As a young boy, he was raised to believe women were “evil,” taught that violence at home was normal, and lived through trauma most kids could never imagine But this kid from the Midwest pushed past the strict, closed-in “corn belt” rules he’d been raised under – and became one of the top-selling artists in music history.

His fifth-grade teacher remembered him growing up in Lafayette as “very intelligent, very personable, always had a smile. If you weren’t careful, he’d take the classroom away from you.”

But at 17, after the truth about his biological father came to light, he started heading down a troubled path. Instead of quietly rebelling, he flat-out rejected everything he’d been told was proper, normal, or acceptable.

He was arrested more than 20 times and served jail stints of up to three months. Facing the threat of habitual offender charges, he decided to move to Los Angeles in December 1982.

Legendary rock band
Once in The City of Angels, he set his sights on becoming a rock star, a dream sparked by hearing the ’70s hits of Queen, Aerosmith, and Elton John.

He started a band called AXL, and if you’re starting to put the pieces together, you might already know who we’re talking about. While performing in the band, friends suggested he go by “Axl Rose” — and the rest is rock history. He later legally adopted the name W. Axl Rose, taking the last name of his biological father.

In March 1985, Guns N’ Roses was born when Rose teamed up with guitarist Izzy Stradlin from Hollywood Rose, along with guitarist Tracii Guns, bassist Ole Beich, and drummer Rob Gardner from L.A. Guns.

After signing with Geffen Records in 1986, the lineup that would become legendary took shape: Axl Rose on vocals, Slash on lead guitar, Izzy Stradlin on rhythm guitar, Duff McKagan on bass, and Steven Adler on drums.

By 1987, Guns N’ Roses exploded onto the scene. With their tattoos, wild hair, and rebellious vibe, the rock band became an iconic splash of color.