Should Axl Rose Just Give Up?!

Last month Axl Rose performed Sweet Child O'Mine live with Carrie Underwood. It can be difficult to perform as a guest at someone else's show, and as you get older singing those classic hits you once sang in the 80s may not be so easy anymore. Axl Rose has garnered quite the reputation over his career and there was a point where some people thought it was time for him to pack it all in. What do you think? Does Axl Rose still have it? Should he keep going or is it time for him to give it up? Tell me, let's discuss.
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[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Join my Patreon (if you can) it's honestly great! --> www.patreon.com/jushawk

[@rickymacqueen6690]

Hi Justin. Big fan of the podcast and congratulations on your continuing fan base growth with it. Have you ever considered interviewing other musicians as well? Mind you this style of opinion and critique speaking directly to us is the reason why I subscribed. All the best ! Ricky 🇨🇦

[@steyer-crmg]

Please don’t attempt to do the Axl dance again. It was nothing like it dude 😂

[@happyvalley6990]

lovely to know more about your guitar gear , guitars used etc. a rig run down. aloha from maui, hawaii....you always got a place to crash here mate. mahalo and aloha.

[@juppidisco]

Did you say ‚here in switzerland‘ ?

[@steyer-crmg]

@@juppidisco he lives in Switzerland so maybe he did.

[@TpolTime]

In the late 80s when Axl was at the peak of his powers his voice and presence was something to behold

[@myveryjewel]

Indeed he was amazing with such high energy!

[@feddomeijerwiersma6955]

Paradise City music video Axl is peak Axl

[@1893unknownuser]

But his technique was very agressive and kinda forced... that can't stand for a long time... he just fkd his voice...

[@brandonc2859]

Well this 2025 and he something of a butt hole to behold

[@kierancooper4711]

I saw Guns N Roses at Download a few years back and frankly was dreading it based on all the comments I’d read online. Opening song didn’t get the set off to a great start, but once he was warmed up he was absolutely on form - and put on a cracking performance. Absolutely blew me away. Can’t wait to see you at Donington this week, too!

[@honeybadger9425]

He defiantly alot better now than when he first came back

[@1985indeed]

I saw that performance in 2018. It was a good show - but his voice was absolutely shot through, no doubt about it.

[@danw5525]

@@1985indeed 2006 Download his voice was absolutely spot on.

[@1985indeed]

@@danw5525 It was for that year, I do agree.

[@nickmandleberg]

@@danw5525 yeah man... I was there in 2006 and at the time I thought the show wasn't great...Looking back at footage now he was actually in his peak... wow

[@quigonlynn1]

Saw him live when he stepped in for Brian Johnson and sang for ACDC a few years ago. Probably one of the best gigs I've ever been to.

[@singingflowers7456]

yeah! he killed it was like dang i love brian but axl fuckin still gets it

[@jonnyrock3986]

You don't know acdc then he can't sing he's not a real vocalist, just basically a screamer

[@richardsharp9605]

totally agree, awesome. Then a few months later saw him on his not in my lifetime tour, also awesome

[@LindaGyftopoulos]

I saw GnR in Athens about 10 days ago and they're still going strong absolutely live, no lip syncing or backing tracks. They were amazing. Axl was his lovable self a powerhouse, probably covered miles on the stage and his voice shook the venue, it reverberated deep in my soul. Axl will be up there into his...OUR... 80s

[@taraskinner5846]

I saw them last night, I thought he was incredible, yes his voice has changed, but he now sings with a gorgeous baritone. We all get older, we all change, this needs to be embraced not debated.

[@Nissardpertugiu]

He always was a Baritone

[@Nissardpertugiu]

Bass baritone to be Precise

[@deebop4904]

And in some cases, people are tone deaf, pitch challenged, and just have fucking terrible taste all around. Axl sounds like shit.

[@LoueWhose]

werd Tara

[@millawitt1882]

You are so right!!! -I hate how people always thinks WTF happens to Celebs, like “omg they too aged!?” -Like yeah and it’s SOOOOO OKAY😉👍

[@imonahorse]

Nobody sounds like Axl. Love him or hate him, he’s front and centre in some of the most incredible music to come out of that, or any era. UYI 2 is in my top 5 records ever. First heard it when I was probably 7 or 8 and it captivated me instantly and still slaps hard today.

[@bubblescatshack8658]

I was born at the end of ‘87 and my mom was a huge GnR fan. She sang Sweet Child O Mine to me as a lullaby. In my 30’s I walk around with it in my head constantly. It’ll always be special to me.

[@claumeister1]

Hate him. He’s #2 on my Annoying Rock Singers list. Geddy Lee is #1.

[@AxlMorris1999]

@@bubblescatshack8658 Thats amazing ❤

[@thePsykomanteum]

not hard enough for you to tell that that is not Axl any more.

[@cornstar1253]

He sounds like tickle me elmo

[@burtbackattack]

Appetite for Destruction is still one of my favourite albums ever. I can still remember being about ten years old and my older brothers playing me 'Its So Easy' for the first time on a wonky old cassette player. Fucking love it!

[@kegsofvomitspit]

Top notch screen name, good sir.

[@burtbackattack]

@@kegsofvomitspit Why thank you my friend!

[@scottpannell2286]

Guess you also saw someone’s sister in her Sunday dress then?

[@troutmeplica9272]

Amen, brother.

[@LN-Lifer]

Born 77. I heard GNR months before my classmates when my best bud's(RIP) uncle bought AFD because the "cover looks cool" Before Axl finished the opening scream to Welcome I knew this was my favorite band ever. Not one thing had changed since

[@dextermorgan1]

It's nice to see Axl smiling. He might not be able to hit the notes he hit in the 80's but he is still the man.

[@brentbryson215]

I saw GNR Sept 2022. I thought he sounded really good. Didn’t try to hit some of the highs, but other than that, voice was very good. And he had great stage presence. They played for a bit over 3 hours. Axl took a few breaks like during Slash’s guitar solo and a couple of punk covers that Duff sang. Great show.

[@LuLuBeeBah]

I absolutely loved this video, thanks Justin! Guns N Roses have been one of my favourite bands for the last 30 years. Axl is still smashing it

[@LuLuBeeBah]

And your KZbin channel is my favourite!

[@Alberto90VG]

He is one Of the greatest Rock vocalista ever. We should be grateful Of having him performing nowadays. He really tries his best.

[@ronaldelfleet3123]

He's very much influenced by the great James Mangrum (aka Jim Dandy) of Black Oak Arkansas - they all took a little bit from him - David Lee Roth, Axl Rose - nothing wrong with that cause in his heyday Jim Dandy was second to none!!

[@chriswilder9767]

Axlrose1 is the king of rock and roll 🙏

[@chriswilder9767]

There is no way Axl assorted any one

[@chriswilder9767]

Axl is the king of rock and roll Axlrose1 🙏 👌 🙌 😎

[@doalwa]

Honestly, dude is 60 years old and still singing live, no backing tracks, no playback...and still sounds decent to my ears. One of my childhood heroes for sure!

[@teedee2689]

@malcolm stacey Ha ha! Yeah, his falsetto is reedy. Sort of fake voice but who cares. Many rock singers do an "affectation" and some suck.

[@DrRhyhm]

@@teedee2689 He always sang in falsetto, he is a natural baritone. His rock voice was a very well controlled falsetto(or head voice) with rasp on it.

[@teedee2689]

@@DrRhyhm Yes. He uses both, head and chest voices well. It is his sound, his trademark so to speak. He is appreciated. Cheers.

[@Kalma-cn]

how about tyler

[@kadekro9874]

If he is singing in a low pitch like on nightrain or mr brownstone he is pretty good

[@frankiepeters5434]

I was born in 79 so GNR was my first great musical loves. Slash is one of the reasons I play guitar. I’m sorry to say his voice is not the same but God bless him for still rocking and rolling!

[@pcbullets8726]

Axl killed it when he was singing with AC/DC. To be 60 and still being able to hit most of the range is a major accomplishment. You are no slouch Mr. Hawkins, saw some of the footage of you singing from a few recent concerts, you sound great too!

[@calebfuller4713]

Meanwhile, Gary Numan is a couple of years older and his vocals on his new stuff is actually BETTER than what he did back in his 20s.

[@Frankybroadcast]

He had no business singing ACDC songs. He sounded horrible.

[@NikkiSixxFreak]

AXL!!!! Not Axel. People stop it!!!!!

[@pcbullets8726]

@@NikkiSixxFreak Ha! Spell check got me again, I fixed it!

[@Auron710]

@@Frankybroadcast I disagree, what I saw, sounded amazing and was the right choice. but each to their own.

[@NickiTedesco]

Your humor cracks me up so much!!! I love it! :)

[@paranormaladventurer4922]

Axl's dance was called the snakedance. He really doesn't do it too much anymore, but back in the day he mastered it perfectly.

[@jamesvancam]

Lol

[@marilynrodriguez1932]

He sure did. I still love watching him perform back in the day. His moves are phenomenal... The way he just owns the stage. The man will always be number one to me. Love ya Axl Rose. Keep on keeping on.

[@channeltubes7173]

He'd better not try to do it now!! Lol 🤣🤣

[@1893unknownuser]

​@@channeltubes7173😂😂😂😂 imagine... xD

[@challism]

Of course he mastered it... it was his dance.

[@mollyhannah2003]

You're endlessly entertaining, Justin. Currently binge watching your videos on a rare day off.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks for watching so many :)

[@mollyhannah2003]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain You're welcome! Thanks for providing excellent content!

[@mikegacek9182]

do zeppelin

[@jayannakelley9051]

@@mikegacek9182- Yes! I will always love Zeppelin 🔥 Finally got old enough to see them live when the devastating news of Bonzo came out 💔🥁

[@jtmichaelson]

I see what you're doing there with that jacket. Well played.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Axl movement lesson 6:14

[@danvincent2600]

What’s he doing with the jacket? Camille Vasquez?

[@profoundsamurai745]

You doing the spitting coffee out gag had me cacking up. Nice.

[@nomindwellness]

My god man, I just have to say this: I could not possibly care any less about Axl Rose than I currently do, but here I am 14 minutes into this video, and planning on finishing this and several more. You're great! You're the best. Please keep these coming!

[@bloodyhellism]

Axl in his prime was something to behold..I could never see that he would be still be going at 60 due to the way he sings but here we are, that in itself is impressive. A great showman aswell. Look forward to seeing gunners in November

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

If Axl has time to rest his voice, he’s still capable of absolutely killing it

[@tommurrayGTR]

How do you explain how he sounds worse after 3-6 months off between legs then? plenty of rest to be had there. He sounds better when he warms up, gets his breathing right and strengthens his vocal muscles... currently they are a bit weak but he's still able to reach pitch and sound passable so he gets by. He does need to get a coach to whip his ass a bit though, I think his current method for preserving his voice is crossing his fingers and hoping it lasts. A good coach could get him back in ring shape and allow him to sing for as many more years he wants to with full power

[@theheroartist]

I saw The Darkness in Nottingham a few years ago. They teased the Sweet Child Intro as a joke but were forced to play it in its entirety by the tenacious audience. Nailed it in effortlessly perfect Darkness fashion.

[@slashthe2nd]

Is there a video of it by any chance ?

[@jammiiee]

Quality

[@eyeballpaul1792]

Best city I’m not biased I promise

[@stianandreassen3903]

Kudos for giving Kudos to Steven Adler. His influence on the first record can never be underestimated. Stand up guy too!

[@l.anders8867]

We should also applaud Steven's survival and thriving. Remember there was a time, we (fans of GNR) didn't think he was going to make it in the early 2000s. I still remember first hearing the intro Welcome To The Jungle. My young teen mind 🤯 !

[@KC-Zico]

I loved Steve ‘Popcorn’ Adler growing up. Thought him & ‘Beers’ McKagen were the coolest men alive

[@barry1369]

YES. His kick drum and snare sound is sooooooooo good

[@brandonjackson5865]

True Adler give them a swagger along with Duff and Izzy phenomenal rhythm section. Pan those stereos to Izzy’s side if you haven’t and listen to everything Stradlin brought to that band. His tone is better than Slash’s alone but the two tones are perfect together.

[@KC-Zico]

@@brandonjackson5865 true - Stradlin is hugely underrated by the general public, not that he’d give a fuck! 🤪🤣

[@jayviperdj]

I was fortunate enough to see Axl perform with AC/DC and was sceptical (as I imagine many where) because of his antics in the past, would he turn up late? Would he walk off stage early? Would there be any issues. I am happy to say not only was his attitude and behaviour flawless he (and I had already high expectations) exceeded my expectations with his performance. Absolutely NAILED the show!!!

[@deannaromano]

As I turn 64 today, it's good to be reminded that 60 somethings can and will, still rock! Love your videos, Justin! Off to practice my Axl dance moves. I can do them too. 🎸🌹🎶

[@themadmattster9647]

You’re killing it with this channel. I never even heard much of The Darkness but will be checking more out

[@dankourny]

These vids are always so insightful and entertaining. An inside-baseball look at rock/music from an all-star himself. Consistently awesome Justin.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks!

[@retrovi4128]

You mean "an inside rock music look at rock music"?

[@christopherweise438]

@@retrovi4128 - LOL!!

[@musicisfree91]

@@retrovi4128 "inside baseball' is an American expression meaning the detailed inner workings of a thing.

[@kellyc2425]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain do you think Axel is more iconic than Steven Tyler? Personally I think you can even add yourself to that category! Your voice is instantly recognizable. 👍🏼

[@theindiediary5950]

Legend. Was absolutely insane when he was younger. But isn't that what you want in a young rockstar?

[@MarkCox21125150]

Loved this. Axl is true legend. Love your appreciation of this performance.

[@paulshaw9953]

Really enjoyed them in London last Friday, sound wasn't great to start but they improved it and Axl, despite apparently not being overly well, sounded great... them bringing Carrie out for Sweet Child and Paradise City was a great touch, she was excellent too

[@MangrovesToMountainsOutdoors]

It's so great to see Axl back in top form. He looked he was having a blast, too! Well done as usual Justin👍🎸

[@MangrovesToMountainsOutdoors]

@warrenrose68 He looked and sounded better than I expected him to.

[@1badjesus]

@warrenrose68 2006.. hands down BEST year for AXL and band .. (sans Slash no less). Check out ROCKOPLAST (somethin like that) 2006.. EARTH SHATTERING!

[@AniJudaism]

Saw Axl 2 times in 2016 and 2019 on the Guns N Roses tours. And I have to say this, in the higher register stuff he does get the Mickey Mouse voice going. But it isn’t anywhere near as bad as the KZbin videos you see where it just sound horrible. With the lower register stuff he still has the amazing power behind his voice and I think the criticism he has been getting the past 4 years is not as warranted to the extent it has been. He has lost power in the higher register but man, when they decide to record a new album that isn’t just never used vocal tracks I think Axl will shine if the songs are in a lower register I really do. Because he is absolutely incredible.

[@eamonmac2751]

Agreed

[@dog61]

All too often the YT videos are the worst performances mainly to get views and likes.

[@timturk1899]

@@dog61 Like this one. I didn't agree with our host on Axl sounding strong, at all. Yeah, he's coming out cold, but he seemed to struggle with getting wind through those mighty pipes. Kinda shocking? I know he's 60, but I'm 55, and many still out there from my youth are still rocking it! Rob Halford is still rocking it with Judas Priest, to my surprise. As well as many others, most who never stopped. If inspired, Axl could do this just as well. Too bad the Original GnR from "Appetite For Destruction" weren't able to "keep the magic" together. Without Izzy, and especially the Original drummer, Steven Adler. He had more of a groove, as well as sounding much more Organic! One of the All Time Great Albums!

[@Hazehellivo]

I saw Axl with ACDC and we hit all the notes full blast, he had his leg in a cast though. Saw him the with the Guns and the voice wasn't has strong but still good, in the latest show in Lisbon 2022 he had a lot of issues with sound cutouts from the microphone and he cant hold high notes long has 4 years ago. I think Axl needs to realize he cant be always running around the stage and sing at the same time.

[@AniJudaism]

@@Hazehellivo it almost makes me wonder if he pushed himself harder with AC/DC because I have not heard a single bad review of the shows he did with them. Which is odd considering he was a fill in singer. It could also be the difference of maybe Guns doesn’t have a good EQ guy but AC/DC does, I donno

[@cryptidconn]

Always a highlight of my days to see you upload a video, Justin. Been a Darkness fan since Permission to Land released when I was a kid. Got married in October and had many Darkness songs on our wedding party playlist 🤘 Massive love to you and your family from the South West of England ❤️

[@PaulEMoz]

I hope "Get Your Hands Off My Woman" was on there!

[@cryptidconn]

@@PaulEMoz it was! Black Shuck, Love on the Rocks, Love Is Only A Feeling, Is It Just Me, Friday Night & Get Your Hands Off Of My Woman I believe were all on there.

[@PaulEMoz]

@@cryptidconn Haha, brilliant!

[@TheG5Man]

You are good people Justin Hawkins. Glad I found your channel.

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

Why the hate? Why not let these stars do whatever the fuck they want. Axl has earned it. Rock on, I say 🤘

[@dlitowit]

Izzy wrote the best songs and was the heart of the band. His departure was the death. Steven's drumming was chaotic to match their style, versus Sorum who is a metronome. Izzy was the key to the whole thing.

[@luzdaviola]

and GnR haven't released an album of original material since Izzy left. I don't count Chinese Democracy as a GnR album. That's an Axl solo album. Good album with some great songs, but not really GnR.

[@fredballasse8661]

Amen

[@JosesAmazingWorlds]

Izzy and Axl had a couple of decent solo albums with The Juju Hounds and It’s Five o’clock Somewhere just post GnR. There was still another great record they could have made together.

[@luzdaviola]

@@JosesAmazingWorlds Slash and Izzy made the solo albums. Not Axl. Izzy is such a great songwriter. Slash not so much I think. A great guitarist of course but he really shines in collaboration with great songwriters like Axl and Izzy.

[@JosesAmazingWorlds]

@@luzdaviola yep, I had a brain fart there 😂

[@Yosser70]

When you’ve had arguably the best voice is rock, a few percent off his best will show a bit but who cares, it’s Axl f’ing Rose! Him and the rest of G&R are absolute legends and I’d take them at 95% of their best over almost anyone

[@BonMooney]

THIS!