Axl Rose, the lead vocalist for the rock band Guns N'Roses, was born William Bruce Rose, Jr. in Lafayette, Indiana on February 6, 1962.http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/24161972/the_100_greatest_singers_of_all_time/print Raised by his mother Sharon and his stepfather, Stephen Bailey, in LaFayette, Rose moved to Los Angeles, California at the age of 17.http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/oct/26/gunsnroses-popandrock1
In 1985, along with lead guitarist, Slash; rhythm guitarist, Izzy Stradlin; bass guitarist, Duff McKagan; and drummer, Steven Adler, Rose formed part of the newly created rock band, Guns N'Roses.
In 1987, after signing with the record label Geffen, Guns N'Roses released their first album, Appetite for Destruction. A total of eight studio albums have been released by Guns N'Roses with Axl Rose as lead vocalist. The latest being Chinese Democracy in 2008.
Rose has been ranked as the 64th greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine.http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/24161972/the_100_greatest_singers_of_all_time/print
Frontline Management Lawsuit
On March 26, 2010, the talent management and promotion firm, Front Line Management, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Rose for failing to pay commissions owed them from an oral agreement of representation between both parties entered into in August of 2008.http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/03/front-line-management-sues-axl-rose-for-18-million.html
Frontline Management claims that Rose grossed $12.5 million from performances at concerts held in Asia, Canada and South America. Based on the terms of the oral agreement, as presented by Frontline, 12.5% of this gross figure is owed to them.http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/03/front-line-management-sues-axl-rose-for-18-million.html
Rose has yet to comment on this litigation issue.
Abused as a Child
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Rose revealed how he had suffered continuously from nightmares throughout his life. He stated that through regression therapy he discovered that, at the age of 2, he had been sexually molested by his biological father.http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5937403/axl_rose_the_rs_interview
In the same interview, Rose also claimed that his stepfather beat him continuously throughout his childhood and that his stepfather also sexually abused Rose's half sister.http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5937403/axl_rose_the_rs_interview
Rose has expressed that he has come to grips with these experiences and has extended forgiveness to both his father and stepfather. Regarding this issue Rose has stated, "Well, I forgive them now." http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5937403/axl_rose_the_rs_interview
Video: Axl Rose, The Early Years
In this video from 2009, part of a documentary on the life of Axl Rose, one can watch how the early years of Rose are recounted. From his difficult childhood in LaFayette, Indiana, to the founding of the rock group Guns N'Roses, it helps to establish a context for the person that is Axl Rose.
Featured Video
Axl Rose Books and Merchandise
- Action Music Cart: Axl Rose Merchandise
References
Fast Facts
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Name
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Birthdate
February 6, 1962
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Birthplace
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Years Active
1985-present
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March 2010
Sued for failure to pay commissions to Frontline Management
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Fact:
Suffered physical abuse from his eventual stepfather at an early ageStar Pulse: Axl Rose Biography
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July 2006
Arrested in Stockholm over allegations he bit a security guardCelebrina: Axl Rose Trivia
