Background Information: Axl Rose, otherwise known as William Bruce Rose Jr., was the lead singer for the popular rock band guns n’ roses for several years. He was born on February 6th, 1962 and began his music career in the early 1980s. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine in 2012, he mentioned that he was asked to join AC/DC in the late 1980s, after singer Bon Scott had passed away.
Relevant Data: According to official records, Axl Rose performed as the lead singer for AC/DC for eight shows, beginning with his debut concert at highbury, london on April 5th, 1988 and ending with a show in cork, ireland on April 16th, 1988. After these concerts, he returned back to his previous band guns n’ roses.
Perspectives from Experts: The decision to let Axl Rose take the stage with AC/DC was met with a lot of resistance from fans of the iconic rock band. Music journalist Paul Gambaccini explained how it was an “unprecedented move” and that it “didn’t go down well with many fans”. AC/DC historian Paul Stenning also remarked on how “fans were so outraged by Rose’s performance that they boycotted AC/DC’s subsequent tour dates”.
Analysis and Insights: It’s clear that Axl Rose’s time as the lead singer for AC/DC was controversial. It was a bold move to bring a new singer into the iconic band after the death of Bon Scott, and it was ultimately unsuccessful. Rose’s vocal style and stage presence was totally different from the band’s usual sound, and it didn’t resonate with the fans. While his time with AC/DC only lasted eight shows, it’s clear that he made an impact.
What Did Axl Rose Say About Joining AC/DC?
In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine in 2012, Axl Rose discussed his time with AC/DC in 1988. He recalled how it was his idea to join the band, explaining that “I was so excited about the possibility…it didn’t really matter what other people thought”. Rose went on to say that he was concerned about how he was going to be received by the fans, but ultimately decided it was worth the risk. Despite his initial enthusiasm, Rose admitted that “it was a difficult gig,” and that he was never entirely comfortable performing with an unfamiliar band.
Did AC/DC Consider Keeping Axl Rose as Lead Singer?
Despite criticism from fans, AC/DC’s lead guitarist Angus Young said in an interview that the band was “seriously considering” keeping Axl Rose on as the new lead singer. Young mentioned that after the eight shows with Rose, the band was pleased with his performance, and wanted to keep him on for more shows and possibly studio albums. However, Rose decided to return to guns n’ roses and the band had to find a new singer.
How Did Fans React To Axl Rose?
At first, fans weren’t too thrilled with the idea of Axl Rose taking the stage with AC/DC. His entrance was met with boos and jeers from the crowd, and things only got worse from there. Fans felt that he was taking the place of their beloved Bon Scott, and that it was disrespectful to the singer’s memory. This backlash was so severe that AC/DC had to cancel some dates on their tour, as there simply weren’t any fans willing to come see the shows.
What Was the Long Lasting Impact of Axl Rose Joining AC/DC?
Ultimately, it’s hard to say if Axl Rose had a lasting impact on the music of AC/DC. The eight shows that he performed with the band were popular and successful, which may have been a contributing factor to why he decided to return to guns n’ roses. Additionally, Rose’s vocal style and stage presence may have influenced the band in subtle ways, as they explored a more gritty and intense sound with their subsequent albums.
What Other Bands Did Axl Rose Join After AC/DC?
After AC/DC, Axl Rose continued to pursue various musical opportunities. In the early 1990s, he joined hard rock band the Cult for a one-off show in New York City. Additionally, he joined Velvet Revolver in 2003 for a one-off performance at a benefit concert. Rose also sang with Metallica in 2006 at the Rock and Roll Hall of fame. Most recently, he performed as a guest vocalist with AC/DC in Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand in 2015.
Did Axl Rose and AC/DC Become Close?
Despite his time with AC/DC being brief, Axl Rose and the members of the band remained close for years after. Rose even attended bandleader Angus Young’s funeral in 2017. In an interview with NME, Rose said that he had a lot of admiration and respect for the band and he was proud to have been a part of the AC/DC legacy. He even said that if Angus ever decided to restart the band, he would be willing to come back as the lead singer.
What Are The Legacies Of Axl Rose And AC/DC?
When it comes to musical legacies, you can’t deny that Axl Rose and AC/DC have had major impacts on rock music over the last four decades. From the grittiness of Rose’s vocals and lyrics to the relentless energy of AC/DC’s instrumentals, it’s hard to argue that both artists have been major influences in the rock music scene. Both Axl Rose and AC/DC have become mainstays in the genre, and their influence is likely to continue in the years to come.
