Axl Rose explains why he chose to play 'November Rain' at Lisa Marie Presley's memorial
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose paid tribute to the late Lisa Marie Presley with a performance at her memorial on Sunday, January 22. The 'Sweet Child O' Mine' hitmaker said, "I didn't really know I was going to speak or anything. I still feel like I don't know that I deserve to be here, but I wanted to try to do right by her and her family and her fans. So it meant a lot, but I was pretty nervous and emotional up there."
Rose decided to sing Guns N’ Roses' 'November Rain', one of the most iconic rock songs of all time, which was reportedly a favorite of Lisa Marie. He revealed that he chose to perform the song because the late singer had requested it. "It was my understanding, she actually talked about if the situation ... so that's why I was asked to do it. Of course, I had to be here," said Rose, as per AceShowBiz.
READ MORE
Rose performed a solo rendition of 'November Rain' at the memorial service, which included additional tributes by Sarah Ferguson, Alanis Morissette, and more. During the service, the performer acknowledged he was still "in shock" at Lisa Marie's death. He said, "I'm sure many of you are still in shock as I feel. I'll continue to be for quite some time. I feel like I'm supposed to be texting her like right now saying, 'I'm here,' telling her how wonderful everyone is. I never in a million years imagined singing here, especially under these circumstances. This is truly devastating."
The 60-year-old musician also discussed how crucial it was for Lisa Marie to preserve her late father Elvis Presley's legacy. He said, "I do know Lisa loved her family very much and was fiercely protective of her father and his legacy - both her love for him and his love for her. She was extremely proud as anyone could ever be of her father and his many accomplishments, his place in music and American and world history. She was also very proud of the 'Elvis' movie and how she felt it portrayed her father and the care that was put into the film by those involved."