Attitude – Guns N’ Roses (1993)

“Attitude” is a cover song by Guns N’ Roses, featured on their 1993 album The Spaghetti Incident?, released on November 23, 1993, by Geffen Records. Originally written and performed by the American punk band The Misfits in 1980, the track was a short, frenetic burst of raw energy from their Beware EP, embodying the aggressive, rebellious spirit of the early punk scene. Guns N’ Roses’ version, clocking in at just over a minute, retained the song’s breakneck pace while infusing it with their hard rock edge, making it one of the most intense tracks on an album dedicated to punk and rock covers. The song was not released as a single, but it became a fan favorite for its raw attitude and unpolished delivery.

The track was recorded in 1992–1993 during sessions at A&M Studios in Hollywood, produced by Mike Clink and Guns N’ Roses, with bassist Duff McKagan taking a lead vocal role. The lineup included Axl Rose on backing vocals, Slash on lead guitar, McKagan on bass and vocals, Matt Sorum on drums, Gilby Clarke on rhythm guitar, and Dizzy Reed on keyboards, though the song’s minimalist arrangement left little room for embellishments. The Spaghetti Incident? was a departure from the sprawling ambition of Use Your Illusion I and II (1991), serving as a tribute to the punk, glam, and hard rock songs that shaped the band’s sound. The album peaked at No. 4 on the US Billboard 200 but received mixed reviews, with some critics seeing it as a casual side project amid the band’s internal turmoil, including the departure of rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin and ongoing tensions.

“Attitude” stood out for its brevity and intensity, capturing the essence of The Misfits’ horror-punk style while showcasing McKagan’s punk roots. The song was often performed live during the Use Your Illusion tour, with McKagan’s gritty vocals and the band’s high-energy delivery making it a crowd-pleaser. Its inclusion on the album highlighted Guns N’ Roses’ versatility, as they navigated the shift from their stadium-rock grandeur to a raw, back-to-basics approach. The track’s raw power and punk authenticity made it a standout, even without a music video or single release, cementing its place as a deep cut cherished by fans of both Guns N’ Roses and The Misfits.

Reason for Covering the Song

The decision to cover “Attitude” was driven by Duff McKagan’s deep connection to the punk scene and the band’s collective admiration for The Misfits. McKagan, who grew up in Seattle’s vibrant punk community, was a longtime fan of The Misfits, whose raw energy and outsider ethos resonated with his own musical journey. In a 1993 Kerrang! interview, McKagan explained that The Spaghetti Incident? was a chance to pay homage to the songs that had influenced the band in their early days, particularly those from the punk and underground rock scenes. “Attitude,” with its aggressive lyrics and relentless pace, was a natural fit for Guns N’ Roses’ rebellious spirit and their desire to reconnect with their gritty roots.

The cover also reflected the band’s need for a creative outlet after the exhausting Use Your Illusion era. By 1993, Guns N’ Roses were grappling with internal conflicts, including Axl Rose’s increasing control, the departure of Izzy Stradlin, and the physical and emotional toll of their 1991–1993 world tour. The Spaghetti Incident? was a low-pressure project, allowing the band to have fun and channel their energy into songs they loved without the expectations of original material. Slash, in his 2007 memoir, described the album as a way to “blow off steam,” and “Attitude” embodied this carefree approach, with its short runtime and unpolished energy.

McKagan’s lead vocal role was a key factor in choosing the song. As a punk enthusiast, he was eager to take the spotlight, delivering a performance that echoed the raw intensity of Misfits frontman Glenn Danzig. In a 1994 Metal Hammer interview, McKagan noted that “Attitude” was one of his favorite tracks to perform, as it allowed him to channel his punk influences while staying true to Guns N’ Roses’ hard rock sound. The band’s decision to cover a Misfits song also served as a nod to their early days in Los Angeles, where they played alongside punk and glam acts in clubs like the Troubadour, forging their identity in a diverse, rebellious music scene. The track’s inclusion on the album was a testament to their ability to blend punk’s raw simplicity with their own larger-than-life style.

Content and Themes Conveyed

“Attitude” is a short, explosive punk anthem that exudes defiance, aggression, and unapologetic attitude. The Misfits’ original lyrics, written by Glenn Danzig, are a raw declaration of rebellion, with the narrator confronting a lover’s betrayal with a mix of anger and bravado: “Attitude, you got some fuckin’ attitude / I can’t believe what you say to me / You got some attitude.” The song’s brevity—under two minutes—amplifies its intensity, delivering a no-nonsense message of standing up to disrespect. Guns N’ Roses’ version, led by Duff McKagan’s snarling vocals, retains this confrontational spirit while adding a heavier, hard rock edge that aligns with their signature sound.

McKagan’s vocal delivery is gritty and unpolished, capturing the song’s punk ethos with a raw, in-your-face energy. His performance, backed by Axl Rose’s shouted harmonies, conveys a sense of camaraderie and defiance, as if the band is rallying together against an unseen adversary. The lyrics’ focus on “attitude” as both a weapon and a shield reflects the band’s own persona as rock ‘n’ roll outcasts, unafraid to challenge authority or societal norms. The repeated refrain of “You got some attitude” becomes a taunt, delivered with a smirk that underscores the song’s rebellious tone.

Musically, the track is a relentless assault, driven by Slash’s jagged guitar riffs and a pounding rhythm section. The opening chords, a reworking of The Misfits’ raw punk sound, set a frenetic pace, while Slash’s brief but fiery solo adds a hard rock flourish. McKagan’s bass and Matt Sorum’s drums provide a thunderous foundation, keeping the song’s momentum unrelenting. Gilby Clarke’s rhythm guitar adds texture, while Dizzy Reed’s keyboards are minimal, ensuring the track stays true to its punk roots. The production, described in a 1993 Guitar World review as “stripped-down and ferocious,” captures the live-in-the-room energy of the band’s early performances, evoking the chaos of their club days.

Thematically, “Attitude” aligns with Guns N’ Roses’ recurring motifs of rebellion, defiance, and living on the edge. The song’s confrontational lyrics mirror the band’s own experiences during the early 1990s, a period marked by conflicts with the media, legal battles, and internal strife. McKagan’s lead vocals add a personal touch, reflecting his punk background and his role as the band’s grounded, streetwise anchor. The track’s raw energy and unapologetic attitude made it a natural fit for their live shows, where it served as a high-octane burst of aggression, often played early in the set to ignite the crowd.

The song’s lack of a music video meant it relied on the album and live performances to reach audiences, but its raw power ensured it resonated with fans. For Guns N’ Roses, “Attitude” was a chance to channel the punk spirit that had fueled their early years, even as they navigated the complexities of their 1990s fame. The track’s brevity and intensity made it a microcosm of the band’s ability to blend raw emotion with technical prowess, capturing the essence of their rebellious identity in just over a minute.

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