Axl Rose, the iconic frontman of Guns N’ Roses, has opened up about the difficulties he faced while singing due to a jaw condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). The 64-year-old rock star made this revelation during a performance at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium recently, where he candidly shared his experience with the large audience.
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According to reports from the concert, Rose described his struggles with TMJ in vivid detail. He explained how the condition not only caused discomfort but also led to unusual sounds when he sang. Quoting an analogy that would resonate with many, he said, “it’s kind of like somebody’s in my ear, like Bugs Bunny is eating in my ear a carrot and celery and s—’s popping around.” His colourful description painted a picture of the unique challenges he faces as an entertainer.
Earlier in August, Rose underwent a procedure aimed at alleviating the symptoms of TMJ. However, he noted that even after the surgery, he was dealing with significant numbness on the left side of his mouth. “So now, [the left] side of my mouth is still f—ing numb,” he shared, highlighting the ongoing difficulties of his recovery. Despite these challenges, he expressed a sense of resilience, stating, “It gets interesting. It’s challenging.”
TMJ disorders are known to cause pain in the jaw joint as well as in the muscles that facilitate jaw movement, according to the Mayo Clinic. This condition can be particularly troublesome for someone in Rose’s position, as the requirements of performing can exacerbate the symptoms. During the concert, he reflected on how unique his predicament is compared to others who also suffer from TMJ.
Rose revealed that medical professionals often struggle to comprehend the demands of his profession. “None of the doctors, none of the dentists — there’s really no way to describe what you do, and with TMJ they tell ya, ‘Try not to chew!’ Okay, I won’t eat,” he remarked with a tinge of sarcasm. For someone whose career hinges on vocal performance, the advice to avoid activities that might strain his jaw presents a daunting challenge.
He further elaborated on the complexity of performing with TMJ, saying, “You really can’t describe — you stretch your face in so many ways trying to sing like I do!” This second layer of difficulty, where the physical act of singing interacts with his ongoing health issues, has certainly added a unique element to his performances.
Many fans appreciate Rose’s vulnerability in discussing his health issues. “You hear sounds while you’re singing that make you worry,” he continued. “You hear sounds that make you go, ‘I really probably shouldn’t be doing what I’m doing, because that sound sounds like my jaw’s gonna fall off or go to the side or get stuck that way,’” he said, punctuating his point with a touch of humour by adding, “Which, that would be pretty funny!”
As Guns N’ Roses continues its North American tour, which is set to wrap up on September 19, the band has plans to venture down to Australia and New Zealand for a series of shows. This determination to perform despite his ongoing challenges serves as a testament to Axl Rose’s dedication to his craft and his fans.
With a career spanning several decades, the frontman has continued to push boundaries, both musically and personally, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. Rose’s openness about living with TMJ and the difficulties it presents adds another layer of understanding to his artistry while resonating with many who face similar challenges in their own lives.
Fans of Guns N’ Roses can look forward to more performances from the band, even as Rose navigates the complexities of his health issues. His ability to share these experiences continues to endear him to many, proving that rock and roll is not just about the music, but also about the humanity behind it.