Guns N' Roses return with new singles 'Atlas' and 'Nothin' as 2026 world tour approaches

For the first time in two years, 'Guns N' Roses' have released brand new music, unveiling two fresh singles titled "Atlas" and "Nothin'", both of which arrive as the band gears up for an enormous 2026 world tour. The tracks, originally scheduled for release on December 2, were pushed back slightly but officially dropped on December 4, marking the group's first new material since 2023.

A closer look at 'Atlas' and 'Nothin''

"Atlas" immediately puts the spotlight on Axl Rose, whose vocals take control from the opening moments. Rather than building slowly toward a towering solo, the song launches straight into a driving groove that recalls the energy and attitude of classic 'Guns N' Roses'. The single stands in contrast to "Nothin'," a more reflective and emotive piece shaped by piano lines and a warm, expressive solo from Slash.

With these two releases, the band continues the pattern set since Slash and Duff McKagan rejoined the fold in 2016. Since their return, 'Guns N' Roses' have put out a steady string of standalone tracks, including "Absurd" and "Hard Skool" in 2021, followed by "Perhaps" and "The General" in 2023.

Both "Atlas" and "Nothin'" will be issued on 7-inch vinyl, plus a store-exclusive cassette edition. Pre-orders begin December 12.

Full lyrics to 'Atlas' now available

Fans have been quick to dissect the lyrics of "Atlas", which explore themes of resilience, emotional transparency, and personal responsibility. The song juxtaposes vulnerable lines with powerful vocal phrasing, creating a dynamic piece that expands the band's modern catalog while staying rooted in their signature sound.

Hints of a new album

Although the band has not formally announced a new full-length record, Slash recently hinted in Guitar World that a substantial amount of material is already written. According to him, new 'Guns N' Roses' music tends to emerge spontaneously rather than through rigid planning. Duff McKagan has echoed this sentiment, confirming that the band has been actively working on fresh material with a clear intention to release more.

If a new album does arrive, it would be the first studio release under the 'Guns N' Roses' name since Chinese Democracy in 2008 and the first to feature the reunited trio of Axl, Slash and Duff since 1993.

2026 world tour: more than 40 dates across the globe

Alongside the new music, 'Guns N' Roses' have laid out an extensive run of dates for 2026. The tour begins March 28 in Monterrey, Mexico, and stretches across Brazil, the United States, Canada, and Europe. The schedule includes major festival appearances plus a milestone performance at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, marking their first return to the venue in more than three decades.

A portion of the confirmed dates includes:

March 28 - Monterrey, Mexico

April 4 - São Paulo, Brazil

May 7 - Daytona Beach, Florida (Welcome To Rockville)

June 10 - Dublin, Ireland

June 12-14 - Donington, UK (Download Festival)

July 1 and 3 - Paris, France

Aug. 12 - East Rutherford, New Jersey

Sept. 5 - Pasadena, California

Sept. 19 - Atlanta, Georgia

…and many more.

The world tour follows a dominant run of live activity in recent years, including a massive 2024 tour that sold more than 1.3 million tickets. Their previous reunion tour, Not In This Lifetime, remains the fourth-highest-grossing tour in music history.

A legacy still expanding

With a catalog that includes the historic diamond-certified debut Appetite for Destruction, the multi-platinum Use Your Illusion albums, and a global fanbase that has only grown with each tour, 'Guns N' Roses' continue to hold their place as one of the most influential and recognizable rock bands in the world.

The release of "Atlas" and "Nothin'" signals that the band is not merely revisiting their legacy but actively building on it as they move into a new chapter of touring, writing, and creativity.