The original cover of Guns N’ Roses “Appetite For Destruction” was based on a Robert Williams painting appropriately titled “Appetite for Destruction.” It depicted a robotic rapist about to be punished by a metal avenger. Here’s the original album cover…

Here’s Robert Williams original painting…

After some music retailers refused to stock the album, Geffen Records put the photo on the inside and replaced it with an image depicting a cross and skulls of the five band members with each skull representing one member of the band: Izzy Stradlin, top skull; Steven Adler, left skull; Axl Rose, center skull; Duff McKagan, right skull; and Slash, bottom skull.

The design by Billy White Jr., was originally a tattoo on Axl Roses’ right forearm. Check it out…

Another interesting thing is that the vinyl version of the album is split up into side “G” and side “R” instead of side “A” and “B”. Tracks 1-6 which on side “G” all deal with drugs and hard life in the big city.

GUNS SIDE

Tracks 1-6 on side “R” all deal with love, sex and relationships.

ROSES SIDE

The artwork for “Use Your Illusions I & II” was also based off of a painting. Click below for that story…