Steven Adler
The drummer whose swing defined Guns N' Roses' early explosion before addiction tore him away.
Steven Adler, born Michael Coletti on January 22, 1965, is an American musician best known as the original drummer and co-songwriter for Guns N' Roses. He played a pivotal role in the band's worldwide success during the late 1980s, contributing to their first two albums: *Appetite for Destruction* (1987) and *G N' R Lies* (1988). His unique swing-heavy drumming style was integral to the group's signature sound before his departure in July 1990 due to severe heroin addiction. Despite this, he was featured on the track "Civil War" during the recording of the *Use Your Illusion* albums.
- Role
- Original Drummer
- Affiliation
- Guns N' Roses
- Key Era
- Early Career and Rise to Fame
- Status
- Former Member
- Instrument
- Drums
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Adler's journey began in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was renamed Steven by his mother to follow Jewish naming conventions after his father left. Moving to Los Angeles, he befriended Saul Hudson (Slash) following a skateboarding accident at Bancroft Junior High School. In 1983, Adler and Slash formed Road Crew, placing an ad that brought in Duff McKagan. They auditioned singers like Ron Reyes and developed the main riff for "Rocket Queen" before disbanding due to Adler's perceived laziness and lack of a lead vocalist. After briefly joining Hollywood Rose, he reunited with Slash, Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin, and L.A. Guns members in June 1985 to form Guns N' Roses. The lineup played clubs like the Whisky a Go Go before signing with Geffen Records in March 1986.
In Their Own Story
The band's rise was meteoric, but Adler's stability crumbled alongside it. In December 1987, during an Alice Cooper tour, an intoxicated Adler broke his hand punching a streetlight after a barroom brawl; Fred Coury substituted for him until he recovered. By January 1989, his absence at the American Music Awards was blamed on the flu but was actually due to drug rehabilitation. In October 1989, Axl Rose threatened to quit if members didn't stop "dancing with Mr. Brownstone." Although Adler promised to clean up, he was briefly fired in early 1990 before reinstating via a contract vowing sobriety. However, by the time of recording "Civil War," his addiction prevented him from performing; he attempted the track "20, maybe 30 times," requiring heavy editing. On July 11, 1990, he was formally fired after sessions repeatedly aborted. He had played his final show on April 7 at Farm Aid IV.
Reader's Guide
Adler's post-Guns N' Roses life was marked by legal and health struggles following a lawsuit against the band in July 1991 regarding his firing and lost royalties, which settled for $2.25 million plus 15% of pre-departure royalties. In May 1995, he was arrested for heroin possession. A year later, a speedball overdose caused a stroke and temporary paralysis on the left side of his face. He returned to music in June 1998 with BulletBoys but was imprisoned in September 1998 for battery charges. From 2003 to 2011, he led Adler's Appetite, followed by the band Adler from 2012 to 2017. He has toured as a solo artist since 2019. His reality TV appearances include *Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew* (seasons 2 and 5) and *Sober House*. In 2012, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Guns N' Roses.
Did You Know?
- Adler was originally named Michael Coletti but was renamed Steven by his mother because Jewish naming conventions forbid naming children after living relatives.
- He met Slash when Adler had a skateboarding accident and Slash stopped to help him.
- During the recording of "Civil War," Adler attempted to play the song 20 to 30 times before being fired, requiring heavy editing for his bandmates to play along.
- In 1996, Adler suffered a stroke and temporary paralysis after taking a speedball (heroin and cocaine cocktail), resulting in a speech impediment.
- Adler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of Guns N' Roses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Steven Adler in Guns N' Roses?
He served as the original drummer for the band during their initial rise to fame in the late 80s and early 90s. His energetic playing style helped establish the group's signature hard rock sound before his eventual departure.
What defined Steven Adler's drumming style?
Adler is known for a swing-heavy, jazz-influenced approach that provided a loose and groovy backbone to their music. This distinct rhythm was crucial on classic tracks from the Appetite for Destruction era.
Why did Steven Adler leave Guns N' Roses?
His exit resulted from escalating substance abuse issues that interfered with his ability to perform reliably during tours and recording sessions. The band ultimately made the difficult decision to replace him in 1990 to maintain their professional standards.
How important is Steven Adler to the band's legacy?
He remains a foundational pillar of the group because he played on their most commercially successful and iconic debut album. Fans often regard his era as the peak of the band's raw energy and chemistry.
Is Steven Adler still active in music today?
Although no longer with Guns N' Roses, he continues to perform live with his own project known as Adler's Appetite. This tribute-style band allows him to revisit the classic material that made him famous alongside other musicians.
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