Former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Tracii Guns shared his thoughts about leaving the band in a recent interview with Border City Rock Talk.
“No, because I mean we all knew what was going to happen,” Guns said when asked about potential regrets regarding the band’s later success. “See, all of us guys were so dumb that we just knew that we were going to be the biggest thing since popcorn.”
“It was apparent right away anyways, as soon as we got rolling. Especially when we changed the name to Guns and Roses, we had already built a really good following as LA Guns. Things were going in the right direction,” he explained.
“It just got to a point where it wasn’t a fun rock band anymore. It was more about talking to the audience and holding church,” Guns continued. “At that point, I was 19, and I decided to go back and reform a new LA Guns and do what I wanted to do.”
“But the success thing is great for everybody involved,” he added. “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.”
These reflections illuminate a pivotal moment in rock history that shaped both bands’ trajectories.
Records from historical documentation reveal that Guns formed L.A. Guns in 1983. This laid the groundwork for a significant merger. The birth of Guns N’ Roses took place in 1985 when L.A. Guns joined forces with Hollywood Rose. The lineup featured Guns, Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin, Rob Gardner, and Ole Beich.
Blabbermouth documented that Guns left the band just two months after its formation. Creative differences and personal conflicts with Axl Rose prompted his departure. This change led to Slash joining the band, establishing the classic Guns N’ Roses lineup.
The relationship between Guns and his former bandmates has evolved over time. Alternative Nation reported that Guns remains open to a potential farewell tour appearance. His ideal scenario would involve L.A. Guns opening the show, with him joining for select songs.
Tracii Guns continues his musical journey today. L.A. Guns plans to release their new album ‘Leopard Skin’ in April 2025. This progression demonstrates the success of his independent musical direction.
