Appetite for Destruction

Released in 1987, "Appetite for Destruction" is Guns N' Roses' debut and best-selling album, certified 18x Platinum in the US.

The top 3

  1. Best-Selling Debut Album in U.S. History: Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite for Destruction' is certified as the best-selling debut album in U.S. history, having sold over 18 million copies domestically and more than 30 million worldwide. Released in July 1987, it slowly climbed the charts, finally hitting No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in August 1988, over a year after its release.
  2. Controversial Original Album Art Sparked Retail Ban: The initial cover for 'Appetite for Destruction' featured a painting by Robert Williams depicting a robotic rapist, which was deemed too graphic and controversial by music retailers. This led to a widespread refusal to stock the album, prompting Geffen Records to replace it with the now-iconic Celtic cross and skull design. Axl Rose had also initially proposed using a photo of the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion.
  3. U.S. History's Best-Selling Debut Album: Guns N' Roses' 'Appetite for Destruction' has sold over 18 million copies in the United States, making it the highest-selling debut album in the country's history and over 30 million worldwide.

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