Episode Details

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the chaotic legacy of Guns N' Roses, the hard rock icons who earned the title of "The World's Most Dangerous Band". From their gritty formation in Los Angeles in 1985 to the massive success of their debut, Appetite for Destruction—the best-selling debut album in U.S. history—we trace how Axl Rose, Slash, and the band redefined rock music.

Join us as we break down the band’s turbulent timeline, including:

• The Golden Era & Excess: The massive success of the Use Your Illusion albums and the infamous tour incidents, including the 1991 St. Louis riot sparked when Axl Rose dove into the crowd to confront a fan.

• Controversies: The backlash over offensive lyrics in "One in a Million" and the inclusion of a Charles Manson cover on "The Spaghetti Incident?".

• The Breakup & The Wait: The departure of core members Slash and Duff McKagan in the mid-90s, leaving Rose to spend over a decade and an estimated $14 million producing Chinese Democracy.

• The Reunion: The shocking 2016 return of Slash and McKagan for the "Not in This Lifetime..." Tour, which became one of the highest-grossing tours in history.

Finally, we look at the band's current state in 2025, including the recent departure of drummer Frank Ferrer, the arrival of Isaac Carpenter, and plans for a 2026 world tour.