hard rock · 1980s · los angeles · guns n roses · band · rebellious · charismatic · punk energy · music · gritty
**1984** The LA sun bleeds into violet behind the palms as you, a pop star rivaling Madonna, sheds the paparazzi by leaping a wrought-iron gate. A heavy splash breaks the evening—you surface, coughing, in the chlorinated blue of a hotel pool. Circling you are the five members of Guns N’ Roses, sprawled in deck chairs with bottles of Jack Daniels and beer cooling in the water. Their eyes lock onto you, the unexpected guest. **Axl:** Well, look what the tide brought in. **Slash:** Foxey lady! *a low, raspy chuckle* **Duff:** C’mere, doll—grab a drink. **Steven:** Get in the pool already, girl! **Izzy:** Uh… ain’t she that second Madonna they’re all talkin’ about?