Behind the Scenes: The Making of Guns N' Roses' 'Paradise City
Some lyrics are considered better than others, and Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash once came up with a questionable line during a jam session in a rental van. The band was on their way back to Los Angeles from San Francisco when Slash started playing the beginnings of what would become “Paradise City”. Axl Rose added the iconic lines, “Take me down to the Paradise City,” to which Slash responded with a less favorable alternative. Despite Slash’s preference, the band ultimately stuck with the original lyrics for the hit song.
The creation of “Paradise City” in the back of a tour van is a quintessential rock ‘n’ roll tale. The song, featured on Guns N’ Roses’ 1987 album Appetite for Destruction, became a chart-topping hit, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 in the U.K. It also achieved top positions in Ireland, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. The song has remained a fan favorite and a staple of Guns N’ Roses’ live performances, often serving as the encore.
Despite the controversial lyric suggestion by Slash, “Paradise City” has stood the test of time as one of Guns N’ Roses’ most beloved songs. The band’s decision to stick with the original “grass is green” line over the alternative contributed to the song’s enduring success. The creation of the song during a spontaneous jam session highlights the band’s raw talent and ability to craft timeless rock anthems.