When Guns N’ Roses exploded onto the mid-Eighties West Hollywood underground scene, their faces were already familiar to the kids frequenting the clubs peppered along Sunset Strip. Axl, Slash, Izzy, Duff and Steven had been drifting from band to band gigging in hope rather than expectation. They were barely into their twenties yet considered themselves veterans. They still looked the same, but the sound emanating from the stage was definitely different. It was raw, raucous, and most unquestionably of the streets.
Illustrated in colour throughout, The Dead Straight Guide to Guns N’ Roses covers the history of the band from their turbulent booze and drug-fuelled West Hollywood origins through to the Not in This Lifetime tour regrouping. It also includes a complete album-by-album guide and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned ‘Gunner’ or takin’ your first sip of ‘Nightrain’, this book has something for you.
Mick O’ Shea is an established writer covering a diverse range of acts ranging from Guns N’ Roses to Amy Winehouse. He’s also written our books on Ska and Punk.