Behind the Scenes of Guns N’ Roses and Faith No More’s Explosive Tour: Axl Rose Confronts Support Band with Unexpected Question
Are you ready to travel back in time to the 90s and uncover the juicy details of one of the most controversial feuds in rock music history? Let’s dive in!
Back in May 1992, at The Marquee in central London, a band by the name of Haircuts That Kill took the stage. But the savvy crowd knew better – it was actually a not-so-secret gig by none other than Faith No More, there to launch their fourth album, Angel Dust. Tickets were in such high demand that they were being resold for three to four times their face value. Bassist Bill Gould teased the audience by mentioning their upcoming show at Wembley Stadium in June, but added cheekily, “Don’t come.” Vocalist Mike Patton even suggested staying home and making bomb threats instead – now that’s punk rock spirit!
Speaking of unlikely pairings, Guns N’ Roses and Faith No More were like oil and water. Axl Rose was a big fan of the eccentric San Francisco band, but the feeling was far from mutual. Faith No More didn’t hold back in mocking and belittling Guns N’ Roses wherever they could, both in the media and on stage. “Every band in the world might think they want to open for Guns N’ Roses,” Gould remarked in an interview, “but lemme tell you, it’s been a real ugly personal experience, dealing with all the shit that surrounds this circus.”
The tension only grew when Faith No More joined Guns N’ Roses and Metallica on a co-headlining stadium tour in America. Backstage antics included jacuzzis, fake beaches, and strippers – it was a wild ride, to say the least. Eventually, Axl Rose confronted Faith No More, asking them bluntly, “Why do you hate me?” Slash added, “If you don’t like it here, just leave.” Surprisingly, the confrontation ended on a somewhat amicable note, with Axl letting them off with a simple, “Aw, right, you idiots.”
Despite the turmoil, Faith No More decided to tough it out on the tour, realizing the exposure and opportunity it provided. Drummer Mike Bordin expressed gratitude towards Guns N’ Roses for allowing them to reach a wider audience, even if it meant enduring some rough patches along the way. Business logic ultimately prevailed, with the band recognizing the value of playing headline shows to showcase their music more authentically.
Reflecting on the experience years later, Bill Gould admitted that while the tour was beneficial for the band’s exposure, it took a toll on their mental well-being. The clash of personalities and contrasting styles between Faith No More and Guns N’ Roses made for a memorable chapter in rock history, showcasing the rebellious spirit and unapologetic attitude that defined both bands.
So there you have it, a glimpse into the tumultuous relationship between two iconic bands from the 90s rock scene. Stay tuned for more fascinating stories and rock’n’roll legends from Music Nation 365!
