Challenges in the Life of Axl Rose in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Axl Rose faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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

1986: Intentional Overdose on Painkillers

In 1986, Axl Rose intentionally overdosed on painkillers due to stress, resulting in hospitalization. This experience later inspired the lyrics to the Guns N' Roses song "Coma".

August 1988: Monsters of Rock Tragedy

In August 1988, during Guns N' Roses' performance at the Monsters of Rock festival, two fans died, leading to Axl Rose becoming known for addressing disruptive fans and giving instructions to security.

October 1990: Everly Suffers Miscarriage

In October 1990, Erin Everly suffered a miscarriage, deeply affecting Axl Rose, who had wanted to start a family.

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: Marriage to Erin Everly Annulled

In January 1991, Axl Rose and Erin Everly annulled their marriage after Everly left Rose in November, ending their tumultuous relationship.

July 1991: Riverport Riot

In July 1991, during a concert at the Riverport Amphitheater, Axl Rose incited a riot after diving into the crowd to seize a fan's video camera, causing significant damages.

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.

August 1992: Riot at Montreal Olympic Stadium

In August 1992, another riot occurred at Montreal's Olympic Stadium during a co-headlining tour with Metallica. The riot was triggered by Axl Rose's late arrival and subsequent complaints of voice problems, leading to him walking off stage. This resulted in an estimated $400,000 in damages.

July 5, 1993: Alleged Ultimatum Before Barcelona Show

Before the July 5, 1993 show in Barcelona, Spain, Axl Rose allegedly delivered an ultimatum to his bandmates. Slash claimed Rose demanded they sign over the rights to the Guns N' Roses name to him or he would not perform.

1993: Release of The Spaghetti Incident?

In 1993, Guns N' Roses released the album "The Spaghetti Incident?", which failed to achieve the same success as their previous albums, and Axl Rose's cover of a Charles Manson song stirred controversy.

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.

1994: Disappearance from public eye

In 1994, after the Use Your Illusion Tour, Axl Rose disappeared from public view while Guns N' Roses stalled on making a new album.

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.

2002: Riot in Vancouver After Concert Cancellation

In 2002, a riot erupted at Vancouver's General Motors Place after Axl Rose failed to show up for a scheduled concert. The cancellation led to significant damages, estimated at $100,000.