Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose has been known for his outspoken nature and has been involved in several notable controversies and feuds within the rock world. One of the most memorable clashes occurred in 1989, involving the legendary David Bowie.
The incident took place during the filming of Guns N’ Roses’ music video for “It’s So Easy,” where Bowie allegedly made inappropriate advances towards Axl Rose’s then-girlfriend, Erin Everly. This indiscretion sparked immediate tension, leading Axl to confront Bowie aggressively, resulting in punches being thrown and Bowie being ejected from the set.
Despite the initial conflict, tensions eventually subsided. In a 1990 interview with Kerrang!, Axl recounted how Bowie took the initiative to apologize and reconcile.
“Bowie and I had our differences. And then we talked and went out to dinner and then went down to the China club and stuff. And when we left, I was like, ‘I wanna thank you for being the first person that’s ever come up to me in person and said how sorry they were about the situation and stuff.’ It was cool, you know? And then I open up Rolling Stone the next day, and there’s a story in there saying I’ve got no respect for the Godfather of Glam even though I wear make-up and all this bullsh*t…”
The feud between Axl Rose and David Bowie didn’t remain isolated to just the two of them. It drew the attention of Mick Jagger, who became involved in the aftermath. A pivotal moment occurred during a soundcheck for a Rolling Stones concert, where Jagger, accompanied by Eric Clapton, approached Axl Rose to address the altercation.
“It’s laughable. I was out doing a soundcheck one day when we were opening for the Rolling Stones, and Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton cornered me. I’m sittin’ on this amp, and all of a sudden, they’re both right there in front of me. And Jagger doesn’t really talk a lot, right? He’s just real serious about everything, and all of a sudden, he’s like (adopts exaggerated Dick Van Dyke-style Cockney): ‘So you got in a fight with Bowie, didja?’”
“So I told him the story real quick and him and Clapton are going off about Bowie in their own little world, talking about things from years ago. They were saying things like when Bowie gets drunk; he turns into the Devil from Bromley… I mean, I’m not even in this conversation. I’m just sittin’ there. Listening to ’em bitch like crazy about Bowie. It was funny.”
In related news, Axl Rose was previously spotted at Leonardo DiCaprio’s party for good measure as well.
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