Guns N' Roses Throwback Photos of Young Axl Rose and Steven Adler

Drummer Steven Adler, Duff McKagan, vocals Axl Rose, guitarist Slash and guitarist Izzy Stradlin of the music group Guns N' Roses pose for a portrait on May 7, 1988, at the Detroit State Theater in Detroit, Michigan. — Guns N' Roses. Photo: Ross Marino/Getty

Since their inception in 1985, Guns N' Roses has risen to be one of the most prolific bands of all time. The group — which was made up of Axl Rose, Steven Adler, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin and Slash — has given fans decades of unabashed rock and roll.

With multi-platinum-selling albums, three Grammy nods, four MTV VMA Awards and American Music Awards, it's safe to say Guns N' Roses will always rank as No. 1 for some rule followers and rule breakers alike.

Below, check out some cool vintage photos of Guns N' Roses in their early days.

01 of 10

Guns N' Roses' Early Days

When people see Guns N' Roses blazing the stage and rousing crowds today, they are always in awe. However, the band, made up of Axl Rose, Steven Adler, Duff McKagan, Slash and Izzy Stradlin, didn't start with the five rockers.

Slash and Adler were childhood friends, and so were Rose and Stradlin. However, it wasn't until 1985 that Guns N' Roses was formed from two different bands: the L.A. Roses and the Hollywood Guns.

Following some band member changes, the four musicians and bassist McKagan got together and became the trailblazing band that gave us "Sweet Child O' Mine," :November Rain," "Welcome to the Jungle" and many more.

02 of 10

Young Rockers

Axl Rose and Slash of the rock band "Guns n' Roses" perform onstage at a UCLA frat party where they played "Welcome To The Jungle" for the second time for 30 bucks and some beer on July 21, 1985 in Los Angeles, California. — Axl Rose and Slash.
Marc S Canter/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

In their budding years, Axl Rose and Slash were captured while performing onstage at a UCLA frat party, where they played their now-classic song, "Welcome to the Jungle."

03 of 10

Rockin' n' Rollin'

Drummer Steven Adler of the rock group 'Guns n' Roses' at soundcheck as they get ready to open for Aerosmith and Deep Purple as they performs onstage at Giants Stadium on August 16, 1988 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. — Steven Adler.
Marc S Canter/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

A young Steven Adler is pictured ready for action while at a soundcheck as Guns N' Roses gets ready to open for Aerosmith and Deep Purple at Giants Stadium on Aug. 16, 1988, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

04 of 10

Classic Throwback

Axl Rose Guns n' Roses — Axl Rose.
Ke.Mazur/WireImage

In this undated vintage photo, Axl Rose flaunts his long tresses while staring down the camera with his famed blue eyes.

05 of 10

'80s Lovers

American guitarist and songwriter Duff McKagan and his partner, Mandy Brixx, wearing a black bra top, attend the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, held at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California, 6th September 1989. — Duff McKagan and Mandy Brixx.
Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

Guitarist and songwriter Duff McKagan showed up to the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards in matching edgy outfits with his then-partner Mandy Brixx.

06 of 10

Best of Both Worlds

American singer and bass guitarist Kip Winger and American drummer and songwriter Steven Adler, wearing the kit of the Salamanders, their team in MTV's inaugural Rock N' Jock Diamond Derby, held at Dedeaux Field, at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California, 21st January 1990. — Kip Winger and Steven Adler.
Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

A very blond Steven Adler linked with Winger singer and guitarist Kip Winger for a very cool flick at MTV's inaugural Rock N' Jock Diamond Derby at the University of Southern California on Jan. 21, 1990. The pair showed support for their team by donning the Holly Springs Salamanders jerseys.

07 of 10

Music Man to Music Man

Eric Clapton&Izzy Stradlin on 11/27/89 in AtlanticCity, NJ. — Eric Clapton and Izzy Stradlin.
Paul Natkin/WireImage

Stradlin posed with fellow guitarist Eric Clapton while in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1989.

08 of 10

Playing with the Legends

Michael Jackson & Slash during Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary Celebration - 2nd Show at the Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. — Michael Jackson and Slash.
Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Now a noted guitarist, Slash stepped away from the band and made a special appearance for Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary Celebration held at N.Y.C.'s Madison Square Garden in 2001.

09 of 10

At the Grammys

US singer Fergie (R) and British-born US former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash (L) perform at the Pre-Grammy Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on January 30, 2010. — Slash and Fergie.
MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty

Slash joined Fergie — who named her son Axl Duhamel after Axl Rose — for a performance at the pre-Grammy Gala in L.A. in 2010.

10 of 10

Getting Honored

Izzy Stradlin, Matt Sorum, Duff McKagan, Slash and Steven Adler of Guns N' Roses, perform onstage during the 27th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Hall on April 14, 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio. — Guns n' Roses.
Kevin Kane/WireImage

In 2012, the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Only three of the original members showed up to the ceremony. Axl Rose declined to be inducted and "barred anyone else from accepting on his behalf," according to the Los Angeles Times. Izzy Stradlin, who had since stepped away from the spotlight, sent his gratitude and well wishes, but did not appear in person.

Adler, Slash and McKagan performed with new member Matt Sorum at the April 14 ceremony held at Public Hall in Cleveland.

From 2016 to 2019, Rose, Slash and McKagan reunited and launched the Not in this Lifetime ... Tour together. Various members of the group have been touring together and making music since.

See a Young Axl Rose, Steven Adler and More of Guns N' Roses in These Amazing Vintage Photos