Steven Adler Net Worth

Steven Adler’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Life and Career of the Guns N’ Roses Drummer

Early Life and Origins

Steven Adler, the renowned drummer of the iconic rock band Guns N’ Roses, has amassed a net worth of $10 million. His journey, marked by both triumph and tribulation, offers a captivating glimpse into the world of rock and roll. Born Michael Coletti on January 22, 1965, in Cleveland, Ohio, Adler’s early life was shaped by a multicultural heritage. His mother, Deanna, was Jewish-American, and his father, Michael, was Italian-American. The family later moved to Los Angeles after his father left. In a change of events and due to Jewish customs, his mother renamed him Steven after marrying Melvin Adler, who later adopted him. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, Adler’s childhood was typical until he was sent to live with his grandparents in Hollywood due to behavioral issues. It was during this time that he befriended Saul Hudson, better known as Slash, who would later become his bandmate in Guns N’ Roses. Adler’s teenage years were marked by his burgeoning interest in drumming, setting the stage for his future career.

Rise to Fame with Guns N’ Roses

After returning to Hollywood, Adler initially auditioned for the metal band London but was not selected. This spurred him to form his own band, Road Crew, alongside Slash. The band gained a bassist, Duff McKagan, after the musicians placed an ad in the newspaper. However, the band disbanded when they couldn’t find a suitable lead singer. Adler then joined Axl Rose’s band, Hollywood Rose, which also featured Izzy Stradlin. In 1985, Adler, Slash, Rose, Stradlin, and McKagan joined forces to form Guns N’ Roses. The band signed a deal with Geffen Records in 1986, marking the beginning of their ascent to global stardom.

The release of their debut album, “Appetite for Destruction,” on July 21, 1987, catapulted Guns N’ Roses to international fame. The album topped the Billboard 200 and Hard Rock Albums charts, as well as the New Zealand Albums chart. It achieved multi-platinum certifications in numerous countries, including an impressive 18x platinum in the United States. The album produced iconic hit singles such as “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and “Paradise City.” “Appetite for Destruction” was a groundbreaking achievement, becoming the best-selling debut album in U.S. history at the time. The band’s second album, “G N’ R Lies,” released in 1988, further cemented their success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart and earning multi-platinum certifications. The single “Patience” became a top-10 hit in several countries, demonstrating the band’s widespread appeal and solidifying Adler’s place in rock history.

Departure from Guns N’ Roses and Subsequent Ventures

Despite the band’s soaring success, Adler’s tenure with Guns N’ Roses was cut short due to his struggles with heroin addiction. Though he was briefly fired and later re-instated, he was eventually dismissed again in 1990. His drug use was impacting his performance, leading to his formal departure in July 1990. After leaving Guns N’ Roses, Adler formed the band Road Crew. After that didn’t work out, he sued his former bandmates, alleging he was fired because of his use of an opiate-blocking drug. The case was eventually settled out of court, with Adler receiving a financial settlement and royalty payments. He has since been part of other bands like Adler’s Appetite, and Adler, while also making a guest appearance on Slash’s self-titled solo album in 2010.

In 2016, he briefly performed with Guns N’ Roses during their “Not in This Lifetime… Tour.” Adler’s Appetite reunited in 2018, marking the 30th anniversary of the “Appetite for Destruction” album. In 2012, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his former Guns N’ Roses bandmates, a testament to his significant contributions to the band’s legacy and rock music.

Personal Struggles and Challenges

Throughout his life, Adler has faced personal struggles, particularly related to substance abuse and health issues. He was married twice, first to Cheryl Swiderski from 1989 to 1990, and then to Carolina Ferreira in 2002. In 1995, he was arrested for heroin possession, and the following year, he suffered a stroke and was briefly in a coma after taking a speedball, which caused temporary paralysis on the left side of his face. He faced numerous legal issues, including arrests for domestic violence, and in 2019, he was hospitalized after what was reported as a possible suicide attempt. Adler’s willingness to share his struggles publicly, including his appearances on “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” and “Sober House,” demonstrates his determination to overcome his challenges. These struggles, while deeply personal, have also become part of the narrative surrounding his career, highlighting the high price of fame and the importance of seeking help when facing addiction and mental health issues.

Awards and Recognitions

Adler’s contributions to music have earned him numerous awards and recognitions, both as an individual and as a member of Guns N’ Roses. In 2011, he and his “Dahmer vs. Gacy” co-stars won an award for Outstanding Cast Performance at the Action on Film International Film Festival. During his time with Guns N’ Roses, the band earned a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance for “G N’ R Lies” (1990) and won a “Billboard” Music Award for Top Pop New Artist (1988). They received four MTV Video Music Award nominations, winning Best New Artist in a Video for “Welcome to the Jungle” (1988) and Best Heavy Metal Video for “Sweet Child O’ Mine” (1989). “Sweet Child O’ Mine” was also nominated for Best Group Video, and that year “Paradise City” earned a nomination for Best Stage Performance in a Video. The band won American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Single for “Sweet Child o’ Mine” (1989), Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album for “Appetite for Destruction” (1990), and Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist (1990), and they earned BRIT Award nominations for Best International Newcomer, Best International Group, and Best Music Video for “Paradise City” in 1990. These awards underscore Adler’s lasting influence on the music industry.

Real Estate Investments

In 2015, Adler invested in a 2,700+ square foot home in the Studio City area of Los Angeles, which he purchased for $1.337 million. This home includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms. This investment highlights Adler’s financial acumen and his continued presence in the Los Angeles area.

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Conclusion

Steven Adler’s story is a complex mix of professional triumphs and personal struggles. From his early beginnings to his pivotal role in Guns N’ Roses’ global success, Adler has left an indelible mark on the music world. While addiction and personal challenges have shaped his journey, his resilience and talent have allowed him to remain a significant figure in rock and roll. His net worth reflects not only his musical achievements but also his ability to navigate the challenges of fame. Adler’s life continues to be a compelling narrative, illustrating the highs and lows of a rock and roll icon and offering valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance and seeking support.