menu_open Columnists
We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

On This Day in 1988, Guns N’ Roses Released This No. 1 Hit, and Thank God They Didn’t Use Their Original Music Video Idea

5 0
03.06.2026

Get unlimited access to everything VICE has to offer.

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

4 Magazines Delivered to Your Door

On This Day in 1988, Guns N’ Roses Released This No. 1 Hit, and Thank God They Didn’t Use Their Original Music Video Idea

Guns N’ Roses released “Sweet Child O’ Mine” on this day in 1988, and if Axl Rose had his way, the music video would have been shocking.

By Stephen Andrew Galiher

Share on X (Opens in new window)X

Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook

Share using Native toolsShareCopied to clipboard

It’s been 38 years to the day since Guns N’ Roses released their number one hit song, “Sweet Child O’ Mine”. And thank god they didn’t use frontman Axl Rose’s original music video idea for it, because it was gruesome.

The official music video for “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is just a basic black-and-white depiction of the band playing the song in their practice space. Speaking to Eddie Trunk back in 2006, Rose revealed exactly what he envisioned for the band’s music video. And it was practically a horror movie.

Seriously, Axl Rose’s music video concept is very graphic

Rose explained that, in his vision, the video would start with an Asian woman traveling with a baby. The mother would be depicted taking her baby through an airport and journeying to another country. However,........

© Vice