Axl Rose Opens Up About Guns N’ Roses’ Humble Beginnings: “Don’t Cry” & The Birth of the Band

In a rare moment of nostalgia during Guns N’ Roses’ performance at the Etess Arena in Atlantic City, Axl Rose opened up about the early days of the band and its iconic song “Don’t Cry.” This emotional reflection, shared with the crowd before performing the track, took fans back to the humble beginnings of the legendary rock band.

“This next one is the first song that was written for Guns N’ Roses,” Axl began, before diving into a vivid memory from the mid-1980s. He recalled a moment in early 1985 when he visited guitarist Izzy Stradlin’s house to mend a fractured relationship. The two had been embroiled in a heated argument for months, and Rose’s visit was unexpected. “I went over to Izzy’s and I threw some rocks at his window. He came to the window and was worried I came over there to kick his ass,” Axl reminisced. The moment had a humorous undertone, reminiscent of the famous scene in The Blues Brothers—the part where the bandmates reunite despite their differences: “We gotta get the band back together.”

Once they had cleared the air, Rose continued, “We sat down, and I was like, ‘Hey, I got some really depressing lyrics.’ He was like, ‘I got a really depressing guitar part.’ I was like, ‘Perfect, we got it made.’” That simple exchange would lay the foundation for one of the most iconic songs in rock history.

“Don’t Cry” quickly became a staple of Guns N’ Roses’ live shows, even before it was officially recorded. The song, however, wouldn’t make it to an album until 1991’s Use Your Illusion I, where it became a hit and a fan favorite. The track’s haunting melody and introspective lyrics made it an instant classic, and the final studio version featured the ethereal background vocals of Shannon Hoon, the lead singer of Blind Melon.

What was especially poignant about Rose’s remarks was the mention of Izzy Stradlin, a founding member of Guns N’ Roses who left the band midway through the Use Your Illusion tour in 1991. Stradlin’s departure has long been a subject of intrigue and speculation among fans. While he briefly reunited with the band for a few shows between 2006 and 2012, Stradlin has notably stayed away from the band’s ongoing reunion tour. In rare public comments, he once stated, “They didn’t want to split the loot equally,” offering a glimpse into the tensions that led to his exit. Axl’s mention of Izzy on stage was a rare acknowledgment of the guitarist’s role in the band’s origins, and it provided a moment of reflection for long-time fans of Guns N’ Roses.

The Atlantic City show, part of the band’s reunion tour with Slash and Duff McKagan, also featured a high-energy performance of “Paradise City” and a cover of The Who’s “The Seeker.” The band, which is on the road through the end of the year, has continued to captivate audiences with their electrifying performances across North America, with plans to take their show to Australia and New Zealand later this year before heading to Europe in summer 2022.

In addition to the live shows, Guns N’ Roses recently released a reworked version of “Silkworms,” an outtake from their early 2000s studio sessions, now titled “Absurd.” The release sparked rumors of a potential new album, though the band has yet to confirm any studio plans.

For long-time Guns N’ Roses fans, Axl Rose’s candid reflection on the band’s roots and the origins of “Don’t Cry” was a touching reminder of the raw energy and creative tension that helped form one of rock’s most enduring legends. Whether it’s their energetic performances or the heartfelt stories from their past, Guns N’ Roses continue to remind fans why they remain one of the greatest rock bands of all time.