Hard rock legends Guns N’ Roses are back on the charts in a big way, as their breakthrough 1987 album Appetite for Destruction has re‑entered multiple Billboard album rankings in the United States, fueled by enduring fan interest and a resurgence in streams and sales.
Released nearly four decades ago, Appetite for Destruction is widely regarded as one of the most important hard rock albums ever, thanks to classics like Sweet Child O’ Mine, Welcome to the Jungle and Paradise City. This week the record appears again on several major Billboard charts, including the Billboard 200, Top Hard Rock Albums and Top Rock & Alternative Albums lists — a rare achievement for a project of its age.
On the Top Hard Rock Albums chart, the album climbed back up to No. 11, nearly breaking into the top 10 among all current hard rock full‑lengths and EPs consumed in the U.S. Appetite for Destruction also returned at No. 47 on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums ranking and reached No. 188 on the all‑genre Billboard 200 tally, reflecting a fresh wave of interest across formats.
According to data compiled by Luminate, the album moved roughly 9,650 equivalent album units during the most recent tracking week. That total combines streaming, sales and other consumption metrics — impressive figures for an album that first exploded onto the scene almost 40 years ago and has largely been chart‑independent for decades.
The renewed chart activity comes as Guns N’ Roses continue to enjoy strong airplay and streaming traction for their newer material as well. Their recent single “Nothin’” has climbed into the Top 10 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, rising from No. 12 to No. 10 this week, while another classic “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is seeing gains on hard rock and global streaming charts.
This isn’t the first time the band’s catalog has shown staying power. Their Greatest Hits compilation has spent hundreds of weeks on the Billboard 200 in past years and consistently charts across multiple rock categories. But Appetite for Destruction returning to major album rankings is a significant reminder of the record’s cultural footprint and renewed relevance in the streaming era.
Whether driven by nostalgic rediscovery from longtime fans, new listeners diving into classic rock, or momentum around current singles, Appetite for Destruction proves that some masterpieces never lose their roar — they simply find new ways to climb.
