Guns N’ Roses is known for its iconic albums and legendary rock anthems, but beyond their officially released discography lies a treasure trove of unreleased songs and shelved albums. Over the years, various tracks have surfaced through leaks, live performances, or mentions by band members, fueling fans’ curiosity and speculation. From abandoned early demos to songs left off Chinese Democracy, these unreleased works provide a fascinating look into what could have been.
The Unfinished Follow-Up to Use Your Illusion
After the massive success of Use Your Illusion I & II in 1991, Guns N’ Roses initially planned a follow-up album, sometimes referred to as the “Illusions leftovers.” The band had recorded several songs that never made it onto the final albums, including “Crash Diet,” “Ain’t Goin’ Down,” and “Just Another Sunday.” Some of these tracks have surfaced in bootlegs, but a full album never materialized as internal tensions led to the band’s eventual fragmentation.
The Myth of Chinese Democracy II
Guns N’ Roses’ 2008 album Chinese Democracy took over a decade to complete, with dozens of recorded tracks that didn’t make the final cut. Over the years, Axl Rose and others have hinted at a follow-up album, often dubbed Chinese Democracy II, which would contain additional material from the same recording sessions. Songs like “Atlas Shrugged,” “Soul Monster,” “The General,” and “Oklahoma” have been mentioned, with some tracks even leaking online. However, the album itself has never been officially released, leaving fans wondering if it will ever see the light of day.
Leaked and Unreleased Tracks
Numerous unreleased Guns N’ Roses songs have found their way to the public through leaks and live performances. In 2019, a massive collection of demo recordings from the Chinese Democracy sessions surfaced, revealing tracks like “Perhaps” and “Hard School”—both of which were later officially released in 2023. Other leaked songs, such as “Eye on You” and “State of Grace,” remain unheard in an official capacity. These leaks have only added to the band’s mystique, showing how much material still remains locked away.
Will These Songs Ever Be Released?
Despite the excitement around these lost tracks, Guns N’ Roses has remained tight-lipped about future album plans. While some unreleased songs have been repurposed and officially released, many others remain in the vaults, waiting for the right moment—or perhaps never to be heard at all. With Slash and Duff McKagan back in the band, there’s always hope that some of these legendary lost songs could make their way into a future Guns N’ Roses album. Until then, fans will continue to speculate and search for these hidden gems.
Guns N’ Roses’ unreleased songs tell the story of a band that was always evolving, experimenting, and pushing boundaries. Whether they are officially released or remain locked away, these lost tracks are a testament to the band’s creative spirit—and a reminder that there’s always more to discover in the world of rock ‘n’ roll.
