When you really look at the history of Guns N' Roses, you see the evolution of a band; one that originally consisted of five of the most ferocious muscians alive. However, as the years went by the band continued their rise to fame. The late 80's saw a band that was hungry for success and would not settle for any less. It was not until the song One in a Million, however, that the world would see the leader of the band emerge. With One in a Million Axl rose came out swinging and showed the world he could care less about public opinon. Moreover Axl's bad temperment towards the press and the public grew larger; only increasing his star power. At the end of the 80's GNR' were on top of the world.
Anyways, along came the 1990's and with it came an entirely new Guns N' Roses. As Steven adler was kicked out - some blame Axl others blame Slash - Matt sorum was brought in to replace him. While Sorum's drumming did not suit the original band's style, his grandiose style gave Axl the perfect oppertunity to think big. What you see with the Illusion albums is Axl Rose at his finest; while the other members have their fair share of moments, its certain Axl was the mastermind. Axl's pessimistic view of the world and a haunting look into Axl's pysche made the illusions what they were. While the albums may have meant many things for many people, there is no doubt Axl put his heart and soul into the albums.
As years passed after the massive tour that followed the Use Your Illuison 1 & 2 albums, band members slowly started leaving until eventually Axl was the sole founding member of the band; however, that did not matter because he had also gained copyright ownership. For years Axl secretly put together various line-up's tinkering away at what the world thought would be a maserpiece. During this time, Slash and and the former members of GNR' spent their time very differently. Slash made a few Snakepit albums and apparently drank like a savage, Duff went back to school, Izzy went underground and did his own thing, Sorum re-united with the cult, and Steven hopelessly mainlined heroin for the 1000th time.
It was not until the former members of Guns N' Roses would finally reunite at the funeral of a friend that things would really change. After playing a benefit concert together, the old boys decided they would like to start a band again; thus Velvet Revolver was born. However, Izzy disagreed to having a lead singer and soon left. Together again the remaining members finally chose Scott Weiland as their lead singer and released Contraband soon after. Unfortunately for Slash and Co. Weiland would prove to be a bigger liability than an asset and the band inevitably fell apart after the release of the second album Libertad. During all this time however, there was still no word from Axl Rose. Where was he?
Though he made an appearance at the 2002 MTV music awards, Axl was far from a comeback. The ensuing tour would prove to be a failure and Axl would once again go into recluse. The music underground rumbled with rumors of what Axl Rose may have been sitting on as legends about Chinese Democracy grew. However, 2006 would prove to be the year for Guns N' Roses, as new leaks of Chinese Democracy hit the internet. The IRS leak proved to be one of the most popular music leaks of all time. Message boards were flooded with thousands of people desperate to hear the material Axl Rose had been working on. Unfortunately it would still take two years for the album's actual release.
2008 was the year many people waited for; Chinese Democracy was finally released to the public. However, it was not the massive success or revolutionary album people expected. What it was, was a testament to how much of a bad ass Axl Rose really is. Dissapearing after the albums release was one thing. Not providing any promotional support was another thing. But releasing an album that you actually put your heart and soul into is the most impressive thing. The lyrics Axl preaches throughout Chinese Democracy are as haunting as they are beautiful. He expresses his feelings towards the original band and most certainly towards Slash. Axl was not looking for the fortune and fame he mentions in Prositute; Axl was merely trying to create something he felt was real. While Slash and the rest of the original band - bar Izzy- do not understand, is that they sold their souls to the music industry. Doing random gigs for money and prostituting yourself to the pigs of the music industry is pathetic; and that what Axl has avoided doing.
Though Axl Rose's legacy may not be understood by many, it is understood by some. As mentioned previously that the world waited upon Axl's supposed masterpiece, he finally delievered it. Not only does Axl bring force an album with intesity and emotion, he also brings back the essence of real Rock N' Roll. Few individuals challenge the record companies these days, but it is apparent that Axl Rose is not interested in the trivial aspect of fame. The fact alone that Axl came online and delievered his story directly to the fans is proof that when Axl Rose dies he will be a forgotten Legend. No one will know Axl's story, likewise the bands stories. However, at the end of the day when history looks back and the only records left of Guns N' Roses is the original recordings of the band and their various spin-offs, the truth will come to fruition. While the other members images will be tainted with flashy gimmicks and sell out status, Axl will encompass what Guns N' Roses truly stood for.
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