Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler has opened up about his struggles with heroin addiction, which ultimately led to his departure from the iconic rock band during its rise to fame. In Paramount+’s new docuseries Nöthin’ But a Good Time: The Uncensored Story of ’80s Hair Metal, Adler, 59, reflects on his time with Guns N’ Roses, his descent into addiction, and the impact it had on both his career and personal life.
Adler, who played drums during the band’s breakthrough Appetite for Destruction era, reveals that his drug use began as an attempt to bond with fellow bandmates Slash and Izzy Stradlin. “Who the hell do you think I was doing them with? When I started doing heroin, I wanted to be a part of what [G N’ R lead guitarist] Slash and [rhythm guitarist] Izzy [Stradlin] were doing,” Adler recalls in the docuseries.
Although he quickly experienced the negative effects of heroin, Adler found himself drawn deeper into addiction. “I took two hits, and I was never so sick in my whole life,” he admits. “And wouldn’t you know what an a—— I am, I had to try it one more time. And the third time was the charm. I fell in love with it.”
Unfortunately, Adler’s addiction spiraled out of control, eventually leading to his dismissal from Guns N’ Roses. His departure, which came during the recording of Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II, was a devastating blow. “I’ve always loved the whole team thing,” he explains. “That’s why putting a band together was so important to me. And then when my team threw me out, I didn’t know what to do.”
Adler reflects on the painful choice he faced: seek recovery or continue down a destructive path. “I know I could either have gotten better, or continued doing what I was doing. I continued doing what I was doing. I was that hurt,” he says.
In a resurfaced interview from the early ’90s, Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose offers further insight into Adler’s exit from the band. “Steven didn’t leave the band. Steven was fired,” Rose says in the MTV clip. “We gave him every ultimatum. We had Steven sign a contract saying if he went back to drugs, he was out. He couldn’t leave his drugs.”
Adler was replaced by drummer Matt Sorum, marking the end of his tenure with the band that would later be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Over the years, Adler faced a series of personal and legal troubles, including a stroke in 1996 and a domestic violence charge in 1997, all while continuing to struggle with addiction.
Since 2008, Adler has experienced several stretches of sobriety and has reconnected with Guns N’ Roses on various occasions, performing with the band during select shows. Looking back, Adler expresses gratitude for his time in the band, despite the difficulties. “I just loved being part of a team,” he says. “And Guns N’ Roses, the five of us, were a great f—— team.”
Adler’s candid reflection in the docuseries offers a poignant glimpse into the dark side of rock stardom and the personal battles that often accompany fame. While his story serves as a cautionary tale, it also highlights the enduring legacy of Guns N’ Roses and Adler’s role in shaping that legacy.