The legendary Axl Rose may be considered by many to be one of the most iconic singers in history, but the veteran Guns leader isn’t in the habit of often sharing the bands and artists that have become touchstones in his career, Rose pointed out to highlight, in 2018, an artist for whom he has great respect…

The Legendary Axl Rose Revealed a Surprising Musical Hero in 2018—and It’s Not Who You Think

When you think of Axl Rose, a few things probably come to mind: the unmistakable snarl of *Welcome to the Jungle*, the soaring wail of *Sweet Child O’ Mine*, and that ferocious, high-octane stage presence that’s helped define hard rock for more than three decades. As the explosive frontman of Guns N’ Roses, Rose has built a reputation as one of the most iconic and enigmatic figures in rock history. But if there’s one thing fans have learned over the years, it’s that Axl doesn’t often pull back the curtain.

That’s why a brief moment in 2018 sent shockwaves through the music world—and it had nothing to do with a new tour, a surprise reunion, or an epic meltdown. It was about respect. Musical respect. And it came from a man who rarely shares his inspirations.

In an uncharacteristically candid exchange during a rare Q\&A with fans on Twitter, Axl Rose spotlighted an artist who he says commands his deep admiration—one who might not immediately come to mind when you think of the hard-rock godfather behind *Appetite for Destruction*.

Axl Rose’s Unexpected Musical Touchstone

So, who did Axl name-drop in 2018 as someone he deeply respects?

Not Led Zeppelin. Not Aerosmith. Not Queen, though Freddie Mercury has been referenced by Rose before.

It was… **Billy Joel.**

Yes, the *Piano Man* himself.

The revelation came during a casual, open-forum interaction when a fan asked Axl if there was an artist outside of the hard rock realm that had deeply influenced him. His answer: “Billy Joel’s songwriting is something I’ve always had a lot of respect for. He’s one of the greats.”

Cue the collective double-take from the rock community.

Why Billy Joel? Axl Explains the Respect

While Rose didn’t expand much more in that moment (in true Axl fashion), the few words he shared spoke volumes. It’s not just about admiration—it’s about *songwriting*. And if you take a moment to step back from the image of Billy Joel as the polished, piano-driven hit machine behind *Uptown Girl* and *We Didn’t Start the Fire*, you’ll find exactly the kind of lyrical storytelling, melody-driven structure, and emotional range that could very well have impacted Rose’s own approach.

Look closer at *November Rain*, *Estranged*, or *Patience*, and you’ll see the fingerprints of someone who values dynamics, emotion, and narrative—a hallmark of Joel’s greatest works.

Two Legends, Two Different Worlds—But a Shared Legacy

At first glance, Axl Rose and Billy Joel couldn’t seem more different. One is the snarling, unpredictable firebrand who helped torch the Sunset Strip glam scene and reshape the definition of a rock frontman. The other is a New York-born piano prodigy whose mastery of melody and lyrical storytelling has made him a staple of pop and adult contemporary radio for nearly 50 years.

But peel back the layers, and you’ll find more in common than you think.

Both are fierce perfectionists. Both have battled personal demons and come out swinging. And both are revered not just for their voices, but for their ability to write songs that stand the test of time.

In fact, it’s not just Axl tipping his hat to Joel—there’s mutual recognition. In 2017, just a year before Axl made his comments, Billy Joel brought Axl Rose on stage at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles to sing AC/DC’s *Highway to Hell* and his own hit, *Big Shot*. The two legends shared the spotlight in a moment that had die-hard fans on both sides marveling at the crossover.

Axl’s Musical Walls: Why He Rarely Shares

Part of what made Axl’s 2018 comment so noteworthy is how rarely he opens up about the artists he reveres. While many rock stars are happy to list their heroes in every interview, Rose has always maintained a certain mystique—one part rebellion, one part self-protection.

He’s famously private, often unpredictable, and doesn’t always play by the industry’s rules (which is exactly what made him such a compelling force in the first place). So when he gives even a glimpse into his musical psyche, fans pay attention.

The acknowledgment of Billy Joel wasn’t just a passing mention. It was a nod to a deeper influence, a rare moment of vulnerability from someone who doesn’t offer them easily.

Beyond Joel: Who Else Might Be in Axl’s Musical DNA?

While Rose has never published a comprehensive list of his influences, clues exist throughout the GNR discography. He’s spoken with admiration for Queen’s Freddie Mercury, who was famously honored by Axl during the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards after Mercury’s death. He’s also cited Elton John—another piano-playing, genre-spanning performer with a flair for the dramatic.

But Billy Joel stands out because it wasn’t expected. And that makes it even more intriguing.

The Takeaway: Even Rock Gods Have Heroes

In the world of rock, image often takes center stage. But every legend has a foundation—artists who shaped their thinking, informed their melodies, and stirred their souls. For Axl Rose, that foundation includes at least one artist who lives outside the expected hard rock mold.

Billy Joel may not wear leather pants or scream into a mic, but he’s built a career on passion, truth, and unforgettable songs. And for Axl Rose, that’s worth more than volume.

So the next time you hear the opening piano riff of *Piano Man*, try to imagine Axl Rose somewhere nodding his head in respect. Because behind every rock icon is a surprisingly diverse playlist—and if Axl’s includes Billy Joel, maybe yours should too.