Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses Photographed by Paul Natkin in 1987

Some studio portraits of Axl Rose in his signature bandana aviators look paired with shiny leggings. The photographs were taken by Paul Natkin in Chicago in 1987.

In 1987, Axl Rose was at the peak of his early fame as the frontman of Guns N’ Roses, following the release of their groundbreaking debut album, Appetite for Destruction. The album was released on July 21, 1987, though it initially struggled in sales. It later exploded in popularity, fueled by the success of singles like “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine” (which would top the charts in 1988).

Known for his volatile personality, intense stage presence, and signature moves (snaking dance, running across the stage), Axl embodied the excess and danger of the Sunset Strip rock scene. In the 1980s, he often wore bandanas, leather pants, cowboy boots, and aviator sunglasses, with wild, teased red hair.