Axl Rose Then and Now: How Guns N' Roses singer has evolved over the years
Axl Rose's signature voice is instantly recognizable but his looks have changed
William Bruce Bailey was born in Lafayette, Indiana on February 6, 1962. Bailey discovered rock music when he heard Led Zeppelin's 'D'yer Mak'er' and would never be the same. Bailey eventually changed his name to "W. Axl Rose" and has been regarded as one of the most illustrious, gifted, and unpredictable frontmen in the history of music biz. Although the artist's appearance has changed significantly over the last few years, Guns N' Roses would have left a far lesser legacy today if not for Rose's five-octave vocal range, diverse vocal styles, and powerful attitude. Explore the slideshow below to view pictures of the legendary rockstar taken over the years.
Axl Rose from 1983 - 1984
After years of fronting various bands, the future star reunited with Lafayette friend Izzy Stradlin. The pair undertook several lineup adjustments to get together a working band, after deciding to pursue music seriously. The final line-up included Duff McKagan, Saul "Slash" Hudson, and Steven Adler.
Axl Rose in 1985
When Guns N' Roses returned to Los Angeles in June 1985, it was evident that Rose was now the band's leader. Tracii Guns, one of the founding members of Guns N' Roses, was out of the picture, replaced by guitarist Slash.
Axl Rose in 1987
Rose was 25 years old while promoting an upcoming tour of Japan in 1987. It took the band at least seven months to eventually take off, and 'Appetite for Destruction' hadn't even broken into the top 50 albums sold yet.
Axl Rose in 1990
According to the Los Angeles Times, Rose was arrested in October 1990 for an alleged assault with a lethal weapon after hitting his neighbor in the head with an empty wine bottle. Sheriff's detectives reported that Axl Rose was having an argument with the woman when he is said to have grabbed a bottle of wine from the woman, spilled its contents, and hit her on the head.
Axl Rose in 1992
Rose was detained in 1992 due to his involvement in the Riverport Riot. Rose was found guilty of assault and property damage. He received two years of probation and a $50,000 fine.
Axl Rose in 1998
In 1998, Rose was taken into custody at Phoenix, Arizona's Sky Harbor Airport for allegedly threatening airport security who was going through his bags. He was accused of engaging in disorderly conduct that came with a misdemeanor charge.
Axl Rose in 2002
Guns N’ Roses failed to perform at a December 2002 show at what is now the Wells Fargo Center, and Rose explained that he canceled the event due to illness.
Axl Rose in 2006
Four years after disappearing from public view, Rose was back on the scene with the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards. The same year, in December 2006, Rose allegedly kicked a security guard in the head, while the band was performing at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City, California, according to TMZ, and resulted in a lawsuit.
Axl Rose in 2011
The frontman of Guns N' Roses, Rose was “humbled, (and) blown away” by the support he had received from the public and media regarding his choice to turn down the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and skip the ceremony n 2011.
Axl Rose in 2016
2016 will be remembered by historians as a year when chaos ruled and the cosmos broke down. AC/DC and Axl Rose performed together on stage at a 2016 Vienna, Austria concert. Rose is still one of the most recognizable metal singers of all time, even though he isn't as young as he once was.
Axl Rose in 2019
For the 2019 leg of their 'Not in This Lifetime' tour, Guns N' Roses were back on the road. 'Rock the Rock' was the band's first new song since the release of their sixth studio album 'Chinese Democracy', way back in November 2008. The band underwent a significant transformation after Rose and founding members, Slash and Duff McKagan, got back together in 2016 for a multi-year, international tour.
Axl Rose in 2023
Axl Rose and Slash have been able to stay united for the past seven years. On February 21, 2023, Guns N' Roses announced a massive world tour for 2023. During the run, the seasoned hard rockers would play festivals, stadiums, and arenas all across the Middle East, Europe, and North America.