Music Diary – 31st October

Welcome to my Music Diary – today for the 31st October!

On 31st October 1996, guitarist Slash announced that he has left the Hardrock band Guns N‘ Roses.

In his book „Slash“ (2007) he remembers his historic decision:
„After working to make that band all that it could be for the better part of my life, saying good-bye to the institution I helped build was as alien as being launched into space. But once I’d done it, a weight was lifted from my shoulders and the lead was out of my shoes. It was like decompressing after a deepwater dive. The day I made my decision, I woke up early and called the powers that be to deliver the news, and went back to sleep. I don’t remember anything else of theat day aside from the fact that when I woke up again I was refreshed. I felt as if I’d just slept for a week.“

Slash was the lead guitarist in Guns N‘ Roses from June 1985 until October 1996. So after eleven years he was leaving one of the most successful rockbands in the world and started working on his solo career and other projects like Slash’s Snakepit and Velvet Revolver.

Get your Slash gear here (for Austrian customer):

Shop for Slash here:                                                         Shop for Slash here:                                  EUROPE/GERMANY                                                                            USA

Music Diary – 17th September

Welcome back to my Music Diary – today for the 17th September!

On the 17th September 1991 the Guns N‘ Roses double albums „Use Your Illusion I“ and „Use Your Illusion II“ were simultaneously released for retail sale. This marked the largest ship-out in music history in the US.

„Use Your Illusion I“ reached only in Canada the number one in the charts. „Use Your Illusion II“ topped the charts in USA, Australia, New Zealand and in the UK.

On „Use Your Illusion I“ are legendary tracks like „Don’t Cry (Original)„, „November Rain“ and the Wings cover „Live and let die“ (written by Paul McCartney).

Beside the Bob Dylan cover „Knockin‘ on Heaven’s Door„, the songs „Civil War„, „You could be mine“ (which is also featured in the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie „Terminator 2: Judgment Day„) and „Don’t Cry (Alt. Lyrics)“ can be found on „UseYour Illusion II“.

The Estonian-American artist Mark Kostabi did the cover art, which is based on Raphael’s frescoes The School of Athens. Originally painted between 1509 and 1510 in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.

Raphael – The School of Athens (Detail)

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Get your copies and more Guns N‘ Roses Merchandising here (Germany/Europe):
                                                               

Get your copies and more Guns N‘ Roses Merchandising here (USA):
                                                              

 

 

 

Music Diary – 18th June

Hey Musicaddicts all around the world!

Today, on the 18th June, I am remembering two breathtaking performances:

Back in the year 2000 I attended one of the best shows I’ve ever seen: Pearl Jam played an outstanding open air gig in Salzburg at the wonderful Residenzplatz. And when the sun set down the full moon came up and brightened up the old city in a perfect light. Luckily this concert was recorded and released as a 2-CD-Set.

Ten years later me and my friend headbanged in Paris at the Stade de France with AC/DC. Before Angus & Co. gave us an overdose of Rock’n’Roll, Mr. Saul Hudson (better known as Slash), kicked our ass!

Pictures, videos, setlist etc. about the mentioned shows you can find here (just scroll down to the date of 18/06):
https://melomaneblog.wordpress.com/category/concerts-june/

By the way:
Mr. Dizzy Reed, who plays still with Guns n‘ Roses, has his birthday today – happy bday!!! Also all the best to Paul McCartney, who turned 71 today 😉

Cheers,

Alex Melomane