Life is full of contradictions and dipoles, which create the necessary energy to “move” things or get their “way”.
Creation is born through contrasts and it is this that unites the two ends.
Odysseus’ absence from his home gave birth to his longing to return and thus an epic was created.
Rock’n’roll is a part of life, full of contrasts.
After all, there are many musicians who wrote their most important songs, in a hell they experienced, before experiencing fame.
This longing for paradise, as everyone imagines it, was their inspiration.
Consolidation in “paradise”
A song that established Guns N ‘Roses in the “paradise” of Rock’N’Roll glory, was written in a hellish moment for the band.
“Paradise City” is one of the songs-symbols of the golden age of the band.
It is included in the debut, their complete album “Appetite for Destruction”, which I consider one of the most important albums in the history of Rock music.
Its paternity belongs to Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, Steven Adler, that is, to the whole band.
Although their music video shows them on a crowded stage and at the height of their glory, the song began its journey in a wilderness and in frustration.
The song was written during the band’s first tour …. a euphemism tour only.
They were just planning to embark on a tour of West Coast clubs from Los Angeles to Seattle, home of Duff McKagan.
Of course, their first glory hunt stopped in the California desert when their van broke down.
Wearing clothes that were ideal only for the stage, with leather pants and a jacket, they literally lived what warmth means … EVERYWHERE!
Forced to walk several kilometers to the first inhabited area, they felt like they were crossing hell.
It was then that the longing for the city they hated until then was born while at the same time they realized that the “city of angels” is finally their home.
As is well known, when the hot heat of the street knocks on your door, your mind begins to envision green meadows and plenty of water.
Somehow Axl was inspired and wrote about the harsh reality of life on the streets.
On the other hand, the melody was based on Axl’s memories of the Midwestern states and images of green meadows … a life full of innocence and dreams.
The reality of … dreams
According to Slash, the song was written on the back of their ill-fated van as they were returning from San Francisco.
He even claims that as they drank beers and played with their acoustic guitars, they scratched the first part of it.
It is worth noting that Slash, in several interviews has stated that this particular song is his favorite!!!
Although there are several rumors that the song is a copy of Hanoi Rocks’ “Lost in the City“, it is known that Axl has been influenced by them.
In the video clip shot by Nigel Dick, at the Giants Stadium in New Jersey, we can also see their original rhythm guitarist, Nasty Suicide.
Whatever they went through, no matter how difficult it was, “Paradise City” is one of the biggest hits of Guns N ’Roses and we can only wish for something NEW to come…SOON!