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Rock diva Axl Rose was offered $50,000 to leave Guns ‘N’ Roses and join another band before they hit the big time.
Kim Fowley, who’s had a hand in a multitude of rock milestones including production credits with The Runaways, said the singer rejected a suitcase of money because he thought Guns N’ Roses were worth more.
“I was working for rich manager of a difficult band who had drug issues and alcohol issues,” Fowley told Antimusic.
“He said, ‘I don’t know about this band I’m investing in. Something tells me these guys might not make it. Do you know anyone else who’s weird and strange and difficult, but possibly platinum?’.”
Fowley said he suggested Guns N’ Roses and set up a meeting between Rose and the manager, who’s identity remains unknown. The manager reportedly tried to tempt Rose away from the band with the offer of “$50,000 cash” to “walk away”.
“Axl says, ‘With all due respect, sir, whoever you are – that’s not enough for Guns N’ Roses,’” Fowley remembers.
“’We’re going to be bigger than that. It’s just a matter of time. I’ll say no politely and I’ll go away and make more money than this on our initial singing with my guys.”
And apparently Rose even offered the manager some advice of his own, suggesting the money be invested in the struggling band rather than offered to someone else.
“Why don’t you help these guys out?” he apparently said.
“They’re deserving. They’re probably not as great as we are – but if you’re going to piss it away, you might as well piss it away on them because you’re already involved with them.”
Rose was apparently right to think 50 grand wasn't enough
Fowley also reports that Rose’s refusal brought a round of applause from everyone else present as it was the first time they’d seen a musician who knew exactly what their band was worth.
The singer was eventually vindicated when they received $75,000 for signing with Geffen.
Below: Axl Rose: A non-stop source of embarrassing moments
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