1999.12.22 - Journal and Courier - Great People Of Greater Lafayette: Axl Rose

Transcript:
--------------

Great people of Greater Lafayette
Axl Rose

Axl Rose, born William Bailey in 1962, dropped out of Jefferson High School, hopped a bus to Los Angeles and by age 26 became one of the most dynamic and controversial frontmen in rock ’n’ roll.

Teaming with fellow Lafayette native, guitarist Izzy Stradlin’ (born Jeff Isbell),

Rose led Guns n’ Roses, a band loved as much by music critics as fans for a style that blended 70s-derived rock of the Rolling Stones with the explosive energy of punk.

Guns n’ Roses’ celebrated 1988 major label debut Appetite for Destruction, spent five weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard charts, producing two Top 10 singles (“Sweet Child o’ Mine” at No. 1; “Welcome to the Jungle” at No. 7). Appetite stayed on the charts for three years; by 1995, it had sold 13 million copies. Guns n’ Roses has put out seven records, four of which went platinum.

Rose’s rise to fame included its share of turmoil, including reports of drug addiction, a series of controversial statements on a variety of subjects and an arrest for inciting a riot during a St. Louis concert.

His success also inspired legions of Lafayette kids to trek to L.A. to test their rock ’n’ roll legs.

Rose remains the last original member of Guns n’ Roses. The band’s latest, Live Era '87-'93, was released Nov. 30. Rose, a famed recluse, is reported to be working on a new studio album.