Revisiting Axl Rose’s Biggest Feuds

Throughout his career, Axl Rose has been involved in numerous public feuds with musicians, designers, talk show hosts, and surprisingly, even MTV. Despite these numerous conflicts, Axl Rose’s influence in rock music remains undeniable. His talent and impact on the genre continue to define his storied career, and of course, his feuds have added to his controversial legacy.

Axl Rose vs. Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain
In 1991, Rose took issue with Kurt Cobain wearing a “God Hates Guns” shirt on Saturday Night Live, seeing it as an attack on Guns N’ Roses. Cobain fired back, calling Rose “a real sexist pig” in interviews, leading to a public feud.

Photo: okmagazine.com

Axl Rose vs. Eminem
In 2002, Eminem’s “The Return of Slim Shady” included a diss aimed at Rose. Rose responded with an open letter on the Guns N’ Roses website, calling Eminem “a foul-mouthed, backward, ignorant, hateful, misogynistic, sexist, and violent little man.”

Axl Rose vs. Steven Adler
Rose and drummer Steven Adler had a rocky relationship, marked by physical fights. Adler was eventually fired due to drug addiction but later appeared with the band during the 2016 Not in This Lifetime tour, suggesting a reconciliation.

Axl Rose vs. Motley Crue’s Vince Neil
The feud between Rose and Vince Neil began when Neil punched GN’R guitarist Izzy Stradlin for allegedly assaulting Neil’s wife. Rose and Neil exchanged public challenges and insults but never fought.

Axl Rose vs. Mick Wall
Rock writer Mick Wall clashed with Rose after an interview about Vince Neil. Rose accused Wall of lying and misquoting him, leading to Wall being called out in the GN’R song “Get in the Ring.” Despite this, Wall later wrote a sympathetic book about Rose.

Axl Rose vs. David Bowie
David Bowie had a history with GN’R, being involved with Slash’s mother and present at the “It’s So Easy” video shoot. Rose reportedly punched Bowie for hitting on his girlfriend, Erin Everly, but they later reconciled, with Rose even thanking Bowie for apologizing.

Axl Rose vs. Dr. Phil
In 2007, Dr. Phil criticized Rose’s behavior, calling him “a big baby.” Rose sued for defamation, but the lawsuit was dismissed.

Axl Rose vs. Scott Weiland
In 2011, Scott Weiland criticized GN’R, prompting Rose to call him “a dope fiend” and “a failure” on social media.

Axl Rose vs. Tommy Hilfiger
Rose sued designer Tommy Hilfiger for $5 million in 2002 after Hilfiger called him “unstable” and accused him of trying to fight at a party. The lawsuit was later dismissed.

Axl Rose vs. Buckethead
Former GN’R guitarist Buckethead sued Rose for unpaid royalties in 2004. Rose called Buckethead “a coward” and “a liar,” but they settled out of court.

Axl Rose vs. Bob Guccione Jr.
Rose challenged Spin Magazine editor Bob Guccione Jr. to a fight after Guccione published GN’R’s interview contract. This feud was also mentioned in “Get in the Ring.”

Axl Rose vs. The City of St. Louis
In 1991, Rose sparked the “Riverport Riot” in St. Louis by trying to confiscate a fan’s camera. The incident led to his arrest, and the band referenced it in their album liner notes.

Axl Rose vs. Slash
Rose and Slash’s relationship was strained, leading to Slash’s departure in 1996. They exchanged barbs for years but reconciled in 2015 and reunited.

Axl Rose vs. Warren Beatty
In 1992, Rose called Warren Beatty a “cheap punk” during a concert, likely due to suspicions about Beatty’s relationship with Rose’s ex-girlfriend Stephanie Seymour.

Axl Rose vs. MTV
GN’R’s scheduled 1987 MTV Video Music Awards performance was canceled due to Rose’s demands for better accommodations, sparking a long-running feud with the network.

Axl Rose vs. Thelonious Monster’s Bob Forrest
In 1986, Rose accidentally hit a girl with his mic stand during a show. Her boyfriend, Bob Forrest, confronted Rose, leading to a fight that involved security and their photographer.

Axl Rose vs. LAX Airport Paparazzi
Rose attacked a paparazzi at LAX airport in defense of his manager. His team stated that aggressive photographers had provoked the incident.