Published

2 years ago

March 27, 2024

Alice Rush

Guns N’ Roses: A Journey Through Rock and Roll History

Guns N’ Roses, often abbreviated as GNR, is a legendary hard rock band that left a lasting impact on the music scene. Here’s a glimpse into their history:

Formation and Early Days (1985-1987):

Formed in Los Angeles in 1985 by Axl Rose (vocals) and Izzy Stradlin (guitar), the band went through various lineup changes before solidifying with Slash (lead guitar), Duff McKagan (bass), and Steven Adler (drums).
Their self-released EP, “Live ?!*@#$%,” caught the attention of Geffen Records, leading to a major label deal in 1986.
Their debut album, “Appetite for Destruction” (1987), became a critical and commercial success, propelled by iconic hits like “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and “Paradise City.”

Mainstream Success and Internal Struggles (1988-1993):

The band reached superstardom with their ambitious double album, “Use Your Illusion I & II” (1991), showcasing their musical diversity and expanding their fanbase.
However, internal tensions due to substance abuse and creative differences plagued the band. Izzy Stradlin left in 1991, followed by Steven Adler’s dismissal in 1992.
Despite these challenges, Guns N’ Roses remained a major force, headlining stadium tours and releasing successful singles like “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” and “November Rain.”

Hiatus and Reunions (1994-Present):

After releasing “The Spaghetti Incident?” (1993), an album of punk rock covers, the band went on an indefinite hiatus in 1994.
Axl Rose led various versions of Guns N’ Roses over the years, but the classic lineup remained inactive.
In 2016, Axl Rose and Slash unexpectedly reunited, sparking a tour that continues to this day.
While the classic lineup has not formally recorded new music together, their legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians.

Beyond the Music:

Guns N’ Roses weren’t just about catchy tunes; their music tackled themes of rebellion, addiction, and social commentary.
Their flamboyant image and controversial behavior made them rock and roll icons, often gracing tabloid headlines.
Despite the internal struggles and lineup changes, the band’s core members – Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin, and Steven Adler – remain etched in rock history.

Guns N’ Roses: Member Detail

Guns N’ Roses has gone through numerous lineup changes throughout its history, making it quite the journey! To delve into member details, we can focus on two main categories:

1. Classic Lineup (1987-1993):

Axl Rose: Lead vocals, keyboards, piano. The enigmatic frontman known for his powerful voice, stage presence, and controversial persona.
Slash: Lead and rhythm guitar. Iconic for his top hat and signature guitar solos, driving the band’s hard rock sound.
Duff McKagan: Bass, backing vocals. A solid foundation on bass, contributing songwriting and backing vocals.
Izzy Stradlin: Rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals. Melodic counterpoint to Slash, wrote lyrics for several classic songs before leaving in 1991.
Steven Adler: Drums, backing vocals. Energetic drummer with a unique style, but struggles with substance abuse led to his dismissal in 1992.

2. Current Lineup (as of February 2024):

Axl Rose: Remains the only constant member, continuing his role as lead vocalist.
Slash: Rejoined the band in 2016, bringing back the iconic duo with Axl.
Duff McKagan: Also rejoined in 2016, solidifying the classic rhythm section.
Dizzy Reed: Keyboards, piano, backing vocals. Joined in 1990 and has been a consistent member ever since.
Richard Fortus: Rhythm guitar. Joined in 2002, adding his unique guitar style to the band’s sound.
Frank Ferrer: Drums. Replaced Steven Adler in 2006 and maintains a solid drumming foundation.
Melissa Reese: Keyboards, backing vocals. Newest member, joining in 2022 and adding another layer to the band’s sound.

Additionally:

Many other talented musicians contributed to Guns N’ Roses throughout their history, including replacement members like Matt Sorum (drums) and Gilby Clarke (guitar).
The classic lineup reunion sparked excitement and nostalgia, but they haven’t released new studio music together as of yet.

Guns N’ Roses: Studio Album Discography

Studio Albums:

Appetite for Destruction (1987): Arguably their most iconic album, featuring classics like “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and “Paradise City.”
G N’ R Lies (1988): A unique release with four live tracks and four acoustic studio recordings. Offers a glimpse into their rawer and more introspective side.
Use Your Illusion I & II (1991): A double album showcasing their musical diversity, with hits like “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” “November Rain,” and “Don’t Cry.”
The Spaghetti Incident? (1993): A covers album mostly featuring punk rock songs, reflecting their diverse influences.
Chinese Democracy (2008): Released after a long and troubled production, featuring Axl Rose and a new lineup.

Additional Releases:

Live Era ’87-’93 (1999): A compilation of live recordings featuring classic tracks from different tours.
Greatest Hits (2004): A collection of their biggest hits across different albums.

Note: This list only includes studio albums. Guns N’ Roses also has numerous live albums, compilations, EPs, and singles.

Guns N’ Roses: Award and Achievement

Guns N’ Roses, despite never winning a Grammy, have achieved remarkable recognition and success throughout their career. Here’s a breakdown of their awards and achievements:

Awards:

American Music Awards (AMAs):
- 1990: Favorite Pop/Rock Single (“Sweet Child o’ Mine”)
- 1990: Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist
- 1990: Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album (“Appetite for Destruction”)
- 1992: Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist
MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs):
- 1989: Best Heavy Metal Video (“Welcome to the Jungle”)
- 1992: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award (Axl Rose)
Revolver Golden Gods Awards:
- 2014: Lifetime Achievement Award (Axl Rose)
Kerrang! Awards:
- 2016: Hall of Fame

Achievements:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2012.
Sales: Over 100 million albums sold worldwide, including 45 million in the United States, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time.
Impact: Their music continues to influence new generations of musicians and is considered a cornerstone of hard rock and heavy metal.
Cultural Influence: Their rebellious image and controversial behavior made them rock and roll icons, often gracing tabloid headlines.
Critical Acclaim: “Appetite for Destruction” is frequently listed among the greatest rock albums of all time.

Additionally:

They’ve received numerous other nominations for awards like the Grammys and the MTV VMAs.
They’ve headlined major tours and festivals worldwide, attracting massive audiences.
Their music has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and video games.

Guns N’ Roses’ legacy extends beyond awards and accolades. Their music continues to resonate with fans around the globe, solidifying their place as one of the most influential and iconic rock bands of all time.

https://www.exaputra.com/2024/02/guns-n-roses-journey-through-rock-and.html

Renewable Energy

Trump’s Agenda Is Even Far-Reaching Than People May Think

Published

7 hours ago

October 4, 2025

Alice Rush

As Trump’s former lawyer Ty Cobb says at left, in addition to turning the United Stated into an autocratic regime, at the same time, Trump needs to alter history such that future generations don’t think he did anything wrong.

Yes, he has his hands full, but he’s assisted by hundreds of traitors in congress, and hundreds of millions of hateful morons in the U.S. electorate.

Trump’s Agenda Is Even Far-Reaching Than People May Think

Renewable Energy

Victoria’s VEU Scheme Introduces New Solar Incentives for C&I Properties

Published

2 days ago

October 3, 2025

Alice Rush

Exciting opportunity alert for Victorian commercial and industrial sectors! A major energy incentive has
arrived!

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program has just rolled out an exciting new activity offering, deemed solar incentives specifically for commercial and industrial (C&I) properties starting from 1 October 2025.

This means easier access to valuable rebates when you install solar systems, accelerating your journey to cleaner, more affordable energy.

Whether you run a factory, office, or retail space, this update could dramatically reduce upfront costs and boost your ROI on solar investments.

So, if you don’t want to miss this game-changing chance to power your business sustainably and save big, keep reading!

In this blog post:

Breaking Down the 2025 VEU Changes: Is Your Business Ready to Cash In?

Well, the main goal behind these new solar incentives is to help the commercial properties to reduce energy cost,
lower emissions and most importantly increase electrification in the
commercial sector.

It’s a part of a broader push by the Victorian Government to accelerate clean energy adoption in the Australian
C&I sector.

Through this program the government offers incentives of up to $35,000 that support the installation of solar PV
systems ranging from 30 kW to 200 kW across the non-residential premises.

Eventually, by generating Victorian Energy
Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) and combining them with STCs and LGCs, it aims to drive energy efficiency
across Victoria’s business sector.

What Are Deemed Solar Incentives?

“Deemed” solar incentives refer to rebates or energy certificates like VEECs that are calculated upfront based on estimated energy savings over the life of a solar PV system rather than measuring actual savings year by year.

In simple terms, in this incentive program, the government “deems” or assumes how much energy your solar system will save over time and rewards you right away with certificates (VEECs). You can then trade it for either cash or rebates.

How Do These Deemed VEECs Work?

When you install a solar PV system between 30 kW and 200 kW on a commercial or industrial property, the system is assigned a pre-calculated number of VEECs based on its size, expected performance, and energy offset.

These VEECs have a market value, and also the accredited companies, like Cyanergy, can create and trade them for you.

And the best part that creates a difference is that, through these deemed VEECs, we ensure you get substantial upfront savings without waiting years to prove the actual energy savings.

What Makes This a Big Win for C&I Businesses?

Easier application process.
No complicated monitoring is needed for rebates; here, the savings are estimated in advance.
Immediate financial benefit, as there is no waiting time needed for long-term performance data.
Stackable with other schemes, such as combining with STCs or LGCs, can bring you even bigger savings from your business.

Top 6 Benefits of Going Solar for C&I Premises

With the government-backed incentives like the VEU program, commercial and industrial (C&I) businesses have
several reasons to make the switch.

Here are the 6 key benefits:

Saves Energy Cost

Reduce your business’s electricity bills significantly by generating your own clean power. With VEU incentives, STCs,
and LGCs, upfront installation costs are lowered by up to 30–35%, delivering faster return on investment.

Ensure Energy Independence

Adding solar panels protects or shields your business from rising energy prices and grid instability. Incorporating
solar on your premises gives you greater control over your energy use and costs, especially for high-demand
operations.

Boost Your Business’s Sustainability & Reputation

Switching to solar directly supports Victoria’s clean energy and sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions
and dependence on fossil fuels.

In Australia, more and more customers, clients, and stakeholders prefer doing business with companies that support
green initiatives.

So, by investing in solar, you’re not just cutting costs, you’re also enhancing your brand image, thus aligning with
corporate sustainability.

Future-Proof Your Business

Commercial solar systems (30 kW to 200 kW) can be custom-designed to match your building, energy usage, and
operational hours, ensuring maximum efficiency and savings.

It future-proofs your business by preparing for growing energy demands and regulations.

Increase Property Value

Installing solar can increase your property’s value and appeal, especially for leased commercial spaces and
industrial buildings that seek energy-efficient certifications.

Access to Multiple Rebates, More Savings!

C&I businesses can benefit from stacked government incentives, including VEU incentives up to $35,000, STCs for
systems under 100 kW and LGCs for systems over 100 kW.

How Much Can You Save With This New Activity?

Under the 2025 update, eligible businesses can receive VEU incentives of up to $35,000 just for going solar.

As mentioned earlier, these Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) represent estimated energy savings and can be combined with other financial incentives, like:

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)

This stacking of incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of a solar installation. For larger system sizes, that’s more than 100kW, this rebate can reduce the price by 30 to 35% or more.

Let’s have a glimpse at the following tables for better understanding!

Small-Scale Commercial Solar Systems (<100 kW)

These are ideal for smaller commercial buildings, offices, and retail spaces looking to cut energy costs with a fast return on investment.

Small-scale systems allow you to stack VEU incentives and STC rebates for immediate savings, with simple installation and faster payback:

Large-Scale Commercial & Industrial Systems (≥100 kW)

These are designed for larger facilities like factories, warehouses, and multi-site operations. These systems deliver serious energy savings and qualify for LGCs in addition to VEECs.

Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify for the VEU Solar Incentives?

To qualify for these new VEU solar incentives, your commercial property must meet the eligibility criteria.

So, let’s dive into the requirement list and see how your business can make the most of this exciting new
opportunity:

Installation Date: Must start after September 29, 2025
System Size: Between 30 kW and 200 kW
Location: Non-residential premises only.

For example: warehouses, factories, retail stores, health care centers,
schools, universities, sports facilities or new commercial buildings

Accreditation: An accredited company must be engaged to create the certificates.

Special Requirements for Hardware:

Solar Panels and inverters must be approved by the Clean Energy Council.
The panels must have a minimum 10-year product warranty.
Inverters must have a minimum product warranty of 5 years.
For smaller systems under 100 kW, solar panel brands must participate in the Solar Panel Validation Initiative
(SPVI).
The system must include access to a monitoring portal or regular system performance reports.

Need Assistance? Cyanergy is Here to Help!

When it comes to navigating government incentives and getting the most value out of your solar investment, experience matters the most. And Cyanergy excels at it.

With 10+ years of experience and over 467 successful commercial projects, Cyanergy brings years of proven expertise in renewable energy and commercial solar solutions.

From warehouses and retail stores to offices and manufacturing facilities, we’ve helped many Australian businesses to transition faster to clean, cost-effective, and reliable energy.

Our team understands the unique energy demands of commercial and industrial operations and delivers customized solar systems that maximize savings and performance.

Ready to start your solar journey? Let’s talk.

Cyanergy will guide you through every step, making the process smooth, efficient, and profitable. For the latest updates on VEU programs, keep your eyes on the Cyanergy website!

The post Victoria’s VEU Scheme Introduces New Solar Incentives for C&I Properties appeared first on Cyanergy.

Victoria’s VEU Scheme Introduces New Solar Incentives for C&I Properties

Renewable Energy

Does Evil “Destroy Itself?”

Published

3 days ago

October 2, 2025

Alice Rush

What Aristotle said here is interesting, especially since there has been so must of both evil and good through the millennia. The days since Aristotle have been marked by the Golden Age of Rome (Pax Romana), the Dark Ages, the Spanish Inquisition, the Rennaissance, the Enlightenment, the end of slavery, the slaughter of the Native Americans, the post-Emancipation oppression of Black Americans, the Holocaust, and so many more major historical events.

It seems we’re just about to see what happens to the evil represented by Trump’s second term in office. It seems that the United States has re-elected a man to the highest position on Earth whose only interests are punishing his enemies, enriching himself from public office, further consolidating his power, and keeping himself out of prison.

Will this evil destroy itself?

Again, we’ll have to wait and see.