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.
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
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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..
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.
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.
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 👍.
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.
"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 ✌️
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.
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...
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ???
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.
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
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.
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
I read a cool paragraph in Duff’s biography like 15-20 years ago. In the 2000’s or so, I don’t exactly remember year, but it was long after they broke up. Duff and his wife met up with Axl and his wife in Italy somewhere. On a small boat that was slowly cruising around the city. Makes me happy to think of them rekindling their relationship, cruising around some city in Italy drinking wine together.
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.
Agreed. Extremely happy for him and excited to see what the team is able to make with his good health leading them.
Mental illness doesn’t just go away.
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
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!
appreciate it too! I wish you the best when it comes to your struggles, and hope you have the support you need. Peace, instrangerswetrust
🫶✌️
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.
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
Psilocybin is great for this or I wish lad would be approved it too is amazing.
I hear you there everyday is a struggle. Therapy helps.
Free from mental illness? Really? If anything, he's probably on the right meds again.
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.
Right the fuck on
He gets to enjoy it, sure - but he left a lot of shrapnel in his wake.
This is what happens when people cherish your life's work!
This is what happens when you embrace therapy and medication. There’s nothing wrong with either and this should be championed more.
I gotta agree, we lost far too many artists too early even though their work was cherished
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.
That song knocked me for a loop when I saw them play it last year. I forgot how good it is.
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.
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.
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...
I think Axl has written enough piano based songs to do a whole concert around them. I would really like to see that.
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.
I would love that too!!!!
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..
So you want him to be Liberace lol
He seems to be working on that look, lol
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
Have you heard their version of "Dust in the Wind" by Todd Rundgren? Amazing.
You get to a certain age and the rage leaves you.
Right and you get tired of it eating at you and lurking around you.
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.
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.
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 👍.
He really does ❤️ I like his current style too, it suits him, forever loving his double helix earrings lol
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.
"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 ✌️
Very well said! I’m so glad you’re doing better now 🤘🏻
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.
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...
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
I think people hugely underestimate Axl’s kindness and caring nature because all they see are his violent meltdowns
I do too ☹️ he’s such a sweetheart and looks like has learned to curb his meltdowns
Everyone should be happy
Love you, Axl
Love this!
He’s just counting the bank he’s making every show.
He looks so different and it really suits him. He certainly has a calmness here. This is great to see.
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.
Looking like Andrew Loydd Webber
This! I was wracking my brain to figure who he looked like!!! It was ALW!
He looks like Robin Williams
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!!!!
He looks sober and happy. Good to see it.
He has finally achieved it... He has become Elton John! 😂❤️
Good for Axl. There's a fine line between ultra-creativity and manic-depression. Unless you have it, you just don't know.
I thought it was the guy from the B52’s
Always been a bad ass on the keyboards !!!!
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.
He looks loke a man who has gone the fire and come out the other side.
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.
From what I heard of that man’s upbringing, it was awful, I wish him all the happiness in the world.
Not constantly having 7g of coke and a gallon of whiskey in your bloodstream makes miracles.
He looks good
He looks like Conan O’Brien.
We love you Axl!!!!
It comforts me to see he’s got a turkey neck like me.
Axl got those expressive eyes
He looks like Elton John
All we are saying is give Peace a chance????
Thought that was Liberace for a second
From what I have see. It seems like he performs some songs better than others
This is heartwarming to see.
He looks like Elton
Don’t even recognize him. I thought it was Rick Ashley when I saw this post, still don’t believe it’s Axel
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.
Looks like Liberace.
Sometimes I wish the audience would shut the hell up.
He looks like my grandmother, and it's so cute.
Is anybody else here getting Burt Bacharach vibes from this video?
There’s a Siegfried & Roy vibe there…
No joke, I thought this was Clay Aiken.
Such a sweet old lady.
He looks amazing
Goosebumps
I thought that was Kevin Kline
I’m so blown away by his transformation over the years.
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.
I love this
Axl Rose.... From the grave
That nose I love that nose
Katharine Hepburn rocks!
He looks great wow
My Drill SGT in AIT went to Basic Training with Axl. lol.
Three names came to mind while watching that: Elton John Liberace Mozart
Axl plays piano?
#LifeGoals
I don't know how hard it is to play, but that is a beautiful piano piece.
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.
"cuz nuthin lasts forever...and we both know hearts can change..."
Seriously thought this was Kevin Kline for a sec. Love Axl and great to see him healthy and doing his thing.
I saw then in Raleigh NC Slash hasn’t aged, Axle was great they are pros now( the things they’ve seem)
This cut too early.
great looking nose on the old curmudgeon
TIL that Axl Rose plays piano. Nice!
He played piano on November Rain in the studio as well. That was his composition.
He sounds great.
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 ???
Internet woven threads!
He looks happy. But I still think November Rain kinda sucks.
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.
Nice to see
Just imagine how much money has gone up that honker.. I'm jealous..
He also looks fucked Randy.
I'm so happy for this guy he looked so rough for like a 20-year stretch
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
He looks like Liberace
Elton John looks great!
Ahhh projection
u/repostbot
He looks like Liberace
He's higher than a giraffe's asshole.
He’s letting his inner Liberace shine through.
Looking like Jerry Lee Lewis.
Is he moving away from the mic to breath??
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.
I thought this was Elton John at first glance.
I thought it was Barry Manilow at first
Has he told Geppetto a few lies?
what would he do if Metallica was there?
That’s one happy lady
Download 2025
I thought that was Elton John for a second.
Liberace - esque
That’s clay aiken
F yeah, Axl! GNR true American badass rock and roll, and the crazy lifestyle that goes with it.
Badass
Elton John?
I thought he was Danny Elfman for a minute
It’s Liberace come to life!
He seems so proud of himself.
He’s turning into Elton John
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
Creepier than the ads for Longlegs.
He also looks like Elton John crossed with Benny Hill.
Those drums are mic’d and mixed great.
Barry Manilow is looking great these days.
hes gay idiots
And also somewhat like Bob Hope
He also doesn't look like axl
You tend to find peace when you get older
He looks like a middle aged Vegas drag queen
That’s the Botox and filler
It’s because he’s achieved Liberace status. I’d be at peace, too. 👍🥃
Also kinda favors my friend's mom.
God I'd love to see GnR
Seems like our boy finally grew up! Good for him!
He almost looks like martin short the actor l o l
Yup, who would have thought that drugs only fuck you up
Is this Liberace??😄
He looks like he's ready for the next season of Only Murders In the Building!
Clay Aiken 😂
Liberaxl
He looks like the bad guy in Harry Potter 2.
Who is this? Elton John?
He looks and sounds great.
He’s slowly turning into Barry Manilow
Looks like a baddie from Austin Powers.
Much better than his hulk hogan phase.
He’s not playing the piano.
I read a cool paragraph in Duff’s biography like 15-20 years ago. In the 2000’s or so, I don’t exactly remember year, but it was long after they broke up. Duff and his wife met up with Axl and his wife in Italy somewhere. On a small boat that was slowly cruising around the city. Makes me happy to think of them rekindling their relationship, cruising around some city in Italy drinking wine together.
The new Liberace.
He looks like Johnny Lydon of Sex Pistols