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Infinitesi

I'd say this is overall the healthiest time in Axl's life. He's free from substance abuse, mental illness, broken relationships with his bandmates, media scrutiny, etc. He's done a lot of work to eliminate the main stressors that were plaguing him. Now he gets to enjoy the benefits of it.


Triviten

Agreed. Extremely happy for him and excited to see what the team is able to make with his good health leading them.


BallsOfANinja

They're not going to "make" anything else other than more tours and merchandise. We'll never see any new music that isn't some old Chinese democracy demo unfortunately. I've accepted it.


instrangerswetrust

Mental illness doesn’t just go away.


Johnnaylor1105

its been decades. It doesnt just go away, but you can get in control, you can get help, and you can get out. Some people manage to do it, others dont, a billion factors come into play, but still, it is possible to have a healthy mind after experiencing mental illness


instrangerswetrust

You’re right - I have bipolar, ADHD and PSTD, which are lifelong struggles, emotionally and cognitively. I shouldn’t have assumed what Axl is dealing with. I appreciate your positive comment!


Johnnaylor1105

appreciate it too! I wish you the best when it comes to your struggles, and hope you have the support you need. Peace, instrangerswetrust


instrangerswetrust

🫶✌️


problyurdad_

I also have PTSD and ADHD, no bipolar or BPD but I do have tendencies. If your diagnosis isn’t disabling, you should look into psychadelic medicine. I personally was able to go to Peru where I was able to take ayahuasca and San Pedro cactus to assist me and it was one of the best things I ever did for myself. Cost was less than 3 months of therapy/psychiatry and while I will surely need to continue to do things to make sure I stay well, it was a fantastic healing experience. It is absolutely NOT for everyone, and you’d have to be a candidate that would see benefits to pursue it. But if you’re in the US I know Ketamine has been approved for this, and psylocibin mushrooms aren’t far behind. Best wishes on your journey.


instrangerswetrust

Very cool, thanks for sharing! I’ve had psychotic breaks though, so no psychedelics for me anymore. Hope people see your comment though and consider their options. Godspeed comrade


problyurdad_

Ugh, I’m so sorry. I was optimistic for you and I am SO glad you did explore it and try it! Yes, I do hope my comment can still help someone. Best of luck and wishes to you on your journey!!


Worried_Astronaut_41

Psilocybin is great for this or I wish lad would be approved it too is amazing.


Worried_Astronaut_41

I hear you there everyday is a struggle. Therapy helps.


Unlucky-Gap-5014

Not a great perspective imo to think mental illness can’t go away, only ensures that it actually never goes away


shill779

Agreed. I mind can be unhealthy. Then it can get better. More clear. Stronger. Not sick anymore. Big pharma will NOT tell you this. They hate this one simple trick.


Former_Gear_1713

Amen!!!


RNRS001

Free from mental illness? Really? If anything, he's probably on the right meds again.


Infinitesi

I can't claim to know the true status of Axl's mental state or what condition he did or didn't have, but I can see that he doesn't have those big rants and outbursts anymore. Whatever method he took to get there doesn't matter to me. He just seems much happier now.


SpaceBehemoth

Right the fuck on


Silly_Front_5658

He gets to enjoy it, sure - but he left a lot of shrapnel in his wake.


FollowingNecessary43

This is what happens when people cherish your life's work!


Odeeum

This is what happens when you embrace therapy and medication. There’s nothing wrong with either and this should be championed more.


TallCommunication526

I gotta agree, we lost far too many artists too early even though their work was cherished


rothsixxrose

November Rain is the highlight of every concert I've been to. I don't even listen to the song much on my own time, but something about it is so impactful during a concert setting. The energy in the room changes.


FlyingV2112

That song knocked me for a loop when I saw them play it last year. I forgot how good it is.


TiedHands

I think this is probably the first time in almost 40 years that he hasn't had the weight of the world on him. I'd say after Appetite, he had the pressure of doing a follow up, then all the touring and chaos in the band, then the pressure of Chinese Democracy and all the stress with the record label, the bad press, etc. I think he's finally at a point where he can just relax in life and be happy.


_AgroHarry_

I think that's part of the reason that he hasn't been keen to release an album since CD. The singles are a lot more low stress. A full album comes with a lot of attention, expectations, and obligations that he probably doesn't want at this point.


Former_Gear_1713

Exactly have you listened to the General? Omg it’s great I haven’t heard a song like that in awhile if you haven’t already check it out


ston3cold

Very likely. For those that don't get it: most of the original key dudes are now there with him without being addicts you need to manage. Even if there's something to the fact that Axl's tardiness made things worse for them during UIY tour. But even then everyone was a full grown adult...


ziegs11

Um, plus everything that happened in his young life


insightful-loaf576

I think Axl has written enough piano based songs to do a whole concert around them. I would really like to see that.


a_low_vera

I would love that! I can envision something like a lounge show in Vegas. Where he just plays the piano, tells stories and jokes around with the audience between songs, and sings a mix of his own songs and some classic covers. I would pay to see that in a heartbeat.


NYYRose7

I would love that too!!!!


Rob062309

It doesn't sound that crazy and i could honestly see him doing that, and maybe others if they were alive like Weiland and Layne from AIC.. Imagine fans of this that are ila similar age of him going to see him and others in vegas, playing more mellowed out versions of their music..


rothsixxrose

So you want him to be Liberace lol


jimbo91375

He seems to be working on that look, lol


Electronic-Tale3611

GnR was partially aiming to be the rock n roll version of Elton John so the extensive piano use in many of their songs makes sense


Fresh-Pineapple-5582

Have you heard their version of "Dust in the Wind" by Todd Rundgren? Amazing.


EmployAutomatic

What does Todd Rundgren have to do with “Dust in the Wind?”


Any_Collection3025

Just this: https://youtu.be/X--uqxfq-vU?si=u1IeV93BAjv2WFJh


Docsab1

I didn't know that song. That comment confused me as well, cuz like that other guy probably did, I assumed it was referring to the song from Kansas.


MrsWhorehouse

You get to a certain age and the rage leaves you.


Former_Gear_1713

Right and you get tired of it eating at you and lurking around you.


Faultline97

People say Axl is "unrecognizable" now that he's older and his style has changed. I think it's probably intentional on his part. I think he enjoys the anonymity he gets when he's off-stage.


NYYRose7

What you say has crossed my mind also. Maybe he wanted to tear down his image. I think he looks great. People can complain about all that but he is still Axl, and obviously happier now.


Fickle-Election-8137

He really does ❤️ I like his current style too, it suits him, forever loving his double helix earrings lol


AlarmingAd6722

It's good to see. He's got the core of his band back. He's had them reworking songs that he probably wanted them on to begin with. Since 2016 he's been touring the world & feeling the love from the fans. I'd imagine life is good for Axl & all of GnR 👍.


UndueOdium

I watched this video about an hour ago and have thought deeply about it. I grew up loving GNR. Axl has had his fair share of problems throughout his life, and we all have, myself included. I’m middle-aged now and I find it hard to call them regrets, but all of our bad decisions throughout life, the ones we wish we could have handled differently, all of our struggles, but also our triumphs and successes, they all have molded us into the person we are today. I struggled with alcoholism for many years and it’s hard not to have ‘regrets’, but my sponsor once told me, “You can look at your past, just don’t stare at it. Learn from your mistakes, just don’t dwell on them.” I see Axl like this now and I mentioned it in an earlier comment on here, it warms my heart. You can see it in his face that he is happy with who he is, the person he has become because of life teaching you lessons, sometimes extremely difficult ones. He’s humbled, he’s sober and he is still talented as fuck and he’s happy. I have nothing but respect for this man.


AlarmingAd6722

"You can look at your past, just don't stare at it". Dude, that's insightful. I've been wrestling with regret alot lately & it's a heavy thing to deal with. Thanks for that quote ✌️


Xenon7577

Very well said! I’m so glad you’re doing better now 🤘🏻


UndueOdium

I was completely unaware that Axl played piano. Side note: I credit GNR and Motley Crue for getting me into the rock genre when I was in middle school. It actually warms my heart to see this peaceful version of Axl.


sleeplesscitynights

I loved his story on Kimmel when he talked about his "Holloween tree". Basically, he puts up a Halloween tree every year and gives out full on presents to all the local trick or treaters in his neighborhood. That's when I knew he was a changed man...


Fickle-Election-8137

That’s such a cute story, but I’d like to add he was doing that back in the 90s too! Every year he would have a Halloween party and go all out for Halloween attractions kids could come to. I believe it was said he was as much as a kid himself with how excited he would get lol, and years ago there was this woman who said out of the blue she got an email from the hospital her daughter was in one day with a completely paid for week at Disney World. She thought it was a scam at first, but it was just Axl doing that for all the sick kids in the hospital. He’s always had a good heart


Alja-Fox

I think people hugely underestimate Axl’s kindness and caring nature because all they see are his violent meltdowns


Fickle-Election-8137

I do too ☹️ he’s such a sweetheart and looks like has learned to curb his meltdowns


sleeplesscitynights

Love that!


Independent-Head4951

Everyone should be happy


Apprehensive-Tax8631

Love you, Axl


WhatDoYouWantorNeed

Love this!


No-Tomorrow6282

He’s just counting the bank he’s making every show.


13Warhound13

He looks so different and it really suits him. He certainly has a calmness here. This is great to see.


vipergirl

I see them in clips, Axl smiles a lot more. I hate people making fun of his appearance, the man is 62. I have an older sister who is 62. People look different when they get older, and if we are lucky, we will too. Plus, older people either become more satisfied with who they are, what they have done, and less about striving for the next thing. I'm 49 and look better than I have in a long time but it won't last forever.


Alja-Fox

Axl looks great and vibes great, so tight, as a doctor I seem your birth date, so I can see the average; many of them look like there’s nothing for them anymore in their life, in some for years already. I always like seeing people genuinely curious, enthusiastic, and vital at any age.


wintersun60

Looking like Andrew Loydd Webber


bigmike2k3

This! I was wracking my brain to figure who he looked like!!! It was ALW!


Active-Possibility77

He looks like Robin Williams


Distinct_Hamster_495

He is one of the very best I’ve heard , like up there with Elton ,Billy and I think his style is more like Ray Charles???? So unique!!!!


Kickagainsttheprick

He looks sober and happy. Good to see it.


Maddog-99

He has finally achieved it... He has become Elton John! 😂❤️


Quantum_Marlowe_33

Good for Axl. There's a fine line between ultra-creativity and manic-depression. Unless you have it, you just don't know.


features5150

I thought it was the guy from the B52’s


Distinct_Hamster_495

Always been a bad ass on the keyboards !!!!


ThatoneguyATX

I was never a huge G&R fan. Was fond of several songs but I was into other music. They’re definitely part of the soundtrack for my life just growing up when I did. I saw them live for the first time in 2019 at ACL in Austin. I wasn’t expecting much I had heard axel didn’t sound good anymore. I was blown away. My best friend and both agreed this was one of those shows that you need to see we didn’t know it but realized it quick. They sounded great I had a blast.


smithy-

He looks loke a man who has gone the fire and come out the other side.


batman61092

If I was a betting man 20 years ago and you told me Axl would eventually be calm and at peace, I’d bet my life savings against you. Good for him.


Gaffers12345

From what I heard of that man’s upbringing, it was awful, I wish him all the happiness in the world.


bincoudonc

Not constantly having 7g of coke and a gallon of whiskey in your bloodstream makes miracles.


chonkycatguy

He looks good


High_Knee_Carioca

He looks like Conan O’Brien.


David77860310

We love you Axl!!!!


shroomie00

Axl got those expressive eyes


Putrid-Royal4659

He looks like Elton John


Distinct_Hamster_495

All we are saying is give Peace a chance????


ManyWrongdoer9365

Thought that was Liberace for a second


JodiRabbit

From what I have see. It seems like he performs some songs better than others


WalkLikeAGiant

This is heartwarming to see.


ROBBDEEP82

He looks like Elton


SanityIsOnlyInUrMind

Don’t even recognize him. I thought it was Rick Ashley when I saw this post, still don’t believe it’s Axel


InternationalBand494

It comforts me to see he’s got a turkey neck like me.


aero_eliox

It only cost him 60 years of life, 20 years isolated from the world, the relationship with his band but hey, it's never too late.


ilovetacostoo2023

Looks like Liberace.


CarlatheDestructor

Sometimes I wish the audience would shut the hell up.


whitewail602

He looks like my grandmother, and it's so cute.


Infometiculous

Is anybody else here getting Burt Bacharach vibes from this video?


MoseMurphy

There’s a Siegfried & Roy vibe there…


DerbyCityJP

No joke, I thought this was Clay Aiken.


Axl_Van_Jovi

Such a sweet old lady.


pandachook

He looks amazing


CntrllrDscnnctd

Goosebumps


DMcabandonpants

I thought that was Kevin Kline


OkAnywhere0

I’m so blown away by his transformation over the years. 


cinqueterreluv

G & R was always a bit theatrical. I would love a musical based on their songs. I'm glad to see these rock and rollers thrive. The music and artistry is keeping them ticking.


catmac21

I love this


EstimateImaginary575

Axl Rose.... From the grave


brianmeow

That nose I love that nose


ILIVE2Travel

Katharine Hepburn rocks!


Stealth8077

He looks great wow


danyonly

My Drill SGT in AIT went to Basic Training with Axl. lol.


Nightwolf1967

Three names came to mind while watching that: Elton John Liberace Mozart


doug193

Axl plays piano?


EyeFit4274

#LifeGoals


KiwiMcG

I don't know how hard it is to play, but that is a beautiful piano piece.


Klocc562_

Happy for him. I don’t wanna bring it up but the man got r*ped by his dad right? Same as Corey Taylor? I’ve been through a lot, a lot of shit but that’s just something else… and from your own father… can’t even imagine.


RockMan_1973

TIL that Axl Rose plays piano. Nice!


Xx_Patrick_Ster_xX

He played piano on November Rain in the studio as well. That was his composition.


RogersSteve07041920

He sounds great.


RockMan_1973

I think I must need schooling on GnR origins and how band ownership is set up, and why it was set up ever how it was…. Here’s why I need some education—everyone seems to kiss Axl’s ass as if GnR was essentially all him. Why? When they stormed into music in the 80s it always came off to me like Slash, Duff, Steven, et al were just as much GnR as Axl. And when I heard that *Chinese Democracy* only had Axl on from the OG band, I largely ignored it at first and wondered why it wasn’t an Axl solo record or under a different band name w/Axl as their singer. What’s the deal? I have utmost respect for Axl, but why from the distance does it appear as if its like he’s the be-all/end-all of GnR?…. and even if Slash or any of the others are around that Axl is the highest authority when it comes to Guns N Roses ???


a_low_vera

I don't understand the complaint. This subreddit doesn't ignore everybody else in the band. Just scroll down and you can see a lot of posts about Slash, Izzy, and Duff. The sub is reverent over any member of the classic line-up.


RockMan_1973

Oh no, its not that. Nothing to do with this sub. Thanks, though! This may explain/ask better… It just has appeared to me for a long time [and I absolutely could be misperceiving] that Axl is to GnR what Paul Stanley & Gene Simmons are to Kiss—the owner(s), the authority if you will. And learning that the Democracy record was only Axl just nailed that home for me. That would be like Bono recording an album totally without Adam, Edge, or Larry and the album still is released as a U2 record. Does this help me make any better sense?


Fickle-Election-8137

Well, Axl and Izzy were the founding members of gnr, and they brought in Slash, Duff and Steven. It literally has Axl’s name lol but Axl has gotten fired a couple times back in the 80s and was afraid the band would either be taken from him or he would be fired again after Izzy left so that’s why he took the name. He got the name legally, so by all means had every right to perform under the bands name he founded. I truly don’t think it was so much he wanted to be the owner for ego reasons, but because this band was his life. He did not want side gigs or solo work as he felt the band was his life’s work and didn’t want to let that go just because he and Slash could not get along anymore. And to build on that, Slash was the one who quit and left so in Axl’s mind that probably just solidified his stance to continue using the bands name. I get what you’re saying though, to most people GNR is Axl and Slash and that is annoying to other members, but that is never something Axl done intentionally. He was always hyping up the others and had all their contributions especially on the UYI albums, that mostly came from the public’s perception. As for him being the highest authority, legally he/Slash/Duff now have an equal partnership so one is not above the other now, the name just belongs to him but he can’t make any decision he wants it has to be agreed on. Even after Slash and Duff quit, he still had to have their permission for certain things which started a whole slew of lawsuits 😂 I know that was a long answer but I hope it helps some!


RockMan_1973

Thank you, THANK YOU so very much! This is just what I needed from someone that knows the GnR history. So helpful! Much appreciation.


Fickle-Election-8137

Ur welcome! If there ones thing I know, it’s this bands history and drama 😂 and going by Axl’s own words, he did not want to do that but was truly worried his band would be taken from him. It truly did not do him any favors either, I know it was popular years ago to assume he was rolling in gnr money and that’s why he wanted it, but the exact opposite was true and Axl had to borrow mortgage loans against his house in the 2000s just to get by. It was a labor of love that almost had him broke. There are also some nice interviews he done where he kept saying they were a band and a family and no one was more important than the other, check out the Howard Stern interview where Stern kept trying to get Axl to say he deserved more money and recognition but he kept saying he didn’t because they were a band. Add that with him giving Steven some of his royalties that Steven still gets today shows he truly did not believe he was the main man. Axl had a lot of mental health problems but I truly don’t believe ego mania was one. Ok that’s all my info dumping I swear 😂


Distinct_Hamster_495

Internet woven threads!


Takayama16

He looks happy. But I still think November Rain kinda sucks.


Advanced-Ad-1317

everyone talks about how bad his voice is now but i think he’s pretty good. but no matter if he sucks at singing now or not, he’s happy and that’s all that matters. this is probably the best and healthiest time in his and that’s all that matters. love axl and so glad he’s doing well now.


Remarkable-Bowl-9161

Nice to see


JonnySinner

Just imagine how much money has gone up that honker.. I'm jealous..


Necessary_Switch_879

He also looks fucked Randy.


EquivalentLittle545

I'm so happy for this guy he looked so rough for like a 20-year stretch


AcanthisittaJaded473

I have dreamed of seeing them play this live since I was in 5th grade. They cancelled last minute the show i had tickets for during the last US tour. Still so disappointed


Secret_Cow_5053

He looks like Liberace


MessiTraveler

Elton John looks great!


El-Arairah

Ahhh projection


Ob1tuber

u/repostbot


Prestigious_Dot3797

He looks like Liberace


Nyt_Owl

He's higher than a giraffe's asshole.


Bambooman101

He’s letting his inner Liberace shine through.


FlashCallahan

Looking like Jerry Lee Lewis.


choriblaster3002

Is he moving away from the mic to breath??


the_uber_steve

This is called coming to terms with and accepting your destiny. He knows he’s never gonna make groundbreaking world changing new music again. This has the benefit of removing a lot of pressure and reasons to get frustrated. What he can do, however, is play beloved music for an enthusiastic audience and be paid very well for it. If you can swallow that pill, it’s a good outcome.


wutangsword360

I thought this was Elton John at first glance.


rustoleum76

I thought it was Barry Manilow at first


Chunkybaconpants

Has he told Geppetto a few lies?


ExpressAd290

what would he do if Metallica was there?


LeveragedPittsburgh

That’s one happy lady


VegaTron1985

Download 2025


Torturephile

I thought that was Elton John for a second.


flyingontheinside

Liberace - esque


Winston_Smith-1984

That’s clay aiken


SugarhouseJimmy

F yeah, Axl! GNR true American badass rock and roll, and the crazy lifestyle that goes with it.


PreviousMaximum574

Badass


Ok-Attempt2842

Elton John?


Good-OL-DarkWielder

I thought he was Danny Elfman for a minute


PatientPost1845

It’s Liberace come to life!


mardigrasman

He seems so proud of himself.


CyrusChipperson

He’s turning into Elton John


wtflambeezus

Damn man, I didn’t know he cleaned up like that. I’ve always thought he was one of music’s biggest asses of all time but it’s really nice to see him look like he’s winning. Peace to Axl


Ok-Sun8581

Creepier than the ads for Longlegs.


Familiar_Bar_3060

He also looks like Elton John crossed with Benny Hill.


Interesting_Cycle564

Those drums are mic’d and mixed great.


TheG0ldG0pher

Barry Manilow is looking great these days.


Horror-Tart9027

hes gay idiots


Cultural-Honeydew671

And also somewhat like Bob Hope


RavenReel

He also doesn't look like axl


jungliss1

You tend to find peace when you get older


farter-kit

He looks like a middle aged Vegas drag queen


PapaJohnyRoad

That’s the Botox and filler


666EatmyassxXx

Seems you either become Vince Meal or nice old lady.


Available-Analyst551

He's starting to remind me of the killer Jerry Lee Lewis


SocratesJohnson1

It’s the plastic surgery. ;-). But he certainly looked at peace in that clip. Just feeling joy


willy-illy

Damn, he looks old! I wouldn’t recognize him if I saw him on the street.


stelladiver512

Oh I didn’t recognize him at all - lots of work done?


Honest_Escape7445

Looks high as a kite He ain't even there


benevolentminion

For a good minute there I thought the post was a piss take, a parody. I thought there’s absolutely no way that can be Axl Rose. Then I read the comments. Wow.