Guns N' Pansies

(Fashion rocks: Donatella Versace and Axl Rose c/o Getty Images)

Since last month's release of "Chinese Democracy," Guns N' Roses' first album in 17 years, I've been doing two things: a) trying to find the disc's single redeeming quality, which I believe I have with song number five; and b) reminiscing about Guns' good ol' days, before front man W. Axl Rose got those god-awful braids.

I have to admit, though, that I've always had very conflicted feelings towards the singer. First off, just when I thought metal was out in the Poison, Great White, and Bon Jovi-infested late 80's, Rose, along with GNR's classic line-up, pulled me back in (what Pantera's Phil Anselmo would later do in the 90's) rocking my world from 1988 to 1992 with his highly-skilled, wide-ranging voice on classic record releases "Appetite for Destruction" "Lies" and "Use Your Illusion 1 and 2."

(Photo: George Chin)

And if sheer talent wasn't enough, GNR's front man won me over with his consummate showmanship. Between his long hair, bandanas, punk rock t-shirts, leather pants, and boots; and his trademark snake dance, he grabbed my attention by the balls -- and I loved him for it.

What I wasn't as crazy about was crazy Axl Rose, who was getting into fights with fans or challenging other singers, like Kurt Cobain, to fights, who allegedly abused his other halves Erin Everly and Stephanie Seymour, and who spewed racist and homophobic lyrics on the track "One In A Million," beginning with a tirade against African Americans before moving on to gays in this memorable portion:

"Immigrants and faggots
They make no sense to me
They come to our country
And think they'll do as they please
Like start some mini Iran
Or spread some fucking disease
They talk so many goddamn ways
It's all Greek to me..."

Gross prejudice aside, these lyrics have always baffled me -- the way Rose attempts to draw parallels between gays and immigrants... i.e. we're both from other countries, both doing as we please and both speaking foreign languages -- until recently, when Prop. 8 passed, and I realized that we are treated as immigrants or second-class citizens.

Worst of all however was the way that he accused us of being disease-spreaders as AIDS victims were dropping like flies, in the late 80's. Because of the controversy surrounding the song, Guns N' Roses were removed from the bill of a 1989 Gay Men's Health Crisis benefit (now whoever did that booking was genius, since that would have been the ideal setting for Rose to sing about gays spreading disease).

But Rose wasn't the only one. Whenever I revisit this song I can't help but think about his friend and Skid Row front man Sebastian Bach's 1989 wardrobe misstep, where he wore an "AIDS Kills Fags Dead" t-shirt, almost as unfortunate as Rose's later decision to top off his look with an NWA hat to prove that he's not racist. Both were totally inexcusable and there aren't enough apologies in the world or duets with Elton John to make up for it.

But since we're on the topic, here's his performance of "November Rain" with Sir Elton John at the 1992 MTV Music Awards:

Here the two take the stage to perform Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", along with members of Queen for the Freddie Mercury tribute concert that same year:

Interestingly enough, Rose explained away his prejudice in a 1989 "Rolling Stone" interview by saying that he is not homophobic but has had bad experiences with gays.  He went on to describe one particularly off-putting encounter.

"I've had some very bad experiences with homosexuals. When I was first coming to Los Angeles, I was about eighteen or nineteen. On my first hitch-hiking ride, this guy told me I could crash at his hotel. I went to sleep and woke up while this guy was trying to rape me. I threw him down on the floor. He came at me again. I went unning for the door. He came at me. I pinned him between the door and the wall. I had a straight razor, and I pulled the razor and said, 'Don't ever touch me! Don't ever think about touching me! Don't touch yourself and think about me! Nothing!' Then I grabbed my stuff and split with no place to go, no sleep, in the middle of nowhere outside of St. Louis. That's why I have the attitude I have." When asked by the interviewer if he is anti-homosexual, he responded: "I'm proheterosexual," before going on to describe how he enjoys taunting gays in West Hollywood. "The most I do is, like, on the way to the Troubador in 'Boystown,' on Santa Monica Boulevard, I'll yell out the car window, 'Why don't you guys like pussy?' 'Cause I'm confused. I don't understand it. Anti-homosexual? I'm not against them doing what they want to do as long as it's not hurting anybody else and they're not forcing it upon me. I don't need them in my face or, pardon the pun, up my ass about it."

But one has to wonder if any of this stems from the alleged sexual abuse that Rose reportedly claims that he endured from his father, as a toddler.

So while Rose might feel/have felt a degree of homo-confusion, he is quick to point out that many of his music idols, including John and Mercury are/were gay. I would also add Madonna to that list as a gay icon since Rose famously rocked a "Justify My Love" leather jacket in the "November Rain" video.  Come on, as if one precludes the other... I mean, I know a straight guy who loves Calvin Klein and Dolce and Gabbana underwear, but that doesn't necessarily make him a gay rights proponent! 

Guns' former guitarist Slash, however, has turned gay rights activist with this recent PSA:

Can we expect Rose, whose mixed messages only flamed the fires of homophobia among his already less-than-gay-friendly fans, to follow suit?

                                                               (Photo: George Chin)
                                                           
Regardless, I think it's precisely this duality that makes Gun's frontman, even after a decade-and-a-half out of the spotlight, so interesting to me and to legions of other fans, worldwide... he's a fuck-up who's so promising, an aggressor who's a victim, a homophobe who's homo-friendly... and like his longtime band moniker, a gun that somehow ends up smelling like a rose.

Comments

[tomriddlesmate]

I couldn't give a shit about Axel Rose.

[tomriddlesmate]

Again,

I really don't give a shit about Axl Rose.

[Jason P.]

I think he rocks.
I don't really agree with some of his old opinions.
But he's free to think and say what he wants.

[Glenn, Texas]

He's a piece of shit. He needs to grow up. No wonder Slash doesn't talk to him anymore. Slash is gay friendly and has a brain.
I hope Axl's career continues to decline.

[Mike]

I think you need to get over it (and yourself), it's poetry and art... who really gives a crap? This article is too dramatic... big surprise.

[splerk]

Carreer cotinues to decline....
Glenn of TX that is just too funny...

His carrert ended as GnR barely grasped on to the tail end of "Glam Rock" in which died out with the 80s.

Remember that when they wore probably more make up then any bad drag queen/

1, 2, & I maybe I might go as far as 3 semi- good hits from one good alblum.
And even now as I sometimes listen to those old tunes, I now realize that they weren't as cool as they were back then when I was all partied out, stoned & drunk. It doesn't matter what controversial words the songs may have.

But regardless look at Axl now, he isn't aging too gracefully, so he doesn't have to worry about me wanting to FAG him.

LOL

[splerk]

By the way...
I almost forgot...

Don't you wonder who "almost no talent" AXL had to blow to get his recording contract.

Rock on Dudes !!!

[HT]

Axl wasn't all that special when he made his noise, sold as music, 21 years ago.

[Jay]

I would love to bend Axl over and treat him like a man! He is HOT.

[BinArab]

He possess no talent, ignorant and most of all UGLY. But since he is WHITE and MALE, he can get away with anything he says just like the ones before him.

[gidderguy]

Rose is hot?! Yuck. Whatever.

A Rose is a Rose is a piece of crap.

He is a "whiny" nasal singer too.

[Chris]

I don't believe I actually read this. I couldn't give a rats ass about this drunk punk!!!

[Wyatt1969again]

The truth is…

I’m just going to start stealing Guns N’ Roses from stores.

It’ll be hard to not feel as if paying anything for Slash does - inst a waste of time.

Axel?

Who gives a fuck?

I mean doesn’t anyone remember a few years back – maybe 5 or so – when dude was on some SHIT?

He had shaved eyebrows - looked like he was blown on CRANK and moved like he was on the fuckin nod.

Screw that spoiled little trick.

I know I know – He’ll say, “I’m a MAN – I – AM –A- MAAAAAAN!

Whatever bitch – You aint shit – all you got is a bunch of cash.

Stick yer fuckin head out the window and yell at me bitch – I’ll put a rock right threw yer fuckin stained teeth.

Bitch.

As a matter of fact Axel – yer a FAGGOT!

[Cay]

You know, we keep making kooks like him and other celbrities rich by buying their junk. Personaly, i wont buy anything if I have to compromise my beleifs. So do what ever you want, but hewont get a penny from me!

[Tom]

I went to see GNR back in the 90's when they toured with Metallica at RFK in DC. It was one of those all day concerts. The other bands were AWESOME! We had to wait over 3 hours for Axel to finally take the stage. Since then I've been done with them. He was so whacked out by that time that he sounded terrible. Its the only time I've ever walked out of a concert before it was over and there were a lot of people doing it. I'll never give him another cent of my money.

[CF]

I like him. Not like that pervs, but as a person.

He obviously doesn't give a fuck what you all think, and he basically admits hes a little crazy, but hes great at making music. I like the new album, and I think it's better than the Illusions which I liked.

Hes not promoting the new album because again he doesn't really give a fuck what you all think, and doesn't care to suck the record execs dicks. Those that truly like Guns N' Roses will buy it and thats that.

He was raped by his dad when he was a kid, so he doesn't feel comfortable around gays. He doesn't hate us, hes just not comfortable, and he doesn't care to be politically correct. Thats fine with me.

This is one of the only true rock albums left, while all the others are pretty much sellouts, Rose has done nothing to promote this album.

I like the diversity on Chinese Democracy, it's got a lot of different influences, feelings, and eras packed into it. Like he says in Madagascar, Axl knows Guns N' Roses will never be the same again, but hes not gonna stop making music and hes not gonna give up.

[Jesse]

Umm, The only thing I'll say is that what he said was wrong & he seems to be confused: first he's homophobic...then he's pro gay...
Whichever he is, just pick one & stick to it.

As for what happened to him at the hotel room, if it's true...I'm 2 sided with this one. Yeah, the guy shouldn't have tried to fuck him....but Axel shouldn't have went all psycho either, a simple "Dude, I'm not like that," would have done the trick.

But whatever floats his boat & too each is own.

[Paul]

I remember freaking loving Appetite for Destruction. And GNR Lies. Props for honesty. He doesnt like Gays. Oh fucking well. A lot of people dont and still pay lip service. Its a pc thing to say yeah I support gays and their lifestyle its just not for me. I dont like Christians. Seriously I dont. Radical Wiccanism I guess. Seriously does anyone actually listen to anything Axl has done since AOD. Probably not it was his one great album and everything went down hill sense.

[David Fowler]

Axl Rose has never been more than mildly talented, and has never been relevant at all. His career was over more than a decade ago and he's a bitter, hateful has-been. As for the comment by "CF"....Are you even gay? You're actually defending this twat and making excuses for him? You got some nice things to say about the Grand Dragon of The Klan?....or maybe Hitler? I'll bet you're a Republican, and that's one of the worst things I can think of to say to anybody. Back to Rose. I hope the next time he's out gay baiting that about 8 guys grab his no-talent ass and rape him worse than his Daddy ever thought about. I hope they make him bleed.

[Misfit Slacker]

Eh, I still dig some of Guns'n'Roses old stuff either way.

What I don't get are people who respond with "I don't give a shit about Axel." That opinion in and of itself is fair, but when you click on an article about Guns'n'Roses, what the heck did you expect? It's like straight people who complain about gay porn- if you don't like it, don't look at it.

David Fowler- I guess I just don't see how feeling kinda sensitive about an 80's rock star insulting gays in song lyrics quite correlates with genocide and a wide-spread attack on several nations. Actually, it's quite idiotic to compare Axel Rose to Hitler. I understand not liking the guy, but your hate requires a wee bit of anger management.

[Milan]

The *REAL* Guns N' Roses has been my favorite band since 1989. As a gay man, I remember questioning my loyalty to the group as a teenager due to the lyrics of One In A Million.

However, now I feel that One In A Million is a brilliant song and that Axl should not be ashamed. Axl said things in 1988 that many were thinking but didn't have the balls to say. Kudos to Axl. I just wish he'd have the strength to perform the song live.

It's very true that a large contingent of the gay community recklessly spread HIV by sleeping around and having no respect for themselves or others. Don't fault Axl for calling that crowd out for senselessly harming the community as a whole.

I must also state that Axl's 21st century Scabs N' Posers band is a joke and using the GN'R name is sacrilege. Axl SHOULD be ashamed of what he has done to a once legendary brand name.

Chinese Democracy is a laughable album that I would embarrassed to play for friends.

Let's hope for a GN'R reunion before 2020!

BTW, I would not be surprised if Axl is a closeted homosexual. Do some research on Axl's relationship with long time friend Paul Tobias, who convinced Axl to run Slash out of the band in 1995/1996.

[Bear2bme]

I think some of you homos are too interested in the physical attributes of Axel Rose...but forget the rot at his core!

[The Devil of the Contra Code]

Best article I've read in fucking months on this site. And holy shit, it was like I was reading journalism for once. I'm not even saying this because I'm some big GNR fan (cause I'm not. There were far better metal bands in my opinion) but this was very good.

[austin]

axel who?

[Mike]

I could care less about this piece of shit. The only talented person in that band was Slash. He is the one who made G-N-R. Axel was and still is a no talent piece of white trash bigoted asshole who probably tried to rape that poor trucker?? F*^k Him and the toothless Mama who spawned him!!

[philip]

Despicable.

[Billy Bigballs]

Never rated this band. they are to Rock and Metal what Coldplay are to Alternative and indie, tepid and diluted to suit the tastes of the masses.kind of albums a soccer mum buys when she's feeling "risque"

all this aside they are still way better than their equivalents today