Guns N' Roses emerged as a prominent hard rock band in the late 1980s, blending gritty rock with dark themes. Led by vocalist Axl Rose, the band achieved commercial success with hits like "Sweet Child O' Mine" and their debut album, Appetite for Destruction. In the early '90s, they released the ambitious twin albums Use Your Illusion I and II, showcasing a more diverse musical approach. However, the rise of alternative rock led to a shift in the music landscape, impacting the band's popularity.
Following lineup changes and a prolonged hiatus, Guns N' Roses returned with the album Chinese Democracy in 2008. Despite positive reviews, the album faced challenges and marked a significant departure from the band's earlier sound. Over the years, the band experienced various lineup changes and reunions, culminating in the successful Not in This Lifetime... Tour in 2016 with original members Slash and Duff McKagan. They continued to tour and release new music, including the EP Hard Skool in 2022 and the single "Perhaps" in 2023.
