The original November Rain, based on a short story by Del James called Without You was 25 minutes long. The song was edited down to 8:59 for the album and subsequent single and amazingly, It’s still the longest ever Top 10 hit.
The video won best cinematography at the ‘92 MTV Music Awards, which is a bloody good thing to, as it cost US$1.5m! (a sore point for guitarist Slash, who said “it was all getting out of hand.”)
Following the dangerous joint release of Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II, both albums occupied the top 2 spots on the album charts for only the second time in history. If Britney Spears and Cold Play released back to back albums with long songs, they’d be sharing a bunk bed in the Poor House. This is the extent of the Guns 'N’ Roses effect.
From fatal car crash to new life: Songfacts on Live
Lightning Crashes takes it’s inspiration from car crash victim and high school friend of the band, Barbara Lewis. Barbara lost her life to an armed robber fleeing a crime scene.
The song clearly chronicles the circle of life. Her brother in-law explains: “Barb's life gave new life to many. The angel, the baby down the hall, (Barb’s) pale blue eyes. Our family’s close (to) the most genuine and caring man, who is still alive today, who has Barb's heart beating in his chest! Lightning Crashes literally lives on.”
Often dedicated to the Columbine High School massacre victims at concerts, Lightning Crashes is Live’s biggest hit to date.
The song clearly chronicles the circle of life. Her brother in-law explains: “Barb's life gave new life to many. The angel, the baby down the hall, (Barb’s) pale blue eyes. Our family’s close (to) the most genuine and caring man, who is still alive today, who has Barb's heart beating in his chest! Lightning Crashes literally lives on.”
Often dedicated to the Columbine High School massacre victims at concerts, Lightning Crashes is Live’s biggest hit to date.
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