It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ‘n’ roll.
And for proof, you need to look no further than the strange, sometimes dirty and usually empty venues where future rock legends such as AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses and Def Leppard played their first concerts.
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Here’s a look back at the long car rides, tiny stages and embarrassing situations some of the world’s most popular acts found themselves in on their way to rock ‘n’ roll stardom – the Hilariously Bad First Concerts of Rock’s Biggest Bands.
Guns N’ Roses are now capable of selling out arenas pretty much anywhere in the world, but their first attempt at a tour ended up with a disastrous car breakdown which forced them to hitch hike for 400 miles – only to find out the promised paycheck for their first show was reduced by 80%, and that the rest of the tour was off.
That’s just one of the many indignities suffered by future rock legends, joining a list that includes broken guitar strings, unplugged amplifiers, empty or hostile audiences and often bizarre settings.
Of course, these early embarrassments helped galvanize the resolve of these bands, giving them the comradery necessary to conquer the world. From humble 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
