Guns N' Roses fans have clamored for a reunion of the band's classic lineup for decades, and now those dreams are finally coming partly true.

According to an official statement, Slash and Duff McKagan are indeed returning to the band. There is no word as to who else will join those three for these performances, nor any word on any further touring or recording plans for the trio. The complete press release is posted at the bottom of this story.

Chatter surrounding a GNR reunion intensified in recent weeks, sparked by Slash's surprising revelation that after years of enmity, he and bandleader Axl Rose had repaired their friendship. After years of baseless speculation, the latest round of rumors was initially easy to dismiss, but as details continued to leak — with even the New York Times jumping on the GNR reunion bandwagon — it became clear something was actually going on behind the scenes.

Slash and McKagan exited the band in 1993, deducting two crucial components from a lineup that had already weathered the departures of drummer Steven Adler and guitarist Izzy Stradlin. Rose continued with an overhauled lineup, and his former bandmates pursued solo careers — with Slash's post-GNR output enjoying arguably the highest profile — but the calls for a reunion never stopped coming.

While the rumors might have been just about constant, the likelihood of Rose reassembling the classic lineup — and reuniting with Slash in particular — seemed pretty minimal, especially after the disappointment surrounding the group's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rose refused to attend (and denounced the Hall in general) in an open letter, leaving an assortment of former members to perform with singer Myles Kennedy at the ceremony.

The road to reunion was further paved by some key departures from Rose's most recent GNR lineup, including the exits of guitarists Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and DJ Ashba. With the group in flux, the timing was apparently right for an unexpected second act for our estranged former bandmates — and while it remains as impossible as ever to tell what might come next for Guns N' Roses, it'll be hard to top this announcement when it comes time to tally up 2016's biggest classic rock news stories.

Guns N' Roses Coachella Lineup Press Release:

Upholding a three-decade tradition of breaking ground, creating trends, and forever changing the face of rock ‘n’ roll, Guns N’ Roses announce the most significant and anxiously awaited musical event of this century. Founder Axl Rose and former members Slash and Duff McKagan will regroup to headline the Coachella Music & Arts Festival (April 15-17 & April 22-24)—as announced last night! For months, critics and audiences alike have generated immense excitement and speculation over the possible regrouping of the iconic line-up. The April performances will mark the first time since 1993 the Gunners will share the stage for what is certain to be an explosive event. For more information please visit www.gunsnroses.com. Following the group’s 1985 formation, Guns N’ Roses injected unbridled, unrivaled, and unstoppable attitude into the burgeoning Los Angeles rock scene. The spirit went on to captivate the entire world with the release of their 1987 debut 'Appetite for Destruction' –the best-selling U.S. debut ever, moving 30 million copies globally. In 1991, the seven-time platinum 'Use Your Illusion I' and 'Use Your Illusion II' occupied the top two spots of the Billboard Top 200 upon release. Over the course of the past decade, Guns N’ Roses have performed sold out shows and headlined festivals worldwide following the critically acclaimed release of 2008’s RIAA platinum-certified 'Chinese Democracy.' Six studio albums later, Guns N’ Roses are one of the most important and influential acts in music history and continue to set the benchmark for live performances connecting with millions of fans across the globe.

Guns N' Roses Confirm Coachella Shows

