Axl Rose, the notorious frontman of Guns N’ Roses, is often seen as one of the most controversial figures in rock history. Known for his musical genius and raw energy, he has equally earned a reputation for his erratic behavior, temperamental antics, and choices that nearly derailed his career. Here are five significant mistakes Axl Rose made throughout his career that almost cost him everything.
1. Better Late Than Never…Not!
During Guns N’ Roses’ peak in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the band was riding high, but Axl’s habitual tardiness became a recurring issue. His penchant for showing up to concerts late, sometimes by as much as two to three hours, began to frustrate fans. While a slight delay might be understandable, Axl’s repeated lateness came across as a sign of disrespect toward his audience. Fans soon grew tired of waiting, and this behavior began to damage the band’s image. The attitude of “better late than never” clearly didn’t sit well with concertgoers, and it left a stain on their reputation that took time to mend.
2. Inciting a Riot
Axl’s infamous outburst during a performance of “Rocket Queen” at the Riverport Amphitheater is one of the most memorable (and damaging) moments in Guns N’ Roses’ history. When he spotted a fan filming the concert, Axl lost his cool and decided to take matters into his own hands, diving into the crowd to wrestle the camera away from the fan. After a physical altercation, Axl returned to the stage, shouted “Well, thanks to the lame-ass security, I’m going home!” and stormed off, leaving the show unfinished. His actions sparked a violent riot that caused significant property damage and even led to injuries and fatalities. This costly mistake set the stage for growing tensions between Axl and the public.
3. Pride Before the Fall
Axl’s ongoing feuds with bandmates like Slash, Duff McKagan, and Izzy Stradlin were key factors in the eventual disbandment of Guns N’ Roses during their prime. His inability to reconcile differences within the band led to the delay of much-anticipated albums and tours, and ultimately, the departure of key members. The tension reached a boiling point during the recording of Use Your Illusion, which saw a lack of unity that tarnished the band’s image. As Axl alienated his bandmates, he unintentionally destroyed the very foundation of Guns N’ Roses, cutting short their reign as one of rock’s greatest acts.
4. Look At Those Dreads
Axl’s infamous cornrows from the early 2000s have become one of the most memorable missteps in his career—though not for musical reasons. While the controversial hairstyle wasn’t just about cultural appropriation, it drew backlash and puzzled fans who had always associated Axl with his rockstar persona. The cornrows were viewed as a stark departure from the image that made him a household name and are often cited as an awkward misjudgment that failed to resonate with fans.
5. Desperation Calls
By the time Chinese Democracy was finally released in 2008, it had become a symbol of Axl’s desperation. The album took a grueling 13 years to complete and cost a fortune to produce. During this time, the original members of Guns N’ Roses had left, and Axl replaced them with an ever-changing roster of musicians. The prolonged production process, constant delays, and fluctuating band lineup led many to believe that Chinese Democracy was more about satisfying Axl’s need to prove himself than delivering something fans genuinely wanted. Despite some solid tracks, the album’s long-awaited release couldn’t undo the years of hype and buildup, and it was met with mixed reviews.
Axl Rose’s career has been marked by both incredible success and some serious missteps. Despite these blunders, his legacy in rock remains undeniable. His impact on the genre is immense, but these mistakes serve as a reminder that even the greatest stars have their flaws.
