One of the biggest players in the game of pop culture is music. Trends in music come and go faster than a one hit wonder remains popular. Some bands remain only as long as their hit song and their memories dry out even faster. Other bands, though, turn music into something larger than just pop culture. They break the rules and are loved for it. They introduce a new sound to music, a new look to performing, a new passion to fans. Most importantly, they will be remembered , enjoyed and revered for decades to come. Guns and Roses is one of these bands.

Axl Rose, born William Bailey, started singing in church at the age of five; at the age of sixteen he was kicked out of the house. It didn’t take long before the Guns and Roses’ front man paved the way to stardom. Going from a church choir boy to a rebellious metal singer began the duality that became Guns and Roses. Now, in the year 2004, the lasting impression of Guns and Roses can still be seen everywhere. They are a band that both a father and his daughter can enjoy, despite the thirty year difference in age. Young or old, then or now-there are many reasons why Guns and Roses will be remembered.

Emily Rogers, 18, student, claims her favorite thing about Guns and Roses is that everyone can name at least one of their songs. “It doesn’t matter what music you listen to or when you were born, I know that everyone has had to heard a song by Guns and Roses. I’m not their biggest fan, or probably not even a fan, but I know they have many good songs. They are one of those bands that just stands out among the others and that is what I find really cool about Guns and Roses. They are in your face they don’t care about reputation or success-they did what they wanted to do and did it well. They are the epitome of a rock and roll band-they had it all—the money, the fame, the groupies, massive amounts of fans, and the ability to do whatever they wanted and get away with it. Who wouldn’t want to fantasize about that?”

Benji Thorman, 19, student holds polar views of Guns and Roses. “One part of me sees Guns and Roses as this reckless band who couldn’t give a shit about anything besides themselves. They did a lot of drugs and partied and destroyed hotel rooms, while probably spreading a lot of sexually transmitted diseases with groupies. Slash even was pronounced dead due to a drug overdose, they brought him back to life though. It just seems that making music was a second plan on their agenda, and that’s the part that gets me. But then again they were great musicians and performers. I guess that might matter more anyway-if they make good music then they are a great band. They are more talented than other bands of the “big haired 80's rock” they might be associated with. Guns and Roses made many marks in the history of music that they will be remembered of for a long time.”

Christian Strum, 26, graphic designer, says that Guns and Roses is one of his favorite bands. “I listen to so many different kinds of music but I think that Guns and Roses have to be one of my favorites, and they have been ever since I was 10. This is a strong statement to make, but basically, I consider them the most important rock band since The Who- they single handedly showed that rock music is timeless.” I asked which other bands, either recent or historic, Christian would compare the success of Guns and Roses to. He said that Guns and Roses share achievements close to that of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. These bands are both some of the biggest names in music and not many bands come close to comparing to either. Placing Guns and Roses on the same pedestal as The Beatles is honorable mention, especially for a band that is often considered a gritty rock and roll glam band.

Ruby Scrosia, 33, restaurant manager, agreed that Guns and Roses do share a talent comparable to many great bands such as the Rolling Stones. “I find that the most interesting thing about Guns and Roses is that they are often underestimated. People will say that Guns and Roses is an awesome band, and they are ‘so rad’, etc. But, I don’t think that they notice what a truly talented band they are; they did so many great things for music. Their sound is raw and dirty, yet catchy and groundbreaking. Appetite for Destruction has to be my favorite C.D. of all times, you can’t listen to it without loving every song because every song is fantastic. You can’t be a music fan and not own that C.D. This part of Guns and Roses needs to be emphasized-that they make great music. Sure they were a great live band, they were your average rock stars living glamorous and dangerous lives that we all wish we could have, but the most important thing-what it all comes down to- is their music. They weren’t just one of those big hair bands that couldn’t even play their own instruments. They were the real thing.”

It’s true that Guns and Roses fit the role of the typical rock star band-they partied with drugs and groupies, they were loud and rebellious, and they didn’t care if you hate them. That though, is partially why we love them isn’t it? Not many bands fit the rock star physique while also maintaining the reputation of being one of the greatest bands in rock history. They had talent and their style has led them to becoming a band unforgotten even by the new millennium. Their influence has affected musicians and fans alike. Appetite of Destruction has won many, many awards, and according to our interviewee, Ruby Scrosia, “You can’t be a music fan and not own that C.D”.

- Serena Tarazi, Associate Editor