Guns N' Roses Guitarist Teases New Album After 18-Year Gap

Legendary 1980s hard rock band plans to release all-new original material, departing from reworked tracks.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:55pm

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In a recent interview, Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash revealed that the band is planning to release a new full-length studio album composed entirely of original material, marking their first new album in 18 years since 2008's "Chinese Democracy." While the group has put out some reworked tracks from earlier eras in recent years, Slash says the "next record" will feature all-new songs, a move that aims to assimilate the veteran band into the evolving music industry.

Why it matters

Guns N' Roses is one of the most iconic hard rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s, known for their massive commercial success and critical acclaim. The announcement of a new album of all-original material after nearly two decades will be highly anticipated by the band's loyal fanbase, who have been waiting for new music since the release of "Chinese Democracy." This move also signals the band's efforts to adapt to the changing music landscape and connect with both longtime fans and younger listeners.

The details

In the interview, Slash revealed that the band has been releasing some reworked tracks from the "Chinese Democracy" sessions, such as "Nothin'" and "Atlas," but that those will be compiled into a package. He said the "next record" the band plans to release will be "all new original stuff" and "an actual album." Slash acknowledged the challenges of navigating the music industry in the digital age, noting that while some younger fans may not be as familiar with the album format, "die-hard rock and roll fans would like to get an album and they love vinyl."

  • Guns N' Roses last released a full-length studio album, "Chinese Democracy," in 2008.
  • The band has put out some reworked tracks from earlier eras in recent years, with the most recent releases being "Nothin'" and "Atlas" in early December.

The players

Slash

The guitarist for Guns N' Roses, who revealed the band's plans for a new album of all-original material.

Guns N' Roses

The legendary 1980s hard rock band known for their massive commercial success and critical acclaim, including hits like "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "Welcome To The Jungle." The band was formed in 1985 by merging two local Los Angeles bands: L.A. Guns and Hollywood Rose.

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What they’re saying

“The next record that we're gonna do is gonna be all new original stuff, and that'll be an actual album.”

— Slash, Guitarist, Guns N' Roses (KOMP 92.3)

“It's a really weird time for especially rock and roll and how it works in this industry and how it works for fans. I think most die-hard rock and roll fans would like to get an album and they love vinyl.”

— Slash, Guitarist, Guns N' Roses (KOMP 92.3)

What’s next

Guns N' Roses is set to embark on a major U.S. tour in March 2026, which will likely feature both new and classic material as the band continues to tour and promote their upcoming album.

The takeaway

The announcement of a new Guns N' Roses album of all-original material after an 18-year gap demonstrates the band's efforts to adapt to the evolving music industry while still catering to their loyal fanbase's desire for new music and the classic album format. This move signals the enduring legacy and influence of one of the most iconic hard rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s.