You Wanted the Best...Number Four

Our top ten glam band countdown continues. Here’s what we’ve got so far:

10) Badlands
09) Winger
08) Twisted Sister
07) L.A. Guns
06) Bon Jovi
05) Poison

In the fourth spot…Guns n’ Roses.

Hang with me with me here. While Slash, Axl Rose and the rest of Guns n’ Roses will consistently profess their hatred for glam, consider the band’s beginnings. Classic GnR – at its very core – is rooted in all things glam. Axl Rose left the Midwest for the Sunset Strip and Slash gigged all around Los Angeles learning the ins and outs of the axe. He sold Quaaludes to musicians and party goers alike at clubs like the Troubador and Whisky A Go-Go. Moreover, Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns were, at their inception, gritty glam bands.

After Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns merged then morphed, Guns n’ Roses was born. The classic line-up featured Axl, Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, drummer Steven Adler and bassist Duff McKagan. The five young musicians scrapped for everything they had, and played when they could. When you’re hungry for fame and desperate for food, you’ll do just about anything to survive. As such, Guns n’ Roses played every big club on the Strip, right next to their glam counterparts. Plus, Slash took business advice from Mr. Nikki Sixx.

Then there’s the pesky history of Slash auditioning for Poison but we won’t get into that (again).

These days, Steven Adler still drums with Adler’s Appetite. That band usually features a revolving door of glam musicians including Kristy “Krash” Majors and Chip Z’Nuff. Adler guested at Rocklahoma and wandered around backstage and smiled a lot. He didn’t seem to have any problems being associated with the glam scene.

Thanks to the overwhelming success – and importance – of Appetite for Destruction, Guns n’ Roses continue to influence new Metal bands. Often times, these bands have a “glam streak” or three. Modern bands like Vains of Jenna and Crashdiet are clearly – and unabashedly - influenced by Guns n’ Roses in their attitudes, songwriting and stage appearance. It’s that constant source of inspiration – and continual fan devotion – that makes classic Guns n’ Roses an ultimate glam band.

Here's Guns n' Roses performing "Nightrain" live sometime in 1988. It's basically awesome.

Don't agree with my choice? Come back tomorrow and see who lands at number three on the ten best glam bands of all time list.

Comments

[Chey]

Although i have to agree that Guns N Roses was or is one of the most influential bands from the Strip, i still don't think they are glam. Oh well

[aXe mAn]

Good write up. I agree, GnR do have a some glam in them. Nice choice.

[Rhodeislandrock, Heavy Metal Addiction]

If L.A. Guns make the countdown, then GnR does too. They are the same type of sleazy Hard Rock, I wouldn't call them total glam but I'd lump them in with the rest. No denying Guns' success just based on Appetite For Destruction but I think that the two Use Your Illusions had more filler than substance.

It's hard to say what's Glam and what isn't. Are we talking all bands now called "hair bands"? Are we discussing Hard Rock bands? Metal bands? The labels get ridiculous sometimes but it's a great topic because we all generally know who should be there and who shouldn't.

Back to GnR.....they were my pick for #1 after Poison. Now I have to re-think this again. I have a darkhorse underrated band in mind that everyone cites as an influence, Allyson's favorite band, and probably the biggest seller of the '80s.

Steve
Heavy Metal Addiction
http://hardrockheavymetal.wordpress.com

[Vince Neilstein]

Fucking great video. I think that's from the Ritz performance in NYC that was aired in MTV. I have it on tape somewhere. AWESOME, so much energy! I love how Slash's guitar is noticeably out of tune the whole time and it just gets worse and worse as the song goes on!

[warbaz]

guns n roses should always be number 1 no matter what the contest is are you forgetting thats gnfnr we are talking about you start with them then then you place everyone else underneath them thats just the way it has to be they set the standard best band in the history of music period

[fletch]

G-n-R rocks and should be listed in this list. But Axl Rose is a wife-beating, girlfriend-beating loser who has fallen out of touch with the Planet Earth!!!

[Rob Rockitt]

I remember when Guns and Roses first came out, and how Axl was trying to do his hair up with all of the hairspray...ala glam.

They lost that image pretty quick as they started to gain success.

Can't deny this choice! I still wish the band would reunite. Axl call Slash and work out your issues! Please!!

Rob Rockitt
Hard Rock Hideout
http://www.hardrockhideout.com

[Tyk]

I'm not sure I'd call GNR glam...

[Steph]

Guns n roses is the BEST band of all and Slash is the HOTTEST GUY EVER <3

[johnson bunsen]

u kno i tink gnr shoold b da fist
u kno cos it like kinda rox to <del>fk</del>
u kno i luv da ban so shoold b da fist, yeah.
u kno beder make it fist...
cos ive got boms n ive got babyz. gorg boosh can neva stob mee gnow!