The Rock Band Don Henley Thought Was a Mess

Guns N’ Roses is beloved by millions of rock fans the world over. Between Axl Rose’s piercing vocals and Slash’s legendary playing, it’s hard to say a bad word about this crew. Nevertheless, Don Henley managed to get in a jab after playing with the band and seeing their dynamic first hand. Find out why Henley thought Guns N’ Roses was “a mess,” below.

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[RELATED: The Time Don Felder Was Wined and Dined So Don Henley Could Record an Eagles Song Behind His Back]

The Rock Band Don Henley Thought Was a Mess

Shed a tear ’cause I’m missin’ you
I’m still alright to smile
Girl, I think about you every day now
Was a time when I wasn’t sure
But you set my mind at ease
There is no doubt you’re in my heart now

Henley got to play with Guns N’ Roses at the American Music Awards. He and the usual lineup of the band played “Patience,” a tender ballad about taking things slow in a relationship. Though the performance seemed to go over alright, behind the scenes things were a bit messy–according to Henley anyway.

I sit here on the stairs ’cause I’d rather be alone
If I can’t have you right now, I’ll wait, dear
Sometimes I get so tense but I can’t speed up the time
But you know, love, there’s one more thing to consider

[RELATED: 3 Non-Guns N’ Roses Songs You Didn’t Know Feature Axl Rose as a Composer or Backing Vocalist]

Henley was asked in an interview after the performance about his experience with the group. Henley’s report of the band wasn’t exactly glowing.

“I played with them on the American Music Awards, just for a laugh,” Henley once said. “It confused a lot of people. Those guys were a mess. It didn’t seem like they wanted any words of advice.”

Henley had to fill in for drummer Steven Adler, due to some “lifestyle issues.” Anytime Henley adds his musical prowess to a group, the performance can only benefit. That was the case for the collaboration, below. Revisit the time Henley and Guns N’ Roses joined forces.

Said “Woman, take it slow and things will be just fine”
You and I’ll just use a little patience
Said “Sugar, take the time ’cause the lights are shinin’ bright”
You and I’ve got what it takes to make it
We won’t fake it, oh, I’ll never break it
‘Cause I can’t take it

(Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for NARAS)