Tracii Guns discussed his departure from Guns N’ Roses in a recent interview with Border City Rock Talk. The founding member of both L.A. Guns and Guns N’ Roses shared his perspective on the band’s subsequent success.
“No, because I mean we all knew what was going to happen,” Guns stated. “See, all of us guys were so dumb that we just knew that we were going to be the biggest thing since popcorn.”
“It just it got to a point for me where, for a period of time it wasn’t a fun rock band anymore,” he explained. “It was more about kind of talking to the audience and holding church. And at that point, I was 19, and I’m like, ‘All right, I’m going to go back and reform a new LA Guns and do what I want to do.'”
“The success thing is great for everybody involved,” Guns continued. “I mean, it might be different if I had left and I just became homeless or something. That’s for sure. I’m sure I’d be [makes angry noise.] But I never saw the point in that. I always saw an opportunity to embrace this great thing I created with Axl.”
Guns’ departure marked a significant turning point in rock history. This pivotal moment led to the formation of two successful acts that shaped the hard rock landscape of the 1980s and beyond.
Formation And Early Days
Documentation from MyGNRForum revealed the original lineup included Guns, Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin, Rob Gardner, and Ole Beich. The band emerged from a merger between L.A. Guns and Hollywood Rose in early 1985.
The Metal Voice highlighted the band’s initial sound differed from their later style. They performed early versions of future classics like ‘Don’t Cry’ and ‘Think About You’ during Guns’ tenure.
Creative Differences
Blabbermouth noted Guns and Izzy Stradlin maintained a close relationship. The band’s dynamic shifted dramatically under Rose’s growing influence.
The creative tension led to Guns’ departure in mid-1985. This change opened the door for Slash to join and help form the classic lineup with Steven Adler and Duff McKagan.
The Aftermath
The transition period proved crucial for both bands. Financial and logistical challenges influenced Guns’ decision to leave the early lineup.
His departure allowed him to reform L.A. Guns with renewed focus. Meanwhile, Guns N’ Roses evolved into the legendary outfit that would dominate the global rock scene. This split demonstrated how creative separations can spawn multiple success stories in the music industry.
