Guns N' Roses have unveiled two new singles, 'Nothin'' and 'Atlas,' marking their first original music release since 2023. The tracks, drawn from sessions for their 2008 album Chinese Democracy and updated with contributions from guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan, arrive ahead of the band's 2026 world tour. Both songs are now available digitally via Interscope Records.
Song Background
The singles originate from the long-delayed Chinese Democracy recording sessions in the early 2000s. 'Atlas,' previously titled 'Atlas Shrugged' after Ayn Rand's novel, features Axl Rose's vocals over Slash's signature guitar riffs and McKagan's bass, creating a mid-tempo hard rock sound reminiscent of the band's classic style. Early versions leaked in 2019, but these releases include fresh overdubs. As A&R rep Tom Zutaut recalled in a 2025 Classic Rock interview, the track was among well-finished songs from that era, alongside 'The Blues' and 'Madagascar.'
'Nothin'' opens with a piano intro before evolving into a dramatic ballad with emotive guitar work. It explores themes of needing salvation, transforming from an R&B-leaning piece into a Guns N' Roses staple through Slash's solo. Both tracks showcase the band's ability to blend introspection and high-energy rock.
Tour and Future Plans
The release coincides with Guns N' Roses' announcement of a 2026 world tour, starting March 28 in Monterrey, Mexico, at Tecate Pa’l Norte festival. The 31-date run includes stops in Brazil, Europe (Poland, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France), and North America, highlighted by a return to Los Angeles' Rose Bowl after over 30 years. The band soundchecked 'Nothin'' during a May 2025 show in Japan, suggesting it will join setlists.
Guitarist Slash hinted at a new album in an October 2025 Guitar World interview: "There’s so much material at this point — it’s a matter of having the discipline to sit down and fucking get into it." Bassist Duff McKagan echoed this in 2024, confirming new material but uncertainty on release format. Physical formats for the singles, including 7-inch vinyl and a store-exclusive cassette, go on pre-order December 12.
