Steven Adler Net Worth

Steven Adler is an American musician with an estimated net worth of $10 million. He is best known as the original drummer of the iconic rock band Guns N’ Roses, where he played a major role during the group’s rise to global fame in the late 1980s.

Adler was a founding member of Guns N’ Roses and performed on the band’s landmark debut album Appetite for Destruction (1987), which became one of the best-selling debut albums in music history. He also appeared on G N’ R Lies (1988). His energetic drumming style helped define the band’s early sound and contributed to several of their biggest hits.

Despite early success, Adler’s time with Guns N’ Roses was cut short. He was dismissed from the band in 1990 due to ongoing substance abuse issues that affected his ability to perform. Even so, his songwriting credits, royalties, and later settlement with the band became a major foundation of his long-term wealth.

Early Life

Steven Adler was born Michael Coletti on January 22, 1965, in Cleveland, Ohio. After his parents separated, he moved to Los Angeles with his family and later took the surname Adler following his mother’s remarriage.

As a teenager in Hollywood, Adler developed a passion for music and learned to play the drums. He attended Bancroft Junior High School, where he formed a close friendship with Saul “Slash” Hudson, a relationship that would later shape rock music history.

Guns N’ Roses Breakthrough

In the mid-1980s, Adler and Slash formed the band Road Crew before joining forces with Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin, and Duff McKagan to create Guns N’ Roses. The band signed with Geffen Records and released Appetite for Destruction in 1987.

The album produced classic songs such as “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and “Paradise City,” and went on to sell over 30 million copies worldwide. Their follow-up release, G N’ R Lies, was also a major commercial success.

However, as the band prepared material for the Use Your Illusion albums, Adler struggled with addiction and was officially fired in July 1990.

Career After Guns N’ Roses

After leaving the band, Adler pursued various musical projects, including Road Crew, BulletBoys, and later Adler’s Appetite, a band focused on performing Guns N’ Roses material. Adler’s Appetite released EPs in 2005 and 2012.

In 2011, Adler formed a new group simply called Adler, which released the album Back from the Dead in 2012. He also collaborated with Slash on his 2010 solo album and remained active in touring and recording.

Legal Settlement and Royalties

Following his dismissal from Guns N’ Roses, Adler filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates. The case was settled out of court in 1993. As part of the agreement, Adler received $2.25 million in back payments and continues to earn 15% royalties from the music he recorded with the band. These royalties remain a significant contributor to his net worth.

Media Appearances

Adler later appeared on VH1 reality television programs, including Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and Sober House, where he openly discussed recovery and personal challenges. He also published a memoir in 2010 titled My Appetite for Destruction.

In 2012, Adler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his former Guns N’ Roses bandmates. He also reunited briefly with the band during select dates of the Not in This Lifetime… Tour in 2016.

Personal Life

Steven Adler has faced well-documented personal struggles over the years but has continued to work toward stability and recovery. In 2015, he purchased a home in Studio City, Los Angeles, valued at approximately $1.3 million.

Steven Adler Net Worth

Steven Adler net worth is estimated to be $10 million.