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. Recognized for his powerful and wide-ranging voice, Rose has received acclaim as one of the greatest singers of all time from prominent media outlets.

Sections (5)

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

1985: Axl Rose and Slash face statutory rape charges

In 1985, Axl Rose and Slash were charged with statutory rape after an encounter with a 15-year-old girl named Michelle. The charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence after Rose and Slash spent several weeks being fugitives hiding from the police.

1986: Intentional overdose and inspiration for Coma

In 1986, Axl Rose intentionally overdosed on painkillers due to stress and ended up in the hospital. This experience inspired the lyrics to the Guns N' Roses song "Coma".

Loading Video...

August 1988: Tragedy at Monsters of Rock Festival

During Guns N' Roses' performance at the Monsters of Rock festival in August 1988, two fans were crushed to death, leading Rose to become known for addressing disruptive fans from the stage.

October 1990: Erin Everly suffers a miscarriage

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

1990: Guns N' Roses Return to Studio

In early 1990, Guns N' Roses returned to the studio, but recording sessions were unproductive due to Steven Adler's drug addiction. Adler was later fired, and keyboardist Dizzy Reed joined the band.

July 1991: Riverport Riot

In July 1991, during a concert at the Riverport Amphitheater, Axl Rose dived into the crowd to seize a fan's video camera. He left the stage, prompting a riot that caused significant damages.

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. However, relationships between Axl Rose and his bandmates were strained, and Izzy Stradlin left the group in November 1991.

November 1991: Izzy Stradlin leaves Guns N' Roses

In November 1991, Izzy Stradlin, Axl Rose's childhood friend, abruptly left Guns N' Roses, citing complications in daily life within the band, Rose's lateness, the riot incident, and Stradlin's sobriety conflicting with the other bandmates' alcohol and substance abuse. He was replaced by Gilby Clarke.

August 1992: Riot at Montreal's Olympic Stadium

In August 1992, a riot occurred at Montreal's Olympic Stadium during a tour with Metallica. Metallica's set was cut short due to an accident with James Hetfield, and Guns N' Roses was late to take the stage due to Axl Rose's tardiness. Rose complained of voice problems and walked off stage an hour into the show, triggering a riot that resulted in $400,000 in damages.

June 1994: Gilby Clarke's contract not renewed

In June 1994, Axl Rose did not renew Gilby Clarke's contract without consulting his bandmates, stating that Clarke was only a "hired hand". Tension escalated with Slash after Rose hired Paul "Huge" Tobias as Clarke's replacement, leading to unused recorded material due to a lack of collaboration.

2002: Riot at Vancouver concert

In 2002, after a surprise appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards, a riot erupted at Vancouver's General Motors Place when Axl Rose failed to appear for a scheduled Guns N' Roses concert, resulting in $100,000 in damages.