Guns N' Roses: The Life and Times of a Rock N' Roll Band

by Paul Elliott

Written by a band insider, this is the most comprehensive, fully illustrated, up-to-date unofficial exploration of Guns N’ Roses.
 Fans of Guns N’ Roses, one of the world’s most beloved and hardest-rocking bands, had long dreamt of a reunion—and in 2016, after 23 years, it finally happened. The classic lineup of Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan, with guest appearances by drummer Steven Adler (minus original guitarist Izzy Stradlin), launched the worldwide Not in This Lifetime tour to rave reviews; the tour currently runs through early September 2017. Author Paul Elliott, one of the first rock journalists ever to interview Guns N’ Roses and their former PR officer, brings a real edge to this insightful examination of the group, its music, its success, and its struggles. The book contains 200 stunning color photographs from key photographers who have documented the band’s career.

Genres: Music

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2022

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This newish Guns N'Roses book is ok. Tons of full-color glossy photos. Every two-page spread has at least one. And the book itself is huge- definitely oversized and hardcover, so you get a lot of detail in the full-page pics.

There's also quite a bit of information, from a fresh perspective. I've read I think eight Guns N'Roses books now? (It's a long story.) But this one has been the only outsider-looking-in perspective. The others were from current or former band members or managers. This one is written by a music magazine writer who spent quite a bit of time attending GNR shows and interviewing the band over the years.

Two things bothered me just a little as I read, and they cost the book two stars off it's rating: First, the pictures nearly never matched the text on the page. Like, the text might be talking about GNR performing at a club in 1986, but then the caption for the photograph states that it's the band performing at a festival in 1987. And this happened over and over and over again. Second, there really wasn't any new information. Yes, it was a fresh perspective, but it was a fresh perspective to the same information. No new revelations. Boo.

If you're a really big GNR fan, you'll love this book for the photographs. If you're mildly intrigued by this group and their history (like me), you'll be sort of disappointed in this book.

[Tony Farinella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Elliott, a renowned author and journalist, has had the privilege of interviewing the members of Guns N’ Roses multiple times throughout his career. His extensive research and dedication to crafting this important rock ’n’ roll narrative are truly commendable. The book delves into their influences, the early stages of their journey, and even touches upon their 2016 reunion tour. The accompanying photographs enhance the storytelling experience, making it a truly captivating read.

I’m a big fan of these coffee table books on Guns N’ Roses, as they offer a wealth of fascinating chapters accompanied by stunning photographs. The book’s easy-to-read format and engaging content make it an immersive experience. It truly captures the essence of Guns N’ Roses, and it’s always a blast to revisit their story, as I discover new insights with each reading. Highly recommended!

[⨳Ræchəl⨳ ✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mesmo que você não seja Stan da banda, mas já conhece alguma coisa da história por ler a biografia de Slash e/ou Duff, 90% do livro não tem absolutamente nenhuma novidade. Para quem é fã sazonal e só leu a biografia deles, vale pelo final do livro em que comenta a reunião da banda, mesmo depois de todo barraco do Axl. Não sei a versão impressa, no kindle não tem fotos.

[Jessie Meeus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im probably biased because Guns ‘n Roses has been one of my favourite bands since I was a little girl listening to cd’s like Apetite for Destruction & Use your Illusion on my walkman. Loved reading more about their story and struggles as a band. If you’re interested in (great) rockmusic and the wild world of rock ‘n roll in the 80’s & 90’s, this is your book.

[Samantha Goodman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt this pulled too much from other materials. Seemed more like a research paper at times with all the citations. Very informative. I definitely missed out with the kindle version though. I think the photos would have definitely elevated the book.

[Natalie Favre]

didn’t realize this wasn’t a like. real book ??? more of a coffee table piece. that’s my mistake for not doing more research so no rating.

[George Tregear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and comprehensive history of the band. Lots of good info packed into 125 pages.

[Deanna Puente-Verdugo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really cool book I really enjoyed it.

[Darren Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very brief overview on the history of GNR. Very fact heavy, but I suppose that is to be expected with a book in this format. Still not a bad read.