Stadium Rock Legends: The Rolling Stones and Guns N' Roses Tour

Stadium Rock Legends: The Rolling Stones and Guns N' Roses Tour

Stadium rock is a term often used to describe bands that can fill large venues for live performances. Iconic bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones have all proven their ability to draw massive crowds to stadiums. The Stones, in particular, have continued to sell out stadiums with their legacy tours, even decades after their peak popularity.

In 1989, The Rolling Stones embarked on a monumental tour in support of their album "Steel Wheels." The tour aimed to redefine the concept of stadium rock and solidify The Stones' reputation as live performers. They considered having Guns N' Roses, a rising band with a commercial hair-metal sound, as their opening act. Despite the lucrative offer, Guns N' Roses' manager, Alan Niven, had reservations about the band's readiness for such a massive tour.

Niven believed that Guns N' Roses were already at a level where they didn't need to open for another band, especially one from a different era of rock music. He negotiated with The Stones' agent for a higher fee, ultimately securing a million-dollar deal for the band to join the tour. The Stones agreed to the terms, recognizing the draw that Guns N' Roses would bring to their shows.

While many stadium rock shows rely on nostalgia and the reputation of classic rock bands, Guns N' Roses were already a stadium rock band in their own right in 1989. They didn't need the opportunity to open for The Rolling Stones to prove their worth as a live act. The music landscape was changing, and Guns N' Roses were at the forefront of that shift, commanding large audiences with their energetic performances.