On this day in music history: September 10, 1988 - Sweet Child O Mine by Guns N Roses hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks. Written by Guns N Roses, it is the biggest hit for the Los Angeles, CA based hard rock band fronted by lead singer Axl Rose. The inspiration for the song will come from Roses girlfriend Erin Everly (the daughter of rock & roll legend Don Everly of The Everly Brothers). The lyrics will originate from a poem he writes for her, but will put it away when he is unable to finish writing it. While at a band rehearsal, guitarists Slash and Izzy Stradlin will be jamming on guitar riffs when Axl walks in. Liking the rhythm part that Izzy is playing, Axl will remember the poem and the rest will come pouring out. The completed track will be included in GNRs debut album Appetite For Destruction. After the albums initial singles Its So Easy and Welcome To The Jungle fail to make any noise, Sweet Child O Mine will be chosen as the third release. At nearly six minutes long, executives at the bands label Geffen Records will insist that it be edited to insure top 40 radio play. At first, Rose and the band will refuse, feeling that any editing will tamper with the songs integrity. A compromise will be reached with an edit being used for one version of the songs music video and for radio. When stock copies of the single are pressed, it will use the full album version. Entering the Hot 100 at #76 on June 25, 1988, it will climb to the top of the chart eleven weeks later. Axl Rose will marry Erin Everly on April 21, 1990 in Las Vegas, but the marriage will be extremely short lived. Rose will file for divorce on May 27, 1990 citing irreconcilable differences. The couple will get back together for a brief period before being granted an annulment in January of 1991. Sweet Child O Mine is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 01:00:08 +0000
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