See a Young Axl Rose, Steven Adler and More of Guns N' Roses in These Amazing Vintage Photos

The rock and roll legends came a long way from performing at frat parties. Check out some cool pictures from their early days

Ross Marino/Getty  Guns N
Ross Marino/Getty Guns N' Roses

Since their inception in 1985, Guns N' Roses has risen to be one of the most prolific bands of all time. The group — which was made up of Axl Rose, Steven Adler, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin and Slash — has given fans decades of unabashed rock and roll.

With multi-platinum-selling albums, three Grammy nods, four MTV VMA Awards and American Music Awards, it's safe to say Guns N' Roses will always rank as No. 1 for some rule followers and rule breakers alike.

Below, check out some cool vintage photos of Guns N' Roses in their early days.

Guns N' Roses' Early Days

Ross Marino/Getty Guns N' Roses
Ross Marino/Getty Guns N' Roses

When people see Guns N' Roses blazing the stage and rousing crowds today, they are always in awe. However, the band, made up of Axl Rose, Steven Adler, Duff McKagan, Slash and Izzy Stradlin, didn't start with the five rockers.

Slash and Adler were childhood friends, and so were Rose and Stradlin. However, it wasn't until 1985 that Guns N' Roses was formed from two different bands: the L.A. Roses and the Hollywood Guns.

Following some band member changes, the four musicians and bassist McKagan got together and became the trailblazing band that gave us "Sweet Child O' Mine," :November Rain," "Welcome to the Jungle" and many more.

Young Rockers

<p>Marc S Canter/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty</p> Axl Rose and Slash

Marc S Canter/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Axl Rose and Slash

In their budding years, Axl Rose and Slash were captured while performing onstage at a UCLA frat party, where they played their now-classic song, "Welcome to the Jungle."

Rockin' n' Rollin'

<p>Marc S Canter/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty</p> Steven Adler

Marc S Canter/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Steven Adler

A young Steven Adler is pictured ready for action while at a soundcheck as Guns N' Roses gets ready to open for Aerosmith and Deep Purple at Giants Stadium on Aug. 16, 1988, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Classic Throwback

<p>Ke.Mazur/WireImage</p> Axl Rose

Ke.Mazur/WireImage

Axl Rose

In this undated vintage photo, Axl Rose flaunts his long tresses while staring down the camera with his famed blue eyes.

'80s Lovers

<p>Vinnie Zuffante/Getty</p> Duff McKagan and Mandy Brixx

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

Duff McKagan and Mandy Brixx

Guitarist and songwriter Duff McKagan showed up to the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards in matching edgy outfits with his then-partner Mandy Brixx.

Best of Both Worlds

<p>Vinnie Zuffante/Getty</p> Kip Winger and Steven Adler

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

Kip Winger and Steven Adler

A very blond Steven Adler linked with Winger singer and guitarist Kip Winger for a very cool flick at MTV's inaugural Rock N' Jock Diamond Derby at the University of Southern California on Jan. 21, 1990. The pair showed support for their team by donning the Holly Springs Salamanders jerseys.

Music Man to Music Man

<p>Paul Natkin/WireImage</p> Eric Clapton and Izzy Stradlin

Paul Natkin/WireImage

Eric Clapton and Izzy Stradlin

Stradlin posed with fellow guitarist Eric Clapton while in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1989.

Playing with the Legends

<p>Kevin Mazur/WireImage</p> Michael Jackson and Slash

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Michael Jackson and Slash

Now a noted guitarist, Slash stepped away from the band and made a special appearance for Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary Celebration held at N.Y.C.'s Madison Square Garden in 2001.

At the Grammys

<p>MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty</p> Slash and Fergie

MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty

Slash and Fergie

Slash joined Fergie — who named her son Axl Duhamel after Axl Rose — for a performance at the pre-Grammy Gala in L.A. in 2010.

Getting Honored

<p>Kevin Kane/WireImage</p> Guns n' Roses

Kevin Kane/WireImage

Guns n' Roses

In 2012, the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Only three of the original members showed up to the ceremony. Axl Rose declined to be inducted and "barred anyone else from accepting on his behalf," according to the Los Angeles Times. Izzy Stradlin, who had since stepped away from the spotlight, sent his gratitude and well wishes, but did not appear in person.

Adler, Slash and McKagan performed with new member Matt Sorum at the April 14 ceremony held at Public Hall in Cleveland.

From 2016 to 2019, Rose, Slash and McKagan reunited and launched the Not in this Lifetime ... Tour together. Various members of the group have been touring together and making music since.

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