When it comes to rock history, few frontmen are as polarizing and unpredictable as Axl Rose. Known for his raw vocal power and explosive stage presence, Rose also built a reputation for his explosive temper and outspoken nature.
Whether it was personal grudges, backstage drama, or artistic differences, the Guns N’ Roses singer developed a long list of enemies over the decades. Sometimes his feuds escalated into public insults, other times into near-physical altercations.
Here’s a breakdown of five bands (and projects) that Axl Rose openly hated, along with the backstories that fueled these infamous rivalries.
1. Metallica – The Battle for Rock Supremacy
The feud between Guns N’ Roses and Metallica dates back to the early 1990s, when both bands were battling for dominance in the rock world. Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum recalled: “Axl’s intention was to rule the world… then Lars Ulrich came along, and he wanted to rule the world.”
Tensions boiled over during their 1992 co-headlining stadium tour, which became notorious for chaos and cancellations. Rose criticized Metallica for being “cartoon characters,” while Metallica’s Kirk Hammett fired back, calling Rose “unprofessional and unpredictable.”
Fans still debate who came out on top, but the rivalry remains one of the most legendary in rock history.
2. Nirvana – From Admiration to Insults
Initially, Axl Rose admired Nirvana’s raw energy. But things turned ugly when Kurt Cobain refused an offer to tour with Guns N’ Roses, saying: “We’re not your typical Guns N’ Roses type of band that has absolutely nothing to say.”
The rejection quickly escalated into mutual disdain. At one infamous Orlando concert, Rose insulted Cobain and Courtney Love, calling them “junkies” and even making cruel remarks about Love’s pregnancy.
The feud became emblematic of the cultural clash between grunge and glam/arena rock in the early 1990s.
3. Mötley Crüe – Almost Settled in the Ring
One of Rose’s most notorious rivalries was with Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil. The feud ignited when Neil punched Guns N’ Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin, allegedly over an incident with Neil’s wife.
Axl jumped into the conflict, challenging Neil publicly and threatening him in interviews. Neil responded by offering to fight Rose in a televised arena match: “I want the whole world to see this fight.”
Though the fight never happened, the bad blood between the two singers fueled rock tabloids for years.
4. Poison – The Band That “Ruined” Rock
Axl Rose was never shy about his disdain for Poison, accusing them of being the epitome of shallow, trend-following glam rock.
Calling Guns N’ Roses “the only real rock and roll band of the last ten years,” Rose blamed Poison for diluting the genre, saying they “messed it up for all of us.”
For Axl, Poison represented everything wrong with the commercialized music scene of the late 1980s.
5. Slash’s Side Projects – A Personal Vendetta
While not a band in the traditional sense, Rose’s hatred for Slash’s post-GNR projects was deeply personal. After their bitter split, Slash experimented with new groups like Slash’s Snakepit, but Rose dismissed them outright.
Calling his former bandmate “a cancer,” Rose said: “The less anyone heard of him or his supporters, the better.”
This feud wasn’t just about music—it symbolized the fractured heart of Guns N’ Roses itself.
Why Axl Rose’s Feuds Still Fascinate Fans
Decades later, Axl Rose’s rivalries remain a central part of his mythology. While many artists avoid public drama, Rose leaned into it, making his grudges part of the rock ’n’ roll spectacle.
- Metallica feud: A clash of egos on a massive tour
- Nirvana feud: A culture war between glam and grunge
- Mötley Crüe feud: Rock stars on the brink of violence
- Poison feud: A rejection of manufactured rock
- Slash feud: Personal betrayal turned public vendetta
Love him or hate him, Axl Rose’s unapologetic nature helped cement him as one of rock’s most infamous—and entertaining—figures.
The post Axl Rose vs. The Rock World: Five Bands He Couldn’t Stand appeared first on NSF News.