Drummer from the classic formation was removed from the band in 1990, after trying to record a song in the studio more than 20 times
Steve Adler was the drummer of Guns N’ Roses when the band broke through with their debut album Appetite for Destruction (1987). But his time in the role was relatively short: in 1990, the musician was fired due to substance abuse, mainly heroin, which went beyond the limits even for the group’s standards at the time.
In the documentary Nöthin’ But a Good Time: The Uncensored Story of ’80s Hair Metalavailable on Paramount+ (via Rock Celebrities), Adler shared reflections on his departure from the group and his use of heroin. According to the drummer, ironically, his first contact with the drug was directly related to his bandmates. Guns.
Steve he said:
Who do you think I was (using heroin) with? When I started using heroin, I wanted to be part of what Slash (guitarist) and Izzy (Stradlinguitarist) were doing. It was twice, I’ve never been so crazy in my entire life. And knowing what an idiot I am, I had to try it once again. And the third time was the good one. I fell in love with it.”
Before his dismissal, the drummer had already missed some shows, in attempts to rehabilitate. Therefore, he signed a contract promising to seek treatment, with the right to a fine if he did not do so. The vocalist Axl Roseon stage, even threatened to break up with the band if “some members” didn’t stop “dancing with Mr. Brownstone” — a reference to heroin use that also gave rise to a song by the group (via website Igor Miranda). It was also a message to Slash and Stradlin.
The dismissal occurred in 1990, while the group was in the studio to record the single “Civil War”. Adler I just couldn’t play. The musician made between 20 and 30 attempts, which required a lot of editing to be able to extract a drum performance.
Steve was asked if Axl did him a favor by firing him, which led to some bitter reflection on his part. In his own words:
Broke my heart, man. No, he didn’t do me a favor. It has done nothing but break my heart and break the hearts of millions of our fans. That’s all he did. So they took away Izzy (the guitarist left in 1991)… that’s how I see the Guns N’ Roseswith the five of us. We’ve been making the pie for five years. Every year we entered a different pie contest, and every year, we won. Then, in the sixth year, they decided to add a different ingredient and they didn’t win first place. It was the five of us who made the ingredients that made us winners. You take one of those away and it’s not the same.”
The “different ingredient” in question is Matt Sorumdrummer recruited from The Cultwhich remained until 1997. Izzy Stradlinin turn, was replaced by Gilby Clarkewho lasted even less in the group: he was released in 1994.
Steven Adler post-Guns N’ Roses
A year after his dismissal, a Steve Adler still in full use of heroin, he went to court against the Guns N’ Roses. The drummer claimed that he was under the influence of medication used during rehabilitation attempts, which impaired his concentration when playing. He also cited the contract he had with the band, where he would have been financially harmed, having lost the rights to royalties and other profits.
The case was closed in 1993. Steve received compensation from the group of more than US$2 million, in addition to 15% of the income from the material recorded with him.
However, he claims that no amount of money compensates for the emotional impact of those first years outside the band. About this, he says:
I’ve always loved the whole team thing. That’s why getting a band together was so important to me, where we work together and create something. When they threw me out, I didn’t know what to do. I could have gotten better, but I kept doing what I was doing. I was hurt at that point.”
After comings and goings regarding addiction and some attempts to start over in music — first with Road Crewthen with the Adler’s Appetite —, it seems that most of the bad feelings no longer exist. In 2012, Steve was introduced to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the band’s classic lineup and appeared alongside Slash, Duff McKagan, Gilby Clarke and Matt Sorum — Axl Rose did not attend and was replaced in the traditional musical performance by Myles Kennedy.
In 2016, Adler participated in some shows on the reunion tour “Not in This Lifetime Tour”. His appearance was scheduled for the band’s first surprise performance at the famous club The Troubadour, but back surgery prevented him from doing so.
Collaborated: André Luiz Fernandes.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
