Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Axl Rose

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Axl Rose made an impact.

Axl Rose is an American singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses. He is the only consistent member of the band since its formation in 1985. Rose is recognized for his distinctive, powerful, and wide-ranging vocal abilities, earning him accolades as one of the greatest singers of all time by prominent media sources like Rolling Stone, NME, and Billboard.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

March 1983: Joining Rapidfire

In March 1983, Axl Rose met guitarist Kevin Lawrence and joined his band Rapidfire.

May 1983: Recording Demo with Rapidfire

In May 1983, Axl Rose recorded a five-song demo with Rapidfire at Telstar Studios in Burbank, which was later released as the EP Ready to Rumble in 2014.

January 1984: Recording Demo with Hollywood Rose

In January 1984, Axl Rose and Hollywood Rose recorded a five-song demo featuring tracks like "Anything Goes" and "Reckless Life," which was released in 2004 as The Roots of Guns N' Roses.

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March 1985: Formation of Guns N' Roses

In March 1985, Axl Rose and Tracii Guns formed Guns N' Roses by merging their respective bands Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns, with Izzy Stradlin and others.

1985: Guns N' Roses inception

In 1985, Axl Rose became the lead vocalist and lyricist for the newly formed hard rock band Guns N' Roses and has remained the band's sole constant member since its creation.

1985: Co-founding Guns N' Roses

In 1985, Axl Rose co-founded Guns N' Roses after having been active in the local hard rock scene and participating in several bands in Los Angeles, California.

March 1986: Signing with Geffen Records

In March 1986, Guns N' Roses signed with Geffen Records, marking a significant step in their career.

March 1986: Name Change and Signing with Geffen Records

In March 1986, W. Axl Rose legally changed his name to W. Axl Rose prior to signing his contract with Geffen Records.

July 1987: Release of Appetite for Destruction

In July 1987, Guns N' Roses released their debut album Appetite for Destruction, which became a major commercial success.

November 1987: Axl Rose arrested onstage for assault

In November 1987, Axl Rose was arrested onstage after assaulting a security guard during a show. He refused to apologize and was arrested.

1987: Release of Appetite for Destruction

In 1987, Guns N' Roses released their debut album, Appetite for Destruction. It became the best-selling debut album of all time in the U.S., selling 18 million units.

1990: Axl Rose arrested for assault with a deadly weapon

In 1990, Axl Rose was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly hitting his next-door neighbor on the head with an empty wine bottle. The incidents with his neighbor inspired the lyrics to "Right Next Door To Hell".

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1990: Recording follow-up to Appetite for Destruction

In 1990, Guns N' Roses started recording the follow-up to Appetite for Destruction, but sessions were unproductive due to Steven Adler's drug addiction.

January 1991: First show with Sorum and Reed at Rock in Rio 2

In January 1991, Matt Sorum and Dizzy Reed played their first show with Guns N' Roses at Rock in Rio 2.

May 1991: Start of Use Your Illusion Tour

In May 1991, Guns N' Roses embarked on the two-and-a-half-year Use Your Illusion Tour, which became known for financial success and controversial incidents.

September 1991: Release of Use Your Illusion I and II

In September 1991, Guns N' Roses released "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II". The albums debuted at No. 2 and No. 1 respectively on the Billboard 200. By the time of the albums' release, Axl Rose's relationships with his bandmates had become increasingly strained.

November 1991: Izzy Stradlin Leaves Guns N' Roses

In November 1991, Izzy Stradlin abruptly left Guns N' Roses due to complications and increasing alcohol and substance abuse among bandmates. He was replaced by Gilby Clarke of Kill For Thrills.

1991: Release of Use Your Illusion I and II

In 1991, Guns N' Roses released the twin albums Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II, which debuted at No. 2 and No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

April 20, 1992: Axl Rose Performs at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert

On April 20, 1992, Axl Rose performed with Elton John at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium. He sang "Bohemian Rhapsody" as a duet with John and also sang "We Will Rock You".

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1992: Axl Rose arrested for Riverport Riot

In 1992, Axl Rose was arrested for his role in the Riverport Riot, which took place the previous year after Rose cut short a concert. Rose was found guilty of property damage and assault, fined $50,000, and given two years probation.

July 17, 1993: Final Show of the Use Your Illusion Tour

On July 17, 1993, Guns N' Roses played its final show of the Use Your Illusion Tour at River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires. This was Axl Rose's last live performance with the band for seven and a half years.

June 1994: Gilby Clarke's Contract Not Renewed

In June 1994, Axl Rose did not renew Gilby Clarke's contract with Guns N' Roses, claiming Clarke was only a "hired hand". This decision, made without consulting his bandmates, further strained relations within the band.

August 1995: Axl Rose Forms New Partnership

In August 1995, Axl Rose legally left the band and created a new partnership under the Guns N' Roses name. Rose stated he took this step "to salvage Guns not steal it".

October 1996: Slash Leaves Guns N' Roses

In October 1996, Slash finally left Guns N' Roses due to his differences with Axl Rose, marking a significant departure from the band's classic lineup.

June 1997: Matt Sorum Fired from Guns N' Roses

In June 1997, Matt Sorum was fired from Guns N' Roses after an argument over Paul "Huge" Tobias's involvement in the band, further depleting the original lineup.

1997: Rose Purchases Rights to Guns N' Roses Name

Reportedly in 1997, Axl Rose purchased the full rights to the Guns N' Roses name. This action further solidified his control over the band and its future direction.

1998: Work on new album underway

By 1998, work on a new Guns N' Roses album was underway, with only Axl Rose and keyboardist Dizzy Reed remaining from the previous tour lineup.

1999: Vocal Recordings For Absurd and Hard Skool

In 1999, the vocals for both Absurd and Hard Skool were recorded.

January 14, 2001: Axl Rose Resurfaces at Rock in Rio 3

On January 14, 2001, Axl Rose resurfaced with Guns N' Roses at Rock in Rio 3, commencing the decade-long Chinese Democracy Tour. This marked his return to the public eye after a period of withdrawal.

2001: Resurfacing at Rock in Rio 3

In 2001, Axl Rose resurfaced with a new lineup of Guns N' Roses at Rock in Rio 3 to promote the upcoming album.

2004: Rose Lends Voice to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

In 2004, Axl Rose lent his voice to the video game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" as the DJ for the radio station, K-DST, marking an appearance outside of his musical performances.

2004: Lawsuit against the release of The Roots of Guns N' Roses and Greatest Hits

In 2004, Axl Rose unsuccessfully sued to prevent the release of "The Roots of Guns N' Roses". Later that year, Rose joined Slash and Duff McKagan in unsuccessfully suing to prevent the release of "Greatest Hits".

January 2006: Rose Promises New Music

In a rare interview in January 2006, Axl Rose said "people will hear music this year," raising expectations for the release of new Guns N' Roses material.

2006: Slash and McKagan sue Rose over publishing credits

In 2006, Slash and Duff McKagan sued Axl Rose over publishing and songwriting credits, which Rose claimed were due to a clerical error.

October 2007: Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock release

In October 2007, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock was released, including "Welcome to the Jungle" and featuring Slash, which led to Axl Rose filing a lawsuit in 2010.

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2007: Guns N' Roses Tour with Guest Appearances by Izzy Stradlin

Throughout 2007, Guns N' Roses toured extensively, with several guest appearances by Izzy Stradlin. Despite touring, the highly anticipated album, "Chinese Democracy," still failed to materialize.

November 2008: Release of Chinese Democracy

In November 2008, fifteen years after its last album, Guns N' Roses released "Chinese Democracy" exclusively via Best Buy. Axl Rose did not contribute to the album's promotion.

2008: Last Release Before 2021 Singles

In 2008 Guns N' Roses released their last album before releasing singles in 2021.

2008: Release of Chinese Democracy

In 2008, Guns N' Roses released the long-delayed album Chinese Democracy, which was the most expensive rock album ever produced.

December 2009: Guns N' Roses Embarks on Another Tour

In December 2009, a year after the album's release, Guns N' Roses embarked on another two-and-a-half years of touring, including a headlining performance at Rock in Rio 4.

November 2010: Rose sues Activision over Guitar Hero III

In November 2010, Axl Rose sued Activision for $20 million, claiming they violated an agreement by including references to Slash in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

2010: Image of Axl Rose taken

In 2010, a Winnipeg Free Press photographer took an image of Axl Rose, which was later reposted by Gauntlet under the headline "OMFG Axl Rose is Fat." In May 2016, Rose attempted to suppress the image via DMCA takedown notices.

2010: Irving Azoff sues Axl Rose for unpaid fees

In 2010, former band manager Irving Azoff sued Axl Rose, seeking $1.87 million in unpaid fees related to touring. Rose counter-sued, alleging mismanagement and sabotage.

2011: Settlement agreement with Irving Azoff

According to Axl Rose in 2011, part of the settlement agreement with Irving Azoff dictated that Rose and Guns N' Roses had to do a number of performances with Azoff's company Live Nation as the promoter.

February 2013: Rose's lawsuit against Activision dismissed

In February 2013, Axl Rose's claim against Activision was summarily dismissed, as he did not bring suit within the statute of limitations following the October 2007 release of Guitar Hero III.

2013: Lawsuit over microphone thrown into crowd

In 2013, Axl Rose was sued after a microphone he threw into the crowd at an Australian concert struck a man, causing extensive dental damage.

2014: New Album Pending Release

By mid-2014, Guns N' Roses' new album, recorded concurrently with Chinese Democracy, and a remix album were completed and pending release. However, no new material emerged.

2014: Threatened legal action over Rapidfire recordings

In 2014, Axl Rose threatened legal action over the release of Rapidfire (his pre-Hollywood Rose band) recordings, keeping them from digital storefronts for a while.

April 28, 2015: Letter to Indonesian President Regarding Bali Nine

On April 28, 2015, Axl Rose sent a letter to Indonesian President Joko Widodo asking Widodo to remove the option of the death penalty in the case of the Bali Nine on grounds of humanitarianism. Rose then criticized Widodo for "ignoring the international outcry" after two were executed.

April 2016: Reunion Performance at The Troubadour

In April 2016, Axl Rose shared a stage with Slash for the first time in nearly 23 years during Guns N' Roses' surprise performance at The Troubadour, ahead of its headlining shows at Coachella. This marked the start of the Not in This Lifetime... Tour.

April 16, 2016: Rose Joins AC/DC as Lead Singer

On April 16, 2016, AC/DC announced that Axl Rose would be joining them and performing as the lead singer for the remainder of the band's Rock or Bust World Tour, after Brian Johnson had to stop touring due to hearing problems.

May 2016: DMCA takedown notices for 2010 image

In May 2016, Axl Rose sent a series of DMCA takedown notices to Google, in an attempt to suppress a 2010 image of him that was taken by a Winnipeg Free Press photographer and reposted by Gauntlet, under the headline "OMFG Axl Rose is Fat.", leading to a Streisand effect.

August 2016: Chris Pitman sues Axl Rose for unpaid wages

In August 2016, former Guns N' Roses keyboardist Chris Pitman sued Axl Rose for $125,000 in unpaid wages. The two parties settled in November 2016.

November 2016: Settlement between Axl Rose and Chris Pitman

In November 2016, Axl Rose and former Guns N' Roses keyboardist Chris Pitman settled a lawsuit where Pitman had sued Rose for $125,000 in unpaid wages. Pitman's lawsuit began in August 2016.

2016: Reunion with Slash and Duff McKagan

In 2016, Axl Rose's feud with Slash ended as Slash and bassist Duff McKagan rejoined Guns N' Roses for the Not in This Lifetime... Tour. Also in 2016, Rose toured with AC/DC as a fill-in vocalist.

2016: Azoff denies pressuring Rose to reunite with former bandmates

In a 2016 interview, Irving Azoff denied he had pressured Axl Rose to reunite with former bandmates.

2018: Appearance in New Looney Tunes

In 2018, Axl Rose appeared in an episode of New Looney Tunes as himself, singing an original song "Rock the Rock".

2018: Johnson, Rudd and Williams Return to AC/DC

In 2018, Brian Johnson, Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams returned to AC/DC to record an album.

May 7, 2020: Axl Rose criticizes Steven Mnuchin on Twitter

On May 7, 2020, Axl Rose criticized Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Twitter for the Trump administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, to which Mnuchin responded.

September 30, 2020: Brian Johnson Returns to AC/DC

On September 30, 2020, AC/DC officially announced that Brian Johnson, along with Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams had returned to the band in 2018 and recorded an album, clarifying that Axl Rose only stepped in to help finish the tour.

2020: Guns N' Roses 2020 Tour

In 2020, Axl Rose and Guns N' Roses continued touring after the Not In This Lifetime... Tour, with the Guns N' Roses 2020 Tour.

2021: Release of 'Absurd' and 'Hard Skool' Singles

In 2021, Guns N' Roses released two singles, "Absurd" and "Hard Skool", marking their first release of newly recorded material since 2008.

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2021: Concert in Pennsylvania

In 2021, after a concert in Pennsylvania, Axl Rose was sued in 2022 by a person who claims they were injured when he threw a mic stand in the crowd.

2022: Lawsuit over microphone stand thrown into crowd

In 2022, Axl Rose was sued by a person who claims they were injured when he threw a mic stand in the crowd after a 2021 concert in Pennsylvania. After a third incident in 2022, Rose stated he would no longer throw items into the audience to prevent further issues.

2023: Release of 'Perhaps' and 'The General' Singles

In 2023, Axl Rose and Guns N' Roses released the two singles "Perhaps" and "The General", the latter having a music video uploaded to YouTube on January 24. They also performed live in Indio, California, as part of the 2023 tour.

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