Guns N’ Roses Rejects $10,000 Offer for Sweet Child O’ Mine Publishing Rights, Before Album Release

Guns N’ Roses’ Duff McKagan recently shared an interesting revelation about the band’s early days. It turns out that they once turned down a mere $10,000 in exchange for the publishing rights of their iconic song, Sweet Child O’ Mine. Imagine that – a classic hit that has stood the test of time, almost slipping through their fingers for what seemed like a big sum back then.

In an interview on the Broken Record podcast, McKagan reflected on this offer that the band received before releasing their debut album, Appetite For Destruction. He recalled how they were struggling financially, working odd jobs just to afford a place to rehearse. And in that moment, $10,000 seemed like a fortune to them. The person making the offer clearly saw their potential and believed in their talent, even if they didn’t fully grasp the value of their own music at the time.

But Guns N’ Roses had a vision, and they were determined to see it through. McKagan stressed how they were fully committed to creating music their way, without compromising their artistic integrity. They were young, hungry, and ready to take on the world of rock music, regardless of the obstacles in their path.

Speaking on their creative process, McKagan highlighted their desire to capture the raw essence of their sound. They wanted the music to speak for itself – no frills, no gimmicks, just the pure energy and passion that defined Guns N’ Roses. It was about putting microphones up against the amps, around the drums, and letting their music do the talking.

Interestingly, it was revealed last month that Slash, the band’s iconic guitarist, wasn’t initially sold on the chord progression of Sweet Child O’ Mine. In an episode of the Songcraft podcast, McKagan joked about how Slash crafted the unforgettable intro as a way to “get rid” of the song. Little did they know that this maneuver would actually elevate the track to new heights, transforming it into a timeless ballad that resonates with fans to this day.

So, in the end, the decision to turn down that $10,000 offer was a pivotal moment for Guns N’ Roses. It symbolized their unwavering belief in their music and their refusal to compromise their artistic vision. It was a bold move that paid off in the long run, as Sweet Child O’ Mine went on to become one of the band’s most iconic songs, solidifying their status as legends of rock music.