Behind The Song: Guns N' Roses' "November Rain," Chicago Chaos, and the Creative Bonds Behind the Music

Podcast Information:

• Title: Behind The Song
• Host/Author: The Drive | Hubbard Radio
• Description: Delve into the lyrics of classic rock songs and the storytellers behind them in "Behind The Song," a podcast of essays by The Drive's Janda Lane. Explore the behind-the-scenes moments during the creation of some of rock history's most iconic tracks.
• Episode: Janda and Christian talk "November Rain," GNR's lost summer in Chicago, and more!
• Release Date: November 25, 2024

Introduction to "November Rain"

Janda Lane opens the episode by revisiting the monumental Guns N' Roses track "November Rain," highlighting Axl Rose's commitment to recording the song properly—or else he would quit the music business. This dedication underscores the song's significance in the band's repertoire.

Christian Lane expands on the song's unique structure:

“It's hard to call a nine-minute song catchy because you usually think of a catchy song being like a little two, three-minute pop song. But it speaks to the quality of the song itself... it's like that of a song, you know, it's the godfather of hard rock.”
[01:19]

Christian draws parallels between "November Rain" and epic films like "The Godfather," emphasizing its enduring appeal despite its length.

Influences and Musical Composition

Janda notes Axl Rose's admiration for Elton John, which influenced "November Rain." This inspiration added a new dimension to Guns N' Roses' music.

Christian reflects on Axl's diverse influences:

“When you find out that Axl loves Elton John, you have to consider him a little bit differently... he had good tastes, so you have to consider him differently.”
[01:41]

This revelation challenges the stereotypical perception of heavy metal artists, showcasing Axl's nuanced musical palette.

Guitar Dynamics: Slash's Brian May Influence

The conversation shifts to the guitar work in "November Rain." Christian likens Slash's solo to Brian May of Queen, highlighting its melodic beauty rather than just technical prowess.

“It's so very Brian May, so very Queen. It’s not a ripoff, but it's sort of in his style, in his feel.”
[02:34]

Janda plays a recreation of the solo, illustrating the Brian May-esque sound that complements the song's grandeur.

Christian further praises Slash's ability to infuse his unique influences:

“Slash is bringing his own influences into this thing and he's bringing his own tastes... they play for the song.”
[04:07]

This approach underscores the band's collaborative synergy, blending individual talents into cohesive masterpieces.

Guns N' Roses' Turbulent Summer in Chicago

The discussion transitions to the band's tumultuous summer in Chicago during the late '80s and early '90s. Janda recounts how the band's manager relocated them from Los Angeles to Chicago's Wrigleyville to minimize distractions and focus on their work.

Christian provides a vivid depiction of Wrigleyville at the time:

“Right next door to... a bar called Raw Bar and Shout Out Tony. All the waitresses wore Doc Martens and had long black hair and tattoos... Cubs fans... a lot of bar crawlers.”
[07:04]

This relocation, intended to create a more controlled environment, ironically placed the band in the heart of a vibrant and chaotic nightlife scene.

The "Spaghetti Incident" Anecdote

A humorous yet telling story emerges about the band's antics in Chicago. Janda explains how the "Spaghetti Incident" album title originated from the band's habit of throwing pasta takeout onto the sidewalks:

“They were ordering Italian food a takeout, and then they just start lobbing it onto the sidewalk below on Clark Street.”
[10:35]

Christian speculates on the likely source of the pasta:

“They were ordering from Leonas... their takeout was phenomenal.”
[11:06]

This lighthearted moment underscores the band's wild lifestyle juxtaposed against their creative endeavors.

Band Dynamics and Changes

Janda reflects on the internal dynamics of Guns N' Roses during the "Use Your Illusion" era, highlighting the departure of drummer Steven Adler and the subsequent challenges in finding a suitable replacement.

Christian emphasizes Adler's underrated contribution:

“Steven Adler, maybe one of the more underrated drummers in rock and roll.”
[16:24]

He contrasts Adler's vibrant drumming with Matt Sorum's more powerful and steady style, noting how the band's sound evolved with the change in drummers.

The Role of Del James

Towards the episode's conclusion, Janda introduces Del James, Guns N' Roses' long-time road manager and creative collaborator. James's short story "Without You" served as the foundation for three of the band's iconic music videos: "Use Your Illusion I & II," "Don't Cry," and "November Rain."

Janda shares insights into the profound impact of Del James:

“Friendships do. So hats off to Del James and Axel and Guns N' Roses... friends that you keep, especially creative ones.”
[21:32]

Christian echoes this sentiment, praising the meaningful and fortuitous nature of creative partnerships.

Conclusion and Reflections

The episode wraps up with Janda and Christian reflecting on the enduring legacy of Guns N' Roses, the creative genius behind their music, and the importance of personal connections in the creative process. Christian sums up his admiration for Slash:

“He just seems like the greatest dude.”
[14:23]

Janda concurs, highlighting the contrasting personalities of Slash and Axl Rose as a key factor in the band's memorable chemistry.

Key Takeaways:

• "November Rain" stands as a testament to Guns N' Roses' musical depth and Axl Rose's uncompromising standards.
• Slash's guitar work is influenced by iconic musicians like Brian May, adding a melodic layer to GNR's hard rock sound.
• The band's relocation to Chicago's Wrigleyville was intended to foster creativity but resulted in unexpected chaos and memorable anecdotes.
• Del James played a crucial role in translating the band's experiences and stories into timeless music videos, demonstrating the power of creative collaborations.
• Band Dynamics: The transition from Steven Adler to Matt Sorum marked a significant shift in Guns N' Roses' musical landscape, reflecting the challenges and evolution inherent in long-standing bands.

Notable Quotes:

• Christian Lane:
  “It's hard to call a nine-minute song catchy because you usually think of a catchy song being like a little two, three-minute pop song. But it speaks to the quality of the song itself... it's like that of a song, you know, it's the godfather of hard rock.”
  [01:19]

• Christian Lane:
  “Slash is bringing his own influences into this thing and he's bringing his own tastes... they play for the song.”
  [04:07]

• Christian Lane:
  “Steven Adler, maybe one of the more underrated drummers in rock and roll.”
  [16:24]

• Janda Lane:
  “Friendships do. So hats off to Del James and Axel and Guns N' Roses... friends that you keep, especially creative ones.”
  [21:32]

Final Thoughts

In this episode of "Behind The Song," Janda Lane and Christian Lane offer an intimate glimpse into the creative processes, personal dynamics, and unforgettable moments that shaped one of rock's most legendary bands. From the intricate layers of "November Rain" to the raucous summer in Chicago, the conversation paints a vivid picture of Guns N' Roses' journey, enriched by enduring friendships and artistic collaborations.

For classic rock enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike, this episode provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that propelled Guns N' Roses to iconic status, celebrating both their musical prowess and the human stories behind the legends.