Early Life and Education of Axl Rose: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Axl Rose. A timeline of key moments.

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

February 6, 1962: William Bruce Rose Jr. Born

On February 6, 1962, William Bruce Rose Jr., who would later become known as Axl Rose, was born. He is an American singer and songwriter.

Others born on this day/year

1980: Izzy Stradlin Moves to Los Angeles

In 1980, Axl Rose's childhood friend Izzy Stradlin moved to Los Angeles.

December 1982: Rose Moves to Los Angeles

In December 1982, Axl Rose moved to Los Angeles, California, after authorities threatened to charge him as a habitual criminal in Lafayette.

1984: Biological Father's Murder

In 1984, Axl Rose's biological father, William Rose Sr., was murdered in Marion, Illinois, by a criminal acquaintance. Axl Rose did not learn about the murder until years later.

March 1986: Name Change and Geffen Records Contract

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

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".

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1986: Relationship with Erin Everly begins

In early 1986, Axl Rose began a relationship with Erin Everly, the daughter of singer Don Everly of the Everly Brothers.

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.

April 28, 1990: Marriage to Erin Everly

On April 28, 1990, Axl Rose married Erin Everly in Las Vegas.

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.

January 1991: Annulment of marriage to Erin Everly

In January 1991, Axl Rose and Erin Everly annulled their marriage, following Everly's departure in November after an altercation.

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.

1991: Relationship with Stephanie Seymour begins

In mid-1991, Axl Rose began a relationship with supermodel Stephanie Seymour.

1992: Rose Addresses Concert Security

In 1992, Axl Rose stated that he would confront disruptive fans personally at concerts and have them removed from the venue, rather than addressing them through the security personnel.

February 1993: Engagement to Stephanie Seymour

In February 1993, Axl Rose became engaged to Stephanie Seymour.

1994: Rose Disappears From Public Eye

In 1994, after the tour, Axl Rose disappeared from the public eye while Guns N' Roses stalled on making a new album.

August 1995: Rose leaves band and creates new partnership

In August 1995, Axl Rose legally left Guns N' Roses and created a new partnership under the band's name to 'salvage Guns not steal it'.

October 1996: Slash leaves Guns N' Roses

In October 1996, Slash left Guns N' Roses due to differences with Axl Rose.

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.

1997: Rose reportedly purchases full rights to Guns N' Roses name

In 1997, Axl Rose reportedly purchased the full rights to the Guns N' Roses name.

2014: Rose's opinion on the best singers

In 2014, in response to an informal study that named him the 'World's Greatest Singer', Axl Rose shared his opinion on who he thought the best singers were, mentioning various rock singers and emphasizing that his focus is primarily on rock singers.

April 28, 2015: Letter to Indonesian President regarding the Bali Nine

On April 28, 2015, Axl Rose sent a letter to Indonesian President Joko Widodo requesting the removal of the death penalty for the Bali Nine on humanitarian grounds.

April 2016: Reunion Performance at The Troubadour

In April 2016, Axl Rose and Slash reunited on stage for the first time in nearly 23 years during a surprise performance at The Troubadour, ahead of Guns N' Roses' headlining shows at Coachella.