On January 20th, 1989, Guns N' Roses performed at the 16th Annual American Music Awards. However, drummer Steven Adler's heroin addiction meant he was admitted to rehab, leaving the band without a drummer.

Their performance at the AMAs of "Patience" was going to be a career defining one, and the band was pretty stressed about not having Adler, until they asked Don Henley. Axl Rose said to him:

With a bit of encouragment from producer Danny Kortchmar, Henley agreed. After the performance, Henley said:

Have a watch of the full video below.