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Hard Skool
Hard Skool
Hard Skool
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Hard Skool
EP / single by
Guns N' Roses
ReleasedJanuary 28, 2022
Genre
Length15:52
Label
Producer
Guns N' Roses chronology
Appetite for Destruction: Locked N' Loaded
(2018) 		Hard Skool
(2022) 		Use Your Illusion Super Deluxe
(2022)
Guns N' Roses singles chronology
"Absurd"
(2021) 		"Hard Skool"
(2021) 		"Perhaps"
(2023)
Audio
"Hard Skool" on YouTube
Lyric Video
"Hard Skool" on YouTube

Hard Skool is a single and the fourth extended play by the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses. The single was released on September 24, 2021, with the EP following on January 28, 2022.[7] The EP consists of two singles and two live tracks, and is their first EP release with guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan since they rejoined the band in 2016, as well as the first works to feature new keyboardist Melissa Reese.

Background

[edit]

Slash and McKagan left Guns N’ Roses in the late '90s, with Slash and vocalist Axl Rose having a longstanding public feud until repairing their relationship in 2015. A year later Slash and McKagan rejoined the band for the record-setting Not in This Lifetime… Tour, with the band stating they intended to make new music.

The tracks "Absurd" and "Hard Skool" were initially recorded during the Chinese Democracy sessions, although an earlier version of "Hard Skool" might have been written in 1996.[8][9] A snippet of "Hard Skool" was posted online in 2006 under the title "Checkmate". In 2008, Rose mentioned that the working title of the song was "Jackie Chan".[10] The full version from the Chinese Democracy sessions, under the name "Hard School", leaked in 2019.[4][11]

"Hard Skool" was first performed by members of the band at soundcheck before the last concert of the canceled — due to the COVID-19 pandemic — tour on March 14, 2020, and then in August and September 2021.[12][13][14] It was then released as a single on September 24.[15] The track peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.[16] The official lyric video of the song debuted on Good Morning Football on December 3, 2021.[17]

The Hard Skool EP was announced on September 25, 2021 and slated for release on February 25, 2022.[18] Exclusive to the band's online store, it features live versions of "You're Crazy" and "Don't Cry", songs originally released on 1987's Appetite for Destruction and 1991's Use Your Illusion I, respectively.[19][20] The Hard Skool CD and cassette, as well as the 7-inch single featuring a live version of "Absurd" as B-side, eventually became available earlier than originally announced, on January 28, 2022. A second 7-inch vinyl version was released June 2022 to the Nightrain fan club. It features "Hard Skool" and a new live version of "Shadow of Your Love".[21]

Reception

[edit]

"Hard Skool" was well received, with several publications describing it as "vintage" Guns N' Roses.[4][22][23]

Track listing

[edit]
CD, cassette
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Hard Skool"Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan, Robin Finck, Josh Freese, Tommy Stinson, Paul Tobias[24]3:41
2."Absurd"Rose, Dizzy Reed, Slash, McKagan3:23
3."Don't Cry" (live)Rose, Izzy Stradlin4:24
4."You're Crazy" (live)Guns N' Roses4:24
Total length:15:52
7-inch vinyl
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Hard Skool"Rose, Slash, McKagan, Finck, Freese, Stinson, Tobias3:41
2."Absurd" (live)Rose, Reed, Slash, McKagan3:40
Transparent vinyl
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Hard Skool"Rose, Slash, McKagan, Finck, Freese, Stinson, Tobias3:41
2."Absurd" (live)Rose, Reed, Slash, McKagan3:40
3."Shadow of Your Love" (live)Rose, Stradlin, Tobias2:55

Charts

[edit]
Weekly chart performance for "Hard Skool"
Chart (2021–2022) Peak
position
Hungary (Single Top 40)[25] 25
Japan Hot Overseas (Billboard Japan)[26] 13
Japan (Oricon)[27] 18
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[28] 9

Personnel

[edit]

Guns N' Roses

Additional credits

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hard Skool

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Hard Skool is a by the American band , released as a digital single on September 24, 2021. It serves as the title track and for the band's EP of the same name, issued exclusively through their online store on February 25, 2022. The track marks the band's first original studio recording featuring the partially reunited classic lineup of , Slash, and since their 1991–1993 albums and . Originally recorded during the protracted Chinese Democracy sessions in the late and early under the working title "," the song was written by alongside band members , , , , , and session drummer . A 20-second snippet leaked online in 2006 as "," followed by a full demo version in August 2019, building anticipation among fans for its official release. Co-produced by Rose and longtime collaborator Caram Costanzo, "Hard Skool" features Rose's raspy vocals over driving guitars from Slash, McKagan's bass, and contributions from keyboardist Reed, evoking the band's signature blend of raw energy and melodic hooks. The Hard Skool EP comprises the two new studio tracks—"Hard Skool" and the earlier single "Absurd" (released in 2021)—paired with live recordings of "Don't Cry" and "You're Crazy" from the band's 2021 tour. Debuting live on September 26, 2021, at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore during the opening night of their "We're F'N' Back! Tour", the song received positive reception for its nostalgic nod to Guns N' Roses' early sound while signaling a creative resurgence post-reunion, followed by additional new singles "The General" and "Perhaps" in 2023 and plans for a new album as of 2025. Thematically, the lyrics explore themes of perseverance and strained relationships, with some interpretations suggesting references to the band's internal conflicts and lineup changes over the decades.

Background and Development

Origins from Early Sessions

The development of "Hard Skool" began with plans mentioned in a September 1996 interview on , where bassist discussed the group's intention to record a song titled "Jackie Chan" for an upcoming movie, capturing its early essence during a period of creative experimentation. The track represented one of several compositions shelved as internal tensions escalated, including guitarist Slash's departure in 1996, which halted progress on the nascent Chinese Democracy project. The song was recorded in 1999–2000 at the Village Recorder in during early sessions for Chinese Democracy, later known among fans as "Hard School." These sessions involved contributions from vocalist , guitarist Robin Finck, bassist , drummer , and guitarist , alongside writing credits to , , , Robin Finck, , , and , reflecting the band's shifting roster. The song's raw energy, driven by aggressive guitar riffs and Rose's signature vocal style, aligned with the album's ambitious sound, though lineup instability—exemplified by multiple personnel changes post-1990s—ultimately led to its archival status. A pivotal tease came in 2006 when a 20-second snippet, known among fans as "Checkmate," leaked online, showcasing the track's hard-hitting guitar work and hinting at its potential as a high-energy addition to the band's catalog. later confirmed the snippet's authenticity in a online forum Q&A, noting its working title as "" during development, which fueled anticipation despite the band's ongoing hiatus from new releases. The song remained dormant through years of lineup flux until the 2016 reunion of , Slash, and McKagan, which breathed new life into archived material from the Chinese Democracy era. A key turning point occurred in August 2019, when a complete demo version from the early sessions leaked after a fan purchased a storage unit containing recordings from the era, igniting speculation about its official revival among the fanbase.

Evolution and Leaks

Following the initial recording in the late and early , "Hard Skool" underwent sporadic reworking during the extended sessions for ' album Chinese Democracy, which spanned from 1997 to 2008. , as the band's primary creative force during this period, experimented extensively with vocal takes and arrangement adjustments, incorporating elements that reflected the evolving production style of the era. These efforts transformed the track from its original demo form into a more polished version, though it ultimately did not make the final cut of the 2008 album. A full demo of the , titled "Hard School" at the time, leaked online in August after a fan purchased a storage unit containing band equipment from the Chinese Democracy era and shared the material on fan sites. The leaked version featured early lyrics centered on themes of perseverance amid relational strain and internal conflicts, with lines such as "All cautions made, every chance was given / No effort spared to save what we had," evoking the band's own of turmoil. This release sparked widespread fan demand for an official version, including discussions on music forums that amplified calls for the track's revival. The leak played a role in prompting the band to revisit archived material following the 2016 reunion of , Slash, and . In a January 2020 , Slash discussed the potential for new output by drawing on existing recordings from past sessions, noting the abundance of "material, there's recording, and there's stuff going on," which helped frame "Hard Skool" as a connective piece between the band's classic sound and its modern incarnation. This approach allowed the group to update the track with fresh instrumentation while preserving Rose's original vocals, bridging the gap between pre- and post-reunion eras. Fan responses to the 2019 leak were enthusiastic, with many highlighting the demo's raw energy and riff-driven structure as embodying "classic " qualities reminiscent of the band's and early 1990s output. Coverage in outlets noted the viral spread of these sentiments across online communities, where supporters praised its potential as a return to form and speculated on its live viability, ultimately contributing to the momentum for its official rerecording and .

Recording and Production

Studio Work

The final version of "Hard Skool" was reworked during post-reunion sessions, with primary work occurring in 2020 and 2021 to update the original demo for the current lineup. The production emphasized Slash's layered guitar solos, which added a modern edge to the track's structure, while Rose's original vocals from the late 1990s Chinese Democracy sessions were retained and integrated with the updated instrumentation. Digital editing techniques were employed to tighten the rhythm section, featuring new bass by and preserved drums by former member Bryan "Brain" Mantia, resulting in a more polished and cohesive sound compared to the raw demo. A key addition was the integration of keyboards by , providing atmospheric fills that enhanced the song's dynamic range and contrasted the original demo's stripped-back aesthetic. The production was led by and Caram Costanzo, who handled engineering, mixing, and overall continuity with ' classic style. Final mixes were completed by September 2021, aligning with the single's release date.

Band Lineup Involvement

The revival and recording of "Hard Skool" prominently featured contributions from ' core members, reflecting their post-2016 reunion dynamic. Axl Rose's original lead vocals from the 1990s sessions and elements anchored the track's emotional core, building upon the demo's foundation. Slash re-recorded the parts, including solos originally from the early sessions, to infuse fresh energy into the arrangement. added new bass lines during sessions amid the , enhancing the song's driving groove while preserving the original drum track from former member Bryan "" Mantia. Keyboardist , who joined the band in 2016 as its first female member, provided layers and backing vocals, adding textural depth and complementing Dizzy Reed's piano and keyboards to modernize the track's sound. Original members and had no involvement in the revival, with the process centering on the current touring lineup—including rhythm guitarist and drummer —to ensure tight cohesion for live performances, though Ferrer's drums appear only on the EP's live tracks. In a , Slash highlighted the collaborative spirit of these sessions, noting a "sort of that’s been happening this last six years that we never had in our first incarnation," as the band organically revisited and refined older material without extensive overanalysis. This approach underscored the lineup's matured dynamics, allowing for straightforward enhancements that revitalized "Hard Skool" for contemporary release.

Release and Promotion

Single Launch

"Hard Skool" was announced by on September 23, 2021, through their official social media channels, where they shared an audio snippet of the track, sparking immediate excitement among fans ahead of its full release. The single dropped the following day, September 24, 2021, via , serving as the lead offering from the band's forthcoming EP of the same name. Available initially in digital download and streaming formats across major platforms, the release emphasized accessibility for a global audience. A limited-edition 7-inch vinyl pressing was also teased exclusively for members of the through the band's official online store, providing collectors with a physical keepsake featuring the track on side A. The promotion aligned with the band's ongoing activities, including the debut audio premiere on on September 23, 2021, which garnered quick views and shares. This rollout supported preparations for ' fall 2021 tour, during which the song received its live debut shortly after release.

EP Formats and Marketing

The "Hard Skool" EP was originally scheduled for release on February 25, , but physical formats began shipping as early as late January due to strong demand. Available exclusively through the band's official store, it launched in multiple formats, including digital download, , cassette—the first cassette release since —and 7-inch vinyl. The and cassette editions contained the two new studio tracks alongside live recordings intended to highlight the current lineup's performance energy, while the standard 7-inch vinyl featured two tracks overall. In June , a limited-edition clear 7-inch vinyl was issued exclusively to fan club members, featuring alternate artwork with a dark grey cover and a "Nightrain Limited-Edition Clear" designation. Promotional strategies centered on building anticipation through multimedia and tour integration. The official lyric video for the title track premiered on December 3, 2021, via the band's YouTube channel, coinciding with heavy advertising during NFL broadcasts to reach a broad audience. Social media campaigns further amplified the rollout, cross-promoting the EP with the band's 2022 world tour by emphasizing the live tracks' connection to recent performances and the reunited core members—Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan—after nearly three decades.

Musical Content

Composition and Style

"Hard Skool" follows a verse-chorus form augmented by an extended serving as a bridge, culminating in a runtime of 3:42. The track is composed in the key of at a of 166 BPM, delivering a high-energy pace characteristic of the band's roots. Stylistically, the song embodies classic with bluesy guitar riffs that evoke the raw aggression of , while incorporating a polished production sheen drawn from the Chinese Democracy era sessions. This blend results in a sound that balances vintage grit with contemporary clarity, highlighted by wailing lead guitars and a pulsating rhythm section. Instrumentation features prominent dual-guitar leads from Slash and , providing layered, riff-driven textures; a driving bass line from that anchors the track's momentum; and Axl Rose's signature raspy vocals, which build dynamically to an anthemic, soaring chorus. As the EP's opening studio track, "Hard Skool" stands out for its aggressive, original intensity, in contrast to the more melodic live renditions of classic covers that follow on the release.

Lyrics and Themes

The lyrics of "Hard Skool" center on themes of resilience, , and the harsh from failed relationships, often interpreted as a reflection of ' tumultuous history of breakups and reunions. Lines such as "All cautions made, every chance was given / No effort spared to save what we had" convey a sense of exhaustive effort and second chances extended in , only to be met with rejection, as in "But you had to play it cool / Had to do it your way / Had to be a fool / Had to throw it all away." These elements underscore the narrator's perseverance amid discord, mirroring the band's internal conflicts during the mid-1990s and beyond, where creative differences led to departures of key members like Slash and . Symbolically, the title "Hard Skool" serves as a for the unforgiving trials of rock 'n' roll life, evoking the brutal in loyalty and survival that and the band endured through legal battles, lineup changes, and personal upheavals in the 2000s. himself introduced the song live as "something about lower ," playing on the idea of a tough, street-level schooling in perseverance and consequence. The chorus reinforces this with "It's a hard skool / When you learn the rules / That it's your move / And it's no time to lose," emphasizing accountability and the high stakes of choices in a volatile environment. This ties into the band's confessional style, where personal and professional scars are laid bare without resolution.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Critical reviews of "Hard Skool" largely praised its nostalgic evocation of ' classic era, positioning the track as a welcome return to the band's hard-rocking roots. highlighted the song's driving rhythm and raw energy, describing it as a classic sound that delivers tough relationship lessons through Axl Rose's signature wail. Similarly, characterized it as an old-school effort, complete with a playful intro that ties into its thematic "" vibe, emphasizing punchy riffs and the band's enduring swagger. Specific critiques focused on standout elements like Slash's guitar contributions, with lauding the brooding bassline leading into a riff that feels ripped straight from , crediting Slash and for quintessential hard-rock intensity. Kerrang! commended the track's energetic pulse and fun demeanor, while noting its origins as a reworked Chinese Democracy-era outtake that captures the band's classic chemistry. On Axl Rose's vocals, The Moshville Times praised their raw, gritty authenticity from the demo version—aged compared to his prime but evoking the danger of early —though acknowledging them as the production's notable challenge. For the accompanying EP, and other outlets viewed the included live tracks, such as performances of "Don't Cry" and "You're Crazy," as valuable bonuses that enhance the release's nostalgic appeal without overshadowing the title track. Comparatively, reviewers positioned "Hard Skool" as a marked improvement over the singles from 2008's Chinese Democracy, which were often critiqued for diverging from the band's vintage style; Stereogum described it as a big, riff-driven rocker that aligns more closely with the group's output, signaling a post-reunion return to form. MusicRadar echoed this, calling it the rock 'n' roll fans had anticipated from , Slash, and , with wailing guitars and powerful choruses that outshine the experimental leanings of prior material. Overall, rock publications conveyed a positive consensus, with qualitative assessments emphasizing the single's standalone strength and the EP's role in reigniting fan interest through its blend of new studio work and live energy, though no formal aggregate like exists for the release.

Fan and Commercial Response

The release of "Hard Skool" generated significant online engagement among fans, with the official audio upload on accumulating over 4.6 million views since its September 2021 premiere. Fan-filmed videos of early live performances further amplified excitement, showcasing enthusiastic crowd responses during the song's debut shows. Commercially, "Hard Skool" achieved strong radio performance, peaking at No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in October 2021. The accompanying EP, released exclusively through the band's store in February 2022, marked their first such release featuring the reunited classic lineup but did not secure major chart positions due to its limited distribution. The track integrated quickly into ' live repertoire, debuting on September 26, 2021, at Royal Farms Arena in , , where it was performed mid-set to rapturous audience reception. It became a regular fixture in tours from 2022 through 2025, appearing in over 100 concerts worldwide according to setlist data, and remained a staple even as the band adjusted its setlists in 2025 to include more deep cuts. By 2025, "Hard Skool" was regarded as a pivotal release that reignited momentum for new material, leading to additional singles "Perhaps" and "The General" in 2023 from the same era sessions, and with Slash teasing a new full album as of October 2025. Bassist Duff McKagan described it in 2024 interviews as part of ongoing efforts leading to additional songs "sooner than later." Despite its success in re-engaging fans and radio audiences, the EP and single did not receive major awards or certifications.

Track Listing and Credits

EP Tracks

The Hard Skool EP features four tracks that combine newly recorded studio material with live performances of classic songs from the band's catalog.
  1. "Hard Skool" (3:42) – The opening track is an original studio recording, serving as the EP's title song and showcasing the band's current lineup in a high-energy hard rock style.
  2. "Absurd" (3:23) – This reworked version of the 2021 single originated from sessions for the band's 2008 album Chinese Democracy, reimagined with updated production to fit alongside newer material.
  3. "Don't Cry" (live) (4:24) – A live recording of the classic .
  4. "You're Crazy" (live) (4:25) – A live recording delivering an intense take on the Appetite for Destruction deep cut.
The EP's total runtime is 15:54.

Personnel

The Hard Skool EP features the following Guns N' Roses lineup, consistent with the band's configuration during its recording and release: on lead vocals and piano, Slash on , on bass guitar and backing vocals, on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, on drums, on keyboards and piano, and Melissa Reese on keyboards. The studio tracks "Hard Skool" and "Absurd" were produced by Axl Rose and Caram Costanzo, who also handled mixing and engineering duties. The live recordings of "Don't Cry" and "You're Crazy" were performed by the band, capturing the full ensemble in a live setting without additional overdubs. No guest musicians appear on the EP.

References

  1. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/guns-n-roses-hard-skool-1548-9634795/
  2. https://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-ep-hard-skool-2022/
  3. https://consequence.net/2021/09/guns-n-roses-hard-skool-ep-live/
  4. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/guns-n-roses/hard-skool
  5. https://loudwire.com/slash-new-guns-n-roses-album-coming/
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o7TOjqMkFI
  7. https://www.stereogum.com/2161804/guns-n-roses-hard-skool/music/
  8. https://www.a-4-d.com/t4135-hard-skool
  9. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-hard-skool/
  10. https://loudwire.com/guns-n-roses-play-hard-skool-live-first-time/
  11. https://pitchfork.com/news/guns-n-roses-share-new-song-hard-skool-listen/
  12. https://genius.com/Guns-n-roses-hard-skool-lyrics
  13. https://www.loudersound.com/news/slash-on-new-guns-n-roses-album-theres-material-theres-recording-and-theres-s-going-on
  14. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/guns-n-roses-chinese-democracy-fans-leaks-axl-rose-1234645804/
  15. https://www.nme.com/news/music/new-guns-n-roses-song-hard-school-reportedly-coming-soon-3045764
  16. https://www.mygnrforum.com/topic/220883-guns-n-roses-related-studio-sessions-a-definitive-collection-of-available-info/
  17. https://www.allmusic.com/album/hard-skool-mw0003603232
  18. https://www.discogs.com/master/2311981-Guns-N-Roses-Hard-Skool
  19. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/slash-guns-n-roses-conspirators-last-word-interview-1296043/
  20. https://blabbermouth.net/news/slash-is-pretty-confident-there-will-be-a-new-guns-n-roses-studio-album-at-some-point-down-the-road
  21. https://www.loudersound.com/features/slash-on-gnr-axl-izzy-scott-and-the-rest-the-ultimate-interview
  22. https://www.loudersound.com/news/guns-n-roses-to-release-new-single-hard-skool-tomorrow-september-24
  23. https://rockcellarmagazine.com/guns-n-roses-hard-skool-new-song-listen-axl-rose/
  24. https://gnrmerch.com/products/hard-skool-7-vinyl
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdBsMBaqnME
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/22021762-Guns-N-Roses-Hard-Skool
  27. https://americansongwriter.com/guns-n-roses-release-new-ep-hard-skool/
  28. https://mikeladano.com/2022/06/22/review-guns-n-roses-hard-skool-2022-fan-club-clear-7/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TszMUuJG-t8
  30. https://songbpm.com/%40guns-n-roses/hard-skool-UVSvZK8CQW
  31. https://tunebat.com/Info/Hard-Skool-Guns-N-Roses/1Pvmzboyxwp1rOVYqwKIgU
  32. https://open.spotify.com/track/1Pvmzboyxwp1rOVYqwKIgU
  33. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/guns-n-roses-hard-skool-2/
  34. https://www.wallofsoundau.com/new-music/guns-n-roses-release-fine-tuned-hard-skool-from-chinese-democracy-sessions
  35. https://www.guitarworld.com/news/guns-n-roses-hard-skool
  36. https://www.nme.com/news/music/guns-n-roses-announce-new-four-song-ep-hard-skool-3056487
  37. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/guns-n-roses-hard-skool-1231669/
  38. https://www.kerrang.com/listen-to-guns-n-roses-energetic-new-song-hard-skool
  39. https://www.moshville.co.uk/reviews/single-reviews/2021/09/single-review-guns-n-roses-hard-skool/
  40. https://www.musicradar.com/news/guns-roses-hard-skool
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPgJL2LFOtI
  42. https://www.billboard.com/pro/guns-n-roses-sweet-child-o-mine-tops-rock-charts-thor-trailer/
  43. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/guns-n-roses-7bd69e24.html?songid=3e71577
  44. https://loudwire.com/changes-guns-n-roses-setlist-2025/
  45. https://blabbermouth.net/news/duff-mckagan-theres-more-new-guns-n-roses-music-to-come-here-sooner-than-later
  46. https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/slash-teases-new-guns-n-roses-album-coming-1236085605/
  47. https://www.guitarworld.com/news/guns-n-roses-silkworms
  48. https://www.guitarworld.com/news/guns-n-roses-hard-skool-ep
  49. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/guns-n-roses-announce-new-hard-skool-collection/
  50. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/guns-n-roses-hard-skool/
  51. https://pitchfork.com/news/guns-n-roses-share-new-song-absurd-listen/
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