Axl Rose Reveals His Top Must-Have Albums That Will Blow Your Mind

When Guns N’ Roses burst onto the Sunset Strip scene, no one was prepared for the raw power and intensity they brought with them. Unlike the glam bands of the time, Guns N’ Roses delivered gnarly rock and roll reminiscent of iconic acts like Aerosmith and The Rolling Stones. Led by the charismatic frontman Axl Rose, the band’s sound was a fusion of various influences that set them apart from their peers.

Prior to achieving global stardom, Axl Rose honed his craft playing in bands in his hometown of Indiana before making the move to Los Angeles with his childhood friend Izzy Stradlin. It was in LA that Rose and Stradlin merged their musical ventures, eventually forming Guns N’ Roses after teaming up with musicians Slash and Steven Adler from Hollywood Rose.

Despite his reputation as a hard rock iconoclast, Axl Rose’s musical tastes were incredibly diverse. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Rose shared his admiration for Queen and the band’s ability to incorporate various genres into their music. This eclectic approach to music was something that Rose strived to emulate in his own work, aiming to expose listeners to a wide range of musical styles.

Rose’s list of musical influences is as varied as his discography. From the lush arrangements of Queen II to the punk energy of Sex Pistols’ Nevermind the Bollocks, his record collection is a testament to his eclectic taste. Even the legendary Elton John played a significant role in shaping Guns N’ Roses’ sound, particularly on the epic ballad ‘November Rain’.

Despite his love for soft rock and punk, Rose was also drawn to the emerging sound of bands like NWA and Soundgarden. His appreciation for the darker, grittier aspects of music added depth to Guns N’ Roses’ own brand of rock and roll rebellion.

Beyond his well-documented influences, Axl Rose’s record collection reflects a deep appreciation for artists ranging from Patti Smith to Thin Lizzy to Jane’s Addiction. This wide-ranging taste in music undoubtedly informed the sonic landscape of Guns N’ Roses, showcasing the band’s ability to blend different genres into their own unique sound.

Axl Rose’s passion for music shines through in his favorite records, each one a testament to the diverse range of influences that shaped his career. From the experimental brilliance of Todd Rundgren to the raw energy of Sex Pistols, Rose’s musical journey is a reflection of his own evolution as an artist.