Will a New Guns N' Roses Album Ever See the Light of Day?
Guns N’ Roses were one of the biggest bands of the late 80s and early 90s, but their meteoric rise was followed by a fast descent into chaos. The band only recorded two albums with all five original members, and after the release of Use Your Illusion I and II in 1991, they entered a period of sporadic activity with multiple line-up changes and no original album releases for 17 years.
The lost years
Their next album, Chinese Democracy, took 10 years to make after multiple line-up changes and a range of issues with the recording process. Singer Axl Rose was the only original member to feature on the record, which marked a change in direction from the band’s trademark sound. The reputation of the band faltered during this time as fans grew tired of the false dawns and drama surrounding the project.
Since its release in 2008, there have been several rumours of a new Guns N’ Roses album. Rose stated as far back as 2014 that the band had already recorded enough material for a follow-up to Chinese Democracy as well as an album of remixes. Yet, nothing was released, and the band concentrated on touring.
Reunion
In 2015, there was great news for fans when the band announced that original members Slash and Duff McKagan would be re-joining the band. This reunion sparked renewed interest in the band, their music, and related merchandise.
Guns N’ Roses tour t-shirts became the cool fashion item of the year as the band released a huge range of merchandise specific to each gig on their 2016 tour. In the same year, the first official Guns N’ Roses video slot game was launched by NetEnt. The game was a huge success and prompted a trend for rock-music-inspired slots. Six years later, the game can still be played at top slots and games sites alongside many other titles. In 2018, their classic debut album, Appetite for Destruction, was remastered and repackaged. The box set featured previously unreleased material and their first single in 10 years, Shadow of Your Love.
New material in the pipeline
With the band back on the road and with the core of the original line-up in the fold, there is much anticipation about a new album. Early in 2022, Slash confirmed the band were recording material for a new album. This followed the release of two singles in 2021, Absurd and Hard Skool, which were both reworkings of songs from the Chinese Democracy sessions. It is unclear whether the new album will feature mostly original material or more reworkings of previously unreleased songs. Most fans will be hoping for the latter, but the main concern is whether the album will get released at all.
In the meantime, the band have continued to remaster their previous work and announced the release of a Use Your Illusion I and II box set featuring vinyl, CD, and digital reissues along with previously unreleased songs and other collectables. This series of releases suggests that a new album might be some time away.
Use Your Illusion I & II Box Set out November 11, featuring 63 previously unreleased tracks?
You Could Be Mine, Live In New York at the Ritz Theatre recorded on 5/16/91 out now. https://t.co/p6i38w2QYU pic.twitter.com/VnF2CUq0Fm
— Guns N' Roses (@gunsnroses) September 21, 2022
Guns N’ Roses have a reputation for being late. Chinese Democracy was originally meant to be released in 1999 but did not appear until nine years later. And throughout their career, the band turned up late for many concerts, sometimes not appearing at all. If history is anything to go by, the new album will arrive if and when the band decide it is ready. Just don’t hold your breath.
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