Net Worth Ranker
What Is Steven Adler’s Net Worth?
Steven Adler, the American musician most famously known as the former drummer for Guns N’ Roses, possesses a net worth estimated at $10 million. This valuation reflects his career contributions, primarily through music, songwriting, and associated ventures.
Early Career and Guns N’ Roses Era
Born Michael Coletti on January 22, 1965, in Cleveland, Ohio, Steven’s journey into music began in his teens. He attended Bancroft Junior High School. In 1983, upon returning to Hollywood, Adler auditioned for the metal band London. Later, he partnered with Slash to form Road Crew. The band faced challenges in finding a suitable lead singer. Adler then briefly joined Hollywood Rose, which included guitarist Izzy Stradlin.
The pivotal moment arrived in 1985 when Adler and Slash united with Axl Rose, Izzy Stradlin, and Duff McKagan to form Guns N’ Roses. The band’s signing with Geffen Records in early 1986 marked the beginning of their ascent. On July 21, 1987, Guns N’ Roses released their debut album, “Appetite for Destruction.” This album achieved remarkable success, reaching #1 on the “Billboard” 200 and Top Hard Rock Albums charts, as well as the New Zealand Albums chart. “Appetite for Destruction” was certified Platinum or higher in over a dozen countries, attaining 18× Platinum status in the U.S. It featured hit singles such as “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and “Paradise City.” By that time, it was the best-selling debut album in the U.S. in the history of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
In 1988, the band’s second album, “G N’ R Lies,” reached #2 on the “Billboard” 200 chart and was certified 5× Platinum in the U.S. and Platinum in Argentina and New Zealand. The single “Patience” became a top 10 hit in seven countries. Steven Adler’s tenure with Guns N’ Roses was marked by significant contributions to these albums. However, his struggle with heroin addiction led to his departure from the band in July 1990.
Post-Guns N’ Roses Career and Ventures
Following his exit from Guns N’ Roses, Steven Adler embarked on various musical endeavors. He reformed Road Crew with singer Davy Vain, bassist Ashley Mitchell, and guitarists Jamie Scott and Shawn Rorie. Despite recording an album, Adler’s drug issues led to the band’s disbandment.
In July 1991, Adler filed a lawsuit against his former Guns N’ Roses bandmates, alleging that he was unfairly terminated due to the effects of an opiate-blocking drug used for his detox. The lawsuit was settled out of court in 1993, with Adler receiving a $2.25 million back-payment check and a 15% royalty share for his contributions to the band’s earlier music.
In 2003, Adler joined the band Suki Jones, which was later renamed Adler’s Appetite. This band primarily performed songs from the “Appetite for Destruction” album. Adler’s Appetite released a self-titled EP in 2005, followed by the EP “Alive” in 2012. Adler also collaborated with Slash on his 2010 self-titled solo album. In 2011, he formed the band Adler, which released the album “Back from the Dead” in 2012. Adler’s musical career has continued, marked by collaborations and performances, including a 2016 guest appearance with Guns N’ Roses during their “Not in This Lifetime… Tour.” In 2018, Adler’s Appetite reunited to commemorate the 30th anniversary of “Appetite for Destruction.”
Beyond his musical work, Steven Adler also appeared on the VH1 reality series “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” (2008; 2011) and the spin-off “Sober House” (2009). He has also appeared in the films “Beyond Desire” (1995), “Dahmer vs. Gacy” (2010), and “What Now” (2015). Adler published the memoir “My Appetite for Destruction: Sex, and Drugs, and Guns N’ Roses” in 2010.
Legal Battles and Personal Struggles
Steven Adler’s career has been interspersed with personal challenges and legal issues. His 1991 lawsuit against Guns N’ Roses, which resulted in a $2.25 million settlement and royalty agreements, marked a significant legal milestone.
In May 1995, Adler was arrested for heroin possession. A year later, he experienced a stroke and fell into a brief coma after taking a speedball, causing temporary paralysis on the left side of his face. In 1997, he faced a domestic violence charge, resulting in a three-year probation sentence, four days in jail, and mandatory drug counseling. In 1998, he was charged with battery for assaulting two women in separate incidents, leading to a 150-day prison sentence, three years’ probation, protective orders for both victims, and court-ordered domestic violence counseling for a year. In June 2019, Adler was hospitalized after a reported possible suicide attempt, which was later clarified as an accidental self-inflicted stab wound to the stomach.
Recognition and Awards
Adler’s contributions to music have been recognized through various awards and nominations. In 2012, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his former Guns N’ Roses bandmates. During his tenure with Guns N’ Roses, the band received 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). The band earned 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. In 2011, Adler and his “Dahmer vs. Gacy” co-stars won the award for Outstanding Cast Performance at the Action on Film International Film Festival.
Real Estate Holdings
In 2015, Steven Adler invested in a 2,700+ square foot home located in the Studio City area of Los Angeles, purchasing it for $1.337 million. This property features three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Steven Adler’s Net Worth: A Summary
Steven Adler’s $10 million net worth is primarily derived from his musical career, encompassing album sales, royalties, and performances. While specific details of his earnings from each of these sources are not publicly available, his successful career with Guns N’ Roses and subsequent ventures have contributed to his financial standing. His real estate investment in Studio City, Los Angeles, adds to his asset portfolio.
