The lead singer of Guns N’ Roses expressed his fondness for the British group on more than one occasion, in addition to mentioning other favorites
O Armas e Rosas emerged in a period where it was a little more complicated to be innovative. Therefore, the band then formed by Axl Rose (voice), slash (solo guitar), Izzy Stradlin (rythm guitar), Duff McKagan (low) and Steve Adler (drums) had its influences very apparent. The group’s great merit was precisely rescuing different elements in a scenario that was looking too much to other references.
On the debut album, Appetite for Destruction (1987), the strongest link of comparison is with the Aerosmith. Sound, lyrics and even lifestyle were similar to the singer’s band Steve Tyler. Already in the double combination Use Your Illusion (1991), broader references began to appear, such as Elton John and Queen.
This last group is cited by Axl Rose as your all-time favorite. Freddie Mercury and company served as an inspiration for the American singer at different times in his life, as he cites his predilection in interviews given both in the 1980s and in the 2010s.
A Atlas Magazine(via Far Out Magazine), in 2018, Rose was quite direct when saying:
“For me, it’s easy to choose the best one – queen is the best band and Freddie Mercury He’s the greatest frontman of all time. The band is the best because they embraced so many different styles.”
Afterwards, the singer also pointed out how the talent of Mercury as a lyricist was important to him on a personal level.
“If I didn’t have the lyrics to Freddie Mercury to hold as a boy, I don’t know where I would be. They taught me about all forms of music…it opened my mind. I have never had a greater teacher in my entire life.”
Essential disc
A Rolling Stone USAin 1989, Axl Rose mentioned the queen on at least two different occasions during the same interview. In the first, he discussed how the acoustic part of the work GN’R Lies (1989) exposed another side of the Armas e Rosas.
“I have always looked at things in a versatile way because of the Queen, ELO, Elton John, especially the old ones, and groups like these. With queenI have my favorite album: Queen II. Whenever their newest album came out and it had all these other types of music, at first I only liked one song or another, but after a while of listening, it opened my mind to so many different styles. I really admire the queen. It’s something I’ve always wanted to be able to achieve. It’s important to show people all forms of music, try to give a broader point of view.”
In the second, he was invited to reveal everything he was hearing at the time. Among several artists and bands mentioned, the group of Freddie Mercury was remembered again — and once again citing the album Queen IIresponsible for presenting songs such as “Seven Seas of Rhye”,“Father to Son” It is “Ogre Battle.”
“Today, my favorite album is Something/Anything? (1972), from Todd Rundgren. She just became. I still have my favorites and everything, like Sex Pistols, ELO and Queen. The two records I always buy if there’s a cassette player nearby and I don’t have the tapes in my bag are Never Mind the Bollocks (1977, Sex Pistols) It is Queen II (1974, queen). I think I would be in trouble to figure out which one I would want if I were stranded on a desert island. I could go with the Pistolsbecause maybe a boat would hear me if I touched it.”
Music fanatic, Rose even highlighted more of his musical references at that time.
“Lately I have heard Derek and the Dominos, The Bar-Kays. I really like her first album patti smith (Horses, 1976). I’m starting to find out The Cure. I keep trying to find things to open up to. I like Soundgarden the singer (Chris Cornell) it is excellent. Sing very well. On the underground circuit, I really like Saigon Saloon.”
It is worth remembering that, in 1992, Axl Rose had the opportunity to perform with the remaining members of the queen during a tribute show to Freddie Mercury. On that occasion, together with Brian May (guitar), John Deacon (low) and Roger Taylor (drums), he sang “Bohemian Rhapsody” (also with the participation of Elton John) It is “We Will Rock You.”
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
