Axl Rose turns 50 today. I may have once drunkenly said that if I had one wish it would be to sing like Axl Rose. Set aside all your thoughts about Chinese Democracy. About drug and alcohol and ladyfriend abuse and videos featuring dolphins. Now actually listen to a Guns ‘n’ Roses song and tell me the man is not a genius.
Listen, really listen to the song Estranged. Or, Civil War. Or, start with Sweet Child ‘O Mine to warm yourself up. Who else sings like that? Who has that range, both tonally and stylistically? Sometimes it sounds like he’s singing chords.
Axl Rose is one of the most underappreciated artistic talents of his time. I’m not claiming he’s a good person, just the most gifted vocalist of his generation. And as a fellow Aquarius, ginger, lover of aviators and hater of shirts with sleeves, I just want to say, happy birthday to you, sir.
What’s wrong with Chinese Democracy? Too much a masterpiece for your taste?
Actually, Axl was the only one in Guns who DIDN’T have substance abuse issues…