Were Guns N' Roses Really That Amazing?!

I have yet to do a proper video about Guns N' Roses so today I'm going to look at one of my favourite songs "Paradise City"! The talent in this band is undeniable. Let's have a listen and figure out what's so good about this band and particularly this song. Are you a fan?
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#gunsnroses #paradisecity #axlrose

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

The Darkness & Black Stone Cherry are going on tour in the UK next year, if you fancy a big night out of rock n' roll, you can get tickets here: www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-dates/

[@GregKuppinger]

Any U.S.?

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

@@GregKuppinger Hopefully in late 2023, but nothing has been planned yet.

[@thomaszonkowski2115]

Justin, as your attorney I recommend you do a reaction on Roxey Music's 50th anniversary. Cheers

[@noahsonne4890]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain Hey Justin, are you planing any european festival gigs next summer ? Copenhell, Denmark perhaps ?

[@emmayoung3355]

Got my tickets to the Glasgow show the other day! Heading over from Cork. Excited!

[@rowdy3837]

Paradise City to this day is one of those songs that no matter where I am or what I’m doing as soon as I hear it I’m instantly transported to a happy place.

[@punkisinthedetails1470]

Is that happy place called paradise city by chance?

[@vengefulelf659]

Paradise city’s only requirement is pretty girls and green grass!!!

[@punkisinthedetails1470]

@@vengefulelf659 yup. Green meets code. Any other color gets a ticket.

[@neboknenim9429]

@@vengefulelf659 the grass is green & that's wat makes the girls so pretty!!!

[@Vivi_9]

@@vengefulelf659 legend has it they also accept fat girls with tig ole bitties

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I got to open for Duff McKagan's band Loaded and the first thing I said to him when I met him was "You ruined my fucking life." He tilted his head in confusion and looked at me for a minute. And that's when I told him I could have been anything. I could have been an astronaut. I could have been a fireman. Maybe even a doctor. Probably not but... Once I heard Appetite for Destruction in 7th grade, I knew I couldn't do anything but play music. Later that night he invited me up on stage to sing with him on "Mr. Brownstone" and "It's so Easy". When I got to the chorus of "Easy", he pointed up because he wanted me to take the high parts. And I nailed it. That was one of the best nights of my life. Duff is one of the sweetest, coolest guys I've ever met, famous or not.

[@effdonahue6595]

Very cool story!!🎃

[@saltymahero9898]

Yeah ....that's cool man

[@DrMooseknuckle0]

I snuck into the Not in This Lifetime tour with Duff's daughter's group. Just walked backstage with a 20 person group and saw the show from the front. Just for that, Duff is the man.

[@armondtanz]

Im waiting for the.... The thing that didnt happen, comment.

[@darrenmcmackin330]

That's pretty awesome man.

[@dasnutnock6408]

Yes, they were. There’s a reason why Appetite sold so many copies, because it was an absolutely stellar rock & roll LP and one of the consistently best albums of all time.

[@patricksmith3376]

Facts! I couldn't agree more. I was 14 when Appetite came out and blew everything else away. It is truly a one of a kind album from a one of a kind band

[@ighfee]

@@OneIssueVoter guns n roses saved rock 🤘

[@GBCR]

That's not an argument. 50 cents and eminem and justin beiber and the beatles and marilyn linkin also sell millions. G'N'R were good, but overrated; the media hyped them only because they didn't go with the stupid makeup and hairdos everyone else was clinging to; but the music was fundamentally the same (more or less). I guess wearing a tight bikini and a top hat is so much wiser....

[@Will324]

@@OneIssueVoter what you call grunge and what was called grunge, none of those bands accept that as a genre. Those seattle bands where the 'grunge' sound came from detested that label. Each and every one of those bands that falls under the 'grunge' label have their own distinct, unique sound and sound nothing like any of the other bands. What made it so cool was it was a place and era where there was just this explosion of musical creativity and everyone just having fun. Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and more people will label as grunge but they ain't. They're themselves (or were, RIP Cornell, Staley). Duff McKagen is from Seattle as well. All those bands and musicians that came out of Seattle were awesome

[@PrescottValley]

​@@GBCRTF? No where near over rated my guy. They were every bit one of the best hard rock bands ever.

[@edwardshuffett4684]

Izzy definitely doesn't get credit for their sound & he is a solid guitarist.

[@willf4718]

The way he fills space around Slash has never been replicated. The mixing by Thompson and Barbiero is a straight masterpiece of engineering.

[@kerenolivero7097]

I am a huge GnR fan. In my humble opinion, Izzy will forever get the credit he deserves, for everything he had brought to the band. Just because he had walked away (by his own choice) in 1991, and later he chose not to re-unite with Axl, Slash & Duff in 2016 (also by choice), does not take anything away from Izzy's part of the band's history. It is like saying that Tracii Guns does not get credit for being a part of the original line-up. Of course they both get credit, but the band has changed line ups, the band has grown & changed over the years. It does not mean that any of the previous (I only mentioned a couple of the ex-members, but there were many others!) awesome musicians are not getting credit. It does not mean they are forgotten, they have not lost fans' respect & love. All the musicians who were a part of GnR at any point in time, were awesome in their own right :)

[@willf4718]

@@kerenolivero7097 'All the musicians who were a part of GnR at any point in time, were awesome in their own right'.... well, not for me. I don't really care for Dizzy Reed or a bunch of other guys, but Izzy was a big part of the sound. And he did come back a few times, once on the 1992 tour, and a few times to jam with the band onstage. He was involved with early Velvet Revolver too, but in typical Izzy style, walked away as it became more of a thing. Both Izzy and Steven are why the GN'R sound isn't too metal or glam; it's punchy, Stonesy, and loose.

[@stevenponte6655]

when Izzy left Axl thought the band was over. He was also a key songwriter. I randomly met Tom Zutaut, the guy who signed GNr (and coincidently Motely Crue), and he said without Izzy there would be no GnR!

[@stevenponte6655]

@@kerenolivero7097 At the start of covid, early 2020, Izzy was posting stuff on KZbin and Instagram. It was really cool, he'd play songs on his acc guitar and stuff. But I cant find it any more. Not sure if it was taken down or what.

[@johanna8946]

I think Duff's bass om Appetite is amazing and hugely underrated

[@WobblyLance]

His first solo album is great!

[@matthewposta9386]

Whenever I hear peeps talk about best bass players I’ve always felt he’s like what u said underrated. I don’t think he’s the greatest but I would put him in the top 20 of living bass players

[@neilbassgroover1451]

Chorus pedal and a pick and some of the lines wow awesome , when a lot not all rock bass players stick around the root he really had great knowledge of his neck

[@Saibotz1]

underrated must be the most overrated and over used word 😄

[@dtklamf7457]

He played a Japanese Fender Jazz special on appetite. I have the same one (we probably got it around the same time) fucking thing was like $300 and it was/is amazing. It's still my favorite bass out of my whole collection.

[@duncanthomas1025]

Rocket Queen was one of my favourites on that album. I loved the transition towards the back of the song, almost made it like two songs in one.

[@DogmeatDied989]

Agreed. I think it’s my favorite song on the album.

[@jacobforbes2]

One of my favourites too, I love playing it on the drums, super fun to play!

[@nickhayes5471]

Agree

[@stevenm2949]

Too bad the live version sucks ever since the UYI tour

[@diloy8666]

we use to cover that. tried. :-)

[@TwelveSticks]

The black & white gig in the video was Donington Monsters of Rock. They were on in the middle of the day, but it turned out that a huge percentage of the crowd (including me) were there to see them as much as the headliners. It was absolutely wild. I almost died in the chaos, and sadly two lads did. But that gig was insanely exciting.

[@easternlightpinas]

Rocket Queen is a masterpiece from Appetite for Destruction.

[@diwasneupane7756]

TRUE

[@joelyoung3092]

best song ever

[@Joe.s11]

I concur

[@Tulio_Fonseca]

Hell yeah

[@destriablackeso678]

Agreed! Best song on the album. My favourite version is from slashes first live record. He does this extended solo in the middle that’s magical

[@LadyShardOfCyrodiil]

You’re not wrong. Appetite For Destruction is rock perfection.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

You're mostly correct. It's Rock n Roll perfection. These boys can roll. Rock just sits there.

[@bannedtwice7767]

@@caspian3755 bet you're fun at parties.

[@Kommander_Rahnn]

@@caspian3755 But you like butts

[@jordanpratt3821]

@@caspian3755 somebody doesn't know what butt rock is,and if it bores you,then I don't think that rock n roll is for you.

[@TheChenny73]

GnR was pretty stock hair band Rock. They had some special moments but it was all pretty forgettable.

[@davidsheehan2456]

Can I play a guitar? No. Do I understand what Justin is talking about? Hell no. Do I love it? Hell yes. So great. 👏🏻

[@chrisclark2747]

How could anyone say this song runs out of ideas? Paradise City has so many amazing ideas in it. It's clearly one of their greatest.

[@freaknbigpanda]

They're famous so people think their opinions are more important than their own which is such bullshit lol believe in yourself and what you think is good rather than what someone you don't even know thinks.

[@Patrick-sh9tt]

People who have a massively high opinion of themselves say things like `Paradise City’ runs out of ideas..usually the types who have no talent and never wrote a song in their lives. Incredible really the arrogance.

[@bobbowie9350]

Controversy sells.

[@luniz4209]

the same people that put Hey Ya in the top 10 of the greatest songs of all time

[@davidmellish3295]

​@@freaknbigpandawhat famous people are you talking about? You do realise that Justin was reading a review and wasn't his personal opinion

[@Palikroked87]

What's even more amazing is the fact that all members, past and present in Gn'R are still alive

[@Bean15_]

Especially Steven, Duff and Slash. Some close calls with those three!

[@punkisinthedetails1470]

Even Steven.

[@Serreski]

Wot about Scott

[@MichaelJones-kq3md]

@@Serreski there's never been a Scott in Guns. You're maybe thinking of Scott Weiland, from Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver

[@Serreski]

@@MichaelJones-kq3md Scott was one of their roadies for many years. Roadies are people too.

[@jeremyabbott2829]

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that when I first started watching these videos I didn’t make the connection that you were the singer for Darkness. I just thought you were a well spoken, fashionable, musician that made interesting videos that were enjoyable to watch. This made me go down the rabbit hole of other songs besides I Believe in a Thing Called Love. I now firmly believe the world needs to hear more Darkness songs.

[@AndreiAsmarandei]

Gimme some examples man!

[@fronesis01]

@@AndreiAsmarandei love is only a feeling

[@MrOasis316]

@@fronesis01 love that song. My personal favourite is growing on me. A song that sounds so beautiful until you realise it’s about a std 😅

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

The darkness were the last guys to sell a bunch of CDs as "rock stars". Then it was game over... time for the "new media" and myspace/facebook.

[@fronesis01]

@@MrOasis316 so glad that you like it. It's my favorite song of them. Did you hear the son after I mentioned it?

[@markjaye8182]

I wish for Justin Hawkins to live forever, as in being immortal. His deconstruction of rock music (and music in general) is legendary. I laughed out lout when he riffed and came in singing in the low vocal part of Paradise City - which I had never picked out after decades of liking (not loving) this fine rock tune. Thanks, Justin!

[@manuele.itriagom.728]

Bro, this is borderline Rick Beato style. The analysis and breakdowns you make are actually amazing. From playing with the acoustic instead of electric (which really makes you hear the blues in it) and also observations about the production and how the guitar players are playing so differently… it’s fucking amazing. I love these videos.

[@chilly6470]

Appetite sounds every bit as good today as it ever did. It just sounds so badass. It's a flawless album. Izzy Stradlin was such an underrated member of the band too. It was never the same without him and Axl practically turned into Elton John.

[@bradc32]

Izzy was what made them cool.big loss..don't blame him at all for leaving.i still listen to his solo work

[@samaBR_85]

@@bradc32 me too! love the juju hounds

[@talesfromtheclassroom]

@@bradc32 Not sure what you're on about. Some of the best GnR songs are post-Appetite.

[@eigilleikvam119]

@@talesfromtheclassroom Izzy also played on the Use Your Illusion albums, so what is your point?

[@talesfromtheclassroom]

@@eigilleikvam119 the Elton John dig seemed to be in reference to the Use Your Illusions albums.

[@MattJordanWoodturning]

First album I bought and still have the LP today, well I say I bought it I had to get my dad to buy it for me as it had one of those "parental advisory" stickers on the LP cover..then they were forced to change the album cover..

[@johnnyrandom100]

I GOT THAT COVER TOO DUDE, BUT I T DIDN'T HAVE THE STICKER ON IT

[@Alex79uk]

Same, I've got the original cover vinyl but the difference is I pinched my copy off my dad 😆

[@SuziQ.]

@@Alex79uk Did you pinch my unopened (for 30+ years) copy of Dark Side of the Moon? Someone did.

[@Alex79uk]

@@SuziQ. Haha no, but it was one of the first albums bought for my eldest when he got in to vinyl last year (along with Appetite, Nevermind and Sgt. Peppers).

[@magnusbogren8519]

It was my first CD, absolutely blew me away.

[@julie_uk_]

This is bliss. I loved Guns n Roses, every note takes me back to my teens. Slash is perfection with his curls & t-shirts, Axl howling is still ace. Justin, you are a treat.

[@mccuejason]

One of the best albums in the history of Rock. Debut or otherwise. Long live Appetite for Destruction!

[@demonikbluesman3737]

GnR moved me but Stone Temple Pilots spoke to me👺

[@dstalhamer]

Totally agree

[@bucknaked31]

All killer and no filler!

[@GabAssbreaker]

​@@demonikbluesman3737 totally different vibes my dude, but i also love Core since i was a kid (my uncle has the cd) so i understand what you're saying

[@Badmansband]

@ghost mall this is the same old statement rolled out 250 different ways. Steve Tyler asked Slash, "when are you going to do another Jungle?" to which Slash replied, "why? We've already done one".

[@ChicagoJ351]

I’ve been listening to this song for decades, and I think what makes it great is axl’s vocal performance. It’s just killer from beginning to end. With another singer it wouldn’t be close to the same. Axl was so on point on this album.

[@revwillyg6450]

One of a few albums I listen to as much at age 51 as I did when it came out. The riff from Mr. Brownstone is one of the most badass things ever played imo🤘🏻

[@barbaradascalos4411]

written on acoustic guitar...

[@easter_sunday]

You're the same age as my stepbrother. When that came out he just played that album over, and over, and over, and over, and over again. I started to hate it after a while. Years later I came back to love the album.

[@revwillyg6450]

@@easter_sunday lol. Better late than never ✌️

[@johnmarano6588]

I’m 51… Mr Brownstone 10th grade blasting in my Toyota Celica 😅

[@ImmortalDuke]

That riff won't leave you alone.

[@dubbomarcus]

Not only the greatest debut rock album, but one of the greatest albums of all time.

[@walkawaycat431]

I'd put Boston on that list as well.

[@donjohn2695]

Jimi Hendrix experience are you experienced

[@paulos1878]

The energy from their music was out there like a fireball. The emotion in Axls voice stood out for me. Sometimes his vocals sound weak but the emotions behind them are clear and genuine.

[@hatydriver]

I love listening to appetite with headphones because you can really hear the distinction between what Slash and Izzy play. I love Izzy’s playing, some of it is so unusual

[@patricksullivan7140]

Yes. Absolutely.

[@lucianogoyenechea8704]

we lost that in the illusions

[@VitoMartinok]

Here it is again kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3PFqqWng82shKc #magic

[@diloy8666]

same here. izzys stuff is amazing.

[@reek0w]

Closest thing was You Could Be Mine.

[@magicker8052]

it always amazes me how a band like this comes together.. you have from the age of 0 to ~19ish to achieve mastery in your given instrument and be interesting enough to stand out AND have a rock and roll attitude in order to allow you to meet ~5 others who are similarly talented in their own way. Then you need to create original music together.. seriously.. what are the chances?

[@candi_renee_28]

They switched bands and band mates in those days. “Guns” in their name was was for Tracey Guns, and “Roses” was for Axl Rose and Duff Rose, before he went back to real last name lol

[@tim73639]

No matter how famous or successful you are, the 'shit I knocked my guitar' noise unites us all.

[@meezursrule]

Axl's vocals...wow...incredible...and the rest of the band match his energy...

[@andrewperez8902]

Appetite for Destruction is a masterpiece. It's about as perfect as a rock album can get, the whole track list is great.

[@nolanlamond2439]

Naw its no

[@556andy]

@@nolanlamond2439 how is it not?

[@nolanlamond2439]

@@556andy I don't think think about you,my Michelle or out ta get me are top notch-rest of it is great-theyre not bad songs-but if they're going to use terms like masterpiece or flawless then expect scrutiny

[@556andy]

@@nolanlamond2439 masterpiece in a way of success and song writing ability at such a young age also considering it was their first album. Ofc its not a masterpiece in a sense of very intricate mind blowing shredding and crazy music theory. My point is dont look at it from a critic stand point look at it from a “customer” perspective because thats what and who music is for

[@556andy]

@@nolanlamond2439 I strongly believe it was a masterpiece, I consider myself to be better at shredding, cleaner playing than slash but im not even 1/16th close to slashs music making ability

[@Tijuanabill]

Appetite is among the greatest rock albums ever. There isn't a bad song on it.

[@ericmcgivern4429]

You know where you are? You're in the jungle your gonna die!!!!

[@Tijuanabill]

@@ericmcgivern4429 I can't read the next comment because you started my head banging and it won't stop now. Oh well.

[@weatherphobia]

NOT ONE!!

[@weatherphobia]

@@ericmcgivern4429 forgot BABY

[@CumAss]

And the fact they made appetite then followed up with the use your illusion double album my god

[@jackdempsey9644]

I like this guy. His analysis is passionate and well informed. I’ve only heard The Darkness hit song they had in the early 2000’s but I’m gonna dive deeper into their catalog.

[@jessielakes8118]

Appetite for Destruction is the greatest rock and roll album ever

[@DrJeebles]

I was exactly the right age when Guns and Roses came out for them to be very influential to me in every way. Keep it up, Justin. Your channel is amazing.

[@thomasaghotmail]

Same. I think it was 11th grade for me. They ruled my car stereo for 5 years.

[@Save_One]

Don't forget, The Darkness's debut was pretty damn amazing!

[@xenos_n.]

The last truly great rock debut imo. Permission To Land always reminded me of Appetite For Destruction in it's raw power and completely solid tracklist. Same vibe.

[@loontil]

OK I won't forget.

[@rikuruohomaki3230]

I had forgotten. Sorry.

[@rikuruohomaki3230]

I had forgotten. Sorry.

[@rayfabris2512]

great album when I 1st seen their video I thought cool bands are still Rockin my daughters got me the Darkness CD for Christmas and it Rocks

[@pudnoise1]

I saw them in Sept '87 when they opened for The Cult during the Electric tour in San Diego. Izzy stood out as a great guitarist, and Axl stood out because he was shimming in hot pink leather pants.

[@litedawg]

I saw them open up for Motley Crue in 1988 and they blew MC off the stage.

[@JohnDoe-qu7gm]

Their first album is monumental. Song to song, nothing better.

[@JohnDoe-qu7gm]

@chetsenior7253 agreed. They went soft

[@steel_horse7570]

Video was shot first part when they supported Aerosmith Second part is at Donnington 88. Izzy was very underrated. Theres a video on KZbin of someone playing Izzys part in Rocket queen. It's amazing.

[@konsta9600]

We played Rocket queen at some school event on 8th grade. I played Izzy parts and they were so interesting and fun to play

[@MrJohnnyNightrain]

The first part (in color) is opening for Aerosmith at Giants Stadium. I’m a big KISS fan and they were absolutely not playing stadiums on the “Crazy Nights” tour in ‘87/‘88.

[@TheEWFX29]

@@MrJohnnyNightrain Or any other time after 1978.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I want to make a shirt that says "BE MORE IZZY."

[@andrepereira744]

Some of their best songs were written and/or co-written by him

[@davidqueree]

Not only are your videos very entertaining and enjoyable but also educational. and that's what I love. Justin your one of the coolest human beings I don't know... Great stuff dude.

[@mattmylonas1]

Brilliant analysis Mr Hawkins… if I was still a music teacher, I’d be playing your videos every lesson!!

[@nathjones1542]

I think I watched Live at Ritz everyday for at a least a year. Nothing came close to Gunners with Axle’s gyrating/twisting around the stage. What an effin epic band.

[@user-qe4rs4gy9i]

I had the Ritz on tape presented by Elvira. I think it's the best gig in the history of rock to been have captured on film .

[@ighfee]

@@user-qe4rs4gy9i yeah we taped it as well, it was on tv in australia and we just bought a brand new vcr lol

[@silkuk8417]

Geffen epic, even

[@vicvega3614]

​@@user-qe4rs4gy9iis that the show where Axl is wearing a thin lizzy shirt? Another great band who influenced guns

[@geoffarcuri7877]

I saw them open for Motley Crue the night before thanksgiving in 1987. I think appetite came out in July. I heard them for the first time a few days before that show. This was my first concert ever and we were maybe 15th row. They were so raw and bad ass! No giant egos at that point. Just 5 dudes clawing away and absolutely killing it. I remember seeing them vividly but barely remember Motley Crue. They played pretty much the same set that was recorded by MTV at the Ritz in 1988. Pretty amazing experience seeing them then and hearing most of those songs for the first time live. This album was on repeat for a LONG time. I learned how to play drums to this record. In my lifetime, this IS the best debut rock album, no question. It’s so raw and honest.

[@zeikerd]

I am sort of jealous, that Ritz show is awesome

[@beachbliss9366]

I saw them in 1988 and they weren’t far off your description. Axl’s voice though, at that time… live… my God, I’ve never heard anything that comes close since. He was other worldly. Shame he didn’t pass those genes on!!! (That we know of!)

[@shivering_sky]

I saw them on that tour opening for Crue in Charlotte NC. They were amazing. That is an epic first gig. Agree that Crue were only okay on that tour.

[@gazzarip]

Geoff.......simply amazing... what a memory to have... I myself backed out of seeing Motley on that tour in Toronto '87 .. Not sure if Guns would of been there, but I would of known if I went!!!! and possibly had my own early Guns memory...Just an iconic band.

[@gnrnando88]

@@gazzarip Part of that Motley's East Coast tour was with Whitesnake...in Toronto particularly Whitesnake was the opening act..

[@tonyb3629]

One of the most perfect rock albums, and greatest debut album ever - hands down. I was fortunate enough to see GnR at Wembley in '91 on their Use Your Illusion tour, then again in 2018 at Queen Elizabeth Park on the Not in this Lifetime tour. They seriously have got better with age - Axl's voice was amazing and nearly 3 hours on stage!

[@SHEPTOE182]

@Tony B just be thankful you weren’t at the rescheduled Maine Rd gig in ‘92 where Axl was 2 hours late after promising an extended set. We only got 13 songs. I was knackered after going to Wembley the day before which was a far better gig (19 songs). Wembley ‘91 was the best GnR gig I went to.

[@tonyb3629]

@@SHEPTOE182 Yeah, guess I count myself lucky. Axl didn't have the best reputation back then - his time-keeping was poor and some of his demands were quite outrageous. Bit of a male diva! Quite amazing when he did get on stage though.

[@allancoffee]

Manheim Germany rainy autumn -91: Axl showed up on time, got mad about water on stage, left for half an hour, went back and was great...

[@paulholmes8398]

I caught the Not in this Lifetime tour 2018 in Perth Western Australia and Im seeing them again next Friday night in Perth again. Can't wait. Agreed Axl's voice was great couldn't believe how well it had stood the test of time.

[@Cassp0nk]

Couldn’t agree less. I saw use your illusion tour live too, and the Olympic park gig and fat Axl has lost so much. He’s getting better over the last couple of years but honestly, dude let himself go…

[@escharff]

Love watching you pick a song out with your guitar! You are so quick😊

[@vox7350]

I always seem to learn something from Justin's videos. Bloody brilliant!

[@darrelladams4886]

They really were that awesome

[@revwillyg6450]

Yes!🤘🏻

[@bobbafett1849]

Agreed

[@slashthe2nd]

Absolutely

[@freebee8221]

In their prime gnr was great. They were a perfect rock n roll band. They were like the next Rolling stones

[@frankesquivel7590]

No they aren't

[@CarlosRodrigues68]

I was there when they shot the first part of the video. It was Giants Stadium in NJ, late August 1988. They opened for Deep Purple & Aerosmith, who were co-headlining that tour. I stood by the mixing board and GnR hit the stage just after 7pm. Great concert by EVERYONE involved.

[@trishjohn6050]

Same here. I was on the floor right in front of Slash. My girlfriend is in the video briefly. She was on my shoulders. Sweet Child hit #1 that week too.

[@joannayannotti9076]

I agree with you about wishing you had been there. I was only 4 in 88, but I do believe Appetite for Destruction, along with a few others records from this time created a lifelong love of rock music. Especially anything WILD, dirty, and risqué. I often say if I had a Time Machine I’d immediately take it to LA, 1987. I’ve seen GnR, but when they were past their prime and everyone is crowds back hurt too bad to be wild

[@ants.446]

The stone roses first album... best debut ever....so good it's still pulls in stadium crowds 30 years or more later...it's amazing.

[@bobdrooples]

It's not comparable. Good, but not a stadium record.

[@Hallucination]

Not even close to AFD

[@JayJay270681]

Love the Stone Roses but it was a uniquely British thing AFD was next level dude.

[@easter_sunday]

Izzy Stradlin is so underrated as a guitarist and a songwriter.

[@shelbyvision]

Not underrated, He just doesn't do Capitol One commercials like Slash thus making His profile lower. ☆☆☆☆♤☆☆☆☆

[@forgettablelisa]

I can’t believe bozos saying Izzy is not underrated. Yes, he is, and massively. Every 25 and under person in my office knows who Slash is and doesn’t even know the name Izzy Stradlin exists. That’s what being underrated is. Just because you actually follow the band close enough to hear it all the time doesn’t undo the facts.

[@dls3939]

Definitely

[@revwillyg6450]

Amen. Izzy and the Juju Hounds was a solid ass album, and complete departure from GnR. Also 117 Degrees, he made with Rick Richards(Georgia Satellites) and Duff on bass was great. Dude just preferred a low profile

[@richardzahumensky5253]

Once they lost Izzy they lost their golden goose , Slash great guitarist but songwriter not so much that why he’s in Armada featuring Herman Menderchuck.

[@riceflatpicking4954]

When I was about 19 Appetite came out and we all went crazy over every note on the record. I would ride around with my friend Tracy and get high and listen to this record all day in her convertible Volkswagen, it was so much fun. She died from an overdose in the early 2000’s. Unbelievably beautiful she was. We all miss her, but she would want us to keep playing this album on 11.

[@davidcjupp]

Rock in peace Tracy.

[@vickywitton1008]

I LOVE Paradise city! It takes me back and I always sing it at the top of my lungs! Sweet child of mine reminds me of when my kids were little as I used to sing it to them

[@puturro]

Appetite is just a masterpiece!! the arrangements, the mix, the performance, the songs. Still stands the test of time.

[@BigFatTiddies]

Duff is an underrated bass player. His aggressive sound is always loud in the mix and really drives the songs.

[@davidtingley9978]

He's definitely among my top 5 bass players. Beyond being a great bass player, he's just an all around great musician. It takes a special kind of musicality to bring those funk elements into a band that's otherwise the perfect mix of AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Motorhead and make it work. He was the special piece that helped them distinguosh themselves from every other current band of their time.

[@DrMooseknuckle0]

The Live album really lets him shine. You can actually hear the bass clearly.

[@lucianogoyenechea8704]

he is NOT underrated .. is in nearly every top list

[@Vibeagain]

no, I doubt he's underrated

[@freebee8221]

Yes. In their prime they were a perfect hard rock band.

[@markarita3]

To say that album inspired me immensely when I started playing guitar is a major understatement. Kicked ass then...kicking ass now...and always will!

[@jdd3786]

When you think about it.. Gn'R were the last major iconic rock n' roll band, as times changed a few short years after their existence. Even just their image is iconic. It's been 38 years since Appetite for Destruction came out.

[@soshieopath7142]

Nirvana

[@georgialee5032]

One of my all time favourite songs, I will never take for granted that I was able to see them perform in the original line up 😍

[@vesselnyc]

What a great time to be alive and be 17 years old and be able to see the original lineup it was like the rock gods touching the earth just for a moment what an amazing show. It’s a time and a moment I will never see again unfortunately but it was just that amazing anything that amazing is a one-of-a-kind just like Guns N’ Roses.

[@anth495]

I count myself very fortunate to see Led Zeppelin in their hey day when they had John Bonham on drums, now that was a historic show ! There will never be anything like the 70's for that honest raw rock sound !!

[@kayes5216]

5:20 that low voice, so awesome!! Justin Hawkins, you are the best. Thanks for the laugh dear sir! 😆

[@dextermorgan1]

What I would give to go back and live my teenage years in the 80's. I was only 7 when this album came out. Oh well, one can dream.

[@BAMozzy69]

Such an amazing Song from an Amazing Debut Album from one of the greatest Rn'R bands in the world - I got to see them Live at Wembley Stadium in '92' (I think) on their Use Your Illusion tour just after Izzy left but before they fell apart. It was around the time of the Freddy Mercury Memorial concert too and GNR were on time and on fire - Brian May came out for one Encore and they played a couple of Queen tracks too - such an epic gig!! Punk was also very much Duff's love and influence...

[@candelise]

That was a great gig! Brian May came out on the encore and the band played 'Tie Your Mother Down'. I recall being amused at Slash and Brian trying to out pose one another during the song. Great memories!

[@billymurphy4800]

That album is a treasure trove. The band at that time perfectly encapsulated an age and an era. The music is just bang on, smouldering, dripping roll and roll.

[@jazzyhalf]

Hands down, one of the best albums of all time!

[@shanehughes740]

Amazing album loaded with incredible songs, but to me, Boston's debut still stands as the best debut of all time.

[@Hallucination]

Nah. AFD is way better

[@fisheresque]

It’s Appetite for me but Boston’s debut album is definitely in the conversation. 🔥

[@SuziQ.]

Idk. Thirty odd years later, I go back to AIC’s first album daily. I would rank Boston’s debut higher than AFD. Edit to add: My perspective on those albums has changed a lot since the seventies- nineties.

[@dirtymike2357]

'Permission To Land' was a pretty gosh darn epic debut rock album, if I do say so myself good sir. 😎 It's high up there. 🥃

[@FlipGuitarist80]

I agree

[@LongBlackLimousine]

Yes!! Yes they were!!! I was literally listening to "Nightrain" 12in record that I bought back in the day when I saw this. You really had to be there to understand the impact they had. Within the space of a couple of years we had "Appetite.." and then " Nevermind". School was never the same again. I was firmly in the Gn'fn'R camp. Seeing them in Slane during the "Illusions" tour was unreal. What a band.

[@paulmcgivern3873]

Except they came on about 2 hours late. A lot of hungover people by the time they came on stage

[@theoutsider6191]

Saw them live in Gateshead in 1992 and it was an absolute belter of a gig, with Soundgarden and Faith No More as backup.... oh please can I go and see Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles with Justin Beebur instead.

[@MissHerbieBugzamore]

Loved watching this tonight at last. Would play this album on cassette 6 hours straight back in the day .

[@3xrstudio]

Only just recently discovered this channel. Phenomenal stuff. Feel like I’m learning while I eat (drink?) my soup for a change. Thank you Big J.

[@MrJocky82]

November rain is phenomenal. Appetite for destruction, Use your illusion 1 and 2, Those 3 albums literally were the soundtrack to my teen years through the 90s. So yes. They really were that amazing.

[@MrJocky82]

@Netto shopper says you.

[@Juniorxxiv]

@Netto shopper 😂 I disagree but the confidence of this comment is hilarious

[@MrBastardize]

I do not concur. November Rain for me is just self indulgent poos

[@MrJocky82]

@@MrBastardize good that everyone is allowed an opinion isn't it buddy.

[@polaristrans]

​@Netto shopper No.

[@fixedgear]

JH, one of your best yet. I love your forensic breakdown of the guitar parts.

[@DaniCalifornia85]

Wow Justin, that low vocal of the intro has always been one of my favorite parts, i love the feel of it. and you nailed it :) Also, love GNR and you! 💟

[@hypermemeyt7001]

Was the album that got me into rock at 17 years old, still a fan and a 🎸player.

[@mrBlagstock]

Saw them on their first London tour at the Marquee in the summer of 1987, before Appetite had even come out here (I think) and they were still playing Live Like a Suicide material - they blew our tiny f***ing minds.

[@olliestevens754]

Some of those takes should be on the super deluxe box

[@paulmorgancollings7833]

So did I mate. Fuckin loved it. Saw Maiden there too in 1980. 16 years old and loving it.

[@danielbrown2715]

i think i went too, was Faster pussycat supporting?

[@whittlad]

Saw them at the Rock City in Notts on that tour and they weren't that good - in fact Faster Pussycat were much better. A better debut can be found on VH debut but it's all subjective🤘

[@tonyb76]

@@danielbrown2715 faster pussycat kill kill kill?

[@FrankyPi]

There's an absolutely fantastic power trio on the rise that will open for Guns this Sunday in Monterrey, Mexico. The Warning, three sisters from the forementioned city, amazing musicians, songwriters and performers, just phenomenal, and they are only 17 to 22 years old. I think you would agree that the future of rock is in very good hands after taking a look at what they have to offer so far.

[@hatempire]

Yes! The Warning toured with Halestorm recently and the Hale siblings always took opportunities to praise them a lot, about how glad they were to play with a talented band like that. I think Justin would give a chance.

[@Meynach1]

Yes! Good job Franky for always taking the chance to promote our beloved sisters. Sir Justin Hawkins, I am sure you would be blown away by The warning. Please give them a chance!

[@ashthegreat1]

My young teenage kids are still blasting Appetite from their bedrooms 36 years after it's release.

[@pauloshea9978]

I saw G'NR in Donnington in 1988. It saw an amazing gig and lineup . Helloween, GNR, Dave lee roth with Vai, Kiss, and Maiden!

[@river2352]

Appetite for Destruction is one of very few albums that have a full set of great songs. There isn’t a weak song on there. Up there with the best of all time!

[@dr.bonscott3962]

I honestly have a hard time thinking of other albums that are even worth mentioning, rock or otherwise, that I can listen to start to finish and not want to skip to the next song. Maybe Metallicas Black album.. .. any others you'd categorize in this group? GnR was a group of dudes with tons of issues that found each other and peaked together at just the right time . Laws of probability alone, make Appetite an absolute God send. Slash is amazing, but it just wouldn't be the same if he was in any other band at this time.. same can be said for Axl, Izzy, Duff and, Adler.

[@cornstar1253]

@@dr.bonscott3962 VH 1 for me.

[@daryl62]

Never warmed to My Michelle as much as the other tracks but still my fav album

[@nigelmorrison4977]

There are really very few. Pearl Jam Ten, Maiden Number of the Beast, maybe Vulgar Display of Power?

[@river2352]

@@nigelmorrison4977 dire straits - dire straits, Nirvana - Nevermind, Green Day - Dookie. Just of the top of my head that are in the same ball park

[@uzi978]

Paradise City is such an iconic song, it's crazy to think there was a time when it didn't exist. BTW, the 'low' vocal in the beginning is also Axl. He does the same kind of thing on the studio version of Knockin' on Heaven's Door, but it sounds better here.

[@9uile125]

Hi Justin, It's so cool to ear you singing these low vocals ! :)

[@ianhall1198]

If I could go back in time and relive one show I've seen, it would be Guns spring of 88 in Rockford IL. The energy and fire was unreal.

[@TheStacanova]

One thing so AMAZING about Appetite for Destruction, that’s different than any other band and even their future albums is their arrangements. I swear every song on the album sounds as if, they wrote a song, then played it for 2 years, adding a new “part” to it every other month and somehow that worked and the songs never became bloated or pretentious sounding, every new bit they added was the absolute perfect bit for that song! Brilliant!

[@Dreyno]

They saved the bloat for “Use Your Illusion”. (I love “Use Your Illusion”, having said that).

[@eriklarson602]

My Favorite band since I was 9 years old...til this day ...always will be ..

[@TheRobGuard]

Their first album was great, it still hold today imo. Almost no fillers.

[@timbaker4253]

There are no fillers at all 🤷‍♂️

[@rsmith9094]

Justin just winging some of those mad guitar licks ... very impressive! Loved the guitar theory too!

[@Bean15_]

Thank you for this breakdown. Duff in his autobiography said that he and Izzy prided themselves in being a little off, a little lazy with their playing and how the two of them were the drivers of the punk influence in the band. He also talked about how the two of them started hiding what they thought were the superfluous parts of Steven’s kit, which gave his playing that punk edge too or at least force him away from his then heavy metal style. I guess by the time Matt came around they didn’t care that much anymore about the punk part. Duff’s favourite bands are Aerosmith and Cheap Trick. He probably had the tee on because of that.

[@Woody991]

By the time Matt came around, izzy was leaving.

[@bySmokyy]

The video was also shot whilst they were opening for Aerosmith's 1987 US tour ^^

[@A.I-GAMING]

Jimi Hendrix - Are you experienced is the best debut album. Period.

[@DiggingFrance]

Totally agree.

[@Albrecht777]

@@DiggingFrance I second that emotion!

[@leadbettermark1]

Love these videos Justin is a super talent 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@nathanwombell3236]

I was 20 when it came out in australia and the moment i heard it on the radio i went and bought the album

[@nickengland7342]

Nice one Justin. By the way, the second performance on the vid is from the 1988 Monsters of Rock gig at Donnington, with Helloween, Megadeth, Kiss, Dave Lee Roth and Maiden. Mental gig. They were brilliant. Sadly two kids were killed in the crowd surge and chaos during their set.

[@umyes5246]

I was there. I honestly thought I'd had it during maiden. I spent most of the set off the ground.

[@danwatt5789]

Appetite for Destruction is the biggest grossing debut rock album of all time, making $30M on it's release in 1987. If that qualifies it as the best debut rock album then yes it is. The songs on it are absolutely amazing and helped me to get into guitar and Bass particularly, learning all Duff McKagan's licks was fun and they are a staple of my repertoire till today.

[@jillconner5062]

It actually didn't sell very well for the first year. I think it was at 200k units sold after its first 12 months.it started really blowing up in the summer of 88. And the rest is history.

[@garyp069]

glad I found your channel. enjoying your content.

[@chrisbarnhart7944]

Dude you guys are soooo much better live than Gnr could have ever hoped for!! no question...

[@Junkiescum]

Van Halen 1 was a pretty badass debut album. The strokes first album was absolutely HUGE and New York Dolls first album was an all time classic but Appetite had huge crossover appeal. They became the biggest band in the world due to it so it’s hard to argue with that one.

[@Ryan-ch2om]

VH1 is the correct answer.

[@davedavid427]

The Cars and The Doors are in the conversation too. Incredible albums that have lost none of their power and rightly made them stars overnight.

[@SuziQ.]

Speaking of Van Halen, Wolf dropped his first album almost 2 years ago, and the second is dropping in August. He’s using VH’s original name, Mammoth, with “WVH” added. That first album is perfect. There are no skip songs on it. He’s going to be huge, so try to see him in a smaller venue while/if you still can.

[@therealfodder]

The most euphoric intro to a rock song imho. If you don't drum along to this your soul is awol!

[@peterwinter3515]

Agreed it just makes you join in.

[@PaulSloman]

I absolutely love these JHRA vids..Justin, love to you. Thanks for your honesty and wit! Good man!

[@MsCruisein]

GNR was my favorite band when I was in high school. Finally got to see 'em in Saint Louis in 2017, and it was amazing.

[@andrewv3842]

Totally agree that it’s one of the best debut rock album ever. 🔥

[@Mr-mopar]

Love rocket queen..duffs bass line is massive and when slash comes in it is one of my favorite rock songs of all time.

[@michaelhenze877]

I'm not a Darkness fan, but his videos are awesome. I enjoy how he breaks things down and educates, it's really inspiring.

[@lizanneleonard8191]

I absolutely love your channel Justin, you're looking well, and you always make me laugh, so thank you from sunny Glasgow lol x