Country Club, Reseda CA – 1985

Guns N’ Roses

Country Club, Reseda CA – 1985

Strangely enough, my photographing these diamonds in the rough had something to do with another little band. You see, I had photographed Poison not long before I came to behold what was then, a band not many had heard of… YET!

Here’s the short version. I called Poison’s manager, Debora, to see when she was available to check out the photos shot of them. She was a very busy lady at the time as Poison was already getting a BIG following, but before I could say anything, she asked if I wanted to shoot another band. Seems she had a friend named Brenda who managed another group called Guns N’ Roses. They were opening for the headlining band (Jet Boy). Interesting, I thought, so I said “SURE!” This journey would take me to the Valley. Reseda to be exact. As usual, I got a plus one so that my older sister could come with me. I was just 19, and well I promised my Mom I wouldn’t go alone.

The Country Club seemed like a step up from the Troubadour; it was roomy, not too shabby and the stage had great lighting. As usual, I go backstage to meet up with their manager. The band was getting ready and I had never seen guys like these! OMG, were they ever tough-looking, especially that guy named Slash and that guy named Axl! I remember being super intimidated but I didn’t act like a shrinking violet, even if that’s exactly how I felt. I kept wondering what their real names were. Maybe something like Steve and Alex? I didn’t dare ask.

When they hit the stage and the show started, I can’t remember what song they opened with, but I DO remember what I said to myself: “These guys are gonna make it.” They blew everybody away. The other thing that went thru my head was “Why aren’t they headlining?”  Strangely enough, I remember what they closed with. A rendition of “Jumping Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones. Some girl came out and danced on stage to it. I supposed she was part of the act. I think I was out of film by the time she came out.

After the show, I went backstage to tell these guys how good I thought they were! Like THEY didn’t know already and they really needed to hear it from little ol’ me!  I knocked on the door and I heard someone say “Come in.” I opened the door to the dressing room and there was Axl, bent over butt naked trying to take those leather buttless chaps off! I said, “Oh, I’m so sorry, and I quickly shut the door. All he said was “It’s OK, you can come in.” I was so embarrassed, I said, “No, that’s OK, tell Brenda I’ll be in touch, great show!” I remember I felt the flush of red on my face as I sprinted out of there. Good times!