Axl Rose Reveals His Pick For The Best Lyricist Of All Time
Axl Rose for Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses / Youtube
Axl Rose, the frontman of Guns N’ Roses, has never been one to shy away from expressing his opinions about fellow musicians. Known for his candid and often controversial statements, Rose has always been an authentic and eclectic artist. While Guns N’ Roses rose to fame with their hard-hitting rock anthems, Rose’s musical inspirations reached far beyond the world of heavy metal. In a surprising revelation, Axl Rose revealed his pick for the best lyricist of all time, highlighting the profound impact of a classic pop-rock songwriter on his own artistic journey.
The Influence of Elton John on Axl Rose
In an interview with MTV, Axl Rose expressed his admiration for Elton John, particularly praising the first seven albums of the legendary pianist. Rose admitted:
“I love Elton John—especially the first seven albums. Bernie Taupin to me is the best lyric writer that ever existed on the face of the earth. Elton was just amazing in the studio and the recording of everything. That’s my classical music because some of his stuff is classical, you know.”
Elton John’s Influence on Guns N’ Roses’ Music
As Guns N’ Roses achieved greater success, Elton John’s influence became more evident in Rose’s work. The Use Your Illusion albums featured grandiose ballads, including the iconic nine-minute piano-led odyssey ‘November Rain.’ The fusion of rock and piano-driven melodies showcased Rose’s appreciation for John’s musical style and led to some of GNR’s most memorable tracks.
A Special Connection with Elton John
The admiration between Axl Rose and Elton John was mutual. When inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Elton John recommended Rose to induct him, acknowledging the impact of their musical connection. During the Freddie Mercury Concert for Life in 1992, Axl Rose had the opportunity to perform alongside Elton John, singing the anthem ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ The emotional performance was a testament to the respect and camaraderie between the two iconic musicians.
