Last updated 13/12/2024 at 10:00am

Arguably the most iconic hard rock band in history, Guns N’ Roses are finally back on tour in 2025. Years of experience has not slowed them down one bit as 40 years after their debut, Guns N’ Roses will be travelling the world and even stopping in Saudi Arabia, a place the band has never played before.

In June 2025, lucky UK fans will be able to witness the rock legends at Utilita Arena, Birmingham and Wembley Stadium, London. It’s been a while since the band released an album, so we’ve compiled a list of Guns N’ Roses best songs to remind you of all their greatest hits. 

If you’d like to see Guns N’ Roses on tour in 2025, VIP tickets go on sale at Seat Unique on Friday 13th December 2024 at 9am. Register your interest now and we’ll make sure you’re front of the line to feel like a true rockstar on their tour!

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Guns N' Roses’s Best Songs in Order

No. 10: “You Could Be Mine”

“You Could Be Mine” is from Guns N’ Roses’ fourth album, Use Your Illusion II. The song was originally released as part of the soundtrack for the film, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, but has become one of the band’s most popular tracks. 

It’s fast-paced with distorted guitars and heavy drums, a hard rock song that no doubt was exactly what director James Cameron was looking for when he asked the band to have the song in the film. Plus, you can’t have a Guns N’ Roses song without a Slash guitar solo.

No. 9: “Civil War”

Befitting Guns N’ Roses’ rebellious reputation, particularly in the early days of the band, “Civil War” is an anti-war song, protesting the un-civil nature of violence. Written mostly by members Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan, the song started as a riff they’d play at soundchecks on the Appetite for Destruction world tour.

The lyrics to the song are particularly poignant, referencing major political and war-related events in recent memory at the time, such as John F. Kennedy’s assassination, the Vietnam War, and the assassination of Martin Luther King. 

No. 8: "Patience"

From the 1988 G N' R Lies album, “Patience” is a slower and mellower song compared to the band’s usual hard rock and heavy metal style. The track has an acoustic arrangement and a bluesy feel, making it stand out as one of Guns N’ Roses’ most well-loved ballads.

"Patience" has been a staple in Guns N' Roses' setlists on all tours since the song was released. When performed live, electric guitars are often used instead of acoustic, and drumming is included even though the studio version is much more stripped-back. You won’t want to miss this one when they’re back in the UK in 2025.

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No. 7: “Don’t Cry”

“Don’t Cry” is a power ballad with emotional lyrics that will get you to cry even despite the song title. The song appears on both Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II, with both versions having differing compositions and music videos. 

Musically, "Don't Cry" blends elements of hard rock with more melodic, ballad-like qualities. It includes expressive guitar solos and atmospheric keyboard parts that work perfectly with Axl Rose’s voice. The lyrics are sure to tug on your heartstrings, and it remains one of the band’s best.

No. 6: “Mr. Brownstone”

“Mr. Brownstone” is one of the many iconic songs to feature on the Appetite for Destruction album. The lyrics were written by guitarists Slash and Izzy Stradlin in reference to their drug addictions at the time, which the word “Brownstone” is a reference to. 

The song features a distinctive, laid-back rock groove with a relaxed yet driving rhythm. The song is anchored by a memorable bassline from Duff McKagan and a catchy, circular guitar riff from Slash. It’s upbeat and swaggering, presenting the details of Slash and Izzy’s addictions quite matter-of-factly.

No. 5: “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”

Originally by Bob Dylan, “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” is a cover that was added to the Use Your Illusion II album. Guns N’ Roses managed to turn a melancholic song into a heavy and aggressive hard rock song, making it a fan favourite to this day. 

The track helped cement the band’s status as one of the most popular rock bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s. It introduced a new generation of fans to Dylan's original work while also expanding the band's repertoire beyond their original songs.

No. 4: “November Rain”

Another iconic power ballad, “November Rain” was written by Axl Rose for Use Your Illusion I. The song comes in at a surprisingly long nine minutes, but that didn’t stop it from reaching the top ten in the Billboard Hot 100. The music video is particularly iconic, being one of the most expensive music videos ever.

The song’s beautiful string arrangement was courtesy of Axl, who tended to lean towards the band’s ballads while Slash and Duff preferred their more straight-up hard rock sound. It has often been compared to Elton John’s music – and the band even performed a nearly nine-minute version featuring Elton John on the piano at the 1992 VMAs.

No. 3: “Paradise City”

"Paradise City" was written by the band's core members Axl Rose, Slash, and Izzy Stradlin. It was one of the first songs they wrote together and quickly became a fan favorite. The song was originally conceived during the band's early days and was part of their live performances before it was recorded for Appetite for Destruction. The song blends rock, hard rock, and a bit of a Southern rock feel, which is reflected in its anthemic, sing-along chorus and overall energy.

The song features a strong, driving rhythm section, with Duff McKagan’s bass providing a solid foundation. The guitars, played by Slash and Izzy Stradlin, are a major highlight, with Slash’s signature solo being one of the defining features of the track. The famous chorus, “Take me down to the paradise city, where the grass is green and the girls are pretty,” is highly memorable and contributes to the song’s anthem-like quality.

No. 2: “Welcome To The Jungle”

“Welcome To The Jungle” has that aggressive, glam metal sound Guns N’ Roses are famous for, with heavy, high-impact guitar riffs from Slash, and Steven Adler’s drums providing the backbone of the song. 

The song was inspired by Axl Rose’s experiences in Los Angeles, particularly his perception of the city’s chaotic, dangerous, and sometimes seductive environment. The "jungle" in the title refers to the wild and often overwhelming aspects of city life, especially in Hollywood, where people come seeking fame but often get consumed by the dark side of the industry.

No. 1: “Sweet Child O’ Mine”

Of course Guns N’ Roses’ top song has to be from the legendary Appetite for Destruction album. It’s a power ballad but it’s anything but boring, with emotive vocals and iconic guitar riffs that make the perfect concoction for a Guns N’ Roses song. 

"Sweet Child o' Mine" became one of Guns N' Roses' biggest hits, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1988, making it their first and only song to top the chart. It was a defining moment in their rise to fame. The song has become a cultural phenomenon, appearing in movies, TV shows, and advertisements across the world.

Get Guns N' Roses Tickets

It’s a rare occurrence that a band so iconic and steeped in so much history and achievements are still touring 40 years after their debut. If you want to catch Guns N’ Roses with original members Slash and Duff McKagan, register your interest with Seat Unique to secure yourself VIP tickets.

With VIP Guns N’ Roses tickets, you could get amazing perks like premium, padded seating, complimentary food and drinks, and access to exclusive lounges and bars to guarantee yourself a concert experience you’ll never forget. 

Tickets go on sale Friday 13th December 2024 at 9am, so join our mailing list now and we’ll remind you when it’s time to snag your tickets!

Buy Guns N' Roses VIP tickets now