To achieve rock ‘n’ roll success, the journey can be quite challenging.
For evidence, one need only consider the unusual, often gritty, and typically vacant venues where future rock icons like AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, and Def Leppard performed their initial shows.
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This article revisits the lengthy road trips, small stages, and awkward moments that some of the most famous bands experienced on their path to rock ‘n’ roll fame – the Hilariously Bad First Concerts of Rock’s Biggest Bands.
Guns N’ Roses have achieved the ability to sell out arenas worldwide, but their first tour attempt was marred by a catastrophic car breakdown that forced them to hitchhike for 400 miles, only to discover that their promised payment for the first show had been slashed by 80%, and that the remainder of the tour was canceled.
This is just one of the many humiliations faced by future rock legends, joining a list that features broken guitar strings, unplugged amplifiers, empty or unfriendly crowds, and often strange venues.
These early setbacks ultimately strengthened these bands’ determination, fostering the camaraderie needed to achieve global success. From modest beginnings, right?
The Hilariously Bad First Concerts of Rock’s Biggest Bands
There were long car rides, tiny stages, and embarrassing situations on the way to stardom.
Gallery Credit: Matthew Wilkening
