During a recent appearance on The Bad Decisions Podcast With Scott Nathan, guitarist Tracii Guns opened up about his early years with Axl Rose, shedding light on the singer’s mental struggles and his need for control over Guns N’ Roses.
“He was actually a great roommate,” Tracii shared when asked about their time living together. “The thing about Axl is that he knows right from wrong. He’s smart, responsible, and isn’t afraid to ask for help when he needs it. He’s also always willing to help others.”
Tracii described their bond as strong and inseparable for years, but things shifted when Axl’s struggles with manic depression became more apparent. “Back then, we called it manic depression,” he explained. “He told me, ‘Yeah, I have manic depression. I’m supposed to be taking meds, but I’m okay.’ And honestly, I never noticed anything—until one day.”
That pivotal day came when Axl disappeared for about a week after taking ecstasy with an old friend. When he finally resurfaced at a gig, Tracii barely recognized him. “He was like a completely different person,” he recalled. “It was shocking. That was when I saw the other side of him.”
As Axl’s presence in the band grew, so did his larger-than-life persona. “That was the beginning of the ‘Axl Rose platform,’” Tracii said. “People connected with his raw emotions and his strong, confident opinions. Even if he later reconsidered certain things, at the time, he truly meant every word.”
While Axl’s intensity resonated with fans, it also marked a shift in the band’s dynamic. “At that point, it wasn’t just a fun rock and roll band anymore—it was something else entirely,” Tracii admitted. “And honestly, it scared the sh*t out of me.”
Before founding L.A. Guns, Tracii was part of a pre-fame Guns N’ Roses, even lending his name to the band. However, he eventually left, paving the way for Slash to step in and help shape the legendary lineup that would take over the rock world.
