Hollywood Rose

Hollywood Rose was an American hard rock group formed in 1983. They are best known as the precursor for what would eventually become Guns N' Roses. The group was founded by Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin and Chris Weber, while they were aided during live shows by Rick Mars, Johnny Kreis, Steve Darrow and Andre Troxx. Rose, Stradlin and Weber, along with Kreis, recorded a five-song demo in 1984. However, after a number of lineup changes, which includes Weber and Kreis being replaced by Slash and Steven Adler (both then of Road Crew) as well the departure of Stradlin, the group disbanded the same year.

Hollywood Rose reunited for a New Year's Eve show in 1985 with Rose, Stradlin, and Darrow returning and adding former L.A. Guns drummer Rob Gardner to the group. L.A. Guns founder Tracii Guns replaced Weber for the reunion gig. In March 1985, they merged with L.A Guns to become Guns N' Roses.

The five-song demo, recorded in 1984, was released in 2004 with the title The Roots of Guns N' Roses. A number of Hollywood Rose songs were included on the Guns N' Roses albums Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide (1986), Appetite for Destruction (1987), Live from the Jungle (1987), and G N' R Lies (1988).

Band members

 * Axl Rose – vocals  (1983-1984, 1985)
 * Izzy Stradlin – rhythm guitar  (1983-1984, 1985)
 * Chris Weber – lead guitar  (1983-1984, 1985, 1989-1990)
 * Johnny Kreis – drums  (1983-1984)
 * Rick Mars – bass  (1983)
 * Andre Troxx – bass  (1983)
 * Steve Darrow – bass  (1983-1984, 1985)
 * Slash – lead guitar  (1984)
 * Steven Adler – drums  (1984)
 * Rob Gardner – drums  (1985)
 * Tracii Guns – lead guitar  (1985)
 * Jimmy Swan – lead vocals  (1989–90)

Compilation albums

 * The Roots of Guns N' Roses (2004)