1987.08.20 - Kerrang! - The Guns Get Primed (Axl)

ALTHOUGH GUNS N' ROSES' (pictured here) projected UK/European tour supporting Aerosmith during September/October has now been cancelled (see Mayhem last issue for full details), nonetheless Los Angeles' latest sensations have certainly been keeping themselves very active.

For a start the band are currently supporting The Cult in America (where their debut album, 'Appetite For Destruction, sold 50,000 records in the first week of release), a tour that's likely to stretch out for some while yet. Originally, the quintet were going out on the road with Y&T and Ace Frehley, however this idea was subsequently nixed (Faster Pussycat are now playing in their stead on this package), as was another plan for them to play a handful of dates with Stryper. Apparently, the Christian rockers were decidedly worried by the Guns' controversial reputation and lyrical 'frankness'. It just goes to prove what I believe, namely if Stryper are following the path of God, then the Roses are the perfect roadblock!

Prior to hitting the road with the Cult, the band spent 72 solid hours at Take One Studios in LA with producer Mick Clink recording acoustic versions of the following songs: 'You're Crazy', 'Patience', 'One In A Million (Police Niggers)' and 'Corn Chucker'.

"We've recorded these tracks for future use, either as a separate 72"EP, or else to be put on the B-sides of forthcoming singles," said lead vocalist W. Axl Rose.

Finally, as those of you who saw the band's third, awesome show at The Marquee Club in London recently will be aware, the entire performance was recorded live under the guidance of producer Vic Maile. The tapes were then shipped over to LA, where the band, in association with Clink, mixed down three tracks during the aforementioned studios sessions (inbetween decimating the beer machine and letting off the occasional fire extinguisher!) These numbers were cover versions of AC/DC's 'Whole Lotta Rosie' and Bob Dylan's 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door', plus 'It's So Easy'.

This trio of songs will be used as part of the package for the next Gn'R single in Britain, namely 'Welcome To The Jungle'. 'Whole Lotta Rosie' will be on the flip side of the seven inch, whilst the other two cuts will be additional enticements on the 12".

This single will be out on September 28 through Geffen and as we went to press, details of the band's first UK tour were announced.

The dates are as follows: Newcastle-upon-Tyne City Hall October 4, Nottingham Rock City 5, Manchester Apollo 6, Bristol Colston Hall 7, London Hammersmith Odeon 8. Support act for all dates will be Faster Pussycat.

MALCOLM DOME