Through the late 80's and up until the mid 90's, GNR was arguebly the biggest Rock band on the planet.? If GNR would have stayed together and continued to exist to this very day in their original form, would they still be the biggest rock band on the planet?
I think if they would have sticked together and evolved the way Illusions where going to a more epic 10 minute songs they would be like some legend band that is not very know by kids. Something like PinkFloyd, that everybody knew when I was in highschool that they where a great band but nobody knew much about them except that they played the "we don't need more education" song.