‘Appetite For Destruction’ Turns 35: Meltdown
Happy birthday to one of the biggest debut albums in rock history, Appetite for Destruction. I can vividly remember the very first time I heard the opening chords of “Welcome to the Jungle.” I can remember where I was driving. I can remember reaching down to turn up the radio thinking, “What the Hell is this?” That was 35 years ago….just don’t ask me what I did on Saturday.
Anyways, what a solid record from start to finish that shot some L.A. unknowns into rock stardom. Five short years later, they’d be touring with Metallica, headlining stadiums all across the country. Funny, I was thinking about this the other day, who is the next GN’R? Who’s the next rock band to play stadiums? To this day, both of those bands still play big venues.
“Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Paradise City,” “Mr. Brownstone”- on and on. I mean, this record is a monster!!! The cowbell, the Slash/Izzy riffs and solos, the underrated bass playing from Duff, and the screeching vocals from Axl. It took the rock world by storm. Maybe the definition of overnight sensation.
I’m still trying to find an original vinyl with the very first cover. I had a line on one over the winter, but didn’t pull the trigger. I regret that now.
What are your thoughts on this album?
-Meltdown-
20 Times Multiple Classic Albums Came Out On The Same Day
A number of days in rock history were marked by the release of classic albums that came out on the same day.
Examples of this span a number of decades. In the 1960s, The Beatles were involved in two of these instances with The Kinks and David Bowie. The 1970s saw The Rolling Stones release an album on the same day as the Ramones said “Gabba Gabba Hey!” to the world. In the 1980s, heavy metal icons Judas Priest released a classic album on the same day Iron Maiden dropped their debut. As for the 1990s, you’ll be shocked to learn just how many times classic LPs were released on the same day. By “classic LPs,” we mean some of the great albums of all time.
Here are 20 times multiple classic albums came out on the same day.
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.
