Adrian Vandenberg Compares Axl Rose Voice To Winnie the Pooh
Guitarist Adrian Vandenberg has weighed in on Guns N’ Roses singer Axl Rose’s live vocals, suggesting the frontman’s voice changed noticeably after his stint fronting AC/DC on their 2016 tour. Vandenberg made the remarks while discussing AC/DC’s performances and the demands of their catalogue, drawing attention to how difficult the material can be for any singer over an extended run.
In an interview recap, Chaos Zine reported that Vandenberg said Rose was “in better vocal shape than he is now” during the AC/DC period and suggested the high notes may have “wrecked his voice” on that tour.
Vandenberg added that after the AC/DC run, Rose’s performances with Guns N’ Roses have shown “more ups and downs,” and he compared Rose’s current sound to Winnie the Pooh while mimicking a line from “Welcome to the Jungle.” While the comments were blunt, Vandenberg also acknowledged Rose’s stature, saying he remains “Axl” and can ultimately do what he wants.
The discussion arrives as Rose remains a constant subject of attention beyond the stage, including moments when a past cancelled performance with a grunge band resurfaced among fans revisiting his career decisions.
Rose stepped in for AC/DC after Brian Johnson paused touring amid medical warnings about hearing loss, and Rose completed the run while recovering from a broken foot. Vandenberg’s remarks underline how physically punishing that assignment can be, and why questions about vocal wear-and-tear continue to follow major frontmen years after the tours end.
