William Bruce Rose Jr., AKA Axl Rose,’ was born on February 6, 1962. He is an American musician, producer, singer, and songwriter with many hits under his belt. Rose found success in the ’80s after co-founding Guns N Roses. With this band, Rose displayed impeccable vocal skills and originality that were in high demand, propelling him to fame and wealth. Rose has had a trying and blissful life. He followed his passion regardless of fear, and this is why he’s worth celebrating on his special day!
Fast Facts
Full Name:
William Bruce Rose Jr.
Nickname:
Bill, Bailey
Birth date:
February 06, 1962
Age:
62 years, 7 months
Zodiac Sign:
Aquarius
Height:
5' 9"
Relationship Status:
Single
Net Worth:
$200.0 million
Background
William Bruce Rose Jr. was born on February 6, 1962, to Sharon Elizabeth and William Bruce Rose in Lafayette, Indiana. Rose’s parents were 16 and 20 at his birth, and his mother was still in high school. Rose had a tough childhood. His father was a troubled delinquent, and the pregnancy was unplanned. When he turned two, his parents separated, which triggered his abduction and molestation by his father. His mother remarried and changed Rose’s last name to Bailey — his stepfather’s name. Although Rose thought Bailey was his biological father, he and his half-siblings were often beaten despite being in a religious household. To get away from his childhood trauma, Rose found solace in music.Rose moved to Los Angeles in December 1982. He started a band, “AXL,” and legally changed his name to ‘W. Axl Rose.’ Rose formed the band Hollywood Rose in 1983 and recorded a five-track demo in 1984 before its disbandment the same year. After this, Rose joined L.A Guns. Guns N Roses was formed in March 1985 by merging Hollywood Rose and L.A. Guns. The band had several lineups by June and attracted several record labels. They eventually signed with Geffen Records in March of the following year. In July 1987, the band released “Appetite for Destruction.” This was Guns N Roses’s debut album, and it sold 500,000 copies in its first year and 30 million copies worldwide. In November 1988, the band released “G N’ R Lies,” which shot Rose into the limelight as one of the most prominent rock stars.Following a disagreement with some bandmates, Rose legally purchased the full rights to Guns N Roses in 1997. The band soon went on a hiatus as the original bandmates were fired or resigned. In 2008, 15 years after the band’s last album, “Chinese Democracy,” was released. The band got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, and Rose didn’t attend. Rose’s personal life wasn’t smooth either. He married Erin Everly in April 1990, and the marriage was annulled in January 1991. He got engaged to Stephanie Seymour in February 1993, but the couple separated three weeks later.
Career timeline
Rose recruits his childhood friend, Izzy Stradlin, and Chris Weber — Slash and Steven Adler also join this group before its dissolution.
Tracii Guns merges the L. A. Guns with Hollywood Roses, creating Guns N Roses.
After he changes his name, Rose signs a contract with Geffen Records.
The band releases “Appetite for Destruction.”
At the Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert, Rose performs with Elton John at Wembley Stadium.
The band is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.
Axl Rose FAQs
What disease does Axl Rose have
Rose has been clinically diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
What was Guns N Roses's most successful song?
The band’s best song is subjectively ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine.’
How many tattoos does Axl Rose have?
Rose has over five visibly graphic tattoos.
5 Surprising Facts
-
Rose was abused
Rose claims that he was abused as a two-year-old by his biological father.
-
His birth father was murdered
Although his body was never found, William Rose Sr. was murdered in 1984 by his criminal acquaintance, who was convicted of the crime.
-
He got arrested often
Rose became a known delinquent and was arrested more than 20 times for battery and public intoxication — he even served jail time.
-
He intentionally overdosed
In 1986, Rose intentionally overdosed on painkillers due to his stress, his experience at the hospital inspired "Coma.
-
He has no kids
Rose has fathered no kids.
Why We Love Axl Rose
-
He's a great musician
Rose has exceptional vocals. His attention to detail makes the song come together.
-
Rose advocates for mental health
After his diagnosis, Rose often talks about his stress and mental health. He prioritizes peace of mind.
-
He's honest about his struggles
Rose is very vocal about his struggles. He makes it known that even rock stars go through bad times, which inspires people.
Axl Rose’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 6 | Monday |
| 2024 | February 6 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | February 6 | Thursday |
| 2026 | February 6 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 6 | Saturday |
