concert and I was there for Guns. Festival seating up hear the stage, wringing out my sweaty shirt after it was over. If I remember correctly, some top less girl on a guy’s shoulders right next to me got a backstage pass.

[@armandcouture4655]

I was 14 when I saw this show. Guns opening for Aerosmith at Great Woods in Mansfield, MA. My uncle brought me for my birthday! Blown Away. Awesome experience. I was centerstage and only 9 rows out. Almost caught one of Stephen Adler’s drumsticks that he was throwing out into the crowd.

[@CHMartinson]

I was at the Guns and Roses Aerosmith concert 19 July 1988 in Richfield Coliseum Cleveland Ohio. Most the audience like me was there to see GNR which was amazing- After the 2nd song of Aerosmith most people were leaving. It was my little brothers first concert :) Amazing

[@azbababooey]

I saw the 88 tour at Alpine Valley, it was early in the tour and the venue was maybe half full for Guns. GnR put on an unbelievable show, and I couldn’t believe so few people were there. But Aerosmith came out and killed too. It was incredible to be there and see these two bands.

[@100chuckjones]

FYI, The whole band (Aerosmith) gifted the whole band (Guns) new travel luggage once the tour is complete. As part of a thank you gift (other bands do stuff like that too/etiquette). Slash still uses his today.The reason A Smith choose luggage ?? Guns were carrying around their cloths in trash bags.

[@bobowrathsovine.]

Guns came as headliners to my home town Saginaw MI, I believe it was April 1988 even before the Sweet Child song was on radio or video. They didn't even have an opening act at a civic center that held about 5,000.

[@bobc.5698]

Sweet Child O' Mine was on radio in 87 in Chicago. Weird

[@SC-vz9ie]

Great video, thank you. I was visiting the US from England and went to the Pittsburgh show on 31st August 1988. I wanted to see Aerosmith, but by that time, Sweet Child and Appetite were at No1 in the charts, and the US had gone crazy for G ‘n’ R. The audience were so excited that the hitherto unknown G ‘n’ R would be playing that there were spontaneous clashes before the show between fans and security, with some chairs being thrown. The atmosphere was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before or since; it was as if the very air was crackling with electricity. G ‘n’ R were astonishing. I remember Axl going stage left (near me) for “refreshment” during Slash’s solo in Sweet Child, then running and sliding in and then up to his microphone before coming right in on time for the chorus. Slash was obviously wrecked underneath that hat. The band were quite clearly not acting; they really did seem dangerous. Incidentally, Aerosmith were magnificent, but on that night everyone sensed that they’d just experienced something very original, and very, very powerful. G ‘n’ R were clearly the real deal!

[@oumealso-mb3sv]

I was 13 it was my very first concert. And we there no doubt to see guns not Aerosmith at all in '88 Guns was a underground band at the time in '84 when I first heard of them and you only knew of them if you knew someone from L.A. I heard a underground tape and was hooked and could not wait to see them. It's now 2020 and I got lucky to see them 4 different times over the years

[@Kindred101]

I saw the Mansfield, Mass (great woods) show on that tour in ‘88 as a 13 year old. I excitedly watched GNR arrive in a purple stretch corvette limo that Tyler had rented for the guys that night. Amazon show!

[@kellyferrara5156]

Long time Aerosmith fan, didn't know GUNS and Roses toured with them but definitely realized g n r sounded like my fave band. Now I know why..... NO ONE COMPARES TO AEROSMITH....

[@chrisbanks1602]

I love both of their versions of Mama kin

[@toddlavigne6441]

same style and sound....however, Aerosmith, especially Tyler, have much more talent.

[@maceomaceo11]

Saw that tour, the week Appetite hit #1. Don't know about the entire tour, but the show I saw Aerosmith delivered and none of us thought they would. Seen Aerosmith three times before and they were always fine but that particular night they may have been tired of getting their ass kicked and went deep into their material. 'Coney island Whitefish Boy', 'One Way Street', 'Round and Round', 'Walkin The Dog', 'Seasons Of Wither', 'Uncle Salty', 'Movin Out' a lot of stuff I'd never thought I'd see them do. They did open with 'Rag Doll' but after that it was like a deep album cut concert along with the tried and true hits anybody that goes to see Aerosmith would expect, played with real grit and passion though. Right up there with one of the best concerts I've ever seen.

[@stevensonstevens6791]

I went to see Guns and Aero at Alpine Valley back in '90. All of us went to see Guns, really, but adored Aerosmith.

[@timmcgrath7127]

August 25, 1988, Great Woods amphitheater, Mansfield, Massachusetts. It was my first show.

[@donstarnutinwonbenutinuhh4224]

I did go to GnR and Aerosmith in 1988 in Kansas City. Great show and great crowd. I remember Guns calmly walking out and just playing some mellow blues while they let the late arriving crowd settle in before they started their set. I also remember Slash starting Sweet Child and a beer bottle came flying right at him and without blinking an eye he stopped-reached up, caught the bottle then tossed it aside and restarted the song. Just another gig for them. I also clearly remember being really impressed w/ how good Aerosmith sounded cuz all I had ever seen was their shitty, drugged-up performances but they were great! They weren't stupid and clearly knew a majority of the crowd was there for GnR. It was a solid show.

[@1stinlaw917]

I saw this tour outside in Middletown ny. GnR came out and did 7 songs and ended with Sweet Child. It was a power set. Steven Tyler came out and did a front flip. Both bands killed it. Some guy ran up on stage during Aerosmith and the roadies chased him stage right across the grass and pounded him. My friend who invited me had a friend in the travel trailer where negotiations for money between the bands. We went in there to find his friend. That was a mistake. There was a canvas bag of general admission cash on the table...long story short everybody squared off with guns over a dispute over money. I thought I was going to get shot in a travel trailer. Crazy

[@johnhoben7421]

Duff's starting to look like David Bowie

[@suryadas6987]

Haha, Ziggy Stardust! 😎👍

[@giveitathink6749]

@@suryadas6987 Not. More like I'm afraid of Americans.

[@suryadas6987]

@@giveitathink6749 Bhai, what have I said to you?

[@suryadas6987]

@@giveitathink6749 Is this reference to me? I'm from India. I'm Indian. So you are Irish I gather from your last name? 🤔 I am on mobile so first glance I thought you were another Indian hence, I called you bhai. Why have you chased me down on this video I made no mention of you here. I like Irish music especially the trad and rebel songs. I'm enjoying the rebel songs because in my homeland we've had our own problems and oppression in the past with the Brits. Is that it? Have I made comment to you on Irish song video?

[@Okido24]

Well not recently:)))

[@arielspierer5292]

I was at that tour to see GNR and they filmed part of Paradise City at this show in NJ

[@carpenoctem775]

Love both bands. Aerosmith were still getting clean and sober during that tour and Guns N’ Roses were young and hungry. Great American rock n roll.

[@markross9624]

I did ...i saw them at pine knob in Clarkston michigan...it was my second concert ever...i was 14...my first was monsters of rock at the Silverdome...so this was my first real two band show with a headliner and an opener...but yeah cause I was so young we went with our parents cause our parents were Aerosmith fans but me and my buddy were mostly excited to see GNR cause they were the new up and coming band and we loved em...it was a great show all around...GNR kicked ass for as much as I can remember...i do remember thinking they didnt get to play long enough...it was a long time ago and again my first opener headliner type show....there would be many many more to come...lol...great video...love your channel

[@timothyroberts1889]

I went to the show in 88 at pacific amphitheater in so cal. Watched gnr kick ass. In fact,jack russel of great white was sitting in front of me with his bass player. After gnr left the stage and areosmith came on, 75% of the crowd left. Including me

[@ProjectFairmont]

Timothy Roberts more is the pity

[@toddlavigne6441]

Aerosmith really exposed GnR to the perfect demographic. Basically they were like Aerosmith were in 1975-1978. Complete animals on stage. Check out any live Aerosmith in 1977 and they are as wild as GnR were. No combination like coke and attitude

[@abhimenon801]

Very true. Guns n roses were aerosmith of the mid 70s

[@wethepeople1685]

I was there and My lil bro, Adler broke his hand and was replaced with Fred from Cinderella, it was 1 of My favorite shows of all time......

[@roxannemoser]

Why are guys so jealous of Duff? Nevermind, they're not 6'4" of beautiful standing onstage, making money, then going home to his wife! Duff's a man!

[@TheJpep2424]

Weak minded alcoholic and drug addict

[@roxannemoser]

@@TheJpep2424 just like I said...jealous. Susan Holmes McKagan is smoking hot, a great wife, and mother. You could only dream of Duff's life.

[@bingerray1328]

Saw them in DFW Smirnoff Amphitheater 1988, Guns N Roses opened for Aerosmith and that concert was wild beyond belief!

[@alittlewheiser521]

How can anyone say which band is "better"? The sound nothing alike. Love them both.

[@Nalydretsbew]

The only thing alike is that Axl and Steven can both hit very screechy high notes

[@bartsullivan4866]

Though the bands do sound different you could tell who played better on which night on tour. I have seen a ton of shows and only a few have the openers outplayed the headliners. Doesn't happen often. I agree though I love them both. I think Aerosmith have the better overall catalog of albums but Guns had so many great songs right out of the gate. They are both great. In a way they both had a problem with the guitar players wanting heavy rock songs and the singers wanting to drift more into pop than rock.

[@mattroberts86]

Sacramento, Ca was off... way off. Then Aerosmith raged. The title seems to claim the opposite, didn't hear Huff say they destroyed.

[@aronhallam6449]

it's just click bait, duff would never say anything arrogant like that.

[@waynekennedy8394]

I saw Guns-N-Roses in Lakeland, Florida open up for Motley-Crue for there Girls, Girls, Girls Tour. I also saw Aerosmith for there Permanent Vacation Tour. But cannot remember who open for them.

[@wtpattonjr]

I saw the Aerosmith/Guns show at Merriwether Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD in June 1988, just weeks after I graduated from high school. It was a very hot day and we had lawn seats. Guns was an hour late coming on which caused Aerosmith to cut their show short by 20 minutes because shows at Merriwether have to end by 10:30 due to noise restrictions. I later heard on the radio that Guns came on late because Axl Rose "got lost" driving from the hotel to the venue. I thought, why the hell would he driving himself there instead of riding in a chauffeured vehicle? Guns played the slowed down version of "You're Crazy" instead of the faster version on Appetite and I remember wondering, "am I way too high or are they playing this song in a different time?"

[@bobbyparks801]

I was there too.Aerosmith were great.I was blown away by Tyler's energy and performance.The only concert I ever went to sober because my little sister went with us and I was driving.A 70 MonteCarlo🙂Good. memories🤘

[@Trumptydumpty978]

Thor i was there too.People were in the trees on the lawnOversold probably/.Aerosmith was late getting in from the Jersey showand the setlist was shortened

[@bistrobillyboy]

GnR molded my youth. I grew from my teens into my 20's as they grew in popularity. My girl at the time and I rented a limo to see Guns and Aerosmith at the Great Woods Performing Arts Center in Mansfield, MA, in the summer of 88. Unfortunately we drank too much and did WAY too much blow on the 2 hour ride out to Mansfield, from my hometown of Marlborough. I got jealous of some guy in the next limo..(in the part of the lot where limos parked) he was flirting with my girl...so from what I was told, I threatened him, smacked my girl around pretty good, got ambushed and beat up by security and spent the night in Mansfield jail. The last thing I remember is hearing the faint cry of Axle, muffled from under a flurry of boots and fists. In the morning when they released me, (keep in mind, I'm 2 hours by car, away from my hometown) I asked the cop, "which way to Marlborough?"..he replied only, by pointing east towards the interstate. It was a miserable 8 hour trek home, dehydrated and hung over..and I never even got in the gate of the venue. I heard the show was awesome though~

[@thomasedmundrichards]

So you were a woman beater. Nice one big guy. Hope it made you feel great. What an asshole

[@kcash6359]

Marlboro is only about an hour from Mansfield. Unless you count waiting in traffic and partying in the parking lot. I went to the concert from Northboro.

[@jedschipper6790]

@@thomasedmundrichards it was a great story though

[@joeshoe6184]

Cocaine is a hell of a drug...

[@billolis2955]

Yea i saw g"n"r and aerosmith in michigan loved it ill never forget it!!!

[@ronnieroberts40]

9/3/88. The Sheriff's department knocked on our door at 6:00 am to evict us, we knew they were coming so we didn't have to move a thing. The Sheriff's hired guys to move everything out of the apartment. While they're moving us out me & one of my roommates went & rented a U-HAUL. We moved everything to the new apartment, got a half barrel of beer, piled all of our friends into the back of the U-HAUL & went to the GnR concert. We all dropped a couple hits of acid, no one had tickets so we all just crashed the concert...one of the best days of my life! 🤘🤘🤘💊

[@samuelboughton4711]

That's fucking awesome rock on bro 🤘

[@perrygoround]

Is funny how the people who saw the tour agreed in Aerosmith being way better than GnR back then. I mean, I love both bands, and I can see that was a perfect combination, but I don't think even GnR could "destroy" Aerosmith back them. Aerosmith on that period were the best band ever to rock a stage.

[@slvrchrm3100]

perrygoround dude you were Sober !🥂

[@captainblue2344]

@@davidwilson1229 I was at that show. Aerosmith was definitely better than GNR. Course Axle did the late thing which pissed people off. Areosmith came on afterwords and ripped the house down. I love GNR but that night they were not on the same level of professionalism as Aerosmith.

[@mattgamin8729]

how does blood splatter get on the ceiling from mainlining ?

[@CT-ho6si]

Great video thanks, I know your voice from another channel but I can't think of which one...

[@joshsherlock2372]

Aerosmith were touring behind permanent vacation which was a strong record so I wouldn’t say they were ‘destroying’ Aerosmith every night Aerosmith are pretty unequaled in a live setting.

[@joshsherlock2372]

Harry Lime I can’t argue with stupidity.

[@twelveeighteenofficial7487]

@@joshsherlock2372 - I was going to, but I realized there was no point.

[@iaincowell9747]

@Harry Lime No, it isn't. Stones and Aerosmith aren't even that similar

[@alexburchell1891]

I got to see Aerosmith when they were touring behind Music From Another Dimension in 2013. Even 43 years into their career they still put on one HELL of an awesome show.

[@barrymiller2272]

I was a monster fan of both bands...when GnR hit, their was definitely something in the air. That music was powerful, so much to the point i literally ran my car off the road while banging my head to " night train " Aerosmith as well. Great time to be a 28 year old...

[@ledjon]

This was awesome man. I love listing to you tell the story and connect all the interviews and books, etc.

[@daviddogstar3307]

I saw them in Sacramento September 9, 1988. Saying that they "destroyed Aerosmith" isn't true. My recollection of the show is this. I'd seen Aerosmith previously, first time in 1979. They were one of my favorite bands. But Guns'N'Roses was a phenomenon. It really was like having a new classic band on the scene. It was immediately clear that they were not just another rock band. Starting with the video for "Welcome to the Jungle" it was obvious they were going to be huge and important. They changed the whole picture the way that Nirvana did a few years later. The lyrics to songs like "My Michelle" were a lot more real and relatable than lots of other big hard rock bands that I also was into. It really set them apart. At the time MTV was flooded with the "white bands" Whitesnake, White Lion, Great White, and things like Warrant, Poison, Winger, all bands that I couldn't really get into. I don't mean to make this too long but the point is that Guns'N'Roses really did blow up very fast. My friends and I were more into bands like Ozzy, Judas Priest and the more metal side of things. I was into Guns'N'Roses from the "Welcome To The Jungle" video. Like Duff says though, it was probably "Sweet Child O' Mine" that took them from just hard rock and metal fans to the mass audience. So while my friends and I would have been going to see Aerosmith anyway having Guns"N'Roses on the bill made it a very special event and the place was jam packed from the beginning. They definitely did help sell a lot of tickets and a good portion of the crowd was there to see them. To compare though, I saw Aerosmith with Dokken earlier that same year , January 1988 and it was still a very excited crowd. Aerosmith had put out Permanent Vacation and were touring for that, and I think that's really the best record they made since Joe and Brad came back. They had radio hits but it was still a great hard rock album. I don't think it's as classic as Appetite For Destruction, but the point is that Aerosmith was in a very good period. They didn't need Guns'N"Roses to sell tickets or get the crowd excited but it helped. So, the show itself. I remember Axl talking a lot between songs but it was funny and didn't kill the momentum. He just had things to say. He talked about Bruce Springsteen, and about being on MTV. They were great. They got everyone into it. The crowd was going crazy and I did think "wow, maybe Aerosmith is going to have a problem following this." One of the things I remember is a wasted Slash at the end saying goodnight and telling everyone not to drink and drive, which got a big laugh. But then Aerosmith came out and did their thing. This was the fifth leg of the tour for Permanent Vacation and they were very tight. (I've seen a couple of Aerosmith shows that were not so smooth...)I am sure that following Guns'N'Roses challenged them and got the whole band into a hard rock mode. It definitely wasn't a case of them being blown off the stage. The two bands have some similarities, a lot of groove, strong emphasis on rhythm, singers with unique voices and strong personalities, and great iconic lead guitar. I think that Aerosmith was influenced by Guns'N'Roses who were very influenced by Aerosmith. I think it took Aerosmith to their hard rock roots and away from the slicker more pop direction that would soon become more obvious. To be fair about the whole thing I do think Aerosmith lived up to the challenge but Guns"N'Roses showed themselves to be a band on the same level. They could have been another Aerosmith but I think ultimately the internal drama and various personal issues that broke up the classic version ruined their potential. They can tour forever on the music that they've already made but it is a wasted opportunity that they couldn't get it together and make more records when they were at their peak. I know this is for GNR fans and many will probably believe that they did "destroy" Aerosmith but in fact I think they gave them a healthy and real competition and everyone benefited especially the fans. I'm a fan of your channel. Great work. Thank you.

[@dondamon4669]

Shut up!!

[@maryanneoneill451]

How lucky for you to see both bands touring together. That's awesome.Great to read of your experience in that time. Awesome.!

[@CoberBox1]

I saw them same summer around July. I was 16 and went to see Guns’ but left a serious Aerosmith fan. To this day, just based on pure excitement, one of the best outdoor summer concerts I have ever seen. In my area of the country, upstate NY (Saratoga Springs to be exact) Guns’ was really driving the excitement that summer but we were in Massachusetts’ back yard and Aerosmith were seasoned veterans. Was actually relieved when Guns’ got off stage. Place was just to chaotic and seemed staged for a regrettable disaster. Aerosmith brought the place together and put on an amazing show. So much respect for the way the did this, particularly in hindsight.

[@ingleringlet-snipps3rd449]

I remember watching GnR perform at the Whiskey on MTV.....it was the start of the madness. It was like watching a Saturn V rocket about to take off from planet earth.

[@shanghunter7697]

You swallowed 3 oxy 10's and went off, you wrote a damn book !!

[@falconpowerful2362]

I’d like to personally thank Tom Zutaut for some of the best music/bands of all time!

[@AlmostReady504]

I don't know about "destroying" Aerosmith but I saw the tour where they absolutely destroyed Motley Crue opening for them. Blew them off the stage

[@kenmcnutt2]

I saw the second show in Detroit on that tour. I assumed wrongly that GNR was going to blow Aerosmith off the stage, but almost the opposite happened. GNR was overall great, especially Slash. Slash might have been the best guy from either band on stage. Having said that, Axl was acting like a baby that night. "Last night's audience was louder than you guys." Try singing better Axl. When Aerosmith came on stage, I was shocked by how good they were. Basically everything was note for note, and most bands can't really pull that off. My respect for Aerosmith and Slash grew that night. My respect for Axl didn't.

[@MagnumMuscle1000]

I saw GnR and Aerosmith at Pocono Downs on that tour. GnR left the stage twice and were clearly "impaired." It was a thrill to see GnR but Aerosmith BLEW them away. Great show.

[@johnbelaski707]

I was there as well .

[@reidbrooks7145]

I saw this tour in LA, the Gunners home town, and their last show as Aerosmith's opener on that tour. So yeah, the place was packed from the very beginning with young and older fans alike. I was but 24 y.o., but an Aerosmith fan since '76. GnR played great, but no way in hell they destroyed Aerosmith. They warmed up the crowd nicely, as an opener should, but the vets won the day in a no-contest kinda way. "Destroyed." Puh-lease.

[@MB-ux4lu]

I went to the show in Middle NY because friend had a extra ticket,. I wasn't expecting much because I though Aerosmith has seen their days. GNR came out and they killed it. I thought no way Aerosmith could even come close to GNR . Aerosmith came out and much to my surprise was even better. The show was phenomenal.

[@whitetrash5085]

I saw the permanent vacation tour at great woods in Mass , 87 I believe, both Aerosmith and GnR were awesome

[@timrobblee6193]

Saw the tour at Great Woods, MA! Awesome show! Lost my voice!

[@cheesyrider6914]

Seen Guns N' Roses open for Iron Maiden in '88 in Toronto

[@DavidNewbould]

Saw that, great show. Went in a skeptic, came out a fan.

[@Hurlamania]

I was at the tour at the Richfield coliseum Cleveland Ohio

[@Stinkydo0d]

"At times like in Philli, I thought I could've easily started a riot." -Axl Rose Oh, Axl...if only you knew. lol

[@rparker8761]

The good old Spectrum

[@XMANXXX]

Actually the album went to #1 first. It was even advertised as being achieved without a single, since SCOM wasn't released yet, and that was the albums 1st retail single in the US

[@veasg]

I saw them in Mt View, Ca. 1988. Amazing concert.

[@Jamestele1]

I remember being at Merryweather Post in Maryland - an aside pavilion. When the announcements came on for upcoming shows at Merryweather Post for "Iron Maiden, with special guests" and they announced Guns n Roses, the place applauded like they were there on stage. It was more applause than the band we went to see, who I forget now, aside from two fruity dudes decked out head-to-tow in spandex costumes in front of me. They looked like bleached blonde LA Glam singer and his "mini-me" in matching outfits. I was stoned and it struck me as funny.

[@fifthof9501]

I saw GNR open for Aerosmith in Chicago in 1988. Looking forward to both as GNR was "new" to me and I grew up listening to Aerosmith because of my older brother. I cannot remember the other band members, but Axle Rose was wasted and could barely perform. It didn't ruin the experience, but just wanted to share my experience. Oh BTW, Aerosmith was excellent and upstaged GNR in every way.

[@stag7882004]

Yeah I went to this concert too. It was actually in East Troy, Wisconsin. GnR sucked. Aerosmith killed it.

[@toddlavigne6441]

Aerosmith were smart. They were using this tour to prove just how good they were SOBER. It was a tactic to re-establish themselves with their fans who were firmly skeptical about seeing them live. I was one of them. After seeing them in '89 I knew they were back bigger and better than the '70's

[@docvader82]

I went to see that tour in Mansfield, MA. By far the best I ever saw GnR(Co-headliner with Metallica not close, reunion better, but not like this first one). There was a different raw energy and excitement when they played vs when Aerosmith went on(who played their asses off as well). I guess it was that ‘it’ factor, indescribable, but very, very real.

[@theunknown4570]

And i saw Metallica VAPORIZE YOU!!!! On that tour

[@digitalbobby42]

Hell yeah, I was at the Giants stadium show where they filmed "Paradise City" in 1988 and we were way more excited to see GNR than Aerosmith.

[@RambleTone]

Saw the show in Concord CA I think it was the last show, because Axl got mad at the sound or something and started bashing Aerosmith's Ramps with his mic stand. I hear they booted them from their tour after that. But both bands were great that night, though Axl walked off and didn't return after that song, it was Rocket Queen.

[@kennycamaro2361]

Saw the show at Pine Knob outside of Detroit on the tour. GNR did fine. They got the usual opening act “bad mix”. They were good, Aerosmith was awesome. No way did Guns blow away Aerosmith. Great double bill. Crowd was hot for both acts.

[@dermpath101]

Kenny Camaro I was also at that show. I don’t remember the mix but I was new to concerts at 17.

[@dermpath101]

It was at Pine Knob

[@Jimbo_Bluff]

Aerosmith were in their prime then...

[@markwilliams2620]

Pine Knob........memories.

[@mayhem659]

I was at that show too Kenny Camaro

[@elimccrae2273]

I saw this tour in '88 in Indy, GnR certainly did not blow Aerosmith off the stage that night. GnR were playing like they were really stoned and were doing well to play... Aerosmith came on next and kicked it off with "Rats in the Cellar", really jammin' azz...I first heard GnR's Album on the way to the show and really liked it, but I grew up on Aerosmith. What turned me off about GnR was Axl standing there blabbing about a movie they were to do a song in, and the famous actor in the movie didn't want that kind of language in his movie or something like that, so they had to do a different song...so Axl was like "***** ********" can go suck his own f'n d!ck, yadda yadda...blab blab..." which really turned me off.

[@electricalron]

I saw the Aero GNR tour twice. Giants Stadium and at some horse race track in eastern Pennsylvania. It was a lot of fun and I can see myself in the Paradise City video.

[@darylchidester9190]

Saw Aerosmith and GNR in Pittsburgh in 88 Loudest show Ive Ever seen!

[@mrsx7944]

I live in the Pittsburgh area. I was 11 in 1988. I BEGGED my parents to take me to that concert and they refused 🤣🤣. I'll never forget that. I was so in love w Aerosmith then. I was a very weird little blk girl 🤣🤣

[@miked7795]

I was there. GnR were great but inconsistent, Aerosmith were pros and great live.

[@mooknick242]

by then Aerosmith had done their partying..guarantee you see them back in Toys days and you would have seen basically see same thing as the GnR kids. GnR was aerosmith in their earlier days.

[@smccowan7106]

Aerosmith was a plastic corporate band with about 5 good songs. GNR were electricity

[@mooknick242]

@@smccowan7106 back in their heyday Aerosmith was electric too i promise you..maybe not after they got sober..and GnR borrowed from their sound.

[@giorgikobalava7430]

Aerosmith always sucked balls. Poor man's Stones.

[@rudistorm3348]

How can a band be Great and inconsistent. If you are inconsistent you can be good or ok butnot great. The word great is being way over used in society today.

[@grantcheney5070]

GNR did NOT "destroy" Aerosmith on this tour. Not by a long shot. I was there for multiple shows (Detroit). EVERYBODY I went with were there to see BOTH bands and agreed it was one of the best double-bill concerts of that era. I was 18 at the time and had idolized Aerosmith throughout my youth. Then, GNR came along. We were all blown away by them. It was marketing genius. Perhaps, I'm just a bit nostalgic. Those were the last shows I ever saw with my friends. We'd all just graduated high school and enlisted in different branches of the military. I fondly remember these concerts vividly because shortly there after, we all went our separate ways.

[@vesselnyc]

Saw them '88 I in the theater behind Madison Square Garden which was then called the Felt Forum, I believe. It was the day after the show they filmed at the The Ritz now the former Webster Hall in NYC, for MTV. They where an hour late but well worth the wait. They killed it from what I remember since I was pretty wasted by the end of the show. I was 18.

[@MARYBLEUZ]

Great segment. Lots new info TY

[@jskamsresistnwr]

I was @ the Civic arena Pittsburgh show think oct . Amazing show I was a kid.packed for gnr.axl had his own bus..guns was walking around the parking lot.meet slash my mom took me.&got plowed had to go to 1aid .wow .was diff time man.i listen to nyhc pahc hardcore now.

[@turdferguson7112]

I saw that tour in Weedsport, NY. GnR kicked major ass! It was general admission, SRO and I was basically 10 rows back, directly in front of Slash. One of the best concerts, out of the roughly 300 or so, I've ever been too!!

[@michaelkitchell8281]

Saw that tour at Alpine Valley Wisconsin the week "Sweet Child" went to #1. Axl gave Aerosmith shit all thru the set..."Who should be headlining this show?" Savage young Gunz....there was no stopping them. MK

[@mikepoirier4899]

I was there too!!! Awesome show! Jon Bon Jovi came out at the end and sang a song with Aerosmith. I remember G&R being awesome and thinking 'oh man...Aerosmith has to follow THAT?? Well they did...big time. Sorry,Areosmith came out like true road proven pros and BLEW G&R off the stage!!!

[@michaelkitchell8281]

@@mikepoirier4899 We were there to see Guns, barely out of high school. Aerosmith were dinosaurs to us at the time and we left about 3 or 4 songs into their set...missed Bon Jovi. MK