When the classic lineup of Guns N’ Roses reunited, almost no one believed it would happen. The comeback tour was even called “Not in This Lifetime,” a name inspired by Axl Rose’s famous answer when asked if the band would ever get back together. Against all odds, the reunion became real and is still going strong nearly a decade later.
But according to Slash, that was never supposed to be the case.
In an interview with Guitar World, Slash explained that when he agreed to return, the plan was just to play a few shows. The main goal was to perform at Coachella, a festival that had been offering them a slot for years. He and Axl finally sat down, talked through years of tension, and decided to do it for fun.
Once they got on stage, everything clicked again. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and the shows felt too good to stop. What started as a short commitment quickly turned into a full tour schedule that hasn’t really slowed down since. Slash said that the only real pause came during the pandemic. He also mentioned that every show still feels fresh, driven by the connection with the audience, just like it did before he left the band in the mid-1990s.
The reunion also brought bassist Duff McKagan back into the fold. Izzy Stradlin was invited to rejoin but ultimately declined, leaving Richard Fortus on rhythm guitar.
For Slash, this reunion was about more than just music. In a 2024 interview with 98 Rock (KRXQ-FM), he said that reconnecting with Axl Rose after so many years apart felt like lifting a huge weight off their shoulders. He admitted he had missed Axl and that rebuilding their friendship was emotional but necessary.
Once they were back on stage together, the old spark returned immediately. Slash said the creative energy between them was something he had almost forgotten, and that it felt powerful to experience it again.
Almost ten years later, Guns N’ Roses is still touring the world, drawing massive crowds and proving that the bond between its members remains strong. What began as a handful of shows turned into one of rock’s most successful comebacks—a reminder that sometimes the best things happen when you stop overthinking and simply play.
