| Full Name | William Bruce Rose Jr. |
| Age | 61 years old |
| Birthday | February 6, 1962 |
| Birthplace | Lafayette, Indiana, United States |
| Relationship | Single |
| Net Worth | $200 million |
| Social Media |
Twitter |
Axl Rose is an iconic American musician who is best known as the lead singer of the legendary rock band Guns N‘ Roses. With his powerful vocals and energetic stage presence, Axl Rose has become one of the most recognizable frontmen in rock music history.
Early Life and Childhood
William Bruce Rose Jr., better known as Axl Rose, was born on February 6, 1962 in Lafayette, Indiana to Sharon E. Rose and William Rose Sr. According to sources, Axl endured a troubled childhood dealing with abuse from his biological father. At age 17, after his mother‘s divorce, he left home for Los Angeles to pursue his musical passions.
"I came from a small town and I just wanted to get out, see the world and do something that wasn’t considered the norm," Axl reflected.
Axl spent time singing in church choirs and was influenced by artists like Elton John, Queen, AC/DC, and Aerosmith. The abuse he faced growing up later inspired emotional, introspective lyrics when he began writing songs.
Forming the Legendary Guns N‘ Roses
After playing in Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns, Axl Rose met guitarist Tracii Guns in 1985 and together they formed Guns N‘ Roses. The initial lineup went through changes until solidifying with Slash on lead guitar, Izzy Stradlin on rhythm guitar, Duff McKagan on bass and Steven Adler on drums.
Guns N‘ Roses created a gritty, raw sound and look that stood out from the glam metal acts dominating the Sunset Strip. According to Slash:
"The guys that I had in my band were extremely unique individuals and we created an incredibly spontaneous vibe that generated this authentic rock ‘n’ roll energy.”
They were soon signed to Geffen Records and in 1987 released their explosive debut album Appetite for Destruction, featuring hits like "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Sweet Child O‘ Mine".
Rise to Fame in the Late 1980s
Driven by Rose‘s wailing vocals, Guns N‘ Roses injected new life into hard rock music and blew up into international superstars. Their image was dangerous yet magnetic, endearing them to rebellious youth while horrifying parents.
“Axl had found a way to take rock & roll and give it the power and the angst and the energy and the catharsis that punk had had a few years back,” remarked Kurt Cobain.
The success of Appetite for Destruction, which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, enabled the band to embark on an extensive 28-month tour. But the constant touring took its toll, exacerbating band tensions and Rose‘s vocal issues.
The Epic Use Your Illusion Albums
Guns N‘ Roses‘ 1991 simultaneous release of the albums Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II marked the height of the band‘s creativity and popularity. The records debuted at No. 1 and No. 2 on the charts, spawning multiple hits like “Don’t Cry,” “You Could Be Mine,” and the sweeping “November Rain.” The accompanying stadium tour broke attendance records globally.
“We thought one record was enough for anybody, but we had a lot of songs," Axl said. "We write a lot of material."
But personal issues tore the band apart. Clashing egos, substance abuse, and infighting prompted Slash to leave Guns N‘ Roses in 1996.
Tumultuous Solo Career and Eventual Reunion
After 1993‘s "The Spaghetti Incident?", Rose took years crafting the album Chinese Democracy with new lineups of musicians. When it finally released in 2008, it was met with mixed reviews. But Axl‘s journey to complete his magnum opus demonstrated his uncompromising artistic vision.
Axl continued touring with different versions of Guns N’ Roses for years. But in 2016, he shocked the world by reuniting with Slash and McKagan for the "Not in This Lifetime Tour”, proving the trio’s enduring musical chemistry.
An Indelible Legacy in Rock History
Today, with over 100 million records sold worldwide, Guns N’ Roses are considered one of the greatest rock bands ever. Axl Rose‘s otherworldly voice and magnetism left an indelible mark on hard rock.
Now approaching 60 years old, Axl Rose remains an enigmatic icon. Despite the controversy that plagued Guns N’ Roses, his artistic brilliance and showmanship influenced generations of performers. This small-town Indiana boy with big dreams left behind a towering legacy still unmatched in rock and roll history.