Greg Prato of Songfacts spoke with photographer Mark “Weissguy” Weiss about photographing Guns N’ Roses before their huge commercial success. Potions of article appear below.
Weiss shot the band for Hit Parader magazine, and stated, “[At the time] No one outside of LA had heard of them. They didn’t even have an album out, but there was a big buzz. They were rehearsing, so we set up a quick little photo shoot, and I remember they didn’t want to do a photo shoot with me or anyone else because they had their own photographer. They had an attitude right out of the gate….”
…”I remember Axl with the glammed-up hair and he had this pair of pants on that said, ‘Glam Sucks,'” Weiss [continued]. “So, it’s kind of a contradiction because he had make-up on and a totally glam look going.”
Weiss concludes, “”The last time I shot them with that original lineup,” says Weiss, “they were at the Sunset Grill in LA. After the shoot, Axl asked if I wanted to make a call on his cell phone. It was the first time I used one.”
Mark Weiss’ book The Decade That Rocked: The Photography of Mark “Weissguy” Weiss is available at thedecadethatrocked.com.
Photo credit: Mark Weiss
9 Responses
I just wanted to wish our Metal Goddess, Dana, a very happy birthday! Her great work on this website gives us all a forum to express our varying opinions on topics related to our genre of music. Dana, I hope you “party hearty” and you celebrate in a special way that has you “Screaming for Vengeance”. Stay young in heart and spirit!.
G n R….way overrated band, IMO…..
Rattle,
I cannot thank you enough for your wishes, and kind words. As always, the are very much appreciated.
D 🙂
Two things I can agree on: GnR are overrated (but have a number of really good songs) and Dana is a rock star on this site Hoping you had a fantastic birthday
Genesraccoonwig,
Every time I see your name, my face lights up, and your comments are usually just as funny, as well.
Thank you so very much for birthday wishes.
D 🙂
I think I know who wants to be President of the GenesRaccoonWig Fan Club 🙂 Thanks Dana
LOL!!!
YES ….G N R way overrated is right…….Happy Birthday Dana !!!!
Thank you, Brad,
…and LOL on GN’R comments.
D 🙂
Thanks for the of expose of G an R in there biggi beginnings