W. Axl Rose is a prominent figure in the world of rock music, known for his powerful vocals and songwriting as the frontman of Guns N' Roses. Since the band's formation in 1985, Rose has remained its only consistent member, navigating various lineup changes and controversies throughout their career. His distinctive voice and stage presence have contributed to the band's enduring popularity and influence on the hard rock genre. Beyond his musical contributions, Rose's public persona and often turbulent personal life have also been subjects of media attention.
February 6, 1962: Birth of W. Axl Rose
W. Axl Rose, originally named William Bruce Rose Jr., was born on February 6, 1962. He would later become a well-known American singer and songwriter, recognized as the lead vocalist of Guns N' Roses.
1985: Axl Rose and Slash Face Statutory Rape Charges
In 1985, Axl Rose and Slash were charged with statutory rape after Rose had sex with a 15-year-old girl. The charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence.
1986: Axl Rose's hospital incident inspires 'Coma'
In 1986, Axl Rose intentionally overdosed on painkillers due to stress, resulting in a hospital visit. This experience inspired the lyrics for the Guns N' Roses song 'Coma'.
November 1987: Axl Rose Arrested Onstage
Axl Rose was arrested onstage in November 1987 for assaulting a security guard during a concert after refusing to apologize.
1987: Release of Appetite for Destruction
In 1987, Guns N' Roses released their debut album, Appetite for Destruction. The album would go on to sell over 30 million copies worldwide, becoming the best-selling debut album in the United States with 18 million units sold.
November 1988: Release of G N' R Lies and Controversy
In November 1988, Guns N' Roses released the album G N' R Lies, selling over five million copies in the U.S. The album sparked controversy due to the song 'One in a Million', which was criticized for racist and homophobic content. Axl Rose defended his use of slurs, attributing them to personal experiences and cultural shock upon moving to Los Angeles.
1988: Controversy Over G N' R Lies
In 1988, Guns N' Roses released G N' R Lies, which stirred controversy due to its track "One in a Million," containing multiple slurs. This release added to Axl Rose's reputation for being at the center of controversy.
August 1989: Axl Rose on Rolling Stone Cover
In August 1989, Axl Rose appeared solo on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, highlighting his rising fame as a prominent rock frontman. The interview and photographs were provided by his friends, showcasing his influence in the music industry.
1989: Alleged Assault Incident
In 1989, the alleged sexual assault incident between Axl Rose and Sheila Kennedy is said to have taken place in Rose's hotel room after they met in a New York nightclub. This incident forms the basis of Kennedy's 2023 lawsuit.
April 28, 1990: Axl Rose marries Erin Everly
On April 28, 1990, Axl Rose married Erin Everly in Las Vegas. Their marriage was short-lived, with Rose filing for divorce less than a month later.
October 1990: Erin Everly suffers miscarriage
In October 1990, Erin Everly, Axl Rose's wife, suffered a miscarriage, which deeply affected Rose as they had been planning to start a family.
1990: Axl Rose Arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon
In 1990, Axl Rose was arrested for allegedly hitting his neighbor with a wine bottle during a dispute over loud music, an incident that inspired the song "Right Next Door To Hell".
1990: Studio Challenges and Lineup Changes
In 1990, Guns N' Roses faced challenges in the studio due to Steven Adler's drug addiction, leading to his dismissal. Matt Sorum and Dizzy Reed joined the band as replacements, marking significant lineup changes.
January 1991: Annulment of Rose's marriage to Everly
In January 1991, Axl Rose's marriage to Erin Everly was annulled following a tumultuous relationship and prior legal filings for divorce.
January 1991: Rock in Rio 2 Performance
In January 1991, Guns N' Roses performed at Rock in Rio 2 with new members Matt Sorum and Dizzy Reed, marking their first show with the band.
May 1991: Start of Use Your Illusion Tour
In May 1991, Guns N' Roses began the Use Your Illusion Tour. The tour became known for its financial success and controversies, including late starts and on-stage incidents.
July 1991: Riverport Riot Incident
In July 1991, during a concert in St. Louis, Axl Rose jumped into the crowd to seize a fan's video camera, leading to a riot causing $200,000 in damages.
September 1991: Release of Use Your Illusion I and II
In September 1991, Guns N' Roses released Use Your Illusion I and II, which debuted at No. 2 and No. 1 on the Billboard 200, setting a record for the band.
November 1991: Izzy Stradlin Leaves Guns N' Roses
In November 1991, Izzy Stradlin left Guns N' Roses, citing complications and personal changes, including his sobriety, as reasons for his departure.
1991: Success of Use Your Illusion Albums
In 1991, Guns N' Roses released two albums, Use Your Illusion I and II, which debuted at No. 2 and No. 1 on the Billboard 200, respectively, selling 35 million copies globally. These albums marked a significant achievement in the band's career.
April 20, 1992: Performance at Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert
On April 20, 1992, Axl Rose performed with Elton John at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, singing 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'We Will Rock You'.
August 1992: Montreal Riot Incident
In August 1992, a riot occurred at Montreal's Olympic Stadium during a tour with Metallica. Axl Rose's late arrival and early departure due to voice problems contributed to the unrest, causing $400,000 in damages.
1992: Axl Rose Arrested for Riverport Riot Involvement
Axl Rose was arrested and found guilty in 1992 for his role in the 1991 Riverport Riot, where he cut short a concert and sparked a riot, resulting in property damage and assault charges.
1992: Axl Rose and Stephanie Seymour's Mutual Assault Allegations
During 1992, Axl Rose and Stephanie Seymour accused each other of assault, with Rose claiming she attacked him at a Christmas party and Seymour alleging assault and battery. Both lawsuits were settled out of court.
1992: Reflection on 'One in a Million' Controversy
In 1992, Axl Rose reflected on the controversy surrounding 'One in a Million'. He acknowledged that the song was a reflection of his initial perceptions upon arriving in Los Angeles and clarified his stance on racism and homophobia, citing personal experiences.
1992: Axl Rose Sued Over Riverport Riot Incident
In 1992, Axl Rose was sued for $210,000 by a concert attendee injured during the Riverport Riot, with the case eventually settling out of court for $160,000.
February 1993: Engagement to Stephanie Seymour
In February 1993, Axl Rose became engaged to supermodel Stephanie Seymour. However, the engagement was brief as they separated three weeks later, highlighting another turbulent relationship in Rose's life.
July 17, 1993: Final Show of Use Your Illusion Tour
On July 17, 1993, Guns N' Roses played the final show of the Use Your Illusion Tour in Buenos Aires. This marked Axl Rose's last performance with the band for over seven years.
1993: Release of The Spaghetti Incident?
In 1993, Guns N' Roses released The Spaghetti Incident?, a punk covers album. It did not achieve the commercial success of its predecessors, partly due to the inclusion of a controversial cover of a Charles Manson song.
1993: Axl Rose and Stephanie Seymour Separate
Axl Rose and Stephanie Seymour separated in 1993, leading to mutual lawsuits alleging assault during their relationship.
June 1994: Gilby Clarke's Departure from Guns N' Roses
In June 1994, Axl Rose chose not to renew Gilby Clarke's contract, viewing him as a 'hired hand'. This decision heightened tensions within the band, particularly with Slash.
1994: Erin Everly Sues Axl Rose for Abuse
In 1994, Erin Everly, Axl Rose's ex-wife, sued him, alleging physical and emotional abuse during their relationship, which was settled out of court.
August 1995: Axl Rose Leaves Guns N' Roses
In August 1995, Axl Rose legally left Guns N' Roses to create a new partnership under the band's name, claiming it was to 'salvage Guns not steal it'.
October 1996: Slash leaves Guns N' Roses
In October 1996, Slash finally left Guns N' Roses due to personal differences with Axl Rose. This marked the beginning of significant lineup changes for the band.
June 1997: Matt Sorum fired from Guns N' Roses
In June 1997, drummer Matt Sorum was dismissed from Guns N' Roses following an argument over Tobias's involvement in the band. This continued the trend of lineup changes during this period.
1997: Axl Rose Acquires Rights to Guns N' Roses Name
In 1997, Axl Rose reportedly purchased the full rights to the Guns N' Roses name, a move contested by Slash and other band members.
1998: Axl Rose Arrested at Phoenix Airport
Axl Rose was arrested in 1998 at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix for threatening an airport security guard during a luggage search, an incident his publicist called a "misunderstanding" over protecting a fragile memento.
January 14, 2001: Guns N' Roses at Rock in Rio 3
On January 14, 2001, Axl Rose resurfaced with Guns N' Roses at Rock in Rio 3, marking the start of the Chinese Democracy Tour. This was a significant comeback for the band despite many scheduled concerts not occurring.
2001: Axl Rose Resurfaces at Rock in Rio 3
In 2001, Axl Rose made a comeback at Rock in Rio 3 with a new lineup of Guns N' Roses, marking his return to the public eye after years of seclusion and band lineup changes.
2002: Riot at Guns N' Roses concert
In 2002, a riot broke out at Vancouver's General Motors Place after Axl Rose failed to show up for a scheduled Guns N' Roses concert. The cancellation announcement led to damages estimated at $100,000.
2004: Axl Rose voices DJ in video game
In 2004, Axl Rose lent his voice to the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, playing the DJ for the radio station K-DST, expanding his influence into gaming.
2004: Axl Rose Sues to Prevent Release of Early Recordings and Greatest Hits
In 2004, Axl Rose unsuccessfully sued to block the release of early Hollywood Rose recordings and, along with Slash and Duff McKagan, tried to prevent the release of Guns N' Roses' Greatest Hits.
January 2006: Axl Rose announces new music
In January 2006, Axl Rose gave a rare interview hinting that new music would be released that year. This came after years of anticipation for the album 'Chinese Democracy'.
June 2006: Axl Rose Arrested in Sweden
In June 2006, Axl Rose was arrested and fined in Sweden for biting a security guard's leg during an altercation at a hotel.
2006: Slash and Duff McKagan Sue Axl Rose Over Publishing Credits
Slash and Duff McKagan sued Axl Rose in 2006 over publishing and songwriting credits, which Rose attributed to a clerical error when changing publishers.
October 2007: Release of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock was released in October 2007, featuring Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle", eventually leading to a lawsuit by Axl Rose against Activision.
November 2008: Release of Chinese Democracy
In November 2008, Guns N' Roses released the long-awaited album 'Chinese Democracy' through Best Buy, marking the band's first album release in fifteen years.
2008: Release of Chinese Democracy
The long-awaited album Chinese Democracy was released in 2008 by Guns N' Roses. Known as the most expensive rock album ever produced, it came after years of anticipation and delays.
2008: Axl Rose Denies Coercion Claims
In 2008, Axl Rose denied claims by Slash that band members were coerced into signing over the rights to the Guns N' Roses name during a previous tour.
December 2009: Guns N' Roses tour following Chinese Democracy release
In December 2009, Guns N' Roses began a tour following the release of 'Chinese Democracy', including a major performance at Rock in Rio 4.
November 2010: Axl Rose Sues Activision Over Guitar Hero III
In November 2010, Axl Rose sued Activision for $20 million, alleging breach of contract regarding the use of Slash's image in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, despite an agreement not to include references to Slash or Velvet Revolver.
2010: Unflattering Photo of Axl Rose Taken
A photo of Axl Rose, later deemed unflattering, was taken in 2010 by a Winnipeg Free Press photographer, which he would later attempt to suppress in 2016.
2010: Irving Azoff Sues Axl Rose for Unpaid Fees
Former Guns N' Roses manager Irving Azoff sued Axl Rose in 2010 for $1.87 million in unpaid touring fees. Rose countersued, alleging mismanagement and sabotage. Both cases were settled.
2011: Axl Rose Reveals Settlement Details with Irving Azoff
In 2011, Axl Rose disclosed that part of his settlement with Irving Azoff required Guns N' Roses to perform several shows promoted by Azoff's company, Live Nation.
2012: Guns N' Roses inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2012, Axl Rose and Guns N' Roses were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, Rose chose not to attend the induction ceremony due to ongoing tensions with former bandmates.
2012: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2012, Axl Rose was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Guns N' Roses, although he requested to be excluded from the ceremony.
February 2013: Axl Rose's Lawsuit Against Activision Dismissed
Axl Rose's lawsuit against Activision was dismissed in February 2013 due to exceeding the statute of limitations related to the 2007 release of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
2014: Axl Rose Threatens Legal Action over Rapidfire Recordings
In 2014, Axl Rose threatened legal action to prevent the release of recordings from his pre-Hollywood Rose band, Rapidfire, delaying their availability on digital platforms.
2014: Guns N' Roses residency in Las Vegas
In 2014, Axl Rose joined Guns N' Roses for a residency at The Joint in Las Vegas as part of the Appetite for Democracy Tour, celebrating the anniversaries of 'Appetite for Destruction' and 'Chinese Democracy'.
2014: Axl Rose's Response to "World's Greatest Singer" Study
In 2014, Axl Rose responded to an informal study naming him the "World's Greatest Singer" by stating that he considered it subjective and listed many other singers he enjoyed, including Freddie Mercury, Elvis Presley, and Paul McCartney.
April 28, 2015: Axl Rose Advocates for Bali Nine
On April 28, 2015, Axl Rose sent a letter to Indonesian President Joko Widodo urging him to reconsider the death penalty for the Bali Nine and later criticized Widodo for "ignoring the international outcry" after two members were executed.
April 2016: Not in This Lifetime... Tour begins
In April 2016, Axl Rose and Slash reunited for the Not in This Lifetime... Tour, performing together for the first time in nearly 23 years. The tour was a significant success, becoming one of the highest-grossing tours in history.
April 16, 2016: Axl Rose joins AC/DC
On April 16, 2016, Axl Rose announced his collaboration with AC/DC as their lead singer for the remaining Rock or Bust World Tour dates, replacing Brian Johnson due to health issues.
May 2016: Axl Rose Issues DMCA Takedown Notices over "Fat" Photo
In May 2016, Axl Rose attempted to remove a 2010 photo of himself from the internet using DMCA takedown notices, resulting in a Streisand effect.
August 2016: Chris Pitman Sues Axl Rose for Unpaid Wages
Former Guns N' Roses keyboardist Chris Pitman sued Axl Rose in August 2016 for $125,000 in unpaid wages.
November 2016: Axl Rose Settles Lawsuit with Chris Pitman
Axl Rose settled the lawsuit with Chris Pitman over unpaid wages in November 2016.
2016: Reunion and Touring with Guns N' Roses and AC/DC
In 2016, Axl Rose reunited with Slash and Duff McKagan for the Not in This Lifetime... Tour, marking the end of a longstanding feud. He also toured with AC/DC as a fill-in vocalist.
2016: Sheila Kennedy's Memoir Published
In 2016, Sheila Kennedy's memoir, "No One's Pet," was published. In it, she mentioned being assaulted by Axl Rose, providing an earlier account of the alleged incident.
2018: Axl Rose in New Looney Tunes
In 2018, Axl Rose appeared as himself in an episode of New Looney Tunes, where he performed an original song, 'Rock the Rock', showcasing his versatility in entertainment.
May 7, 2020: Axl Rose Criticizes Steven Mnuchin on Twitter
On May 7, 2020, Axl Rose publicly criticized Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Twitter regarding the Trump administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a response from Mnuchin.
September 30, 2020: AC/DC announces return of Brian Johnson
On September 30, 2020, AC/DC confirmed Brian Johnson's return to the band, clarifying that Axl Rose's role was temporary to complete their tour, rather than a permanent replacement.
2020: Guns N' Roses 2020 Tour
In 2020, Guns N' Roses continued their live performances with the Guns N' Roses 2020 Tour, maintaining their presence in the rock music scene.
2021: Look Away Documentary
The 2021 documentary "Look Away" featured Sheila Kennedy's account of the alleged assault by Axl Rose, as part of a broader examination of sexual abuse allegations within the music industry.
November 22, 2023: Axl Rose Sued for Sexual Assault
On November 22, 2023, Axl Rose was sued by Sheila Kennedy, who alleged he sexually assaulted her in 1989. The lawsuit was filed in New York under the Adult Survivors Act, just two days before the filing period closed.
2023: New singles by Guns N' Roses
In 2023, Guns N' Roses released two singles, 'Perhaps' and 'The General', with the latter's music video debuting on YouTube on January 24. They also performed live in Indio, California in October.
2023: Axl Rose Performs at Lisa Marie Presley's Memorial
In 2023, following Lisa Marie Presley's death, Axl Rose, a close friend, performed "November Rain" at her memorial service.
February 21, 2024: Axl Rose Files to Dismiss Lawsuit
On February 21, 2024, Axl Rose and his legal team filed a motion to dismiss the sexual assault lawsuit filed by Sheila Kennedy.