Were Guns N' Roses Really That Amazing?!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@419Koof]

@@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

[@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.

[@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. :-)

[@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. 👏🏻

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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.

[@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".

[@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.

[@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

[@samaBR333]

@@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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-sheen]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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..

[@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.

[@meezursrule]

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

[@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

[@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

[@JackFrost-g5v]

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.

[@Drjackdempsey9644]

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.

[@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…

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@puturro]

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

[@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 😍

[@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.

[@tim73639]

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

[@freebee8221]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@vox7350]

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

[@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.

[@Astr-w6y]

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 !!

[@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.

[@mattmylonas1]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@escharff]

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

[@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

[@andrewv3842]

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

[@JohnDoe-qu7gm]

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

[@JohnDoe-qu7gm]

@chetsenior7253 agreed. They went soft

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@kayes5216]

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

[@jessielakes8118]

Appetite for Destruction is the greatest rock and roll album ever

[@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.

[@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 ^^

[@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

[@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.

[@glennhiscock478]

I have been listening to them non stop of late. They were my first musical love at like 8 years old. This latest Guns phase I’m going through is at about 3 months now. I’m convinced they’re the greatest rock band ever. The chemistry with Izzy and Slash, Duff being so distinctive and Axl being Axl. I mean, how much swagger does that first album have. It’s so so audacious. I even love the ambition and craziness of Use your illusion 1 and 2. They’ll never be another band remotely like them.

[@davidcjupp]

I was 9 in '92 when they were bestowed upon me by a friend from primary school's cool older brother. I begged my parents to buy me my own copies of AFD and the UYI records. I never looked back. My nan taped their Paris UYI show off Meridian ITV in 'Rocktober' for me. I wore that tape out. I agree with everything you have written. Rock on internet stranger.

[@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.

[@ARONHALLAM]

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]

@@ARONHALLAM 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]

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

[@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).

[@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.

[@jazzyhalf]

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

[@Nick.Webster]

Your low voice is impeccable. I would love to hear you do a cover of Whispering Grass, by your fellow gods of rock, Davis & Estelle

[@jwilsonhandmadeknives2760]

Appetite and Back In Black are desert island short list without a doubt. iconic albums

[@hypermemeyt7001]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@ashthegreat1]

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

[@chasing_dragons]

I was fortunate enough to see Guns N' Roses two times during their "Use Your Illusion Tour." One time in mid 1991 when Izzy was still in the band and one time in late 1992 with Gilby. Both times were at minimum a magical experience. Even to this very day 30 years later as I am writing a comment in You Tube, I still cannot pin point what it was about them that was so euphoric. What I don't understand about Axl is why sit on all of this pro shot concert video for thirty years? Yes, I know, he is releasing the video of the May of 1991 show and the audio of the 1992 Las Vegas show. Why 30 years though and why only the audio and not the video from Las Vegas too? I pray to God that someday Axl will realize that there are tens of million of people who are desperate to see the pro shot video footage from the countless shows from their AFD tour 87-88 and their UYI 91-93 tour.

[@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

[@MissHerbieBugzamore]

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

[@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.

[@michaeldb78]

Yes they were. A phenomenal band. Great video

[@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! 💟

[@SpezlvomAnneNr1]

05:53 That guitarsound is actually a mix between Izzy´s Hollowbody Boogie Sound and Slash Les Paul Marshall. Izzy is the louder one here and 09:30 wrong Izzy is on the left and Slash is on the right

[@shivering_sky]

A friend of mine who worked in a record store turned me onto GnR with Live Like a Suicide in 1986. I still have my original copy on Vinyl. I got Appetite when it dropped, original cover and all. I saw GnR open for Motley Crue in late 1987. They played the record and they were better than as good as you might think. I was more into punk and alternative at that time but they were amazing. The crowd mostly didn't know who they were and were shouting "Crue" while they were on (sounded like booing). A few months later, GnR blew up and everyone in High School who wanted them off the stage that night suddenly spoke rhapsodically about that gig. Later they got bloated and overblown, but that early raw version when they were young and hungry was every bit as good as rock and roll has ever gotten.

[@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.

[@justinguitarcia]

Guns n roses tunes are so much fun to play over, it isnt rocket science harmony but Slash plays over changes which makes it a bit more exciting than just the static pentatonic thing. He definitely has a bit of that old school rock n roll/blues, even country thing when he does those dominant licks

[@daggettony6413]

Really, just a bit? I think he has so much signature on his tune...in tone and style i think i get it, when he plays (e.g. snakepit) even, i don't no its a song of his...yk?

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Hell yeah. It always makes me sad when people call them a "rock" band because they are Rock n Roll AF. And there is such a huge difference.

[@jamesduncan944]

The dual guitars are the best part of their sound. Just before the second verse, the guitars aren't doing at all the same thing. I discovered this as a kid when my ghetto blaster had accidentally been panned hard left, and I heard the Izzy part. then I panned it the other way and heard slash's part. Kid's mind blown! This album forged a lot of my musical knowledge, and I eventually morphed into death metal. Hahaha!

[@sampats89]

makes gnr pretty special in the way izzy just kind of played the opposite of slash rather than just a stripped down version. call and response type thing which makes them so unique

[@rsmith9094]

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

[@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

[@daphne6919]

I really, really love Slash's iconic guitar solo in this song.

[@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!

[@darth-imperius]

☺️ The band that got me into rock and put me on the path to metal. I have GNR on my plate number. 😅 Next, react to Anathema 😉 one of the most amazing bands ever, and they are British, so... what are you waiting for!? 😁🤘 If you need more of an incentive, know that they are from Liverpool like the Beatles, and yes, Anathema and the Beatles are the best thing to come out of Liverpool. There you have it.

[@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.

[@andymoody8363]

I came for the rock n roll chops, I stayed for the music theory! Great work as always my friend!

[@thedam1012]

For about 3 or 4 years they were a force of nature.Best debut album of all time IMHO

[@ryangunwitch-black]

The IMHO is unnecessary. You're stating a fact.

[@Buesifluesterer]

1989-1993 every bloke walked around with a GnR shirt (I still have a shirt from The use your illusion Tour part II in Basel 16.6.1993). It was near the end of the European leg and who would have thought that after that just nothing new from the classical lineup would be released. Now they‘re in their 5th or so year of Not in this lifetime tour, and I doubt they release anything. People anyway want to hear GnR Lies to Use your illusion era songs only.

[@TheRobGuard]

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

[@timbaker4253]

There are no fillers at all 🤷‍♂️

[@cwize]

I was in my 20s when Appetite was released. My first exposure to GnR (like many, I presume) was seeing the video for “Welcome to the Jungle” on MTV (for anyone under thirty, that’s a cable station that used to play music videos all the time 😂😂). That song, little Axl with the big hair doing the Davey Jones dance, his ridiculous vocals, Slash’s guitar, the attitude - HOOKED. So when they toured opening for Aerosmith on the Permanent Vacation tour , I went. They absolutely KILLED. So much so, that I was wondering if the “old guys” in Aerosmith could keep up. Well, no need to worry. Steven Tyler could (and still can for all I know) hit all the high notes and screams in “Dream On” and they reminded us of who the pros were. Not to take anything away from GnR - the pairing was one of the best rock shows ever. PS: I think the length of Paradise City, the way it builds, goes double time then gets the anthemic slow-down ending - excellent songcraft. If it had been a 3 minute song, it would never have the same impact. Critics are weird animals. Their smug often wins out over their common sense.

[@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.

[@OliverHewson]

Would love to see a video on Dig by Mudvayne

[@amsterdamoriginalsaustralia]

Epic is paradise city always reminded me of my hometown & gets lots of play whenever I'm homesick 🤘

[@holliswilliams8426]

Welcome to the Jungle is pretty much a perfect rock song.