William Bruce Rose, Jr. (born February 6, 1962), better known by his stage name Axl Rose, is an American rock musician, singer, and songwriter who is best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of Guns N' Roses, being the sole consistent member of the group since the group's formation. Since 2016, he has also been the lead singer of AC/DC following the departure of Brian Johnson.
Rose has often been praised for his energetic live performances and extensive vocal range and is considered one of the greatest singers of all-time. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 2012 as a member of Guns N' Roses.
Biography[]
Discography[]
Albums[]
- Appitite for Destruction
- GnR Lies
- Use Your Illusion I
- Use your illusion II
- "The Spagettie Incident?"
- Chinese Democracy
2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Controversy[]
In a controversial move, Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose posted an open letter on his band's Facebook page announcing that he is refusing to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during the ceremeony on April 14th, 2012. The lengthy letter is addressed to the Hall of Fame itself, and Rose not only says that he will not be attending the ceremony, but he also requests that they do not induct him in absentia and that he wants no part of a Guns N' Rose reunion. Rose never gives a concrete reason why he is opposed to the induction, but does mention that he researched the issue, received fan feedback, spoke with the Hall of Fame board, reflected, and decided it wasn't for him. The singer, who split from the band in the late 90s, did say that he has no problem if his band mates want to be accept their inductions.
It should be noted that Rose isn't the first to snub the Hall of Fame. Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath, Gene Simmons/KISS, and David Lee Roth/Eddie Van Halen/Van Halen were all opposed to the idea. And of course, there is the infamous letter that Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Rotten wrote to the Hall of Fame.